The Secret Behind Augusta National's Sparkling White Bunkers

A special spot in North Carolina supplies Augusta's unique sand, which shines on national television.

Dan Evans | Mar 19, 2024

Did you know that the sand at the Masters has a story behind it? Part of what makes Augusta National so stunningly beautiful is its pure, white sandy bunkers, except they’re not the kind of sand you might be used to.

I mean, when I think of sand, I think of rocks that are ground and compressed into little granules. But that's not the case for the 44 bunkers at Augusta National. They source some of the finest granules in the world from a little town called Spruce Pine in North Carolina.

This isn’t just your classic beach sand —it’s actually a byproduct of a quartz mine. You know, quartz, that stuff that’s used to make semiconductors, which are used to make pretty much every single electronic device known to man. And the byproduct of the quartz mining leaves these little tiny crystal granules, which are used for the sand traps at Augusta National.

So if you’ve ever wondered why the course is so stunningly beautiful and why those traps almost shimmer when shown on television, it’s because of those tiny crystals.

Published Mar 19, 2024

DAN EVANS

Dan Evans, a powerhouse golf content creator on Instagram and TikTok, boasts a rich and diverse background that fuels his current success. Known for his inspiring weight loss journey on The Biggest Loser, successful career as a top ten recording artist, national spokesperson and event host for the Biggest Loser RunWalk 5k and half marathon race series, and his love for cooking, which led him to earn a culinary degree and create and host his own cooking show, Dan has rapidly emerged as a beloved figure in the golf community. Harnessing his diverse background and experiences, he has channeled his passion for golf into compelling content that reaches millions. With over 100 million views, his unique and engaging personality, coupled with his exceptional storytelling style, resonates with golf fans worldwide. As Dan continues to captivate and connect with a growing audience on a weekly basis, he solidifies his place as an influential figure within the golf community and beyond, proving that his love for the sport knows no bounds.