Goldilocks Time

If you play the course early in the day, and think the fairways are soft, they very well may be.  When we go through periods that require us to rely exclusively on the irrigation system, moisture uniformity is difficult to achieve, often leaving some areas too firm (aka, dry), and others on the softer side.


There are several factors which contribute to consistent moisture levels--or lack thereof.  For example, the soils on the golf course are quite varied, ranging from fast-draining gravel, to dense clay.  The golf course's topography also leads to exposed mounds drying more quickly than their surrounding swales.  However, probably the single greatest factor impacting moisture uniformity is the irrigation system.

Laurel Creek's irrigation system was designed in the 1980's, and has sprinklers spaced 80' apart.  That is a good chunk of land for a head to cover, and conditions can differ greatly within that area.  Generally speaking, irrigation systems in our region work well to supplement rainfall, not replace it.

In the picture below, you can see some pretty dry turf only 20-30' from the closest sprinkler.


Given the limitations of the system, it will take a full eight hour irrigation cycle to run greens, tees, fairways, and the primary rough for an average of just 15 minutes per sprinkler.  At this time of year, with moisture loss around .25" per day, we are operating in a deficit irrigation mode.  That is, even when running a full cycle, we are not replacing all of the water lost each day.

Where sprinkler coverage is incomplete, portable roller base sprinklers are used to supplement.

Hand watering is another primary way we target specific areas without running the irrigation system excessively.  It is not unusual for us to devote over 1,000 man hours in a season to hand watering.

Without question, water management is one of the most challenging parts of properly maintaining the golf course right now.  Too much water is not good for plant health or playability, and too little water can obviously have its consequences as well.  While this may lead to that Goldilocks feeling (it's too wet here, it's too dry there), the good news is that sooner or later the heat will break and the rain will come.