Bunkers...... damed Bunkers

cgh

what is the story with all the bunkers these days,
it seems that with the man power on golf courses these days that the poor bunkers are only getting a quick look at.

been playing a few courses now this year and the bunkers have been dreadfull.

Yes I know if I good enough I shouldnt be in one, but I should at least have some level of consistency on every course.

slave1

Agreed, USPGA standard bunkers should have a consistent depth of fairway and greenside bunkers, I think something like 2-4 and 4-6 inches but not sure which level applies to which bunker group.
Nothing worse that no sand and a flyer

Norfolk Enchants_

cgh wrote: »

what is the story with all the bunkers these days,
it seems that with the man power on golf courses these days that the poor bunkers are only getting a quick look at.

been playing a few courses now this year and the bunkers have been dreadfull.

Yes I know if I good enough I shouldnt be in one, but I should at least have some level of consistency on every course.

You're going to have to be a bit more specific about which course and what exactly is the state of the bunkers, although by the sounds of it I would suggest it has more to do with the quaility of the course you're playing and also you're probably not taking into consideration current/recent weather events.
In my experience (and I play alot of golf 2/3 rounds a week on different courses), "poor bunkers" are few and far between and often it's a case of the golfer misdiagnosing damp compact sand as no sand at all.
When you bare in mind that we play in a relatively wet environment it remains extraordinary how many regular golfers are unable to make that distinction and are then also unable to adjust their swing/shot selection to take account of that fact.

gman127

Surely when you take your stance and start to shuffle your feet into the sand you'll have a decent feel for the sand depth and adjust accordingly.

I also find most bunkers to be ok but some do lack sand depth. In that case I play closer to a pitch out rather than a sand splash.

alxmorgan

gman127 wrote: »

Surely when you take your stance and start to shuffle your feet into the sand you'll have a decent feel for the sand depth and adjust accordingly.

I also find most bunkers to be ok but some do lack sand depth. In that case I play closer to a pitch out rather than a sand splash.

True but surely they should be consistent in the first place ?

geeksauce

alxmorgan wrote: »

True but surely they should be consistent in the first place ?

I agree consistency should be essential in relation to bunkers. Was in one on the 13th the other day and it was like concrete, hardly any sand at all when I took the shot, then on the 18th I was in another and there was enough sand to fill ten bunkers. Very annoying.

Webbs

I know I will be in the minority here, I am as disappointed as the next guy when my ball is in a footmark etc, but the bunker is designated a hazard after all, and I think that as such it should be a bit down to luck as to your lie etc.

Again the pro/PGA game has a lot to answer for in demanding perfect pristine consistent bunkers. How many pros say they prefer to be in a bunker than a greenside lie - that to me is not a hazard

newport2

Webbs wrote: »

I know I will be in the minority here, I am as disappointed as the next guy when my ball is in a footmark etc, but the bunker is designated a hazard after all, and I think that as such it should be a bit down to luck as to your lie etc.

Again the pro/PGA game has a lot to answer for in demanding perfect pristine consistent bunkers. How many pros say they prefer to be in a bunker than a greenside lie - that to me is not a hazard

Very true. They were all whinging when Jack Nicklaus had grids raked into the bunkers at his event, leaving you only a 50/50 chance of getting a good lie. IMO, it should be like this at all events. They're good enough, and like you say, bunkers are a hazard, not a safety net.

cgh

Played in Hollywood lakes yesterday, it was wet and the Bunkers were nicely raked and full of sand.
I even ended up in a footprint, where the bunker hadnt been raked. plenty pf sand still under the ball.
have to say very impressed with the quality of the Bunkers there.

thewing

The recent weather has made them play like concrete.

In this case, use your pitching wedge and ball forward in stance.

Joys of irish golf