Johnny Likes His Bunker Sand Really, Really White

From Marty James's Napa Valley Register story on improvements Johnny Miller is making to Silverado, where he now is a part owner of the resort.

The North Course closed for play about four weeks ago for a project, headed by Miller, that has workers taking some bunkers out, putting new bunkers in, and adding new tees that will lengthen the course from 6,900 yards to 7,200 yards. There has also been some tree removal and fairway bunkers have been added to the sixth and 12th holes.

“The natural setting here makes it just a wonderful venue,” said Geesey.

“You add the oak trees that create the character on the golf course, now you’ve got new elements of design that look very natural, they don’t look contrived. It really looks like it’s been there for a long time.
“I think that element alone will just create a wonderful mystique for this golf course.”

Natural, natural, natural. Except...

Silverado members and resort guests will find a dramatic new look when the North Course re-opens in April or May, depending upon weather. Silverado’s first task is a complete bunker renovation on the North Course, including reshaping, new drainage and lining, the introduction of brilliant white sand from Idaho, and the widening of some fairways.

“The white sand from Idaho is the best sand in the world,” said Miller, who owns a golf design company. “It just makes that green pop. Those bunkers are just gorgeous.”

I guess I won't be putting Johnny down on the list of folks doing their part to help the image of the game!