The man overseeing this weekend's Open Championship has passed on his expert advice to help Royal Cromer's latest drive for golfing supremacy.

One of Norfolk's finest courses, designed in 1888, will make a number of minor improvements over the next 10 to 12 years as it aims to become recognised as one of the top 100 tracks in the UK.

Championship tees will lengthen the course by 300 yards in total, a new green is planned for the 12th hole and the planting of gorse are hoped to help the seaside organisation move forward in the future. And a lot of that progress is down to course architect Alistair Beggs, one of the world's top agronomists who will be a key player at Royal Liverpool in Holyoake from Sunday, and fellow designer Donald Steel who have helped Cromer create their long-term vision.

Secretary-manager Jonathan Moore said: 'He's (Beggs) one of the top people in the world in that field so we're lucky to have him advise us. The work is being done to protect the future of the club, keep moving with the times, and improve what's already an oustanding course.'

Work has already started on the landscaping process which will also improve views of the sea and surrounding area. Some bunkers will also be replaced in a quest for excellence which will cost around £50,000 to finish.

'We're not making changes just for the top players,' said Moore.

'It's being done in mind of the average players too. Some bunkers are being replaced that are not going to affect the top players. It's a balanced move rather than trying to just make Cromer a more championship course.'

Chief greenkeeper Mark Heveran will oversee the progress which will mainly be completed during the winter periods. The largest obstruction to players may be the odd installation of temporary tees.

Captain John Chapman said: 'We have the skills and resources to make this plan a reality.'