As golfers we are all too aware of the effects that the weather can have on our sports, especially those playing in Scotland, but imagine how difficult this can make life as a green keeper. Just consider, for example, the task of the ground staff at Augusta National who are expected to create the flawless yet treacherous putting surfaces for the US Masters in April! Every year we golf fans become positively giddy at the prospect of watching the world’s best golfers battle it out for the green jacket on the greatest greens in the world. It is apt then that the SubAir system was conceived of and developed by a member of the Augusta National course superintendent in 1994. If you’ve not heard of this, or simply want to know more, then read on.
Moisture Management
The SubAir system, in it’s simplest form, is a subterranean moisture management system. The product allows enhanced drainage but also increased hydration from beneath the green during dry spells. It is incredible to watch the system in action as you can literally watch puddles disappear into the soil beneath the green. This system allows the staff at Augusta National, and over 250 courses worldwide, to exquisitely control the moisture in their greens. So what does the system consist of?
The Invisible Secret Weapon
Well most importantly it’s completely invisible, although you can hear it when it’s working its magic. If you think of the putting surface, then beneath this you have a central pipe running down the middle of the green with the putting surface and the soil above it. This central pipe has smaller pipes running off of it in a ‘herringbone’ formation to the extremities of the green. All together the system looks like the veins in a leaf beneath the green. The pipes are connected to a vault which sits away from the green and contains both a vacuum and a motor for the two different working modes. The water that’s collected from the greens is literally pumped away to a collection point such as a nearby lake. The incredible result is that even after high volumes of rain your grains will not lose any speed.
Perfect Putting Surfaces All Year Round
In order to aid the growth of the greens, staff can use the SubAir system to oxygenate the turf from below and also control the temperature of the soil. We constantly hear that climate change is happening at an alarming rate and freak weather events are on the increase. Having technology like SubAir seems more applicable than ever when you consider the way that weather is changing. Having the ability to completely control the moisture levels and temperature of the most fragile grass on the course must be the biggest luxury a golf course superintendent can be given.
