Course Project Update - Bunker Renovation Process - October 30, 2018

As of today, we are working on building the last 14 bunkers on the golf course!  The last post covered the structural portion of building the bunkers.  This post will cover installation of the liner and reveal a completed bunker.

After the two-inch layer of gravel is spread and leveled throughout the bunker, LaBar staff will sod the surrounding areas.  Sod is cut and shaped around the edge of the bunker and stapled in place.

The next step is applying the Better Billy Bunker polymer onto the gravel. The sodded edges are pulled back so the applicator can spray the edge where the gravel meets the soil.  The LaBar applicator is certified by Better Billy Bunker.  He ensures the product is applied evenly and reaches the correct depth through the gravel.  Proper application will allow water to pass through the stone while still adhering the gravel particles together.  During the application process, two assistants remove any debris and rake footsteps smooth.  The workers make their way around the bunker, leaving an exit point at one end of the bunker, so they do not disturb the new surface.

The polymer must cure for 24 hours.  The bunker is then quality control checked to ensure proper application.  The sod edges are adjusted and secured back in place.

Completed bunkers on Hole #9.  LaBar uses small dump trucks to install the sand in the bunker.  Workers use rakes to distribute the sand evenly.  The sand is tamped down and the entire bunker is checked for proper sand depth levels.

This photo of Hole #9 depicts the natural edge reminiscent of Perry Maxwell’s original design.