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<\/p>\nWhen it comes to irrigating golf courses, most greenkeepers will judge sprinkler performance by eye. If a sprinkler\u2019s throw is reaching the next one, the assumption is often \u201cthat\u2019s doing the job.\u201d Unfortunately, that simple visual check can be misleading. The real measure of irrigation quality and the biggest factor affecting turf health and resource efficiency is uniformity.<\/p>\n
Uniformity, measured as Distribution Uniformity (DU), describes how evenly water is applied across the irrigated area. A DU of 100% would mean every square metre receives exactly the same amount of water. In reality, factors like wind, pressure variation, nozzle design, and sprinkler layout mean there\u2019s always some variation but the higher the DU, the better.<\/p>\n
Low uniformity forces you to run sprinklers longer to ensure the driest spots get enough water. This overwatering of the rest of the area wastes water, increases pumping costs, and can create softer playing conditions, disease risk, and nutrient leaching.<\/p>\n
Many believe that sprinkler performance is simply about distance, if one head\u2019s throw reaches another, coverage is \u201cgood.\u201d In truth, sprinklers cannot achieve good uniformity if installed in a straight line. Overlapping spray patterns need to be arranged in a square or triangular pattern to blend evenly. Think of it like painting with a spray can, you don\u2019t get a consistent coat by making single passes; you need overlapping passes at the right angles.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Independent distribution audits have repeatedly shown that the Hunter TTS-800 Series delivers the highest uniformity in the industry, a claim no other brand can make. In real-world UK and international conditions, including challenging wind, these sprinklers have demonstrated massive performance improvements over older systems.<\/p>\n
– Example Audit #1 \u2013 Greens retrofitted from a competitor\u2019s heads to Hunter\u2019s TTS-800 technology showed DU Lq improving from 48% to 88%, with 26% less run time required. This equated to over 26,000 m\u00b3 of water saved annually on just 500 heads.<\/p>\n
Beyond water savings, these improvements translated into substantial energy and cost reductions, fewer pumping hours, and more consistent playing conditions.<\/p>\n
The Hunter G85 Riser is an excellent example of how design drives performance. Distribution testing produces a DU benchmark few can match, especially under windy conditions. The precise nozzle engineering means water is delivered evenly where it\u2019s needed, not lost to drift or overapplication.<\/p>\n
You don\u2019t have to take anyone\u2019s word for it\u2014checking uniformity is straightforward:
\n1. Place catch cans evenly across a green in a grid pattern.
\n2. Run the sprinklers for a set time.
\n3. Measure the collected water in each can.
\n4. Calculate the DU Lq (many online calculators can do this with your measurements)<\/p>\n
If your DU is below 75%, there\u2019s room for improvement and significant potential savings in both water and money.<\/p>\n
Irrigation is not just about getting water from point A to point B; it\u2019s about getting it there evenly. Higher uniformity means healthier turf, better playability, and lower operating costs. With the Hunter TTS-800 Series, you\u2019re investing in the highest uniformity on the market, proven water and energy savings, and robust performance in real UK conditions.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re considering an upgrade or simply want to benchmark your current system, a uniformity test is a great first step. The results might surprise you and could open the door to improved performance and significant resource savings. Feel free to contact us for a chat<\/p>\n
Wesley Henshaw \u2013 07591212580 – wesley@karuk.com<\/p>\n
Manager of International Golf Sales<\/p>\n
KAR UK Ltd & Van Den Borne<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
When it comes to irrigating golf courses, most greenkeepers will judge sprinkler performance by eye. If a sprinkler\u2019s throw is reaching the next one, the assumption is often \u201cthat\u2019s doing the job.\u201d Unfortunately, that simple visual check can be misleading. The real measure of irrigation quality and the biggest factor affecting turf health and resource […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4618,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4617","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n