Mississippi course undergoing $250,000 bunker renovation

Grand Bear Golf Course – owned and operated by VICI Properties – is currently in the process of renovating all of the greenside bunkers at the nearly 20-year-old golf course. The $250,000, five-week renovation project will include a complete rebuild of all 35 greenside bunkers to enhance the drainage system, sand quality and golf experience. Grand Bear will employ the Better Billy Bunker Method of bunker reconstruction. The course will remain open for play during the renovation. 

“Bunker conditions are a hot point for any golf course, and after nearly two decades, it is time to upgrade,” superintendent Alan Sullivan said. “The new bunkers will significantly reduce the effects of the weather – especially rain – on our bunkers and increase consistency and playability for our guests.” 

The renovation process includes removing all existing sand from the current bunkers to inspect the drain lines for damage before laying down a layer of local gravel. The gravel is then lined with a special polymer which allows rainwater to reach drain lines without losing any sand from the bunkers. As the final step, the bunkers are filled with classic white sand from Foley, Ala., the same sand originally used by Grand Bear. 

“Inconsistent play from the bunkers is a golfer’s nightmare,” general manager Tolby Strahan said. “Upgrading the drainage systems ensures our players get the same bunker consistency – rain or shine – for years to come.”