Bunker Construction at Cutten Fields

Our approved master plan includes rebuilding both the green-side and fairway bunkers. The bunkers are being redesigned and built in order to improve both playability and appearance (think of the newly designed bunkers on the hole #15). The improved bunkers will offer more consistent sand while reducing maintenance costs. Valuable maintenance resources including personnel and financial can then be redirected to other areas of the course. The new shallower bunkers are easier to maintain in large part because of the design: a combination of less slope and the grass type selected will allow for a reduction in mowing and trimming. In addition, because the sand does not tend to move as much less time will be spent maintaining sand depths.

Feed material from Chardon, Ohio

When completed, there will be approximately 39 green-side bunkers and 36 fairway bunkers compared to the 65 currently on the course.

Our bunkers will be built to modern standards. The process involves:

• Removing old bunker sand

• Shaping the bunkers

• Installing the drainage system

• Installing the clay based liner

• Filling the bunker with sand

One of the most fascinating aspects of the bunkers is the sand. The sand is manufactured and does not come from a beautiful white sand beach as many people might think. It is produced from feed material, large pebbles (pictured beside), in Ohio. Shipped by boat to Hamilton, the 1200 tonnes of sand is then transported by truck to Cutten Fields. The characteristics of the manufactured sand improves playability because the sand is angular. More rounded sand has a greater propensity for a fried egg lie whereas angular sand is preferred by golfers because of its firm consistent characteristics.

Not all sands are created equal, different shapes of a grain of sand can impact

Landing in a bunker is normally considered a problem for the average golfer. This may no longer be the case with our newly designed bunkers and sand. Mind you a few bunker lessons could help us all, thank you Steve! Did You Know:

• We will have more bunkers than currently on the course.

• We will have 16% less square footage of bunkers once construction is completed.

• The bunkers cover 0.75 % of the golf course.

• Bunker maintenance is 15 % of our labour time.

• The grass type around the bunkers has Fescue which is more drought tolerant and requires less fertilizer.