Back in 2009, the Colt Course at Close House Hotel and Golf Resort in Newcastle Upon Tyne was constructed with a sand soil rootzone from Mansfield Sand. The club’s Golf Course & Estates Manager, Brian Clark, has continued to use the company’s sand-based products ever since.
The 7,000-yard championship course, which was designed by lead architect Scott Macpherson of TurnerMacpherson Golf Design, and since go on to host the British Masters in 2017 and 2020.
Work began on the Colt Course in April 2009 and was completed by October. The extensive contract, carried out by MJ Abbott, included earthworks, shaping of the course, the construction of greens, tees, bunkers and lakes, the renovation of historic lakes, installation of a primary drainage system, the design and installation of a fully-automated irrigation system, cultivation, seeding and landscaping.
An essential component of the construction was a sand soil rootzone from Mansfield Sand. Preparing a surface for the rigours of professional sport requires huge amounts of knowledge and dedication. At Mansfield Sand, the company understands exactly what is needed and it is for this reason that its rootzones contain only the highest quality materials to meet that demand.
The 80/20 rootzone was blended with Mansfield’s MM35 Golf silica sand and a quality screened topsoil. This product was pre-mixed and ready for Brian and the contractors to apply straight directly from delivery.
“It was the first time we had used a product from Mansfield Sand, and I was really impressed,” said Clark. “From the quality of the product to the great customer service – it ticked all the boxes and we’ve continued to purchase from Mansfield Sand since construction works.”
For the past eleven years Brian has been using Mansfield’s MM35 Golf pure silica sand for top dressing his greens which brings a number of benefits such as improved recovery, firmness, smoothness and an improved rootzone. MM35 Golf also makes for a great bunker sand as it has fantastic playing characteristics as well as being aesthetically attractive.
Sourced directly from the company’s Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield, the Mansil Silica products are predominantly used in the construction and maintenance of a wide range of sports surfaces – from winter sports pitches, golf courses, bowling greens and all amenity turf areas.
“There is a reason that we have been choosing to use Mansfield Sand for the past eleven years,” continued Clark. “The products play an integral part in the health and playability of the course and this is backed up by a fantastic fast-delivery service.”
