Adding Sand to Bunkers

Well, it's no secret that many of our bunkers are in need of more sand so I am happy to announce that 40 tonnes of new bunker sand has arrived and we will begin "topping off" the bunkers the first week of May!  We have budgeted for an additional 40 tonnes as well.

stockpile of new bunker sand

Our first priority will be adding sand to the green-side bunkers and then we will move along to the fairway bunkers.  This is something that should be done routinely, but unfortunately, it often becomes one of the items cut from the operating budget.  This year we realized we simply could not afford to cut it again and it became a top priority once again.

Did you know that bunker sand has a "life expectancy"?  That's right, a life expectancy.  Good quality bunker sand, like that which we use, remains good quality bunker sand for about 5-7 years. You're probably asking yourself, "What the heck could affect the lifespan of the bunker sand?"  I'm glad you asked.

Some factors that diminish the quality of the bunker sand are:

• weathering and heavy rainfall that results in "washouts" on the bunker faces
• subsurface contamination (stones and/or migrating up through the bunker base)
• above ground contamination (grass clippings, leaves, twigs, divots and other debris)
• routine maintenance (bunker edging and raking)
• poor drainage
• animal activity (digging)

Our bunkers are well overdue for a complete renovation that would include removing the existing sand, re-contouring, installing new drainage and adding new sand.  Until then, the best we can do is correct drainage issues as they present themselves and add sand as needed.

It'd be foolish of me not to use this opportunity to again remind everyone of a few key bunker etiquette techniques that will also help to maintain the playability of our bunkers.

1. Always enter and exit a bunker from the "low point" and NOT along a steep face where you can slide down and displace the sand.  If you feel like you have to climb in and out of our bunkers, you're certainly not entering them from the right spot.
2. Use the rakes at the bunkers to smooth your footprints, especially where you "dug in" for the shot, and rake where your club blasted the ball from the bunker.  Your golf club is not a suitable option to rake the bunker!
3. If the sand is damp or wet, please knock the sand from your shoes before walking on the green where it may track into another golfer's putting line.

Last but not least, a quick "rant" from me on the topic of bunkers.  Too often I hear golfers complain about the bunkers when in fact, a quick bunker lesson from any of our golf professional staff would greatly improve their shot-making ability.  A bunker shot is completely different from any other golf shot you hit on the golf course so if you never really learned how to hit one properly than don't expect great results.  If you don't feel the need for a bunker lesson, then maybe a lesson on how to avoid hitting the ball into bunkers would be a better option.  If you're playing partners are constantly telling you that "you spend more time at the beach than Hasselhoff", than you could use a lesson.  

Oh, and by the way, a bunker is a hazard so maybe it's time to stop expecting a perfect lie!