Turfgrass® latest project with European Golf Design is a fascinating one. La Grande Mare Golf Club in Guernsey is about to embark on a complete rebuild to add length, strategy, playability and improve conditioning.
The new layout from Architect Robin Hiseman, EGD, will include extending the course with the purchase of new land by over 500 yards to a length of 5,362 yard, Par 69. The new owners wish to present a new golf course of the highest quality, with every facet of the course rebuilt from scratch, including offering the members the latest in technology in golf course construction and management.
Comprehensive scrub clearance will transform the visual look of the course and course architect, Robin Hiseman of European Golf Design, is using the inspiration of the acclaimed Seminole Golf Club, in Florida, as a key term of reference for La Grande Mare, as the Guernsey site bears remarkable similarity with the terrain and water courses of this magnificent Donald Ross designed course.
“If we can deliver a mini-Seminole, then La Grande Mare will be a magnificent course. It won’t be long but will be highly technical. By clearing out the linear planting scheme of old, which defined the narrow fairways, we are creating a spacious and highly strategic course, with double and even triple wide fairways, interspersed with new bunkering and links-style contouring.” commented Hiseman.
“Every tee, fairway and green will be re-grassed, with the expert assistance and specification of Turfgrass, who we are delighted to be working with on this project,” Hiseman adds.
The greens, tees and bunkers will all be renovated to USGA specification, however the main focus will be on improving drainage. The course is known for its water courses which have been culverted and diverted to remove many of the narrow cross hazards into new, larger lakes and channels, placed to heighten the strategic appeal. Added to this extensive sub surface drainage systems along with sand slitting and topdressing will bring La Grande Mare to the pinnacle of golf in the Channel Islands.
“Drainage is the number one issue on a golf course. The fact that La Grande Mare are dedicated to improving drainage is a true testament to the club. Which not only allows more golf but also promotes sustainable environmental management practices” quoted John Clarkin, Turfgrass®.