Water management on golf courses is a perennial challenge, particularly in regions with fluctuating weather patterns. At Aa Saint-Omer Golf Club in France, areas prone to water stagnation created maintenance difficulties and disrupted play. In September 2020, Exlterra's Groundwater Energy Passive System (GEPS) was installed to address these issues. This case study explores the results of the GEPS installation over two years, highlighting its transformative impact on course maintenance and playability.
Identifying the problem: Stagnant water and limited playability
Two areas of the Saint-Omer course—the fairway near the green on hole 5 and a practice bunker—were identified as problem zones. These areas often retained water for days after rainfall, causing soft ground, damage from equipment, and unplayable conditions. Maintenance efforts, including mechanical operations like decompacting and sanding, failed to resolve these challenges effectively. The club needed a long-term solution to improve water infiltration and stabilize the ground.
The GEPS installation: Minimal disruption, immediate benefits
In September 2020, Exlterra’s professional team completed the GEPS installation in just four days. The process involved inserting GEPS units into the ground in a precise pattern, without the need for network connections or extensive surface disruption. Once installed, the affected areas were reopened for play immediately.
According to Aurélie Morandin, Head Greenskeeper at Saint-Omer Golf Club, the installation’s minimal impact on surface conditions was a significant advantage:
“The stigmas were almost invisible to the players, and we were able to reopen the game as soon as the drill rig left. This is a very positive point of your system.”
Results after year one: Improved infiltration and ground stability
Fairway improvements
Water infiltration improved significantly, with the system becoming effective within four weeks.
Maintenance operations were reduced. The fairway remained firm and playable throughout the year without the need for additional interventions such as sanding or liming.
Vehicle traffic on the fairway became manageable even during wet periods, with minimal traces left by equipment.
Bunker performance
The practice bunker showed slower initial results but began evacuating excess water much faster after heavy rains. Water that previously stagnated for days was now fully drained within half a day after 30mm+ rainfalls.
The improved conditions made the bunker usable year-round, enhancing training opportunities for the club’s pro golfers.
Results after year two: Resilience during drought
The second year of observation presented a contrasting challenge: an unprecedented drought. Temperatures exceeded 40°C (104°F) during the summer, with minimal rainfall recorded in July and August. Despite these conditions, the GEPS-equipped areas performed remarkably well:
Fairway performance
The GEPS-equipped section of fairway 5 maintained its green, dense vegetation, in stark contrast to adjacent areas suffering from water stress. This result was achieved without supplemental irrigation.
Weekly mowing was still required in the GEPS-equipped zone, while other areas of the course saw reduced growth.
Bunker efficiency
While the practice bunker continued to show some standing water during snowmelt or heavy rains, the volume and duration of water retention were noticeably reduced.
The bunker’s year-round usability contributed to consistent player satisfaction and improved training conditions.
Environmental and maintenance benefits
Reduced maintenance efforts: The GEPS system eliminated the need for additional decompacting, sanding, or fertilization in treated areas.
Water resource preservation: By promoting groundwater recharge and reducing the need for irrigation, GEPS supported the club’s sustainability goals.
Improved playability: Players experienced better conditions across seasons, with fewer disruptions due to weather.
Client reflections: A long-term sustainable solution
Aurélie Morandin summarized the impact of GEPS:
“During these two years of monitoring, we have observed positive effects that have facilitated and improved our maintenance of the course. GEPS not only improved water infiltration and ground stability but also enhanced vegetation cover during droughts without irrigation. Your system offers real advantages in all seasons and is beneficial for both the field and the players.”
The club recommends GEPS as a practical, eco-sustainable solution for modern golf course management.
GEPS is transforming course management
Exlterra’s GEPS installation at Aa Saint-Omer Golf Club has redefined water management and maintenance practices. Exlterra's technology addressed persistent drainage challenges and promoted resilience during extreme weather. GEPS has improved playability, reduced maintenance demands, and aligned with the club’s sustainability objectives. This case study shows the potential of Exlterra GEPS to revolutionize golf course maintenance worldwide.
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