The Diversion

Ever since the bunker renovation took place on the golf course back in 2007 we have fought washout issues with some of the flashed sand faces.  This was to be expected and construction materials such as Geo textile  liners were utilized to help reduce the washouts, which they did for the most part.

Our most problematic bunker on the course from a washout standpoint was the left hand fairway bunker on the 18th hole.  We knew durring construction this we be an issue and did all we could given our financial limitations at the time to divert water flow.  What was done was not nearly enough and with recent talk about eliminating this bunker because of the labor drain to maintain it, we jumped into action.

 In my opinion this is a critical bunker that defines the tee shot on the closing hole and without it a key architectural and strategic element would be lost. 

During the renovation work we took great care to tie our re-grading into the existing contours and make the work appear to have never happened.  This was a challenge due to the fact we brought in nearly 200 yards of soil for this bunker alone. The end result is one that beefed up the bunker faces and a creation of a mound and swale to divert surface sheet flow of water around the bunker and not through it.

This bunker now has both form and function from an agronomic and architectural point and maybe instilling a little fear in the golfer as this being something avoided at all cost.

The Problem

The Result of Sheet Flow

The Solution Before/After

Grading

We have begun working on the ditch crossing between the first and second fairway on the eleventh hole. As you are all aware this has been a problematic area for cart traffic flows.

Over the years this area has either been completely closed off to carts or has had traffic flows regulated. Even with traffic regulation this area has produced turf conditions that are less than favorable at the exit and entry points.

The plan to correct this problem involves re-grading a large portion of the ditch itself. We will be creating another crossing area in the ditch that will allow for better traffic flows. Additionally we will be softening the side slopes of the ditch, which causes most the cart issues causing a loss of traction while exiting the ditch.

One of the side benefits from this work taking place will be an overall improvement in playability of the golf hole. Currently balls that are hit down in the ditch are hard to find, let alone play of which causes pace of play issues. A portion of this area after re-grading will be irrigated and mowed down to normal rough height allowing for a better recovery from the ditch.