Often I am asked this question. Where does the sand in the bunkers go? Bunker sand moves in a number of ways. Bunker shots that splash out sand eventually add up to alot of sand dispersion. High winds like we have been experiencing this spring will move considerable amounts of sand aswell. The biggest culprit is washouts (at least for us here at HCC) , when we recieve an inch or two of rain in a short period of time (like yesterday) the sand is washed out and contamination occurs from the surrounds and the edges. We then need to remove that contaminated sand in attempt to keep the bunkers as white as possible. This year we have fixed washouts in record numbers (for this time of year). I am very aware that our bunkers are thin on sand. On Monday of next week you will notice our crew out adding sand to the greenside bunkers first, then to the fairway bunkers. This not only improves playability, but aids in reducing the degree of washouts in the future. This process can be a lenghty one, we hope to have it completed next week. Your patience and understanding is always appreciated.
Last fall we utilized a “new to us” method of revitilization for our practice tee. Our contractor TDS, fraize mowed the surface of the tee to remove organic matter as well at to aid in leveling. The tee was then aerified and seeded to a new variety of creeping rye grass. We chose this type of turf grass as research shows rapid recovery and a low growth habit. We were able to get some great growth in the fall, but the tee is still not ready for traffic and full use. The plan is to utilize the mats until growth has filled in some of the voids etc. We will then begin to slowly set up hitting areas on the grass tee. For a while we will alternate between grass and the mats with a 50/50 ratio of use. Once the grass tee is established and is in adequate recovery mode, the practice areas will be back to normal. As always our membership’s patience is appreciated as we try to improve these areas for use.
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