Bunker Renovation Project

April Bunker Update

We’re pleased to advise that as of Monday April 21st, Dol employees are back on the course, resuming our bunker renovation project. Here’s a quick summary of where the project stands today and what we anticipate in terms of project completion and play:

• Weather: You’ll recall we hoped for a mild winter and early spring, unfortunately, we got the opposite – the very slow start to spring is not working in our favor; however, things can change quickly, and we hope for better growing conditions soon and lots of sunshine to help firm up the course
• Completion Status: 25 of 49 bunkers are complete, and currently, crews are working on holes 2 and 3, and some work is being done on 5. Several other holes are in various stages of completion
• Estimated Completion: The target finish date for the renovations is June 30th, pending variables. Again, much will depend on the weather, as soft ground can shorten workdays. The estimated workdays remaining are around fifty-five

Course Opening Play: How will it work?

• For the first three to four weeks, all weekday play will start on the back nine. After finishing 18, players will move to the 1st hole, skip 2 and 3, and resume play on 4, finishing on 9. Hole 5 may also be closed; updates will be provided
• Please note ForeTees will show play starts on 1 – the system will simply not allow us to show play starting on 10
• Routing will change as bunkers are completed, we will advise when routes and open/closed holes change
• On weekdays, those with starting times around noon MAY be able to complete 18 holes as crews leave the course around 2:30 to 3:30, depending again on weather, and the type of work being done
• You will know if a hole can be played IF the flag is in, and IF you don’t see any workers. To avoid confusion, in the morning, the grounds crew will provide the starter with the flags for the holes being worked on, and only when the starter or other WV employee puts the flag back in can the hole be played. This ensures greater safety for the workers and prevents work disruption
• Weekends, play will start on hole 1, with all holes in play
• We are trying to set up ForeTees to send push notifications to all players on the daily tee sheet regarding starting holes
• Starters will be on the course until 6 p.m. every day, to keep members informed, and we will be placing signage on the course to indicate routing and closed holes

Other "Need to Knows"

• The greenside bunkers on 18 will be open for play. Last year, we re-shaped the edges and washed the sand, so they are ready to go. It's never suggested to go into a bunker, but if you are so inclined, make it greenside 18. This should also give members a feel for the sand being used throughout the course
• Kyle also wanted to point out that all sod can be played off of – meaning, if your ball lies in what looks like new sod, you can play from there, or, take a drop, which is your call
• Should your ball go in a bunker, lift and place it. Do not attempt to hit out of the bunker. Surprisingly, players do not always clear the bunker edge, and should your shot hit a board or worse, one of the 2x2 stakes, it could ricochet anywhere, including at you
• Range practice bunkers will likely be scheduled for renovation toward the end of the project so that players will have a place to practice for as long as possible
• You will likely notice sediment and erosion “socks” being used around some greens, please do not move them or stand on them. They are considered a man-made obstruction for rules purposes, so take a free drop if your play is impacted

Estimated Dates for Bunker Gradual Re-Opening

• The slow start to spring impacted our ability to commence work. It also critically affected root growth of new sod. Holes 16, 17, and 18 were the first three holes completed, and although the sod has rooted well, it is not firm enough to support the lip of the bunker. More time is needed for sod to completely take root and firm up
• Should we remove supporting boards early, soil contamination into the new sand is likely, as is edge destruction, setting back completed work. Depending on the weather, and finesse of removing the boards and 2x2 stakes, we hope to have the bunkers on these three holes open around the end of May. However, depending on conditions, it could be later. We are not willing to jeopardize the work done for the sake of opening bunkers early
• Players will know bunkers are playable when all boards and stakes are removed, AND, rakes have been placed around the bunker. We will also be communicating reopening through ForeTees, Info Tee, and starters.

The committee would like to thank the members for their continued patience and support in this critical course enhancement. If you have questions, members are encouraged to contact the Bunker Subcommittee or GM Dan Campbell. 

• Mike Harris: bikemechanic@hotmail.com
• Larry Valianes: lvalianes@gmail.com 
• David Jamieson: djamieson@rogers.com 
• Don Davis: ddavis@insureitgroup.com 
• Kyle Young: kyoung@whitevalegolfclub.com 
• Darryl Brown: browndarrylj1962@gmail.com 
• Dan Campbell: DCampbell@whitevalegolfclub.com
• Michelle Miles: miles522@msn.com

December 10th Update

The Bunker Renovation Project remains on track, progressing slightly ahead of schedule and within budget. Here's the latest: 

Current Progress 

• Weather Impact: Cold temperatures eventually wound down bunker work on December 2. Concrete pouring and drainage testing require temperatures above 5°C. However, crews continued sod removal, positioning us well for a strong Spring start. 
• Completion Status: 25 of 49 bunkers are complete, with several more in various stages. The remaining bunkers include the two practice bunkers.
• Spring Resumption: Work will resume as soon as conditions permit, hoping for mid-April. Estimated workdays remaining: around sixty-five, but this estimate is very weather-dependent. One rain event in the spring could cause a 3 to 5 day delay, especially if it's a heavy rain that lasts a day or two and the course is wet and soft to begin with.
• We have 3 holidays (Good Friday, Easter Monday and Victoria day) to factor in as well. Overall the goal is to complete the project as quickly as possible without causing significant damage to the course or any safety issues.
• Estimated Completion: The projected finish is late June/early July, depending on favorable Spring conditions. 

Key Highlights

• Positive Collaboration: Our relationship with the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) remains strong. Kyle regularly updates our TRCA contact, and they are pleased with our compliance and regular communication. 
• Member Feedback: 
• We’ve had great feedback on the improved green sightlines on the fifteenth hole fairway bunker, thanks to the additional concrete and sand added to its base. 
• Members have asked about bunker drainage, and how we can improve it. We can ensure each bunker undergoes rigorous drainage testing to confirm proper water exit before any bunker is deemed complete. 
• Sand Selection: ProAngle sand was chosen for its superior qualities: 
• Firmer playability and better drainage due to its angular composition 
• Resistance to algae growth and stability on steeper bunker faces. 
• While slightly more expensive initially, its performance justifies the cost, and, the Signature 900 (our initial choice of sand) came back more expensive than the ProAngle, when requoted closer to the project. In other words, we have better sand for about the same price. 
• Hole Eighteen greenside bunker sand – the sand currently in use is a combination of a couple of sands. We will be washing this sand, moving it to the practice facility, and replacing it with ProAngle next season. 

Winter Course Etiquette

• Winter walkers - we kindly ask walkers to resist the temptation to try out the new sand, and refrain from entering the traps. Animal activity (coyotes, deer) already creates some disruption and added footprints create pockets for leaves to settle in, which may, when the snow melts, stain the sand. Staff will aim to keep the traps free of leaves and raked clean as much as possible. 

Bunker Budget Spend and Tracking

Note: Contingency Fund is additional to the Budget.

• Thanks to the members for the positive feedback on the work to date, your continued support is appreciated.

Should you have any more questions, please feel free to reach out to the Bunker Sub Committee or GM Dan Campbell.

November 8th Update

The Bunker Renovation Project continues to progress well. The crews continue to work at a good pace and are slightly ahead of schedule. Here’s where things stand:

• So far, 20 of 49 bunkers are completed, with several additional bunkers in various stages of completion.
• In terms of timing, we’re slightly ahead of schedule. Our original estimated completion time for one bunker was three days. With 16 bunkers (6 holes) now completed, we should be at 45 full workdays, yet we’ve logged only 39 actual workdays so far.
• We’re hopeful the mild November will continue. CapCon can continue pouring the liners until temperatures fall below 5 degrees. When that happens, they cannot pour liners, but other work can continue. The goal is to work if it is safe to do so. Snow makes damage to our property and equipment more likely, as well as posing safety risk to workers.
• Our working relationship with the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) continues to be positive. Recently an enforcement officer visited the course - there were no objections to our plan, and they were impressed with our work so far.
• Hole 18 fairway bunker -some members asked if it has been raised, and the answer is yes - the base was raised between 6-8 inches before the liner was poured, which adds another two inches.
• Next season, members may notice bunkers will feel like they have been raised, and that will be correct. With 2 inches of poured concrete and more sand, the net effect will feel like the bunkers have been raised. You’ll need new excuses if you can’t get out.
• Other members have asked about the work on Hole 1 bunker having to be redone. In short, Kyle spotted the problem, discussed his concerns with CapCon, they agreed with his assessment and redid the work at no cost to Whitevale (as per their guarantee). Kyle also noticed some issues on Hole 11, and those have also been redone under guarantee. 

• Overall, we are slightly behind budget due to an increase in the cost of sand. We originally budgeted for Signature 900 which was quoted less than ProAngle. When we considered changing the sand, the revised quote for Signature 900 increased, making it more expensive than the Proangle. We chose Proangle as it is a better sand and was now more cost effective as they kept the original quoted price for us. 
• Our supplier Hutchinson has committed to maintaining the current price into Spring, so we don’t anticipate any further increases in sand costs. This cost increase will be applied to the budget contingency.
• Thanks to members for the positive feedback on the work to date, your continued support is appreciated.

October 17th Update:  On Time, On Budget

• The crews have been working diligently to stay on time, and a good “flow” and routines have been established.
• We’ve completed seven bunkers to date, with an additional seven currently being worked on in different stages of completion. We lost two days due to rain, and the completed work had to be re-done on hole one, due to poor drainage performance. The decision to redo the hole versus experiencing future problems made sense, it is repaired and now draining properly.
• On average, it takes about three days to complete a bunker, depending on size and other factors.
• Given we have forty-nine bunkers in total to complete – at roughly three days per hole, this works out to a total of about 150 labour days. By the end of December, we will be at 120 days, thus we are likely continuing the project in the Spring for approximately one month. Much depends on the weather.
• CapCon is responsible for verifying the proper concrete mix, and we are responsible for signing off on the installation and functionality per design. Strict measures are being followed to ensure the liner is applied with precise thickness, preventing future breakdown while maintaining the long-term durability.
• TRCA has given final sign-off on the permits required to work on the holes they own and/or regulate. Clarification was required around environmental protection methods – the erosion control we’ll use will be a combination of “Filter Socks” and “Silt Fence” with silt fencing only being used when deemed necessary for added protection.
• Hole 18 – eventually the sand in the greenside bunkers will be removed and replaced with Pro-Angle sand (same as the renovated bunkers). The bunker will also be re-edged and redefined. This will give consistency in appearance and playability.
• The old sand will be used at Kevan Goble’s practice facility. Remember that these bunkers already have a Capcon liner, so they just need the new sand.
• Thanks to members for the positive feedback on the work to date, your continued support is appreciated. 

September 13th Update: So Far, So Good!

The Bunker Renovation Project officially began Tuesday, September 3rd. Here’s the latest update:

• The first week was a short one but much was accomplished. The weather was solid, so it allowed the crews to get a little ahead of schedule.
• There were seven bunkers on the first three holes where work was undertaken-other phases will have more, so this may not be indicative of every phase but we’re optimistic as the crews continue set a good pace.
• We may be able to give some holes back to members sooner, but cannot make any promises at this point.
• We are hopeful to move on to holes 1, 9 and 10 Monday or Tuesday of next week. 
• The order of play will be to start on 2, play to 8 green, skip to 11 and finish through to 18.
• Courtesy carts will be available at the 8th green for those who need to get back to the clubhouse or visit the halfway house.
• Back shop staff will be assisting with members needing assistance in transportation.

Should you have any more questions, please feel free to reach out to the Bunker Sub Committee or GM Dan Campbell.

The Bunker Renovation Project is slated to begin Tuesday, September 3rd. Here’s what you need to know:

Q: Are we on schedule?

A: Yes. Our original start date was 3rd, and we’re on track. Kyle has arranged for deliveries of preliminary materials such as plywood, gravel, and sand (3 tractor trailer loads coming this week) in preparation for Tuesday’s start. Mike Rossi of Dol Turf is mobilizing his equipment and staff.

The plywood will be used as construction paths where necessary to protect the turf from excessive damage. There will be many “haul roads” that remain as grass and will get worn down but will recover. If conditions get wet/frosty, plywood will be used more extensively. At times, there will be more noise than usual, but as previously communicated there will not be many construction personnel on the property

The first phase will see work start on holes 16, 17, and 18. The second phase will move on to holes 1, 2, and 3. This schedule may change due to weather conditions, and pending approvals for work on areas we lease from the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). The contractor’s progress on the first few holes will be slower than the others as they figure out the most efficient way to complete the scope of work. Once we get through the first and second phases, we will have a better handle on timing.

Q: Can you give members a sense of what the bunker construction might look like?

A: Yes. Whitevale members were invited to Coppinwood to observe the replacement of their bunkers. Fortunately, we have a few pictures* to help members visualize what it will look like.

Debris look 1st phase stripping	Machine close to a bunker
Stripped bunker	Machine digging drainage
Completed bunker awaiting grass

Q: What happened to the “Bunker Plus” plan presented in the Town Hall?

A: The Bunker Plus plan saw the renovation as a great time to expand the black tee decks on 3 and 15. The idea made sense, but after consultation with Dol Turf, it was recommended to not move forward with this additional work. The reasons were due to complications it would present with TRCA permits, the impact on playability, and the high likelihood it would extend the life of the overall project. The $100k allocated for the work has been removed from the budget. The Club will table this as a future project for review.

Q: How Do I Enter a 15-hole score?

A: If a player completes 13 or more holes, they must post an 18-hole score. If 7 to 12 holes are played, the player must post a nine-hole score. In either case, scores for unplayed holes must be recorded as par plus any handicap strokes that the player is entitled to receive on the unplayed holes. A more detailed table from the GAO will be at the end of this update. If you have any questions, the Pro Shop staff is happy to assist.

Q: What will the improved drainage of the new versus current bunkers might look like?

A: Many people forget or were not aware that the two-18th hole greenside bunkers were renovated in the Spring of 2021. For those who have landed in those bunkers, you know the feel is uniquely different and the playability is vastly improved, as is the drainage.

Existing bunker after a rainstorm	18th greenside bunker after the same event

Q: Where can I find more information on the specifics of the project? 

A: The two links below to the Pre-Town Hall Q and A and the Town Hall Presentation offer much helpful information, as do Sideline 30 Articles from the April, May, June and July issues last year. Blair Rennie’s Proof of Concept article in the August 2023 issue is particularly insightful. You can find his article and the others on the Whitevale website under Member Central, Sideline 30. 

As we embark on this project, we will continue to provide up-to-date information. However, if you have any questions, the Bunker Project subcommittee encourages you to reach out to us directly or to Dan Campbell

August 2nd Update: Renovation Coming Soon!

Plan Re-Cap: Vendor, Dates and Scope

After a significant amount of time and research, the committee eventually selected General Contractor DOL Turf for the project. DOL's representative is Mike Rossi who is very experienced with bunker renovations and intimately familiar with Whitevale.

With DOL acting as GC, Kyle and his team will continue providing regular course maintenance while aiding/monitoring bunker work. The GC is accountable to Kyle and GM Dan Campbell, and ultimate responsibility for the project’s success is in the hands of Club GM Dan Campbell. Course maintenance demands during the Fall are onerous, and it’s essential Kyle be able to do what is needed for the overall course conditioning and winter preparation. Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is also involved, as we share some common areas of the course with them that will be affected.

Start date is estimated to be September 3rd, and targeted completion date is mid- December, weather permitting. If not finished before winter, the project will resume as soon as safely possible in the Spring of 2025. 

 
What Will it Mean for Play?

In preparation for the project, you’ll see materials arriving on site toward the end of August. They will mainly be stored in the area around the maintenance shed.

Once the shovels break ground, three consecutive holes will be closed at a time while work is being performed. We anticipate moving through six “phases” (of three holes closed). Players will be “re-routed” while those holes are being completed. This means you will be submitting 15-hole versus 18-hole scores.

The good news? Provided the crews can conduct specific activities mid- week, on the weekends, the goal is to have all eighteen holes available for play. The affected bunkers will be deemed ground under repair (GUR) and will be covered. All players will be asked to avoid going near those bunkers. Bear in mind, there are controllable and uncontrollable variables that may affect playing 18 on the weekends, but the intent is to have the full 18 in use. The other good news? There will not be large groups of construction personnel on the course – it is estimated there will be roughly five or six DOL Turf crew on-site at a time, overseen by Mike Rossi.

The Bunker Renovation is obviously an inconvenience, and members will need to “pack their patience”. But perspective is everything – recall theDickie Moore clubhouse in 2013, the year of the thaw and freeze when our greens were hammered (big-cup golf), COVID, and the massive storm in 2021(?) that nearly took out our patio, plus a few members. It’s a short-term sacrifice for an over-sized pay-off – a completely improved bunker experience, reduced maintenance costs, and added value to your equity.

As the project start date comes closer, more information will be provided, but should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to GM Dan Campbell or members of the Bunker Project sub-committee.

Link: Bunker Project – Pre Town-Hall Questions and Answers
Link: Bunker Project Town Hall Presentation