How to Build a Golf Course Sand Trap

Create a design plan to decide the sand trap's design and location. Pick an area where proper drainage can be installed and that water doesn't normally collect. Decide on the dimensions of the bunker by considering both the upkeep requirements and the purpose the bunker is to serve? For example, is its purpose to narrow a landing area or to prevent a ball from being rolled from one point to another. The length, width and shape will be influenced by those answers.

Use the garden hoes and shovels to clear the area where the bunker will be placed and an additional 2 to 3 feet around the planned edge of the trap. This extra area is necessary to provide a proper working area, avoiding a larger area of turf damage. .

Create a drainage system to reduce the likelihood of standing water and the impact of erosion. A simple drainage path can be created by laying inverted sod along the bottom-most line of the bunker. This will allow the roots and soil from the grass to absorb water from the sand, creating a simple system with a low level of upkeep.

Excavate the trap using the front end loader. Clear dirt to a level about a foot higher then the depth you want the finished bunker to be. Use the shovels to finish the excavating process; this helps prevent too much soil from being removed. In determining the depth of your bunker, develop a sand trap that you find will penalize golfers for hitting into it, but not be unplayable.

Put the sand in about a foot at a time. Use the rake to push the sand around so it fills the trap evenly. This will help the sand settle and mix with the natural dirt and soil. The depth of the sand is a matter of personal preference.
When trying to fill the walls of the bunker with sand, pour from the top of the wall and allow the sand to build up the slope. Rake the sand thoroughly when the filling process is complete. The depth of the sand will be determined by how high you want the walls of the bunker to be.
There are many types of sand with unique characteristics. When choosing which type of sand to use, balance economic, aesthetic and playability issues. For example, an imported sand might carry a high price but play better and drain at a much higher rate. In contrast, a local sand might have larger granules and a cheaper price, but that may not look as great or be as good for hitting out of. There is no uniform correct choice.

Replant sod around the trap's edges and in the area cleared for the construction project. If interested, you can create an overhang by placing sod just over the edge of the bunker. This will create a higher lip and increase the difficulty of play from the bunker. Also if you build the sand up right to the sod on an overhang you can create a sharp edge which looks professional and makes the bunker easier to maintain. After completing these steps you will have your complete sand trap.