Irrigation Upgrade Completed After just over three years from commencement, the last sods of turf have been laid to
complete circa $1.73 million irrigation upgrade of our golf course - the biggest and most
expensive project undertaken by the club in many years.
The project had its genesis in late 2021 when the very poor state of the irrigation
infrastructure had become apparent. The Committee of Management engaged Adam
Gunn, member and irrigation specialist, to develop a plan and costings for an irrigation
upgrade. At a Special General Meeting in January 2023, the Committee of Management
put forward a resolution to enable the irrigation upgrade to proceed which was
comprehensively endorsed by members. A contract was signed with Belair Turf
Management and the project commenced on May 22nd 2023. The project was to be
undertaken over three years with BGC course staff and volunteers assisting BTM with
some elements to reduce costs. It is very pleasing to report the project; - Met all agreed timelines
- Involved very few cost variations
- Included the addition of irrigating the practice fairway
- Has been completed within the allocated budget
The project presented its challenges, especially in the first year with Belair Turf
Management having to endure months of record rainfall, making working conditions
very difficult and impeding progress. There are many to thank for this state of the art irrigation system, that will ensure the
quality of our golf course for many years to come: - The Financial Advisory Panel members who assisted the Committee of
Management in developing a financial plan for the irrigation upgrade.
- Members for voting to undertake the irrigation project and for their patience and
understanding with the irrigation works over the past three years.
- The many course volunteers who have assisted with the project, ensuring course
staff could undertake daily course maintenance work.
- Members of the Irrigation Project Steering Committee for their oversight of the
project.
- Steve Pellatt, Course Superintendent and all course staff who worked closely
with Belair Turf Management staff to complete the project whilst undertaking the
normal work required to present a quality course for members.
- Belair Turf Management for completing the project on time and within the
allocated budget. Their staff worked methodically and professionally and as a
very cohesive team with our course staff and volunteers.
- Adam Gunn, Project Manager who worked closely with Belair Turf Management
and Steve Pellat throughout the project to ensure it was completed on time and
within budget. Our club is indebted to Adam not only for his experience,
knowledge and skills in developing the irrigation plan and managing the project,
but also for his passion and determination to ensure the club has an irrigation
system that will meet its needs for many years.
Our members can now look forward to the benefits of the irrigation upgrade. This will
not only include improved greens, surrounds, fairways and roughs, but also other
improvements that our course staff can work on in lieu of having to address irrigation
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