Major bunker changes for two top golf courses

By Alistair June 4, 2016 04:36 Updated

Tewkesbury Park, set in 163 acres of undulating parkland and overlooking the site of the 1471 Battle of Tewkesbury, has just completed the second phase of its extensive two year renovation at a cost of £4 million. As well as clubhouse renovations, work has been completed to the golf course’s bunkers, which have been remodelled and re-set, and in some cases relocated. Besides the overall aesthetics of the course, this will also improve playing conditions throughout the winter months.

Flickr / kennysarmy

Commenting, Patrick Jones, the new general manager, said: “We are thrilled with the results so far.”

Tewkesbury Park has an 18-hole par 73 parkland golf course, academy course and practice range and putting green.

Meanwhile, The Manor House, an Exclusive Golf Club in Castle Combe, Wiltshire (pictured), is embarking on a refurbishment of its bunker design with a long term investment, in a programme designed to improve the golfing experience at the championship course.

The golf club will renovate the 18 hole golf course by incorporating a new bunker system made from recycled Michelin tyre, ground down to form a rubber crumb base, which will be incorporated into the current bunker on the 10th hole for an initial trial of the product.

The rubber layer ensures that the sand adheres to the face of the bunker, reducing the upkeep and maintenance.

The layer also ensures very little contamination resulting in the clean quality of the sand all year round, which is also supported by its excellent drainage characteristic.

Andrew Ryan, golf club manager at The Manor House, commented: “We are always looking for ways to improve the experience for our golfers here at The Manor House, so by initiating the new bunker project as a long term upgrade we are excited to see how the new systems improves the quality of the bunkers on our course, and welcome the opportunity to implement this new product.”