from the wayward golf shot and provide a penalty that is appropriate to the distance from play.
Rhys says, “Currently, we only cut approximately 4-5 yards as a first cut of rough. All other deep rough grassland is left without intervention and provides a valuable habitat for small mammals and invertebrates.”
Where there is a risk or possibility of sensitive areas being trampled or destroyed by vehicles, which may include rare plants such as the Common Spotted Orchid, these are protected by hoops and this also makes the golfer aware that they are in a sensitive area.
Fences are used to guide course traffic, preventing trolleys and buggies entering environmentally sensitive areas and maintaining definition between roughs and fairways which, again, enhances the visual impact on the golfer.
Communication
Aberdovey Golf Club engages with partners, members, guests and visitors so that they are fully aware of its aims and objectives. Regular updates and reports on environmental works and other developments are posted on the club website.
The bunkers maximise course strategy to test and tease the golfer in equal amounts, so that the experience is enhanced when the challenge is conquered, Rhys suggests.
Various signs are used in environmentally sensitive areas such as scrub and in the sand dunes, informing members of the public and golfers of the special area they are in. Where there is public access, controls such as fencing and boardwalks are in place to prevent man-made erosion.
The club communicates and interfaces with the Countryside Council for Wales, STRI, Gwynedd Council, the Environment Agency and the Snowdonia National Park Authority to ensure the site is protected and promoted accordingly.
Naturalisation of tees
The teeing ground on the 15th used to be 90 yards long and of a ‘runway’ style, which looked completely alien to the surrounding natural environment, explains Rhys. “This has now been altered and four separate ‘free form’ tees created which blend into the existing topography, whilst minimising visual
“One of the important factors behind the bunker style is that they are approved, if not encouraged by CCW,” he comments. “The unkempt style helps reduce the visual impact of the (managed) course in the natural environment and its influence on the surrounding habitat.”
impact and integrate seamlessly into the natural environment.”
“In the winter of 2009/10, there were a further three new tees built to add extra yardage to the golf course and allow it to stay in touch with today’s equipment and modern distances. These are, again, totally natural and blend into the surrounding landscape.”
The bunker project
Rhys explains: “The bunker project we undertook was focused on shaping a natural, rugged, rustic links style that integrates seamlessly into the landscape.”
This creates visually dominant hazards whilst also serving to direct the golfer away from certain areas. It also offers a risk option to achieve preferred angles into the greens and penalise poorly judged or reckless shots.
pumping station house on the 1st hole in a bid to lessen its visual impact for the golfer when playing the hole.
“All of our empty containers from white lining aerosol cans, pesticide containers and fertiliser bags are collected and disposed of by specialist waste disposal company Interlude,” he adds.
Water Management
The club is constantly increasing the population of drought resistant grasses - fescues and bents - minimising the need to water on a regular basis. Other water management activities include watering at the optimum time during the day or night, paying attention to topographical features such as slope angling and contouring, and hand watering to deliver the optimum precipitation rate into the rootzone.
Wetting agents are also used to balance air to water ratios in the soil, reducing the need to over-water by ensuring
the impact of chemical residues and nutrients being washed through into the ground.”
Composted clippings can then be used should fill be needed to create hummocks or humps - a good example of this is the elevation in front of the
“Environmentally, the bunkers act as ‘semi mobile dune’ habitats where dune species can survive in an otherwise ‘fixed grassland’ habitat.”
The naturalised bunkers consist of blowout-style hollows with visible sand flash faces and extensive marram planting in the banking and surrounds. As Rhys says, “They are simply part of the landscape.”
Waste management
The debris arising from scrub clearance is allowed to dry out on site, and is burnt in a specially designated area on hard standing away from any ecologically rich grasslands.
“Grass cuttings collected from our three bays around the course are brought to a central composting area,” Rhys explains. “Clippings are left for no longer than two weeks in these bays, as this lessens
consistent moisture and air levels in the rootzone. The use of a Hydroject is also used to maximise hydration directly into the rootzone.
“We regularly monitor our irrigation system for pressure loss, so any leaks may be detected and repaired,” says Rhys.
Aberdovey Golf Club is investigating the possibility of water harvesting from around the clubhouse and around the course, along with the future installation of a reed bed to treat washings from buggies or mowers. “These are still in the planning stages and need to be discussed through various committees to be passed and given the go ahead,” he explains.
Entry to the Golf Environment Awards is open to all golf clubs and courses in the UK, no matter what size or type. Every golf course has an equal chance of winning an award - the judging is based on your environmental focus and projects, not on your course.
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