21 Photo: Trey Kemp Photo: Brandon Johnson Synthetic turf specialist Southwest Greens has collaborated with short-game coach James Ridyard for a new practice area at Pavenham Park Golf Club in Bedfordshire, England. “James provided a 20-kilogram clay model of what he had in mind and that formed the basis of the internal and external shaping,” said Warren Bailey, managing partner of Southwest Greens UK & Ireland. “Regular input throughout the process between both parties took place.” Ridyard said: “I have no design experience, I just had shots in mind that I pushed with thumbs in a clay model. Southwest Greens created not only a great synthetic putting surface but also the surrounds to enable me to cater all the shots. I didn’t want funky green complexes, so we found a great balance between variety and natural look and feel.” Tees, greens and bunkers have been built with synthetic systems from Southwest Greens. A ‘wedge stadium’ was created so pitch shots from 40 to 80 yards, at five-yard increments, can be practiced. Bailey said: “The greens include slopes and gradients and are reached from multiple pods, each fitted with varying lengths of artificial grass and set at assorted inclines to ensure that every shot is catered for. “Normally we work off a drawing from an architect and have a more traditional position in the supply chain. In this case, the in-the-field approach was the right solution but a challenge as Ridyard’s demands where very specific with regards to degrees of slope, distance of shots and landing zones, mounds and runoffs.” Southwest Greens completes new short-game area at Pavenham Photo: Southwest Greens UK
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