Construction begins on Harrison renovation of Castle Hill in Sydney

Construction work has started on the renovation of Castle Hill Country Club in Sydney, Australia, which is being overseen by golf course architect Bob Harrison.

The primary driver for work at the club, which hosted the Australian PGA Championship in 1985 and 1986, was to review and reconstruct bunkers. “The bunkers were draining very poorly, looked shabby, and were difficult to get in and out of,” said Harrison.

Castle Hill lies in steep and rolling clay country and will have new Mackenzie-style bunkers like those Harrison introduced on similar ground at courses like Ellerston, Brookwater and The Grand.

“There will be great emphasis on both their strategic location and attractive appearance,” said Harrison. “We spend a great deal of time to make sure that the patterns of shape are harmonious and appealing. The new bunkers will include the Matrix system – a bitumen-like layer – which greatly helps the drainage, and also helps to keep the sand on the curved faces during periods of heavy rain.”

Flemming Golf started construction in July 2018.

Source: Golf Course Architecture