Ballesteros course undergoes Durabunker renovation

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Golf Santa Marina, a Seve Ballesteros Design in the Cantabria region of Spain, is currently undergoing a complete bunker renovation using Durabunker’s patent-granted synthetic bunker edging system.

The project, which began with a small trial of the product in autumn 2021 to determine its ability to resolve issues of bunker face erosion and washout, as well as adding more visually appealing character to the course, is currently in full swing with the construction work being carried out by Durabunker’s Spanish partner, Mafer Golf.

Feedback from the initial trial was so positive that the turn-around to complete bunker renovation was just six months and, having worked at other Spanish Courses, such as Pedrena GC (Seve’s home course), GC Sevilla, GC Emporda, GC Maeztegi and Club Lomas Bosque, in recent times, Durabunker’s portfolio in the region is growing rapidly.

Rhydian Lewis, founder of Durabunker, commented: “Our patented synthetic bunker construction method continues to grow rapidly all across Europe, this project in Santa Marina GC marks the first course in Spain to have all bunkers renovated using synthetic bunker edging, a testament to its adaptability and multiple benefits. In hotter, drier climates, bunkers are particularly susceptible to edge erosion and with drier, hotter summers becoming more frequent here in the UK, we know from our experience working in all corners of the globe that Durabunker is able to handle these types of conditions.”

The project at Santa Marina GC is planned for completion in July, when local greenkeepers are looking forward to saving countless hours edging bunkers, replacing sand and repairing damaged bunker edges.

Lewis continued: “The cost and time savings are significant and allow greenkeepers to focus on other areas of the golf course, not least the playing surfaces. We hear the same feedback over and over, time is crucial and cost savings even more so.

“Likewise as our business grows it’s important for us to have trusted partners, such as Mafer Golf in Spain, to allow us time to focus on growing our ever expanding contracting arm here in the UK. With another full course ‘design and build’ at The Rayleigh Club running over the summer, there won’t be much opportunity to stop and sample the sangria!”