Golf Course Architecture - Green Pages 2021

17 Gaunt prepared and issued documents for the reconstruction, including all bunkers, minor tree clearance, some tee construction, a major pond reconstruction and pathway improvements. The project was priced for one major phase but after due diligence, including consideration of the impact of the pandemic, the club decided to embark on a cautiously phased project, beginning with just 10 bunkers. MJ Abbott began work in mid-November with a five-week programme and a deadline of Christmas. The eleventh, thirteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth holes were the focus, with old liners removed and a fresh and striking impact created with improved visibility for each bunker complex. Irrigation equipment was moved where required, drainage was replaced, BunkerMat Gen2 liner from Whitemoss Eco was installed in bunkers, and a natural stacked turf edge was also created. All disturbed areas were turfed before replacement bunker sand was installed. “The work done by MJ Abbott is of a very high quality, as you would expect,” said Gaunt. “Construction was completed in mid-December, with the site cleared,” said Steve Briggs of MJ Abbott. “We look forward to returning to Stratford-on-Avon GC with Jonathan Gaunt again next autumn for phase two.” For more on MJ Abbott , turn to page 51 or visit www.mjabbott.co.uk