Sotogrande, Costa del Sol, Spain: La Hacienda Links Golf Resort was rated ‘Best Golf Course in Spain’ in the 2023 World Golf Awards. Originally designed by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark with panoramic views of the Mediterranean, the iconic Rock of Gibraltar and Africa, the 18-hole links course first opened in 1992 and is unusual, being one of few links-style courses in southern Europe. 

The second 18-hole Heathland Course was designed by former Ryder Cup player Dave Thomas.

In spite of its sublime location, the original links layout needed improvement and modernising to complement the premium quality of the new hotel being built as part of significant investment being made in the resort redevelopment.

American designer Kurtis Bowman redesigned the Links layout in 2021 which involved remodelling a series of holes, all tees, greens complexes and relocating bunkers. Any course renovation would also have to align closely with the club’s commitment to reduce its environmental footprint and optimise water and energy consumption.

Javier Gutierrez Garcia, Director of Agronomy at Irrigation Consultants Acttua, said: “We had been involved with the management team on smaller upgrade projects at La Hacienda previously, so we knew the courses as well as the agronomic challenges.

“The Andalusian winters are temperate with dry summers and the cool season grasses, irrigated with reclaimed water, were not performing well. The intention was to replace these with warm season Bermuda grass that would withstand reclaimed water and require 25% less water, too. We had worked with the club to renovate a hole with satellite technology a couple of years ago and having the option for a hybrid solution with Rain Bird CirrusPRO software was a key factor in the decision to remain with Rain Bird technology.”

The previous Rain Bird Nimbus II irrigation system was replaced with the advanced CirrusPRO Central Control software enabling 18 satellites to be integrated as a hybrid with 18 Rain Bird IC stations on the Links and Heathland courses. Over 1,200 Rain Bird 702 – 752 Series rotors were installed and accurately positioned to provide comprehensive coverage across the course, even in the wilder areas where fescues would require irrigation. Two new pump stations were installed and would take account of the new layout and especially the holes at a higher elevation.

Because Bermuda grass takes a little longer to establish and needs to be sown in springtime, all renovation work was scheduled between October 2022 and April 2023. Installing two pump stations was also more labour intensive so three contractors were appointed, each responsible for a separate part of the renovation, which ensured the project was completed on time.

The Rain Bird distributor, Riegoturf, also played a pivotal role in the project. They were able to supply all materials from stock and meet the huge challenge of having to complete the project within a very tight timetable for installation.

CirrusPRO has enabled integration of two different irrigation control systems. Hybrid control improves efficiency and analyses real-time data allowing the club to make informed, data-driven decisions about field maintenance. CirrusPRO optimises irrigation based on local weather data minimising water wastage, improving irrigation uniformity and helping the club to meet the highest sustainability standards.

To maximise water efficiency, comprehensive irrigation audits were carried out, analysing every rotor to improve distribution and flow. The 1,200 rotors can now be adjusted from any mobile device.

Head Greenkeeper Ricardo Barón said: “At La Hacienda, we primarily use two types of Rain Bird rotors: the 702 and the 752. These rotors are very easy to adjust, which allows us to inspect and fine-tune each one annually (before the start of the irrigation season), setting parameters such as arc angles and nozzle types.

“This helps us achieve greater irrigation uniformity and ensures we only water the intended areas, avoiding irrigation of non-play zones and thereby conserving water.

“With the new CirrusPRO software, it is not only easy to adjust the sprinklers out on the golf course, but the software database can also be updated in real time using just a tablet or smartphone. As a result, any changes made in the course can be immediately reflected and adjusted within the software.

“Since the entire course was renovated and each sprinkler was individually adjusted manually on the golf course, we have managed to reduce irrigation water usage by 19% compared to the previous year. The upgrade to CirrusPRO, along with the complete remodelling of the irrigation system (including the pump station) has significantly improved irrigation efficiency, which in turn has led to reduced energy consumption.”

Javier Gutierrez Garcia added: “This is one of the most exciting course redesign projects in Spain in recent years and renovation has been very successful, especially with golfers. Kurtis has solved all the key issues and playability really has improved. Demand has exceeded expectations, and far more so than the club originally thought.”

*Rain Bird is an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.