Summer Heat Stress

Over the last summer we had a cart path only rule in effect after 1pm. We were continually questioned as to the purpose of this rule. Last year we had the same rule in effect although it was enforced after 12pm. We also had two hole on each nine that were cartpath only all day. These holes were rotated weekly to reduce cart traffic wear.

The reasoning behind this rule is to help the course in the afternoon when we are under water restriction. If we begin to water in a deficit which is less than the plant uses the prior night we are vulnerable to tracking damage from the carts. This rule help us, the maintenance staff, out by keeping carts off of stressed areas. We will also have better course conditions when we get into even more severe restrictions.

This season with our water management plan in effect we were able to only water in deficit only a few times which resulted in a fair amount of tracking damage. The success of the water management stategy gave us the flexibility to water what was needed with little or no restriction all season. Next year we will have a better plan of attack on how we can enforce this rule if needed but with our water conservation actions and our continued proactive approach we may not need the rule nearly as much as we have in the past.

The rule may be a nusiance for some afternoon rounds but we as the maintenance staff are grateful for your help and discipline to adhering to our afternoon rule. We have had a great year so far and with fall on our heels we will continue to have a great year.

Justin C Ruiz, CGCS

The Rim Golf Club.