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Monday, December 2, 2013

Bunker Blues

It's hard to believe, but I'm feeling the need to write yet another blog post about our current bunker situation here at Quilchena.  Why is this necessary you ask?  First and foremost, I feel it is extremely important to continually communicate with the membership in order for them to better understand our concerns and challenges when it comes to maintaining their course.  We are constantly trying to improve upon how we can best deliver optimum course conditions on a daily basis.  Secondly, I still sense that there is not a clear understanding of exactly what our current bunker situation is.  I spent some time searching back into my email archive and came across the following email that was sent to the Golf Committee back in early October of this year and I feel that it is important to share with you all.  Please take the time to thoroughly read through it...

"Good morning all,

I urge you to please take the time to read this important email about the condition of our bunkers.

After talking to many members this past weekend, it’s clear that the majority are still not aware of exactly what bunker issues we are dealing with.  I’ve put together numerous info sheets documenting the issues and have exhausted all of our communication resources (blog, eNews, Herald, locker rooms, etc.) so I am asking you to please help me spread the word.  Many still believe the solution to our bunker problems is to simply add new sand.  Again, I cannot stress enough how much $$$ would be wasted by going that route.  Bunker sand is extremely expensive (more than double the cost per ton of our greens topdressing sand) and although adding some new sand might improve a few lies here and there, it is not the proper solution.

I once again dug out Larry Gilhuly’s report from his visit back in June of 2008 (before my arrival to Quilchena) and it was clear back then that the contamination issues in our bunkers were already a major concern.  Here is what Mr. Gilhuly had to say back then:

GREEN SURROUNDS

Observations and recommendations. The areas that surround the greens (aprons, collars, bunkers and roughs) comprise the second highest level of importance due to the proximity to the main target
and the need for many shots that require “touch”. While the aprons have obviously improved with the addition of drainage and ongoing sand topdressing (extremely important to continue), the bunkers and collars were discussed with the following recommendations:

      Contaminated bunker sand – a demonstration and change is needed. This visit was conducted following several days of dry weather, thus the bunkers appeared to be well drained and firm. However, while observing several shots from various bunkers (dust) and talking with those in attendance it is apparent that your sand is heavily contaminated with silt and clay resulting in extremely firm conditions and poor drainage. Please note the enclosed reprint that describes the life expectancy of various components of a golf course. Bunker sand generally can be expected to last from 7-10 years, however with good hand maintenance and care golf courses have been viewed that last much longer than this time frame. Bottom line – Quilchena has far surpassed this time frame and is contaminated, thus your sand should be considered for replacement. Once the realization of sand replacement is accepted, the next series of questions includes:
o   “Which sand should be used?”
o   “Who should remove and add the new sand?”
o   “Will it be sand removal, drainage and sand replacement or architectural change?”

      Which sand should be used? There are at least three good choices for sand in your area including two sources from your local area (Baja and Bimini) and one from Washington (Ravensdale) should you decide to stay with an off-white sand. There are an equal amount of very bright white sources, yet the cost is generally much higher and they will show any contamination much faster than the “tan” sands. In nearly every case, the general recommendation is to simply take a practice bunker, split it into three or four parts and test each of the sands in a side-by-side comparison for at least one year. Quilchena does not have this option due to the lack of a good practice bunker, thus it was suggested to test these sands on the golf course in three separate bunkers near the clubhouse, such as No. 18. Each bunker would have the sand described earlier installed with either the Baja bunker or Ravensdale bunker having half of the bunker with a combination of these two sands. This is due to the high cost of the Ravensdale sand and the many golf courses in your area that have added Baja sand into the Ravensdale material with good results. Regardless, make sure to add ample drainage and also consider three different techniques to keep the sand clean. After drainage is installed, line one bunker with Sand Trapper II, another with perennial ryegrass sod and a third using the technique from Marine Drive where Portland cement has been used with success for earthworms. Test all of the sands and liners for at least one year to determine which is best and then consider a sand replacement program after Nos. 1-5 have been improved.

          Who should remove and add the new sand? While it may be tempting to assume that this is a job that can be completed by your maintenance staff, this method of addressing this issue was not recommended. The amount of time required to complete this type of operation would require at least 3-4 additional employees as it will not be a simple sand removal and replacement project. Drainage must be added with the type shown in the upper right photo the type of extensive drainage recommended to assure complete and rapid water removal. Should you decide to complete this in-house, Portland Golf Club faced the exact same situation when they were installing their sand/slit drainage last year. They also had the same sand found at Quilchena and decided to simply extend the sand/slit drainage from the fairways and roughs near the bunkers under the bunkers when the sand was removed. The results have been exceptional thus far, thus this same type of drainage connection could be completed at Quilchena, however it would best be completed by an outside contractor with experience to complete the bunkers in a much faster manner.

·         Will it be sand removal, drainage and sand replacement or architectural change? This answer can only come from your membership as architectural changes will greatly increase the cost of this project. There is no question that the sand needs to be removed and drainage needs to be added. Also, some type of liner is needed to ensure your sand remains clean for as long as possible. The need for architectural change should only be contemplated as part of your master plan with a qualified golf course architect."

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.
604-277-1513

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