Item Brochure

Turf-Tec International
1471 Capital Circle NW, Ste # 13
Tallahassee, FL. 32303 USA
Order Line [phone] - Phone [phone] - Fax [phone]
Website: www.turf-tec.com
Sand Particle Shape
The shape of the sand particles has a strong influence on playing quality and
maintenance. A sand particle's shape is classified by examining both the relative
sharpness of the particle's edges and the overall shape of the particle itself. The surface of
particles can range from very angular (many sharp, well-defined edges) to well rounded
(smooth surfaces). The shape of the particle can range from low sphericity (an elongated
particle) to high sphericity (a particle that is nearly round).
The angularity and sphericity of the particles have a strong influence on the playing
quality of the sand. For example, a low-sphericity, very angular sand generally has high
resistance to fried-egg lies. Such sands also tend to stay in place better on the face of the
bunker. However, this same sand would produce very firm bunkers that some players
may find objectionable. Well-rounded, high-sphericity sands can produce fried-egg lies
and are more likely to move off the bunker face during maintenance and irrigation
rainfall.
Sands usually consist of a mixture of particle shapes and sizes. This is important to the
stability and playing quality of the sand. Again, as a general rule, sands that are highly
uniform in size range and shape (particularly if rounded with high sphericity) tend to be
less stable than a sand that has a wider range of particle dimensions.
Crusting and Set Up
Crusting is the formation of a layer of dried, stiff sand on the surface of the bunker. Such
layers typically are 1/8 to 1/4 inch in thickness, and they severely decrease the playing
quality of the bunker. Sands that are prone to crusting require more frequent raking to
maintain good playing quality. If the crusting potential is high, the bunkers will require
raking following each irrigation and rainfall event. This greatly increases the labor
required to keep the bunkers in good condition.
Crusting is directly related to the percentage of silt and clay in the sand. As silt and clay
increase, the severity of crusting increases as well. To test for crusting potential, simply
wet a thin layer of sand and allows it to dry overnight. Then attempt to lift the layer on
the edges using a spatula.
Credits
JIM MOORE Green Section Record Jan/Feb 1998 Vol. 36, #1
Dr. K. W Brown & Mr. J. C. Thomas, Golf Course Management, Vol 54, July 1986