W
ith two big turf reduc-
tion and water conser-
vation projects
recently completed, Indian Wells
Golf Resort has shown how it's
possible to reduce a course's envi-
ronmental footprint while main-
taining an immaculate facility.
"We just completed the re-
moval of 4.5 acres of turf on our
property," said Director of Agron-
omy Rick Menard. "It was mostly
in non-playable areas throughout
the golf course. We've removed
the unnecessary turf and replaced
it with beautiful hardscaping,
which has decreased our water
use and improved the look
around the property."
Meanwhile, the golf course has
for years used non-potable, re-
claimed water, which has always
played a part in conserving water.
"Using reclaimed water actu-
ally allows us to put good, usable
water back in the environment,"
Menard said. "So we're actually
helping our local water supply
rather than contributing to the
drought."
In addition, many non-turf
overhead watering systems are
being replaced with a drip irriga-
tion system that allows the least
amount of water to be used. And
installation of a new weather sta-
tion will automatically identify
the driest parts of the courses and
water just those areas as needed.
The drip irrigation system and
weather station alone will help
save close to 10 million gallons
of water annually.
"Implementing these various
systems – and always being on
the lookout for additional ways
we can improve – lets us save
water and still put out a premium
product," said Menard.
gOOd TO The laST drOp
Conservation and turf reduction projects help save water without sacrificing beauty
THE COURSE
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> C L I C K H E R E F O R C E L E B R I T Y C O U R S E D E TA I L S > C L I C K H E R E F O R P L AY E R S C O U R S E D E TA I L S
OVERSEED DATES SET
T
he two courses at Indian
Wells Golf Resort will close for
a short period beginning in late
September in order to overseed
and aerify. The Players Course
will be closed from Sept. 27-Oct.
16, while the Celebrity Course
closes from Oct. 18-Nov. 7.
"It's an important process that
ensures the courses stay in great
shape all year round," said Direc-
tor of Agronomy Rick Menard.
MARK
YOUR
CALENDAR
Turf reduction is highlighted
by desert landscaping.
