Helping your golf course to recover from flooding is essential to ensuring that people can enjoy your course with ease and with no issues. Softer grounds may allow players only to get a yard or two of bounce and roll from tee shots, which is very common on golf courses after heavy rain. The impact is even more likely to be more severe if flooding occurs. Floods not only impact the playing experience but can also cause some severe damage, resulting in permanent damage at your golf courses. Floods can come from various incidences, typically from extreme weather events such as hurricanes, thunderstorms, ice storms, blizzards, and rapid snow or ice melt. Also, floodwaters that saturate the greens can also significantly hinder some areas’ daily maintenance and golf course access.
The Impact of Flood Water on the Course
When grass is underwater for extended periods, it does not get the oxygen it needs to live, thus making it difficult to recover from flooding. The damage can become even more severe if the flood waters contain salt or contaminate the irrigation ponds. In these scenarios, you may have to remove the soil and reestablish turf to fix the affected areas. Additionally, using materials that help manage sodium and chloride damage might be helpful. Silt deposits, rock, and debris commonly take weeks or even months to clear, interrupting routine maintenance if not correctly tending to flood water.
Keep in mind that flooding has the potential to destroy golf course structures and other features. It is not unheard of for floodwaters to have the power to wash away bridges and damage the floors and walls of buildings. Also, bunkers are particularly vulnerable to erosion, collapsed faces, and sand contamination in the event of a flood. Repairs frequently take months to complete, and the expense can become financially devastating. Even lined bunkers equipped with drainage systems, diverting water away from the sand can still suffer damage from a flood. It is wise to consider renovating or removing problematic bunkers due to floods to reduce future maintenance and repair costs. Water flows into bunkers and can cause structural damage that requires costly repairs.
Other Considerations
If flooding leads to power outages or irrigation system damage, there will no longer be an ability to deliver water. Even after significant rainfall or flooding, it is common for the putting greens to dry out without supplemental irrigation quickly. Be sure not to mow drought-stressed putting greens if the irrigation system has become compromised due to flooding. Wait to cut to help reduce stress and moisture loss from the putting greens. It will help the recovery process after the flood water is finally gone. You can also contact your Tee to Green Insurance agent for guidance on the next steps after a disaster strikes.
Reopening too soon after flooding can cause secondary damage since the saturated turf will likely be compacted and rutted by cart and foot traffic. Thus, it makes it difficult to fully recover from flooding. Compacted soil in wet areas quickly loses its structure, porosity, and playability. Ideally, you would limit damage in advance of severe weather. However, if a flood has already been destructive to the course, it is up to you to be fully prepared to mitigate. Post flooding, it is best for the maintenance staff to take the time to investigate the damaged areas. With patience, knowledge, and effort, the course can be returned to a desirable quality to play on.
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 ensure this class, while our industry professionals dedicate themselves 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 tailored to your club’s unique needs. T2Green is driven by innovation and responsiveness in both coverage solutions and customer service.
Reach us at 844-223-9005 with any questions or so we can begin tailoring a package that works best for your club.
