Jeff Blume, ASGCA

Jeff Blume, ASGCA shares his knowledge on golf course drainage patterns, including the advantages of using sub-surface drainage systems. Jeff has been an ASGCA Associate Member since 2006, and he is currently the President of Jeffrey D. Blume, Limited, based in Houston, Texas.

All putts break toward water...

A common expression in the game of golf is the saying, "All putts on this course break toward the water." While frequently heard, and even often used by television announcers, the background of this phrase is seldom known. Simply put, the underlying principle causing putts to break toward water is that the roll of a golf ball follows the drainage patterns present on all golf course features.

Two methods for handling storm water runoff...

When undertaking a new design, a golf course architect must ensure that the finished course possesses proper and adequate drainage. The architect can direct water flow through surface contouring (surface drainage), or he/she can implement sub-surface piping systems and inlet structures. These two methods must work together to ensure a course remains playable and maintainable following a storm event.

The fundamentals of surface drainage...

Hole 15 at Grand Pines Golf Club in Montgomery, Texas

When creating grading plans, the architect must consider the essential elements of surface drainage, such as segmenting the site into manageable watersheds and ensuring turf areas have a minimum 2 percent pitch to properly route surface water. Each watershed must also have at least one outlet for drainage, whether natural (lakes, creeks, or wetlands) or installed (catch basins, sumps, or overflow structures).

Advantages of sub-surface drainage systems...

The use of sub-surface drainage systems has greatly expanded in modern golf course designs for a few reasons. First, sub-surface drainage allows for reduced erosion during course grow-in; instead of flowing across the ground, and thus eroding its entire path and outlet point, water in a sub-surface piping network has no erosive characteristic until it reaches its outlet point.

Second, water flowing through sub-surface drainage systems is moved via underground piping, which results in the elimination of residual water within the soil. With surface drainage, certain soil types can become saturated and remain in a wet condition, even if a 2 percent gradient is achieved.

Third, sub-surface piping networks can work even if existing topography does not permit surface flows. Sub-surface drainage may also allow the architect to direct drainage to outlets more appropriate than surface contouring may permit.

Perhaps the biggest benefit...

The next time you play a round of golf, make sure you take notice of where the water flows across the course. Understanding the drainage patterns can help you take advantage of a course's contouring - and may help you lower your scores!

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