Golf bunker renovation project

Carden Park is committed to continually improving our world-class facilities for all of our guests; including across our two championship Cheshire golf courses. The latest investment includes an over £60,000 makeover of our bunkers to improve maintenance schedules and general play quality for our golfers. 

The golf bunker update

Our greenkeeping team have removed the previous bunker sand and used this opportunity to complete any maintenance repairs required to the perforated drainage pipes, to ensure efficient water flow. A layer of drainage stone has been applied over the pipes to avoid any flooding and the base has been smoothed out with a wacker plate. This will ensure that the ball filters towards the centre or the bunkers to facilitate a better opportunity for a redeeming shot. 

Following the preparation from our team, the WhiteMoss company have installed permeable BunkerMat lining. This lining is laid in the direction of play to avoid damage with any steep shots for longevity and quality of the investment. We then overlaid fresh MM35 sand and spread it with a middle depth of 4 inches and 2 inches depth on the faces. The sand will mix seamlessly with the BunkerMat lining to reduce any slipping, standing strong in the face of the British weather and the popularity of play on our courses.  

The improvements made to our golf bunkers will have several benefits including;

• Minimising damage to clubs as the sand will not be able to mix with any stone found within the natural clay base due to the protective lining. As well as generally being less prone to damage. 
• Aesthetically our bunkers will look in pristine condition with minimum maintenance. 
• Reduces our use of chemicals used in the process of weed killing.
• Deters our wildlife (mainly rabbits) using the bunkers as their lavatory as they will not be able to dig deep enough – the perks of being a countryside hotel!
• The sand will no longer slip far during rainfall which means our team will reduce the manpower and disruption needed to churn as frequently for an even playing experience.
• Creating an overall more pleasurable playing experience for our guests during their golf break when faced with the natural challenges and hazards our golf courses provide. 
• Allows our greenkeeping team more time to enhance the course in other ways.

We have changed 33 greenside bunkers on our Cheshire course.