With the help of new technology, approximately 100 golf courses have initiated the trend to invest in a greener America. Subterranean wireless sensor monitoring systems are being installed to aid the course grounds crews in monitoring moisture, temperature and salinity in the soil. These systems provide data to establish an efficient operation for water conservation measures at a cost of approximately $12,000. According to the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, golf courses consume .5% of the United States water supply on an annual basis. With the use of a monitoring system, The Desert Mountain Golf Club in Arizona has generated a savings of more than 100 million gallons of water per year as a result of their sensor system.

The Card Sound Golf Club in Florida uses recycled water from reverse osmosis to irrigate their course. Because of the high salt content in the water, the course is required to “flush the greens” with fresh water every two weeks. Earlier this year, the course installed a subterranean wireless sensor system that has saved half of the water previously used to irrigate the course.

Will more and more courses follow the lead of these progressive courses and employ innovative technology water conservations measures to help preserve our natural resources? Should golf courses be required to take measures to proactively conserve water?

Posted by Marilyn Harris