A major refurbishment of the Torrance Course at Fairmont St. Andrews is ‘progressing well’, according to Steve Briggs from leading golf course contractor MJ Abbott Limited.
Work started in January and includes the reconstruction of the water storage lakes which have been aesthetically enhanced and lined as they form an integral part of both the Torrance and Devlin course layouts. A new Rain Bird Irrigation system has been installed to all greens, tees and approaches following the installation of a comprehensive primary piped drainage system to all fairways and several carry areas.
Also complete is the reconstruction of all 18 tee complexes, the rebuilding of two new green complexes, relocation of berns on three holes and the reconstruction and revetting of 63 bunkers. Extensive earthworks to native rough areas have formed feature mounding and drainage attenuation areas.
Turf has been lifted from the existing greens and re-laid on the two new ones on a premixed rootzone which has been closely blended to match the existing.
Steve added that the project is particularly challenging for the on-site team because of the continuing operation of 18 holes on the Devlin course. “Two holes from the original Devlin layout have been swapped to form part of the new Torrance layout,” he said. “A composite course has been formed to keep a full 18 holes in play and will be changed again in July using four of the recently reconstructed Torrance holes. This will allow the team to complete the final holes.
The four brought back into play in July were completed first. Growth was accelerated by the use of WBB Minerals’ premixed Turfstart rootzone to the tee surfaces and turf to match the chosen seed mix. The two new greens also received the rootzone prior to the lifting and relaying of the existing turf. We’ve seen rapid germination in the seeded areas following by excellent establishment.”
Work is scheduled for completion in September and following a grow-in by the greens staff, the new Torrance Course is expected to open again next summer.
MJ Abbott Limited www.mjabbott.co.uk