Golf Industry Central Winter 2013 | Page 24

Course Updates grass growth on the recently seeded holes. ‘Nor-Westers’ – powerful, warm winds which characterise Spring in Canterbury – caused sands to swirl reminiscent of a desert, causing a hindrance to seeding… and the course’s neighbours were very patient during this time! Set on 42 Ha, the site is small and the course is short by modern standards at 5500m, but is a par 72 . There are 3 generous tees per hole, designed for each level of play as well as allowing for turf recovery on a high traffic course. In designing a shorter course, Kerr made much effort to ensure there was diversity in design of holes of each par. Where holes are not long, instead of length Kerr ensured that clever club selection is called for if a golfer is to make par – or better. Newly introduced waste bunkers present an assortment of challenges, with some being easy to play out of, or higher faces being more confronting in tactical locations; the ever-present easterly winds - and spring Nor-wester! – constitute another form of contest. The challenges and increased strategy of the course add a new dimension to the round and are proving popular with members. Two of the par 3s have become early favourites: One of these is Hole 8, playing over a lo