Golf Course Architecture - Issue 58 October 2019

19 and sowing had to be completed by the end of July 2019,” said Harradine. “Construction work started on 17 September 2018 straight after the last competition but unfortunately work had to stop on the 26 October as the dreaded snow had already fallen! “Such a short working season definitely presents many problems as the works in 2019 only started on 13 June due to the heavy winter snowfalls and sowing had to be completed by the end of July, if one wanted to give the grass any chance of growing. The logistics were quite daunting, and it was a race against time! “Cows are allowed to graze in the rough and we had to ensure that the same area of grazing land with the same or better slope steepness was still available after the earthworks,” continued Harradine. “The environmentalists also obliged Harradine Golf to specify the stripping and stocking of ten thousand square metres of sods of grass used by the cows and install the sods back on to a clearly defined and newly shaped area in the rough.” Five thousand metres of cart paths were built to accommodate the golfers and ensure that the cross-country skiers did not cross the greens, tees and fairways, as the marks left by the tracks can be seen way into the short playing season. “I eagerly wait for the players’ comments when the course will open during the soft opening at the end of August 2020,” said Harradine. “The management will also be very pleased as the new holes will definitely speed up play!” This publication from GEO Foundation provides guidance and best practice examples targeted at decision makers who are considering the impact of proposed public golf developments and renovations to an existing facility. Sam Thomas, director of sustainable golf development at GEO Foundation said: “This guidance aims to help public golf decision-makers to effectively review operations and make renovation plans to create stronger businesses and provide more services to society.” Case studies have been included to convey the opportunities and challenges that a golf facility may face, as well as ways to achieve their goals. Examples include Augustin Pizá’s project at San Bartolo in Peru, Greg Martin’s work at The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Illinois, and a Ken Moodie-designed nine-hole course at the Kevin Duggan Academy in Luton, England, which is free for disadvantaged young people to play. www.sustainable.golf Sustainable Golf Development: Public Facilities Guidelines GOOD READ Photo: The Preserve at Oak Meadows The Preserve at Oak Meadows is one of the projects profiled in S ustainable Golf Development: Public Facilities Guidelines