Fixing traps that flood

[WUTiger]

Here's one for the greenskeepers and golf course builders...

We have a classic, early-1900s course in our area, and it's a nicely maintained public facility. One problem: several of the sand traps fill up with water after a hard rain and don't dry out for a couple of days.

Question: Could these sand bunkers get a quick retrofit with a drain pipe, or would installing a drainage system require a complete rebuild of the bunker?

[Bullitt5339]

I found this, and it seems that putting drainage in the bunkers requires a pretty extensive setup and a lot of work.......

http://www.usga.org/course_care/course_construction/case_studies/bunker_renovation1/Bunker-Renovation-Case-Study-No--1/

[WUTiger]

Bullitt,

Good find! Helps explain what I saw at another course that has rebuilt two holes. The crew is installing the greenside bunker on No. 9 now, and is evidently at the Gravel Blanket stage (photo 4). I was a bit confused when I saw the gravel, but now I understand that a cloth layer will will follow later.

Both holes had trouble with the greens staying alive because too many volunteer trees (grew up by accident) had surrounded the greens and prevented sunlight and proper air movement. Fungus hit hard two years in a row. Lots of lumberjack action on both holes cutting down excess trees.