Course Restoration
Historic Moment
Mid Ocean Club stands at a defining moment in its history with the announcement of a landmark project: the restoration of its historic golf course, the modernization of its iconic clubhouse, and the implementation of a long-term environmental management plan.
As the only Charles Blair Macdonald golf course outside the United States, the Club is honored that world-renowned golf course architect Gil Hanse has accepted the invitation to oversee the restoration.
In this presentation, Hanse shares his vision for the project and explains why he believes Mid Ocean's 5th hole is "one of the greatest holes in golf." He also reveals how a new 18th green will restore C.B. Macdonald's original strategic vision for the finishing hole.
The presentation also unveils a remarkable historical discovery: a newly uncovered 1926 film of Mid Ocean Club featuring what are believed to be the only moving pictures of Charles Blair Macdonald.
In addition, the Club shares details of its exciting clubhouse renovation, enhanced facilities, and a pioneering Environmental Management Plan developed in close collaboration with the Government of Bermuda. This first-of-its-kind agreement will deliver a net conservation gain across the property as a direct result of the project.
Together, these initiatives will help preserve Mid Ocean Club's legacy as one of the world's finest private golf clubs, ensuring its place among the World's 100 Greatest Courses (Golf Digest) and the Top 100 Platinum Clubs of the World for generations to come.
Course Restoration
Mid Ocean Club is delighted to introduce world-renowned golf course architect Gil Hanse, who will oversee the golf course restoration from 2027.
In this exclusive interview, Gil talks about his approach and vision for Mid Ocean Club.
He also reveals his personal connection to Bermuda, first visiting the island and experiencing Mid Ocean Club 40 years ago.
Gil says, "C.B. Macdonald is on my personal Mount Rushmore of golf architects, so it's an honor for us to work on another of his courses. I want the membership to know we are going to be so respectful of his work. It's our expectation that when we're finished, members will see the golf course through the lens that he saw it through – and that will be a wonderful success."
Restoring Iconic Golf Holes
All 18 holes will be restored in a phased approach. Here, Gil Hanse selects three iconic holes – the 5th, 9th and 18th – to explain his restoration plans:
HOLE 5
Gil reveals why the 5th is one of C.B. Macdonald's most audacious 'Cape' holes and why it is rightly regarded as, "one of the greatest holes in golf."
HOLE 9
C.B. Macdonald was known for blind uphill approaches. Here, Gil explains how he plans to restore the drama of the 9th green setting:
HOLE 18
The 18th is one of the, "great, classic finishing holes in all of golf," says Gil Hanse. Here, he explains his plans to restore C.B. Macdonald's original strategic vision .
A Remarkable Discovery
As part of the club’s research into the original course design, a remarkable discovery has been made – a 1926 film of Mid Ocean Club believed to contain the only moving pictures of C.B. Macdonald.
The film was found deep in the archives of the Smithsonian Institution by member and course restoration project researcher Rick Skelly.
Here, for the first time, we show an edited version of that 1926 film. From C.B. Macdonald putting on the 1st green to the horse-drawn carriage collecting members from the clubhouse, the film offers a unique glimpse of a day in the life of our club a century ago.
Here, Rick Skelly reveals the story behind his unique find, its importance to the club – and the golfing world.
Environment
A First For Environmental Sustainability
Mid Ocean Club is working closely with the Government of Bermuda and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on our course restoration and development projects.
As part of this process, Mid Ocean Club has submitted a detailed Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to support a proposed net conservation gain across the property.
This is a first for Bermuda and something we are extremely proud of, as it recognizes our uniquely important habitats alongside the economic imperative of sustaining a world-renowned golf club.
The EMP details:
- Mangrove management and enhancement to deliver a 2:1 net gain
- Expansion of habitat for the endangered Diamondback Terrapin
- Establishing a shoreline population of Bermuda Skink, one of the rarest lizards in the world
- Manage invasive plants and encourage native Beach Lobelia
- Understand the ecology and improve the nesting success of White-eyed Vireo, also known as Chick of the Village (pictured below), Eastern Bluebird and White-tailed Tropicbird
Clubhouse
World-Class Member Amenities
Mid Ocean Club is Bermuda’s premier private club and a Platinum Clubs World Top 100 Golf & Country Club.
The clubhouse rehabilitation combines essential works with an opportunity to modernize amenities.
Alongside the construction of a new south façade, the Club are taking the opportunity to extend and upgrade facilities with refreshed clubhouse interiors, the addition of a state-of-the-art performance center and a new golf shop.
These important projects represent Mid Ocean Club's commitment to preserving its legacy for current members and the generations to follow.
Media Materials
Please access media materials via the links below:
Press Release
Q&A with Gil Hanse
Interview with Gil Hanse
Gil Hanse on the iconic 5th hole
CGI Animated Video
1926 Film
Media Contacts
For further information, press imagery and content, as well as media visit requests, please contact:
Jelina Fernando, LANDMARK
e: jelina@landmark-media.com
t: +44 (0)208 159 8692
m: +44 (0)7516 433727
Gary Firkins, LANDMARK
e: gary@landmark-media.com
t: +44 (0)1780 752 790
m: +44 (0)7961 481908
Julia Baker, LANDMARK
e: julia@landmark-media.com
m: +44 (0)7528 692908
Copyright: 2026
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