Just to start this week, I wanted to talk a little more about the new bunkers and in particular the revetted ones.
Sometimes, a ball may end up quite close to the face of the turf wall, leaving a particularly difficult shot to escape the trap. There are a few things to mention here with regard to this:
- As the sand is new, it is still quite soft and there will be occasions where the ball will sit rather than roll. As the sand weathers, it will start to firm up reducing the likelihood of this happening.
- The turf around some of these bunkers has still to settle and find its level. As this improves, the ball will roll faster on the turf, preventing them from just ‘dropping in’.
- It is important to rake the bunkers correctly for the benefit of the following golfers. We have begun raking bunkers everyday on the course now and it is clear that this is being disregarded by many. There’s no excuse and it shows a lack of respect for the course and other users. When raking, it’s important to push the sand rather than pulling. This makes sure the sand stays in the part of the bunker where it is most needed and prevents build up at the back.
- We are aware some of the bunkers are a bit tricky to get in and out of so we aim to install steps in these.
What to do if you find an awkward lie in a bunker:
- You may not always be able to play to the pin or even the green, sideways or backwards may be the only option.
- In the unlikely event that you aren’t happy to even play it, then take a penalty drop which will allow plenty of room away from the face to play out.
- Remember bunkers are hazards and are to be avoided and it may well cost a you shot or worse if you do find 1. However, we want them to be as fair as possible and the way we set them up will be aimed at achieving this.
All mowers have now been sharpened and set up for the summer. For the coming week there should be a noticeable difference, particularly in the fairways.
The new members of the team have settled in quickly and there is a noticeable sense of enthusiasm amongst the group, along with a touch of extra quality, which bodes well for the future.
Finally I am currently away visiting Royal Dornoch GC, Castle Stuart Links and Nairn GC, with the chance to spend some time with the Course Manager at Castle Stuart. With these being the very best courses in the UK it is a great opportunity to learn from the best and gain some inspiration to bring back to Hunley.
Hope you all have a great week.
Greg