Irrigation Wrap up

Well it's been quite a year regarding all the work involved with the irrigation system.  As we approach the final stages, though it really never is final, we want to provide an update to the project.

We constructed two new pump houses, installed two new pump stations,  buried over 20 miles of pipe and wire and placed 1500 sprinklers to provide quality controlled coverage using new advanced software accessible by phone or tablet.  We have integrated the weather stations to adjust the system if we receive rainfall during the irrigation cycles.  We finished on time and better than budget, with no downtime to the play on the course.  The new system performed well as we learned all the nuances of it's operation.

Speaking of which, this process will be a continual education over several years as we start to dial in the system, reducing wet areas and changing watering cycle times to optimize the best conditions for turf and players.  That said there have been some issues that are being actively resolved.

Most notable is the work being done to the sprinkler heads on the course at this time.  The manufacturer, Rainbird, found a part defect and worked proactively to replace all the defective parts in a timely manner.  I covered this process in a previous post, but at this time all work has been completed at no cost to us.  There are a few more things for our staff to do over the winter but we plan a smooth transition in the spring with everything being done behind the scenes.

In addition, we are working with Arlington county water department who supplies the water to ensure we are receiving adequate flow into the system.  We based our designs on details provided by the county and as of this date have not reached those thresholds.  We continue to actively work this issue, but as you can imagine there are many interests on the county side to work with and around.  These issues do not have a direct effect on playability or disruption to play.  They do affect the green staffs ability to apply water in a more timely manner to allow the full flexibility of the system.  Some work has been done by the county to address the problem, but it continues to be a work in progress

Anytime you manage a project of this size and scope there are issues, but fortunately ours are relatively minor and the long term infrastructure benefits are well worth the investment.

8th Hole ( shown watering only the left side rough, no fairway water)