Saddle
Creek Resort has reduced irrigation of its golf course by 40% since June.
Despite
the cutback, Saddle Creek’s highly-regarded layout remains in excellent shape.
Led by superintendent Pat Smyth, the maintenance team has made several
adjustments to its typical turf care practices to ensure course conditions remain
first-rate. They include:
·
Concentrating irrigation efforts on
tees, fairways and greens
·
Watering the rough once a week,
rather than typical rate of three or four times
·
Limiting many 360-degree sprinkler
heads to making 180-degree turns
·
Hand watering and syringing fairways
“We
need to do what’s right for California,” says Rick Morgan, General Manager. “At
the same time, we’re giving our guests a glimpse of how golf courses may routinely
look a bit more ‘brown’ in the very near future.”
Saddle
Creek reports players have been very receptive to the changes. The course’s
consistent, smooth putting surfaces remain, complemented by firm-and-fast
landing areas that help players hit drives longer than ever before.
“We
can’t say enough about what a phenomenal job Pat and his
team has done to implement the new program,” adds Morgan. “Our head golf
professional Tyler Brown has also been integral to the process as the point
person communicating the rationale for these changes to our golfers.”
Saddle Creek is routed through undulating
terrain and features stunning views of the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite mountains.
Since opening in 1996, the par 72, 6,826-yard course has been heralded by
players of all skill levels. It is annually ranked by Golfweek as a “Best Course You Can Play” in California alongside
acclaimed layouts like Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, Pasatiempo and Torrey
Pines’ South Course.
For
more information about Saddle Creek, including stay-and-play packages: 209.785.7415
or 866.785.7829, www.SaddleCreekGolf.com.
