Bunker sand washouts are, without a doubt, among the most despised occurrences on a golf course by superintendents and their staffs. Golfers also dislike them – whether they know it or not – because these destructive events disrupt play, soften bunker sand and can shorten the lifespan of bunkers.
A well-designed bunker will divert surface water away from the sand, but few superintendents are lucky enough to have this situation around every bunker. For the majority that deal with bunker sand washouts, Hal Hicks – superintendent at Seminole Golf Club – has a solution for you.
Prior to a forecasted heavy rainstorm, the maintenance staff at Seminole installs plastic no-dig landscape edging near bunkers to divert surface water away from the sand. This simple solution reduces bunker washouts on a Donald Ross design that doesn’t always have those maintenance-friendly contours that steer water away from the bunkers.
Obviously, pop-up thunderstorms in the Southeast can be quick and vicious, which wouldn’t allow time to install the edging. However, when a front or tropical system is heading your way, or the likelihood of afternoon thunderstorms is high, having these inexpensive sections of landscape edging ready for use under a nearby tree can help save labor hours on the back end.
Here are some considerations when using the edging:
- Have the no-dig landscape edging ready to use in an out-of-play area near bunkers that are prone to washouts.
- Communicate the purpose of the edging to golfers so if they see the edging on the course they understand why it’s there.
- Record the number of hours spent repairing bunker washouts without edging compared to when it has been installed to determine if the potential – albeit minimal – disruption to play is worth it.