Course situations at Hindley Corridor Golf Membership in Lancashire have by no means been higher after the Wigan-based venue invested in a state-of-the-art Hunter irrigation system equipped by KAR UK.
The system, that includes the Hunter ACC2 controller and TTS-800 Collection Golf Rotors, has already had a transformative affect on the course, offering higher water effectivity, improved turf high quality, and an enhanced enjoying expertise for members.
Hindley Corridor is a compact 18-hole course unfold throughout 96 acres, with undulating greens and slender fairways that provide a deceptively difficult spherical for golfers. Regardless of its comparatively small measurement, the course poses distinctive challenges for Course Supervisor Andrew Birchall and his group, notably because of the area’s excessive annual rainfall and predominantly clay-based soil.
Andrew, who has been at Hindley Corridor for 15 years – 10 years as deputy and the final 5 as Course Supervisor – is devoted to making sure the course stays playable and in prime situation, and that’s the reason upgrading the getting old irrigation system grew to become a precedence.
Previous to the set up, Hindley Corridor’s irrigation system was failing, notably on the sprinkler stage. “It was placing an excessive amount of water out within the incorrect locations, and we had been actually struggling to get water onto the greens after we wanted to,” Andrew mentioned.
Recognising the necessity for a contemporary, environment friendly system, Andrew opted for the Hunter ACC2 controller and TTS-800 Collection Golf Rotors, which had been put in by his personal group. “We did every little thing in-house, which was a problem, nevertheless it’s one thing we consider in – if we will be self-sustainable, we might be.”
The Hunter ACC2 controller, which permits distant administration through cellular and desktop purposes, has given Andrew and his group the pliability to handle the irrigation system with ease. “The distant management is a game-changer. My deputy and I can management the system from wherever – if I’m not on the course and there’s a sudden change in climate, I can modify the irrigation immediately.”
This newfound management has additionally streamlined feeding the greens, saving each effort and time.
“Prior to now, if we utilized a granular feed, we’d have to attend for a forecasted evening of rain to scrub it in. Now, if there’s no rain on the horizon, I can merely change the irrigation on from my cellular as I’m going round,” Andrew defined. “It’s sensible. The whole lot’s at your fingertips. As I’m feeding one inexperienced, I can flip the one behind me on to scrub within the feed that’s simply gone down. I can get it performed at six o’clock within the morning with out affecting play – no disruption in any respect.”
Moreover, the controller integrates with a climate station to stop pointless watering. “If the system detects greater than an 85% likelihood of rain, it robotically shuts off the scheduled irrigation,” he states.
The TTS-800 Collection Golf Rotors have additionally been a revelation for the course. “What I really like most is that they’re completely prime serviceable,” Andrew mentioned. “If there’s a problem, we don’t should dig up all the sprinkler or disturb play. We simply take the quilt off, make the repair, and we’re performed.”
The brand new system has delivered measurable enhancements in water effectivity and turf high quality. “We’re seeing round a 30% discount in water utilization as a result of we’re placing much less water out however delivering it precisely the place it’s wanted. The greens are getting extra water with out the wastage, and the uniformity is unbelievable.”
This precision has additionally improved playability, because the greens stay agency but receptive. “Prior to now, some greens would dry out and grow to be non-receptive to golf balls, however now we’re sustaining that positive steadiness between firmness and playability.”
KAR UK’s help, notably from Golf Gross sales Supervisor Wesley Henshaw, was instrumental throughout the set up course of. “Wes was sensible,” Andrew remarked. “He despatched us the merchandise precisely after we wanted them, talked us by means of every little thing, and was all the time available if we encountered any points. He is aware of the challenges we face as a result of he’s been in our footwear, having labored in golf course building and irrigation installations.”
