How big is the burden of your bunkers? When Rob Peers assumed the position of Head Greenkeeper at Hever Castle Golf Club 5 years ago, he set about finding out just how much time was required to maintain the existing bunker system inspired by golf architect Harry Colt.
Astonishingly through labour profiling he discovered that it would take 1.2 men an entire year to maintain his bunkers! That information combined with the commitment that the club and course have to being sustainable – they were winners of the 2023 Sustainability Project at the Golf Environment Awards – helped Rob to take the decision to make some significant changes.
Course Name: Hever Castle Golf Club
Course Type: The Championship Course, comprising the Kings and Queens nines, has 18 very distinct holes
Project Overview: The scope of work at Hever Castle has been extensive. The team needed to make some significant changes, whilst still being mindful of their footprint, reducing reliance on the planet’s resources but still providing a bunker system that was strategic, aesthetically pleasing and durable.
The project, which has been split into two phases, has involved a complete redesign of 18 greenside bunkers, in some cases changing the footprint of the course entirely.
“We experienced the benefits of Richard’s artificial edge invention over 10 years ago. By monitoring the performance of subsequent build projects over the intervening years, we have seen clear advantages over the more traditional methods of building bunker edges.”
Rob Peers, Head Greenkeeper, Hever Castle Golf Club
Product Section
All bunkers feature the EcoBunker Advanced system with EcoTec liner. The edging material is fully sealed to prevent erosion and penetration by foreign objects or debris.
Implementation
Phase 1 – A mild reshaping of existing 10-12 business critical bunkers
Phase 2 – A reimagining of a number of bunkers to modernise the layout out the course and introduce strategic bunker placements on premium holes that as well as improving the aesthetic adjust and enhance the golfers’ experience
Design & Benefits:
EcoBunker’s service to Hever Castle has been provided by its team consisting of ex-Tour players, plus qualified engineers and greenkeepers. The result is a challenging yet playable course with a heavier emphasis on risk and reward. Low maintenance requirements and repurposing of materials mirrors the sustainable ethos of the club.