Trentham takes control with Toro

The equipment

Toro Lynx Central Control System

170 Infinity sprinklers

The background

Trentham Golf Club near Stoke-on-Trent recognised how implementing moisture level monitoring, updating controllers with the latest software and frequently applying evolving course setup conditions to an irrigation programme, all contribute to responsible and sustainable irrigation management. 

It’s for these reasons it specified a new irrigation system and chose Toro as its supplier to help it achieve its irrigation objectives.

The brief

Knowing the exact conditions the turf’s health faces will lead to more informed and ecological decisions, as only the water needed to sustain it is used. Coupling this with an intuitive control system which can be accurately tailored to precise conditions and requirements, means even more control over water consumption and sward health. This is integral to good irrigation practice as every area of turf can be different.

Course Manager Ed Stant understood this and was looking to leverage advanced technology to optimise water consumption and make ecological informed decisions about the condition of the soil and how to sustain it.

The club opted for the intuitive Toro Lynx control system paired with 170 Infinity series sprinklers for greens, approaches, and surrounds and a 42m borehole to ensure it does not exceed its mains water limit. 

The results

Having an intuitive control system is fantastic for precise irrigation and, of course, specific requirements around the course, says Ed.  Being able to apply additional water where it is needed has resulted in great grass coverage across the entire course, even in the walked areas.

Focused on eradicating coarse rye grass around greens surrounds, the club needed a precise watering system that enabled it to apply water to just the top-dressing or to areas of overseeding and spreading herbicide.

Having separate surrounds sprinklers means the club can irrigate in opposite directions and avoid overwatering the greens when irrigating the surrounds, a level of precision it couldn’t achieve with its previous system. It also allows the club to dampen down the bunkers when they get dry – another big advantage.

The conclusion

Having carefully managed control over water usage has proved more environmentally friendly, and led to plants that are healthier, surfaces that are more aesthetically pleasing, improved playability, and saved money. 

Every drop counts and every drop saved benefits the club, the players, visitors and the environment, as confirmed by Trentham Golf Club!