The Keilir Golf Club (Hafnarfjörður, Iceland) has secured the GEO Certified status for the third time (2014, 2017, 2024-26, for renewal 2027).
A recent Great British Bunker Study found:
- Consistency in sand depth and purity, along with the stability and aesthetics of bunker faces, has been noted as a significant concern.
- Over 90% of respondents identified sand contamination as a primary concern. This is primarily attributed to the erosion of traditional natural bunker edge materials but can also occur from the soil underneath the bunker where an adequate bunker liner is not in use.
- Quality bunker liners, appropriate drainage, synthetic bunker walls, and edging reduce difficulties presented by climatic events.
Keilir Golf Club, situated in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland, encounters various weather challenges throughout the year, particularly during the harsh winter months.
These conditions allow the club to innovate and improve its facilities (including its golf course’s bunkers) and services to ensure an enjoyable experience for its members and guests, regardless of the season.
Renovating bunkers presents a valuable opportunity to enhance the golf course’s overall aesthetics while minimizing long-term maintenance efforts.
We can significantly extend the bunker’s lifespan by effectively preventing sand contamination through erosion control and careful edging.
This proactive approach improves the course’s playability and contributes to its overall appeal and sustainability.
Keilir Golf Club recognized the need to adapt its bunker maintenance practices in response to rising expenses and weather constraints, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable approaches in the future.
Based on their references, Keilir Golf Club invited the EcoBunker team to address the unique challenges of an Icelandic golf course.
Phase one of the project took place this spring, and it involved creating two new bunkers.
Following very positive feedback from the members and maintenance team at Keilir Golf Club, four more bunkers were installed this Autumn, with more planned for Spring 2025.
Guðbjartur Ísak Ásgeirsson, Head Greenkeeper at Keilir Golf Club, says
“It has actually been quicker to construct an EcoBunker that will last over 20 years than to naturally revett our bunkers.
We’re delighted with the results and look forward to putting the new bunkers into play when we next open the course. I certainly look forward to a maintenance free season for our six new EcoBunkers!”
