Initial feedback for the recent renovation project at Ballybunion Golf Club in County Kerry, Ireland, has been very positive.

That’s according to John Bambury, course manager at the club on Ireland’s Atlantic coast.

GCA covered the project extensively in issue 43, the scope of which included the replacement of all eighteen of Ballybunion’s Old Course greens with a pure fescue surface and entirely new rootzone.

The project also included the revetting of 38 sand-faced bunkers, the returfing of 30,000 sq m of green surrounds with fescue, and significant design changes to the seventh hole.

Work was lead by Atlantic Golf Construction – whose principal Anthony Bennett hails from the area – and was overseen by Scottish architect Graeme Webster.

The club reopened for play last month, and Bambury told GCA that everything has gone to plan so far.

“The greens are bedding in immensely well,” he said. “We are now cutting our greens at 6.25mm. 6mm will be the long term height of cut for Ballybunion.”

Bambury added: “Density is excellent despite high traffic volumes. What is really great to see is how our members and returning guests recognise how the team kept the integrity of the original architecture. The revitalised dunescapes are really developing with marram grass plantations establishing excellently. Grass pathways are very much a positive for the landscape.”