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Like most golf courses in the valley of Arizona's McDowell Mountains, the Country Club of DC Ranch in Scottsdale is hyper-sensitive about environmental concerns, especially in terms of water conservation issues.
"Water responsibility is a way of life in the desert," says Director of Golf Dick Hyland, a Pennsylvania native who moved to Arizona 27 years ago. "All of the water we use on the course is a blend of reclaimed, Reverse Osmosis (“RO”) and Central Arizona Project (“CAP”) water. But we're constantly exploring ways to reduce the amount we use, as well."
In a major effort to reduce water usage, the Country Club at DC Ranch decided to convert more than seven acres of out-of-play turf to its natural desert landscape during the summer of 2013. Since this acreage no longer needs to be irrigated, the club is realizing significant water-savings.
In addition, the club recently replaced all of its irrigation controllers. Though it was a significant investment, the endeavor has paid off in terms of water conservation. Hyland's director of agronomy and superintendent, Bill Kostes, can now irrigate with individual heads when necessary. "We can now apply appropriate amounts of water in the appropriate amount of time with the necessary amount of water," adds Hyland.
DC Ranch completed a third water-conservation project early this summer: a comprehensive greenside bunker renovation that restored 33 bunkers to the original Lehman Signature design specifications. "All of our greenside bunkers have been rebuilt with new sand, new stabilizer, new liners and improved drainage," adds Hyland. "They’re more playable than ever and, just as importantly, the improved drainage means we'll be saving water too."
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During the recent bunker renovation project, Hyland and Kostes wanted to make life a little easier for their crew of 25, including a landscape staff. Knowing they would be loading, transporting and spreading tons of sand, they put one of the new OxCart Utility Cart to the test.
Featuring a power-assist lift which reduces dumping effort by up to 90 percent, OxCart units go easy on the backs of those who operate them. The units also include an offset dump pivot, which eliminates harsh and abrupt dump release often caused when heavy loads shift. In addition, a side dump rotates 110 degrees from either direction, making it safer to place heavy loads where they are intended to go.
OxCart Unit: Utility Infielder
Hyland notes that the club must accomplish all renovation, irrigation and aerification projects during summer months, when the Snow Birds are gone. "We impact fewer people that way," he adds. "But we make sure playing surfaces are as good as they can be year-round."
Hyland envisions further water-conservation projects for DC Ranch down the road. "We're always looking for ways to save water - and our members are very much on board with our efforts," he says.