I think the interesting question that Bill asked is more than relevant.
Before I give my opinion I like to ask just what is a bunker in the eyes
of most on GCA.com?
Is it a hazard and therefore to be treated with caution,
Or is an inconvenience that only comes into play on a wayward shot
Or is a trap for the overconfident golfer
Or something else
I believe they fill all the above and more.
I love the sand trap and the deeper they are the more respect golfers will give them, thus making them far more effective. This allows the architect to challenge the golfer, IMHO the humble bunker more than any other hazard (including a small stream - which I would not describe as a hazard but certainly an inconvenience) cannot only make or break the hole, the game but also the golfers day. So I am not a keen advocator of water as a hazard but then I am first and foremost a links man. Shallow bunkers are no deterrent to a reasonable golfer, depending to the consistency of the sand they become a non event.
As for Bill question bald or hairy, I would encourage all courses to go bald. Leaving tall or long grass just catches the ball and may well stop the trap working, by either stopping the ball in its tracks or stop the forward motion of the rolling ball before it drops over the edge. Either result spares the golfer the pleasure of getting out of a DEEP bunker.
I just cannot see the reasoning behind long grass on the edge of a bunker. Either bunkers are a hazard in their own right or they are not, dressing them up with a beard is IMHO not sporting, and this practice should cease at once.
So what is your opinion, clean shaven or a beard – deep or shallow?
Don’t forget that some of the old photos show the reverse play and I will mention no names but standing on a wall of a bunker is, well just not on – makes you understand why a certain golfer was in the bunker in the first place.
