USGA uses corrective hand-watering on greens

Simon Khan hits a shot into the 10th hole during the first round of the U.S. Open.

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PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – Mike Davis, the U.S. Golf Association senior director of rules and competition, has put a little water on the golf course last night and again this morning.

The USGA did corrective hand-watering on all the greens last night, as well as other parts of the golf course.

In addition, hand-watering was also done on Thursday morning, after firmness and moisture readings were taken to the greens and other parts of the golf course based on today’s forecast for drying conditions and projected evaporation rates.

The course green speeds are planned to be in the mid-13s in the early morning, which should settle out in the mid-to high-12s by midday.

The fifth hole will play considerably shorter than its scorecard yardage of 195, with the USGA moving the tee up to 140 yards.