Renovation II

5 green side bunker was another on our list for renovations. Members had commented to me that balls would get stuck near the lip on the right side and make for difficult recovery shots. We removed the liner to see what could be done to level or smooth out the uneven surface only to find solid rock. In order to keep a consistent playing surface or depth this rock had to all be removed. After the back-hoe loosened the edges, a great deal of hand work was involved to remove all the rock. The bunker was reshaped to a flat bottom with a sodded face. This allows us to keep a smooth consistent depth.

Nothing but rock.

Rock finally removed. Numerous carts of sub-soil added to smooth the bottom and finished with new liner.

Tee it up

Along with a few bunker projects, we are continuing the rehab of the tee edges. Over the years the "creeping bentgrass" has contaminated the tee surrounds. We have been re-wrapping, straightening the edges back to original specs. We will continue this through the season, weather dependent, until completion.

Laying Turf type tall fescue on 14

14 Black Before

11 Tees stripped and ready for new sod.

Finished Tees

Renovation

We have been renovating and repairing bunkers this winter to start the 2018 season. The practice bunker was the first we tackled. The face, over the years has been inundated with sand splashed up from practice shots. This covers the face and during hot weather quickly raises temps putting extra stress on the grass.Once we began digging down to the original soil base, we realized almost 18" of sand had accumulated.

 

Bare areas on the face from excessive sand. Notice the height at the peak heading down to the green.

The face was hand dug, reshaped, and then the backhoe re-contoured along the green-side.

The new edge smoothed and contoured. Then came dozens of carts filled with sand.

Almost completed, waiting for sod delivery. (the face is almost level with the green)

Finished bunker!!