Interviews

Oakmont: An interview with Gil Hanse

With the 2025 US Open arriving at Oakmont, Richard Humphreys spoke with the architect, who renovated the course in 2023, about what to expect

Martin Ebert: Design journey

With a portfolio that includes eight of the ten Open venues, Mackenzie & Ebert occupies an enviable position in the golf design industry. Adam Lawrence spoke with principal Martin Ebert to learn how they got there

Designs for the big screen

Chad Goetz and Agustin Piza discuss their design decisions for the virtual holes that featured in the first season of TGL

Bob Harrison: Wizard of Oz

The Australian designer has had a long career and, like many of his countrymen, has spent much of it away from home. Adam Lawrence listened to his tales from the road

Ben Cowan-Dewar: Shock and awe

Golf development firm Cabot now has properties in six countries. Richard Humphreys speaks with co-founder and CEO Ben Cowan-Dewar about what makes a great site, selection of golf course architects, and more

Team building

Turfgrass has launched its US arm with the appointment of John Lawrence, Adam Moeller and Brad Owen. Richard Humphreys speaks with them, Turfgrass founder John Clarkin and director of agronomy Julian Mooney to find out more

Brian Curley: Life of Brian

The designer has surely clocked up more air miles than anyone else in the business. Adam Lawrence caught up with him in between flights to discuss his career and his new venture with Jim Wagner

Oakmont: An interview with Gil Hanse

With the 2025 US Open arriving at Oakmont, Richard Humphreys spoke with the architect, who renovated the course in 2023, about what to expect

Martin Ebert: Design journey

With a portfolio that includes eight of the ten Open venues, Mackenzie & Ebert occupies an enviable position in the golf design industry. Adam Lawrence spoke with principal Martin Ebert to learn how they got there

Designs for the big screen

Chad Goetz and Agustin Piza discuss their design decisions for the virtual holes that featured in the first season of TGL

Bob Harrison: Wizard of Oz

The Australian designer has had a long career and, like many of his countrymen, has spent much of it away from home. Adam Lawrence listened to his tales from the road

Ben Cowan-Dewar: Shock and awe

Golf development firm Cabot now has properties in six countries. Richard Humphreys speaks with co-founder and CEO Ben Cowan-Dewar about what makes a great site, selection of golf course architects, and more

Team building

Turfgrass has launched its US arm with the appointment of John Lawrence, Adam Moeller and Brad Owen. Richard Humphreys speaks with them, Turfgrass founder John Clarkin and director of agronomy Julian Mooney to find out more

Brian Curley: Life of Brian

The designer has surely clocked up more air miles than anyone else in the business. Adam Lawrence caught up with him in between flights to discuss his career and his new venture with Jim Wagner

Birchwood Park begins bunker renovation project
Elizabeth Robinson
/ Categories: News

Birchwood Park begins bunker renovation project

Birchwood Park Golf & Country Club in Kent, England, has started a bunker redevelopment project to counter issues with drainage and stone contamination.

The club, one of ten UK pay-and-play facilities owned by Burhill Golf and Leisure, is looking to raise standards and improve playing quality on the course, following a £5 million investment in its health and leisure facilities over the last two years.

The first four bunkers were completed in January, with course manager Mark Bell and his team doing most of the work in-house. The renovated bunkers have been lined with a rubber crumb to improve drainage and prevent contamination. More bunkers will be renovated over the next 18 months.

“It has been a difficult winter weather-wise but I’m really happy with our progress so far. The greenside bunkers on the first, third, sixth and ninth holes are coming along very nicely,” said Bell. “We expect them to be ready by the end of May, and I’m excited about continuing the work across the rest of the course.”

“Birchwood Park has come a long way over the last couple of years in terms of what we offer our members and visitors,” said Melanie Drake, general manager at Birchwood Park Golf and Country Club. “Golf is still a huge priority for us, as is the satisfaction of our golf members. This investment into improving the course will provide our members and visitors with better playing conditions to enjoy their golf all year round.”

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