Case Study: Omaha Golf Course

Omaha Golf Course (a John Darby-designed, links course north of Auckland) was the first in the country to install a black water Sub Surface Irrigation (SDI) system for amenity turf. The extension of the existing 9 hole layout to 18 holes was part of the development of extra land at Omaha Beach. Needing to irrigate the extended golf course with limited fresh water while at the same time dealing with additional effluent from the subdivision, the owners commissioned Parkland and Peter Gearing, Environmental Scientist of engineering firm URS, to look at options for using waste water.

A SDI system was chosen as the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly method of irrigation and waste water disposal. The decision was made to use 16mm Wasteflow® drip tube which is constructed with a TBT anti-bacterial wall lining preventing slime and algal growth adhering to the tube wall and causing blockages. The pipe is buried at a depth of around 150mm – varying slightly according to the sand depth – and in rows 600mm apart. Outlets are spaced up to 600mm. Fairways and rough are divided into zones; each controlled using a hydraulically-activated Toro Century Series valve.

The fresh water spray and waste water drip systems are essentially separate but were installed at the same time with mainline and low voltage solenoid valve control wire in common trenches.

Selection of the right control system was one of the most important aspects of the project. It was required to control the fresh and waste systems separately and with appropriate security. In addition, it had to integrate with both the existing course and the Rodney District Council’s effluent pumping station some distance away. The controller also needed to provide a high level of information on fresh and waste water use.

A Motorola Irrinet radio control system was recommended by Parkland. Using the same radio frequency, turf managers can operate the fresh water system without having control over the waste water drip system and vice versa. Integration with the existing course, which is separated by a road, is achieved without expensive wiring; a link with the Rodney District Council is also achieved on a wireless basis.

Parkland has extended the control system allowing the Course to expand the number of disposal fields.

Omaha demonstrates that there are many ways of solving complex irrigation problems. It is a showcase for future golf course developments where fresh water is in short supply.