GOLF COURSES a pleasure. To find a solution that utilised every EcoBunker product was hugely satisfying!”
Richard returned to Peter with schematic drawings that combined EcoBunker synthetic edging, EcoTec™ bunker liners and the first large scale use of LOKSAND™ technology in the U. K. This combination would provide all of the erosion control and sensitivity to the original design that was needed for this unique challenge.
“ Keeping true to Doak’ s original design was our number one priority. We needed to lock in that design for years to come, eliminate erosion and stone ingress while not altering the original aesthetic,” explained Richard.“ We devised a very low synthetic edge that is invisible in the finished bunker. That edge meets with a full EcoTec™ bunker liner creating a completely sealed unit that is erosion free and keeps out all contamination from below. We then used LOKSAND™ on the bunker surrounds to ensure that in high traffic areas there could be no erosion to contaminate the bunkers.”
Working closely with the team at Woodhall Spa, the plan was developed, and work began on three trial bunkers in January 26.
Peter continued,“ The results have been remarkable. The look of the bunkers is exactly the same. They look so established and natural, and the issues have been completely eliminated. We’ ve added a heavier sand that interacts beautifully with the EcoTec™ liner making them so consistent and playable while retaining every bit of challenge that Doak originally intended.”
“ This has been a tough summer for course maintenance. Everything has dried out making it more prone to erosion, but the bunkers are still so solid. Perhaps most impressive is the areas where LOKSAND™ has been used. These high traffic areas would crumble into the hazards quite easily and create worn patches. But not only has LOKSAND™ provided the stability that we need, the grass growth has been superb.”
“ From the first time the LOKSAND™ went in we‘ stress tested’ it by walking along it during the construction process. A few of us were jumping on the edges and the strength it gave was incredible. To see it in action and interacting so well with the other bunker technologies is a credit to everyone involved in the design, construction and maintenance of the new bunkers.”
The project has been such a success that the board at Woodhall Spa has expedited the original plan, reducing the timescale for the completion of all greenside bunkers from five years to two years. Combined with unanimously positive feedback from golfers, the next phase of work is highly anticipated.
“ We can’ t wait to get on to the next phase,” concluded Peter.“ Working with a problem solver like Richard has been key to making this project work. The expertise he brought, along with the innovative product solutions has been crucial to our success. As we continue the work, we’ re delighted with our partnership with EcoBunker and beyond happy that we have been able to lock in Tom Doak’ s design for the long term, ensuring that the Hotchkin continues to be regarded as one of the best golf courses in the world.”
For more information on EcoBunker please visit www. ecobunker. co. uk
GroundskeepingJournal. co. uk | November / December 2026 59