Golf Course Architecture - Issue 65, July 2021

45 All-weather turf provider Huxley Golf has completed work at the nine-hole par-three Templar course at Swanston Golf Club in Edinburgh, Scotland. The club re-engaged Huxley Golf to update all nine tees on the layout that opened in 2008. “Huxley Golf worked on the initial installation 13 years ago, so it’s testimony to their product and installation skills that Templar has stood the test of time,” said Mike Robson, Swanston’s club manager. “This is the first occasion that I have had the opportunity to work with Huxley Golf, but I had no hesitation in putting my trust in the company to revamp what is an increasingly popular feature of our club. From the longevity and performance of the initial installation, it was clear to me that the quality and playing experience of Huxley Golf surfaces remain unbeatable.” Huxley Golf ’s Hugh Fraser oversaw the project, including the removal of old rotten wood bases and creating new playing surfaces with Premier Tee Turf 2. “We were delighted to be entrusted with reinvigorating this fabulous short course, which will undoubtedly attract an even wider range of people and help the club develop golf in the Lothian area,” he said. Huxley Golf has also built a new, 75-foot-long practice tee strip near the driving range. Paul Chester, director at Huxley Golf, said that many clubs have sought to invest in their facilities following the pandemic. “With foreign travel and other social activities curbed, golf was one of the first sports to restart safely,” he said. “Golf clubs were quick to capitalise on new opportunities and for many, this meant a welcome influx of new membership enquiries, which also brought new challenges. Clubs would ask themselves: how can we best engage with these new members and earn their loyalty? And are there ways we can take advantage of these green shoots to build the membership further?” Chester says that the new breed of members – mostly millennials – are driven by time, the chance to upskill, well-being and the opportunity to socialise. “We can capitalise on this by providing high-tech, all-weather coaching facilities, creating high-quality short courses and practice facilities, guaranteeing year-round play whatever the weather, and emphasising how we support well-being, community and sustainability,” said Chester. “If clubs aren’t already working along these lines, the time has come.” Huxley Golf completes tee renovation project in Edinburgh Photo: Huxley Golf Phot s: Huxley Golf