When a golfer describes the golf course as “not very playable”, what does that mean? Playability of a golf course is a vague term that in many ways reflects the wishes of an individual or group of golfers. As we progress through the classes HCS 2270 “Historical Perspective on Golf Course Design” and HCS 3475 “Turfgrass Management for Golf Course Managers” what comprises playability will be discussed.
When we look at the factors that can influence the level of playability of the golf course they include, for example, the golfer’s ability, weather (too wet or dry), management level, etc Although green speed, and green & fairway firmness often used to quantify playability (greens are too slow or fast, the greens are too soft or too firm), the condition of the bunkers influence playability. If you think what makes a bunker playable besides the quality and amount of sand present, the impact of rain specifically influences playabiilty. If the bunker drains poorly water can stand influencing play, and also contaminating the sand with silt and debris. Additionally water runoff into the bunkers from the surrounding area can cause “wash-outs”. To repair these bunkers takes considerable amount of labor and time.
In the video below, we look at a bunker renovation project at Muirfield Village Golf Club on a few of the golf holes (#10, 13,17) to improve water movement through and around the bunkers.