An early “bunker” was a dry climate and high mountain fortificaion substitute for a moat. It was dug fairly deep and as wide as the budget allowed, then drains were affixed to ensure it never got wet enough to support weight.
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Being carefully raked several times a day it ensured no one could approach or scout without the raking pattern being disturbed, and if there was an attack it slowed down the attackers, particularly those carrying ladders. Being dug close to the walls meant the ladders did not stand well in it, particularly if the underside was radially “waved” so the attacker could not know where the ladder would be even halfway level.
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Some of the earliest references to the bunker were by attackers who “were slowed and trapped by the sand.” That evolved into “sand trap” because if an attacker was slowed down he became an easy target for the defenders.
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The later uses of “bunker” for a military defensive position rose from the defensive nature of the position, and with crossbows and firearms the sand trapping of attackers became obsolete.
Happy Tinkerbelle Premium Member about 5 years ago
who are you calling an oxymoron ?
sandpiper about 5 years ago
Probably there to protect players from the guy who hits an approach shot without yelling ‘Fore!!’
InTraining about 5 years ago
Try your 747 iron Frank… !
P51Strega about 5 years ago
The sand in the bunker is taken from the shore, so it truly is a son-of-a-beach.
colcam about 5 years ago
An early “bunker” was a dry climate and high mountain fortificaion substitute for a moat. It was dug fairly deep and as wide as the budget allowed, then drains were affixed to ensure it never got wet enough to support weight.
.
Being carefully raked several times a day it ensured no one could approach or scout without the raking pattern being disturbed, and if there was an attack it slowed down the attackers, particularly those carrying ladders. Being dug close to the walls meant the ladders did not stand well in it, particularly if the underside was radially “waved” so the attacker could not know where the ladder would be even halfway level.
.
Some of the earliest references to the bunker were by attackers who “were slowed and trapped by the sand.” That evolved into “sand trap” because if an attacker was slowed down he became an easy target for the defenders.
.
The later uses of “bunker” for a military defensive position rose from the defensive nature of the position, and with crossbows and firearms the sand trapping of attackers became obsolete.
the lost wizard about 5 years ago
No matter the definition. In either case, if you’re in one things usually aren’t good.
Nobody_Important about 5 years ago
Bit of a golf theme today – at least Frank and Ernest (hopefully) didn’t have the chili before playing (B.C. comic today)…..
Ray Helvy Premium Member about 5 years ago
Or you could call it a sandy depression.