PCC Bunker Re-Design

Bunker Re-Design Project 2012

A few years ago we decide to have a good look at the option of re-doing our Bunkers here at PCC. 

The pot-style bunkers were not just difficult to play from, but they were becoming very inconsistent and an in-depth investigation started to calculate if these high costs of maintaining them was actually still worth it...

Why did Pretoria Country Club decide to change their Bunkers?

The pot-style revetted bunkers were introduced to the Pretoria Country Club in 2004 and were designed by the Gary Player Group.  It is now eight years later, and the committee had to address various course architectual matters as well as strategic matters relating to the pot-style bunkers with the geo-textile bunker faces to ensure that the bunkers performed with consistency after the refurbishment.  Golf course architectual matters included: Ensuring good drainage, replacement of bunker linings, reduction of sand contamination, removing clay basis, removal of deteriorated bunker faces and finding a solution for inconsistent bunker sand.  Strategic matters included: Overall playability, addressing members’ complaints, adapting to technology changes, ensuring that the Pretoria Country Club’s golf course remain unique, improving the course ranking, retaining the Gary Player signature and ensuring adherence to the Pretoria Country Club’s long term Strategic Plan.

 Why were they in desperate need of change?

The main problems were poor drainage (the clay soil made its way to the drainage systems under the bunkers and these clay particles would eventually bind with the silica sand and started to clog and block up the drainage pipes, thus not allowing these bunkers to drain quickly after a rainstorm), inconsistent bunker sand, deterioration of many of the geo-textile bunker faces, contamination of bunker sand and playability had to be addressed.

 All the above resulted in excessive maintenance to be done on a daily basis to prepare these bunkers before play every morning which became almost impossible.

Drainage problems was one of the main reasons to reconsider the future of this style of bunkers on PCC.

 What has changed and how are they different from the old ones?

The vertical geo-textile faces and material were completely removed on all 86 bunkers and the angle of the bunker faces was reduced to between 30 and 35 degrees to allow for the planting of sods. The new faces were all planted with Tiffsport (Cynodon transvaalensis & Cynodon dactylon hybrid) the main reason being the colour difference which had to be created between the Kikuyu fairways and the Cynodon bunkers for visibility purposes. The Tiffsport is a finer leafed specie and much darker in colour than the Kikuyu surrounds and this will create a definite contrast between the surrounds and new bunker faces.

With the vertical bunker faces being removed, the new angled faces will be more forgiving for less than perfect bunker shots.

We have also done extensive testing in our trail bunkers to determine which type of sand would ensure the best consistency.  The solution was the perfect mix of fine sand particles and bigger sand granules which complies with USGA Bunker Sand specifications.

 What goes into changing Bunkers, who would be involved and what was the duration of the Project?

The initial investigations started in December 2010 by the golf committee to identify all the problem areas.  During the period January to August 2011 the golf and greens committees consulted with various experts to obtain all the relevant information relating to which options were available to upgrade the bunkers.  After approving the first proposal the main committee approved the construction of two test bunkers (one fairway bunker and one greens bunker) to allow members the opportunity to comment on the proposed changes.  Various forums were held to inform stakeholders what the proposed changes would entail, these included ex- chairmen and ex-golf captains of the club. We further consulted with Gary Player to obtain his approval to ensure that we retain the Gary Player Signature after the refurbishment of the bunkers.  After final approval in June by the main committee, the course designers, DDV Design Group and the main contractor, Life Sports Turf were appointed.  The project started in July 2012 to ensure that it would be completed by end October and in time for the growing season.

What feedback and comments have you received so far?

Feedback from members, visitors, ex-chairmen, ex-golf captains, our golf directors and other interested parties are extremely positive.

 People sometimes get the wrong impression of bunkers and see them as just a hole in the ground with sand in - What technical aspects do the bunkers need to comply with?

Well once again it is clear that sand consistency and presentation are the two main factors. Sand consistency can not be achieved without proper drainage. The underground drainage should be able to drain the water as quick as possible so the sand can dry out and be ready for play almost right away. The type of sand also plays a big role as your percentage of fines should not be more than your bigger particles as these will cause compaction and also slow down the water movement. The sand can also not be to loose as this will almost certainly cause a “fried-egg” lie every time a ball plunges in it. The success of the project and our bunkers will depend on the day-to-day maintenance of them and make sure they not just look good…but play even better.

How much did the Project cost?

The total cost of the refurbishment of the 86 bunkers and the various other improvements that were made cost in the region of R1,700,000.