Bunker Mowing Patterns

When in the course of a renovation of the scale the club performed a few years ago, it is often necessary to utilize the most efficient measures possible to complete the maximum amount work. As work on the course progressed, the west side of the course was seeded first as earth work continued on the east half. As the grass germinates and grows it becomes necessary to begin a regular mowing schedule. However, the construction work on the other half of the course is still continuing. It then becomes necessary to manipulate the mowing schedule to accommodate the ongoing construction work.

During construction, it was decided to mow the bunker faces at 4" which would allow for a longer interval between mowing. This would enable the labor to be directed to other parts of the renovation that were still ongoing. Through one of the many course inspections during the renovation, one of these bunkers and it's 4" hair cut were happened upon, and it was decided to continue this maintenance throughout the course. Though this accident may never share the stage with the microwave or champagne, it works out well for the club and is still in place today.

The fairway cut leading into the bunker on the fronting edge was part of the plan from the beginning. This was desired to allow the bunkers to be more in play for shots that run toward them. A line of rough would prevent the golf ball from rolling into the bunker.

Both of these feature do require some unique maintenance requirements. The long grass on the face of the bunker is still mowed at 4", and is cut on every other Monday. So, on Sundays before our scheduled mowing, the grass could be rather long. Allowing this grass to be mowed every other week, rather than weekly, or twice weekly, significantly reduces our labor costs. The fairway height cut on the edge of the bunker is usually mowed twice a week with a walk mower. This job also mows several passes around the edge of the bunker which allows the fairway mowers more room to turn.

All of this adds up to the unique look the bunkers possess.