I’m sure everyone is wondering why the big pile of rocks at the Learning Center has been sitting there for a few months and why there is equipment and missing bunkers dotted over a few holes.
The edge of the irrigation pond had been eroding over the last couple of years to the point where it needed reinforcing. While researching the best option, we were able to source some huge boulders locally, which will provide the best aesthetic solution to reinforce the banks. The plan was to excavate the old edge, build a shelf to place the boulders on, and then backfill behind them. Once the shelf was built (and the weather cooperated) we contacted the pond liner contractor to install the liner, only to find out it had been backordered. We had anticipated a delay so ordered it last fall to make sure it was here, however, as with it seems everything this year, we are at the mercy of the shipping companies. It is now supposed to be installed by mid-April, so hopefully this is the last delay. The rest of the project should only take a couple of weeks to complete once the liner is in place.
As you know, the board approved the greenside bunkers to be replaced this spring. The recommended life of bunker and is approximately seven years, so the 17-year-old sand at LedgeRock is well past its sell by date. The rebuilt bunkers will be constructed using the best method/materials available; this will ensure that the money spent now will pay off in the long term as it virtually reduces all contamination of the sand, ensuring that the new bunkers will greatly exceed the current recommended life span. We have sourced an excellent bunker sand to complement the project.
Now that the course is approaching its third decade, the club contacted Rees Jones so, as part of the reconstruction, they can make any changes needed to ensure the design continues to challenge into the future. The added benefit of this is that we can reduce the sand area, which will save money on maintenance in the future. It is amazing how architects can reduce sand area but without affecting the visuals and playability, so I cannot wait to see the finished product.
Related: Golf Course Architects, Builders, and Superintendents are “Triad” for Successful Bunkers
A perfect example of what we are doing, is on 18. The left bunker is getting tweaked to fit into the land better but also the front edge is getting lowered so there will be more sand visible from the fairway – one of the architect tricks to make it look bigger, when it will actually be smaller. The front bunker gets broken into two, with the smaller part nearer the approach being raised so you can now see the greens surface from it, while the other part remains similar to the old version. They are also lowering the front edge so there will be more sand visible from the fairway, making it aesthetically better and more visually intimidating, while also making it a little easier!
The plan was to start in early April and have the project completed by June 1st. The contractor was able to get a head start on the project with a couple of staff and hence why it currently looks to be moving slowly. He is still on schedule to have a full crew here as planned in April and the progress will move quickly from then on.
Over the next week the bunker sand will start to be delivered and stockpiled in the parking lot. Once the contractor gets fully started in April, we plan to send out regular updates on the progress. It has been a frustrating start due to the delays with materials – however I am glad we got a head start so did not run into these issues later which would have greatly delayed the original schedule. So sorry about the mess but bear with us for the next couple of months as it will not be long until it is all put back together and LedgeRock will look and play better than it ever has!
As always, please email me with any questions: alan@ledgerockgolf.com
