Bunker Renovation

We are pleased to announce that the long awaited and much needed greenside bunker renovation is scheduled to start next week, the week of January 6th.  The greenside bunkers shall be fully renovated while the fairway bunkers will have additional sand added to them.  We researched many types of bunker construction available and found that the one that best suits our needs with the difficult climate we live in; wind, heavy rain, extreme drought conditions, etc. is the Better Billy Bunker Method.  Please go to the following link to find additional information about this exciting construction technique where pictures, methods and testimonials are found.  http://billybunker.com/

The renovation is a multiple step process as follows:
1) re-establish the original bunker edge, which may include sod work in some areas
2) remove the existing bunker sand and stockpile in out of the way areas on the golf course to be used for various projects
3) replace internal drainage system
4) install 2 inch layer of gravel throughout entire bunker
5) spray the gravel layer with a polymer, which binds the gravel together but also allows for water flow
6) install new bunker sand to a compacted depth of 4 inches

On contractor, Forefront Construction, plans on a phased construction in which one-third to one-half of the bunkers are under construction at one time.  The application of the polymer is most efficient when there are multiple bunkers getting sprayed at the same time.  The entire process is expected to take approximately two months, dependent upon weather and course functions which means all work should be complete by the end of February.  The new greenside bunkers should withstand rain events much better and be playable much quicker after rain events.  The polymerized gravel layer allows for extremely quick drainage as well as providing a barrier between the sand and native clay soils of the bunker to greatly reduce the rate of sand contamination.  The Better Billy Bunker has proven successful on courses that experience rain events similar to ours.  It allows the water to penetrate the sand and flow into the gravel layer where it then moves to the internal drainage  system on the bunker floor and then into the drain line which carries it out of the bunker.  Because the water actually moves down the faces of the bunkers through the gravel layer and not the sand, the bunkers should not experience the same amount of washouts they currently have when we experience heavy rains.  This coupled with quickly drying sand will produce bunkers, which are repaired and playable much quicker after rain events.

We will keep you updated on the progress of the project.