In the latest of a series of articles focusing on the GCMA’s technology partners, we speak to Shaun Anderson of Rain Bird…
As Area Sales Manager for the UK, Ireland and Iceland at Rain Bird for over two years, Shaun has worked with contractors, consultants, distributors and end users, making sure that every customer has the right irrigation solution. He is also involved in education and support for all golf club stakeholders, helping them fully understand the benefits of accurate and efficient irrigation.
Describe what Rain Bird does
Rain Bird creates irrigation technology that helps shape the way your future grows. Founded in 1933 during California’s agricultural boom, our 4,000+ products sustain life’s essentials and support green spaces, guided by a commitment to the intelligent use of water. We draw on nearly a century of expertise to serve a wide variety of industries, blending natural design and human ingenuity to make water work for everyone. Headquartered in Azusa, California, from the beginning, Rain Bird has produced and offered the industry’s broadest range of irrigation products for farms, golf courses, sports arenas, commercial developments, and homes in more than 130 countries around the world.
How good is golf as an industry at embracing technology?
Golf has moved forward significantly in 20 years and today, is much more data-led. Robust data allows courses to make informed agronomic and business decisions, working within environmental best practice, being more sustainable on the course, in the clubhouse and across the entire estate.
What are the barriers preventing greater adoption of technology?
Cost can be a limiting factor but so too is fear of the unknown. There are so many resources available to golf clubs, it can be a challenge working out exactly what’s most suitable for your particular course. If it’s daunting, do remember that manufacturers, professional irrigation consultants and contractors are there to help you.
What are the biggest opportunities/growth areas?
Every golf course should have a water management plan in place for the season, medium and longer term. Being pro-active means solving problems before they become major issues, causing costs to spiral. With an irrigation system that’s designed, managed and maintained well, it’s possible to make a significant reduction in usage as the water is applied accurately and only when necessary. Clubs don’t have to follow every initiative that’s out there, but each one that takes a new step or makes a change will improve its sustainability and positively contributes to the industry’s efforts as a whole.
How can Rain Bird help GCMA members?
If you are a full UK member you can request an evaluation of one of your club’s most important assets from Rain Bird.
Water is the lifeblood of your golf course, especially during the playing season, but is your irrigation system helping, or hindering, playability, performance and public relations? Do you know what your irrigation system is really costing your club? A complementary site visit and comprehensive report compiled by an experienced irrigation professional will help you: –
• Understand your irrigation infrastructure and how well your system is set up
• Identify risks and factors affecting efficiency and performance
• Consider future resource requirements, changing legislation, and benefits of new technologies
• Plan system optimisation, upgrading, extension, or replacement
