6/14/2012 4:06 PM
We have had quantity problems since construction 12 years ago. Over time, we have added wells and built more storage ponds. We are pretty much at the mercy of the winter and spring rainfall. Good years we make it further into the summer before we ration and bad years it just starts earlier. We have prioritized greens and tees to get what is needed, fairways can get to between 50 and 60% of ET and roughs will basically receive dust control in a tough year. Fortunately, everyone on property is aware of our challenge. We further reduce irrigation in August to begin stockpiling for overseeding in September. If we save enough to get through the first 8 days after seeding and the roughly 1 million gallons per day, we will easily hide our sins until the next summer. In an effort to reduce the deficit, we have undertaken a turf reduction project that has gone on for 3 to 4 years. Hopefully we can complete this in two more years. Our goal isn't to save water but to utilize our resources on reduced acreage. We have eliminated 12 tees, have been eliminating turf around tees and strategically removed turf where it is really not necessary. Very few players even recognize the reductions so I guess we are doing a pretty good job. They do recognize the extra bunkering installed four years ago that removed another 2 acres of turf. We have dropped close to 12 acres that are now planted with drought tolerant plants and receiving seasonal drip irrigation. We quit overseeding fairways and I am shooting to eliminate tee overseeding except on par three's, and holes one and ten. Every drop we save will be helpful in getting us through the summer months. Matching the turf to the acreage is our main option at this point. Building another large reservoir probably isn't going to happen. It would sure be nice to trap another 50 million gallons or so but I won't hold my breath!