AST installs at Merion

Ardmore, Penn. – Merion Golf Club recently received installation of Advanced Sensor Technology’s first generation of subsurface soil sensors and monitoring software. AST’s sensor technology is a wireless system that provides real time and historical information at two different levels in the root zone allowing for more intelligent watering and general maintenance practices.

“It is an incredible system,” says Matt Shaffer, director of golf operations at Merion Golf Club. “The system was installed without disruption to the course in a short period and I can now monitor soil temperature and moisture content of my putting surfaces, in real time, 24 hours a day. During the hottest periods last week we were able to change watering times based on the temperature information and also determined an optimal time to roll the greens from the sensors feedback.”

Currently, sensors are positioned in the greens of holes 13, 16 and 18. Three wireless nodes (underground radios) with an upper soil sensor of moisture and temperature and a lower soil sensor for each node provide a total of six sensors for each putting surface. The technology uses wireless signals to transmit the sensors’ data to Shaffer’s computer for easy review with AST’s proprietary software program.

“We were extremely excited to install the system prior to the tournament and to assist Matt in preparation for this prestigious event,” says Walt Norley, c.e.o. of Advanced Systems. “Our staff is honored to have our products play an integral role in the USGA’s highest profile amateur tournament.”

Record temperatures in the upper 90s and high humidity have inflicted wreaked upon many courses in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest over the last few weeks. High profile clubs in the region have been forced to alter maintenance schedules, implement temporary greens and even completely close the course in some instances.

“This summer’s weather patterns were a real eye opener for these older courses,” says Paul Latshaw, member of AST’s executive team and former superintendent of major championship venues Augusta National, Oakmont, Congressional and Winged Foot. “The courses of this region typically have soil-based, small, well-contoured greens, with no subsurface drainage and very few hole locations. These factors present a real challenge for normal play, much less trying to get prepared for a major championship. This new sensor technology is really the first product to come to market to help eliminate some of the guesswork that has always been inherent in our profession.”

Visit Advanced System’s Web site at www.advancedaer.com for updates on Merion Golf Club’s installation.