Members Celebrate the Launch of Harleyford's New Irrigation System

More than 100 members gathered at Harleyford Golf Club recently to celebrate one of the most significant investments in the Club's history—the official launch of its new £1.2 million irrigation system.

The evening provided members with a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes and discover the technology that will help shape the future of the golf course for many years to come.

The event began with an exclusive tour for Long-Term Members, who visited the greenkeeping facility to meet Golf Course Manager Andrew McEvoy and learn how the sophisticated irrigation system operates.

Members saw first-hand how every irrigation zone across the golf course can now be individually controlled while advanced weather monitoring and moisture sensors help the greenkeeping team make informed decisions about watering.

Following a group photograph on the 3rd hole, members returned to the clubhouse where Andrew delivered an informative presentation explaining the scale of the project, the challenges involved and the long-term benefits the new system will provide.

The evening concluded with the ceremonial switching on of the irrigation system. As sprinklers burst into life around the putting green and 18th green, a perfectly timed spray caught a few unsuspecting members during the group photograph, creating plenty of laughter and a memorable finish to the celebrations.

The project represents a transformational investment in Harleyford's future. The new network includes approximately 900 sprinkler heads—ten times more than the previous system—allowing water to be delivered far more accurately and efficiently across greens, tees, fairways and surrounding areas.

Importantly, the new infrastructure is designed not simply to keep the course greener during hot weather, but to promote healthier turf, improve recovery after prolonged dry periods and support more sustainable water management.

Harleyford benefits from its own reservoir supplied by a borehole, enabling the Club to manage its water resources responsibly while ensuring every part of the course receives precisely the amount of water required.

Andrew also explained why members may still see greenkeepers hand watering certain areas. While the automated system provides exceptional accuracy, strong winds and extreme temperatures occasionally require targeted watering to protect particularly vulnerable areas without disrupting golfers.

The evening highlighted not only the scale of the investment but also Harleyford's ongoing commitment to continuous improvement. Alongside recent course enhancements and future development plans, the irrigation project will help ensure the golf course remains in exceptional condition for generations to come.

The Club would like to thank everyone who attended the launch and, in particular, the Long-Term Members whose continued support made this landmark project possible.