One of the most discussed issues here at Highland is our bunkers. Years ago when the bunker renovation was done a new design was instituted to bring back the Stanley Thompson feel of the golf course. With that feel came very strategic and challenging bunker complexes. Not only are they a challenge to play from but also to maintain. Our department works very strategically and diligently to provide consistent bunker play. Some of the tasks that come with these bunkers are raking and smoothing, mowing and trimming of the surrounds, checking and adjusting bunker sand depth, weed control and sand consistency. Raking and smoothing daily takes 9 man hours (per day). Mowing and trimming are done weekly to present a playable and aesthetically pleasing bunker complex, this takes about 10 man hours (per week). Bunker sand depth is done monthly and if sand needs to be added (which it always does) can take up to 280 man hours (per month). Weed control is done constantly, we use hand pulling methods and chemical weed control. Hand pulling can take up to 32 man hours (per month) and chemical can take up to 20 man hours (per month). The monthly total for the heart of the season is approximately 624 man hours. This labour number adds up rather fast and we do try to do our best to keep these bunkers in the best shape possible. As you can see, we do put forth a great effort to remedy any issues that our membership has with our bunkers. These numbers are strictly labour, it does not include any costs for material items such as sand, equipment to load and haul sand and the proper tools to do the best job. I didn't mention what happens if it rains...hours of shoveling, raking and smoothing. Our current program of sand distribution and managing sand contamination will help prevent the dirty washouts. I found an interesting article from the USGA on consistency of bunkers. To check out this article click the following link http://www.usga.org/turf/green_section_record/2009/mar_apr/bunker_consistency.pdf
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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