Selecting a Bunker Sand
Selecting Bunker Sand for your course can be a highly subjective practice. There are many things to consider when selecting the right type of sand for your course. Purity, color, drainage, playability, and maintenance are just a few.
When selecting sand, the most important factor is that you are getting a very pure sand. Non-manufactured and unwashed sands can contain nematodes, clay, and other potentially hazardous problems. The bunker sands from NatraTurf are mined from one of the purest limestone mines in 
the nation.
Bunker Sands from NatraTurf will enhance the look of any course. With a color rating of white when dry and a very pale brown when wet, NatraTurf Bunker sands will give your course the WOW factor you've been missing.
Because of the particle size of our bunker sands, you can be assured that the infiltration rate will not impede drainage. With one of the highest infiltration rates, you'll have bunkers instead of bath tubs after rain events. NatraTurf sands will also not impact root zone performance of a green when it is "splashed" on to the surface. Great White Sand meets USGA recommendations for greens.
The shape of the sand is also important. Rounded sands tend to blow away with wind and don’t stay 
in place on steep slopes. These types of sand require a continual need for replacement. In addition rounded or fine sands tend to bury balls that are hit into them.
Size of the sand particle should also be considered. NatraTurf Bunker Sands have a very low percentage of fine particles to keep them from crusting. Sands that have the proper ratio of large particles are also firmer.
Particle size and shape combine to determine the feel, or playability of the sand. Sands that have a more rounded shape are considered "soft" and require a substantial amount of skill to play from. Round sands should be avoided because it shifts more under the weight of the golfer and can allow golf balls to bury and disappear on impact.
For the golfer, ball-lie is the
most important when it comes to sands. Bunker sands from NatraTurf have a very high rating for avoiding “Fried-Egg” lies and buried balls. For most courses, sands from NatraTurf provide the ideal playing characteristics for the amateur golfer.
NatraTurf Bunker Sand installed at Spring Valley
Once you have done your homework and selected a particular sand for use, you may want to use this sand to renovate one or two of the most frequently played bunkers and then get player's feedback on how well they like it.
We encourage our customers to install a few test bunkers on their course to get a feel for the look, the maintenance and the playability of our sands.
Give us a call and we can help you determine if Great White or Endurance will enhance the aesthetics, playability, and rounds played for your course!
