New bunker sand

Over time, bunker sand ends up in many places other than a bunker. It is blown out, washed out, purposely removed, and taken out by golfers. This sand needs to be replaced in order for the bunker to remain playable. Last week, we added sand to several bunkers most in need of more sand.

Sand can be blown out of bunkers in one of two ways. First, the wind can move the sand out of the bunker, especially from the low end. When the sand gets dry and fluffy and strong winds move through the area, the top layers of sand can be removed. Similarly, when the Grounds staff has to blow debris out of the bunker, inevitably some sand is blown out as well. We can’t control the wind, but we do make an effort to blow as little sand out as possible on our own. We reduce the throttle on our blowers so there is less force applied to the sand. We also hold the nozzle of the blower at a softer angle so the force of the air is not directed down at the sand as severely.

Water can also move sand out of a bunker. If the rain is coming down faster than the water can drain through the bunker, a puddle can form in the bunker. If this puddle gets to the point that it overtakes the lip of the bunker, it can carry sand out of the bunker.

Sometimes the sand within a bunker becomes contaminated by soil. Especially during heavy rains, dirt can be carried into the bunker, or dirt from underneath the sand can be exposed to the surface and mix with the sand. When this happens, we remove the dirt and the contaminated sand. We try and remove only what is necessary but nevertheless, sand is removed. Done perfectly, dirt would never remain in the bunker and new sand could continue to be added to replace the sand taken out. However, it is very difficult to remove all of the soil when it contaminates a bunker. Eventually, the sand becomes so contaminated that it no longer allows water to drain through efficiently and all of the sand must be replaced.

Lastly, bunker sand is removed from bunkers by golfers. When a golfer hits a shot, a portion of sand is blasted out of the bunker. Extrapolated over hundreds of golf shots, and the amount of sand removed is significant. Similarly, each time a golfer exits a bunker some sand is removed by their shoes. Most golfers are at least conscious of this fact and try and knock the sand of their shoes back into the bunker before continuing on. However, not all golfers do this and a small amount of sand can be transferred to the surrounding grass.

We were lucky that each bunker we worked on this past week was still draining sufficiently, but was short on sand. We did not need to remove all of the existing sand; we only needed to put new sand on top of the old sand. We worked on the green side bunkers of #4 and #8, the left green side bunker of #9, and the practice bunker at the chipping green. Each of the bunkers on 4, 8, and 9 had been reconstructed several years ago and were due for an addition of sand and the practice bunker needed new sand due to heavy use from golfers.

We will continue to catch up on the previously rebuilt bunkers. Then, as the more recently redone bunkers age, we will monitor their sand as well and make additions and adjustments as necessary.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Blue flag cart riders, please obey the recently updated handicap cart rules.

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org