Adding an Amenity to a Country Club
This upscale country club in the Midwest was looking for a way to add an amenity for both its golf and social membership. After choosing a size and location near a bar and situated between two pools, the club’s board turned its attention to determining how the bocce court would be constructed.
Synthetic Turf vs. Crushed Oyster Shell
The first choice the board discussed was what surface to use. Some members of the board assumed the court would use crushed oyster shell as that was what the Italian restaurants in town and another country club had used for their surface. However, the board eventually decided on synthetic turf from XGrass for the following key reasons:
- Easier to maintain – no need to rake, level and broom regularly
- Cleaner – no worries of crushed oyster shells or dust being tracked onto nearby pool decks or walkways
- Better drainage
- Proven success in other commercial environments
Base Selection
After deciding use synthetic turf as the surface material for the bocce courts, the board evaluated base options. It was ultimately decided to go with concrete bases which would provide the most consistent playability and last for a very long time with no maintenance.
Drainage & Support Tile Selection
With the base and surface material options selected, the contractor for the job chose to use a combination turf base and drainage tile from UltraBase Systems. Since the concrete provided a solid base for the court, UltraBase’s ¾” tall Champion Panel was specified primarily to provide drainage and soften the hard surface.
Infill and Top Dressing Selection
As a final touch, the contractor specified the use of the Recreational Group’s infill system for the turf. This system, which is the same used on Tour Greens putting greens, features an infill sand that creates the natural feel and absorption of a traditional oyster shell court.
After this is integrated into the turf, the court is top dressed with a specially formulated blend of black and green acrylic-coated quartz that gives the court a deep, rich luster while keeping the rolling surface consistent and receptive.
Beautiful, Functional, Low-Maintenance Bocce Courts
Once the project was complete, the club had a great new amenity for both its current and prospective members. Club management created leagues to engage the membership and provide additional opportunities for members to socialize while enhancing the utilization of one of its outdoor bar and dining areas.
The end result was a win for both the members of the club and the club’s bottom line.
Bocce Court Installation Gallery
