Greens drainage – a comparison of techniques, benefits and pitfalls

The overall aim is to provide learners with an appreciation of the basics of soil water management and the impact of more complicated soil physics – some of which run contrary to “common sense”. The class will consider why drainage is important and the complications of balancing weather and the need to hold moisture at times, with the need to get rid of it at other times. The other focus of the class is to explore the complexities of what happens when the practical and legal work begins on the ground. Including how best to structure and manage projects and their key phases and choices that are there for the golf club and its managers in undertaking project management to successful outcomes.

• Introduction to basic soil science – physical characteristics
• Behaviour of water in the soil/rootzone
• Principles of drainage science
• Comparison of ways to drain a golf green
• Introduction to project management

Presented by:

Steve Lloyd

Course Manager The Worcestershire

"We are a parkland course on heavy clay soil at the foot of the Malvern Hills. We had a trial with an autonomous mower back in 2018, operating around the clubhouse, short-game area and lawns. We still use that now. More recently, we trialled Husqvarna's CEORA, which can be used on fairways, rough and semi-rough."

Noel MacKenzie B.Sc.(Hons), MBPR, RIPTA, MRSB, MCIHORT, C.Biol

Director, Sports Turf Consulting Sports Turf Consulting Ltd

Noel has worked in the sports turf and amenity industry since 1993 holding both Head Groundsman/Greenkeeper roles and working for the leading consultancies in sports turf management. He has undertaken in excess of 4000 advisory visits and presented at numerous seminars for BIGGA at both national and regional events as well as the IOG, AELT&CC, etc, and industry liaison events for suppliers and manufacturers. Noel has also taught to Masters degree level in this topic and other management related sciences.

Noel has experience overseeing complicated projects and their management including the £6M Olympic Park/Hackney Marsh conversion and reinstatement, numerous drainage system installations and site developments.