Golf Course Bunker

Abstract

A golf course bunker ( 10 ) comprising a plurality of substantially horizontal and staggered layers ( 11 )of artificial grass turf is disclosed. The layers ( 11 ) may each be pre-impregnated with sand. The layers of artificial grass define an exterior surface of the bunker and the interior ( 5 ) of the bunker may be formed of different material. A method of construction is also disclosed which may include steps of excavating a bunker and laying artificial grass in horizontal layers ( 11 ) to face the exterior surface of the excavation.

1 . A golf course bunker comprising a sloped surface defined at least partly by a plurality of layers of artificial grass, the plurality of layers being substantially horizontal and arranged in a staggered arrangement corresponding to the gradient of said sloped surface. 
     
     
         2 - 3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . A golf course bunker according to  claim 1  wherein each layer of artificial grass comprises synthetic grass fibres on a backing material. 
     
     
         5 . A golf course bunker according to  claim 4 , wherein the backing material supports a granular material that fills at least some of the space between the synthetic grass fibres. 
     
     
         6 . A golf course bunker according to  claim 1 , wherein each layer of artificial grass has been previously used as artificial grass for a different application. 
     
     
         7 . A golf course bunker according to  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of layers of artificial grass define an exterior surface of the bunker and the interior of the bunker is formed of material different from layers of artificial grass. 
     
     
         8 . A golf course bunker according to  claim 7 , wherein the interior of the bunker comprises infill material. 
     
     
         9 . A golf course bunker according to  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of layers of artificial grass are tied together. 
     
     
         10 . A golf course bunker according to  claim 1 , further comprising an anchor member that passes through said plurality of layers of artificial grass. 
     
     
         11 . A method of constructing a golf course bunker at a golf course, comprising:
 forming an excavation having an exterior surface;   cutting layers of artificial grass from one or more pieces of artificial grass; and   arranging the layers of artificial grass in a plurality of horizontal layers in a staggered arrangement to face the exterior surface of the excavation.   
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 11 , further comprising cutting at least one layer of artificial grass to form an incision which provides sufficient flexibility to allow the layer of artificial grass to be manipulated to suit the contours of the exterior surface of the excavation, whilst maintaining the appearance of the front facing surface of the bunker. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein the layers of artificial grass are impregnated with sand before being laid. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein arranging the artificial grass in horizontal layers includes laying a first layer, adding material on top of the first layer to create a level surface, and laying a second layer on top of the material. 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 11 , further comprising adding one or more of natural turf, topsoil and seed to marry the exterior surface into the natural contours of the surrounding golf course. 
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein said one or more pieces of artificial grass have been previously used as artificial grass for a different application before being provided for use in the method of constructing the golf course bunker.