Two case studies at golf facilities in drought-stricken Texas highlight the value of buffalograss as a low-maintenance rough that requires less water.

When faced with a restricted water supply, golf facilities must find a way to manage with less water while attempting to satisfy golfers and maintain an economically viable business. This article highlights three case studies of golf courses that have been successful using a variety of water-reduction strategies, including turf reduction, a new irrigation system, deficit irrigation, promoting firm and fast conditions, and practical solutions to comply with water use regulations.

This article offers five examples of how turf managers in the Southwest use water efficiently while continuing to provide quality playing conditions, including irrigation redesign, irrigation nozzle upgrades, improving soil properties, using soil moisture and salinity sensors, and eliminating overseeding.

Renovation and a new irrigation system at Tiara Rado Golf Course (Colo.) has resulted in many benefits for the golf facility and environment, including a 40 percent reduction in daily water use.

The mold has been broken with the first-ever irrigation system guarantee to meet or exceed a minimum performance standard at Paradise Valley Country Club (Ariz.).

The Tournament Players Club at Summerlin (Nev.) lowered its water consumption, reduced its maintenance and increased visual appeal by converting a sizable area of turf to a natural desert garden.

A short course in water conservation focuses on plant selection and management and building infrastructure. Three golf facilities are featured as case studies.

An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a voluntary approach to improving environmental performance that often saves both money and resources.

In 2008, the Audubon International Classic Program was launched. One of the first projects was Mirimichi Golf Course in Millington, Tenn., which was successfully renovated to achieve award-winning accomplishments in water conservation, water quality protection, wildlife conservation and habitat enhancement.

Three golf facilities in the Las Vegas area are featured as case studies that have greatly reduced water use. A limited water supply drives virtually every decision they make in the management of their golf courses.

Professionally managing a golf course landscape in an environmentally sensitive area includes water conservation efforts at Crystal Springs Golf Course (Calif.).

This nine-hole golf facility shares its water conservation, recycling, and outreach efforts with golfers and the community.

Drought conditions and water restrictions have spurred positive change in the way the golf course is managed and how water is used.

Part of the 3,200-acre Stone Mountain Park located 16 miles from downtown Atlanta, this golf facility helped develop an extensive best management practices (BMP) program that has been adopted statewide.

The course’s new construction plan is both budget and eco-friendly as it looks to produce optimal playing conditions with limited water availability.