A greenside bunker restoration has taken place at The Country Club at DC Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona.

35 greenside bunkers were restored and a hybrid sand mix was introduced, comprised of Augusta White from the Black Hills of Coachella Valley and Arizona Pit from the Agua Fria/Salt River area.

“By utilising a blend of two sands we have created an optimum sand bunker that has dramatically increased its level of playability,” said Dick Hyland, director of golf at The Country Club of DC Ranch. “We’ve also replaced all the liners in each of the bunkers with a product called Linebacker, and improved the drainage system which will enable a quicker turnaround of play after wet conditions.”

The project cost US$300,000 and was completed in 30 days.

The course at The Country Club at DC Ranch was originally designed by Scott Miller Design in 1997, before a redesign was carried out by John Fought and Tom Lehman in 2002.

“We are continually checking the depth of the sand in each of the greenside and fairway bunkers to maintain proper depth so our members can expect the very finest conditions each and every time they play a round of golf at DC Ranch,” said Bill Kostes, director of agronomy and golf course superintendent for the Club.

Six and half acres of turf which was considered out-of-play was removed from the par-71, 6,888 yard course last summer, and replaced with natural desert vegetation.

“Scott Miller did a marvellous job in creating the initial design of the golf course and Tom and John further enhanced the stature of the layout with their redesign,” added Hyland. “Now, we are simply making key adjustments to an already outstanding golf course. The feedback we have received so far from our members has been overwhelmingly positive.”