69 be shaped. “The newly expansive landscape is in parts wide open to the sea breezes, whilst other parts of the course pass through woodland and around protected wetlands, complete with colourful groves of wild orchids,” says Hiseman. “The low-lying course encounters seasonal flooding problems, complicated by the sole outfall being dictated by the tide. During spring tides, the course will flood as the outfall valve is closed by the high sea level. The existing course has a negligible amount of drainage, which causes the course to remain closed for long periods after a flood. The new design introduces nearly 30 kilometres of new drainage and several automated pump chambers to remove surface water after significant rainfall.” A new Toro irrigation system, designed by Irritech, will be installed. The club has also engaged agronomy consultants Turfgrass, led on this project by John Clarkin and Jonathan Pendry, to complement EGD’s redesign with a tour-standard grass, especially around the greens where sandcapping is taking place. “When it all comes together, La Grande Mare will offer something special; a short, intricate course built to the highest of design and construction standards,” says Hiseman. “Guernsey and Channel Islands golf is sure to receive a significant boost with the interest it will generate.” A soft opening is scheduled for summer 2025, by which time the new country club and clubhouse should also be completed. Images: EGD REPORT New ponds, like on the short par-four seventh – which provides a similar challenge to the tenth on Ryder Cup host course the Brabazon at The Belfry – will provide a strategic challenge as well as water storage and flood alleviation
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=