Southwest Greens to build synthetic turf golf course in Hong Kong

Southwest Greens International will construct a six-hole synthetic turf golf course on the shores of Hong Kong at the Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club, according to a press release from the company.

The course, featuring Southwest Greens’ tee, fairway, rough, bunker and green synthetic turf systems, is scheduled to open at the end of 2016. The construction will take place on an existing nine-hole par-3 course on the Club’s grounds, with ability to add upgrades in the future.

“We are excited to be part of the construction of this golf facility at such a prestigious private golf club,” says Kevin Holinaty, president of Southwest Greens Construction. “Golfers are the most demanding of athletes – they will only be satisfied with synthetic surfaces if the surfaces react in a way that they are accustomed to feeling and experiencing while playing on top quality natural surfaces. We are pleased that Clearwater Bay has put their faith in our product and installation capacity.”

Southwest Greens Construction has built several golf courses, academies and driving range facilities around the world, including a 315,000 square foot project they are currently working on near St. Tropez, France. According to the company, Clearwater Bay G&CC had several goals in mind; reduce maintenance, reduce water usage, provide a consistent year-round playing surface and enhance the beauty of the existing site.   

“I was first introduced to Southwest Greens Construction when I had an opportunity to see their product and craftsmanship first-hand during the installation at Hong Kong Golf & Tennis Academy,” says Darry Koster, superintendent of Clearwater Bay G&CC. “From that visit forward I was confident the synthetic solution over natural turf was the best fix for our long-term goals.”

Clearwater Bay General Manager Peter Downie says in the press release that he never thought of using synthetic turf as an option until he and Koster visited the Hong Kong G&TA.

“The initial impression when you arrive at the teeing ground is very impressive, but what surprised me were the results and feedback I got when hitting full 8 irons, not only from the tee surface, but also into the greens,” says Downie.“The ball was reacting and spinning on the greens surface like I experience on a high quality natural surface. That day alone sold me on synthetic for this specific project, and since picking Southwest Golf Construction as the synthetic contractor, their commitment and help has been nothing but first class.”