Friday, August 26, 2022

Bunkers-Why are they so firm and inconsistent?







 We get alot of feedback about the Timarron bunkers.  The biggest issue is the firmness of the sand certain times of the year.  Here are some details-

  • The sand we have is a specialized bunker sand that packs tight.  This is a desirable trait because it will minimize golf ball plugging.
  • Rainfall and irrigation pack the sand.
  • Bunkers will play the firmest in the summer when its hot and dry.  This is because were irrigating the entire course every night.  The bunkers never get a chance to dry out. 
  • Sometimes members mistake firm sand as the bunker liner.  The solution for this is to loosen the sand, not add more sand.
  • We are constantly trying to "fluff" the bunkers when raked.
  • Bunkers are usually raked daily prior to golfers.
  • The bunkers were redone in 2017.  Billy Bunker liner and Arkansas White sand were installed.
  • Over time dirt, algae, grass, and organic matter become mixed with the bunker sand.  Because of this, bunkers will drain slower, hold more water, and play firmer. 
  • Additional sand is added as needed.
  • There is not a perfect bunker sand.
  • The photos shows the bunker bottom being turned over by hand to help loosen the sand.
  • Bunkers are inconsistent.  Some variables-wind, trees, elevation, irrigation coverage, if fresh sand was added, if the bunker was turned over by hand, time of year and weather patterns.  Think of #15 greenside bunkers vs #18 greenside bunkers.  Two totally different environments.