While greens are undeniably the primary focus area for golfers and superintendents, bunkers are often a close second. Bunkers are high-use, high-visibility playing surfaces that require thoughtful management. From turf health on bunker surrounds to sand quality and structural integrity, a comprehensive bunker maintenance program is important.
The turf around bunkers takes a beating from both maintenance and player traffic. Keeping that turf healthy starts with a sound fertility program. Outside of bulk applications, strategic and precise applications of a slow- or controlled-release fertilizer help supply steady nutrient delivery over time, reducing peaks and valleys in turf performance. The turf around bunkers often has different fertility requirements than the nearby rough, and one bunker may have different needs than another based on traffic patterns and growing environment. A site-specific approach will yield the best results.
However, fertility alone isn’t enough. Insect and disease pressure on the turf around bunkers can be especially problematic in the Southeast. A preventative approach using targeted insecticides, nematicides and fungicides, along with organics like Comand or Milorganite, can strengthen surrounding turf and reduce stress. Moisture management is equally critical, notably on south-facing slopes or in sandy soils. Tailored irrigation cycles, hand watering and incorporating a foliar spray program that includes wetting agents can help to combat dry conditions.
Golfers expect consistency in bunkers and that depends heavily on the quality and maintenance of the sand. The article “A Guide To Selecting the Right Bunker Sand for Your Course” will help with finding a sand that best meets your needs. The frequency of raking is an important factor in playability, as is maintaining the appropriate sand depths throughout the bunkers. Laboratory testing can help you determine the ideal sand depth for your combination of sand and bunker liner to make sure the sand doesn’t retain excessive moisture. Sand contamination, layering or inconsistent depths can quickly turn a bunker from a playable surface into a burden – and these are all issues that commonly develop and worsen during storm season in the Southeast.
No amount of maintenance can make up for poor drainage, liner failure or improper construction that leads to washouts. These issues are signs that a bunker renovation is not just warranted, but necessary for long-term performance. Often, courses will perform renovations in phases – starting first with greenside bunkers or severely compromised ones to keep the cost manageable. It is important, however, to review and budget for bunker improvements and renovations on an ongoing basis.
Ultimately, bunkers deserve attention because golfers care about them. By focusing on routine maintenance and addressing construction flaws when budget and time allows, superintendents can deliver the best bunkers possible.
Southeast Region Agronomists:
Jordan Booth, Ph.D., senior director, USGA Course Consulting Service – jbooth@usga.org
Chris Hartwiger, director, Agronomy – chartwiger@usga.org
Chris Neff, agronomist – cneff@usga.org
Mitch Leininger, agronomist - mleininger@usga.org