Orsett Golf Club enjoys an enviable reputation for having won an open qualifying record with its challenging layout and record of 11 times. But, as Bunker renewed the 10-year cycle, the 126-year-old Essex gem faces a decision that will make traditions resist necessary.
“The course is very dry and freely drained, with many benefits, but also makes us vulnerable to bunker erosion and sand pollution,” Orsett course manager Perry Lowe reflects. “When we reached the beginning of the 10-year cycle, I wanted to find a sustainable, cost-effective solution that would reduce maintenance burdens and improve the quality of the bed. After much research and consideration of synthetic options, we chose a complete Ecobunker solution.”
In addition to the problem of erosion of bunker walls, bunkers are often injured by bees, foxes and rabbits. This will lead to pollution under the bunker as well as the bunker walls.
Perry continued: “We visited several courses where ecobunker was installed. They all looked clear and the feedback was consistently positive. We visited one half of the Ecobunker course and you couldn’t tell the difference from natural Revett.”
“The club agreed to conduct five fueler trials in the signature hole 12. We chose a completely enclosed solution that includes synthetic faces and edges, Ecotec bunker lining and drip drip around the edge of the bunker. The combination is excellent. The walls of the bunker are so sharp, and the Ecotec looks sharp without anything, we’ve ever worn anything. While it’s obviously very tough, it’s very forgiving if the golfer does touch through the sand.”
“Every problem we faced was solved,” Perry concluded. “The new bunker is both keen and defined, and all maintenance issues we encountered are entrusted to the past. We are happy with the results and look forward to starting in Phase 2.”
After studying with Ecobunker on the 12th, Orsett’s Greenkeeping team is preparing to go with the next 10 bunkers this fall. With excellent feedback, reduced maintenance and a very happy membership, the decision to choose progress over tradition is something Orsett will never look back.
www.ecobunker.co.uk
The press release ends
