Irrigation inefficiencies

We are in the midst of a very dry stretch. We received only 1.62 inches of rain for the entire month of June. On average, depending on what source you check, June can be one of the wettest months. Not this year.

Dry area within our irrigation range

We have started pumping water out of the river already this year. This is earlier than we have in the past, but it is indicative of how dry it has been. As you play, you will start to notice dry areas around trees first. But the real indicator is the dry areas that are located within our irrigation range. This has been reminiscent of another dry spell, which you can read about here. However, you will see the date of that post as September 15^th, 2015. That is much later in the year. If we were to stay dry through this summer AND then have a dry fall, we would be in for a fight. And now that the heat has turned up, dry spots continue to be an issue.

Another dry area within our irrigation coverage

These spots are the clear cut sign of soil characteristics, irrigation inefficiencies, and other issues. Perhaps there is a different type of soil there, more sand for example, than other areas, or there may even be a rock just under the surface that we have never found that is causing a spot to dry out faster. We also get a look at our irrigation inefficiencies. Sometimes the solution may be to try a different nozzle in the sprinkler, one that throws water shorter or farther, as explained here. Or we may need to add a sprinkler. Sometimes, through all the work we do to maintain the irrigation system, we turn a sprinkler off for repair. If that sprinkler does not get turned back on, a dry area will start to develop. We cycle through all of these possibilities when dealing with dry weather. In the end, we are trying to manage from one rainstorm to the next. Throw in trying to keep new construction sod alive and it makes for a lot of hose and sprinkler usage.

We will continue to be out running water where necessary. Hopefully Mother Nature will send some rain our way soon. Have a great 4^th of July.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please leave bunker rakes IN the bunkers when you are finished.

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org