Moor Park Golf Club, known for its iconic High and West Courses and surrounding grounds, undertook a significant project to upgrade its irrigation system in 2022 to ensure exceptional playing conditions for its members all year round. Partnering with Ocmis and Irritech Limited, the club set out to install a new Rain Bird irrigation system designed to enhance efficiency, conserve vital resources, and safeguard the club’s legacy for future generations.

The project went through a rigorous tender process, which involved a comprehensive evaluation of potential contractors based on their technical expertise, industry reputation and ability to tailor solutions to the club’s specific requirements. Ocmis emerged as the preferred contractor due to their innovative approach, proven track record and commitment to delivering high-quality installations.

The installation of the new irrigation system at Moor Park Golf Club presented a significant challenge; upgrading the infrastructure across 36 holes of the High and West Courses while adhering to a strict programme and minimising disruption to the club’s members. The project was approached with meticulous planning to carefully manage the installation so that the course remained accessible and playable throughout the install.

For the installation of the pipework and cabling, Ocmis called upon their new Ditchwitch mole plough from their expanding fleet of machinery. Using this type of machine allowed for a rapid and efficient installation with minimal surface disruption even with the ground conditions. This technique ensured that the pipework and cable was installed to the required depth, leaving very minimal visible trace of the installation of which was commented on and commended by members throughout the install. As a result, the pristine appearance of the course was preserved throughout the process, meeting the club’s high standards.

Even with 40km of pipework and over 1800 sprinklers installed throughout the upgrade, Ocmis successfully completed the installation on schedule. Strategic scheduling and clear communication with the club’s management ensured minimal disruption with daily operations, allowing members to continue enjoying the course without interference. The seamless execution not only demonstrated Ocmis’ technical expertise but also reinforced their commitment to customer satisfaction.

The system since install has brought a range of significant benefits to Moor Park Golf Club. The system’s advanced technology ensures a precise water distribution promoting healthier turf and excellent playing conditions across all 36 holes. With automated scheduling and remote monitoring capabilities of the Cirrus Pro software, it reduces the need for manual intervention which frees up valuable resources and labour. Additionally, the improved water and energy efficiency has led to notable cost savings for the club which in the current climate is crucial for any business.

The successful installation of the new irrigation system at Moor Park Golf Club by Ocmis underlines the importance of investing in modern irrigation technology to meet the demands of maintaining a high-quality golf course. The whole installation was a seamless and advanced process from tender to the commissioning and handover which has now left Moor Park Golf Club with an irrigation system it can be proud of.