Bunker Project Update

The bunker project is going extremely well. As of this morning, the 1st, 10th, 11th, and 12th (green side only on 12) have been completed. We are working on the greenside bunkers on 13 now. I have been approached several times with varying ideas of what we are actually trying to accomplish and what material we are actually using. In several of my older posts, I have discussed this project in great length. What I would like to do is review the project based on some of the questions and comments that have arose.

Our goal of the project is to have USGA spec bunkers while eliminating the liner. USGA specs for bunker sand depths are 2" of sand on the face of the bunker and 4" of sand on the base of the bunker. Below I will bullet point answers and/or comments to what has been discussed with me.

- We are utilizing our existing bunker sand while incorporating new sand to ensure the proper quantity of sand in each bunker. The existing sand is removed and sifted together with new sand at my shop. When a bunker has been properly cleaned, drains checked and any sodding completed, the sand is returned to the bunker and installed to USGA spec.

- We are not using a 3 aggregate sand and nor do you need a 3 aggregate sand to achieve our goals. Our existing sand is a manufactured quartz and in the industry is called VFW or Valley Forge White bunker sand. Without getting into to much detail, to ensure the sand plays properly, compacts properly and drains properly, the sand contains a certain percentage of particle sizes. These particle sizes are characterized by fine, medium fine, medium, medium coarse and coarse. By blending the sand, which is done at the plant, with the proper particle sizes you can achieve all of the above.

- The sand we already have and are purchasing, VFW is being used at many top private clubs and courses in the area. Most notably Aronimink Golf Course,which is hosting the Tiger Woods AT&T National for the next 2 years. Their bunkers were redone specifically for this event.

- Playability of the bunkers. We are doing everything to compact the sand mechanically, but time and settling will get us to our ultimate goal. Our sand is angular which allows each particle to fit together like a puzzle. Because the sand is "new," mechanical tamping and rolling will only get us so far. Rain, freezing and thawing and just time will help settle the sand down. After each bunker has been determined to be at its' presettling depth, the sand is rolled and tamped to the proper depth.

- Our current process is causing at most 2 to 3 bunkers to be disturbed at once. The amount of disturbed bunkers is determined by the size of the bunkers we are working on. Since we are taking sand from one bunker, sifting and placing in the previously excavated bunker, the size of the bunker having sand added will require us to begin to excavate another. Once the proper amount of sand is added, a small crew works the sand to completion. Another small crew begins the next bunker or bunkers. We can't simply do one bunker from start to finish and move on to another, that simply does not make sense from a timing and efficiency standpoint.

The above should have answered several of the questions and comments that have been brought to my attention. I will be placing a bunker project status board outside the membership directors office today.