Santa Maria revisits bunkering to enhance playability

Santa Maria Golf & Country Club in Panama is conducting bunker renovation work on its Nicklaus Design course, which opened in 2012.

The project involves updating both the appearance and infrastructure of the hazards.

“Panama City receives a great amount of rainfall, particularly between the months of May and December, leading to sand washouts in the bunkers,” said general manager José Ignacio Olea. “Since the opening of the golf course, the frequent washouts have led to maintenance difficulties. Therefore, we needed to take action and not only improve the bunkers, but change the style of bunkers and simplifying their maintenance, guaranteeing an overall improvement on the conditions and enhancing the playability.”

The club decided that new bunker lining was required. “Capillary Bunkers was suggested and supported by Troon Golf, which has been involved in a number of bunker renovation projects, so its experience, coupled with the vision and expertise of the golf course designer, Troy Vincent, paved the path to the selection of the Capillary Bunkers,” said Olea.

Mexican contractor Roca Golf handled the installation.

“After seeing the first few holes finished, the result is impressive, and we are extremely confident with Roca Golf and their ability to translate the vision of the architect into the final product,” said Olea. “Our members are extremely pleased with the new look. We have had some rains and the bunkers have taken it very well, considering that the sand is not fully compacted yet.”

Richard HumphreysRichard Humphreys

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