Golf Course Architecture - Issue 56: April 2019

47 of the week, so a Rain Bird IC System was specified, eliminating the use of satellites and decoders and providing multi-function real-time response along with powerful diagnostics and end-user control. It enables the course superintendent to run a status poll and voltage check of the whole site in three minutes – invaluable for fault detection and rectification after a strike. Having the system in the ground during construction also provided an invaluable way of monitoring the site, flagging up if machinery hit cables. Once the system was integral again, contractors could move on to the next hole. This time-saving, problem solving monitoring wouldn’t have been possible with a decoder system. A Rain Bird Stratus II Central Control operated via PC at the facility and on a mobile device from anywhere in the world is enhanced with the largest Rain Bird soil sensing system in Europe, with two sensors per green for soil monitoring. Other features include a weather station and a Rain Watch rain gauge all feeding data to the control system in real time. Golf contractor All Golf Services was subcontracted for the physical installation. In-Aqua partner Damir Č izmek says: “The architects looked to the long- term future in all aspects of the project and were prepared to advocate to the client being ‘future-ready’. They really understand irrigation and were able to put forward robust proposals.” Owner Gordana Šolak likened the skilfully remastered King’s course to Sleeping Beauty when it was revealed to the golfing world in 2017. Reawakened after years of neglect, the new jewel in Europe’s golfing crown was opened by HRH Princess Jelisaveta Karadordevic of Serbia and instantly tipped as a future Ryder Cup host, while ascending rapidly into Europe’s Top 50. The project’s success is testimony to the talent of all those who worked under the Swans’ direction and guidance, and was underpinned by their master plan and the owners’ long-term view. Their vision for the Lake’s course remains to be realised in the years to come, but the irrigation infrastructure is in place for when that day arrives. GCA Ellie Parry is a turf industry marketing specialist ROYAL BLED “Having the system in the ground during construction also provided an invaluable way of monitoring the site” Photo: Royal Bled The proposal for the irrigation system covered water sourcing and lake management Photo: In-Aqua Photo: Swan Golf Designs