Company profile: Capillary Concrete

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Capillary Concrete bunkers were first seen in Scandinavia in 2010 and, ten years on, they’re now visible at many UK golf courses. Here, the reasons behind that growth is explored.

Invented and developed by Martin Sternberg, CGCS, as a means of finally resolving all bunker problems in even the most severe golf course locations, Capillary Concrete bunkers were first seen in 2010 in Scandinavia, a very tough climate with severe winter ground freezing conditions. Today, thousands of bunkers have been built or renovated with Capillary Concrete all across the world, from Australia and Japan to the USA and Europe; Capillary Concrete™ is available throughout the world, in every major golf market through local distributors.

2019 saw many more courses installing Capillary Concrete worldwide. It was also a very busy year in the UK, adding to the already completed courses. Mortonhall GC has just finished its final phase of renovations this winter, seeing all bunkers lined with Capillary Concrete, joining Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society, the fourth oldest club in the world, and the Gleneagles Resort, where both the Kings and Queens courses have been completed.

Another notable project in 2019 was Royal Norwich, the first time a Royal club has relocated, all 60 bunkers totalling 4000m² were lined with Capillary Concrete in only 13 days! Several other clubs around the country are underway with rolling projects to install Capillary Concrete as their bunker liner of choice following successful evaluation periods including Flackwell Heath GC, The Hertfordshire, Hazelgrove GC, Porters Park GC, Haverhill GC, Sandy Lodge GC, Dale Hill GC and Sundridge Park GC to name a few.

2020 will see the first Capillary Hydroponics tee system installed in the UK, the Capillary Hydroponics System divides the turf area into two equally large areas. A control basin automatically oxygenates and pumps or drains water between the two areas on a regular schedule. The system is powered by a small solar panel, and the water levels in the turf profile can easily be adjusted; it is a totally new approach that gives you great playability with significantly less risk and maintenance.

This patented system automatically regulates the water levels and increases gas-exchange by raising and lowering the water table to produce deeper, healthier roots and higher-quality turfgrass. This system also allows easy monitoring of EC levels, pH levels, temperature and water flow.

Capillary Concrete™ is the only sports base that moves water in two directions, this is the secret behind Capillary Concrete’s ability to keep bunkers in great shape regardless of the weather conditions. Capillary Concrete™ will virtually eliminate wash-outs, soil contamination, plugged ball lies and other bunker maintenance problems. Capillary Concrete™ will even give you a return on your investment through reduced sand loss / replacement and a reduction in bunker maintenance.

Capillary Concrete® and certain underwriters at Lloyds of London insurance have worked together to create an unprecedented ‘Insured Financial Guarantee Program’ for bunker installation. The insurance-backed financial guarantee is not simply a ‘limited product warranty’ as offered by other bunker companies. The ‘Capillary Concrete Performance Guarantee’ ensures that the product installed WILL perform without fail, guaranteed in writing and this coverage is insured by certain underwriters at Lloyds of London.

The initial term of the agreement is for ten years, with renewal coverage to be offered at the end of the term, the coverage is built into the product being installed, so there are no additional costs or surprise charges. Installers are an integral part of this offering to make sure it’s done right the first time and performs as promised. Installers receive a procedures’ checklist that must be followed to ensure the installation meets standards for coverage. The Insured Financial Guarantee is available to all customers whether the product is installed by your own staff or a contractor. Capillary Concrete will assist and guide you or your appointed contractor on your project from start to finish. Capillary Concrete wants to protect the value of your investment.

Border Sports is the UK distributor for the Capillary Concrete® bunker lining system. Visit www.bordersportsservices.co.uk or call 01228 561982 / 07900 146215