Golf Bunker Standards

Performance standards can also be applied to bunkers. For example, monitoring the uniformity of the firmed depth of sand, which might be from 100mm to 150mm on the bunker floor, and 25mm to 75mm on the bunker face.

A check on the evenness of raking produced with a smooth finish being form no more than ±6mm to ±18mm, and the extent of grass overhang, ranging from maybe no more than 12mm up to no more than 50mm depending on the standard desired around bunker edges.

A free draining bunker is an important criterion, so bunker drainage and water retention are standards which may also be considered, for example, a standard might state that no water is to remain in a bunker for any longer than 1-hour following rainfall, whilst for others this might be no more than 15-minutes. Where this does occur then it could indicate a need for improved drainage works or excavation of contaminated sand and replenishment with newer sand.

The type of sand may be specified to ensure standards are maintained, for example, the particle size analysis might be a minimum of from 90%-98% in the range 0.125-1.00mm, whilst the particle shape may be required as being sub-angular to angular with from a minimum of 60%-85% being in those shape categories.

The maintenance of bunkers can be targeted to ensure defined standards are complied with. Depending on the desired standard, from premium to the more typical everyday course which is maintained to a good standard (which we will call Intermediate), example standards might include the following: