Adequate drainage is necessary for healthy turfgrass. A high-quality BMP plan for drainage addresses the containment of runoff, adequate buffer zones, and filtration techniques in the design and construction process to achieve acceptable water quality. Drainage of golf course features is only as good as the system’s integrity. Damaged, improperly installed, or poorly maintained drainage systems will negatively impact play and increases risks to water quality.
Best Management Practices
- When constructing drainage systems, pay close attention to engineering details such as subsoil preparation, slopes, backfilling, and the placement of gravel.
- Surface water runoff and internal golf course drains should not drain directly into an open waterbody, but should discharge through pretreatment zones and/or vegetative buffers to help remove nutrients and sediments.
- The drainage system should be routinely inspected to ensure proper function.
Drainage installation during the construction of a new tee. Photo credit: Thomas Turner.
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