The reasoning behind these works is over time with edging carried out to present the bunkers the edges of these bunkers, and many others around the course has been lost. This has led to some bunkers becoming both difficult to maintain and equally so difficult to play out off.
The addition of the bunker blinder layer gives us a product that will drain, the sand won't become contaminated and due to the nature of the installation the bunker shape is retained due to a solid base with which we can constantly put a nice, clean fresh edge.
The bunkers have been shaped to reflect the parkland nature of the golf course, add feature and depth to the holes but yet create a hazard that is playable.
The construction process of the new bunkers would involve reshaping, installation of new drainage systems, the addition of the blinder layer then returfing. The working area of the new bunkers would involve the immediate surrounding area around the bunker so the bunker would fit into the shape & feel of the land.
For the bunker renovation projects we again worked alongside Profusion who supplied expertise & equipment for the project, especially in the shape of Connor Walsh who was to be the lead shaper on the project.
Once the initial shapes had been formed, the next stage was to fine tune the bunker shape by highlighting the sand lines of the bunker. These are basically the top line of sand coverage that is visible when looking at the bunker. These are important as they can add shape & depth to bunkers which can in turn enhance how a hole is played.
Once the sand lines had been finalised the bunker drainage was installed and then a layer of aggregate added that is crucial to the blinder layer installation.
The next stage is the laying of the blinder layer. This is a combination of recycled rubber granules and a binding agent that give the bunker it's drainage characteristics whilst providing a solid shape that the bunker will retain. Once the blinder is layed to a depth of 25mm, a revetted edge is layed, top soil spread around the area and then the area is re-turfed.
As can be seen from the above images the greenstaff have again put in a tremendous amount of dedication & skill to get these works finished, including turfing in the dark...!!!!
The bunkers will now be given time to 'bed & knit in' with opening planned for mid-March - early April.
Once again I appreciate your understanding whilst we carry out these works on the course as we aim to continually improve the golfing experience at Muswell Hill Golf Club.
