Golf Restoration Project: Progress Report #3

Buck Hill Golf Club Restoration Progress Report No. 3 November 21, 2019

The Restoration Committee is pleased to provide our third in a series of reports that

discuss the progress made to date on the Buck Hill Golf Course Restoration Project.

Previous reports have focused on the rapid improvements that were made to holes 5-8 of the White Course, thanks to the near-perfect autumn weather.

Now that the initial phase of work has been completed, it is time to study the practical benefits – particularly with the functionality of the newly-installed “Billy Bunkers.”

The information in this report is based on first-hand observations and feedback from our course superintendent, Mark Stettler, after a recent period of heavy rains (3.6” in 24 hours.) The findings demonstrate a sharp contrast in the drainage and subsequent condition of the new bunkers relative to the remaining older bunkers.

An aerial view shows the standing water in the unimproved bunkers on No. 2W following this period of heavy rainfall.

1922 – 2022 : A Century of Tradition

Buck Hill Golf Club Restoration Progress Report No. 3 November 21, 2019 Another aerial image of No. 9 R&W clearly shows the drainage problems that have plagued the maintenance team over many years. The time and energy spent pumping the water and reconditioning the affected bunkers pulled workers from other general maintenance tasks that could have been handled under normal drainage conditions. This constant struggle will now be remedied thanks to the new “Billy Bunkers.�

1922 – 2022 : A Century of Tradition

Buck Hill Golf Club Restoration Progress Report No. 3 November 21, 2019 During this same timeframe, the new bunkers on 5-7W responded perfectly.

There were no washouts and no water remained in any of the bunkers. In addition, selected greens that had the XGD subsurface drainage installed did not evidence any puddling and were able to receive mowers – unlike the unimproved greens which were wet, soft, and spongy. We are heartened to see these improvements working as they should in real time. We are confident that these enhancements, will ultimately benefit the condition of the entire golf course.

1922 – 2022 : A Century of Tradition

Buck Hill Golf Club Restoration Progress Report No. 3 November 21, 2019 An aerial view of the bunkers and green of 5W, after 3.6 inches of rainfall in a 24-hour period, shows no washouts, puddling, or ponding. The newly-installed “Billy Bunkers” and XGD drainage systems are working as they should.

1922 – 2022 : A Century of Tradition