Should Bunkering Vary by Region?

[Mike Hendren]

Down South, the rough tends to dry and thin out in the summer months.  Up north, I'm always impressed by the lushness and uniformity of the rough which seems to extract a half shot.  If that's the case isn't  extensive fairway bunkering superfluous in that region?  Should that be a factor?

Mike

[jeffwarne]

I think you're missing the point that the modern bunker is eye candy-not strategic
Not many pictures of waving 3 inch bluegrass on websites or calandars...

[Jason Topp]

Bogey:

The rough in Minnesota varies quite a bit.  It tends to be thickest in June and then slowly thin out unless the course is throwing a lot of water on it.

As to your question, in my view it depends on the bunkers and where they are located.  Deep fairway bunkers that intrude into the fairway are tough hazards.  A course lined by rough is pretty ugly as well unless there is something to break up the view.

I have always thought bermuda rough was much more difficult than the rough up north (perhaps because I do not play it often).  I would think the question would be more interesting in the reverse direction.

[Mike Hendren]

Jeff, I'm a grass guy so I think the thick bluegrass is beautiful.

Jason, you have a good point as the ball tends to settle to the ground as the light Bermuda isn't strong enough to support it. 

I'm just trying to find some justification for more judicious bunkering.  Ozaukee would be just as good with zero bunkering in my opinion.

Bogey

[Thomas Dai]

Worth mentioning that where the sand is natural, i.e. it isn't imported by truck but is whats underneath the grass,  then it can vary quite a bit e.g. dark and heavy like say RCD, full of shells like StA.
Atb

[Tom_Doak]

Worth mentioning that where the sand is natural, i.e. it isn't imported by truck but is whats underneath the grass,  then it can vary quite a bit e.g. dark and heavy like say RCD, full of shells like StA.
Atb

That used to be true in the USA but no more.  All the big clubs that can afford it are going to a uniform spec that's easier to play from.  The real rationale is so Tour players, raters and other professional guests don't have to make adjustments to their game for their drive-by visits.


Indeed, sand quality is a "tell" whether a U.S. club considers itself top-tier or aspires to, like granite countertops in McMansions.

[Thomas Dai]

Uniform sand. Very sad. Judging the sand and how to play the upcoming shot should be/used to be a skill within the game.
Atb

[Wayne_Kozun]

But it "improves" the game, if you belive the marketing on the web site of Pro/Angle:


"Pro/Angle Angular Bunker Sand represents the latest significant innovation to improve the game of golf. Pro/Angle, the original 100% Angular Bunker Sand, was designed specifically to improve the game. Pro/Angle resists ball impact creating a more playable bunker shot.

Pro/Angle Angular Bunker Sand has improved the playability of the game at some of the most exclusive courses across the country. These courses have seen improved scores and increased member and management satisfaction."