James Schumacher, President of Aqua Turf International, Inc. (ATI) recently visited Royal Calcutta Golf Club in Kolkata, India to perform a System Analysis and prepare a Long Range Improvement plan. Founded in 1829, Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC), affectionately known as the “Royal”, is the oldest golf club outside the British Isles, the oldest being the Royal and Ancient, St. Andrews in Scotland, the home of golf. Originally located near the Calcutta airport, the club moved to its present location at Tollygunge in 1910. The Royal’s conspicuous features are its strategically located water tanks natural water hazards and beautifully tree lined fairways. The club has approximately 2,000 Members, 1,100 of those are golfers of which 700 are considered active players.
The irrigation system is antiquated and has become a limiting factor to the turf maintenance program. The golf course operations are managed by Quality Turf international of Bangkok, Thailand (https://www.qualitygolfasia.com/) who was instrumental in leading the club to hire an independent analysis of the status of the irrigation system. ATI has been contracted to evaluate the system and make recommendations for improvements.
During the site analysis, the entire system was inspected and the following criteria evaluated:
- Water Sources Water Quality and Availability
- Water Storage and Irrigation Requirements
- Pump Station
- Pipe, Fittings and Valves
- Sprinklers and Coverage
- Control System and Wiring
- Desired Standards of Operation
- Original Installation
- Maintenance Procedures and History
- System Performance, Reliability and Limitations
- Turf Needs and Soil Conditions
While on site Mr. Schumacher was assisted by Mr. Tim Denham, Golf Course Superintendent, along with Mr. Nikhil Sanwal, Assistant to the Golf Course Superintendent.
Royal Calcutta Golf Club is anxious to host prestigious tournaments in the near future. Bringing the irrigation system up to standard with the help of ATI and Quality Golf International will be very helpful in achieving that lofty goal.
