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| SUNRAYS APRIL 2014
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GOLF
T
he greenside bunkers at White
Wing Golf Course have been a
hot topic for some time. Since the
original installation of the new bunker
liners and replacement of the old sand,
we experienced less than desirable re-
sults and have had maintenance issues
with the renovated traps.
After laboratory tests were conducted, we
found that the new sand has a low pen-
trometer rating for use as bunker sand.
A pentrometer tests the firmness of the
sand, which translates to how likely it
is that the ball will bury or have a “fried
egg” lie. The USGA recommends that the
number be close to 2.5 or higher—the
lab-tested sand came back with a lower
number than what is recommended. Our
maintenance staff tried to incorporate
other sand in an attempt to bring this
number up; alternatively, we also re-
moved sand in some areas because it was
too deep. Despite these actions, we did not
see much improvement in performance.
Late last year, the decision was made
to shell out, or remove, this undesir-
able sand and begin searching for sand
that would be firmer, allowing for better
bunker performance. During the sand
removal process, we were able to use
advantageously this time to address any
bunker liner issues and repair bunker
edges, as needed. We have saved this
sand for use in numerous other projects,
including filling rough areas on the driv-
ing ranges and topdressing greens/fair-
ways this summer.
Since then, we have made the decision to
use sand from Osburn Materials, based
in San Antonio. Currently, this sand is
used for the bunkers at Tournament
Players Club (TPC) San Antonio, and
has received positive feedback. CA Direc-
tor of Maintenance Gary Wilson visited
TPC San Antonio to see this sand in
place, as well as to talk to their Director
of Maintenance—he even hit some balls
out of the bunker for a true test.
At the time of this writing, the new sand
is being put in the front nine bunkers.
We plan to continue monitoring the sand
depth as the sand is used and compacted.
We hope to have this project completed
by the beginning of April.
White Wing Bunker Update
Submitted by Jonathan Ayers, White Wing Golf Course Superintendent
The white sand (shown above on the left), which had originally replaced the old sand in the recent bunker renovations at
White Wing Golf Course, was removed due to its inconsistent and undesirable performance results. The sand had a very
fine consistency that did not compact well. The new brown sand (shown above on the right) has been tested and found
to be firmer, thereby producing better, more consistent results—and a more enjoyable playing experience—for our golfers.
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