“The use of EPIC at Sonoma Golf Club was an easy decision. I was hired to oversee the back of the house renovation of the golf course in early 2003. Part of the project was rebuilding all 72 bunkers which consisted of new drainage and new sand. There was little question what product to use for the drainage. Sonoma’s annual rainfall average is over 30 inches and the bulk of that (26”+) falls December through February. When I arrived on site in February of 2003 to start the bid process; 90% of the bunkers were holding water and the only way to remove it was pumping. The carry off tile appeared fine, but the interior bunker drainage was clogged and it has been this way for more than 5 years according to the then Superintendent. We installed EPIC using 1 chamber per 300 sq.ft. method tied together with 2” solid PVC.

A year after we completed the project, we added two fairway bunkers on the 18th hole and used conventional 4” perforated tile for drainage as we were unable to secure the EPIC product quickly enough. There simply wasn’t time as the project was conceptualized and built in 10 days. Five and a half years later, all 72 of of the EPIC bunkers continue to drain with ease with no standing water within an hour after the heaviest of rains. The two bunkers on the 18th hole with conventional drainage are the only ones we have found it necessary to pump as the 4” perforated pipe simply can’t move water fast enough. During the recent season ending Champions Tour event, the Charles Schwab Cup Championships, we received nearly 4” of rain in a 36 hour period and the only bunkers with standing water at the completion of play on Sunday were the two bunkers with conventional drainage. If I were installing bunker drainage in an area of the country where heavy rainfall is common; there is absolutely no other product I would use.”

— Michael J. Kosak, General Manager, Sonoma Golf Club, California