Course: Orsett Golf Club.

Course Type: Heathland

Project Overview: With its challenging layout and record of holding Open qualifying 11 times, Orsett Golf Club has an enviable reputation. But with a 10 year cycle of bunker renewal due to re-start, the 126 year old Essex gem faced a decision that would pit tradition against necessity. In addition to issues with bunker wall erosion, the bunkers often sustained damage from bees, foxes and rabbits. This would cause contamination from below the bunker as well as the bunker walls.

The club opted for a fully enclosed solution incorporating EcoBunker synthetic face and edging, EcoTec™ bunker liner and dripline irrigation around the bunker edge. Having experienced significant issues with erosion and sand contamination, the club is delighted to be virtually maintenance free across its renovated bunkers. Having learned alongside EcoBunker on the first phase, the greenkeeping team at Orsett are preparing to take on the next 10 bunkers themselves.

“Every presenting problem that we faced has been resolved,” concluded Perry. “The new bunkers are sharp and defined and all of the maintenance issues we had are consigned to the past.”

Perry Lowe, course manager, Orsett G.C.

Key Achievements

  • Reduced sand contamination to virtually zero
  • Significantly reduced maintenance burden
  • Improved course aesthetics
  • EcoTec™ liner holds sands on steep faces
  • Improved drainage and eliminated wash-out
  • Delivering consistent conditions for the club’s golfers

“EcoTec is simply a superior liner to anything we’ve ever tried. It holds sand on the bunker faces, it drains superbly without washing sand away, and while it’s clearly very tough, it’s very forgiving if a golfer does make contact through the sand.”

Perry Lowe, course manager, Orsett G.C.