Stage 3 bunker works commence next week

Following the successful completion of the first two stages of this years’ Bunker Refurbishment works, stage 3 will commence on Monday, 2nd July 2012.  As reported on 15th May 2012, plans for stage 3 will incorporate bunker refurbishment works on holes 9, 11 and 17.

Works on the 9th hole will incorporate converting the RHS greenside bunker into two smaller bunkers.  Again, based on previous works, this bunker has been identified as requiring significant maintenance due to sand erosion and also has very poor entry and exit points for players.  The redesign will minimise total sand area and sand drift, resulting in less maintenance, and will also incorporate improved access points for players. 

In addition to the works on the 9th green, a new fairway bunker will be constructed on the RHS of the fairway, built into the natural contours adjacent the pine tree copse, offset and forward of the LHS fairway bunker.  This bunker is a strategic component of Crafter + Mogford’s Course Enhancement Plan, and the Committee of Management are taking the opportunity to complete all components of the 9th hole plan during this stage of works.

The most significant works of stage 3 will take place on the 11th hole, with construction works resulting in the hole being out of play for three days next week from Monday, 2nd July to Wednesday, 4th July.  During this time, our temporay “Short Hole” chipping green will be utilised.

Works on the 11th hole will include reducing the size of the LHS and RHS carry bunkers and regrading the contours between both bunkers by lowering the existing ridge in the fairway and reshaping to provide more retention for shorter hitters and reduce deflection of balls into the RHS carry bunker.  Additional works to upgrade the irrigation loop around the 11th green to provide increased irrigation efficiencies will also be carried out.  It is hoped that completing all works together will minimise any longer term disruption to members and keep the hole closure to three days only.

Minor bunker works will take place on the 17th hole as part of stage 3 works.  The RHS fairway bunker will be reduced in size, in the same manner as the recent works on the 7th hole.  Again, this will reduce sand area and minimise sand drift, thus resulting in less ongoing maintenance costs.  The rear RHS greenside bunker will also be removed during works, and replaced with a grassy hollow.

Again, all work has again been carfeully considered and designed to ensure changes do not impact on the strategic nature of the golf course, but provides some relief and easier access for members, and importantly, reduced sand area and revetted edging to ensure maintenance practices can continue to be as efficient as possible.  All works have been included in the 2012 course maintenance budget.

Earthworks associated with stage 3 will be completed within three days, and the remaining works will take approximately two to three weeks to complete.  We apologise for the inconvenience, but assure members that we will be working to minimise the disruption to golfers during these works.