Contours created for the purpose of surface drainage.

Swales are small undulations of the ground around the green, with grass usually cut to fairway length, and designed to deflect the path of the ball (in roller-coaster fashion) to the right or left, as well as up or downhill. Swales can occur naturally or be designed into the course.

Vegetated areas used in place of curbs or paved gutters to transport stormwater runoff. They also can temporarily hold small quantities of runoff and allow it to infiltrate into the soil.

are vegetated hollows or depressions used instead of curbs or paved gutters to transport stormwater runoff. They allow for water from roads etc to be filtered through the soil before it gets into the stormwater system and into streams.