Page 24 - Landscape-Issue127

GOLF AND TURF FEATURE

The 4th green on the west course and newly renovated bunker. Photo: J. Chisholm

(the former 15th) and par-4 13th (formerly the west, catering for golfers of all abilities. accounts, but it had suffered water-logged
No. 4), which are close to each other. No The reason for redoing the west in 2018 right bunkers during the highveld summers and
construction was required, just a change of after the east was to eliminate the risk of Poa the Poa greens were only of an acceptable
the tee cutting lines. Bentley says this was a transfer and infestation to the east greens, as speed during winter. Brits says he had to
better solution for both holes, bringing the generally tends to happen. “Many 36-hole pump all the bunkers daily during summer
water on the left into play on No. 6 and the facilities renovate one course and then many and maintenance costs were increasing.
sluit left of the 13th fairway. He says the flow years later, redo the other, realising that He could only get the course conditions to
is now better. with old and new greens next to each other, a 70-80 % standard, with the bunkers and
Brits says that having worked on the east infestation occurs quickly. Fortunately, we greens in excess of 20 years old. After much
course renovation in 2017 in a contractor had great control methods in place on the deliberation, it was finally decided that only
capacity, he understood what was required east course right from the start to protect the greens, surrounds and bunkers needed
agronomically and from a construction them in this regard,” he explains. to be renovated.
perspective. Being a 36-hole facility, it made In 2022, many members and golfers Agrano Turf gave the club various options
sense to have one championship course in were apprehensive to redo the west, as the in bunker liners to save costs and with the
the east and a more player friendly one in condition of the course was good by all agreed concept of shallow bunkers, shade

The 8th green on the west course. Photo: J. Chisholm

22 Landscape SA • Issue 127 2023