When it comes to irrigating golf courses, most greenkeepers will judge sprinkler performance by eye. If a sprinkler’s throw is reaching the next one, the assumption is often “that’s doing the job.”
Unfortunately, that simple visual check can be misleading. The real measure of irrigation quality and the biggest factor affecting turf health and resource efficiency is uniformity. In this article Manager of International Golf Sales for KAR UK & Van Den Borne Wesley Henshaw discusses the importance of irrigation uniformity.
What is Uniformity and Why Does It Matter?
Uniformity, measured as Distribution Uniformity (DU), describes how evenly water is applied across the irrigated area. A DU of 100% would mean every square metre receives exactly the same amount of water. In reality, factors like wind, pressure variation, nozzle design, and sprinkler layout mean there’s always some variation but the higher the DU, the better.
Low uniformity forces you to run sprinklers longer to ensure the driest spots get enough water. This overwatering of the rest of the area wastes water, increases pumping costs, and can create softer playing conditions, disease risk, and nutrient leaching.
The Common Misunderstanding
Many believe that sprinkler performance is simply about distance, if one head’s throw reaches another, coverage is “good.” In truth, sprinklers cannot achieve good uniformity if installed in a straight line. Overlapping spray patterns need to be arranged in a square or triangular pattern to blend evenly. Think of it like painting with a spray can, you don’t get a consistent coat by making single passes; you need overlapping passes at the right angles.
Hunter’s Edge: The Highest Uniformity Available
Independent distribution audits have repeatedly shown that the Hunter TTS-800 Series delivers the highest uniformity in the industry, a claim no other brand can make. In real-world UK and international conditions, including challenging wind, these sprinklers have demonstrated massive performance improvements over older systems.
– Example Audit #1 – Greens retrofitted from a competitor’s heads to Hunter’s TTS-800 technology showed DU Lq improving from 48% to 88%, with 26% less run time required. This equated to over 26,000 m³ of water saved annually on just 500 heads.
Beyond water savings, these improvements translated into substantial energy and cost reductions, fewer pumping hours, and more consistent playing conditions.
Performance Under Pressure – Even in Wind
The Hunter G85 Riser is an excellent example of how design drives performance. Distribution testing produces a DU benchmark few can match, especially under windy conditions. The precise nozzle engineering means water is delivered evenly where it’s needed, not lost to drift or overapplication.
How to Check Your Own Uniformity
You don’t have to take anyone’s word for it—checking uniformity is straightforward:
1. Place catch cans evenly across a green in a grid pattern.
2. Run the sprinklers for a set time.
3. Measure the collected water in each can.
4. Calculate the DU Lq (many online calculators can do this with your measurements)
If your DU is below 75%, there’s room for improvement and significant potential savings in both water and money.
The Takeaway for Greenkeepers
Irrigation is not just about getting water from point A to point B; it’s about getting it there evenly. Higher uniformity means healthier turf, better playability, and lower operating costs. With the Hunter TTS-800 Series, you’re investing in the highest uniformity on the market, proven water and energy savings, and robust performance in real UK conditions.
If you’re considering an upgrade or simply want to benchmark your current system, a uniformity test is a great first step. The results might surprise you and could open the door to improved performance and significant resource savings.
For more information, please visit www.karuk.com
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