Sports turf students learn sustainable practices

Capillary concrete is an innovative material typically used in the base of sand bunkers to stabilise bunker faces by eliminating wash-outs, preventing sand contamination and extending the life of the drainage system. 

It also helps balance moisture levels in the sand, reducing maintenance costs and making golf courses more environmentally friendly.

Made of porous material, it offers other benefits for golf course bunkers, providing a durable, high-performance drainage system that minimises maintenance and preserves bunker quality.

Effective and efficient drainage ensures bunker sand stays in place, maintaining integrity and reducing maintenance.

It also prevents clogging, protects the drainage layer and keeps sand moisturised in drier conditions, reducing plugged ball lies and avoiding contamination from adjacent soil, which can be easily cleaned by washing with a hose rather than being replaced. 

This results in a more resilient bunker with significantly reduced maintenance demands and creates a more resilient playing surface that can withstand dry spells, reducing the need for frequent watering. 

"Capillary concrete is a game changer for golf courses focused on sustainability,” says Steve Buttigieg, TAFE Queensland.

“By constructing a model green on campus, our students are learning how to lay this game-changing material and witness first-hand how it enhances water retention, which directly translates to cost savings and improved environmental stewardship. We're teaching them an essential skill in modern turf management.”

As students gain hands-on experience with capillary concrete, they also learn to address real-world challenges in sports turf management.

Based at the Grovely campus, students develop their ability to manage a golf course and sports turf facility and establish management practices. 

Under the guidance of industry members from Capillary Bunkers and Centaur Asia Pacific, the students learnt how to lay the material and layer grass on top of the model golf green to maximise its performance.

“The practical learning and industry connection of this course ensures our students graduate with skills and knowledge that are transferable to the workplace to hit the ground running as an assistant or manager in turf-related businesses,” concluded Steve.

With golf courses increasingly prioritising sustainability, the demand for trained professionals who understand capillary concrete's benefits is growing.

For TAFE Queensland students, the opportunity to work with industry and learn about this innovative material offers more than just a technical skill set - it’s an entry into a future-focused sector that values environmental awareness and resource efficiency.

By preparing students with the latest eco-friendly practices, TAFE Queensland is helping shape the future of sustainable sports turf management, one golf course at a time.