Old bunker sand

What happens to all that old bunker sand during construction?

We run a very lean operation in the Grounds department. We have a large property to maintain and a small, skilled staff with which to accomplish our tasks. We cannot waste time or money. So, as construction gets underway again this summer, we have an opportunity to re-purpose some of the bunker sand that is being removed.

Last year, the old bunker sand was hauled down to the soccer complex to help build the new soccer field. It worked out wonderfully. If you have not been down there, the new soccer field is doing terrific and has been a welcome re-addition to the Bretton Woods experience. This year, though, there is no new soccer field to build. We have tons of sand that is being removed from the bunkers on holes 1 and 10, that needs a place to go. We are stockpiling it at the maintenance shop for now, because that is the best and most easily accessible location for us to keep it.

We have been preparing for the time when the sand would become available since the end of construction last year. We are always looking for ways to improve the course and the surplus of sand is a valuable material. We see the course every day, through all different conditions, which leads to many ideas forming in the minds of the Grounds department. When we get a downpour, we don’t hide in the shop and avoid getting wet. Instead we head out to see how the bunkers react and to see where the excess water flows and doesn’t flow. The areas where the excess water doesn’t flow, but instead puddles, brings us back to the topic of the old bunker sand.

Map of facility showing areas that need sand marked in orange

Construction work has eliminated many of our drainage issues already. When we complete the Master Plan we will have eliminated 99% of the drainage issues. It is not realistic for this type of renovation to correct 100% of the problem areas, however. It would take a complete course renovation with individual hole closures or an entire course closure to fix all the trouble spots, but, that 1% can still cause some issues around the course as a result. When we check the course after a storm, we see places that puddle and take notes. We have a map of the entire facility on which we mark areas that are in need of correcting. This is when having the bunker sand will come in handy. We take this old sand and we lightly topdress these low areas that puddle. By adding a light layer of sand in the lowest area, we gradually raise the center of the puddle until it is level with the surrounding area and no longer puddles. As seen in the pictures, the sand is spread over a predetermined area, then brushed in with a broom. Some areas we can add more sand than others. It is not an overnight fix, but within a couple of summers we can make major gains. One load of sand to be used for topdressing would cost somewhere between $1500-2000 depending on tonnage. We will salvage approximately 6-8 loads worth of sand from the bunkers on holes 1 and 10 alone, or a savings of $10,000 or more.

Sand excavated from #10 right green side bunker ONLY

Sand on #3 fairway

We won’t use all of the sand working on raising these low pockets of water. We have also already put out a light topdressing on all of the sod on holes 3, 15, 16, 17 from last year’s construction. Also, as construction continues this year, we may potentially use some of the old sand to topdress and level some of the new sod on #’s 1 and 10.

Sand spread in low areas on #3 fairway

Sand in 3 fairway after 3 days

Seizing the opportunity to recycle materials for a different purpose helps us make improvements and also keep costs down. For a property this size, with a small but efficient staff, saving money is key to getting more done with less.

Etiquette Reminder of the Week

Please enter and exit all bunkers on the low side. While this may result in slightly more distance to rake, it will keep the sod on the face of the bunker from tearing. It is also much safer! Thank you.

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org