Bunker renovations at Gullane Golf Club

At a traditional links venue like Gullane Golf Club, bunkers are more than strategic hazards - they are highly managed landscape features that demand constant attention.

Wind exposure, weather extremes and heavy footfall place stress on bunker faces, especially on south‑facing aspects and high‑traffic areas. Under Course Manager Paul Armour (below), the club has undertaken an extensive bunker renovation programme to improve structural integrity, playability and visual consistency across all three courses.

Prioritising work and first impressions

Gullane operates a rolling bunker rebuilding programme, guided by seasonal assessment and prioritisation. An initial list is drawn up towards the end of summer, but the scope often expands once work begins, as newly renovated bunkers highlight the condition of neighbouring features. Last winter alone, 147 bunkers were rebuilt, with further work completed this season as part of the club’s ongoing commitment to raising standards.

First impressions are a key consideration. Bunkers encountered early in the round receive particular attention, as their condition strongly influences a golfer’s perception of course quality. A deteriorated face or inconsistent finish can undermine confidence before the round has properly begun.

Performance, playability and durability

Renovation is driven by playability and durability. As revetted faces age, turf recession and desiccation create overhanging lips and uneven strike zones, reducing fairness and increasing reactive repairs. Rebuilding restores a consistent profile that supports clean ball striking while preserving the traditional links aesthetic.

The club continues to favour revetted bunkers, a method that aligns with Gullane’s historic character and offers practical advantages in sand retention and wind resistance. Unlike bunkers with large exposed sand faces, revetted structures limit washout risk and reduce reliance on synthetic liners.

Consistent construction and staff development

All construction is carried out in house using a standard procedure, including a fixed 55‑degree face angle to ensure uniformity. Experience from other links venues has been consolidated into a repeatable system that supports apprentices and developing staff. Winter work, running from early November to late January, provides valuable training under challenging conditions.

Drainage, weather and winter play

Gullane benefits from naturally sandy soils, though isolated water issues arise where localised water tables sit higher. In these cases, targeted drainage is installed during renovation. The revetted design eliminates the need for capillary concrete or aggregate liners, as sand movement is inherently controlled by the structure of the face.

Weather remains the main constraint on scheduling. While sandy ground allows work to progress through most winters, flexibility is built into the programme to accommodate periods of prolonged rainfall.

Materials, turf and maintenance

Existing sand is reused where suitable, with fresh sand added only when required. Turf is largely sourced from the club’s nursery, ensuring a reliable match and reducing waste. Post‑renovation maintenance has decreased, supported by wetting agents, light fertilisation and improved irrigation coverage around greenside bunkers.

Improving fairness and member response

Shaping bunker bases to encourage balls to roll back to the centre has reduced face damage, sand splash and unfair lies. Member feedback has been consistently positive, with forums helping explain the long‑term benefits of sustained investment.

For Paul Armour, the principle is straightforward: high standards require ongoing effort and decisive action:

“If something needs done, it gets done properly. I would hate someone to play the course and point out a bunker that should have been rebuilt - and know they are right.”

At Gullane, bunker renovation is treated as a core element of course management. The annual programme shows how traditional methods, clear standards and skilled in‑house delivery can produce durable, visually strong and highly playable bunkers suited to modern links golf.