Plans are now in place at the Channels Golf Club in Essex to convert a landfill site, which has been in use for around ten years, into a new golf course.
“Landfills do not present such a challenge to convert these days,” says Tony Squire, secretary/manager of Channels, “as tipping is more controlled. As a result methane gases are not such a problem. The land will be capped off and shaped into the design we want.”
Covering more than three hundred acres, the site has been developed from sand and gravel pits, together with landfill, to create 45 holes so far.
Sovereign Turf, one of Europe’s leading growers, has been involved in supplying quality turf for this extensive on-going project.
“It is vital we do all we can to finely prepare the turf for use on this new and existing courses,” says Steve Williams, sales manager at Sovereign, “to ensure the consistency of play, which golfers prefer. This is reinforced by a TGA Quality Turf certificate which shows the botanical content and physical characteristics of the mature turf.”
Sovereign has supplied all grades of TGA quality turf to Channels GC through their local distributor Crowley Turf Supplies.
The new site will be developed by the club themselves – in line with how they think it will play best. Head greenkeeper at Channels GC, Ray Clark, has a workforce of ten to assist him.
“We have certainly learnt a lot about golf course design as the course has been developed over the last twenty years,” says Ray. “The owners of the land, Tony Stubbings and his son Richard, who plays off a five handicap, are very good and they have a really strong interest in golf.”
Environmental concerns are high on the club’s agenda. “We have tried to develop our site imaginatively but give special regard to creating a sustainable landscape to encourage wildlife,” says Ray. Channels plans to ensure the next course – to be developed from the landfill site – will continue this important tradition.
Sovereign Freephone: 0800 9159846, e-mail: steve@sovereignturf.com
Channels Golf Club www.channelsgolf.co.uk
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