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Bunkers not only add value to the overall aesthetics, but
will further compliment your golf experience around the putting green.
Installing a bunker does not require a lot of research. Although bunker
installations require extra planning, having this added feature can greatly
enhance the opportunity to improve your "short game". With our
guidance, you can successfully design and install a bunker that will rival
most golf course bunkers.
Similar to your green, one of the most important elements is planning
to ensure proper drainage. First, make certain that your bunker is not
located near other drainage spots from your putting green. For that reason,
do not position the bunker near low elevations on your property. This
way, you will avoid the creation of unwanted swimming pools whenever rainy
weather passes through. Upon choosing your bunker location, mark the shape
of your bunker with some field paint. It is also important to position
your bunker approximately 4 or 5 yards from the edge of your green. By
doing so, this will minimize the amount of sand sprayed onto your green
while practicing chip shots.
IMPORTANT TIP: LOCATE ALL UNDERGROUND LINES SUCH AS
GAS, WATER & ELECTRICAL BEFORE BREAKING GROUND. This is for your
safety. Contact your local municipality to gain assistance with marking
these lines.
Before you begin digging, keep in mind the benefits of recycling the
excavated earth. You could always use this material for reinforcing the
grade along the edge of your putting green. Remember that your bunker
will require a depth of approximately 3 or 4 feet.
First, from within the outlined paint of the marked area, create a trench
through the center of your bunker that is 1 foot wide and deep. Try to
keep the wall of the trench slanted towards the center because this is
how to best drain the water towards the underside of the bunker. Preferably,
insert a pipe into the trench so you can better direct the draining of
water away from the bunker. This is the best way to manage the draining
of water from your bunker.
After inserting the pipe, load washed gravel onto the pipe approximately
6 inches from the top of the trench. Ideally, use a 50 pound bag of gravel
that contains stones approximately 2 ½ to 3 inches in diameter. This material
can be found at any home improvement retail outlet.
Before filling the bunker with sand, lay down a landscaping tarp. This
will prevent the sand from settling into the earth thereby ensuring greater
longevity of your bunker.
Finally, we need to fill the bunker with sand. It is recommended to contact
your local golf course to find out where they purchased their bunker sand.
When purchasing your bunker sand, make certain that you purchase enough
to allow for future maintenance as you may need to replace some of the
sand for reparations. When filling your bunker, do not add too much sand
as this can be very challenging to golf from. Your bunker should be compact
enough to prevent people from sinking into it while walking on your newly
fashioned bunker.
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