As weather conditions improve, the list grows of everything that needs to be completed to get the golf course ready for the year to come. Once the irrigation system is charged, checking the functionality of each sprinkler should be a priority.
Proactively checking each sprinkler will help identify issues and allow them to be addressed before summer. Each sprinkler should be turned on to make sure it is communicating with the satellite or central computer. Allow the head to rotate completely to determine if it is functioning properly, if the distribution is acceptable from a visual standpoint, and if part-circle sprinklers are set correctly. Your team should also take a close look at each head while it is running to check for leaks or damage. If issues are observed, a prioritized repair list should be made. It would also be a sound decision to check all the valves, inspect each satellite and have a technician service the pumphouse.
As you are going through this process, keep in mind that nozzles have a recommended life cycle of five to eight years. Many golf courses use nozzles well beyond their expected life and replacement can improve overall course irrigation.
Moisture meters with mapping features can be used to analyze soil moisture uniformity, not just on putting greens but throughout the golf course. This is not to say moisture readings need to be taken on every playing surface every day, but completing this process periodically on fairway and rough areas will create a better understanding of moisture uniformity across the course. Adjustments can then be made to the irrigation system along with targeted maintenance practices to better balance moisture in the rootzone.
The USGA Water Conservation Playbook is a great resource that offers many detailed recommendations for how to improve golf course irrigation. Reach out to your regional USGA agronomist for assistance with developing an irrigation plan for the upcoming season.
Central Region Agronomists:
Zach Nicoludis, regional director, Central Region – znicoludis@usga.org
Tom Gould, agronomist – tgould@usga.org