Chart Hills Golf Club has confirmed that major redevelopment works at the Kent destination are running on schedule, and the club is on course for a spring 2021 reopening.
Led by Director of Golf, Anthony Tarchetti, and Course Manager, Neil Lowther, the team has been working to implement a total renovation across the property. The golf course was fully closed from mid-July to allow green staff, industry-leading contractors and shapers to work on the championship layout originally designed by Sir Nick Faldo.
The first steps in the process included extensive irrigation work and sand-capping of the fairways, with over 30,000 tonnes of sand deposited across the course. The seeding team then covered the sanded areas with creeping ryegrass, designed to deliver a better overall grass coverage, with the final seed due to go into the ground this autumn.
The main contractor on site has been Ian Stevens from I R Stevens Ltd – Ian is responsible for the shaping of the sand on every fairway. A huge part of the renovation process was to lay tonnes of sand on each fairway then Ian would shape it all perfectly to a four inch height to ensure the correct level was achieved.
Off-course, there is an all-new golf entrance leading directly into the newly constructed professional shop that is equipped with an espresso machine, HD televisions and a wide selection of clothing, hardware and accessories.
Moreover, all corridors in the clubhouse have been redecorated with the addition of sleek, new, colour-coordinated signage. Work has also begun on the development of the driving range and short game areas, with new green targets cut into the range.
“We are making really good progress,” commented Tarchetti. “Our project is right on schedule and we will continue the hard work over the next few months to prepare the venue ahead of its relaunch in spring.
“Our owners, Ramac Holdings Ltd (also owners of Prince’s Golf Club, Kent) have made a significant investment since taking over, and it is exciting to see the project moving in the right direction.”
In the coming weeks, work will continue across the site, with additional projects planned to target other areas in the clubhouse, the halfway hut and car park.
