First EcoBunker installed in Germany

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Pinnau GC, near Hamburg, became the first golf course in Germany to install the latest innovation from the team at EcoBunker. Aquaedge is an effective and aesthetically natural solution for provide erosion control to lake and stream banks. Following three successful projects in the UK and then a high profile project at Golf De Lignano, Italy, Erik Ballauf, the course chairman at Pinnau GCc took notice, realising that this could be the solution he had been looking for.

The course features a memorable par three, with an ‘almost island green’. A beach bunker also featured, but what was once a highly attractive par three had lost much of its ‘wow factor’ as the wooden piled bulkheads were rotting and starting to lean. The club was also concerned about the safety of golfers and those greenkeeping staff controlling machinery close to the retained edge.

Responding to a request for assistance, EcoBunker sent in its local agent, Sven Hanfft, to survey the wall geometry, take photographic records and ascertain what the club wanted to achieve. After obtaining the information, Richard Allen, CEO of EcoBunker, and leader of design, produced a technical solution, tailor-made for Pinnau, along with a fixed price quotation. The scope of work included the design, provision of all specialist materials, a one day site inspection by Richard on the first day, and full time supervision of the works by a senior EcoBunker representative. The existing 60m long log wall was removed, and the new wall completely installed, along with a newly shaped beach bunker in only four days. Great credit should go to the Pinnau greenkeeping team which demonstrated great skill and enthusiasm throughout.

Commenting on the project Allen said: “There were two keys to this successful project. Firstly the leadership and commitment of the local team, and secondly the importance of design. Good design can eliminate (or substantially reduce) risk for the client. When working in water and unstable ground the risks are significant, so it is really rewarding to see a challenge such as this , and the others we’ve completed, get so much positive feedback.”

Richard is writing an article on the importance of good design in the June edition of GreenKeeping.