Life Span
The life span of NatraTurf bunker sands depends on many factors, but our customers typically find when bunkers are built using USGA standards they will perform well for 5-7 years. After that the bunkers will need to be top dressed with additional sand ever 3-5 years depending on bunker use.

Top Dressing
When it comes time to top dress or refill bunkers, NatraTurf Bunker Sands can be purchased in 1-ton totes. This makes it easy to fill bunkers when you have the time and with a minimum investment. Typically bunkers are top dressed with a 2”-3” layer.

To help you calculate how much sand you will need check out our Bunker Sand Calc at bunkersandcalc.cfm

Installation and Renovation
There are a number of great websites available to help you install NatraTurf bunker sands and renovating your bunkers;

American Society of Golf Course Architects - Bunkers 

Installing Bunker Sand from NatraTurf at 5 Island Golf Course

Installed bunker spring 2009 at 5 Island Golf Course

Herfort Norby Golf Course Architects - Bunker Design

USGA - Bunker Renovation

Ground Maintenance Magazine - Bunker Renovation 

There are others, but we have found the above to be most helpful.

Once you have determined the need for renovation, the next step is to figure out how much sand is needed. The amount of sand needed will depend on how many bunkers you need to renovate or build. To assist you in planning, use our calculator at bunkersandcalc.cfm

We highly recommend that bunkers be built following USGA standards.

At a minimum the old sand should be removed, proper drainage installed, and a liner layer placed down. Then NatraTurf bunker sands can be installed. If fabric is not laid, then soil from below will contaminate and degrade the color and playability of the sand. Rain water should be diverted to flow away from bunkers. Rain water will contaminate bunkers and can cause sand to shift out of the bunker.

Maintenance
Endurance Manufactured Bunker Sand is formulated to stay in place on tough slopes. The sizing of Endurance also makes it a great choice for courses with limited maintenance budgets. Endurance’s larger particle size makes it less prone to crusting than Great White. This means less time spent raking, with many of our customers raking every 3rd or 4th day.

Great White Tour Grade Bunker Sand is formulated to place next to greens. The sizing of this sand allows it to be “blasted” on to greens and not impede root growth and water infiltration. However it does have a moderate tendency to crust. If you are already raking everyday then Great White is a great choice for your course.

It is important to make sure bunkers have proper drainage, fabric liners and irrigation. Properly built bunkers will reduce the time required by your staff to maintain bunkers.

Cost
NatraTurf bunker sands give you the look of exotic imported sands at 50-75% of the cost.
Give us a call or email to find out more.

Freight
NatraTurf has access to many freight companies and many types of trucks. We contract freight for our customers as a service. We do not employ brokers or charge for arranging freight. We do our best to find freight that is reasonably priced and fits your delivery time frame. You are of course welcome to arrange your own freight.

Additional Bunker Sand Links
USGA - Selecting Bunker Sands

Turf Diagnostic and Design - Bunker Sand Testing Lab

Golf Business Magazine - Burried Lies, Changing Views on Bunker Maintenance  

The Golf Channel - Bunker Sand Golf Drills