ALLIED UPDATES
GETTING THE MOST FROM BUNKER LINERS
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unker renovations are currently being planned at golf courses across the United States. Some facilities are interested in making design changes, while others are focused on improving playability or reducing the cost of bunker maintenance. Regardless of the reasons behind a bunker renovation, the subject of bunker liners inevitably becomes part of the conversation. Liners are intended to improve playability, reduce maintenance costs and extend the life of bunkers – which are all worthwhile objectives. Unfortunately, deciding which liner to use is not always straightforward and if golfers are dissatisfied with the performance of renovated bunkers, the liner could be blamed even if it was installed correctly and is functioning properly. The key to a successful renovation is recognizing that liners are just one part of a larger bunker system, and all the components must work together to get the best results. Many golf facilities look to bunker liners as a way to reduce sand washouts. Reducing washouts can save a significant amount of maintenance time and money. Fewer washouts also mean that a course will be ready for play sooner after a rain storm, reducing potential revenue impacts. Most liners have a texture that helps sand adhere to bunker faces and some liners also create a consistent layer of enhanced drainage that removes excess water from bunker sand. This helps to reduce washouts because as sand becomes saturated it is more prone to slumping down a bunker face. However, a liner alone cannot fully address washout issues if significant quantities of surface water are allowed to flow directly into bunkers. Shaping the area around bunkers to direct water away from the sand is a critical part of reducing washouts, as is installing an adequate subsurface drainage system. Bunker liners are also used to reduce bunker sand contamination, with the goal of ensuring the best possible performance from the sand for
as long as possible. How well a liner will reduce contamination depends on the liner and the sources of contamination. Most liners create a barrier between the sand the subsoil, but their durability varies. If a liner becomes damaged, the risk of contamination increases. Liners also cannot prevent contamination that enters from outside the bunker. For example, if there is exposed soil along the edges of the bunker, soil and stones may fall into the sand and alter its performance. Similarly, if surface water is allowed to flow into bunkers it can carry soil, stones and other debris that will contaminate the bunker sand. If reducing sand contamination is a priority, all potentially significant sources of contamination must be identified and addressed. Improved playability is another benefit that
facilities hope to gain from bunker liners. However, as many have discovered, it can be very difficult to satisfy everyone when it comes to the subjective matter of bunker playability. It is important to recognize that there is a complex interaction between liner, sand, maintenance practices and the local environment that influences bunker playability. A liner that delivered excellent results at one course may not be the best solution for another. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that a facility test different liner options in a few demonstration bunkers prior to beginning a large-scale bunker renovation. It is invaluable for golfers and decision-makers to experience bunker playing conditions over a period of time to ensure that they will be satisfied with the performance of a given liner at their facility.
Bunker liners can improve playability and reduce maintenance costs, but they will not solve all bunker issues on their own.
GCBAA Earth Shaping News | 4TH Quarter 2018 17