Robin Hood Golf Course Maintenance: March 2014

Better Bunkers

We are constantly trying to find ways of improving the way our bunkers play. The biggest issues for us over the past few years has been stones in bunkers and washouts which makes getting consistant bunkers difficult. We have trialed a method last summer and this year we have enhanced the method and rolled it out to the 6 Bunkers we have reconstructed this winter.

Step 1
Take one hideous bunker that does not drain and start all over again

Step 2

Reshape the bunker improving aesthetics making it add to the make up of the hole

Step 3

Install Drainage to a positive outlet and then stone the base follow this with a compactor

Step 4

Install a Mix of permeable Resin and rubber mix that will prevent stones from coming through the surface but will also prevent washdown and sand contamination helping to keep sand levels consistent.

Rubber troweled to a uniform depth then it is tampered down to give a smooth finish

Finished product all ready for final shaping & Turfing. Sand installation will be in early April.

4th & 5th Progressing Jan/Feb2

5th Green Surround shaping completed by using material from behind the practice green. Initial turfing has also started

Bunker Base being prepared on the 5th using type 1 granite hardcore. This is in preparation for the rubber layer being installed in house in March

4th Green Bunker having the same treatment ready for the rubber picture also shows the turfing completed apart from the actual face which will done once we have completed the rubber installation. We will also be using different turf on the faces as an experiment that should remain greener during the summer months.