Bunkers...... damed Bunkers

cgh · 22-05-2014 10:41AM #1

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 · 22-05-2014 10:45AM

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_ · 22-05-2014 10:56AM

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 · 22-05-2014 11:52AM

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 · 22-05-2014 12:09PM

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 · 22-05-2014 12:19PM

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 · 22-05-2014 12:28PM

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 · 22-05-2014 01:30PM

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 · 30-05-2014 08:49AM

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 · 30-05-2014 10:45AM

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

Bunkers...... damed Bunkers

Comments