On poorly drained greens, if water is applied at rates above 0.5 inch per hour, water runs off the green faster than it moves into the soil. Thus, the collar and apron get wet before the putting surface is adequately watered. Automatic systems should be cycled so that water is applied intermittently to such greens. Intermittent watering allows water to penetrate several inches into the soil before excessive runoff occurs. Then, with the exception of spot watering, greens should hold up several days without watering.
Sand greens with very high infiltration rates require light and frequent applications of water.
Again, the collar and apron of these greens are often wet while the putting surface appears dry. Careful design of the irrigation system may be required to maintain the putting surface without keeping the surrounding area wet. Environmental conditions have more influence on watering than any other factor. Water use rates may vary from 0.05 to 0.3 inches of water per day depending on temperature, wind, humidity and sunlight. In drier climates during summer months water use rates will approach 0.3 inches of water per day.