Firm and Fast and Fluffy Sand

[Russell Lo]

On one of my regular courses they just replaced the bunker sand with really fluffy stuff. Usually the conditions of the course are pretty tight and firm so the bounce on my wedges is minimal. Now, with the different sand I'm finding that these disparate elements are creating  much more interesting options.

Does anyone know of courses that use this particular formula, firm and fast and fluffy sand to give the player a little more thought on their short game (as if I needed to think more).

[Norbert P]

A. On one of my regular courses they just replaced the bunker sand with really fluffy stuff.

B. Usually the conditions of the course are pretty tight and firm so the bounce on my wedges is minimal.

C. Now, with the different sand I'm finding that these disparate elements are creating  much more interesting options.


D. Does anyone know of courses that use this particular formula, firm and fast and fluffy sand to give the player a little more thought on their short game (as if I needed to think more).

A. Given time and depending on the sand grain shape and packing technique, it may settle and not be so fluffy.

B.    (edit:)  Do you feel like you'll need a bigger bounce on the sole of your wedge? Have different clubs for different courses?

C. More options or higher risk for navigation?

D. Fluff sand is not normally requested by anyone I know of or the USGA. It generally slows play and golf courses sell time; i.e., the faster you go the more they can profit.

[David_Tepper]

Russell -

I have encountered the conditions you describe, firm tight turf and very soft sand, on many links courses in GB&I. It does seem like you would want a low-bounce wedge for the former and a high-bounce wedge for the later. Obviously, you can alter the bounce on your wedge by opening or closing the face. The other option is to carry 2 wedges with different bounces.

DT