Capital improvements can have a drastic impact on how a golf course looks and plays; prudent planning will ensure only the most positive of results. Consider some of the improvements detailed in this USGA photo gallery. Although they require varying degrees of investment, each offers opportunities to improve playing conditions and sustainability.
1: Reducing Irrigated Turf Acreage
Replacing turf in out-of-play areas with native plants and grasses can save water and allow more resources to be focused on the primary playing areas.
Related BMP Case Studies:
Naturalizing Areas To Reduce Inputs And Enhance Habitat
Converting Maintained Turf To Native Grasses
Reducing Inputs By Converting Turf To Native Grasses
Native Grasses Help Save Water
Native Plants Provide An Attractive Alternative
Even New Courses Need To Address Water Use Issues
Drought-Tolerant Grasses In Rough
2: Irrigation System Upgrade
Updated irrigation systems with improved coverage, individual head control and sensor technology can improve playing conditions and save water.
Related BMP Case Studies:
A New Irrigation System Improves Playing Conditions
Drip Irrigation Improves Water Management
Utilizing Mist Heads For Precision Irrigation
Irrigation Redesign to Conserve Water
Irrigation: Better Precision with More Irrigation Heads
3: Improving Drainage
Good drainage is essential for quality playing conditions and healthy turf. Addressing drainage issues is an important part of many golf course renovations.
Related BMP Case Studies:
Rebuilding Greens To Improve Playability And Address Water Issues
4: Tree Removal
Trees can grow in size and number on golf courses over time, so that they reduce line of sight and hinder playability. Your next renovation may need to consider removing trees to improve turf health, golfer enjoyment and pace of play.
Related BMP Case Studies:
Adjusting Course Conditions To Complement A Restoration
Tree Removal Improves Turfgrass Health, Performance, And Playing Quality
5: Switching Turfs
Converting playing areas to improved turfgrass varieties can enhance playing conditions and reduce resource consumption.
Related BMP Case Studies:
Changing Grasses Can Be The Best Answer For Water Woes
Creating And Maintaining Low-Input Roughs
Transitioning From Poa annua To Creeping Bentgrass Putting Greens
Using Salt-Tolerant Grass To Manage Tidal Flooding
Warm-Season Grasses Improved Playability And Drought Tolerance
Recycled Water and Seashore Paspalum—A Perfect Match
No-Till Fairway Conversion To Celebration Bermudagrass
Converting Turf Species To Improve Divot Recovery And Sustainability
Regrassing Greens to Creeping Bentgrass
Irrigating With Effluent And Brackish Water