Land planners design low-lying golf courses to function in a specific manner, and do so with the intent of flood-proofing the green. They store floodwaters to protect the precious real estate on the higher elevations nearby. It might sound like a good plan for an urban planning theory, but the sad reality is it does not work out well for courses in floodplains. In addition, these floodplains face revenue losses and continually increased maintenance and repair costs. However, no design could stand up against severe hurricanes. So how can your course manage flood damage? Here are some tips to help you flood-proof your golf course.
Integrate Flood-proofing into the Business Plan
Make flood-proofing an area of concern in your business plan. All too often, it just is not given enough attention. When projecting your revenues and expenses, it would be wise also to determine typical lost play days over the long term. Would you be able to remain competitive with the nearby courses flooding damages your green? Be sure to store these plans and all essential documents on the second floor, store off-site, or have digital copies. Review your insurance coverage to ensure it will protect you in a time of need such as this. Commonly golf course owners make the mistake of insuring their business for things such as dining room theft more than the loss of golf course use.
A Look into Regional Hydrology
Have an engineer investigate your watershed and flood potential. The more you know and understand, the better position you will be. Keep in mind that each course has its unique hydrology and associated issues.
Golf course design
Greens, Tees, and Fairways: Raise the Greens, tees, and fairways as far as practical, ideally at an even elevation. It is best for the greens to be 12 – 18 inches above the recorded 100-year flood elevation, tees to 10, 25, or 50-year levels. And fairways to 2, 5, or 10-year flood levels. It can also help lower roughs, lakes, and less critical areas to act as detention reservoirs. If elevating fairways is impossible, re-grade them with 3 – 6% minimum slopes for faster drainage. Be sure you design your irrigation and drainage systems with discharge valves to allow the lowering of lakes to increase space before the rain.
Cart Paths and Drainage
Since cart paths are the main access routes, the higher they are, the better chance of not losing playtime. It would be beneficial to raise them as feasibly and aesthetically possible. Make sure to promptly tend to any resulting drainage issues to reduce future minor drainage problems from becoming silt buildup along grade level paths. Check your drainage systems. Some might not be the correct size, and that could cause some pipes to clog. The drainage capacity is sometimes the most significant factor in avoiding a flood on your course. Be sure to secure golf course flood insurance to protect you if a disaster occurs.
A Better Understanding of Slopes and Channels
Where your water flows and your soil type are pretty influential for the speed of water runoff. Although fast-flowing banks can be good to help prevent flooding, they can also cause erosion. It is wise to equip your channel banks with erosion control netting or rip rap or gabion walls. It is a large project, but it will be worth creating berms that allow water to flow onto the golf course. Then, it will return slowly from the low point. You could also make a “short cut” channel above the fast flow line that keeps water flowing away from critical areas. Note that when installing a new irrigation system:
- Elevate the pump stations and controllers above flood levels.
- Install the computer system on the second floor.
- Use a 2-wire decoder system (reduce wires and controllers).
- Use 18-inch swing joints as opposed to a 12-inch to grade easier.
About T2 Green Insurance
T2Green insurance provides the best customized and comprehensive protection for your club, resort, or golf management business. Our niche expertise and sole focus is ensuring this class, while our industry professionals are dedicated to providing exceptional results so that you can feel confident with your coverage. T2Green offers specialized coverage options that are unique in the industry. With our exclusive program unlike anything else on the market, you can feel peace of mind with protection that is tailored to your club’s unique needs. T2Green is driven by innovation and responsiveness in both coverage solutions and customer service. We understand the challenges that are presented in varying locations and seasons to write policies for clubs from coast to coast and everywhere in between so you can operate with confidence, no matter what conditions arise. Reach us at 844-223-9005 with any questions or so we can begin tailoring a package that works best for your club.
