New golf driving range set to open in Southampton
And the long-time dream of Mr. Richard Farge is expected to be more than an addition to the Island's vast selection of golfing facilities.
"The golf range will affect Bermuda in a positive way,'' Mr. Farge told The Royal Gazette .
"It is a cheap way to play golf and have fun for children, tourists and golfing enthusiasts who don't want to use their life savings to play at Bermuda's expensive courses.'' The new facility, that is planned for completion by the end of May, will offer 50 bays for the driving range, golf lessons, a mini-golf centre and a club house planned by one of the best American designers. The recreation centre is planned over a 12-acre plot off Middle Road in Southampton near SAL.
Mr. Farge has incorporated a hi-tech grass growing technique in the plans that will speed up the completion date of the project.
He said the new technique, "hydroseeding'', will enable the entire 12-acre plot to be covered in grass within ten days of the initial spraying, which began earlier this week.
The hydroseeding process -- which is environmentally friendly -- encompasses a mixture of paper mulch, glue, high phosphorous fertiliser, grass seed and water which is sprayed on to the ground using a high-pressure fire hose.
The paper mulch -- old newsprint -- is cut up finely and holds in moisture speeding up the pace of germination.
Mr. Farge pointed out that this process has never been used in Bermuda, and presents an excellent way to guarantee good grass and get rid of waste paper from old newspapers.
He's very enthusiastic about the new range and feels that it will offer new opportunities for people to learn golf, practice, or improve their game without being embarrassed and slow on major golf courses.
"It takes the pressure off the tee-off. People can actually enjoy themselves and improve at the same time,'' Mr. Farge added.
DRIVE FOR SHOW... -- A look at the site of the new golf driving range where the hi-tech hydroseeding process has just begun. In ten days, it is claimed that the area will be covered in grass.
