07th March, 2018

Ace Your Next Golf Course Project: Use Structural Recycled Plastic Lumber

Interesting fact: While the game of golf can be traced back to as early as 960 in China, it first came to the United States in 1893 in Wheaton, Illinois as The Chicago Golf Club. The game of golf has evolved into quite the American pastime in the last few hundred years, and according to the NGF (National Golf Foundation), there are over 15,000 golf courses in the United States.

These golf courses didn’t just appear; a lot of planning and preparation goes into developing, creating and building a golf course. There are many challenges that arise through this process, and often times these challenges are nearly impossible to plan for, such as weather conditions and application durability. 

Digging Deeper into Common Challenges

One phrase that comes to mind is, “expect the unexpected”. Since courses are outdoors, one challenge that is very common is weather conditions. Mother nature is a tough one to crack, but preparing for the worst isn’t always a bad thing. This means accounting for extreme weather conditions that will vary depending on the location of the golf course.

Whether it’s a snow storm, or torrential rain, extreme dry spells or harsh winds (to name a few), building the course to withstand these environments could save time and money in the long-run.

Another challenge is planning for longevity. The oldest golf course, St. Andrews was developed in 1552 when Archbishop John Hamilton of St. Andrews was given a charter that confirmed the rights of local populace to play golf on the links at St. Andrews. That’s over 466 years ago.

Many courses around the world have similar lifelines as St. Andrews Old Course; which means a lot of renovating, repairing and replacing. But, choosing which projects and materials to use to increase longevity and hold up against uncontrollable conditions is an important decision.

One option is to use material that has proven to hold up in harsh environments and is more durable than traditional wood.

Ever Consider Structural Recycled Plastic Lumber?

Plastic lumber is a durable product that can withstand extreme weather conditions and requires little to no maintenance. Another interesting fact: Bedford Technology has been specializing in golf-industry applications for years:

  • Pond Walls
  • Retaining Walls
  • Sign Posts/Markers
  • Tee boxes
  • Benches & Site Amenities

Traditionally, wooden boards and lumber are used for many of the above applications. However, wood breaks down over time, and it can be costly to maintain and replace. Bedford Technology’s plastic lumber solutions provide a durable solution for your projects. Instead of “expect the unexpected”, you can say, “set it and forget it”.

What Does That Mean?

Bedford Technology’s smarter lumber products include many benefits. Our product is low-maintenance and sustainable because it will not rot or splinter, and it requires no painting or staining. The durable recycled plastic lumber will hold up in harsh environments and extreme weather conditions.

But, What About Installation?

Our products install much like traditional wood. We have three product lines that could be suited for your golf course projects; determining the right one for you depends on the soil type and function of the application. Our plastic lumber comes in many colors and shapes, and with varying degrees of strength, you won’t have to worry about a structural component of the course breaking down, like a pond wall or a bridge, which would leave you in the bunker.

Want to Learn More?

Contact us today to get more information about our three product lines to find out which one will work for your project!