SSophisticated flood model using LIDAR technology SIdentifies exact location of the golf course that is prone to flooding, including flood sources, and analyzing low points
Full Answer
What happens when a golf course floods?
Flooded golf courses and flooded pesticide storage facilities were areality last year on golf courses in the eastern United States. While no one can pre- dict when a flood will occur, everyone can understand the potential for turf- grass injury and everyone can develop a recovery program. This article will review the types of flood damage, out-
Can a golf course be designated as a flood alleviation area?
There are occasions when the golf course is designated as a flood alleviation area. This may be forced upon you with compulsory reclamation of the course and new land offered for development in return.
What are the three types of flood damage in golf?
8 USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD line turfgrass recovery strategies, and discuss dealing with flooded pesticide storage facilities. lYPes of Flood Damage The three types of flood damage are erosion, submersion injury, and soil deposition. Golf courses in many parts of the country may have to deal with one or more of these types.
Can a putting green survive a flood?
Generally, putting greens are con- structed high enough to avoid most floods. The extent of the injury be- comes apparent once the flood waters recede and can range from minimal to severe. • Submersion Injury - Tolerance to submersion varies by turfgrass species, as indicated in Table 1.

Can a golf course be too wet?
You can play golf in the rain provided it poses no threat to player safety, and if the course remains playable and not waterlogged. If water begins pooling on the fairways and greens, or if lightning is present, it is recommended to halt play until conditions improve.
How do you dry out a golf course?
Take newspaper (assuming you have newspaper) or some paper to dry it out, roll it up in a ball and put the paper inside the shoes. It will help them dry. As an alternate, consider a shoe tree to put in your golf shoes. You won't win any cool-guy contest, but you'll be shocked how your shoes keep shape.
How deep is the water on a golf course?
Many golf facilities have drilled wells on property to access irrigation water. The location or depth of the water varies tremendously in different parts of the country. Well depths to ground water can be as shallow as 20 to 50 feet or as deep as 1,500 to 2,500 feet (Beard, 2002).
Are golf courses a waste of water?
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. golf courses consume more than 2 billion gallons of water per day, and since one in every 17 of U.S. courses is located in arid and semi-arid California, our 921 courses consume a sizable chunk of that total daily.
How long does it take for a golf course to drain?
According to Ramsay, they are roughly halfway through a 10-year drainage-overhaul process. "Each hole takes between 10 and 14 days," he says, adding cost varies significantly. "At Yale Golf Club, it is between $10,000 and $80,000 per hole, depending on the severity of the issues."
How much rain is too much for golf?
Can You Play Golf in Heavy Rain? Yes, you can play golf in heavy rain, as long as there has not been a lightning strike in the area within the last 30 minutes. To successfully play golf in the rain, make sure you have extra towels in your golf bag.
What is the water hazard rule in golf?
In a water hazard, you must not touch the water or ground with either hand or club, or touch or move any loose impediments in the hazard. You will be able to touch or move loose impediments in a penalty area and touch the ground with hand or club, as long as you don't improve conditions for your next stroke.
How many gallons a day does a golf course use?
Audubon International estimates that the average American course uses 312,000 gallons per day. In a place like Palm Springs, where 57 golf courses challenge the desert, each course eats up a million gallons a day.
What is the casual water rule in golf?
By definition, “casual water” is any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is not in a water hazard and is visible before or after the player takes his stance. Snow and natural ice, other than frost, are either casual water or loose impediments, at the option of the player.
How do golf courses get water?
Golf courses use a variety of water sources for turfgrass irrigation including groundwater, surface water (lakes, rivers and reservoirs), recycled water, and municipal potable water supplies.
Is golf becoming less popular?
Since 2003, there has been a consistent annual decline in the number of golf players. There were 6.8 million fewer golfers in 2018 compared to 2003 — a loss of 22 percent.
What percentage of water do golf courses use?
That equates to approximately 2.08 billion gallons of water per day for golf course irrigation in the U.S. According to the U.S. Geological Survey's “Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 2000” report, approximately 408 billion gallons of water per day are withdrawn in the U.S. Golf course irrigation accounts ...
What shoes do you wear on a wet golf course?
Running shoes or trainers with good sole treads are the best alternative to golf shoes as keeping solid traction with your feet as you swing is key especially on wet surfaces.
How do I keep my hands dry while golfing?
How to Keep Your Hands and Grips DryNew Golf Grips. Golf grips are a good place to start…. ... Use 2-3 Golf Gloves. Once you have the right grips, lets talk about using gloves. ... Carry Extra Towels. ... Use a Rain Glove. ... Buy Grip Powder, Grip Spray or Gripping Solution. ... Sandpaper or Baby Powder. ... Final Thoughts.
How to identify a golf course flood risk?
The study includes statistical data from river flow, storm tides, hydrologic/hydraulic analysis, and rainfall. The Flood Study will incorporate spring, run-off, and large precipitation events which will identify exact locations of flooding, sources, and vulnerable areas of the golf course. The Study will also give recommendations to the size, height, and type of flood protection needed.
What are the benefits of flood insurance?
Benefits of Golf Course Flood Prevention 1 Ability to obtain flood insurance on bunkers and greens in a high-risk flood zone 2 Avoid any business interruption and flood loss 3 More control over costs and potential exposure 4 Reduced potential of loss of non-insurable items 5 Increased value of golf course 6 Eliminate amount of loss payouts 7 Lower flood premiums 8 Better Coverage Limits
What is flood risk America?
At Flood Risk America, our vision is to establish a trusting relationship with our clients, while protecting their investments and allowing golf course owners to obtain the best flood protection measures on their bunkers and greens, thus opening up a new era to the golf industry.”
What are the three types of flood damage?
lYPes of Flood Damage The three types of flood damage are erosion, submersion injury, and soil deposition. Golf courses in many parts of the country may have to deal with one or more of these types. • Erosion - This form of injury is most likely to occur in flood plains adjacent to rivers that flow rapidly. Generally, putting greens are con- structed high enough to avoid most floods. The extent of the injury be- comes apparent once the flood waters recede and can range from minimal to severe. • Submersion Injury - Tolerance to submersion varies by turfgrass species, as indicated in Table 1. Bermudagrass has excellent tolerance to submersion injury, and research has revealed that bermudagrass can survive after more than 55 days of complete submersion. Bentgrass is classified as having good tolerance to submersion. The extent of the injury is related to the duration of submersion, depth of submergence, and light intensity. The physiological basis for submersion tolerance is not.
How to stop a spill?
1.Stop the Leak -Stop the spill as quickly as possible by restoring the container to its upright position, clos- ing a leaky valve or hose, or putting a secondary container in place to catch the leaking solution. Bags that are broken or soaked through need to be carefully placed in a secondary con- tainer such as a drum or heavy plastic bags. Wear appropriate personal safety equipment, including gloves, boots, goggles, respirator, and spray suit.
How to report pesticide spills?
2. Contact the Authorities and Re- tailer -The Comprehensive Environ- mental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) requires the reporting ofmany pesticide spills ifthe reportable quantity of that pesticide is spilled. These spills must be reported immediately to the National Response Center (800-424-8802). Many states re- quire reporting ofany sizespill. Contact the appropriate state agency for more information. Also, contact the retailer who sold the chemical for additional information on cleanup.
Is a flood unpredictable?
Floods may be unpredictable, but the turf manager's recovery program should be well organized.
Can you assess the amount of injury from submersion until the floodwaters subside?
completely understood at this time. Little can be done to assess the amount of injury from submersion until the floodwaters subside.
What does "in shallower water" mean?
The definition expresses how this would work with temporary water, saying it could be where a ball is in shallower water than where a player would stand, affecting the stance more than lie or swing, or where it was in deeper water than where a player would stand – affecting in this case the lie and swing more than the stance.
Can a club bring in a local rule?
Well, if your committee is on the ball you shouldn’t have to worry. Clubs can bring in a Local Rule that caters for this exact scenario.
Have a question for our Rules of Golf expert?
Despite the simplification of the Rules of Golf at the beginning of 2019, there are still some that leave us scratching our heads. And as I’ve passed the R&A’s level 2 rules exam with distinction, I am more than happy to help.
What happened to golf courses in Houston?
Flooded golf courses part of Hurricane Harvey devastation. Golf courses in the greater Houston area, albeit the least of concerns there, nonetheless have been inundated with flooding that will contribute to the devastating economic impact the region will experience in the weeks and months ahead. The extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey ...
What golf course has hosted the Ryder Cup?
The Cypress Creek course has hosted the U.S. Open and a Ryder Cup, among other prestigious events.
