Precision Under Pressure
When the prestigious Royal Sydney Golf Club embarked on a course redesign, selecting the right irrigation system was a critical decision. With precision irrigation at the forefront of modern turf management, Superintendent Adam Marchant and his team needed a solution that would ensure efficiency, reliability, and adaptability. Joining the project team, on behalf of Living Turf, was a highly skilled team of agronomy and irrigation specialists.
“The driving force around the irrigation upgrade was to move with the times,” said Marchant.
“We needed a flow rate that allowed us to stay ahead of golf—we’re a busy golf course.”
A key component of the process was a 12-month test run of competing irrigation systems prior to construction. This real-world trial allowed the project team to make a fully informed decision. After extensive testing, the Rain Bird system emerged as the preferred solution, offering unparalleled control, efficiency, and adaptability.
The Rain Bird system, based on the CirrusPRO platform, provided an innovative solution: the ability to activate all fairway heads simultaneously. With a capacity to operate 750 heads per wire path using four wires, it could control up to 3,000 heads at once—delivering unparalleled efficiency in water distribution and turf health maintenance. Not only does it maximise coverage, but it also ensures uniformity and responsiveness.
“The clincher for us was the real-time diagnostics of the IC system,” Marchant noted.
“It gave us peace of mind knowing that any issue could be pinpointed instantly.”
Beyond the technology itself, Living Turf’s involvement was pivotal. As the exclusive Rain Bird distributor, Living Turf ensured product availability throughout the project timeline, allowing Royal Sydney to progress without delay—even when design changes required flexibility on the ground.
“There’s no greater comfort than knowing you can call someone and they’ll be straight out,” said Marchant.
“Martin O’Malley was instrumental, a great sounding board and on-site regularly.”
From the outset, Living Turf worked closely with Royal Sydney’s team to facilitate a seamless transition. Significant time was dedicated in the first month to training Christian, the club’s irrigation technician, on the Rain Bird system. His eagerness to learn, combined with detailed knowledge-sharing, helped fast-track operational readiness and supported ongoing refinements post-launch.
The CirrusPRO platform offered a further advantage—efficient integration of both new IC components and legacy satellite systems within a single user interface. This streamlined management approach was vital in enabling the team to make real-time adjustments with minimal disruption.
“Rain Bird has always been an innovator,” Marchant added.
“Their products are state-of-the-art, and they’re constantly evolving. That gives us comfort that we’ve invested in something built to last.”
Sustainability
The irrigation system was also designed with sustainability at the forefront. Sprinkler heads are positioned on the outer edges of playing areas, directing water inward to avoid waste and overuse. Heathland zones—spanning 15 hectares—will receive water only during establishment, aligning with the project’s low-input philosophy.
As with any large-scale redevelopment, the installation phase presented unique challenges. Final head placements were adapted in-field as the architectural shaping progressed, requiring precise coordination between designers, contractors, and the Living Turf team. The project’s complexity and aggressive timeline made this agility critical.
Now reopened, Royal Sydney is approaching its first full summer with the new system in place. With a world-class platform in hand, the focus turns to refinement and optimisation.
“We’ve had a lot of rain since reopening, so we haven’t really had to put the system to the test yet,” Marchant said.
“But come summer, we’ll really dial it in. The groundwork’s there—we’re confident.”
The Royal Sydney Golf Club’s investment in irrigation excellence underscores their commitment to sustainability and superior course conditioning. By partnering with Living Turf and Rain Bird, they’ve set a new benchmark in precision irrigation—an example for superintendents nationwide. Strategic planning, smart technology and reliable support have proven to be a winning combination.