How Bunker Sand Becomes Contaminated

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Washouts like this one from heavy rainfall contribute to bunker sand contamination. Each successive washout carries underlying silts and clays into the sand in the bottom of the bunker. This is a big reason the bottoms of the bunkers tend to firm up. Deep cultivation is often required to improve playability.

Fortunately when doing new bunker construction, there are now many choices available to seal off the underlying soils. Most methods use polymers to lock the soil into an impervious shell, sort of like a swimming pool bottom.




This photo shows the darkening in the bottom of the bunker where the silts and clays have been deposited. Over time, these will inhibit drainage and create puddling from even the slightest rainfall or irrigation event. Unfortunately, the only way to completely correct this contamination is by removal of the sand, sealing the bottom of the bunker, and then adding clean new sand.

Frost Damage on #3

This photo shows some recent tracking to the right of #3 green. A cart drove over the turf when it was frozen. Luckily the frost wasn't severe and the damage is primarily cosmetic. But it illustrates why we can't allow carts out on frosty mornings.

Drainage Additons on Holes #16 & #17

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New French Drains were added recently on #16 & #17. Drains are left open to the surface for maximum effectiveness. The grass will slowly grow over the gravel. I don't like to sod over drains because it adds an layer of soil and organic matter on top of the gravel, slowing the infiltration.

Free relief from French Drains is given in the Rules of Golf. It is nearest point of relief, then drop within one club length, no nearer the hole.

Link To Power Point Presentation on Bunkers

Please check out this Power Point presentation on the challenges facing the maintenance staff with the bunkers on the Stanford Golf Course.


http://www.stanford.edu/~golfsupt/2010-2011%20Bunker%20Issues.pptx

Addition of Tightly Mown Areas Around Greens

#6
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#2

In preparation for the Men's Pac 10's in April, we are in the process of adding some tightly mown areas around the greens. These tightly mown areas are meant to enhance the interest of some pin placements that will be used for the tournament. The areas will look thin and off color for a few weeks while the grass adapts to the lower mowing height. Mowing these areas shorter requires more labor-hours every week, so we may or may not keep them beyond the tournament.

Why I Don't Like Spike Cleaners On The Course

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Spike Cleaners may be effective, but an unsightly mess always follows! I recommend that players simply use a golf tee to clean their shoes while waiting for others to hit.

New Drainage Added At #3 Tee

New French Drains were added at #3 tee