I Call UNCLE!

Another inch of rain here at Briarwood brings our weekly total to just under 3.5".  Unfortunately this morning we are needing to close the course till at least 12 when we will then reevaluate the conditions and see about opening for walking only.  This morning we are again busy pumping bunkers out.  Water just seems to be accumulating more and more as the sand becomes more saturated.  I'd like to share with you an example of what drainage and better sand can do.  Last year we kept having severe issues with the large bunker at the golf center.  Every time it rained we'd have standing water in it.  Last fall we removed all the sand and replaced the drain tile then replaced the bunker with new sand. 

Golf center bunker last spring after a rain event.  This bunker would always hold water.

Golf center bunker this spring after a rain event.  It appears the drainage an new sand has made quite a difference to the condition of the bunker.



These pictures illustrate why we need to consider replacing such components in our sand traps.  Currently the bunkers are on their 9th season.  Contamination has compromised the integrity of the bunkers and sacrifics the durability and playability when there are heavier rain events.  Numerous hours of labor are needed to take care of our bunkers with their current state preventing us from focusing attention on other tasks.  Luckily for us the rain last night didn't wash all of our work away.  When I say that I mean the sand that we spent two days pushing back up around the edges of the bunkers.

I keep hoping we'll hit a warm, dry stretch of weather.  We could really use this to dry out but to also get the turf growing very healthy.  Let's all hope for the best.