London, England: Andrew Gould, Head of Operations at bunker solution experts EcoBunker, helped to keep Korean Bae Sang-moon on course at Foxhills Club & Resort during the Asian Tour’s International Series England.

For the US$2 million event, Gould, who has been working with the team at EcoBunker since the start of the year, acted as caddie for the two-time PGA Tour winner.

Having worked on an extensive bunkering commission at the venue as one of his first projects for the business, Gould was able to offer his player a unique insight into the dangers presented by the Longcross Course.

“We were brought into Foxhills through MJ Abbott and European Golf Design, to install our EcoTec bunker liners across the Longcross Course at the start of the year,” said Gould.

“In a strange co-incidence, our founder Richard Allen had visited Foxhills to inspect the new bunkering, and he mentioned the upcoming event. A day later I saw an online advert looking for volunteer caddies.

“I love attending big golf events and have caddied a couple of times, so I couldn’t miss the chance to put my name down. I didn’t expect to be chosen, let alone matched with a two-time PGA Tour winner!”

With Gould on his bag, Bae fired opening rounds of 72 and 69 to comfortably make the half-way cut. Following a third-round 71, the Korean closed with a sparkling five-under 66 to end in a share of 17th place.

Speaking on the eve of the event, Gould told Golf Business News: “I can certainly vouch for the impeccable quality of the bunkering, but I’ll be doing all I can to help Sang-moon avoid them!

“I would have been excited just to see our EcoBunker work in play for such a high-profile event, but to get a view from inside the ropes and on the bag of such a fantastic player is an incredible opportunity.”

EcoBunker Founder Allen said: “It is very satisfying when clients trust us with their golf course, knowing that they will have the world’s best players coming.

“Our EcoTec bunker liners improve playability and keep sand quality purer than a traditional liner, so while we know the players will be hoping to avoid them, they’ll be impressed by the quality if they do find their way in.” 

*EcoBunker is a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.