Trentham needs a new course irrigation system. The old system has problems with leaks, damaged solenoid wires and poor coverage. It is prone to breakdowns, leaving sections of greens poorly watered and burning off in hot weather. A staged replacement with new wireless technology is planned to provide a reliable and modern irrigation system for the course. We are currently raising up to $175,000 for the complete work.

Current System Challenges

Our existing irrigation system features hardwired solenoid valves at each tee and green, controlling water flow throughout the course without manual intervention. These valves are centrally managed by computer-controlled wiring throughout the course leading to the pump shed. However, after more than 30 years of service, the system is nearing the end of its life. The system does not report failures and is in a state of constant repair. Identifying issues relies on observing leaks or burnt patches during hot weather. The system is inefficient and prone to breakdowns. It requires enormous efforts from our grounds staff to keep it in check and manage leaks, wiring and solenoid breakdowns, especially during the warmer months.

New System: Toro Tempus Ag Wireless

To address these issues, the committee has chosen the Toro Tempus Ag wireless irrigation system, a state-of-the-art, radio-based solution that enables real-time monitoring and remote control. Members may recall the presentation on this system back in February. This system offers feedback on ground conditions, automates watering based on specific needs, and allows remote access through smartphones or PCs. While the system itself costs around $76,000. Including installation, the total budget target is $175,000 to cover all implementation costs.

Pump and Pressure Considerations

Following a pump issue earlier this year, we discovered several further weaknesses with the pump, water pressure and our piping. While one proposal concentrated on replacing piping near the greens and tees, and installing new sprinkler heads, a subsequent inspection of our pump highlighted the need for a pressurised system to ensure consistent pressure throughout the course. Currently, pressure at the back of the course is low. To address this, Trentham Golf Club engaged RainLink to conduct a thorough irrigation assessment and develop a comprehensive design plan to ensure that the Toro Tempus AG system will work with as much of our existing infrastructure as possible. A comprehensive assessment with RainLink has since confirmed that a pressurised system would be essential to improve water flow across the course. Upgrading the pump will ensure consistent pressure, especially in areas where it is currently low, and will reduce future maintenance.

Stage 1: Transitioning to a wireless system with pump upgrades

Wiring issues: ideally, wiring should be laid beneath our pipes, as with modern wired systems. However, our setup was installed many years ago, so the wiring does not follow the irrigation pipework and often sits only an inch or so below the surface. This makes it vulnerable to damage from carts and even foot traffic. As a result, we experience frequent breakdowns due to damaged wiring. Each repair costs about $1500, making it both expensive and unsustainable. There are too many wiring breaks to locate and repair, and our wiring technician is often unavailable. Currently, five greens and three tees are not functioning and will need manual watering during daylight hours unless we install the wireless system as soon as possible. This is a major reason we’re eager to transition from a wired to a wireless system, especially with warmer weather upon us.

Pipework: varying pipe sizes across the course affect the water pressure that the pump upgrade will help to regulate. Leaks in the pipework may still occur occasionally, but from additional discussions with the designers, ground staff and the greens committee, it is clear that fixing pipes is generally more manageable than addressing wiring issues. Over time, we can implement a gradual program to replace the worst sections of piping.

Real-time feedback: our current wired system doesn’t offer real-time feedback, so issues often go unnoticed until we see dry patches. The wireless system would immediately alert ground staff if a sprinkler isn’t functioning or pressure drops in a particular area, allowing for quicker responses.

Stage 2: Upgrading piping and installing new sprinkler heads around tees and greens

After RainLink finalises the course design, the next step will be installing new sprinkler heads and piping around the tees and greens to improve water flow and coverage. This phase will be carried out progressively as budget and fundraising efforts allow, ideally over 2 to 3 years. The Committee is carefully balancing the need for a fully functional irrigation system with our financial constraints, so the exact implementation timeline is still being determined. Our goal is to provide an effective, budget-friendly solution that will maintain the course in peak condition during warmer months. We’ll keep members updated as plans solidify.

Stage 3: Gradual replacement of ageing pipework

Long-term, we’ll continue addressing the oldest pipe sections on a phased basis. While the grounds staff currently manage occasional leaks, planning for ongoing improvements will keep the system running smoothly.

The committee has agreed to move forward with Stage 1, so members may notice works beginning in the coming weeks. For any questions, feel free to contact Alan Snowden or Alex Evered. Thank you for your continued support in maintaining and enhancing our course!