Is it possible to construct bunkers that require no maintenance whatsoever? Clearly the answer is NO, but Skylark’s bunkers are probably as close as you can get to zero bunker maintenance.

By the end of 2017 all of the 45 bunkers on the course will have ecobunker’s faces and edges, and an undersand liner, creating fully sealed bunkers. Maintenance will be considerably lower as a result, but Skylark’s Head Greenkeeper, and Hampshire County Golfer, Simon Bell-Tye wanted to go a step further.

Simon has a great eye for detail, and is passionate about delivering the perfectly manicured look that his members expect. He wanted to know if artificial grass could be used around the bunker rim also, reducing the amount of edge cutting. At EcoBunker we rose to Simon’s specific challenge and produced an edge design which blends in extremely well to the verdant green surroundings.

Written in sand

Greenkeeping Magazine article with Simon Bell-Tye, course manager at Skylark Golf & Country Club in Hampshire.