Greens Drainage Installation: Elevating Play at Ralph Myhre Golf Course

We are excited to announce the completion of our latest greens enhancement project here at Ralph Myhre Golf Course. Recently, we installed advanced drainage systems on our #5 and #6 greens, a game-changing improvement that will significantly enhance playability, particularly during times of heavy rainfall, and in the wetter spring and fall seasons. This process ensures that these greens, which were historically poor at draining, will maintain optimal conditions even during challenging weather.

What is Existing Greens Drainage?

The process of installing Existing Greens Drainage involves strategically placing a network of drainage pipes below the surface of the greens. These pipes are designed to carry excess water away, ensuring that the greens can shed water quickly during and after rainfall events. The new drainage system works similarly to that on our new #1 green, which has already proven to be a reliable improvement in maintaining a consistent playing surface regardless of weather conditions.

The technology behind this drainage method involves a minimally invasive process, ensuring that while the benefits are clear, the impact on the surface is virtually undetectable. Tiny trenches are dug into the green, the pipes are installed, and then the trenches are filled with a special blend of sand and gravel. The result? Efficient water removal, without the need for full green reconstruction or long recovery periods.

Why This Matters

The impact of poor drainage on greens can be significant, affecting both playability and turf health. Waterlogged greens not only slow down play but can also lead to inconsistent putting surfaces and long-term damage to the grass. With the installation of this new drainage system, players can look forward to a consistent, smooth roll even after heavy rain or during wetter seasons. These enhancements will ensure that our greens remain firm, playable, and beautiful, no matter what Mother Nature throws our way.

Quick and Effective

If you blinked, you might have missed the construction! We are proud to say that both the #5 and #6 greens were completed in just a couple of days, thanks to the efficiency of the installation process. The recovery has been remarkable—so much so that unless you know exactly where to look, you would be hard-pressed to notice that this work even took place. Our grounds team has done a phenomenal job restoring these greens to their peak condition, and we’re already seeing the benefits in terms of performance.

Looking Ahead

We are excited about how this investment in our greens will pay off for our golfers in the seasons ahead. With this drainage upgrade, Ralph Myhre Golf Course continues to deliver on our commitment to providing the best playing experience possible, rain or shine. We encourage you to come out and play a round soon—you might just find that these notoriously tricky greens have become much more friendly.

Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, thank you for your continued support of Ralph Myhre Golf Course.