Golf Course Architecture - Issue 59, January 2020

Caspar Grabaulle creates new bunker strategy at Hedeland By Caspar has completed a bunker renovation at Hedeland Golf Club in Hedehusene, Denmark. “I got involved with the club as they were having difficulties with one of their greens that was very steep and with very few pinnable areas,” said principal Caspar Grauballe. “We ended up redesigning two greens and surrounds that led to the creation of a development plan for the rest of the course. “The main point of the development plan was the bunkers that over the years had deteriorated and had become impossible to maintain at a satisfactory standard. The placement and size of many of the bunkers had also become outdated and a new strategy for the bunkering of the course was created. The aim was to create attractive bunkers that would emphasise the strategic element of the game and at the same time reduce the total sand area on the course due to maintenance cost.” The plan focused on bunkers, which had deteriorated and become impossible to maintain at a satisfactory standard. “The aim was to create attractive bunkers that would emphasise the strategic element of the game and at the same time reduce the total sand area on the course,” said Grauballe. There are now 36 bunkers, 30 fewer than before, and sand area has been reduced by over 50 per cent, helping to address maintenance costs. Grauballe replaced many greenside bunkers with run-off areas that he says will be less daunting for the average golfer, but still provide a challenge for better players. The course remained open during construction, with the club using two alternate holes that were created from the practice facilities. Caspar Grauballe’s focus at Hedeland was to create bunkers that would emphasise strategy and look visually appealing Photo: Golf Course Architecture By Caspar 31 TEE BOX