The first phase of a bunker renovation project on the golf course at Aphrodite Hills Resort in southwest Cyprus is now complete.
The work intends to respect Cabell Robinson’s original design, which is described as a blend of “challenging bunkers and generous tiered greens”. The renovation will also sharpen bunker definition and restore visual clarity that has been lost over time.
“The four-phase bunker renovation project at Aphrodite Hills Resort is designed to upgrade, modernise and enhance the playability of every bunker across the course,” said David Blair, golf course superintendent at Aphrodite Hills. “There were some adjustments to phase one due to logistical considerations, however, all bunkers on hole nine, the eighteenth greenside, and the practice bunker are now complete.”
Bunker work at Aphrodite Hills is expected to help reduce maintenance time
“We have reshaped 12 bunkers across the practice area, as well as at the ninth and eighteenth,” said Patrick Quinn, owner of contractor P Quinn Construction. “We have installed new drainage and carved out an additional 50 millimetres depth to allow for the Capillary Flow concrete installation to sit at the correct level and retain the bunker aesthetics. This was made more challenging on some of the bunkers due to their rock base, but we anticipated this, so allowed more time in the reshaping process, as well as ensuring the machinery we used was up to the job.
“Bunkers were also revetted with Durabunker synthetic edge, which, combined with the Capillary Flow, is a fantastic investment for the club. They will extend the life of the bunkers and reduce maintenance time for the greenkeeping team. The synthetic edge with drip line is a perfect choice for the Cypriot climate. It also ensures the integrity of Cabell’s design remains true, and the bunkers are visually impactful for golfers. Finally, we reinstalled white silica sand to ensure the bunkers are back in play with minimal disruption to golfers.”
Bunkering on the short game area, rebuilt by P Quinn Construction using Durabunker edging and Capillary Flow lining
The renovation aims to address long-standing performance and maintenance issues. “The original fabric liner had deteriorated over time, leading to poor drainage, sand contamination and inconsistent bunker conditions,” said Blair. “During heavy rainfall, many bunkers would flood or wash out, requiring extensive repair work and significant man-hours from the maintenance team. Upgrading to Capillary Flow, combined with Durabunker edging, provides an ideal solution to deliver faster drainage, cleaner sand and dramatically reduced maintenance requirements, while enhancing aesthetics and playability.”
Members and guests have praised the “consistency, appearance and overall playability”, said Blair. “The playing experience at Aphrodite Hills has already improved noticeably following the completion of phase one. The completed bunkers show significant improvements in drainage, sand stability and visual presentation, setting a clear benchmark for the project.”
The second phase of work will begin in June 2026
Phase two of the renovation is scheduled to begin towards the end of June 2026 and will focus on the front nine holes. “The experience gained during the initial phase will allow the team to refine logistics, improve efficiency, and further enhance the finishing detail,” said Blair. “Each phase of the renovation is carefully timed to align with seasonal demands, minimising disruption to play and ensuring the course remains in top condition throughout the process. By maintaining this structured, phased approach, Aphrodite Hills will continue progressing toward a complete transformation of its bunkers by 2028. Our goal is straightforward: to deliver championship standards that challenge skilled players, support everyday golfers, and instil a sense of playing a first-class course.”
The golf course renovation is part of a wider plan that also covers the hotel, restaurants and the fitness centre
The renovation of the resort’s golf course is part of a wider investment plan to transform the destination’s entire offering, including redesigning the fitness and wellness facilities and renovating the hotel and restaurants. The resort is home to Cyprus’s first Trackman range, which opened in summer 2025. The range features cutting-edge ball-tracking technology for data-rich practice, as well as fun skills games and coaching.