Commitment And Chemistry

Kyle Callahan, Director of Agronomy at Victoria National Golf Club in Newburgh, Ind., was having trouble finding a product that was able to hold moisture in bunker banks, on slopes and other key dry areas on playing surfaces. Fortunately, he had been aware of a company that was adept at solving such a problem. Enter AQUA-AID.

“Having a great relationship with the AQUA-AID company prior to becoming a key decision maker helped,” Callahan said. “AQUA-AID has always done a great job sharing their research in articles and amongst other superintendents across the country.”

Callahan uses a variety of AQUA-AID products which included pellets for key localized dry spots, as well as several of their surfactants/wetting agents for spray applications with booms and hand guns. PBS150 (Polyfunctional Branched Surfactant) – offered in liquid and granular – is a long-term surfactant used to address the source of performance loss – biodegradation of the surfactant molecule by soil microbes.

He also relies on OARS (Organic Acid Redistribution System) to promote uniform movement of water into and through the soil matrix. It addresses issues that cause water repellency and localized dry spot conditions.

“Like any wetting agent, it takes commitment and frequent applications,” Callahan said.  “Members and guest are raving about how firm/fast we are and we are able to even areas out with just hoses, versus running overhead coverage.”

With excellent results, return on investment isn’t a concern of Callahan’s.

“Last thing I worry about,” he said of ROI. “[I’m] looking more for a product that is sustainable, cost effective and can do the job.”