Why Long Ashton’s bunkers don’t suffer contamination through winter

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In the winter of 2015 Durabunker began working with Long Ashton Golf Club in Bristol to address its bunker issues. Three years on, James Braithwaite, course manager, reflected on the project and the benefits it has brought to the golf course.

“We wanted a complete solution that would address all of our bunker issues and quickly recognised that combining a synthetic edge with a good quality liner would help us realise our ambitions.

“Durabunker came in to work with us at the start of the project, which was valuable as there are some quirks to using synthetic ‘sods’ instead of natural turf. They also helped us to achieve a good finished look, ensured quality of build, and encouraged us to be a little more ambitious with our shaping work.”

Similar to many clubs, Long Ashton GC is working within a limited budget, James continued: “Having discussed options with Durabunker we decided to install the product in-house and combined it with a rubber crumb liner to offer what the guys at Durabunker call the ‘Fully Sealed Bunker System’. Durabunker tailored terms for us, offering staged payments over a 12 month period following the delivery of material, which helped with cash flow.

“The results are clear for all to see, bunkers with no contamination through the course of four winters, impressive drainage, fixed edges with limited edging work and consistency for our members. We don’t suffer with washdown and knowing the work we have put in so far will be safeguarded in terms of design and performance of the long term is very reassuring. The performance over the course of four winters since the initial installation has been fantastic.”

Durabunker founder Rhydian Lewis added: “Our service has evolved to offer synthetic edge and a choice of liners to meet all budgets. Our design and build services are also being used by more clubs though the option is still there for ‘self-install’ for those clubs that wish to work with us that way.”