Greg Fitzmaurice, dual-roll course manager and general manager of Hanley Golf Club in North Yorkshire, has dedicated 28 years to the green keeping industry.
Since joining Hunley 12 years ago, Greg has overseen significant changes in the course. This includes major irrigation system upgrades that dramatically improved efficiency, turf health, and overall course management.
The Hanley Golf Club, built during the golf boom of the early 90s, has seen considerable challenges. Initially developed by ambitious local landowners, the club later faced financial difficulties, leading to a change in ownership. The current owners are focused on revitalizing the club, and under Greg’s leadership, the course has gained a strong reputation and an increasingly loyal membership base. With its stunning coastal location and 27 holes, Hanley has been transformed into a hidden gem on the UK golf map.
When Greg first arrived at Hanley, it was clear that the existing irrigation system was outdated and he was struggling to meet the club’s needs. The old UPVC plumbing was already continuing second hand items when it was first installed, but it had long surpassed its 25-year lifespan. The system was failing, causing frequent leaks, causing confusion and significant water waste. “By 2021, I felt like I was fixing another leak every few days,” recalls Greg.
Recognizing that a full-scale upgrade was required, Greg and his team looked into options from several major irrigation providers. Hunter irrigation products distributed by KAR UK have emerged as the best option. “The Hunters provided the best value, but more importantly, they felt their products were the best on the market,” explains Greg. “It wasn’t easy for us, and we were totally confident in KAR UK.”
To make costs easier to manage, Greg and his team made the bold decision to install the system internally. This is a move that reduces the cost of the project by almost a third of the external contractors. Over three years, during the quiet winter, a five-person green keeping team gradually replaced the main pipes, installed new sprinklers, and upgraded the system’s controls.
“We start with the worst areas, work on greenery and work on the approach where leaks are the most common,” says Greg. The team installed the Hunter TTS-800 Series rotor in conjunction with the G-85 internal riser for improved reliability and accuracy. Once the project is complete, a temporary control hub was set up, along with plans to fully integrate the Hunter Pilot system.
The impact of new irrigation systems is important. “It’s like having extra staff members,” Greg says. Previously spent repairing leaks, manual sprinklers were redirected to maintenance and improvements on the course. The health of the grass has improved dramatically, making it playful and significantly improving water efficiency.
The system allowed Greg and his team to make real-time adjustments with ease. “It’s actually a great benefit to run a sprinkler at night without worrying about getting into flooded greenery the next day. It’s less work, easier, and can focus on other tasks without following up on the water of the wet agent.
KAR UK provided important support throughout the project, from initial product selection to installation guidance. “The service was great,” Greg points out. “Wesley Henshaw (KAR UK Golf Sales Manager) was with us at every stage, ensuring the right products and advice to get the job done on his own. He has technical and practical knowledge that is superior to his competitors.
The complete system is still a few years before it was completed, but Hanley Golf Club is already enjoying the benefits of investment. For Greg, a good irrigation system is not just a luxury, it is necessary. “The irrigation system is insurance for golf courses,” he explains. “You can go for a long time without needing it, but when you do, if you don’t have it, you’re really in trouble.”
The impact of system upgrades was significant for Hunley Golf Club, not only in efficiency and resource savings, but also in terms of the quality of the course itself. “If we hadn’t gone through this new irrigation system, it would have really hindered us,” he says. “Now we see benefits everywhere: from saving resources to improving the final product. Personally, the stress of dealing with unreliable systems is something that cannot be underestimated.
For more information, please visit www.karuk.com
