Bunkers are more than just sand-filled holes in the ground, just ask the turf scientists with the USGA’s Green Section. The Green Section is 95 years old, and has been delivering on its mission of developing and disseminating sustainable management practices for better playing conditions and better golf since 1920. The Green Section’s most recent dissemination, The Green Section Record, June 5, covers managing bunkers. Written by Todd Lowe and Bob Vavrek, the authors recommend, tongue-in-cheek, that when discussing bunkers with Rule officials (or golf administrators), it’s best to avoid the slang term, “sand trap,” when describing sand-filled hazards, waste areas, grassy hollows, etc.
Bunkers come in all shapes and sizes and are most definitely not created equal. Construction, drainage, sand types, topography and daily maintenance requirements are all factors that determine the playability and quality of the bunkers at the typical golf course. Contrary to accepted golfer wisdom, the author’s write, it is impossible to ensure complete bunker consistency mainly because of moisture. Weather, sand depth, irrigation, shade, sun angle and topography all affect sand moisture, and these conditions differ widely for every bunker on a daily basis.
If your golf facility is considering bunker refurbishment, renovation or new construction, or if you just want to better understand bunker maintenance, this newsletter is a must-read.