A18 March 2025 Charbonneau Villager

� From Page A17

dedicated to turf and bunker composition of golf-courses? Chief among the key composition ingredients is … sand. Actually, it is the key ingredient. With the recent renovations of our course, you may have noticed that we have replaced the“ old” sand in our bunkers with“ new” sand. Along with that, we’ ve improved the drainage under those same bunkers, reshaped a few and added more sand as well as within our fairway systems.

Bunker sand attributes

So, just what makes great bunker sand? The U. S. Golf Association considers the following factors when selecting bunker sand: Particle size and shape, crusting potential( who doesn’ t like a good pie crust), chemical reaction, hardness, infiltration rate, color,

penetrometer value and playability. If you are like me, we have only thought about( read complained) how fluffy or firm the sand was / is in our bunkers. Complaining about being in them is yet another subject.

Sand considerations and more stuff you stay up at night pondering

Golf courses use a variety of sand types for different purposes. The three basic types are silica sand, crushed quartz and natural sand. Silica sand is most commonly used in bunkers due to its ability to resist compaction, weatherability and ability to create a smooth raking surface. Crushed quartz would be an ideal choice for windy climates. For our weather conditions, a more uniform shaped sand crystal is best as it promotes better drainage. Sand color can vary from“ Augusta white” to burnt orange, although I’ ve seen red lava-like sand as well as black sand used. Each color creates a different ambiance to being

in a bunker.

Yet another consideration for the type of sand to use would be proximity to greens. Since often sand is carried onto the green with a bunker shot, it’ s important that it is able to be incorporated into the green without disrupting green root growth. This is already way too much to think about for the average duffer.

Identifying great bunker sand

The key component for great bunker sand is the fried-egg test( something that I experienced last Saturday). The tech term for this is the penetrometer value, or energy needed to bury a ball in the sand or the ability of the sand to resist the compression of burying a golf ball. Two main components for this are the particle size and shape of the sand.

There are also specific sands used for topdressing and aeration. Thankfully, Chris and Andrew have selected an appropriate sand for topdressing

that is both mowing machine friendly and perfect for root growth and fairway enhancement. Improved drainage and better fairway turf are additional benefits allowing year-round playability. There you have it, and wasn’ t that interesting?

Quotes of the day

“ If I’ d known I would have lived this long, I would have taken better care of myself”— Mickey Mantle.

Hopefully, none of us are having that thought as we approach this next golf season.

“ Just because it’ s a bad idea doesn’ t mean it won’ t be fun— Gomez Adams of the Adams Family TV Show.

Upcoming events

Wednesday, March 19, New Member Meeting, 8 a. m., Dining Hall

Saturday, April 12, Season Tee Off Breakfast, 7 a. m., followed by Four Man scramble.

� Analogy courtesy of Yooper Pasty

By Guest writer LARRY SHADLE

Hello everyone. Most of this month’ s column comes courtesy of fellow Charbonneau resident Larry Shadle.

My child refuses to eat fish. What can I replace it with? A cat. Cats love fish.

What do you call a 747 when it bounces upon landing? Boeing, Boeing, Boeing.

What do you call a belt made of hundred-dollar bills? A waist of money.

What’ s Irish and stays outside all year? Patty O’ Furniture.

What is the difference between a poorly dressed man on a tricycle and a well-dressed man on a bicycle? Attire.

I tried to come up with a carpentry pun that woodwork. I think I nailed it, but no one saw it.

Have you ever tried eating a

See GRINS / A22

PresentedbyTheCypressBranchAuxiliary

Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 5:00pm Dinner • Silent Auction • Inspirational Program Charbonneau Country Club | 32000 SW Charbonneau Dr. | Wilsonville, OR 97070

The Menu

Prime Rib, Garlic Shrimp in Half Shell, Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Green Beans Catered by It’ s Party Time

Scan the QR code to purchase tickets or visit boysandgirlsaid. org / thedinner $ 65 per person $ 500 for a table of eight

All proceeds will benefit the children and familiesservedbyBoys & GirlsAid.

Rachael Nelson