Raising drain grates

It has been 10 years since the first round of Master Plan renovations started and one of the key elements of that work was drainage. But in the time since they were installed, some of the soil around the drains has settled and the drain grates themselves are too low in some instances. We have been slowly working to get those areas raised to a proper height to match the surrounding terrain.

This is an example of a drain that has not
been raised yet. Notice the big lip right at the drain grate
and how the ground dives down at the very edge of the drain

Removing excess water is a fundamental aspect of turf management and the added drains have worked well. Especially in the lower areas of the property, on holes 3, 14-17, new drains have been a lifesaver. Turf quality and playability have increased tremendously with the addition of the drains. But even drains need some maintenance, keeping them clean and clear being the biggest key, but setting them level is also an important step.

Another example of a drain that we still 
need to raise

A drain still in need of raising

It is nearly impossible to set the grade and compact soil perfectly after it has been disturbed like during the renovation. Someof the most extensive work was done on holes #3 and #15 and it is no surprise that those holes are where most of the recent leveling work has been taking place. We added about 10 drainage inlets on each hole, many of those in the fairways, and since the
n they have been problematic. Golf carts may not be affected quite as much by a low drain because golfers can easily drive around. However, our mowers, sprayers, and other maintenance equipment often have no choice but to go directly across these areas. Large dips, bumps and other unlevel spots are very rough on our cutting units and the suspensions of the machines.

A very recently raised drain.

The process is relatively simple: remove the grass around the drain, attach a coupler to the existing drain and a small piece of pipe to raise its level, add sand and replace the turf. However, taking our time and making sure we get the drain to exactly the level we want requires small adjustments, checking and rechecking. It would be far from ideal to have to come back again to change the level of the drain a second time once it has been completed.

A drain that we raised last year

Drains are a behind the scenes aspect of the golf course, but one of the most critical. We must keep them functioning well, but we also want them to look correct. Setting the proper level achieves good aesthetics but also not having a huge dip at every drain is much gentler on our machines.

 

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please be careful not to damage the lip of the cup when retrieving your ball after putting out.

 

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

Golf Cart tips

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org