How does irrigation work on a golf course?
Irrigation, which can be turned on when it’s not raining or when there isn’t enough rainfall, helps to stop the grass plant wilting and losing rigidity. Without an irrigation system, it’s all but impossible to ensure that a golf course can remain in playable condition.
How do golf courses control sprinkler run times?
Many golf courses have weather stations located on their property to provide real-time evapotranspiration data. The data is automatically accessed by the computer control system and can, if desired, automatically adjust the sprinkler run times.
How much does a golf irrigation system cost?
Today’s irrigation systems can range from $750,000 to $3 million-plus for 18 holes and, in extreme cases, exceed $5 million. That kind of money will get you a lot of new bunkers and then some.
What are the most common irrigation issues facing your golf course?
An older or obsolete irrigation system is one of the most common issues a golf course faces, and typically, they face away from it. Concerned with costs and the time needed for installation, most courses have made do with faulty irrigation systems, and by made do, we mean made a mess.
How do golf courses water their grass?
Some courses irrigate their lawns with water from onsite water hazards and storm water ponds, reclaimed water facilities or even desalinized brackish or ocean waters.
How long does a golf course irrigation system last?
10 to 30 yearsThe life expectancy of a typical irrigation system varies from 10 to 30 years, depending on the geographic location of the course and the demands on the system. Good preventive maintenance can extend a system's longevity, but sooner or later, your irrigation will need to be renovated or replaced.
How does an irrigation pop up work?
Pop-up spray sprinklers spray water over the whole area to be watered the entire time it is watering. They are hidden underground and set to pop up and retract with timers. Pop-up rotors spray a solid rotating stream of water to cover large areas of lawn.
How much water does it take to irrigate a golf course?
Using water use data nationally, an 18-hole golf course uses an average of 152.5 acre-feet of water per year to irrigate 80.7 acres of turfgrass.
How often should golf greens be watered?
every two to three daysHow much (and when!) to water your lawn, according to a golf-course superintendent. About a third of an inch of water every two to three days is a good goal for your yard.
How many sprinkler heads are on a golf course?
“Courses can have anywhere from 500 to 5,000 heads. It's just a matter of what you're trying to do.” Today's technology and equipment have facilitated better irrigation strategies. New sprinklers are much better at putting down water.
How long do pop-up sprinklers last?
While different parts of your system may need replacing throughout its life, you can expect the average sprinkler system to last for upwards of 20 years. During that time, you'll likely need to replace your sprinkler heads around the 10-year mark if using high-quality heads.
How much water pressure do pop-up sprinklers need?
Most spray and rotator heads are designed to work their best at about 30 psi. When pressure is lower, the watering radius will be reduced, so you may need to place your heads closer together to get the coverage you need. Higher pressures – those above about 40 psi – will cause the head to mist or fog.
How much water does a pop-up sprinkler use?
approximately 15 to 16 gpm[On average a pop-up station uses approximately 15 to 16 gpm.]
Why do golf courses drink water everyday?
Typically, putting greens are irrigated at night or early in the morning. However, during periods of hot weather or low humidity, turf may need additional water throughout the day because soils can quickly dry out. Light watering during the day helps keep putting greens healthy and playing well.
Do golf courses waste a lot of water?
Courses around the U.S. suck up around approximately 2.08 billion gallons of water per day for irrigation. That's about 130,000 gallons per day per course, according to the golf industry.
How much water does a golf course use every day?
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.
Where To Irrigate
Golf clubs must establish quality requirements for their courses. This requires club managers to work with players to create a dynamic course. Course designers use different types of grass across the 18 holes. The overarching goal for the designers is to have the highest quality grass on the greens.
When To Irrigate
In general, determining when to irrigate the golf course is done by observing several things in the field. For example, groundskeepers watch for when drought spots emerge. Additionally, they monitor the root zone to see if the grass dries out. Course managers prevent dry spots through timely and sufficient irrigation.
How Much To Irrigate
Advanced computer simulation models are used to determine the ideal amount of irrigation. Computer simulation models describe all relevant processes that occur in the soil-water-grass system. The models also calculate whether there is still enough moisture present in the soil profile to ensure the quality of the grass.
What Statistics We Need
To be able to advise where, when, and how much irrigation a golf course needs requires a few factors.
How efficient is golf course irrigation?
Golf course irrigation systems are normally in the 80% efficiency range, the highest achievable efficiency with overhead irrigation. The general public looks at the large green expanse of a golf course and the amount of water it uses and assumes that the golf course is wasting water.
What is pressure regulated in golf course irrigation?
Each individual sprinkler is pressure-regulated so that the sprinkler receives its intended pressure regardless of elevation change or distance from the water supply. Golf course irrigation sprinklers are the most uniform applicators of water of any sprinkler manufactured.
What are the inputs needed to maintain a golf course?
Depending on the quality of the golf course, some need more inputs than others. One of the needed inputs to maintain a healthy playing surface is, of course, water.
What is a golf course superintendent?
Golf course superintendents are highly educated individuals. They are not only educated and trained in the operation of the specific irrigation control system installed at their facilities, but also in soils and turf grass.
What percentage of golf course water is effluent?
Effluent: 12%. Many golf courses use a combination of sources, hence the total percentage in the list is over 100%. For example, although water may not be pumped directly from a well into the irrigation system due to the large flow required by the irrigation system, the well is instead used to fill an irrigation pond.
How many sprinklers are needed for a golf course?
A golf course can have between 500 and 5,000 sprinklers, or even more installed throughout an 18-hole facility. A golf irrigation sprinkler uses 18–45 gallons per minute throwing 50–90 feet with as many as 100 sprinklers operating at the same time.
What is the percentage of water used in golf courses?
According to GCSAA, golf course water sources break down as follows: Many golf courses use a combination of sources, hence the total percentage in the list is over 100%.
Why do golf courses need irrigation?
Irrigation, which can be turned on when it’s not raining or when there isn’t enough rainfall, helps to stop the grass plant wilting and losing rigidity. Without an irrigation system, it’s all but impossible to ensure that a golf course can remain in playable condition.
How does a sprinkler pump work?
You have a control cable, via a computer, that switches taps and valves on and off and allows water to be dispersed under pressure via a sprinkler.
How does water in the soil affect plants?
Water in the soil can be taken up by the plant when it’s pulled in through the roots and water within the plant can be used as a transportation system to move it around. When the water evaporates, or transpires, there is less of it and less capability for the plant to carry out its normal processes.
Can golf courses survive without irrigation?
Its workings are a mystery to most golfers but, underneath the soil, our courses wouldn’t survive without an effective irrigation system. Ask around the clubhouse about what makes an irrigation system tick and there’s a chance a couple of us might be able to string together a few words about sprinkler ...
What is the best source of irrigation water for golf courses?
Rivers, streams, and creeks are an excellent source of irrigation water, assuming flows are reliable. Some- times water is pumped directly from these sources onto golf course turf, and other times it is pumped into an irrigation reservoir on the golf course.
What is the source of water for golf?
Open water sources such as lakes and ponds can be either natural or man-made. Sometimes they are recharged by underground springs, streams, runoff, or wells. Quite often open water sources for irrigation water also serve as a key feature in the design of one or more golf holes.
Why are canals important to golf?
In coastal areas with high levels of rainfall, canals are a source of irrigation for a few golf facilities. Debris, poor water quality, and high levels of particulate matter can be challenges with these sources.
Is golf course water influenced by location?
Routing and design of a golf course are heavily influenced by its geographic location . Just as a golf course in Florida will look much different from one in Arizona, water sources are going to vary geographically as well. Nevertheless, one thing remains the same in that turfgrass survival relies on access to water. So wherever golf facilities are found, access to a water source is required.
Is there a federal water policy?
In the United States, there is no federal water policy per se , and generally water is treated as a state and local issue. Every type of irrigation water source described above is regulated by myriad local, state, and federal regulations. When investigating a new water source for a golf facility, it is imperative to seek the counsel of an expert in this area.
Does golf course need rain?
Although Table 1 does not list rain as a source of irrigation water, it is always the preferred source on a golf course. It is free, clean, and distributed uniformly across the golf course. Unfortunately, natural rainfall cannot be scheduled and often delivers more or less than the turfgrass needs. Arid regions rarely receive routine rainfall throughout the growing season, and when it does rain it can pour, leading to flood events. Conversely, areas with high levels of natural rainfall are not immune from
Why is it important to have an irrigation system?
A very important piece to any irrigation system is the quality and quantity of the water supply. Understand what is available today and years into the future. As water demands continue to rise, it may be worthwhile to investigate receiving effluent water or capturing more runoff water to be used for irrigation.
What are the benefits of golf?
Edwin Roald, a member of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects, cites seven important health benefits of golf participation: heart health, brain stimulation, weight loss, stress reduction, increased longevity, low frequency of sport-induced injury, and a good night’s sleep.
Why are sprinklers important?
And golf courses can have a range of different types from valve in head to spray heads to short radius block rotors. Quality of uniformity is directly linked to spacing in the field for that specific nozzle and pressure.
Do golf courses have booster pumps?
If your golf course is supplied by a municipal water source, you may have a booster pump and backflow equipment. This equipment should also be evaluated, including the incoming pressure and flow from the municipal source. Over the years, changes may have occurred that you were not aware of. Hydraulic network.
Is water important for turfgrass?
Water is essential to all life, turfgrass certainly no exception. Depending on your geographic location, irrigation is more critical in some regions than others, but we cannot deny the importance of a reliable, efficient irrigation system when our livelihood relies on maintaining healthy turf, day after day.
Is golf a good game?
Those attracted to it share an uncommon devotion to the game itself. Golf is a healthy game, as well. Fresh air and a practically unmatched opportunity to get steps in for the day, not to mention beautiful landscapes, sunrises and sunsets, along with special moments with friends and family.
Why should I use an irrigation system for golf?
Automatic irrigation systems should be utilized to keep turf alive and achieve firm playing conditions, not to produce the color green.
What is the USGA?
The USGA promotes and conserves the true spirit of the game of golf as embodied in its ancient and honorable traditions. It acts in the best interests of the game for the continued enjoyment of those who love and play it. The USGA: Celebrating 125 Years. Design Philosophy From Female Golf Course Architects. GIVING.
