LATEST
NEWS

Souters Sports installs new irrigation system at Musselburgh Links
Sean Dudley
/ Categories: News

Souters Sports installs new irrigation system at Musselburgh Links

Sports turf contractors Souters Sports have installed a new irrigation system at one of the world’s oldest golf courses.

Musselburgh Links in East Lothian, Scotland, is recorded to have been played on as early as 1672 and quite possibly further back than that. The course was also the original venue of the Open Championship, and hosted the event six times between 1874 and 1889.

Previously, the irrigation system for the course’s tees and green was outdated and old lead pipes were used to supply water.

“There were many leaks in the system and watering the course was extremely difficult which disrupted playing time – the council decided that it was time for an upgrade,” said Mark McGrath, amenity officer for East Lothian Council. “We had heard that Souters Sports were the best at this type of work and they were contacted to initiate a plan and costing for a new irrigation system.”

McGrath met with Robert Smith and James Fitzpatrick from Souters Sports and an initial site meeting was carried out, during which the location of water points and run of pipes was agreed upon.

“Once the plans were put in place, the work quickly begun and I had the pleasure of working with James, who is so professional in his approach to the job,” said McGrath. “There has been very little disruption to the course during the installation with James keeping me constantly updated on progress and any issues he encountered resolved.”

Souters Sports ensured there was the installation caused minimal impact and that reinstatements were carried out to the highest standards.

The Souters Sports systems incorporate the latest water efficiency and system control technology, such as variable speed drive pump systems, automatic weather stations and radio remote control systems.

“I would be more than happy to recommend Souters in the future for any other works associated to this type of work,” McGrath added. “If the aftercare is as good as the installation then I foresee only good things for the Old Links course for the future.”

Previous Article Construction of Trump World Golf Club in Dubai gets underway
Next Article Golf Club of Texas set to reopen in July following Bechtol’s renovations
Print
5289 Rate this article:
No rating
Sean Dudley

Sean DudleySean Dudley

Other posts by Sean Dudley
Contact author

Contact author

x
Spring 2025 issue of ASGCA’s By Design magazine is out now
Magazine, News | Fri 14 Mar, 2025

Spring 2025 issue of ASGCA’s By Design magazine is out now

New issue asks whether the golf boom has led to an increase in municipal golf investment

The January 2025 issue of Golf Course Architecture is out now!
Magazine, News | Fri 17 Jan, 2025

The January 2025 issue of Golf Course Architecture is out now!

Projects covered include Golf Club Föhr, Brautarholt, Cabot Citrus Farms, Somabay and more

FEATURE
ARTICLES

Bob Harrison: Wizard of Oz
Konrad Borkowski
Interview | Adam Lawrence

Bob Harrison: Wizard of Oz

The Australian designer has had a long career and, like many of his countrymen, has spent much of it away from home. Adam Lawrence listened to his tales from the road

Jim Wagner and Rusty Mercer discuss Kinsale design and build
Kinsale Golf Club
Interview | Richard Humphreys

Jim Wagner and Rusty Mercer discuss Kinsale design and build

Florida course is a tribute to the Golden Age designs of Raynor and Macdonald

Are bunkers getting too pretty for their own good?
Larry Lambrecht
Feature | Adam Lawrence

Are bunkers getting too pretty for their own good?

Is the beauty of bunkering being over-emphasised at the expense of its function, asks Adam Lawrence

Good Read: The Prairie Raynor
Grant Books Ltd
Good Read | John Moran and Rand Jerris

Good Read: The Prairie Raynor

John Moran and Rand Jerris share insight into their book about Seth Raynor’s design at Chicago Golf Club

Vinpearl Golf Léman: New pearls for Vietnam
Vinpearl Golf Leman
Report | Richard Humphreys

Vinpearl Golf Léman: New pearls for Vietnam

The first of two Golfplan-designed courses at club near Ho Chi Minh City has opened for play

Seven Canyons: Desert drama
Brad Klein
Report | Bradley Klein

Seven Canyons: Desert drama

Brad Klein reports on a Phil Smith Design renovation in Sedona, Arizona

Golf Club Föhr: Reinvented for a new century
Stefan von Stengel
On site | Adam Lawrence

Golf Club Föhr: Reinvented for a new century

Adam Lawrence reports on a visit to the far north of Germany where Christian Althaus has completely rebuilt the 27-hole course over the last 15 years

Nauka Nayarit: Welcome to the jungle
Harris Kalinka
Report | Richard Humphreys

Nauka Nayarit: Welcome to the jungle

Ten holes of a new Fazio Design course on Mexico’s Pacific coast have opened for play

Brautarholt: Oceanic connection
Tony Ristola
On site | Adam Lawrence

Brautarholt: Oceanic connection

One of the world’s best 12-hole courses is being extended to 18 by architect Tony Ristola. Adam Lawrence reports from Iceland and says he expects the finished course to make quite a splash

The Club at Quail Ridge: Delivering the dramatic
Evan Schiller
Report | Richard Humphreys

The Club at Quail Ridge: Delivering the dramatic

Florida club unveils results of North course redesign, completed by Fry/Straka and NMP Golf Construction

Addison Reserve: Return on investment
Gideon Heller
Report | Toby Ingleton

Addison Reserve: Return on investment

One of southeast Florida’s premier residential communities has completed a project to redesign its three nines of golf

Gopher Watch Competition – January 2025
Gopher Watch, News | Fri 17 Jan, 2025

Gopher Watch Competition – January 2025

Which course has Sandy the gopher visited this month?

MOST
POPULAR

FEATURED
BUSINESSES