Park Ridge Golf Course
Park Ridge Golf Course is an 18-hole golf course constructed in 2006 on a former landfill in Palm Beach County Florida. It is now one of the most frequently played courses in the state. USEPS provided erosion control and vegetation establishment services during the project. The use of technologies such as H2OLD ® soil amendment helped Park Ridge become a 2009 Grand Award winner of the FICE Engineering Excellence Program, as well as certified by the Audubon International for water conservation and chemical use reduction.
The most effective erosion control techniques were necessary during construction of this golf course on the steep slopes. H2OLD ® Soil Amendment was used to rapidly establish dense vegetation and promote root development to hold the loose sandy soil in place.
Park Ridge Green Research
An experimental golf green (5500 sqft) was designed by Case Golf Company for the purposes of:
- Reducing green construction costs
- Incorporating a perched water layer combined with efficient drainage
- Promoting healthy vegetation establishment and successful long-term growth
In the cross-section design, H2OLD ® was used to provide a moisture layer atop a layer of filter fabric that separated the H2OLD ® layer from the main drainage layer. H2OLD ® was also raked into the first 2-in of the 12-in green surface.
After construction, the green was hand-sprigged (TifEagle variety) along with 6 other greens.
During grow in, Irrigation was limited compared to the other greens, with only one nearby sprinkler head used. Currently, the green is watered less frequently and only by radio, without nightly irrigation.
Project Contributors
- US Environmental Protection Service
- Case Golf Company – Design and Inspection
- Palm Beach County Parks – Recreation Dept
- Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County
- Weitz Golf – Contractors
- CDM Constructors – Construction Managers
- Valley Crest – Grow-In and Maintenance
Testimonials
“The (experimental) green out performed the greens in its batch and caught up with greens planted 3 weeks earlier. The roots were double in depth and the foliage had a darker color. This green is still in great condition and is being used by the golf instructor and kid camps. In all, I am very impressed with this green and would recommend this process to other superintendents.”
- Larry BalKo, CGCS, ValleyCrest Golf Course Maintenance, Park Ridge Golf Course.
“Grow-in of the experimental green was faster than the other greens on the golf course that were built to USGA specs. The green had a deeper color and better early density than the course greens. It is presently being used as a source of plugs for green maintenance. The performance of the green has exceeded our expectations and the cost savings are significant (see attached cost comparison). These savings are the result of (1) no trenching method, (2) less pea gravel needed, (3) less labor needed, and (4) no special care is needed. Also excellent speed of construction can be achieved.”
- Roy Case, Owner and Designer, Case Golf Company