Andy
I am amused at times by comments directed at me on this site. Whilst I am keen on Nature and Natural and in particular playing a course that is part and parcel with the overall landscape, I am also practical and understand that certain practices have to be accommodated.
Bunkers, sod layers or riveted being the modern term I believe, is nothing new, they have been in use certainly since the late 19th Century. There inclusion was the best and most cost effective way of maintaining the bunkers integrity. Also I believe in the use of worms and sand, but modern practices have minimised their use. There are reasons for this it can be argued, but are we not now trying to reverse the nitrates and fertiliser we use on the land, perhaps some of the old way still have merit.
My opinions are based on the UK although I have experience of playing golf in the jungles of the Amazon, Africa and India/Burma, all near the Equator and in very hot and high humidity climates, so I understand playing in hot and uncomfortable areas, all without a cart (love to see a cart in the Brazilian Jungle of the 1970’s).
My comments are based upon my actual experiences, although I have never played in North America.
Golf is a challenge. I learnt that from a young age and fully understand that when playing a short game in a jungle clearing. It’s not about easy, it’s not about reading aids but working out for oneself the distance and the shot as you observe the course as you walk to your next shot. Others want the game made easy, it’s their choice, and I want the game played as I was taught by my family.
Nature is the underling beauty the World gives us, but natural is what is on the land prior to our design intent. We need IMHO to maintain the Nature whilst incorporating the natural, minimising the hand of man wherever possible.
I hope that gives you a better insight to my approach or at the very least explains some of my thoughts on the subject.
Melvyn