MJ Abbott Limited has begun the installation of a new irrigation system for the Royal Liverpool Golf Club at Hoylake.
Working with the club’s irrigation consultant, Adrian Mortram from RHA/STRI Irrigation Servies, they’ll install new mainlines, a 550m³water storage tank, a 85m³per hour pump station, an upgraded electricity supply and borehole transfer pipework which will provide water to the greens, approaches, greens surrounds, fairways, tees, rough, walkways, practice putting greens and to the four Open Championship tented village areas.
The irrigation will be operated using the revolutionary new Rain Bird ICS System and will feature a Rain Bird weather station and radio remote control. Contracts Manager, Nathan George said: “We’re delighted to be one of the first UK contractors to be installing the ICS system, especially at such a prestigious Open Championship venue as Hoylake.”
Links Manager, Craig Gilholm, said everyone at Hoylake has been struck by MJ Abbott’s professionalism and service levels, even before starting on-site: “I’m originally from East Lothian and was aware of the successful installations they had carried out in Scotland over the past couple of years. Whether you’re dealing with one of the directors or the on-site staff, their professionalism really is second to none. They are a pleasure to work with.”
Greens Chairman, Rob McBurney, said that the irrigation system is a major investment by the Club in the quality of the playing surfaces: “After welcoming the Open Championship back to Hoylake in 2006, we hope to host more major tournaments in the future. The previous system was 30 years old and failing, and the remote control system had been inoperative for several years leading to costly manual operation. The new system will allow Craig and his team to target water application to high and dry areas where it is most needed, thereby meeting Environment Agency best practice guidelines.”
“We are confident that the already good playing surfaces will become even better in the next few years, and that the MJ Abbott Rain Bird installation will greatly assist us in our aim to increase the percentage of fine links grasses on the course. Playing surfaces and walkways will become more resistant to wear and tear as a result of regular irrigation and will provide members and visitors with consistently higher standard playing surfaces all year round.”
“There were several factors that influenced our decision to select MJ Abbott. We needed a reliable, proven contractor with all-round competence. Care of our course is top priority and MJ Abbott’s references made particular mention of the methods they use to minimise disruption and damage, and of the great care they take in the reinstatement once an installation is complete.”
“We need the job completing on schedule and MJ Abbott’s significant resources in terms of staff and specialist machinery will allow our greenkeeping staff to concentrate on other course improvement projects this winter.”
The project is scheduled for completion in March.
MJ Abbott www.mjabbott.co.uk
Royal Liverpool Golf Club www.royal-liverpool-golf.com