1. Sparrows Point Country Club
Irrigation System Evaluation
April 26-28, 2017
DRAFT

2. Outline
Site Visit Objectives
Overview - Irrigation System History
Major Components – Review and Next Steps
Sprinklers and Coverage
Piping/Hydraulic Network
Control System/Electrical System
Water Source and Pumping Station
Next Steps
Appendix

3. Site Visit Objectives
The purpose of the site visit on April 26-28 was to assess, and in
some cases, measure the operation and performance of major
components of the irrigation system.

4. Site Visit Objectives
Hydraulic System Operation
Measure water distribution uniformity
Test system operating pressure
Electrical System Operation
Review control system operation including central controls, controllers, and
remote system controls
Review major system components and hardware
Sprinkler Equipment
Control System and Wiring
Pump Station and Water Source
Recommend next steps to improve performance:
Service, Repair or Replace

5. System History
The golf course has roots back to 1952 and even earlier. Architect/Builder,
William Gordon built the first nine holes.
The main piping system for the irrigation system was installed in 1975 and
much of that infrastructure is still in use. It was a single-row system with
sprinklers in the middle of fairways.
In 1989 double-row fairway coverage was added to improve coverage and
water distribution on holes (4, 10-14, 16, 18, 1A-3A, 5A-7A, 9A). The
single-row mainline pipe was reused.
Many old “original” heads and cases that are +28 years old are still in use.
Replacements do not match original performance which creates challenges
in providing uniform coverage.

6. System History
The water source is a pond behind 17 green which has limited storage
capacity and unable to supply the ~25m gallons required per year.
Replenishment is from a recycled/reclaimed water source from the city.
15-17m gallons of this water were used in 2015-2016. This water is
disinfected and pumped to the pond. Water quality is quite variable and
the pond acts like a settling basin where solids and contaminants settle to
the bottom of the pond.
The pump station was upgraded in 1996-1997 ($26,300)
Pump station was replaced in 2001 ($67,281) and retrofit in 2009 to
remove a pressure chamber ($6,225). Pumps, motors and piping is now
over 16 years old with piping over 20 years old.

7. System History
The control system was installed in 1989 and 32 of the original controllers
are still in use.
Central controls have been added and the staff has done an exemplary job
to Flow-Manage the system which has extended the life of pipe and
fittings.
Many heads have be added to the system and sprinklers are “twinned” so
they operate with other sprinklers. This reduces system operational
efficiency; however, the cost to run wire and expand controllers is cost
prohibitive on a system of this age.
Greens typically have four full-circle sprinklers only and no sprinklers
dedicated to the surrounds. Greens heads must operate in order to irrigate
the surrounds that require more water than the greens.

8. System History
Mainline fittings are beginning to fail. I would consider the course very
fortunate as the rate of failures is considerably less than other irrigation
systems of this vintage. Visual evidence of the condition of the pipe is on
the bridge to 18 Fairway where there are seven (7) repair couplers on this
critical pipeline.

9. Sprinklers and Coverage
Many sprinklers were installed in
1989. The engineered life of a
sprinkler is 10-15 years.
Replacements do not have the same
performance.
Over time, many different sprinkler
models have been used, which has
created inconsistency across the golf
course.
Sprinkler Models in Use
Toro INF 54 *Rain Bird 1100 Rain Bird 751
Toro 854 Rain Bird 900 *Rain Bird 51DR
Toro 855 Rain Bird 700 *Rain Bird 91 DR
* Discontinued Model

10. Sprinklers and Coverage
Tilt should not exceed 3 degrees.
Excessive tilt increases the
sprinkler nozzle trajectory and
makes the water stream more
susceptible to the effects of wind.
Over time, sprinklers can settle
and tilt. Courses should enlist the
services of a professional
irrigation contractor to raise and
level affected sprinklers every 5
years.
Given the age, condition, and
spacing of most sprinklers, we do
not see a return on investment to
complete this work.

11. Audit Procedure
Water distribution uniformity was
tested on 9 and 18 fairways with Mike
Skille.
18 has double-row fairway coverage
and 9 is single-row.
It is generally accepted that double-
row spacing provides superior water
distribution; however, our findings
indicate that when the double row
system was installed, inconsistent
spacing has contributed to poor water
distribution uniformity.

12. Audit Procedure
A minimum of 40 catch cans
were used to collect water of
operating sprinklers
Sprinklers were operated to
simulate a “typical” irrigation
cycle where part-circle sprinklers
operated at a reduced time
proportional to their arc
Water was collected and data
was recorded in a spreadsheet
that provides a Distribution
Uniformity measurement
Overall uniformity, as well as
data on wet and dry areas were
calculated

13. Irrigation Association
Expected Uniformity Guidelines for Golf
DULQ (Distribution Uniformity – Low Quarter) below 65%
following a tune-up is an indicator that major repairs,
nozzle, sprinkler, or complete system replacement may be
warranted. Under these circumstances, a more extensive
evaluation by a golf course irrigation designer is suggested.
Distribution uniformity of 80% is achievable and a realistic
expectation with a properly designed properly installed and
properly maintained system.
Irrigation Association
*Based on low wind not exceeding 5 mph

14. Interpreting Audit Results
The following is a Guideline for Expected
Water Distribution Uniformity for Golf
Audit Results System Quality
80% and Higher Excellent (achievable)
70% to 79% Good (expected)
Below 65% Tune up or replacement may be warranted
55% and Lower Poor - may be better off hand watering
Adapted from a guideline by the Irrigation Association
The ASAE recommendation for water distribution testing is for a maximum wind speed of 5 mph

15. Test Area 18 Fairway
All sprinklers contributing to the test area were operated in
accordance with Irrigation Association Guidelines.

16. Test Area 18 Fairway
Poor sprinkler spacing leads to poor water distribution uniformity.

17. Audit Results – 18 Fairway
18 Fairway was tested early morning to ensure low wind. The precipitation rate
was what would be expected. Uniformity was very low due to several factors:
poor sprinkler spacing (51’-93’), two sprinklers with excessive tilt (9.5, 6.2
degrees) and inconsistent sprinklers (Rain Bird 51 DR, 700, 900).

18. Audit Results – 9 Fairway
9 Fairway was tested early morning to ensure low wind. The precipitation rate
was what would be expected. Uniformity was very low due to several factors:
the inherent issues with single-row spacing that cannot be overcome with a
sprinkler, three different sprinkler models (91DR, 1100, Infinity 54).

19. Summary of Water Distribution
Results
Sprinkler uniformity is dependent on good spacing geometry.
Sprinklers must be in a consistent pattern. Sprinklers and
nozzles also need to match and tilt must be kept to below 3
degrees. Since none of these conditions were met, the very
low uniformity results were not surprising.
Poor uniformity results in wet and dry spots. Because
sprinklers cannot adjust where the water goes in the pattern
between irrigation cycles, the more the system is used, the
greater the problems become. This affects the efficacy of
chemical applications and other cultural practices as well.
After multiple consecutive irrigation events, hand watering
would be more effective; however, this is impractical and cost
prohibitive, and the reason we have automatic irrigation
systems in the first place.

20. Summary of Water Distribution
Results
Given the consistently poor spacing that was observed and
the variety of sprinklers, we elected to concentrate efforts
on documenting other elements of the irrigation system
rather than continue with testing.
We did not test greens because of inconsistent spacing and
sprinkler products. Most tees only have a single sprinkler
and uniformity is not expected to be over 50%.
Mike Skille is now very familiar with the test procedure. An
audit kit and test procedure was left for his future use.
Additional catchment data can be sent to Golf Water and a
report will be generated and returned.

21. Electrical/Control System
As noted, the control system was
installed in 1989. The controllers
are no longer in production and
replacements have created an
inconsistent system.
Failing components due to age
often put the operation of the
system at risk as there is lost
time waiting for replacement
components.
The central controls have been
continually upgraded and, in my
opinion, have extend the life of
the system as the flow manager
software has protected the
piping network.

22. Electrical/Control System
The wiring system consists of a single wire from a station
output. As the system has grown, additional sprinklers
have been installed on the existing wires which results in
two sprinklers coming on simultaneously. This is very
inefficient and reduces control. A modern system has
individual wires per sprinkler – as was intended with the
original design.
Mike Skille spends a good amount of time addressing
wiring and controller issues related to aging components
and poor splices that have degraded over time.

23. Piping/Hydraulic Network
Much of the pipe network was installed in
1975 and has exceeded its 30-year life
expectancy
The bridge crossing on 18 has 7 repairs and
is not properly braced. It is a critical pipeline
that provides water to a large portion of the
property.
Given its age and condition, it should be
replaced.

24. Piping/Hydraulic Network
The existing irrigation As Installed drawing is a good caricature of the
golf course irrigation system but it is terribly inaccurate.
The screen capture of 8 and 11 shows how the single row piping system
was adapted to a double row system. On #11, the spacing ranges from
73’ – 91’. Typical spacing today would be 60’ or 65’.

25. Piping/Hydraulic Network
This spring, 21 new isolation valves were
installed at a cost of $23,000.
This was necessary and needed to help isolate
portions of the system requiring service. These
valves will help reduce system downtime and the
risk to losing turf. It is not a solution for system
failures that continue to occur. This simply allows
sections of the course to be isolated in order to
perform service without having to shut the entire
system down.

26. Pumping System
The pump station needs
immediate attention. One
pump is out for service and
needs immediate replacement.
There have been two retrofits
to the existing station and the
infrastructure/skid is
deteriorating. I believe the
station to be a safety issue
and it should be replaced.
A future station should be
sized for future needs and
must have a 300 micron filter.

27. Pumping System
The control cabinet is open
exposing dangerous voltage.
There is poor air circulation for
proper motor cooling.
A diver should be contacted to
inspect the condition of the
wet well, intake tube, and
screen to see if they are
adequately sized for reuse.

28. Water Source
The irrigation system is
supplied by the water source
behind 17 green. The depth and
volume are unknown but can be
calculated.
The main source of resupply is
the reclaimed water supply
from the local municipality. A
program for water quality
testing is in place and, not
surprising, there is a lot of
variability.

29. Water Source
The reclaimed water is an inexpensive water supply, but it has
poor quality. A single pump is used to supply water to the pond.
An Ultraviolet Light kit is used to disinfect the water and kill
viruses. This is the first time in my career I have seen this used
on a golf course. It is impetrative that a program of regular
maintenance is in place as this could be a health risk.
Water quality is poor and the existing filter system is not
satisfactory.

30. Water Source
Water collected during audits was murky,
indicating suspended solids had not
settled out.
Providing turfgrass with good water
quality is imperative as fine particles can
plug soil pore spaces and pH, salinity, and
bicarbonates affect plant health.
We recommend that an investigation into
water quality, method of on-site transfer,
ways to trap/arrest solids, filter options to
300 micron, and methods for water
quality monitoring should be conducted.

31. Recommendations - Next Steps
The staff at Sparrows Point are doing an excellent job in maintain
the irrigation system and keeping it operational. An inordinate
amount of time is needed and it keeps the staff away from other
course management activities.
The irrigation system has passed its expected life and its
unreliability puts the golf course at risk. Every morning Mike Skille
re-ranks the daily service needs, and makes repairs on a priority
basis. 100% of Mike’s time is directed to system repairs during the
growing season. Typically, a course allocates about 20% of an
employees time for routine system maintenance and programming.

32. Recommendations - Next Steps
The first step would be to replace the mainline isolation valves to
provide better opportunity for service – this was completed this
spring.
There are no small “next steps” as the irrigation system at Sparrows
Point has reached the end of its useful life and needs major repairs
and replacement. A Master Plan for system replacement should be
pursued with the first step being investigating the water source and
making appropriate changes (if needed) and replacing of the
pumping station. The following table outlines Next Steps:

33. Recommendations – Next Steps
Action Description Timeline Budget
Estimate
Repair one of the existing
main pumps
Repair the 75 HP pump that is
currently not operating
As soon as
possible
$10,800
Wet well, intake, screen
inspection
Contract an experienced pump station
diver to inspect intake to see if it is
suitable for reuse.
2017 – as
soon as
possible
$2,500
Measure pond depth Using SPCC staff, take pond depth
measurements to determine overall
pond volume
2017 - as
soon as
possible
Course
labor
resources
Pump Station Design Determine pump station needs based
on Master Plan so future needs are
met.
2017 - as
soon as
possible
Included in
Master Plan
Master Plan Design Develop an irrigation system Master
Plan that includes pump station design
and phased in
2017 $12,000

34. Recommendations – Next Steps
Action Description Timeline Budget
Estimate
Determine if pond needs
dredging
Based on pond volume calculations
and silt build-up
Q4 2017 TBD
Replace Pump Station A new pump station should be put in
place before the 2018 season begins
Q1 2018 Est. $140-
160,000
Implement Phase 1 of
Master Plan (6 or 9 holes)
A phased installation of 6 or 9 holes
can be installed over winter for use
the following season.
Q4 2018 TBD
Implement Phase 1 of
Master Plan (6 or 9 holes)
A phased installation of 6 or 9 holes
can be installed over winter for use
the following season.
Q4 2019 TBD
Implement Phase 1 of
Master Plan (6 or 9 holes)
A phased installation of 6 or 9 holes
can be installed over winter for use
the following season.
If required
Q4 2020
TBD

35. Recommendations - Next Steps
A new irrigation system for 18 holes typically costs between
$1.9-2.3M depending on materials and extent of coverage. Often
the entire system is installed at once over a period of 16 weeks.
This is to reduce the costs associated with having the contractor re-
mobilize, materials price increases, and to aid in logistics of
managing two systems. However, some courses determine that a
phased installation best meets their budget.

36. Appendix
ASGCA Golf Course Items – Expected Life Cycle
Requirements for Good Water Distribution
Runtime Multiplier - Table
Wind and Water Distribution
About Golf Water
Additional Photographs
Weeping Sprinkler
Single sprinkler in middle of tee
Hose connection on greens

37. ASGCA – Golf Course Items
Expected Life Cycle
The following was
compiled by the American
Society of Golf Course
Architects as a guideline
for component life cycle.

38. Requirements for Good Water
Distribution
The following are the Requirements for
Water Distribution Uniformity Success
Consistent Spacing
Proper Nozzle
Level – 3 degree tilt max.
Newer (10 years) Sprinkler
Operate sprinklers in low wind
Set Sprinklers to Grade
Proper Arc Setting (part circle)
Clean Screens and Nozzles
Proper Operating Pressure
Proper Stator Setting
Note: Consistent Spacing is the most important factor in water distribution
as it is the most difficult and expensive issue to fix.

39. Run Time Multiplier
Run Time Multiplier
is a guideline for the
additional amount of
time a sprinkler
should operate to
make up for water
distribution uniformity
Table from the
Irrigation Association

40. Wind
The ASAE guideline for sprinkler
testing is for wind to be less than 5
mph
The effects of wind can significantly
distort sprinkler patterns.
The wind tends to be very low at
Sparrows Point and good water
distribution is achievable.

41. Golf Water
Based in Raleigh, NC
Over 300 golf course designs and installations
Over 30 years of Golf Irrigation experience
Co-Author of two irrigation textbooks
Golf Services include; Master-Planning, Design, System
Evaluations, GPS Mapping, System Programming
Recent Project References Include:
Merion Golf Club, Polo Club Boca Raton, Walpole CC, Quail Ridge,
Oak Hill CC, Rancho San Lucas, Wade Hampton, Forest Creek,
Wexford Plantation, Pensacola CC, McArthur, Greate Bay

42. Additional Photographs
Weeping sprinkler Sprinkler in middle of a tee Hose connection