Hole 7

Monday I received a phone call about a water bubble that had formed on the clubhouse putting green. Typically, irrigation lines are not run under greens, but in this case the lines were there long before the green was. There was really no other good spot for the green to be built. The green was constructed over a mainline, and sits between the clubhouse and a retaining wall. We have always known that if an irrigation problem occurred beneath the green, we would have to tear up part of the green in order to perform repairs. When I arrived to the green, I saw the scene pictured below.

Water bubble on the clubhouse putting green

Honestly, it could have been worse. A 6" mainline break could have resulted in much more damage. Jerry and I quickly began to shutdown valves in order to isolate the problem so that the cause could be located and repaired. The water kept running after the lateral valves in the area were closed, so we knew we had a problem with the mainline. After the mainline valves were closed, the water leaking out of the bubble began to subside. Then, it was time to investigate.

Jerry digging around the mainline

Water was leaking out of a connection between the main line and lateral line. The connection used in this case is commonly referred to as a saddle. The saddle was a bit loose, and the rubber seal between the saddle and mainline was damaged. A new saddle and section of 2" lateral line were installed. The hole was filled, and the sod was replaced.

Here is what green looks like today