PHOENIX, AZ – A year ago Pro Turf International (PTI) completed a major bunker renovation on the Palmer Signature Course at Wildfire Golf Club in Phoenix. PTI worked on 54 course bunkers and two practice bunkers on the scenic Arnold Palmer layout, part of the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa.
This summer it was Nick Faldo’s turn. Pro Turf International was again contracted by Wildfire Golf Club to refurbish and renovate 66 bunkers on the Faldo Course, totaling approximately 115,000 square feet.
“They have a lot of strategically placed bunkers on that course that had suffered some natural contamination,” said Kip Wolfe, principal at Pro Turf International. “Over years of play the contamination occurs for various reasons. There is erosion in the faces of the bunkers, sand washes away in some areas and builds up in others. The result is a lack of consistency.”
So PTI was called in this past June to bring the bunkers back to their original state.
NO. 10 BEFORE
The first step was to remove all the sand from the bunkers, and that sand was re-used in the aerification of the golf course. The sand was mechanically removed using mini excavators and placed in pull-behind hydraulic spreaders that spread the sand evenly on the fairways and roughs.
The crew then created improved bunker edges, and fine-graded the slopes to the original design blueprint. This action not only enhanced the appearance of the bunkers but also aided playability and ease of maintenance.
“Bunker subgrades were then watered and compacted to insure water flowed to the herringbone drain lines,” said Wolfe. “Existing drain lines were cleaned and flushed to ensure proper drainage and outflow. New drainage gravel was added as needed.”
Then came the all-important step of adding the new sand, which in this case was Arizona 50/50 white bunker sand. The sand was spread to a depth of 6” loose on the floors and 2-3” on the faces and slopes. It was then watered, plate compacted for firmness and hand raked for play.
NO. 10 AFTER
“It is pretty meticulous work,” said Wolfe. “The key is creating consistent depths throughout the bunker. We had our ‘A’ team there so we were pretty pleased with the outcome.”
John Wright, Director of Club Membership Operations at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, agrees. And so do his members and guests.
“The final product on our Faldo bunkers has been well received by our locals, resort guests and Club members,” said Wright. “We no longer have standing water in our bunkers after rainfall and the playability is outstanding. Full, consistent bunkers have added to the enjoyment of our courses by all who play.”
The entire job was completed on time in approximately eight weeks, and on budget. That’s one of the reasons the officials at Wildfire Golf Club continue to call on PTI for course maintenance projects.
“PTI has always been great to work with over the years,” said Wright. “Their pricing is competitive and the quality of work is top-notch. The team is reliable and always reachable and responsive. Working with PTI over the years has been a pleasure.”
ABOUT PRO TURF INTERNATIONAL
Pro Turf International is a family owned construction, landscape and golf maintenance company with over 30 years of hands-on experience in the Southwest. They proudly serve the golf, sports and landscape industry to enhance quality and improve conditions in a safe, environmentally friendly manner. For more information call (702) 315-5121, or visit www.ptigolf.com.
ABOUT WILDFIRE GOLF CLUB
Wildfire Golf Club in north Phoenix features two outstanding golf courses – The Arnold Palmer Signature Course and the Faldo Championship Course. Surrounding both golf courses are the majestic McDowell Mountains and ancient saguaro cacti, providing a stunning setting for golfers. The Palmer course features wide fairways, challenging bunkers and large undulating greens. The Nick Faldo course sits on a 174-acre site and offers a slight variation from the typical desert-theme courses. It features generous fairways, large greens and multiple tee boxes. Both are part of the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa.
Contact: Mike Jamison (407-474-0531), mike@jamisongolf.com
