Golfclub Meerssen extends and improves
This Netherlands-based 6-hole golf course was originally opened as a practice facility for locals who were members elsewhere. However, Meerssen is now moving up a gear and additional land has been purchased that will enable them to extend the course to 9-holes. Keen to do the job properly the club is working closely with Diamond Golf Architects and Mourik and the course has closed completely whilst all 9 holes are fully re-built. USGA-based greens with 100% Agrostis Stolonifera will be installed along with synthetic tees from Only Golf to deliver a much-improved layout, balance and overall game strategy. Work began on Monday 3rd August and the plan is to open the new-look club in April 2010.
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Drainage problems solved at Ternesse
This acclaimed 27-hole golf course is located just outside Antwerp and was established back in 1976. Whilst this is not a long course, it is known to be a challenging one, requiring a great deal of precision along narrow fairways. The 8th hole, par 3, is considered one of the most beautiful and difficult holes in Belgium. Diamond Golf Architects has recently completed a major improvement project at Ternesse. The original brief focused on draining the heavy clay greens along with cleaning and edging the bunkers, adding new sand and making them playable again on the 3 loops of 9 holes.
It used to be common practice to build greens using heavy clay-based soil, and Ternesse is a classic example of this. This was seen as a way to maintain moisture levels, particularly in naturally dry locations. However, these days the importance of good drainage is recognised, and today many courses are built on sand foundations to facilitate this. Ternesse was searching for a good drainage solution, without having to tear up the greens. Following further consultation with Mr Poncelet, the club decided to install a drainage system across the existing greens known as "Capidrain". The configuration of Capidrain is so cutting edge and unique, that it is capable of draining even the heaviest clay soil! With Capidrain there's no need to introduce gravel or sand, and the cost equates to just 1/10 of a USGA green. It is also easy to install, immediately effective, and the greens are back into play just a few days later.
Diamond Golf Architects is proud to have been involved in this project, and is delighted with the end result.
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Diamond Golf Architects
Frans Van Dunlaan 139, B-2610 Antwerp
Tel: +32.497.55.55.44
Fax: +32.3.239.01.03
Email: info@diga.be
www.diga.be
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