Largest Synthetic Golf Facility in St. Tropez, France

(CALHOUN, Georgia, USA) – Southwest Greens International, along with parent company Shaw Industries, announces a historic project in the golf industry for Southwest Greens Construction. Located near the iconic and beautiful backdrop of St. Tropez, France, this 9 hole golf course, academy and driving range will be built entirely with Southwest Greens’ proprietary performance synthetic turf systems. Featuring more than 35,000 m2 of installed systems, the facility will boast SWG’s performance fairway, rough and bunker systems on the course along with its Pro System on the greens of the course and academy. The driving range will feature a synthetic performance fairway and rough along with performance target greens, intended to elevate the experience for the golfer.

“This project propels the industry into a new dimension, demonstrating that our performance turf systems are a real solution for all components on the golf course and driving range,” notes Kevin Holinaty, President of Southwest Greens Construction. “During the planning phase we worked with the client and architect to deliver on key wishes and expectations for such a unique project. Working extensively with our supply chain’s research and development department we were able to engineer the best possible options and features. We are excited to part of the construction of this historic golf facility.”

Holinaty and his team are well versed in golf course construction, having built several golf courses around the world with key components featuring synthetic turf systems. “Our commercial product line addresses every conceivable problem area on the golf course, from golf greens, fairways, roughs and bunkers to cart paths. We can even resolve erosion control for lake embankments,” Holinaty explains. “Our high performance turf systems mimic the surfaces of championship caliber natural surfaces. During the engineering process to create these performing turf systems, we understood the demanding nature of the golf player. In order to satisfy their expections, our products need to excel in all aspects of ball behaviour performance. We think we have created turf systems that live up to this demanding criteria.” Synthetic turf continues to grow worldwide because of its durability, sustainability and reliable playing surface.

“In choosing this innovative option of using synthetic turf systems, we definitely needed to have the best partner in the industry, and after a lengthy tender process, we chose Southwest Greens Construction, led by Kevin Holinaty and Haaye de Jong. We couldn’t be happier with the choice.”

Set to open in spring 2017, the client was looking to develop a facility that brought the complete golf experience to players. “Since we started developing the concept of this facility more than 3 years ago, called Golf Up, it became very clear that we had to do the entire project using synthetic turf. First, because of the positive impact on maintenance and operational costs, which was critical to the financial feasibility of the project, and second, having the ability to have our training center and golf course open all year round with the same exceptional quality of turf,” says Robert Roussille, Executive Director of Golf Up. “In choosing this innovative option of using synthetic turf systems, we definitely needed to have the best partner in the industry, and after a lengthy tender process, we chose Southwest Greens Construction, led by Kevin Holinaty and Haaye de Jong. We couldn’t be happier with the choice.”

The driving range facilities will include innovative target greens and will have 45 hitting stations. The state of the art academy will boast 3 coaching studios fully equiped with cameras and video systems.

In addition to the golf facilities, Golf Up will feature apartments for rent, adjacent to the academy and built in a Provençal theme that captures the essence of a typical charming village in Provence. A club house and restaurant will also be featured.

The golf facility was designed by French architect Jean-Claude Cornillot, a senior member of the EIGCA. Kevin Holinaty sees the industry evolving with new and innovative concepts. “We see the industry taking notice of what is possible with high quality synthetic turf systems. This project is a testament of what can be achieved when you combine innovative design with the artistry and skilled precision of our construction team,” says Holinaty. “The sheer size of the project makes it even more unique for the industry to take notice of.” Supporting Holinaty’s remarks, Robert Roussille adds, “It is going to be a fantastic venue for golfers of all ages and abilities to practice every aspect of their game while enjoying an exceptional design, great products, and a comfortable setting.”