The specifications of both the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the University of California's Extension Service are commonly followed to build golf greens. Because greens are some of the most heavily trafficked and intensively played areas on golf courses, both of these construction systems require sandy root zones to provide resistance to compaction. However, the sand offers little water retention. Because of their low cutting height, greens in general are more susceptible to a number of biotic stressors. The additional stress of low water retention in these 2 construction types makes irrigation timing and frequency crucial for plant survival. To accomplish this, a thorough understanding of vertical water distribution is needed. A study was conducted at New Mexico State University to examine soil-water relations of USGA and California green systems in a desert environment. Creeping bentgrass cv. Bengal was established on sloping plots built according to either USGA or California specifications. Data on turf quality, water retention at several depths, water distribution, and drainage losses will be presented and discussed.