Bunkers: Sand And Future Renovations?

A large component of the LREP that began in the fall of 2010 was bunker renovation and the installation of new sand sourced out of Idaho. To date I think we can agree that it is a great product. It sets up firm and doesn't washout unless we are faced with heavy rain events. Unfortunately that can be a common problem during our summer storms. The drainage works well (given enough time) but design issues sometimes result in a lot of water rushing into the bunkers over a short period of time. When that occurs the layer of bunker sand washes out and then the clay liner begins to erode and mix with the bunker sand. When the Turf Care team repairs this damage we remove as much of the contaminated sand as possible. But we can't get all of it. Over the years the fine washed out clay begins to change the look and playability of the affected bunkers.

A perfect example of severe contamination after a thunderstorm at the 2nd green

Here is a list of issues that must be considered when discussing our bunkers and what the future holds:

• labour to repair bunker washouts is diverted from other daily tasks
• budgeting for new sand is required for day to day maintenance (easy) and storm repairs (not so easy)
• the sand being sourced out of the Idaho is subject to the value of our Canadian Dollar
• shipping from Idaho is very expensive (by the way, shipping from B.C. is also expensive)
• the type of sand we desire at the Royal Mayfair is not found in Alberta
• each storm causing washouts degrades the sand a certain % depending on severity

Every golf course faces some or all of the above issues. Bunker sand doesn't last forever and eventually needs to be replaced just due to normal wear and tear. Washouts complicate things. Not all bunkers "age" at the rate as some wear down faster than others. Turf Care does what we can to slow this process. We are now entering the 7th year with the new sand but we need to consider a complete replacement in about 5 years from now. That may also be the time to consider the design of our bunkers. Do they "work" as intended? Do we have too many? Are they in the correct location? What can we do using new technology to dramatically reduce washouts? I don't want to answer these questions aside from introducing a new bunker lining technique that is working wonders at many golf courses in Canada and the USA. The Club has decided to test the technique this spring on a few of our most troublesome bunkers. If it works long term and gets through our tough winters it may be a solution to a long standing problem and something to be considered in any future bunker work.

Before I name any companies the process involves removal of all sand, inspection and/or repair of subsurface drainage (not a problem with our bunkers), the installation of a layer of small aggregate gravel over the entire base of the bunker, the spraying of a special polymer over that gravel which creates an almost concrete like porous base, a thorough quality inspection and then new sand added to the bunker. This gravel/polymer based process dramatically reduces washouts. I've seen testimony after testimony from golf courses all over the USA give glowing approvals of the technique.

Everyone watched the Ryder Cup last summer. Hazeltine's bunkers were renovated prior to the event in just this manner. What many people don't know is how much rain fell leading up to the Ryder Cup. Their superintendent, Chris Tritabaugh, @ct_turf on twitter, remarked how well the bunkers stood up to repeated assaults from heavy rains. Priddis Greens in Calgary has also introduced this new system to some of their bunkers and they are holding up well to date. We will be using the "Billy Bunker" system in a few of ours. CTC will be doing the work in agreement with the company. Go to www.billybunker.com and review their site for a description and pictures.

As we get closer to spring we will review the Billy Bunker work again in a little more detail. Remember that the irrigation project will commence as soon as possible and the 4th the will be rebuilt when the snow leaves. As for those wondering about the golf course we are wintering well to date.

Family Day is coming up. Be sure to visit the Club and enjoy some skiing, skating and comfort food at the Tee House.