System Installation Challenges

During the installation process we are anticipating a real challenge in keeping the turf irrigated. Until the project is completed we will have two pressurized systems to be operated. The existing system and the new one. Once the trenching begins we run a very real risk of damaging the existing system. Whether it is piping or hydraulic control tubing, repairs will have to be made until the new system is complete.

In addition, once the lateral line installation begins on a given hole the existing system will be abandoned. Until the new system is installed and pressurized, the hole will be without water. Our plan will be to run a heavy irrigation cycle on each hole prior to installation and apply wetting agents as needed to help retain moisture. We are also prepared to hand water what we can but there is potential for some turf to dry out.

While we expect our measures to be successful we are also realistic in saying that there will be some impact to the condition of the course. Playability though is not likely to be impacted. The short term impact will be slight compared to the long term benefits the new system will provide.

Siphon Drainage

A siphon basin during installation. Note that the

piping leaves the drainage pit at an elevation

higher than the depth at which the water will be

collected in the bottom of the basin.

The Turf Drain Siphon System is the first drainage system in which you can install drainage without the need to grade pipe. Piping can go over mounding or into an ungraded trench. It has an application in flat coastal properties where there is a need to take the water a long distance with little elevation change. Any property where grading pipe may be difficult, such as rocky property or a course with lots of underground obstructions, can benefit from a Turf Drain Siphon System.

At Brays Island there are 9 individual Siphon Systems installed on the course. Each is separately controlled by a small, landscape style irrigation timer. It can be set to run on a set schedule however takes a significant amount of time to change the schedule or to run manually like we do after a rain event. We have also discovered that the irrigation timers are very prone to fail.

With this in mind, during the irrigation renovation we are installing Rain Bird IC controlled valves to operate the Siphon System. This will allow us to control the Siphon System with the Rain Bird irrigation controller. With this improved control of the drainage, we can have better control of the course. For example, we can run the system before an approaching storm to clear out the basins and lines, then based on the rainfall amounts adjust the schedule to dry the areas of the course as quickly as possible. This is not to say that everyone can expect a tremendous difference in course conditions after a storm but we feel that every little bit helps in restoring normal access to the course.

Pulling Pipe

Nutt Irrigation's Vermeer RTX750

In order to provide the most efficient installation and minimize damage to the golf course, lateral irrigation lines are being installed using a vibratory plow. The unit pictured is the Vermeer RTX750 which belongs to Nutt Irrigation who is performing the system installation.

This unit weighs an excess of 9,500 pounds and it's plow exerts a force of 24,000 pounds at a maximum depth of 36 inches.



Once the pipe is pulled, the pull lines will be tamped and rolled to smooth the surface. Areas where irrigation heads are to be installed will be dug by hand and pipe connections made. All disrupted areas in the fairway and primary rough will recieve additional fertility applications and topdressing with sand as needed to speed recovery and return the course to top condition.

Pull line before tamping & rolling

Larger pipe sizes including the main line will be installed with the more conventional trenching. The majority of the areas that will be trenched will be on the perimter of the course and more out-of-play. Here too, additional fertilizer applications and topdressing will be used as needed but given the width of these trenches everyone should expect these scares to last longer than those in the fairways. Some may even not be fully recovered this season.

Second Materials Order Placed

Irrigation valve and rotor

The final materials order which included the irrigation rotors or sprinklers as well as all the control components, swing joints, pipe fittings and other assorted supplies was placed on February 15th. Delivery is expected in late March or early April. A trailer will be used to provide safe and secure storage for these supplies.

We are also in the process of ordering IC controled valves to intergrate the Siphon drainage into the irrigation control system. Having improved control over start and run times will allow us to get the most out of the Siphon drainage. 

Currently, the siphon valves each run on individual controllers which have not proved dependable and are all programed to run on a regular infrequent intervals. Intergrating it into the irrigation control will allow us to run exactly when they are needed most and repeat the cycles as often as neccesary to help dry the course out more quickly.