Proof is in the pudding

Technology today has never been better in efficiently and effectively using water. These innovations truly make it plausible for superintendents to be successful in managing their systems. However, if these systems don’t live up to their expectations, then we have to step back and analyze how water and nutrients are being applied and what we can do better to meet our goals of effectively maximizing our irrigation.

Recently, we had the pleasure of working with Oak Tree National Superintendent Bret Proctor in Edmond, Okla. – site of the 2014 U.S. Senior Open. Bret was very hands-on through the design development and completely plugged into the entire process of quality water application. During the design process, we went over various options to achieve accurate sprinkler coverage that met their expectations, while holding to the club’s budget. The charts below illustrate Oak Tree National's old greens sprinklers and spacing vs. a new design profile using high-efficiency nozzles and quality spacing.

“The system exceeded our parameters for coverage, and through the grow-in we’re seeing a 10-percent reduction in total water-application volume with a system that waters more acreage,” Proctor shares. “We’re not battling isolated dry spots and problem wet areas due to the tighter head spacing and precision precipitation rates delivered by our new sprinklers. Furthermore, now that the system has had a full season of operation, we’re realizing even more efficiency... up to 30 percent less water.”