Synthetic Bunker Edging - Function to prevail over form?

[Ryan Coles]

In my neck of the woods it seems everyone is racing to install dura bunker or enviro bunker etc.


It’s seen as a solution to the never ending problem of washouts and sand contamination etc.  So far so good.


But I wonder how restrictive the construction practice is in terms of variety and relationship to the edge of the green. And how these plastic riveted edges look on parkland.


Looking at the LA Open on TV and contrast between the art of those bunkers and the repetitive nature of these plastic riveted faces, leads me to wonder what courses will look like in 20 years. Greenkeepers who tend to drive these matters in the UK rather than architects will always choose function over form. Golfers will normally opt for substance over style if it means a better chance of a good lie.


What are the best examples of this method that strike a reasonable balance between the two?

[Brett Hochstein]

Naturally revetted bunkers that are allowed to erode and evolve to the point of disrepair?  The standard shelf-life on most revetted bunkers is way too short.  Who cares if they start eroding or getting scruffy?  Unless it gets to the point where the sand is blowing back out of them or unplayable lies become common, there is nothing wrong with them.  Heck, I'd say they probably look more interesting and intimidating that way--sort of like some of the old photos of Road or Hell bunkers at St Andrews.

[Thomas Dai]

Here's a related thread from a little while ago - http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,62512.0.html - which includes some comments from Rhydian Lewis, one of the chaps who developed the process.
Seems to be a process that's getting more and more popular. The modern day version of sleepers?
Top edge tie-in is sometimes mentioned as an issue particularly given that top edges of bunkers tend to dry out in the summer but then again isn't there now micro-irrigation to drip feed water to such dry spots?
As to the look, after a while as sand accumulates on the faces and tufts of grass etc begin to grow the use of duro/eco becomes less obvious - not sure most 'non-enthusiasts' would even notice anyway - although I can't imagine that the sometimes used technique of using a burner gun to clean-up revetted faces would be such a good idea with the eco/dura process!!
Be interesting to hear the comments of folks who's been maintaining eco/dura for a while.
I wonder when there'll be an eco/dura version to edge the exposed open sandy areas that have become more and more common?
atb


PS - I also wonder how long it will be before bunkers can come in pre-fabricated form, bit like a pre-molded garden fish pond, ordered from an online catalogue, delivered on a truck and dropped into place. With built in drainage and irrigation points. Even 'shelves' to place the eco/duro on, if it's not factory installed already. "I'll have one number 3, three number 5's and two number 9's please". Dan Dare time or not?

[Niall C]

Ryan

I've seen a few in position and much prefer the natural turf versions. I think you are correct though that to an extent it is greenkeepers who are driving it and it is hard to resist the argument I imagine when budgets are tight. I also tend to think they will look better and probably be used  more on inland courses.

However I think clubs would be better off letting their revetted bunkers degrade more before they go all out to replace them. It seems to me that where you have the Augusta effect of nice shrubs and bushes being required on some parkland courses, you also get the Open effect with freshly done revetted bunkering appearing on our screens every summer. The R&A might be doing everyone a favour by telling the clubs not to change the bunkering too close to the Open. Obviously that's wishful thinking on my part but would still like to see it.

Niall

[Ally Mcintosh]

Naturally revetted bunkers that are allowed to erode and evolve to the point of disrepair?  The standard shelf-life on most revetted bunkers is way too short.  Who cares if they start eroding or getting scruffy?  Unless it gets to the point where the sand is blowing back out of them or unplayable lies become common, there is nothing wrong with them.  Heck, I'd say they probably look more interesting and intimidating that way--sort of like some of the old photos of Road or Hell bunkers at St Andrews.

Again, 100% aligned with Brett

[Jon Wiggett]

I've mentioned this on other similar threads that Musselburgh Old has several of these artificial faced bunkers which have been done very well. I liked the look but would still prefer the top 6" or so to be natural. As for a personal preference, I have always leaned towards the slightly worn, frayed look as apposed to the super defined.

[Alan FitzGerald CGCS MG]

FWIW I started using Ecobubunker for the manicured edges at LedgeRock on the bunkers that have been rebuilt. By doing so it eliminates the worry of contamination from the edge, keeps it crisp and the only edging is the top inch or so which reduces maintenance. Rees only wants a small edge so the artificial turf isn't even visible.

Ecobunker on Blinder before the sand



Sand installed



Ecobunker install



Sand installed but real turf not edged

[Ryan Coles]

Looks like I was wrong. It can be used with any shaping and doesn’t seem to compromise it: https://ecobunker.co.uk/


Perhaps it is a win - win.

[Ally Mcintosh]

Ryan,


They can certainly be used for the same shaping as natural sod walls - they just don’t erode which for me can add another artistic element. In addition, they don’t work quite as well if you are going for that hybrid look with rough edges and some sod in the bays etc...


They are certainly a worthwhile option however, especially since they started to produce inch and a half layers (they used to be astroturf thin)

[Ryan Coles]

I went and saw some in the flesh last week, both a new construction and one a year old. They look better than they do in photos. As mentioned, my only concern would be growth on top of the bunker, but in truth this area can be a problem on any bunker during a dry spell.