September 2024RMGCSA

Main ImgCultivating Excellence: Mowing Practices for Healthy and High-Performing Turfgrass Insights from The Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents AssociationRMGCSA Logo_Jan24Bunkers are the ultimate double-edged sword on the golf course—where dreams of birdies can get buried faster than a “fried egg” in the sand. They add beauty and challenge to the game, making golf both fun and frustrating. In Colorado, where the climate presents unique challenges, proper bunker maintenance is essential for ensuring both playability and sustainability. Best Management Practices (BMPs) for bunkers are key to balancing these elements, making sure bunkers perform well and align with broader environmental goals.2Bunker Design and PlacementWhen designing bunkers, it’s important to consider their placement in relation to circulation patterns around greens to prevent concentrated turf wear. The size, number, and style of bunkers must be tailored to the course’s design, maintenance resources, and sustainability goals. Thoughtful design can help minimize the need for intensive maintenance, reduce water use, and maintain the aesthetic value. Bunker Design and Placement BMPs

Consider bunker entry and exit points. Ensure there is adequate space for ingress and egress to reduce wear patterns on the course.

The placement of bunkers and the shaping of contours surrounding a green should allow proper drainage and facilitate the water filtration.

Golf course architects recommend rebuilding bunkers every seven years, depending on their condition, to maintain effectiveness and sustainability.

Constructing and Maintaining BunkersThe construction of bunkers involves careful planning and execution, from shaping slopes and selecting sand to installing drainage systems. A well-constructed bunker includes a drainage component, a liner, and a top layer of sand. The drainage system, typically installed on the bunker floor, is followed by a liner that keeps sand from washing down the banks during heavy rain. The top sand layer’s firmness or softness is influenced by the bunker’s drainage capacity.3Sand Selection and Maintenance BMPs

Sand is tested with an accredited lab to ensure it meets criteria such as infiltration rate, penetrometer readings, and appropriate depth.

The USGA recommendations for sand depths are: 4 to 6 inches on the bunker floor and 2 to 3 inches on the banks.

It’s important to choose sand that reduces the need for frequent replacements, conserving resources and lowering costs.

Bunkers should be raked at least four times a week to maintain a consistent surface, with additional touch-ups as needed.

Motorized raking equipment may be used for larger bunkers and hand rakes for smaller bunkers.

Bunker banks are generally mowed and edged weekly; while probing sand depths every two weeks to ensure they remain within the recommended range.

Routine Maintenance for Optimal PerformanceBunker maintenance is an ongoing task that requires regular attention to detail. Raking bunkers regularly helps maintain a consistent surface, preventing the development of overly firm or soft areas, which can impact gameplay. When bunkers lose their playability, refreshing the sand by removing the top one or two inches and replacing it with new sand can restore the condition without the need for a complete overhaul.Bunker PerformanceWell-maintained bunkers are essential for the performance and sustainability of Colorado golf courses. Optimal performance, water conservation, and maintenance cost reductions are influenced by selecting the right sand, designing effective drainage systems, and implementing consistent BMPs. The next time you're battling a 'fried egg,' just remember that bunkers are still better than a day in the office—and almost like a day at the beach!CoverWelcome MessageMember ZoneCitywideRulesOn the CoverCGA AmatuerCommunity ImpactCloser LookBMW ChampionshipTravelSwing TipOutside the RopesSPIRIT of the GAMECPGA AwardsRMGCSAInside the RopesVolunteer LeadershipGearFeatured Club