JRCC Bunker Project Update
Dear JRCC Members,
We will be renovating all of the bunkers here at JRCC starting
on February 11. The renovation is being done to eliminate the fabric
liner that is currently in place to keep the sand and the underlying drainage
separate. This was the construction method that was being used at the
time, but the liner has now failed, causing the sand to become contaminated,
drainage to become clogged, and creating a hazard for our golfers. The
new bunkers will be constructed using what is called the Better Billy Bunker
System. This system will give us better drainage and prevent most of the
washouts that currently occur during heavy rain events.
The bunkers are being re-built for the most part in their current locations. The edges will be re-sculpted and the overall size of the bunkers will be reduced by around 15%. The sand we chose is called SF-35 that was developed at RTJ in Northern Virginia. It is a great sand that packs well to prevent fried egg lies, but still can be fluffed to allow the club to slide through it. A number of other courses in our area have used this sand including Cavalier, Golden Horseshoe, Bayville and Virginia Beach National.
The architect on the project is John LaFoy and we are using Total Turf Golf Services for the contractor. The process will begin by removing the old sand and liner and disposing of that material. If the sand comes out clean we will attempt to save it, if not it will be disposed of on site. The sod will be removed from around the bunker to create a work area and allow for proper tie-ins to existing ground. The next step will be to shape the area according to the architect’s plans. Once the shaping is done, it will be approved by the architect and he will paint the bunker edge so the bunker construction can begin. It will be edged, then drainpipe will be installed, gravel placed over the pipe and over the entire floor of the bunker. Sod will be re-installed around the bunker, the gravel will be sprayed with the Better Billy Polymer, and sand will be put into the bunker at a compacted depth of five inches.
We will get a number of bunkers ready to be sprayed before the polymer is applied. Construction will be on-going on four to six holes at a time, but most areas will just play as ground under repair. We will have no more than two holes closed at any one time. The project is slated to begin on #7 and we will work on #11, #15, #6, #8 and #10 first. If the weather is wet, this hole rotation may be modified. The anticipated time frame for the project is 10-12 weeks.
There will be clear communication with the Golf Pro Shop daily on where we are working in addition to frequent updates on the maintenance blog as well as daily updates on our social media accounts.
Please click on any of the links below you would like to view.
JRCC Facebook
JRCC Twitter
JRCC Website
