Product review: Capillary Concrete™

By Alistair February 27, 2019 06:57 Updated

The cement-based polymer material is the only sports base that moves water in two directions, ensuring it virtually eliminates wash-outs, soil contamination, plugged ball lies and other bunker maintenance problems.

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.

Last year was a fantastic showcase for Capillary Concrete, especially with all bunkers on the Albatros Course at Le Golf National, venue of the 2018 Ryder Cup, lined with Capillary Concrete, as with the recently redesigned Adare Manor in County Limerick. It also was a very busy year in the UK; Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society, the fourth oldest club in the world, has just completed a two year re-development of all its bunkers using the technology alongside other extensive works on the cours; it became the third course in Scotland to be completed with Capillary Concrete, joining the Gleneagles Resort, which has had both the Kings’ and Queens’ courses completed.

Mortonhall Golf Club will soon be joining them, having completed its first phase this winter with a second and final phase due to be installed later this year, 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, Ramside Hall GC, Rockliffe Hall GC, Hazelgrove GC, Porters Park GC, Haverhill GC, Sandy Lodge GC, Dale Hill GC and Southerndown GC to name a few.

Capillary Concrete™ is a cement-based polymer material that can solve drainage and moisture problems. It has a superior life-time and strength value, and is the most sustainable construction material for sports drainage and moisture control available.

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 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 (10) 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. The company wants to protect the value of your investment.

The UK distributor is Border Sports Services