How to Make Easy Sand Trap Drains

No golfer wants to hit their ball out of a water-filled sand trap, but draining water from sand traps is a problem almost every golf course faces. Common drainage techniques present two main problems for sand traps. First, the sand washes away through the drainage tiles. Second, the tiles clog with sand and no longer drain. To correct these problems, drainage tiles must be protected from the sand while still allowing water to pass through. Making a sand trap drain is not always simple, but can be done with the proper preparation and supplies.

Things You'll Need

  • Shovel
  • Drainage tile
  • Roofing paper
  • Gravel
  • Sod
  • Knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dig a hole for the drainage tile that is at least 2 feet (a little over 1/2 m) deep. Ideally, this hole should be at the lowest point of the sand trap, near the edge at the point where sand meets sod.

    • 2

      Wrap a drainage tile in roofing paper to keep it protected and to increase its durability.

    • 3

      Lay the tile in the hole, then cover it with gravel or crushed stone. Stop when the gravel is 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) from the top of the hole.

    • 4

      Cut the grass from the sod with a sharp knife. Leave as much root as possible. Lay 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) of sod on top of the gravel.

    • 5

      Fill the remaining 3 to 4 inches of the hole with sand. This way, it will blend in with sand trap, and should not cause any distraction or distortion.