In 2020 Selby Golf Club, North Yorkshire, made the bold decision to embark on a substantial phased programme of bunker renovation and remodelling work to all 18 holes on the par 71 course, with the intention to create a uniformed and distinctive bunker style, reflective of 21st century construction, specification, aesthetics, and maintainability.
In keeping with the original 1930s course design by Fred Hawtree and JH Taylor, and following an architectural review and course audit by Jonathan Gaunt of Gaunt Golf Design, a long-term vision of the course was submitted, with all existing bunkers repositioned, re-aligned, re-shaped or removed. In addition, a number of new strategic bunkers, grassy hollows and run-offs were created, with work undertaken by John Greasley Limited.
Commenting on the project, Gaunt said: “The process of getting the project approved by the club was not straightforward, as this was to be the most significant change to the course since the 1990’s, when the new Selby by-pass was built. We made a presentation to the Committee and Members and explained in detail the scope of the project, the process to be followed and the likely disruption to the course during the development. Thankfully, the members were extremely supportive, and the project was given the green light.”
Course manager at Selby Golf Club, Chris Goodhall added: “Following a tendering process, John Greasley Limited were commissioned as the contractors to undertake the reconstruction and golf course alterations. They were selected due to meeting the clubs needs and priorities in terms of experience, proposed methodology and past record, as well as offering the best value for money.
“With the country in national lockdown and the golf course closed, the opportunity was taken to begin a small first phase involving five greenside bunkers. This afforded everyone the opportunity to access both design style and products used — in effect, producing a template for the two larger phases of the project. The first of these new phases commenced in October 2021 and was completed in February 2022. The final phase is due to be completed during the autumn and winter of this year, at which point 36 existing bunkers will have been retained and re-modelled, 18 bunkers removed, and 25 new bunkers created.
“The unquestionable experience, expertise and professionalism of all contractors was immediately apparent,” continued Goodhall. “The personnel were highly skilled, fully trained and adept at completing work with the minimum of disturbance to the club and limited disruption to play. Their excellent work and high-quality results are proving to be huge success with feedback being exceptionally positive from members and visitors alike.
“I’ve worked with Greasley’s on numerous projects over the past 15 years and they never fail to produce excellent results. They don’t work on all our projects, as we work with a number of other excellent contractors. What I do like about Greasley’s, though, is their attention to detail and flexibility to go that bit further to give the client more than they would normally expect.”
