The Decision - Which Bunker Liner for Pine Hollow?

Last month we wrote in an entry that 360 Golf is currently working on a project at Pine Hollow Country Club renovating the bunkers.  This renovation is the first restoration of the bunkers since the mid 90's when Gil Hanse, on one of his first assignments after leaving the Renaissance Design Group, redesigned the bunkers.  Consequently, everyone involved in the project wants to ensure that this restoration brings out the best in Mr. Hanse's design.   At the time of the previous entry, the Club was debating on how to proceed with the renovation.  The topic of discussion - which bunker liner should be installed.  The Club had narrowed the options to the following - Billy Bunker, Synthetic, & Natural Grass.  After much discussion, debate, and guidance from USGA's David Oatis, the Club selected the Sod Bunker Liner method because they felt the natural grass liner would best fit Pine Hollow's sandy soil environment and harsh winters.   

Pine Hollow CC After the "Worst Storm of All Time"

Drainage Installation

Once the decision was finalized, 360 Golf started working right away in the rain, snow and cold to meet the aggressive finish date of May 1st.    As of this writing, 360 Golf has already installed 40,000 SF of sod liners in 8 holes of bunkers. 

As for the technical aspects of the project, 360 Golf is using a fine fescue blend sod for the edges of the bunkers to match the existing sod on the bunker edges.  We are using a bluegrass blend on the floors of the bunkers - sod is being provided by Delea Sod of Northport, NY.  Our staff is meticulously laying down the sod in each bunker.  Once the project is completed, we plan on updating the blog to discuss our challenges, issues, and successes faced throughout the restoration.

360 Staff Installing Sod Liners at # 9 Fairway

 

Hole # 9 Green - Completed Sod Liner