The heat we have experienced
over this last week is one we haven’t experienced in many years. With temperatures swirling around 40°C this
past week, the work of our golf course maintenance crew is that much more
challenging. With the emerald green
coloring we've experienced thus far this season combined with golfers
expectations constantly on the rise, it is an inerrant challenge to keep the
same course visual presentation during these extreme climactic conditions. As long as these excessive temperatures
continue, we are anticipating utilizing upward of 1 million gallons daily, both
from our automated irrigation system and manually watering isolated areas in
the daytime.
Given the southern exposure
of the golf course, natural drainage toward Lake Okanagan and wide open terrain
with lack of shade, making The Harvest that much more vulnerable to the
elements. The Harvest is unique in its
maintenance as we have to maintain and irrigate the entire 165 acres dedicated
for the golf course, with no forest or any wasted area. Should these extreme conditions continue into
August, we can anticipate seeing some progressive discoloration of the turf or
brown spots where our 2000 sprinkler system may not reach. With our system currently producing one
thousand pounds of pressure per minute, our window to irrigate the the golf
course is upward of 13/14 hours nightly, typically starting around 7pm before
completing around 8/9am the following morning, often barely sufficient amount
of times to be out of the way of the first golfers in the morning who often
play in three hours making it, at times, difficult to stay ahead and invisible
to them. As mentioned above, manual
watering or syringing is required throughout the day in various locations of
the golf course, which often may be in line of play. Be assured, all precautions are taken to
alleviate disruptions to golfers, but sometime stopping every five minutes
would just lengthen the already tedious process and his not an exact science.
At this time, we would ask
for your understanding and patience during these extreme climactic conditions,
with our ultimate goal to continue provide the best possible playing conditions
on a consistent basis. Our maintenance
priorities are always to maintain the important playing surfaces first, which in
order of priority are; greens/ approaches, tees, fairways and rough.
Since the advent of the Golf
Channel some 20 years ago with increase television coverage of the various pro
tours from around the world, combined with high definition television, we see
golf courses that are flawlessly manicured by some 250 volunteers often months
leading up to the events, in order to show perfectly through the camera lenses,
while providing optimal playing conditions for the participants. Coincidentally, this week, many of you will
watch the coverage of the British Open always hosted in the old country where
golf still remains connected closer to the elements with a more natural look
than we might not be accustom to in North America, where a more watered
automated or artificial visual presentation of lushness is provided. It is important to point out that any
discoloration or browning of small areas should not affect playability in any way,
but may only affect the visual presentation of the golf course we maybe
accustomed too. With water becoming a
major topic of conversation these days, we may very well see a return in times
to this more natural look, much like shown last month during the US Open at the
prestigious Pinehurst # 2 course.
Should you have any questions
or comments regarding these cultural practices required at this time, please do
not hesitate to contact me or stop by my office and I would be very happy to
discuss in great detail the intricacies in these extreme temperatures we have
experienced recently.
Gilles Dufort
General Manager/Executive Professional
The Harvest Golf Club LLP
