Coombe Hill GC finds the way with new buggy path

Grassform Ltd. have recently completed a project at Coombe Hill Golf Club, Surrey to build 6.5 kilometres of buggy path around their predominantly parkland 18 hole course. Commencing in February 2007 and completed within 3 months, Grassform constructed the buggy path using innovative methods in conjunction with the specifications indicated by the club. The aim was to enable members of the private course to drive buggies around easier with less chance of causing damage to fairways, especially on some of the more inclined areas where traction was becoming a problem in wetter periods.

The Permanent Solution

Prior to Grassform starting work on the project, Coombe Hill had a fragmented buggy path network. Problems were found on the undulating course when heavy rain washed the original path away leading to ruts appearing resulting in contamination of gravel and soil on the course. A permanent solution and surface that gave consistent ball bounce if hit was required. Grassform were the preferred contractor and completed all initial groundworks by removing the original path material and using their expertise and experience in golf course and landscape construction replaced this with a bespoke buggy path incorporating purpose built turning areas and passing bays where required.

Experience makes the difference

Grassform's managing director, Mark Dunning, commented on the project in saying "The installation of the new buggy path at Coombe Hill was an interesting build which proved complex at times as we were working within tight constraints between and under trees. The project was carefully planned and coordinated to make our impact as minimal as possible and to maximise the course's excellent aesthetics."

365 days a year golf course access.

The club's course manager Sean Whipp commented by stating that "feedback from the club members has been excellent and has exceeded their expectations. With Grassform we planned the route to hug the fairways and the path tends to go through trees where possible to reduce the visual impact." Club Secretary David Cromie added "Grassform enabled the members to continue playing the course throughout the build phase without disruption, and after only three months we had a buggy path that is both visually and environmentally sympathetic to the course, which can now be used 365 days a year."

For further information on Grassform's range of design, construction and landscaping services, please contact Mark Dunning on 01277 355500 or email mark@grassform.co.uk, or visit www.grassform.co.uk.