Frequently Asked Questions

Bunker sand ranges in cost significantly.  Trucking costs from the mine also impact the cost per ton.  However, you can expect to pay on average $12 to $30 per ton plus trucking costs which are generally $10 or more per ton depending on the distance.  Some specialty bunker sands cost much more. 

You can use the same sand for both but they are not the same.  Topdressing sand is designed more for the purpose of topdressing turf and the gradation is composed of medium sized particles.  The same sand is not optimal for bunkers as it can become unstable and lead to fried egg lies or buried balls (low penetrometer readings).  However, your bunker sand should not contain particles that if hit onto the green cause damage (large particles).  Bunker sand is designed with more uniform gradation and angular particle shapes.

White sand has traditionally been the emphasis of some premier golf course.  However, around the country and world that has not been the case.  Locally sourced sands can come in a variety of colors that may offer a more natural look or less glare.  River Sand, Inc. supplies bunker sands to golf courses in brilliant white to the darkest brown color.

Bunker sand is simply the sand used in bunkers or traps on a golf course.  Bunker sand is often held to the standard look of Georgia’s own golf course in Augusta.  However, having a brilliant white color isn’t the most important characteristic of a bunker sand.  The size and distribution of the particles along with the shape of the particles is what makes a great bunker sand.  Often people ask for bunker sand knowing that it should be white in color but bunker sand may not be the best sand for other applications.  RSI supplies bunker sand that is brilliant white, off-white, and even dark brown bunker sand.

The USGA has recommendations and guidelines for selecting the best bunker sand.  These guidelines outline important characteristics of bunker sand including: Particle size; Particle shape and penetrometer value; Crusting potential; Chemical reaction (pH) and hardness; Infiltration rate; Color; and Overall playing quality.  Overall, a bunker sand should have most of the particles between 0.25 and 1 mm, a high penetrometer value, good infiltration rate, angular or sub-angular shape, and low tendency to crust.  This type of sand makes the ball remain in the bunker while not burying in the sand but also allows the bunkers to drain rainfall and remain playable.