Back in 2006 we advised Meltham Golf Club on the conversion of an historic barn on their land, called Headyfields, to residential use.
The property, which had previously been used for storage by the greenkeepers, was finally sold for development in 2016 and developed into three private residences. This sale funded the redevelopment of, in Phase 1, the 5th hole to become a par-3 and following this, the redesign and remodelling of all the course bunkers, to be phased over 3 further years.
It was particularly enjoyable to be invited to advise at Meltham GC because my father, D Michael Gaunt, had been winner of the highly regarded amateur invitation tournament, The Meltham Trophy, in 1953.
We have now completed all Phases of the course remodelling works where the bunkers have all been remodelled to a very high standard by Profusion Environmental, which includes the installation of Blinder (rubber crumb) bunker liner. Also, substantial drainage improvement works have been done throughout the course and the green surrounds have been modified, too, to make them firstly more maintainable, but also to create more of a consistent style throughout the course.
The Greenkeeping Team, expertly led by Sam Wardill, has been deeply involved in the project – working closely with Profusion to support them during drainage installation and to follow up with the turf laying of all working areas.