An extensive bunker renovation carried out by Durabunker Ltd at The Vale Golf & Country Club has received widespread acclaim following the successful staging of the 2026 HotelPlanner Tour English Open, with both members and professional players praising the dramatic transformation of the Welsh venue.
The Welsh-based bunker construction specialist was appointed as principal contractor to undertake a comprehensive renovation of all 61 bunkers across the club’s 27-hole layout, including the championship International Course and the nine-hole Lenches Course. The project formed a key part of a wider investment programme designed to prepare The Vale for hosting the HotelPlanner Tour event, with work beginning in October 2025 and completed within a demanding timeframe ahead of the June 2026 championship.
Durabunker developed a strategic masterplan and produced CGI concept drawings before construction began, allowing owners and members to visualise the redesigned bunkering. The objective was to create visually striking hazards that would provide a genuine strategic challenge for elite players while remaining fair and enjoyable for the club’s membership.
Rhydian Lewis, owner and director of Durabunker Ltd, said the project represented an opportunity to showcase the company’s expertise. He said: “From the first site meeting it was evident how ambitious the plans of the owners were, both for the golf course and the venue in general. It felt like an opportunity to bring together all the skills we have developed over many years working in the industry and to showcase what we are capable of achieving as a team.”
Working alongside long-time construction partner Pat Quinn Construction, Durabunker reshaped the bunkers to deliver more prominent sand lines, stronger visual impact and improved strategic positioning. The redesign also created greater flexibility for tournament set-up, allowing a wider variety of pin positions while enhancing everyday play for members.
Performance and long-term maintenance were central to the design brief. Every bunker was constructed using Durabunker’s woven fabric Duraliner system together with the company’s patented synthetic bunker edging, providing improved durability, consistent playing conditions and significantly lower maintenance requirements throughout the year.
Lewis said completing such a major renovation within nine weeks was a significant achievement.
“The Vale combined our woven fabric liner with a shallow synthetic edge to great effect and, though we had a relatively short window in which to complete the project, the team rose to the challenge and executed the project superbly. The results they produced were of the highest quality and we are very proud of what we managed to achieve in such a condensed window.”
The final stages of the project saw The Vale’s own greenkeeping team undertake turf reinstatement and install a drip-line irrigation system around the bunkers under the leadership of Course Manager Jim Wilkes. Lewis praised the in-house team for embracing the opportunity to play a significant role in the renovation.
“They did a fantastic job, in some very challenging conditions, and should be congratulated on their achievements under considerable pressure.”
The success of the renovation was reinforced during the English Open, with players and members alike highlighting the quality of the new bunkers.
Wilkes said: “The feedback from both members and the players at The English Open has been incredible. Whilst our members are thrilled, some of the best players in Europe have also commented on the bunkers, one Spanish player actually stating they were the best bunkers he’d ever played out of.”
Reflecting on the completed project, Lewis added that the positive response had justified the original vision.
“The transformation has been quite something. It has been an absolute thrill to see the original vision we had come to life, and that we have satisfied both members and tour players is something we are incredibly proud of.”
The successful delivery of the project not only helped prepare The Vale for a major professional tournament but also leaves the club with a modern, visually striking bunker system designed to enhance playability, reduce long-term maintenance costs and provide championship-quality conditioning for many years to come.