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Rain is a good thing!
John McLinden
GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
The ponds at the back of the course are close to their keep the turf alive over the past numerous weeks, the
normal levels again. Did you notice how low they were irrigation system was using more water on a nightly
during the hot, dry spell earlier in July? Why does this basis then was being replenished. This contributed to
happen? the low pond levels as they were slowly drawing down
on a nightly basis. Some much-needed rain finally
The main reservoir or irrigation pond is located by the
12th hole. The two remaining ponds on 10 and 11 act arrived in late July and the pond levels began to rise
as feeder ponds to the reservoir. We have two wells as irrigation to the turf was not required.
on the golf course that feed water into the pond on
the 10th hole. One well is located near the river on Although the ponds may appear large, as they gobble
the 16th hole and the other well is on the 9th hole and up errant shots, they are quite small in terms of storage
the water is pumped through the golf course to the capacity. We are getting caught up now!
pond. Combined, both wells pump 160 gallons/minute
of water into the pond on number 10. During periods John
of high temperatures and dry conditions, like what
we have experienced over the last several weeks,
the irrigation system is working at full capacity. To
Q: After a rain storm, why is
the fairway on the 17th hole
always wet with a puddle?
A: The fairway on the 17th hole is situated
relatively low adjacent to the river. There is
actually good drainage running through the
fairway but anytime there is a significant rainfall
the river levels rise. When these levels rise, the
water from the river basically backs up into the
drains causing puddling on the fairway. When
the river subsides the puddles on the fairway
dissipate quickly.
8 | BEAUTY, GRIT & GRACE
