Caldy Golf Club’s sustainable makeover
From worn astro-turf to thriving grass paths and stream restoration, Carl Crocher shows how careful planning and innovative thinking can transform a golf course - without disrupting play or breaking the budget.
As part of our ongoing series on sustainability and innovation in golf course management, Pitchcare visited Caldy Golf Club to speak with Course Manager Carl Crocher, whose team has been spearheading transformative work on grass paths and stream restoration.
The projects demonstrate how careful planning, timing and creativity can deliver improvements that are both practical and environmentally responsible.
From astro-turf to living grass paths
“The grass paths are not something we ever thought we’d be able to support at Caldy,” admits Carl. For years, paths were laid with astro-turf over hardcore, a functional but uninspiring solution. “As we’ve added drainage, grass paths have become viable - provided they’re wide enough to disperse wear.”
Meanwhile, the stream edge had been eroding for years, posing safety risks and threatening drainage efficiency. “It needed urgent attention,” Carl explains.
Challenges and clever timing
Replacing worn-out astro-turf and managing drainage were the main triggers for the work. By adding drainage last winter, the team ensured summer installation could be completed with minimal damage when moving materials across the course. The stream edge restoration, originally scheduled for autumn, was brought forward to avoid worsening conditions.
Planning around play was key. “We only worked on the stream edge until mid-morning, before golfers reached the 17th hole. Path construction followed our greens maintenance week when the course is quieter and many members are away,” Carl says.
Balancing playability, cost and sustainability
Every project on the course is weighed against timing, potential damage, materials and player disruption. “We coordinate projects to make the most of existing resources,” says Carl. For example, an on-site excavator and repurposed materials kept costs low. The stream edge project cost just a few hundred pounds for sleepers and cement, while the grass path installation was around £2,500 for excavator hire, sand and seed. Labour came from the in-house team.
Sustainability plays a major role in every decision. Replacing astro-turf with natural grass not only improves the environment but simplifies long-term maintenance. The team also mixes compost with sand for rootzones and works closely with turf growers to select the right seed for each area, improving sward composition and resilience.
Engineering and environmental insight
The stream at the 17th hole channels all inland drainage, including old farmland drains, to the Dee Estuary. “Erosion behind the edging threatened collapse and created hazards. Stabilising it was essential for both safety and drainage efficiency,” Carl explains. Temporary damming kept the work area dry during restoration, while drought-hardened ground required careful excavation.
A model of efficiency and innovation
Carl’s approach exemplifies how thoughtful scheduling, clever resource use and a focus on sustainability can deliver high-quality course improvements without disrupting play or breaking the budget. By combining practical needs with environmentally friendly solutions, Caldy Golf Club is setting a benchmark for modern golf course management.