Colored surveying whiskers provide a novel solution to the problem of locating valve boxes. They can be attached to valve-box covers for quick and easy identification when trimming around valve boxes. The whiskers also help employees identify what section of the irrigation system a particular valve controls. For example, a blue whisker may identify an isolation valve, an orange whisker could identify a main-line valve and a yellow whisker might be a green’s loop valve.
Surveying whiskers are easily noticed when someone is looking for them, but conveniently inconspicuous when they’re not. In fact, during a recent Course Consulting Service visit, a group walked right over a whisker without noticing. Luckily, the superintendent pointed out the whisker and described its usefulness.
Surveying whiskers are affordable and can be purchased through many online retailers. They can be easily attached to a valve-box cover with a washer, nut and bolt. As for the potential impact to golfers, surveying whiskers fixed to value boxes should be treated as an immovable obstruction under Rule 24-2. For more novel solutions to everyday challenges contact a regional USGA Agronomist.
Southeast Region Agronomists:
Chris Hartwiger, director, USGA Course Consulting Service – chartwiger@usga.org
Steve Kammerer, regional director – skammerer@usga.org
Patrick M. O’Brien, agronomist – patobrien@usga.org
Todd Lowe, agronomist – tlowe@usga.org
Addison Barden, agronomist – abarden@usga.org
Information on the USGA’s Course Consulting Service
