G LF &

WATER
CASE STUDIES IN WATER STEWARDSHIP

A MER IC AN SOC I ET Y OF GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS

G LF &
WATER
CASE STUDIES IN WATER STEWARDSHIP

AMERICAN SOC IET Y OF GOLF COURSE ARCH I TECTS

2 GOLF & WATER TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table f C ntents Why a B k n

G lf and Water?
The United States Golf Association (USGA) has devoted
WHY A BOOK ON GOLF & WATER ? . . 3 considerable resources to research and guidance regarding
golf and water. The USGA’s web-based “Water Resource
LESS WATER/HEALTHIER TURF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Center” states, “It is essential for everyone involved in the game
CASE STUDIES INTRO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 to strive to conserve and protect the world’s most vital resource.”

CASE STUDY #1 Ole Miss Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The golf industry is on board with this statement, and those involved in the design of
golf courses apply this philosophy to their craft. The approaches and solutions developed
CASE STUDY #2 Olivias Links Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 for golf facilities—both new and remodeled—are creative, effective and often deliver real
benefit to the communities that surround them.
CASE STUDY #3 Whistling Rock Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
But the stories of these innovations are sometimes not shared outside of the golf industry.
CASE STUDY #4 Abacoa Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 This book was conceived to help those who develop land--who make decisions about
how or whether golf can fit into a community—see that golf is committed to being a
CASE STUDY #6 Poppy Hills Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 good steward of “the world’s most vital resource.” And the book is meant as a resource
for those who already know about golf’s benefits to a community to be inspired to look
CASE STUDY #7 Bonita Bay Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 for more innovative paths to responsible water stewardship.

CASE STUDY #8 Yintai Hongye Golf Club & The Yinhong #6 Golf Course. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

CASE STUDY #9 Charleston Springs Golf Complex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

SNAPSHOTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

WHAT’S NEXT? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

IRRIGATION CHECKLIST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

HOW DO I GET STARTED?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4 GOLF & WATER WHY A BOOK ON GOLF AND WATER?

Every outdoor green space is affected by its environment. And, while technology has
given people the tools to sculpt land and divert water, Mother Nature always has the
final say in whether those changes to the space can be sustained. When any part of the
environmental mix is thrown off, management of outdoor green space must be adjusted
to maintain a proper environmental balance. Water – The Essential Element
The design of golf courses and the related
The golf industry is facing several changes to the environmental mix, and is proactively
complex issue of developing a comprehensive
developing innovative solutions to these changes. Drought conditions are affecting areas
The design of an and project-specific water management
of the United States where golf is played year-round, and recent record storms in the U.S. irrigation system
must take into
strategy—irrigation, energy, water quality,
southern tier have challenged traditionally dry parts of the country with storm water
account a variety turf species selection and care, aesthetics—
management issues. The cost of energy needed to bring water to golf courses is rising, The cost of energy of factors.
to pump water are interrelated components. Water-related
and the water that is available for irrigation often includes an imbalance of natural and the quality of design considerations include identification
elements and/or solids that affect the efficient and sustainable growth of healthy turfgrass. water available for
irrigation factor into and development of water sources, quality of
water management. available water and cost to purchase or deliver
All of these changes have spurred the golf industry to develop innovative solutions
it to the site; physical features like topography,
to boost its sustainability. And, while sustainable practices are being refined across
vegetation and soils; wetlands and wildlife
all aspects of the game—welcoming new audiences (especially families) to courses,
habitat; strategic placement of turfgrass and
redesigning layouts so time-crunched players can play fewer holes, and many other
native plantings; aesthetic expectations of target
non-traditional approaches—the solutions to the complicated challenges water
golfer audience (and related game experience,
quantity and quality pose are some of the most compelling.
i.e., fast and firm) and many others. The design of
the irrigation system must take all
of these factors into account
if it is to be compatible 21.8 %

with the overall design

of the golf course.

U.S. golf courses

On the flipside
reduced water use
of water scarcity,
by 21.8% from
expense, and quality
2005 to 2013.
is the management
of extreme water events.
Tidal surges at the coastlines,
hurricanes that come ashore, summer
mega-storms and winter melt-off can all cause
flooding. Golf courses are often at the frontlines
of these extreme occurrences, serving as buffers
for communities against flooding and to help
with water detention. Again, design must take
into account the possibility of these occurrences,
and develop solutions for the multiple functions
a golf course can serve in a community.
 6 GOLF & WATER WHY A BOOK ON GOLF AND WATER?

Irrigation Technology
Advancements
The advances in the technology
behind how water is applied to
turfgrass go beyond the ability of
Water is Local Existing golf facilities
are removing turfgrass operators to control how much
The water situation in the U.S., and internationally, has led many developers and and replacing it with water is applied and when. The
operators to react to water shortages, water inundation or water quality issues. native vegetation
or drought-tolerant combination of soil moisture sensors,
Each course or development is unique, though, with the requirements it must meet, turf varieties. wireless control boxes, pumping
the local water norms, the expectations of the target golfer audience and the budget. station energy use improvements and
other design and function-oriented
The droughts in the western and southern parts of the
improvements have made the job of
United States are the most high-profile instances
the irrigation designer a complex one.
of areas where golf has had to adapt to drops
in water availability. Facilities are managing by
some combination of the following strategies: How are facilities
adapting to drops in
Reducing consumption of water water availability?
throughout the course footprint, whether
by choosing to take some areas of the
course out of a regular irrigation schedule
or watering all turf less and developing fast
and firm conditions

Renovating the irrigation system, which can take

a number of different routes depending on budget
and irrigation needs

Shifting to sources of reused water, where available

On new layouts, careful planning to determine the

right amount, species and placement of turf varieties

On existing layouts, strategic removal of turfgrass and

replacement with more drought-tolerant turf varieties
and/or native vegetation

Replacement of existing turfgrass with varieties that

are drought-tolerant or able to thrive on reused water

On the flipside of areas of the country affected by drought conditions are those
managing flooding and storm surge events. While the focus of this book is more on
Innovative work the issues raised by lack of water or poor quality of water and the solutions developed
is also being to address those issues, innovative work is being done to help courses cope with too
done to help
courses cope much water with use of drainage, retention and related design solutions. And, just as
with too
much water. managing with less water at a golf course benefits the surrounding community, being
a place where stormwater can be detained, retained and used for irrigation also helps
surrounding property owners cope with increasingly-frequent storm events.
 8 GOLF & WATER LESS WATER/HEALTHIER TURF

The next issue is a loss of irrigation While this change improves the
uniformity due to the difference in irrigation of the outer grassing areas,

Less Water/
the interior sprinkler pattern vs. the it increases the wasted water in those
exterior sprinkler pattern. You can over-throw areas by approximately
see that the interior pattern, where 40%, and now is also over-watering
you have three or four sprinklers the interior pattern areas by 40%.

Healthier Turf:
contributing to the coverage, provides
The result of this is a combination
excellent uniformity, and thus a very
of wet and dry turf across the hole
high Scheduling Coefficient (Sc) of
between the grassing lines. In a
1.2 is achieved.
HOW TODAY’S IRRIGATION SYSTEMS PROVIDE VALUE simple example on an average par-4
In the area on the outside of the hole where the required irrigation
outer rows, there are only one or was 0.25 inches per day, almost 6000
It may seem counterintuitive, but it is possible to save water, two sprinklers (Single leg pattern) gallons of water is wasted, as well as OUTER ROW
improve turf conditions and save money, all at the same time. contributing to the coverage which the electricity to pump it. (An 18-hole
Sc=1.7 Sc=1.2
It sounds too good to be true, but to see how it works, this results in less effective coverage, equivalent golf course using this single interior
and in this case, a much lower Sc example would waste over 100,000 leg pattern
article will dispel a few myths, and then show the math. pattern
of 1.7. This difference in uniformity gallons of water per day.)
would require that in order to
properly irrigate the turf between
the outer row of sprinklers and the
desired grassing line, the outer
While most people realize that At right is a sample golf hole, irrigated GREEN row of sprinklers must be irrigated
8,928 SQ. FT. approximately 40% more,
through efficient irrigation design in a seemingly simple way, with three
there can be substantial water savings rows of full circle sprinklers. Many compared to what is required Area of outer
to irrigate between the rows. 40% of radius
and improved turf quality, saving people believe that having fewer FAIRWAY is overspray
99,594 SQ. FT. (Sc 1.7 / Sc 1.2 = 42%) and waste
money can be a surprising addition sprinklers and getting the most area
to those benefits. To understand out of them by using full circles is the ROUGH
75,871 SQ. FT.
how this works, some simple math easiest, least expensive and best way
OVERSPRAY AND WASTE
is required. But first, an old irrigation to irrigate. NATIVE
myth must be dispelled. 64,476 SQ. FT.
Actually, this “simple” design choice
results in several irrigation issues that
can be greatly improved upon.
To achieve reasonable coverage in this The Agronomic Impact
QUESTION: layout, the full circle sprinklers must BUNKERS Being able to control irrigation inputs as finitely as possible offers many rewards
If a golf course has over-throw the desired grassing line 19,616 SQ. FT. associated with turf quality and budget savings beyond those related to water
more sprinklers, will it by about 40%. and electrical cost:

use more water? Doing so results in the red area Over-watering creates more compaction, which in turn
or over-throw area that is beyond requires more aeration and related additional labor expense.
ANSWER: the desired grass line. This water is OVER SPRAY
Not if the design 100 percent waste, since we have no (OUTSIDE
Disease pressures greatly increase as excess moisture is applied, resulting
in additional fungicide applications (add cost of fungicide and labor to apply).
is done properly desire to irrigate those native areas.
OF FAIRWAY)
8,238 SQ. FT.
to deliver higher In this sample par-4 hole (deemed TEES
Over-watering also creates the perfect environment for higher
weed population, thus more herbicide cost and labor to apply.
irrigation uniformity to be typical), that over-throw area
3,262 SQ FT.

and improved coverage. in red is almost 15 percent of the ROUGH The average American golfer is hooked on “wall-to-wall green,” and golf course
total sprinkler coverage area of 12,933 SQ. FT. managers tend to buckle under the pressure to produce it. The gold standard for
the entire hole. agronomic excellence is to produce uniform green color while maintaining the
3-ROW COVERAGE
perfect agronomic balance for healthy turf growth, enhance the environment
PAR - 4 SAMPLE
throughout the property, and improve playability throughout the golf course…
all while managing water responsibly and staying on budget.
 10 GOLF & WATER LESS WATER/HEALTHIER TURF 11 GOLF & WATER CASE STUDIES

Here’s a better design solution.

Using the same sample par-4 hole, this example shows two
rows of full circles down the middle, but effectively provides
for one extra row of sprinklers, which allows a row of part-circle

Case Study
sprinklers down each outer grassing line, throwing only inwards.
(Going from three rows in total to four rows)

Intr ducti n
First, this has eliminated 100% of the over-throw
area and thus all the wasted water in those areas.
Next, because the sprinkler coverage is evenly uniform
across the entire width between grassing lines, the EXAMPLES OF WATER STEWARDSHIP THROUGH DESIGN
coverage efficiency is greatly improved, yielding a
Sc of 1.2, and eliminating the need for over watering Maybe the best outcome for a club is
any area to make up for under watering another. that the uniform coverage across the Golf course architects have embraced the challenge
entire grassing area will provide to positively affect water use through innovative design
greatly-improved turf grass, both solutions. Following are case studies that demonstrate
These two changes will save over 100,000 GREEN aesthetically and from a golfing
gallons each day this golf course needs 8,928 SQ. FT.
playability standpoint, which are
some of these innovations.
to apply .25 inches of irrigation, plus the attributes which golfers will appreciate.
electricity to pump it. Using an annualizing FAIRWAY
factor for seasons, a course such as this 99,594 SQ. FT. An experienced superintendent can
in the central US might save more than explain why this will also help to better
ROUGH
12 million gallons of water per year, and 75,871 SQ. FT. maintain the turf grass and increase
almost 20,000 kWh of electricity to pump it. plant health, thus reducing the other
NATIVE maintenance practices required. Every
So what is the catch? Saving so much water 64,476 SQ. FT.
course’s turf grass and budget would see
and power must have a huge up-front a benefit from having higher uniformity
initial cost. The actual cost in this example irrigation coverage.
is the addition of 270 additional part-circle
sprinklers. (The total sprinklers on the
BUNKERS
Each golf course has its own unique
18-hole plan would go from 1,242 to 1,512). 19,616 SQ. FT. circumstances and situation, and
The contractor bid includes a “per sprinkler while some may only see half or less
added” total of $400 each (all-in), so the total of this amount of cost savings, many
additional cost during construction would others could see two to three times
be $108,000. However, this is immediately this amount.
offset by the savings of water and electricity.
Water in this example is from a city water Owners tend to appreciate the extra
supply at a cost of $4.85 per 1,000 gallons, savings and profitability as well, with all
and electricity cost is $0.11 per kWh. this coming from just a slight change in
TEES
3,262 SQ FT. irrigation design style and technique.
Each year, these combined The combination of technological
ROUGH
savings amount to $61,775, 12,933 SQ. FT. advances, development of sophisticated
giving a total payback and common sense approaches to
period on the extra 4-ROW COVERAGE
125 PAR - 4 SAMPLE design and superintendent management
sprinklers of only 1.75 years.
million In 10 years, the cumulative
skills is leading many courses to realize
the benefits of using less water and
net savings would be over $500,000, and energy to give golfers healthy turf and
In 10 years, continue at almost $62,000 per year. The savings
about 125 million great playing conditions.
gallons of water of resources is not trivial; in those 10 years, about
will have 125 million gallons of water will have been saved
been saved.
as well as almost 200,000 kWh of electricity.
 12 GOLF & WATER CASE STUDIES 13 GOLF & WATER CASE STUDIES

Ole Miss Olivas Links

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OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI | ARCHITECT: NATHAN CRACE, ASGCA ASSOCIATE
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VENTURA, CALIFORNIA | ARCHITECT: FORREST RICHARDSON, ASGCA

The Situation The Situation

A plan for renovation of the Ole Miss Golf Course, owned by the University of A popular municipal course, about 60 miles north of Los Angeles, was suffering the
Mississippi, called for more efficient irrigation solutions. The source for irrigation effects of deferred maintenance, turf that was not thriving, poor drainage through
was a small pond located on top of a hill fed only by a well, requiring nearly floodplain and the need to adapt turf and non-turf landscape to a shared irrigation
non-stop operation of a pump to draw water from it. source that was made up of 100 percent reclaimed water.

What’s the best way to reduce energy consumption, How can a municipal course reduce the amount of
practice water conservation and capture runoff managed turf in areas of play, reduce the amount
while improving aesthetics for golfers at Ole Miss? The Takeaways The Takeaways of water it uses for irrigation and introduce turf
Taking advantage of existing Olivas Links has returned and out-of-play landscape plantings that will most
The Approach topography, and enhancing to popularity and excellent effectively tolerate its reclaimed water source?
The nearby Oxford Airport and six of the 18 holes of the golf course at Ole Miss its ability to drain water to conditions, and the targeted
were found to drain more than 100 acres of watershed runoff through a large
ditch crossing the 4th fairway and through a culvert under the adjacent roadway
a low spot and retain it for water reduction has been The Approach
irrigation use, has resulted in achieved year after year. The golf course architect looked for ways to reroute the golf course that would
with no detention capability. The hilltop irrigation pond measured only a quarter
allow for more efficient management of the layout: relocate the clubhouse so it
acre, and didn’t have any source of water other than what was pumped from saving between seven and Designing less turf area also wasn’t in the floodplain, and eliminate east-facing opening holes and westerly-
the well. The renovation plan looked for ways to redesign the course that would
allow for capturing runoff from the course and the airport, moving the irrigation eight million gallons of water requires careful selection of facing finishing holes to improve pace of play. Since the irrigation source was
pond to a location that would serve a detention function and replacing the deep reclaimed water, it was important to look for drought-tolerant grass varieties
each year since renovation, playable turf varieties that are
well pump with one that would take advantage of retained water. and to reduce the total turfgrass footprint while maintaining strategic intent.
as well as lower energy costs drought-tolerant. Naturalized
The Solutions for pumping. The resulting areas also benefit from The Solution
The course borders the Santa Clara River, and design established a connection
The scope of the renovation of the golf course included drainage work throughout aesthetic quality of a large planning for use of playable between the course and the river and its estuary to the ocean by relying on native
the course. Central to the drainage component was the creation of a new 3.85 acre
mid-course lake is a turf in roughs, and choosing plants and ground cover to form new landscape between holes and in open areas.
lake in a large out-of-play area between the 2nd green, 3rd tee and 4th hole. This
Plantings that replaced turf also included a creative use of Kikuyugrass, a mainstay
new lake area was also used to generate fill material for many of the new green welcome bonus. other adaptable ground cover
of California’s costal zones, which used as rough appears to drift off into the natural
complexes and bunkers included in the plan.
and drought-tolerant native landscape as if there were no formal transition.
The objective for creating the new lake was threefold: plants. It is possible to design The course was also one of the first in the Western United States to be planted
1 converting this large grassy area to water
would no longer require mowing, a course to use less water with salt-tolerant Paspalum, which thrives with higher salt content in irrigation
water (which tends to be the case in reclaimed water). This species is also drought-
2 the new lake would serve as the new irrigation lake, and and to retain—or even
tolerant. The re-routing resulted in a better diversity of holes of varying direction
3 the location of the new lake would allow the course
improve—its pace of play. and nearly 40 percent less managed turf area. To accommodate future turf limit 40%
The new lake to retain 100+ acres of watershed (including the adjustments, several irrigation heads and lines that could be used if needed as
would allow the Oxford Airport) runoff before it left the property and the new course matured and areas of turf might be needed in lieu of the deeper The re-routing
course to retain save that water to be re-used for irrigation—eliminating resulted in nearly
100+ acres of natural areas. Pace of play was carefully weighed, with areas golfers would 40% less managed
watershed runoff the need to use power running the existing well and
frequent being purposefully zoned with playable (and findable) roughs. turf area.
to be reused reclaiming a great deal of irrigation runoff in addition
for irrigation. to rainwater runoff.
 14 GOLF & WATER CASE STUDIES 15 GOLF & WATER CASE STUDIES

Whistling R ck Abac a
+

C untry Club
CHUNCHEON, GANGWON PROVENCE, KOREA | ARCHITECTS: TED ROBINSON, JR., ASGCA
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JUPITER, FLORIDA | JOE LEE, ASSISTED WITH TECHNICAL PLANNING BY JOHN SANFORD, ASGCA

The Situation The Situation

With all the focus on minimizing water use, one might wonder why lakes continue to Abacoa was developed in the late 1990s as a mixed-use development on 2000 acres on the
appear on many new golf course projects. Often, the reason is the lakes are serving a
western edge of Jupiter, Florida. Included in the development is a golf course, designed
function other than a strategic or decorative aspect relating to the golf course itself:
to retain effluent water in a reservoir located between the golf course and an “island”
Retention lakes are used to collect runoff from the fairways. Planted with vegetation that residential development.
uses up the excess fertilizer, these lakes ensure the course remains environmentally
neutral to surrounding areas while adding wetland habitat. In dry areas of the country,
this habitat can prove especially valuable during periods of drought. These types of lakes
can also be designed to retain storm water. How does a golf course designed as part of a
Detention lakes are used to regulate rainwater from winter storms so as to reduce planned community positively impact water
potential flooding through areas located downstream of the golf course. This use The Takeaways The Takeaways usage in a mixed-used development?
is especially valuable when the golf course is located between large watershed areas
upstream and populated areas below. These lakes work by allowing excess flow to be In many Asian countries, By utilizing 100 percent
held on the golf course so it can be discharged in a controlled fashion. where flat arable land often treated effluent to irrigate
At Whistling Rock, located in the mountains just east of Seoul, Korea, the approving
The Approach The Solution
cannot be used other than the golf course and 2000 acre Treated effluent water is received from
agencies required separate systems for both retention and detention serving three distinct The retained effluent is tapped
drainage areas. A total of fourteen lakes were mandated, eight serving as retention ponds for food production, golf community, ground water the Loxahatchee River District into one for irrigation water for the golf
to insure the site remained environmentally neutral and six serving as added detention of the lake systems on the course. Excess course and for all green space
basins to control flooding during the monsoon season through the village located below courses can be used to aquifers are preserved for
storm water is controlled by a weir on in the community, including the
the site. The challenge for the design team was to incorporate the lakes into golf course plan effectively control flood use by the Town of Jupiter’s the 13th hole and flows into a mitigated landscapes of the community’s 2,500
in the size and locations dictated by the agencies while fully integrating them into the site
so as to appear entirely natural in a mountainous setting. water in mountainous sites potable water system wetland “slough” before entering the homes, the town center, a university,

The Approach within major watersheds.

community drainage system downstream.
Approximately 20 acres of connected
common areas and a spring training 100%
baseball complex. The design helps
Two entirely separate drainage systems were required: drainage on the fairways was The practices used to provide lakes are lined to function as a reservoir for
to provided by a underground piping system to static retention lakes; drainage of the to maintain consistent water levels
this control can be equally the effluent. The pumping system for the in the lakes, providing an aesthetic
natural areas and the surrounding watershed was to provided by a series of surface 100% of the
streams to a second set of lakes designed as detention basins. These two systems had community is located on the course. benefit to surrounding residential irrigation needs
to be separate as one was not allowed to flow into the other; however with a series of effective on many flatland of the community
development. 100 percent of the are covered by
visual tricks and well-disguised dams and barriers, the two systems were expected to golf courses in other areas the water retained
irrigation needs of the community
appear as one and look entirely naturalized within the site. in the reservoir.
of the world when potential are covered by the water retained in
The Solutions the reservoir.
downstream flooding can
The design In the picture above, the lake is part of the central detention system for the site. The
solution controls stream begins as a dry creek acting to convey storm water flow from the upper be an issue.
over 14 million
gallons of watershed. It appears to flow into an upper pond (not pictured) acting as a retention
water during lake, but this lake is static and bypassed by the creek. At what appears to be the exit
storm events point on the upper lake, a recirculation pump from the lake below cascades the water
during dry periods. A close look at the lower lake shows it to be depressed – there is a
full meter of detention capacity, which is controlled by a weir hidden under a cart path
bridge. The fairways are irrigated on the project using a modern state of the art irrigation
system to minimize water use; however, drainage in these areas are picked up and
directed to other static retention lakes. As static ponds, the retention lakes insure the site
remains environmentally neutral by also detaining water from the fairways during storm
conditions. While the site’s detention system serves to retain 6 million gallons of water
from the surrounding watershed, when combined with the retention system, the site
regulates over 14 million gallons during a storm event.
 16 GOLF & WATER CASE STUDIES

The Solutions
Water consumption was cut in a number of ways. The The course was re-grassed with turf varieties including a
area of irrigated turf was reduced from 82 to 62 acres, mix of shade- and moisture-tolerant fescues, rye and others
while simultaneously lengthening the golf course from which can acclimate to all the variables in the Monterey

P ppy Hills
6,875 to more than 7,000 yards—a modern standard for Peninsula weather cycles. Grasses were also chosen based
the championships the NCGA hopes to attract. The water on their ability to be mowed at a single height according to a
mapping project identified areas to install sensors simplified open mowing pattern, saving time and energy.

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which measure current moisture content in the Out of play areas where turf was removed were
soil and provide information used in controlling seeded with grasses with a slightly higher, thinner
The area of
wispier growth pattern to meet permitting
individual sprinkler heads—which can adjust irrigated turf
the degree of arc of water distribution—to was reduced requirements, and sandy areas were seeded
PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA | ARCHITECTS: ROBERT TRENT JONES, JR., ASGCA FELLOW; BRUCE CHARLTON, ASGCA ensure even, efficient irrigation only in the from 82 to 62 acres, with a drought-tolerant native mix including
places where and when water is needed. This while simultaneously yarrow, poppy and several fescues which require
process also revealed that the mostly-clay soil lengthening the no irrigation. Poppy Hills will be irrigated with

The Situation
profile of the layout was inhibiting drainage golf course. tertiary sewage effluent water
and keeping turf roots from penetrating deeper as part of a program that irrigates all seven Pebble
The Northern California Golf Association (NCGA) wanted to bring the 1986 Robert Trent
and, thus, surviving on less water. The entire course Beach golf courses. Sand capping and drainage
Jones II design up to “modern standards,” improve playability (potentially attracting the
was sand-capped to address this issue. systems filter the water, which passes into naturally
return of championship tournaments) and conserve resources. Water conservation was a
vegetated buffer zones that provide additional filtration.
particular focus, as the course was facing higher costs and less availability of water
due to state mandates.

What can current technology lend to the

renovation of a popular course faced with the The Takeaways
higher cost and diminishing availability of water? New technologies—water
mapping, soil moisture
The Approach sensors and controllers
Prior to renovation, a water audit was
that take sensor data and
performed at Poppy Hills, looking to
uncover ways to save water and use it more + in turn manage sprinkler
efficiently, while simultaneously improving
head operation—are
the playing experience. “Water mapping”
identified areas of the course that faced available to help courses
chronic problems (insufficient or inefficient use less water and energy
Trees cover irrigation, poor drainage, for example). Trees
keeping nearby to manage their layouts,
turf from thriving cover keeping nearby turf from thriving
was identified. was also identified. In addition to turf that while giving golfers more
was stressed, turf that could be removed
from selected playing areas (without consistent and enjoyable
compromising strategic intent) and from playing conditions.
out-of-play areas was chosen for removal.

“Water mapping” identified

areas of the course that
faced chronic problems.

Photo caption
 18 GOLF & WATER CASE STUDIES 19 GOLF & WATER CASE STUDIES

Yintai H ngye G lf C urse a a

B nita Bay Club

BONITA SPRINGS, FLORIDA
& The Yinh ng #6 G lf C urse a

BEIJING, CHINA | ARCHITECT: RICK ROBBINS, ASGCA

The Situation The Situation

Bonita Bay Club in Bonita Springs, FL, a 54-hole facility, designed by Arthur Hills, ASGCA The golf development market is maturing in China; with fewer new courses, attention
Fellow, in the 1990s, had achieved Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Status in 1995. has turned to helping existing layouts run more effectively. In the case of Yintai Hongye
Recently it was looking to improve playability and extend its environmentally-sensitive Golf Club, the golf complex of 54 holes was developed specifically for the purpose of
practices to include water conservation by upgrading the irrigation system. The existing restoring a large tract of land that had been abandoned to a useful purpose. The site
irrigation systems were based on older design practices with wider sprinkler spacing (80 existed in a “feast or famine” water environment; a riverbed adjacent to the courses was
feet, 24m), square spacing, sprinklers paired together, and an old control system. generally dry due to its flow being diverted upstream for agricultural uses. The resulting
dry surrounding areas, as well as the golf courses, were prone to flooding during
significant rain events.
How can modern, high-tech irrigation systems provide The Takeaways The Takeaways
more efficient water delivery, saving water and After 14 months of operation Water conservation practices
electricity consumption, while improving playability? How can an existing 36-hole facility on the
with the new irrigation can be implemented at
outskirts of Beijing adopt water usage
system at the Marsh Course, existing golf facilities BMPs, and develop its third 18-hole layout
The Approach the results are very positive. through the introduction (which was constructed but not open) as a course
that practices water conservation from Day One?
The Director of Golf Course Operations looked for ways to more efficiently
Comparing the water use of native grass zones,
control the application of water and reduce water consumption. Additional
goals included reducing irrigation repair costs and improving playing of the new system to the water detention basins
conditions. The Rain Bird’s Integrated Control™ (IC) System and Pump Station adjacent Creekside course and wetland development
was selected for the project. The first phase of the system was installed on one
The Approach
eighteen (The Marsh Course) and included intelligent control modules located (with the original irrigation into the golf landscape. The golf course architect looked for ways to alter the golf course design and
topography to allow for detention of storm water and creation of wetlands for
at each sprinkler, eliminating all the field satellites and 90 percent of wire system), the Marsh course Agronomic practices can be
water retention. An evaluation was made of several related items that would
typically used in a traditional satellite control system.
used 32 percent less water on altered to encourage firm help store enough storm water to eliminate the need for use of ground water
The upgraded system design used a larger number of new, high-efficiency a per-acre basis. and fast playing conditions, and make actual reductions in the quantity of water used for course irrigation.
sprinklers installed at closer spacing with single-head control, managed by The architect wanted to produce a coordinated effort to achieve water efficiency
which enhances enjoyment
state-of-the-art control software. With more sprinklers on the course, the by managing the work of the irrigation designer, Irrigation manufacturer, golf
superintendents can easily provide targeted irrigation and precision control to for players and inherently contractor and golf superintendent so the watering system was designed,
small areas when needed. Having more sprinklers enables the club to use less water. reduces water use. installed and operated efficiently. The basic design theme was to be evaluated
to see where irrigation use could be reduced or completely eliminated.
The Solution
Rotary spray Fertilizer can be applied through the irrigation system, resulting in more effective The Solution
nozzles saves response of fertilizer: better results with the same inputs. The IC System eliminated 20% -
water by The irrigation system on all three courses was audited for efficiency and proper
reducing the over 10 tons of copper by eliminating the field satellite controllers. Smaller, low- sprinkler head placement and operation. Agronomic practices were altered to 30%
need to turn
on the larger flow rotary sprinkler zones were installed on the tops of mounds in roughs. Since encourage a “firm and fast” style of play to allow for rolling balls onto most greens
sprinklers. the tops of mounds tend to dry out first, using rotary spray nozzles saves water by and reduce the amount of daily water use. The design of the course was changed
reducing the need to turn on the larger sprinklers. Many times the superintendents to include areas of native grasses in non-play sections and irrigation was removed
don’t turn on the large overhead sprinklers because the rotary nozzles apply a from mature landscaped areas. These factors helped reduce water use by about 20% These factors
small amount of water every day to keep the turf looking good. - 30% from before. Integration of wetland planting along lake and wetland edges helped reduce
water use by
improved water quality while the increase of wetland area helped increase storage. about 20%–30%.
 20 GOLF & WATER CASE STUDIES 21 GOLF & WATER MINI CASE STUDIES

Charlest n Springs Snapsh ts

G lf C mplex
MONMOUTH COUNTY, NEW JERSEY | ARCHITECT: FIRST NAME LAST NAME
The examples on the previous pages only begin to tell the story of how
design is helping facilities manage water efficiently. Here are some more
innovative design solutions to golf’s water quantity and quality challenges.
SUBHEAD HERE

The Situation 1 Wilmette Golf Course 6 Fazenda Boa Vista

The Monmouth County, New Jersey, Park System in the 1990s implemented a regional WILMETTE, IL | ARCHITECT: GREG MARTIN, ASGCA PORTO FELIZ, BRAZIL | ARCHITECT: THAD LAYTON, ASGCA
Open Space Plan, with the goal of incorporating ecological considerations into the To effectively manage the flood frequency from Through a series of interconnected lakes built in
development and management of recreational facilities. The system earmarked part a nearby river, golf course ponds were expanded strategic locations around the golf course, on- and
of the 600 acres of the land for two golf courses and practice facilities. Much of the site to accommodate storm surges. These ponds were off-site storm water runoff is captured and filtered
for the golf courses was barren, and the development plan called for wildlife habitat, connected with a bio-swale that slowed fast moving before being reused as irrigation. Created wetlands
irrigation solutions and storm water management. rain events. Wetlands were introduced to provide within the lakes have filled in with native aquatics
active buffer systems and improve water quality. that capture contaminants and provide habitat and
a food source for the native wading bird population.
2 Reid Golf Course
What is the best approach to designing The Takeaways APPLETON, WI | ARCHITECT: TODD QUITNO, ASGCA 7 Hunting Hawk Golf Club
championship golf layouts on land earmarked for By embracing sustainability Course helped city meet new state and federal GLEN ALLEN, VA| ARCHITECT: BILL LOVE, ASGCA
cultivating endangered plant and wildlife habitats, and ecological restoration
mandates for storm water ponds and flood control, The golf course was designed to utilize existing
and creating sustainable irrigation and storm water and created a newly naturalized channel running topography and a system of both surface and sub-
strategies into the course through the course and four acres of new ponds. surface drainage to collect 95% of the rainwater that
run-off systems to support recreation and habitat? Reid became “a giant filtration system” that holds and falls on the property. The collected rainwater is then
design and operation, a
cleans storm water before heading downstream. stored in three man-made ponds incorporated into
process is initiated that will the design of the golf course as impoundments as well
The Approach 3 The Outlaw at Alto Golf Estates as buffers and habitat enhancement for a sensitive
allow for the establishment ALTO, NM | ARCHITECT: JOHN LAFOY, ASGCA
The golf course architect scouted the land for a site with surface water, environmental area along an adjacent river. This
agricultural soils and minimal forest cover. These features made the land of a variety of ecological Where every drop of water makes a difference, skillful drainage system and water resource management
inherently conducive to golf design, and therefore more economical to develop. design takes on additional value. The design for a newly practices allow the golf course to be irrigated at up to
functions in wetlands.
The golf course was also positioned to sit between sensitive habitat and other developed golf course in high desert included only 45 50% less than normal rates during periods of drought
Degraded land can be brought acres of drought-tolerant turf, a sophisticated triple-row
recreational amenities. The budget for water—and the ecological requirements with rainwater supplying the only source for irrigation
back to support wildlife, irrigation system and the digging of two new wells. throughout the year.
of the facility—pushed the architect to find ways to collect, retain and filter
water for irrigation use, so the design process took this into account as well. host recreational facilities 4 Georgian Bay Club 8 Rock Manor Golf Club
ONTARIO, CANADA | ARCHITECT: JASON STRAKA, ASGCA WILMINGTON, DE | ARCHITECT: LESTER GEORGE, ASGCA
The Solution and support water use and
Can a well-designed golf course benefit salmon and A municipal water plant housing the drinking water
The team designed course grading, drainage and new pond configurations to collect conservation in a number of trout spawning streams? It can when the goal is to supply and development surrounded the course.
and filter a large percentage of the course runoff. Intensive play areas flow into a protect the waters of Georgian Bay on Lake Huron.
ways. The way land is graded Highway expansion significantly encroached on
series of created wetlands and water quality basins that treat the water prior to it The project identified new irrigation sources and the course. Eventually, flooding of the Matson Run
being re-used for course irrigation. Irrigation swales were designed to handle runoff and treated can allow water positively impacted water quality, erosion Watershed became a loss-of-life reality. The course
and allow percolation to recharge the groundwater. The architect selected drought- to be detained, retained and management and water retention. was used to create new maintenance and floodwater
tolerant grass species and an efficient irrigation system to reduce water dependence. attenuation, working around utilities and routing
filtered for groundwater 5 Pelican’s Nest Golf Club
around a major interchange.
Energy conservation Energy conservation--one of the highest-cost aspects of the application of water— recharging and use in BONITA SPRINGS, FL | ARCHITECT: JAN BEL JAN, ASGCA
was achieved More than a mile of directional boring and trenching
through advances was achieved through use of a number of technological advances in geothermal
in geothemal heating and cooling. Water was conserved and protected through the use of low- irrigation systems, resulting in brings reclaimed water directly to the pump station where
heating and cooling it is blended with well water that now contains excessive
maintenance grasses and a highly-efficient irrigation and fertigation system that sustainable land for recreation
minimizes the use of higher quality groundwater, reduces fertilization needs and salts and minerals. Salts are monitored in real time so the
and wildlife support. superintendent can dilute the well water as necessary.
minimizes runoff and leaching of potential pollutants.
22 GOLF & WATER WHAT’S NEXT?

What’s Next? Irrigati n Checklist

QUESTIONS FOR READERS INSTALLING OR RENOVATING AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM? HERE’S HOW TO PROCEED.

Golf has built a solid Diablo Golf Course Irrigation systems, whether being renovated or newly-installed,
PUEBLO, COLORADO | RICK PHELPS, ASGCA, is working with a course that, up until a
record of putting can help a golf facility realize significant water, energy, and labor
year ago, was buying water from the nearby town of Pueblo for its irrigation needs.
solutions in place to However, the town ran into the dual issue of its water treatment plant needing an savings. Just as every golf course is designed to fit the conditions
help layouts be good overhaul and its tax base shrinking, leaving holes in its water availability and budget. of its setting, every irrigation system design is site-specific.
Diablo Golf Course is investing in the town and its course by building a water Here’s what you need to consider when investigating options:
stewards of water. treatment plant onsite to benefit the course and the community. Pueblo sends
However, the issues effluent water to Diablo for its irrigation needs. Diablo collects drainage water,
Rain sensors and soil sensors will
treats it, and returns the potable water to Pueblo for its drinking water needs. A professional irrigation designer, golf Use reclaimed wastewater, RO water
with water quality
course architect and/or an irrigation enable the operator to know when or other non-potable water sources
and quantity, as well Diablo Golf Course manufacturer will provide guidance and if to irrigate. when available. Consider consulting a
as the cost of energy PUEBLO, COLORADO | RICK PHELPS, ASGCA, is working with a course that, up until a for a golf course looking to improve professional for assessing water quality
A professionally-designed and
year ago, was buying water from the nearby town of Pueblo for its irrigation needs. or replace an irrigation system. and mitigation requirements.
needed to apply water However, the town ran into the dual issue of its water treatment plant needing an
sized pipe network will ensure that
Modern golf course irrigation systems the system operates efficiently Include a modern pump station if
to turfgrass, will only overhaul and its tax base shrinking, leaving holes in its water availability and budget.
include the following design criteria… during a watering cycle, minimizing needed. These are managed by
Diablo Golf Course is investing in the town and its course by building a water
become more complex make sure your project includes pressure losses and maintaining computer PLC and variable frequency
treatment plant onsite to benefit the course and the community. Pueblo sends
as time goes on. Here are these items: safe flows (water velocity) which drives (VFD) on the motors and pumps
effluent water to Diablo for its irrigation needs. Diablo collects drainage water,
will result in a more efficient, longer for electrical efficiency. These stations
some new approaches treats it, and returns the potable water to Pueblo for its drinking water needs. Modern, high-efficiency
lasting irrigation system. also communicate with the irrigation
golf-quality sprinklers…
to manage water in golf: Diablo Golf Course designed and installed at the Use individually controlled valve-in-
system software to ensure that the
PUEBLO, COLORADO | RICK PHELPS, ASGCA, is working with a course that, up until a irrigation system and pump station
correct sprinkler spacing for head sprinklers. With a valve-in-head
year ago, was buying water from the nearby town of Pueblo for its irrigation needs. are operating efficiently in tandem.
the sprinkler’s operating parameters. system each sprinkler is operated only
However, the town ran into the dual issue of its water treatment plant needing an Include communication packages for
Depending on climatic conditions, when required. By comparison, a “block”
overhaul and its tax base shrinking, leaving holes in its water availability and budget. monitoring at the control computer
sprinkler spacing of 60-65 feet system has several sprinklers operating
Diablo Golf Course is investing in the town and its course by building a water and online through the web.
(18-20m) provides the best from a single remote valve. This wastes
treatment plant onsite to benefit the course and the community. Pueblo sends Distribution Uniformity (a measure water because all the sprinklers in the Develop a regular sprinkler maintenance
effluent water to Diablo for its irrigation needs. of sprinkler performance). block have to be operated for the same program. A sprinkler that is tilted
time and at the same time, even if only by over 5 degrees from its intended
Diablo Golf Course Sufficient operating pressure,
one small area of turf needs water. position can waste 15% or more water
PUEBLO, COLORADO | RICK PHELPS, ASGCA, is working with a course that, up until a both at the pump station and on all
than designed. Routinely check and
year ago, was buying water from the nearby town of Pueblo for its irrigation needs. elevations of the course to ensure Ensure proper irrigation coverage of
adjust your system to maximize results.
However, the town ran into the dual issue of its water treatment plant needing an sprinklers are operating at their the turf that matches the expectations
intended design pressure. A “less expensive” irrigation system
overhaul and its tax base shrinking, leaving holes in its water availability and budget. of the owner or membership. Through
Diablo Golf Course is investing in the town and its course by building a water design, the layout of sprinklers should option will almost always sacrifice
Weather station – an on-site
treatment plant onsite to benefit the course and the community. Pueblo sends be such that spacing is uniform to system efficiency and coverage on
weather station will measure
effluent water to Diablo for its irrigation needs. maximize efficiency. Poor sprinkler a per-acre basis. Plan carefully and
climatic conditions and provide real
spacing, and therefore coverage, results match your expectations and budget
time information to the central
Diablo Golf Course control computer. Each sprinkler
in wet and dry areas, and poor turf quality. with your improvements. Your design
PUEBLO, COLORADO | RICK PHELPS, ASGCA, is working with a course that, up until a professionals can help!
head and irrigation program can Automated computer-controlled
year ago, was buying water from the nearby town of Pueblo for its irrigation needs.
then be set to provide only the irrigation software that communicates
However, the town ran into the dual issue of its water treatment plant needing an
water needed. directly with each sprinkler should
overhaul and its tax base shrinking, leaving holes in its water availability and budget.
be used. Each sprinkler can be
Photo FPO Diablo Golf Course is investing in the town and its course by building a water
automatically adjusted to match
treatment plant onsite to benefit the course and the community.
daily weather at your golf course.
 24 GOLF & WATER HOW DO I GET STARTED? 25 GOLF & WATER ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

H wD I
What are the main things we should
do to reduce water use?

Get Started? Ackn wledgments

What are the effects of reducing
water on our golf course?
• Effects on playability?
• Effects on budget?
QUESTIONS TO PONDER • Effects on member perception SUBHEAD HERE
of the golf course?
As pointed out earlier in this book, • Effects on public perception Sequid eaquatur, sernat estiore nimi, officienis eles acerovit,
of the golf course?
water is local. Any issues with water quality quos ut eosam veliae parchicitae. Nequis volectoria es cust
• Effects on wildlife?
and quantity and how they impact golf • Effects on streams and other facepta quibus sae num voluptium volecte adit mos qui.
operations are specific to geographic bodies of water on the golf course? sed millupti quo explaccae nonestiatur autempo rehende bitisciet doluptat lanis aspitat
location: weather patterns, infrastructure • Effects on health of tees, fairways atesti utem fugia volor si tem nonsequodio eos sint et, que voluptae odiorum doloreste
and greens? illa di berroreium quis ventiis et doluptaque idest, ut laborep edionem renihit ioreres
for water delivery and water use policies, to • Effects on the health of trees tionsequam aliquo commoluptate nos nectota spidus dit voluptatiur, odici dolore cus.
name a few. Whether a golf facility has made and non-turf plants?
Yintai H
managing water a main focus for years or has Ficaborerem eum accaborum et officia voluptatist vidit, voluptam utemperum hil id ma
What are the effects of reducing & The Y
sa plicit, eaqui sim quaturi si reped est estiam incipsam invenda volore sim earchiciur
recently needed to pay more attention to it, turfgrass on our golf course? sincto blantur? Puditatur a volupta quam, ommoluptatet a nonem repedio.
examining the big picture of what changes in • Effects on playability? Photo c

water usage mean to operations and player • Effects on budget? sed millupti quo explaccae nonestiatur autempo rehende bitisciet doluptat lanis aspitat
• Effects on member perception atesti utem fugia volor si tem nonsequodio eos sint et, que voluptae odiorum doloreste
satisfaction is complicated. of the golf course? illa di berroreium quis ventiis et doluptaque idest, ut laborep edionem renihit ioreres
• Effects on public perception tionsequam aliquo commoluptate nos nectota spidus dit voluptatiur, odici dolore cus.
Here are some questions for architects, irrigation designers,
of the golf course?
superintendents and others with experience in managing
• Effects on wildlife? Ficaborerem eum accaborum et officia voluptatist vidit, voluptam utemperum hil id ma
reductions in water quality or quantity:
sa plicit, eaqui sim quaturi si reped est estiam incipsam invenda volore sim earchiciur
What should we replace the sincto blantur? Puditatur a volupta quam, ommoluptatet a nonem repedio.
turfgrass we removed with?

What happens if we replace living

turfgrass with artificial turf?

Should we be considering a different

type of turf to reduce water use?

What do we need to know when we are

told we need to replace our current water
source with “grey water” or effluent?

Where should we get our water from?

Do we need to replace our irrigation

system, or are there ways to modify it that
will help us meet our water use goals?

How does reducing the number

of sprinkler heads affect water use?

How does reducing the number

of sprinklerheads affect the turf?