The bunkers, or sand traps, are part of what makes your golf course interesting and challenging for players. Unfortunately, many course owners don’t recognize the importance of regular sand trap maintenance, causing issues for their patrons. Here are a few tips for keeping your course in top shape, as a little care can go a long way. 

What Kind of Maintenance Do Sand Traps Require? 

Over time, the sand in bunkers can become compacted from being walked and rained on. To loosen up the material and create a soft place for the ball to land, sand traps should be raked regularly. Because weather conditions and player experience are different from course to course, how often you need to rake will vary. A couple of times a week is a good rule of thumb to keep the bunkers uniform and soft. Minimize daily raking only to holes that see the most foot traffic. 

You should also ensure that your bunkers have enough sand and that there aren’t weeds or other plants growing in the traps. They should have at least 4 to 6 inches of sand in them, and your grounds crew team should monitor them carefully for weeds and pest infestations.

Why Does Maintenance Matter? 

In addition to giving a streamlined, well-maintained appearance to your golf course, sand traps that are cared for properly can also help improve playing conditions for golfers. When traps are properly filled, raked, and weeded, it may cut down on the number of shots players have to take to get their ball out of the bunker, creating a more favorable playing experience. 

If your bunkers are running low or you simply need a replacement material, turn to Weeks Sand & Concrete in Cameron, NC. With a wide variety of fill sand, bunker sand, and top dressing sand, they’ll help make your golf course more beautiful and functional for your patrons. Learn more about their services on the website, or give the team a call at (919) 499-4272 to request an estimate today.