The Grove has begun a series of changes and improvements to its golf course in preparation for hosting the British Masters in October.

The work will involve the installation of a specialist liner system into 18 bunkers on the 7,152-yard course to improve drainage and safeguard original design features, while a program of sand exchange will be undertaken across all 90 sand traps on the course. A number of bunkers will also be built back up to their original levels, decreasing the height of some faces.

The Grove’s director of golf Anna Darnell said: "These important course improvements highlight our ongoing commitment to significantly invest in our product and will maintain the golf course in prime condition for the 2016 season and beyond, and ensure an exceptional stage is set when we welcome The European Tour’s finest golfers for The British Masters in October.

“We are expecting the work to take up to eight weeks, but it is important to note that visitor-play will be unaffected, with only two temporary greens in use at any one time during the process."

The Sky Sports-supported British Masters, which is being hosted by Luke Donald, will be staged at the Chandler’s Cross course from October 13 to 16.

It will be the second time The Grove has hosted a major tournament, having staged the 2006 American Express World Golf Championship won by Tiger Woods.