Hansen and Himmel collaborate on Sylt redesign

Architects Rolf-Stephan Hansen and Thomas Himmel are nearing completion of the redesign of Golf Club Sylt on the German island of Sylt.

In early 2021, Hansen – a Sylt native who designed the Budersand course on the island in the mid-2000s – and Himmel were hired to create a masterplan that would improve safety and add more strategy.

Josef Pötter Golf began construction in August 2021 – the project has been structured in three phases to minimise disruption to play and ensure all 18 holes remain accessible throughout the summer.

Work is being overseen by site manager Steffen Kayser and is expected to be complete by spring 2024. Particular attention has been paid to greens, with work completed to improve their playability and many being expanded to create additional pin positions.

The final phase includes a redesign of four holes, lake expansion, new tees to increase length and shot options, and installing a new Toro irrigation system.

“Expanding lakes and introducing a new drainage concept aims to help address the club’s water management and increase its water preservation,” said Darryl Spelman of Josef Pötter Golf. “Fairway bunkers with a more modern and detailed approach – with regional seeds introduced – have also given the course some extra flair.

“Over 25,000 square metres of fescue has been seeded in a specialised turf nursery and prepared over the past 12 months to be laid during this winter to help facilitate an early opening. Despite facing extreme weather conditions, we are happy that the project has been a success, We look forward to working with all involved as we continue to contribute to the ongoing evolution of the course.”

Richard HumphreysRichard Humphreys

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