Ground water

As we approach the end of summer, we continue to deal with an unprecedented amount of rain. Although, we have had some quick dry stretches, the overall amount of rain for the summer, along with large volumes in single storms, presents a problem that we have never dealt with. One such problem is the water that has been perpetually flowing across #10 approach.

Ground water has been trickling out in several locations since June. The wet spring, followed by the abnormally wet mid to late summer, have kept the water table higher than usual. The result is water in places that we didn’t expect.

Water flowing from near #11 tee is working its way to and across the cart path on #12 and into the fairway. On the right side of #5 fairway, water was coming up in the rough and the fairway and flowing down the cart path.

Similarly, water to the right of #11 fairway was flowing down the cart path also. Two spots on the high side of #4 fairway were flowing down the hill to the left side. Finally, the most difficult area is the water coming up in the bunker and across the approach on #10.

The front right bunker, green surround rough immediately in front of that bunker, and the approach on #10 have been wet since the end of June. The source is ground water, and with the rains we have sustained this year, the water table has been high enough to flow out in this location since June.

Some of the water is emanating from the bunker and some seeps out from the rough, but we are certain this is not an irrigation issue because we have no pipe close enough to cause this issue. And for a brief 2 weeks in June the water slowed down.

The first thing we have to do to correct the issue, is wait for a break in the flow of water. We would only create more of a mess trying to work in an area with flowing groundwater. Once the break comes, we will add another drain line in the bunker to help capture water there.

We will also tap into the bunker exit drain that flows into the pond. We will add a surface drain in the rough in front of the bunker so that any more water that reaches the surface will fall into our drainage system instead of running across the approach. Once all of the drains are installed, we will re-sod the affected area and start fresh.

Hole numbers are listed in black. The red circles are areas where water has been seeping out
of the ground. Somewhere in the blue shaded area is the source of the water.

While we have occasionally seen ground water pop up in a few of these locations previously, some are new this year. The duration that they have been consistently dribbling water has also been extraordinary. Once the water subsides, we will make some adjustments to help mitigate future issues.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please enter and exit all bunkers on the low side. While this may result in slightly more distance to rake, it will keep the sod on the face of the bunker from tearing. It is also much safer! Thank you.

Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

Bunker etiquette

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org