2021 Renovation Update #5 - Irrigation

As would be expected our rainy season has created some challenges, but the golf course renovation continues to progress at a good pace and things are going great! 

Holes 3 - 8 have been completed and the turfgrass is in the grow-in phase. 

Holes 3 - 8 - 7/8/21

Sprig Fertilization Hole 4 

First Cut on Sprigs (6 Fairway) - 7/14/21

Construction efforts have shifted to holes 11-16, which will be the next six holes to be grassed. 

15 Green Complex - 7/8/21

15 Fairway - 7/8/21

In June we received 12.93" of rain at Olde Florida, which is several inches over the historical monthly average of 8.89." With many of the rains in June being excessive (hard and fast), the new Better Billy Bunkers have been put to the test! I am pleased to report that they have performed exceptionally! For more information on the Better Billy Bunker System at Olde Florida you can click on this link to the 2021 Renovation Update #2 - Bunker Renovation.

Our July monthly average is 9.18", August typically brings 9.02" and in September our average is 8.66". Consequently, in the summer months (non-renovation years) the irrigation system is normally only needed to provide supplemental water. However, when the dry season begins in October, a functional and precise irrigation system is critical to the health of the turfgrass and ultimately the enjoyment of the playing surface!   

With that understanding, the focus of this renovation update is on the 2021 upgrade of the irrigation system. The irrigation component of the project accounted for just under 12% of the total budget. The upgrade was to the components that place the water on the ground, not in the pumping or movement of the irrigation water.  

All of the PVC pipe and ductile iron fittings that were installed at Olde Florida in 1992 remain in good condition. In 2010, we performed our first irrigation renovation. At that time we added additional mainline pipe, we converted from a hydraulically controlled RainBird system to an electrically actuated Toro system and the pump station was replaced. 

This summer we replaced all of the 1253 irrigation heads and the 34 field satellites. Like most things in our world, the technological advancements of golf course irrigation components have progressed at a significant pace. With the irrigation system being a key and critical component of our ability to maintain a healthy stand of turfgrass the time was right for the upgrade.

The irrigation heads that we installed this summer are the Toro "Infinity" series golf rotors. This link will take you to a YouTube video on the Toro Infinity series golf rotor.

First and foremost, the Infinity series head has improved uniformity of water distribution. There are also numerous other features that we are very excited about. 

Irrigation Head Replacement - 3 Green

One of the most impressive features of the new Infinity head is the "Smart Access." The Smart Access provides top accesibility to all critical components. This means no digging or unsightly turf repair scars. By removing three screws on top of the irrigation head (cover) we can inspect and repair many aspects of the head. On the previous irrigation heads this would have required the head to be dug up. The Smart Access compartment also provides room to add components that will be developed in the future. The protective enclosure also isolates the signal wire splice from the soil and potential shorts and it provides access for system troubleshooting without digging. 

The "Smart Access" on the Infinity Head

The new field satellite also includes numerous advancements. The first being a switch from analog to digital wireless communication between the central computer significantly improving communication signal integrity. Another key aspect is a faster microprocessor and increased memory for high performance today and the capacity for future enhancements in the future. Other improvements include clear vented covers on circuit boards providing protection from pests and corrosion and increased stainless steel and plated metal parts that give additional corrosion resistance. 

An aesthetic improvement is the color of the pedestal. I specified a custom "tree bark" color, instead of the traditional green pedestal to increase blending into the natural surroundings at Olde Florida.    

New Toro Smart Satellite Installation

Almost 16% of this summers irrigation system upgrade was offset by the sale of the used components. Prior to the renovation I negotiated the sale of all of the old irrigation heads and satellites to a company in Arizona that buys used irrigation components. That company disassembles and refurbishes the equipment and sells the items. 

Removed Satellites Ready for Shipment 

If you would like more frequent updates on the renovation please feel free to follow me on my various social media platforms (Facebook, YouTube, Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn). You can find all of these  by clicking this link to the "Contact" section of my website.

I hope you are having a great summer!