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Woodhall Spa Locks in Doak Design for Long Term

September 29, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Woodhall Spa Locks in Doak Design for Long Term The Hotchkin course at The National Golf Centre at Woodhall Spa is renowned for being one of the best golf courses in the world, with much of the credit going to the re-design by legendary course designer Tom Doak between 2016 and 2020. With the focus […]

Acacia Groundcare Equipment Rental puts its trust in Etesia

September 29, 2026/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

Acacia Groundcare Equipment Rental puts its trust in Etesia When you’re hiring out professional groundcare machinery, reliability isn’t just desirable it’s essential. That is why Acacia Groundcare Equipment Rental has relied on Etesia machinery for more than 20 years, with the manufacturer’s proven range continuing to play a key role in its extensive hire fleet. […]

Woodhall Spa Locks in Doak Design for Long Term

September 29, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Acacia Groundcare Equipment Rental puts its trust in Etesia

September 29, 2026/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

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Woodhall Spa Locks in Doak Design for Long Term

September 29, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Woodhall Spa Locks in Doak Design for Long Term

The Hotchkin course at The National Golf Centre at Woodhall Spa is renowned for being one of the best golf courses in the world, with much of the credit going to the re-design by legendary course designer Tom Doak between 2016 and 2020.

Woodhall Spa Locks in Doak Design for Long Term

With the focus on returning the Hotchkin to its authentic heathland roots, Doak added 43 bunkers alongside a huge tree clearance programme and the re-building of three greens, but while the new layout quickly gained accolades some of the maintenance challenges, particularly around the bunkers, became difficult to address.

“From my first day 3 years ago, stone ingress into the bunkers and the erosion of hazard walls and the surrounds were clear priorities for the course,” commented Peter Moore, Courses Director at Woodhall Spa. “The playability and the aesthetics of the bunkers were falling so we needed a solution that protected Doak’s design for the long-term while preventing all the erosion factors that were causing us real issues.”

To add an extra layer of complication, Woodhall Spa is a site of special scientific interest, so every plan had to be made with Natural England approval, including considerations for the sustainability of materials and the use of construction techniques that are sympathetic to the natural environment.

“I completed an assessment of the 143 bunkers on site and made a presentation to the board. A huge amount of work went into prioritising action, so once approved, we knew exactly what we needed from a partner,” continued Moore. “Not only did we need someone who could meet all of the various technical and environmental criteria, we needed a problem solving partner with a range of solutions that could combine across various challenges. That’s when we contacted EcoBunker.”

Following an initial meeting, EcoBunker CEO Richard Allen, used his vast experience in bunker construction, golf course design and engineering to design a bespoke solution for the unique ‘problem’ at the Hotchkin.

“This has been such an incredible project to work on because it has really tested our technical expertise and product innovations,” commented Richard. “I love a problem to solve and my background in civil engineering was certainly useful for this one. To work so closely with Peter and course design consultant Clyde Johnson, who worked with Tom Doak on the original design, has been such a pleasure. To find a solution that utilised every EcoBunker product was hugely satisfying!”

Richard returned to Peter with schematic drawings that combined EcoBunker synthetic edging, EcoTec™ bunker liners and the first large scale use of LOKSAND™ technology in the U.K. This combination would provide all of the erosion control and sensitivity to the original design that was needed for this unique challenge.

“Keeping true to Doak’s original design was our number one priority. We needed to lock in that design for years to come, eliminate erosion and stone ingress while not altering the original aesthetic,” explained Richard. “We devised a very low synthetic edge that is invisible in the finished bunker. That edge meets with a full EcoTec™ bunker liner creating a completely sealed unit that is erosion free and keeps out all contamination from below. We then used LOKSAND™ on the bunker surrounds to ensure that in high traffic areas there could be no erosion to contaminate the bunkers.”

Working closely with the team at Woodhall Spa, the plan was developed, and work began on three trial bunkers in January 26.

Peter continued, “The results have been remarkable. The look of the bunkers is exactly the same. They look so established and natural, and the issues have been completely eliminated. We’ve added a heavier sand that interacts beautifully with the EcoTec™ liner making them so consistent and playable while retaining every bit of challenge that Doak originally intended.”

“This has been a tough summer for course maintenance. Everything has dried out making it more prone to erosion, but the bunkers are still so solid. Perhaps most impressive is the areas where LOKSAND™ has been used. These high traffic areas would crumble into the hazards quite easily and create worn patches. But not only has LOKSAND™ provided the stability that we need, the grass growth has been superb.”

“From the first time the LOKSAND™ went in we ‘stress tested’ it by walking along it during the construction process. A few of us were jumping on the edges and the strength it gave was incredible. To see it in action and interacting so well with the other bunker technologies is a credit to everyone involved in the design, construction and maintenance of the new bunkers.”

The project has been such a success that the board at Woodhall Spa has expedited the original plan, reducing the timescale for the completion of all greenside bunkers from five years to two years. Combined with unanimously positive feedback from golfers, the next phase of work is highly anticipated.

“We can’t wait to get on to the next phase,” concluded Peter. “Working with a problem solver like Richard has been key to making this project work. The expertise he brought, along with the innovative product solutions has been crucial to our success. As we continue the work, we’re delighted with our partnership with EcoBunker and beyond happy that we have been able to lock in Tom Doak’s design for the long term, ensuring that the Hotchkin continues to be regarded as one of the best golf courses in the world.”

For more information on EcoBunker please visit www.ecobunker.co.uk

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Acacia Groundcare Equipment Rental puts its trust in Etesia

September 29, 2026/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

Acacia Groundcare Equipment Rental puts its trust in Etesia

When you’re hiring out professional groundcare machinery, reliability isn’t just desirable it’s essential. That is why Acacia Groundcare Equipment Rental has relied on Etesia machinery for more than 20 years, with the manufacturer’s proven range continuing to play a key role in its extensive hire fleet.

Acacia Groundcare Equipment Rental puts its trust in Etesia

From commercial contractors and local authorities to equestrian businesses, environmental organisations and private landowners, Acacia supplies equipment to customers tackling everything from routine grass cutting to heavy-duty vegetation clearance. According to Operations Manager Mark Tavener, quality is the number one priority when investing in new hire equipment.

“Hire is our bread and butter and it’s essential that the machinery we hire is reliable and of a high quality, said Mark. ” It’s got to be robust enough to stand the vigour of the different types of customers using the machinery.”

Mark brings almost 40 years of experience in the grounds maintenance industry, having started his career working in parks before progressing into management with several major grounds maintenance companies. Having joined Acacia around 18 months ago, he was already well acquainted with both the company and the Etesia brand.

“When I was a contract manager, I often used Acacia for groundcare equipment,” he explained. “I’ve also used Etesia machines throughout my career. It goes right back to working for Horsham District Council in the late ’80s and ’90s, and wherever I’ve worked since, Etesia has always been a machine that’s been used.”

That long-standing familiarity is reflected in Acacia’s relationship with Etesia, which stretches back to the company’s beginnings two decades ago.

One of the standout performers in the hire fleet is the Etesia AK-88, a compact ride-on brush cutter that continues to generate repeat business.

“We hire out a lot of the AK-88’s and we get a great deal of positive feedback,” said Mark. “It’s become a recognisable machine for tackling rough grass, brambles and overgrown areas, and we get repeat bookings because customers know how reliable it is.”

Its compact size is one of its biggest strengths.

“The width is really important because it allows the machine to get through gateways and into areas where people need it. It’s a very low-slung, compact machine and that’s what makes it so popular.”

The AK-88 is hired by a broad range of customers, including landscape contractors, local authorities, environmental organisations, estate managers and private customers maintaining paddocks and overgrown land.

Alongside the AK-88 sits the Etesia AH75, a pedestrian brush cutter designed for customers who need the same impressive cutting ability on smaller or more confined sites.

“The AH75 has its own niche. If someone’s only got a smaller area or a site where a ride-on would be too big, it’s the perfect machine. We have regular customers who specifically ask for it because it suits the work they’re doing.”

Mark has first-hand experience of its capabilities from before joining Acacia.

“We hired one when I was in my previous role to clear out a dry canal bed that was full of reeds and heavy vegetation. For that type of job, the AH75 was actually better suited than a ride-on machine.”

Another established member of Acacia’s Etesia fleet is the Hydro 80, a compact ride-on mower that has enjoyed renewed popularity over the past year. According to Mark customers particularly appreciate its ability to perform in a range of conditions.

“Its compact size makes it ideal for housing estates and tighter sites, and we’ve had good feedback about how well it collects, even when the grass is a little damp. The Hydro 80 seems to cope considerably better than some rival machines.”

For Mark, Etesia’s continued success comes down to more than just dependable products.

“I’ve always thought Etesia are an innovative company,” he said. “I think they’re a good, solid company.”

With a relationship spanning more than two decades, Acacia sees Etesia remaining an important part of its future fleet.

“We’re very happy with Etesia and I can’t see any reason why that would change. We’ll certainly continue using the machines and we’re always interested to see any new products and technology they bring out in the future.”

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Etesia UK on X @EtesiaUK and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/EtesiaUK. You can also view the latest Etesia videos by visiting www.youtube.com/EtesiaUK

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Woodhall Spa Locks in Doak Design for Long Term

Acacia Groundcare Equipment Rental puts its trust in Etesia

Woodhall Spa Locks in Doak Design for Long Term

Acacia Groundcare Equipment Rental puts its trust in Etesia

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Woodhall Spa Locks in Doak Design for Long Term

Woodhall Spa Locks in Doak Design for Long Term

Acacia Groundcare Equipment Rental puts its trust in Etesia

Acacia Groundcare Equipment Rental puts its trust in Etesia

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