As we approach the end of the year it's a great time to look back over 2009 and take stock of the achievements TPL has made in the past 12 months.

Having only opened for play in November 2008, Carya Golf Club, TPL's heathland inspired course in Turkey has been chosen to host the country's first European Challenge Tour event for 11 years.

The course was also voted into UK magazine Golf World's Top 100 European Courses.

TPL have been appointed by Emirates Golf Club to modernise the bunkers on its flagship Majlis Course. (Picture courtesy of Emirates Golf Club)

In the UK, TPL started work on two prestigious courses – The Richmond and The Berkshire.

At The Richmond Golf Club TPL is undertaking a major renovation project overseeing a review of the Tom Dunn-designed course, which opened in 1891. Special attention is being paid to the bunkering, including the renovation and reshaping of existing bunkers and the addition of new, strategic hazards.

While at The Berkshire Golf Club TPL has begun a bunker restoration/historical study on the Red and the Blue Courses, which are both listed in the UK's top 100 courses.

TPL's expertise in bunkering was highlighted further when the company was appointed by the world famous Emirates Golf Club, in Dubai to modernise the course's bunkers in time for the 2011 Dubai Desert Classic.

Staying in the Middle East, TPL signed a deal to design a new 18-hole championship golf course at Al Madina Zarqa, in Muscat, Oman.

The course will have stunning views over the adjacent Indian Ocean and the town of Al Khor.

Construction began on TPL's development at New Giza in Egypt, where the course will be built within an old quarry and offer spectacular views of the ancient Pyramids.

Meanwhile construction continues on two more TPL developments, with grassing almost completed on the Oasis Course at Dubai Golf City, and 11 holes shaped and ready for grassing at El Ein Bay, in Egypt.

"It has been a very busy year for Thomson Perrett & Lobb," said Ross Perrett. "It has been a pleasure to work on some superb projects and great clients and we look forward to continuing these relationships throughout 2010."

Peter Thomson joined Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player as a keynote speaker at the Asia Pacific Golf Summit held in Kuala Lumpur in October.

Peter gave the opening address of the summit with an entertaining talk titled 'The Future of Golf – back to the basics.' He outlined his long involvement in the region as a player and golf course architect and spoke fondly of the early days of the Asian Tour and the generosity shown to him.
 

Peter Thomson addresses the Asia Pacific Golf Summit.

Having witnessed the huge growth of Asian Golf over the past 50 years, he looks forward to its development, particularly greater access to players, junior golf development, the development of Golf Tourism and the emergence of Asian Golf Champions.

Peter also took the opportunity to discuss the need to curb technology and recommended putting limits on the golf ball.

Ross Perrett also participated as a panel member, discussing 'The State of Golf in The Asia Pacific' and highlighted the need for the industry to work closer together to present a united front to government and to achieve positive environmental outcomes.
 

This year saw TPL celebrate its fifth birthday.

Chairman Peter Thomson formed the founding design practice in Melbourne, Australia in 1965 and subsequently opened offices in Beijing, Singapore and then forming TPL in Surrey, UK, five years ago.

Peter Thomson said: "Tim, Ross and I thank our supporters, clients, in house design team and industry friends for their support and look forward to continued progress."