Jonathan Pendry of International Turf Company and golf architect Richard Le Sueur of Golf Design Scotland have begun construction of an extensive practice facility for a private client on New Zealand’s South Island.

The New Zealand Sports Turf Institute is also consulting on the project, which will be managed entirely organically. Pendry, who is based near St Andrews in Scotland, said: “Our team is now well into the second phase of works, and we anticipate that construction will be completed in April. The site is in true ‘Lord of the Rings’ country and part of an existing retreat. I believe it will set a new benchmark for sustainable golf development in New Zealand.”

Mary Lorio, a representative of the unnamed client, said: “We are delighted to see the International Turf Company team back onsite and working hard to ensure the delivery of our world-class organic practice facility. The team understand and respect the beauty of our location.”