Birchwood Park Golf & Country Club in Kent, England, has started a bunker redevelopment project to counter issues with drainage and stone contamination.

The club, one of ten UK pay-and-play facilities owned by Burhill Golf and Leisure, is looking to raise standards and improve playing quality on the course, following a £5 million investment in its health and leisure facilities over the last two years.

The first four bunkers were completed in January, with course manager Mark Bell and his team doing most of the work in-house. The renovated bunkers have been lined with a rubber crumb to improve drainage and prevent contamination. More bunkers will be renovated over the next 18 months.

“It has been a difficult winter weather-wise but I’m really happy with our progress so far. The greenside bunkers on the first, third, sixth and ninth holes are coming along very nicely,” said Bell. “We expect them to be ready by the end of May, and I’m excited about continuing the work across the rest of the course.”

“Birchwood Park has come a long way over the last couple of years in terms of what we offer our members and visitors,” said Melanie Drake, general manager at Birchwood Park Golf and Country Club. “Golf is still a huge priority for us, as is the satisfaction of our golf members. This investment into improving the course will provide our members and visitors with better playing conditions to enjoy their golf all year round.”