Northern Ireland
Written by: Jerry Scullion
2024
In the winter of 2023/24, a major upgrade of the aging irrigation system commenced. The upgrade involved drilling two additional boreholes, bringing the total to four, now supplying all the water needs for the self-sufficient system. These boreholes fill a new 800,000-litre water tank, and there are also four Grundfos pumps ensuring that both courses and practice areas receive water in the most efficient manner.
The upgrade included the installation of new Toro heads, featuring the Infinity head for use on greens and fairways, FLX35 units for tees, and T5 RapidSet and PRN heads for walkways. These components ensure the most efficient and effective water usage, with coverage limited to targeted areas, thereby reducing water wastage. The Infinity heads allow for adjustment and repair to be carried out from the top of the head, avoiding the need for extraction and disturbance to the surrounding ground and playing surface.
The new control system includes a computer hub and a 60-inch touch screen control panel, providing easy access to information such as nozzle type, location, arc setting, and precipitation adjustment at the touch of a button. A WatchDog weather station communicates with the system, ensuring programs are cancelled if rain is detected, further reducing water wastage and preventing overwatering.
