Simon’s Golf Club progresses with 27-hole bunker renovation

Simon’s Golf Club in Kvistgård, Denmark, is undergoing a bunker renovation with architect Caspar Grauballe leading design work.

The course opened in 1993 as a 18-hole design by Martin Hawtree, who later extended it to 27 holes in 2007. Grauballe – who used to work for Hawtree – is now overseeing a 27-hole bunker revamp.

“The project was primarily about safeguarding the course for the future and the more extreme weather we are experiencing, and we expect to see more of in the future,” said Grauballe. “We introduced more drainage, an upgraded irrigation system and a complete upgrade of all bunkers.

“The bunkers at Simon’s had over the past years begun to suffer more and more with the extreme weather we are seeing. This has in turn created a huge amount of repair work after every heavy rain event. It came to a point where the greenkeepers could not keep up with the deterioration of the bunker quality.”

Construction initially began in April, however Denmark’s travel restrictions because of Covid meant that the project had a slow start. Despite this, Grauballe and contractor Nelson & Vecchio have been able to progress during the summer, nine holes at a time.

“From a playability point of view, we took the opportunity to update the strategy of the holes and to ensure a fair distribution of challenges for the players,” said Grauballe. “It has been a fantastic upgrade of the course for players as well as greenkeepers.”

Contractor Nelson & Vecchio has completed construction work, with all bunkers lined with Capillary Concrete and edged with Durabunker synthetic bunker edging, producing a permanently sealed system.

“To ensure long-term integrity of both the design and the bunkers themselves, it was decided to use a sealed system,” said Grauballe. “Combining a seamless liner with synthetic edging from Durabunker works perfectly. It is very re-assuring from a design view point to know that there are products on the market that will allow golfers to enjoy the visual aspect of the design over the long term, as well as consistency with regards playability.”

Rhydian Lewis, owner at Durabunker, said: “The recognition of the long-term benefits of synthetic bunker edging is becoming increasingly widespread, amongst both architects and decision makers. The ‘Fully Sealed Bunker System’ we have pioneered, ticks so many different boxes for all the key players in a project like this one at Simon’s GC, not least the architect’s ability to protect his vision.

“Safeguarding investment over the long term for owners, whilst placing tools in the hands of architects, that are not only flexible by design, but also leave a much lower maintenance footprint after completion, can only lead to a positive design legacy.”

Richard HumphreysRichard Humphreys

Other posts by Richard Humphreys

Contact author