Golf Course Architecture - Issue 61, July 2020

19 TEE BOX general manager at both Caversham Heath and Reading, has been keeping McBroom, and the project team, updated with photos. “We have almost completely finished the bunkering to a new style,” said McBroom. “There are more aggressive faces and lines similar to classic heathland courses like St George’s Hill and Sunningdale. What Caversham originally had was modern bunkers with a lack of variety – the club wanted them more rugged, wispy and organic.” EcoBunker has completed installation of its EcoSward liner in all 73 bunkers, despite occasional pauses due to bad weather and the impact of coronavirus. The company has worked on almost 120,000 square feet of hazard area for the project. “Both the club and Tom have recognised that Caversham has the terrain and soil conditions suited to a more rugged heathland character, and the first bunkers built last summer have now matured and are clearly delivering the team’s vision,” said EcoBunker’s founder Richard Allen. “I think the bunkers work extremely well in this landscape.” “No one could imagine what was going to happen this year when we got hit with the pandemic,” said Mark Ely. “Following the government guidelines on construction, we were allowed to continue working. One operator in each machine with no swapping over, social distancing and sanitising has become the norm for a while. Luckily our material suppliers have been able to continue, which means work has continued as well as expected.” Construction is planned to continue until the end of the year with tees to be rebuilt, an irrigation pond expanded, plus a new practice range and new six- hole short course to be built. The Eyston course is expected to be playable from March 2021, when Reading Golf Club closes. Photos: Ely Golf The second hole (above) is a brand-new par three, playing to the area of the old first green. McBroom was influenced by St George’s Hill and Sunningdale for Caversham’s bunker design. Right, the redesigned third hole