In Record Drought, California Golf Course Ethically Keeps Greens Green [NPR]

Interesting that this came up today. I was talking to a guy at lunch earlier. He was reading an article about the Cali "drought" (I've never talked about a Cali drought in my life). Evidently, it's a man-caused drought, according to some. Approximately 70% of the state's rainfall run out into the ocean because environmentalists have blocked construction of new dams or reservoirs over the past 20 years or so, even as the population has swelled to 40 million. Someone who lives there may have more facts than me but if true, it sure is a sad commentary on what's happening there.

I have heard discussions like this but like you I don't really understand it all that well.

I do know that for all the golf courses in California it is a big deal on how to handle water. I do think think year you will see some courses close because they cannot handle losing all the grass. Many courses cannot afford to bring the recycled water out to the course.

Here is a shot from Pasatiempo last year, likely in August it will look this way again. Just no way to manage the water shortage.

All you guys in Cali will see your driving distances go up if the courses get baked like they do on some of those desert courses in AZ and NV.

That's sad.   My wife wanted to go back play the course (we played it once a few years ago).   Given the situation, I don't think we will go back there until the drought is over.

With all due respect to environmentalists, I think California should take a harder look at desalination plants to help solve the drought problem.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-02-13/israel-desalination-shows-california-not-to-fear-drought

Desalination plants are hugely energy intensive and not very sustainable. I always think cutting out waste and making the most of what is already being collected and delivered in the water system is the most efficient first move. It would make more sense to first make use of stormwater and post-treatment wastewater for landscaping uses. Adding points for on-site storm water storage and wastewater recycling / storage might be a worthwhile element for Audubon 'certification' of golf courses in drier climates.

If the drought is from "not building damns", than it would more likely be from natural causes vs "man-caused". We have people in UT talking about similar issues, as the snow fall was not very good in UT compared to prior years... Most of the water comes from snowshed when the snow melts. From what i understand, this has an impact on other states as well (CA, NV, AZ). There's a lot of talk about shutting down a couple courses because of the cost of the water... However some of it is due to developer agenda (they want the the land to build on... But try to make it sound environmental) But there are real efforts and discussions about getting courses into secondary water, versus culinary. I do think a lot of us are spoiled with perfectly groomed courses.... Probably wouldn't hurt to play on courses that are pretty much fairways and greens and the rest of it natural (more links style). I'd still enjoy golf

I believe it's the combination of both.   Even in populated area where I live, there are places we can build dams & reservoirs.  But I've seen none built over the years, and none are being discussed.  Getting one passed by env. folks  and funding are the big issues.   Meanwhile population increases at pretty fast level, and have been for a while.   The drought is hurting but California should have been ready for it with infrastructures (be it more dams & reservoirs, mandatory reclaim water requirements, better crop planting (I can live without almonds), better capturing of rain water, and the list goes on and on.   I don't want to turn this into a political thread but it kills me to see how short sighted the politicians are.   Sigh.  No more ranting on this topic.

I guess my point was that the cause is more likely natural... Man doesn't cause the water to run into the ocean (in most cases). From what I understand (according to my Grandmother's travels while in the Navy) places like Los Angeles were pretty much desert-like back in the 20's & 30's... Until man-made solutions were put in place. But I do understand your point, there are potential man-made solutions to at least help ease the issue. I'm not trying to get political either... I've played on links style course with hazards and waste bunkers, weeds, etc. everywhere the fairways and greens weren't. It did make the game a little tougher, but it was still enjoyable. Maybe "part" of the solution is more courses like that in areas that have water shortages.

Much of what we learn to like, we have learned.  Discounting genetic demands, eg, 'I like sex', most of the food we eat, the games we play, the language we speak, etc. we have learned in childhood and youth.

And we can un-learn these likes and choose another path.  Think of eating meat.  After many years of carnivore life, a human can go vegetarian.  I know folks who make this choice.  I un-chose cigarettes long ago.  Our desire for manicured and verdant turf is learned from youth, or TV.  If it's the game we want and less the environs, we can learn to like golf on brown fairways with only the greens nice and green.

I see the TV golf pictures of Dubai and those desert places and marvel at the waste when common folk go dirty coz of water costs.

Here's an article in this months newsletter for my home course:

Don't know why I thought you were a member at Talega. I played there a week ago... they're having a bit more of a water problem. Here's a shot from #18. Maybe next time I'm down I should play Tijeras. Haven't played there in a long while.

I was for 2013 and 2014. :). But Tijeras is a much better deal ($99 vs $199 for similar perks) and close to home. The kicker is that my entire foursome gets my rates when we play out there, but at Talega it was only for me. Lame. Anytime you're down here and want to play, let me know.