The pumping station, the heart of the hydraulic system, was completely renovated and recalibrated in 2020. Prior to this, the field team had completely overhauled the irrigation system for the greens and tees. The fairways and roughs — which account for nearly 80% of annual water consumption — were then equipped with more modern and efficient irrigation technology. These new sprinklers, which are fully controllable, can be repositioned and controlled individually to optimise the distribution of this precious and essential resource: water.
RESPONSIBLE AND REASONABLE MANAGEMENT
In parallel with the renovation work on the ground, new management software has been deployed to better control water use. Connected to a weather station and equipped with ‘smart’ decoders that communicate continuously, this system makes it possible to deliver precisely the right amount of water, while quickly detecting any electrical malfunctions.
This highly sophisticated system allows for precise adjustment of irrigation volumes based on the layout of the course and weather conditions. While the weather station performs most of the calculations, the course manager and his watering technician can still intervene either manually or via an app, sprinkler by sprinkler, to fine-tune the settings. Finally, a portable moisture sensor is used to regularly measure soil moisture levels and adjust watering times when necessary.
All of this equipment, combining modernised infrastructure and cutting-edge management tools, now enables irrigation management that is more precise, more responsive and more respectful of this precious resource: water.
RESULTS
Particular care was taken when designing the sprinkler layout to ensure that every litre of water is applied exactly where it is needed, without excess or shortage. Thanks to this more precise and controlled irrigation system, the course enjoys more uniform growth and optimised playing quality, while conserving water and energy resources. The effects of this modernisation are already tangible and can be seen in four major areas.
The efficiency of the new system has enabled us to achieve an annual reduction of 15 to 20% in raw water consumption from the Canal de Provence. This sectorisation system reduces the area requiring irrigation while maintaining suitable playing surfaces, thereby complying with the prefectural orders restricting watering.
The complete replacement of the underground pipe network, covering several kilometres and diameters ranging from 63 to 250 mm, has drastically reduced water losses. Where leaks previously amounted to several thousand cubic metres, the new network now ensures reliable and controlled distribution of the resource.
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Biodiversity 
Course maintenance 
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