Andrew Gould, Head of Operations at bunker solution experts EcoBunker, is helping to keep Sangmoon Bae on course this week, as he caddies for the two-time PGA Tour winner at the Asian Tour International Series at Foxhills.
Gould, who has been working with the team at EcoBunker since the start of the year will have a unique insight into the dangers presented by the Longcross course, having worked on an extensive bunkering commission at the venue as one of his first projects for the business.
“We were brought in to Foxhills through M.J. Abbott and European Golf Design, to install our EcoTec bunker liners across the Longcross course at the start of the year,” commented Andrew as he prepared for the event. “In a strange co-incidence, our founder Richard Allen had visited Foxhills to inspect the new bunkering, and he mentioned the upcoming event. A day later I saw an online advert looking for volunteer caddies. I love attending big golf events and have caddied a couple of times, so I couldn’t miss the chance to put my name down. I didn’t expect to be chosen, let alone matched with a 2 x PGA Tour winner!”
Gould will take Sangmoon Bae’s bag in the event that is an Asian Tour pathway to the LIV Golf league. Bae will tee it up alongside stars such as Ian Poulter, Richard Bland, Sam Horsefield and Graeme McDowell. And while their caddies might have more experience, they won’t have such intimate knowledge of the hazards that await.
“I can certainly vouch for the impeccable quality of the bunkering for the event, but I’ll be doing all I can to help Sangmoon avoid them!” concluded Andrew. “I would have been excited just to see our EcoBunker work in play for such a high profile event, but to get a view from inside the ropes and on the bag of such a fantastic player is an incredible opportunity.”
EcoBunker founder Richard Allen said, “It is very satisfying when clients trust us with their golf course, knowing that they will have the world’s best players coming. Our EcoTec bunker liners improve playability and keep sand quality purer than a traditional liner, so while we know the players will be hoping to avoid them, they’ll be impressed by the quality if they do find their way in. Whatever happens, we’re wishing Andrew the best of luck for a fantastic experience!”