Toro more than up for the job at Upminster

The equipment

Toro Lynx central control system

150 Infinity sprinklers

T5 and T7 sprinklers

The background 

When Andy Cracknell assumed his role as course manager at Upminster Golf Club in Essex, one of his top priorities was overseeing the replacement of the club’s ageing irrigation system. Facing the challenge of choosing the right solution to improve turf quality on the fairways and approaches, Andy turned to nearby golf clubs for recommendations.

Word of mouth and positive experiences with Toro irrigation systems, particularly the Lynx central control system, influenced Andy’s decision to opt for Toro for Upminster Golf Club’s irrigation upgrade.

The brief

The club needed a system that offered precise control, and water measured in millimetres rather than minutes, in order to manage the unique challenges posed by London clay soil. The Toro Lynx central control system, coupled with Infinity sprinklers, was recommended by neighbouring golf clubs in the M25 area and also appealed to Andy for its advanced features and ease of maintenance.

The club installed 150 Infinity sprinklers across greens, surrounds, approaches, and select fairways, while T5 and T7 sprinklers were fitted on the tees to maintain consistency across the course.

The results

Upminster Golf Club invested in a Toro Lynx central control system and the precise control capabilities have allowed the club to tailor its irrigation to the unique needs of the clay-based soil, resulting in healthier and more fertile turf.

The use of Infinity sprinklers, with top-access, simplified adjustments and minimised downtime for maintenance tasks. Andy noted a significant reduction in water usage, with the club saving approximately 40 cubic metres of water per night on the greens alone.

The conclusion

The installation process with Full Circle Irrigation who installed the system and supported by us with regular site visits was seamless, ensuring minimal disruption to club operations. 

Looking ahead, Upminster Golf Club aims to further enhance irrigation efficiency by utilising natural water sources, such as a nearby river, as a sustainable water source.