In the past few years Brian and his crew constructed a few revetted bunkers on the par-4 7th and par-3 8th holes here at Lahinch. The new bunkers replaced the sand-faced bunkers on holes that ran along the coast, which were continually stripped of sand by high winds. While I was not present for this work, Brian took awesome pictures documenting the process step by step. The pictures below are of the right greenside bunker on the par 3 8th.

The purpose of revetting bunkers is to create a steep turf wall that keeps sand in the bunker and provides a well defined line and intimidating look to the golfer. Sand on an inclined bunker face is prone to being blown away in wind, as the angle creates a runway prime for wind to blow out sand. This creates sand deposits on turf and poor quality bunkers.

The first step is to excavate the area of the new bunker, creating a base that is completely flat to ensure the stacked sod layers are level (after establishing proper drainage). After the base and drainage are established, the next step is to lay the sod.

The angle of sod is critical. Depending on preference and what resources you use, it is suggested that a greenside bunker be angled at approximately 55 degrees. This is accomplished by setting back each successive sod layer by 30 mm.

 Original excavation of the old bunker.

A level base has been created, with the first circle of sod having been laid

Progression up the bank, giving a sense of what the revetting will look like in the end.

Sod stacking almost finished, showing a clean revetted face and level sod lines which are aesthetically pleasing

It is vital to ensure the bunkers revetting peaks to match the level of the surrounding area. Not doing so results in an odd looking bunker that seems out of place. It also beneficial to slit the back edges of the sod to make it easier to maneuver around the curved bunker edges.

After all the sod has been laid, a final layer can be placed on top, and the surrounding area can be cleaned and sand can be replaced into the bunker.

The finished product.

Revetting bunkers is highly work intensive, but for a short time. The effort it saves in the long run however, from return trips to reshape windswept bunkers, is well worth the initial time and energy.