SE Drought

[Kirk Stewart]

As some of you are aware in Atlanta we are in a "level 4" water restiction. Basically, we can only water greens at this point.  

How do you see this impacting course architecture going forward. Will we see the Oakmont's of the world go away in favor of 12 acres ponds and lakes for watering ?

[Bill Brightly]

It's not how big you build the pond, it's how much water you can get to fill the pond back up after you water...and how much  water you are allowed to put on the course.

A 12 acre pond that is half empty will not look (or smell) very nice!

[Chris Cupit]

Also, if the water flows into the lake from another property or flows out of the lake to another property, then the state claims all the lake as a "state water" and they can reguate whether or not you can even use a drop of "your" water.


Wells that tap into underground flow from one property to the next are also deemed state waters so even those are not "safe".  

GA is about to re-write its water rules beginning in January at the state capitol and thankfully, the golf industry (particularly in GA) has done an excellent job working with the EPD and hopes to receive decent treatment when the new rules are announced.

The allied golf groups in GA (GSGA, GPGA, GCSAA, CMAA and GCOA) have done a good job beginning 5 years ago, getting the industry's message out and we have a decent seat at the table during this process.

 

[RJ_Daley]

Well, it don't sound too good for you folks.  Mike Young explained some of this to us at the Dixie Cup.

I can only think of one isolated and somewhat trivial scenario that might be an interesting if not positive change amid the real gloom you all face.  That would be to restrict ANGCs water to the point that it would be 'not lush green', would play firm and fast in FWs, with roughs crispy and vague in the demarcation between FW and roughs, maybe to the point they don't really play like rough at all.  

Nah, what am I dreaming about?   With those titans of industry and powerful membership?  They will probably get all the water they need, even if the town of Augusta goes totally dry...  

[Doug Siebert]

Who are we kidding?  Even if the state didn't let ANGC have the water they wanted, they'd hire thousands of tankers to bring it and it'll still be emerald green by next April even if there isn't a drop of rain falling in Augusta from now until the Masters.