Golf Course Irrigation Efficiency in the Western U.S.

Over the past 25 years, the population of the western U.S. has increased by 32%.  Over the next 25 years, growth in the region is estimated to exceed 27%, and will be concentrated in the Intermountain states.  Although the population in the region comprises only one third of the total U.S. population, the area is responsible for 47% of the freshwater withdrawals and 78% of consumptive water use in the country.  Periodic drought in the region is an additional factor impacting water use. 

In the region, golf courses are highly visible users of water.  Irrigation occurs frequently, often during the day, and there is the perception of waste by members of the public.  From 2000-2003, a drought occurred in the state of Utah that brought irrigation by golf courses under particular scrutiny.  The Intermountain Golf Course Superintendent’s Association commissioned a study of water use by their members during that time to assess and characterize their irrigation practices.

Thirty-nine courses completed surveys including information on landscaped area, water use, and irrigation practices.  Total irrigated area was broken down into tee boxes, greens, roughs, fairways, practice areas and non-turf landscaping.  Data on water sources and delivery were also collected along with on-site weather data, water audit information, and existing water conservation practices.

Over the period of evaluation, metered water delivery to the courses was compared to local evapotranspiration (ET) rates to determine irrigation efficiency.  On average, courses applied 79 cm of water during the 2000 to 2001 growing seasons and 73 cm during the 2002-2003 growing seasons.  When related to ET, these amounts represent 80 and 88% efficient irrigation, respectively.  In comparison, residential irrigation in the region averaged 121 cm over the same period, representing 50% efficient irrigation.