Capillary Concrete announces installation at 2018 Ryder Cup site

France’s Le Golf National undergoing bunker renovation.

Part-owner Annika Sorenstam has announced Capillary Concrete’s 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,” said 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 such as Mar Menor GC, Saurines GC and Condado de Alhama GC.

“Capillary Concrete really makes a difference when it comes to bunker play and maintenance,” said Sorenstam, 2014 recipient of the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America’s 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.”