Drain repair #14 approach

For the last few weeks there has been a wet area in #14 approach. Though this area has been wet before, nothing has persisted the way it did this spring. After staying wet through a relatively dry stretch of weather, it was time to dig it up and see what we could find.

Here is the end of the old drain pipe with the crushed
piece already removed.

Here is an old photo from construction.
In the background you can see the bulldozer and
large pile of dirt. That is the dirt that was excavated from 
the front of approach. This is likely when the pipe was 
damaged.

At first, we suspected it could be related to the irrigation system. Though it was not exactly where the pipe should be, we know from experience two things can happen: first, the pipe isn’t always where our as-built maps indicate; second, water will find the easiest way out, even if it is in an odd direction from the pipe. However, after valving the irrigation off in this location, the wet area remained.

After eliminating the irrigation system, digging an exploratory hole was the next step. Not very deep down, we found an old drainpipe, likely an original from the green. As we chased the water downhill, we quickly found that the pipe was crushed right where the wet spot started. The water was travelling down the pipe, reaching the dam, and coming to the surface. This by itself was not all that confusing or unique- old pipes were rarely marked and even if they were, it is unlikely anyone still remembers.

Prepped and ready for the new trench

What was strange was that this pipe had to have been crushed during Master Plan construction- in 2014! If you picture the front of #14 green as it turns into the approach- there is a quick drop off, going down several feet before the approach levels off. Right where that slope is located is where the old drainpipe was crushed. That slope was created during construction. So, the pipe had to have been smashed at that point, without ever being noticed. How or why it took 8 years for a truly unmanageable wet spot to develop is unknown.

Regardless, the repair was straight forward. We were lucky enough to be only about 30 feet from the bunker drain line, so we trenched right to that pipe. We cut a clean edge on the old pipe, attached a new, and ran it to the bunker drain and attached it there also. Now, the water that comes out of the old drainpipe will be captured and fed down to the bunker drain that is tied into the main drainage. Once we discovered the issue, we were able to develop the repair and complete it in one day.

Repaired and sod replaced

We never know what might be causing a particular underground issue on the course until we dig it up. This time, we were surprised by what we found.

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please do not hit into the Grounds department staff, because it is dangerous. Please be sure that we see you before hitting your shot.

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

 

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org