Practice bunker renovation

We have two practice bunkers at our practice area: one greenside bunker and another that functions as a practice bunker for all longer bunker shots. This second bunker is located just over the hill to the far left of the driving range tee. In desperate need of a renovation, this winter we tackled the project.

The practice bunker after removal of old sod. Notice how 
the soil near the top is falling down into the sand.

The fairway practice bunker was left untouched during the long master plan renovations on the golf course. Built in a similar design as the original course bunkers and just as old, it had outlived its use. The sand washed down off the high face, became contaminated with silt, and clogged the internal drainage. Not to mention that it simply no longer matches the style of any other bunker on the course now. Since it is such a small bunker, and the only one in need of work, we did this project in house.

Redefining the edge of the bunker

Having watched all the bunkers on the course being built during construction, we had a good idea of how to reshape this practice bunker to match. Our main obstacle was the location: being built into the side of a hill and with nowhere else to relocate, we had to manage as best as we could with what we had. Our first goal was to remove the high-sand face that was constantly eroding in any rainstorm. We did this by hauling in fresh soil and building a “nose” that extends down towards the level of the sand. Now instead of the sand climbing up the face to the lip, the lip reaches down to the sand and allows for the bottom of the bunker to be flat, reducing the chance for erosion. Lessening the potential for silt contamination in the sand from storms, we also added all new drainage. Although the sand will still move in heavy rain, there will be far less silt mixing with the sand. Finally, new sod and new sand finished up the project.

New drainage installation. We are also beginning to 
add new soil to the high side to make a new lip.

Drainage finsished and soil added to upper edge. Compared to the
first picture, you can see how we brought the upper edge
down into the bunker further.

Completed new edge

New sod installed

Complete. With new sod and new sand

Although it took us longer than expected (cold, snow, frozen ground, etc.), we laid new sod down this past week. It will take some time for the sod to knit and be strong enough for traffic, but the bunker will easily be ready once the spring season gets going.

 

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please remember to keep your cart on the cart path when we are “Cart Path Only.”

Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

 

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org