Course Irrigation During normal dry periods, the golf course is watered during the evening and early morning hours. The amount of irrigation water applied depends on soil types, drainage, needs of the turf, the playing area and other factors. For example, every green area is irrigated differently depending  again on their location, exposure, soil types, drainage characteristics, with the goal of  developing consistency so each green will play in a similar manner. The older greens are of different construction than the newer greens and have different water needs, and there are differences within each group.

Tees generally require the most irrigation because they are elevated, exposed mounds that drain water very quickly.

The fairway irrigation again is dictated by needs of the turf and the soil conditions. The heavy clay areas need less water whereas the higher elevations with the more loamy soil profiles that have good drainage characteristics that dry out more quickly require more water. A standard rule that turf managers follow is that for turf to survive, a minimum of 1 inch of water per week is necessary, whether through irrigation or rainfall.

During periods of high, stressful heat during the day, areas will be irrigated with a procedure known as "Syringing". The goal in this procedure is to lower the temperature of the turf to limit damage from extreme heat. Poa annua is the most susceptible turf species and there is a percentage of our turf consisting of Poa annua along with the desirable bentgrass species. The procedure followed is to turn a station on for 4 minutes (1 complete revolution of the sprinkler). The cooler water coupled with any slight breeze will effectively lower the canopy temperature of the turf enough until the lower evening temperatures take over. This is not enough water to wet the soil, but enough to lower temperatures. If the air temperature is in the 90's, the canopy temperature in the area of the turf just above the soil will be above 100 to 110 degrees or higher. If the turf feels hot to the touch, it needs to be cooled.

Special irrigation also takes place when fertilizers or chemicals are applied that require a certain amount of watering in to be more effectively absorbed by the root systems of the plants.

As you can see, irrigation of intensively managed playing surfaces is quite a challenge, especially with such a diverse set of conditions, and we are ever mindful of our goal of preparing a consistent golf course from day to day and from playing surface to playing surface.

Vince Matics CGCS
Golf Course Superintendent