(NAPSA)—Golfers aren’t the only ones aiming for the green; every homeowner dreamsof having a lawn that rivals the world’s greatest golf courses. But for millions of homeowners, makingtheir lawn look “golf course vibrant” seems as distant a dream as making the Pro Tour. Growing a terrific lawn doesn’t have to be as challenging as a round at Pebble Beach. In fact, most weekend yard warriors can be well on their way to a golf course like lawn by following a few basic watering tips that are easy on the pocketbook and environmentally friendly. Unless you're practicing your golf game on the lawn, there’s no reason to cut the grass short. Taller grass has more leaf area for absorbing the sun’s energy, is able to compete with weeds better than short grass and develops deeper root systems, which require less water. Trrigation should be supplied to the lawn only when needed— excessive irrigation can lead to diseased turf and increased weed presence. Recommended irrigation for lawns is about 1 inch to 1% inches of water per week. Supply water as deeply and infrequently as possible. To reduce loss to evaporation, water in the early morning hours. The ideal way to water your lawn is with an automatic underground sprinkler system. This way, the watering is done at the right time and without having to drag a hose around the yard. Automatic underground sprinkler systems distribute water evenly, preventing overwatering. = It may be true that the grassis always green at the golf course, and that’s becauseof intelligent irrigation systems. And a properly designed and efficiently used automatic irrigation system will result in less time spent by homeowners keeping their lawns and gardens healthy and beautiful, meaning there is more time to hit the links on the weekends. Rain Bird, a leader in residential and golf course irrigation and the choice of superintendents at seven of Golf Digest’s top ten most prestigious golf courses in America, is celebrating the extra time that homeowners will have to play golf this summer by giving away a trip to play golf at three championship courses. Rain Bird’s Three Course Getaway Contest will award one winner and three of his or her buddies the chance to tee off at Bandon Dunes (Oregon), Pebble Beach (Northern California) and Pelican Hill (Southern California). Runner-up prizes include a new set of Callaway Golf Clubs and a new irrigation system for home. Winners will be picked in August 2007. To enter for a chance to win, visit the Web site at www.Rainbird.com/getaway.
