Annika Sorenstam – 10-time major winner and part owner of ASGCA Industry Partner Capillary Concrete® – announces the company’s pioneering bunker liner technology will be installed at France’s Le Golf National, host of the 2018 Ryder Cup.
Capillary Concrete® is an innovative and pervious bunker system with capillary properties that keep bunker sand clean and perfectly compacted. At the same time, it promotes improved drainage to ensure sand remains in place after rain, avoiding costly washouts even on severely flashed bunker faces.
“We have selected Capillary Concrete® with special Light Weight Aggregates based on the outstanding performance and strength of the material,” says Alejandro Reyes, Head Golf Course Superintendent at Le Golf National. “After several tests and on-site evaluations, it is the best product for our bunker renovation project and will help produce a world class golf venue.”
Reyes leads the team of greenkeepers at the French Golf Federation-owned club just outside Paris. He is originally from Spain, with a collection of degrees from institutions worldwide: University of Georgia (Certified Turfgrass Professional), Elmwood College in Scotland (Professional Development Award in golf course management), Cranfield University (MSc in Sports Surfaces Technology), Universidad de Almeria (Degree in Agricultural Engineering) and EFA Campomar (Degree in Gardens and Agriculture).
Before coming to Le Golf National, Reyes worked at several top-ranked golf facilities designed by Jack Nicklaus, ASGCA Fellow, (including Mar Menor G.C., Saurines G.C. and Condado de Alhama G.C.).
“Capillary Concrete® really makes a difference when it comes to bunker play and maintenance,” says Annika, 2014 recipient of the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America’s (GCSAA) Old Tom Morris Award. “The patented process has proven itself in the world’s toughest climates, is safe for golfers and keeps the sand ideally compacted.”
The strongest and most environmentally-sound system available, Capillary Concrete® consists of a special Light Weight Aggregate which preserves and distributes moisture. It is manufactured by NV Argex SA and contains no stone material, owing its superior strength to homogeneous bonding.