17 Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in eastern Switzerland, not far from the Liechtenstein border, will reopen its golf course in August 2026 after a project to update its push-up greens to a sand-based profile. “Unfortunately, there will not be any more new golf courses built in Switzerland, mainly due to the incredible regulations that are required to obtain building permits,” said architect Peter Harradine, who has led the project at Bad Ragaz. “Many courses were, however, built more than 60 years ago and have push-up greens without drainage. Despite regular topdressing, maintenance is very difficult due to the lack of efficient drainage and very shallow root layer.” Bad Ragaz was designed by Peter’s father, Don, and opened in 1956. “Grass species have greatly improved since those days, allowing increased density and speeds,” said Harradine. “Greenkeepers and superintendents find it difficult to maintain push-up greens to today’s standards. Many of the older courses are therefore deciding to replace the rootzone.” Once the club had decided to proceed with the work, complicated restrictions meant that it took two years to receive building permits. Contractor Golf-Toller began work in September 2025, and was supported by subcontractor Schutz Filisur Gartenbau, superintendent Jonas Friedrich and environmental manager Nina Albertini. “The drainage pipes are now surrounded by gravel and under two other gravel layers,” said Harradine. “The rootzone layer was transported carefully to the newly compacted subsoil and mixed on site. We designed the back-to-back method for greens irrigation to ensure a uniform coverage and new Toro rotors were installed.” Work on all greens, three new tees and the new lake was completed in late April. Greens remain in the same locations and are the same style as originally designed. Harradine has, however, managed to expand some of them. “The programme was very ambitious,” he said. “Especially considering the winter weather conditions in that part of Switzerland.” Photo: Harradine Golf TEE BOX Harradine updates greens profile at Bad Ragaz in Switzerland Peter Harradine (right) and the project team at Bad Ragaz
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