Golf club greens growing well

BANNOCKBURN Golf Club’s transition from a sand scrape course to greens is nearly fully complete.

Earlier this month, the club’s back nine holes were officially reopened after construction works.

“We’re back to 18 holes,” said project manager and immediate past president, Dick Van Den Bosch. “It’s been 21 months that we’ve had construction happening, so it’s really good.

“We still have got four temporary greens because some aren’t quite ready yet, but we’ve got 14 greens we’re operating on.

“Our members, who have been happy to play sand scapes, are really enjoying playing the greens.

“In the past, some people wouldn’t play because we had sand scrapes, and they’re coming now and playing the greens, which aren’t just standard.

“We’ve got hills, hollows, and swales. All the holes are interesting and quite challenging to play.”

After construction of the holes, and while grass continues to grow, Mr Van Den Bosch said the new course is getting positive feedback.

“Most golfers like to play greens. Everyone playing ours can see the potential,” he said.

“There’s a lot more green fee players playing and we’re getting lots of applications for new members.

“Our memberships are rolling over now, but it’s all looking very positive. Most people will re-sign from last year.

“We’ve got 180 members at the moment and we’ll be looking to something over 200 by end of this year.”

Bannockburn Golf Club’s first completed redesigned greens were opened in July of 2023, and the full 18 holes are expected to get their own official opening this spring.

Grass on course needs two or three more years of growth to be fully developed.

The club offers training programs for new golfers, and more information can be found at facebook.com/BannockburnGolfClub.