Timing is everything in the world of golf. The golf swing is a study in proper body mechanics and precise timing. Putts need to be timed just right so when balls hit the break they will go right in the hole. Of course, the break in the green can't be seen unless the area is properly maintained, so that means that the irrigation system at a course must have proper mechanics and precise timing, much like the golf swing.

Whether it is an 18-hole par-72 course or a small 9-hole course, getting the irrigation system in order is a must.

Lake Cushman Golf Course, nestled in the mountains of Hoodsport, Wash. recently replaced the irrigation system on their 9-hole par-35 course. The scenic course was built in 1965 and is open year round, providing golfers with a view of the Olympic Mountains while playing the challenging, yet fun course.

Controlled Rain, LLC of Lacey, Wash. installed the new system on the 2,957 yard course.

"Everything is still hydraulic, but instead of being an old hydraulic controller that is not precise or accurate whatsoever, we actually used a Toro XF416 controller that converts it from a hydraulic controller into an electric one," said Brian McClaflin of Controlled Rain. "We installed it all in a pedestal and used a Toro EHC01-16 converter."

The converter changed the system to solid-state timing, which allows each station to run from 0-99 minutes in accurate one minute increments. The solid-state timing kept the system at Lake Cushman Golf Course running, while at the same time not wasting water.

That meant that every existing controller location had to be dismantled. There was a large amount of collaboration with each controller having to run a pump system.

"Everything had to be sequenced right so the pump would stay running," McClaflin said. "Everything was sequenced throughout the whole course, so you had tees and greens you had to separate, and everything had to be timed right down to the gnat's ass.

"This is still not a central system, so you are not able to sit at your computer and control this. Every single controller had to be programmed individually and it all had to be timed out perfect."

McClaflin estimates that more than 20 controllers were used on the Lake Cushman Course.

Each new controller was placed in a pedestal and placed in newly poured concrete foundation. The system was virtually inactive when McClaflin and his crew of six from Controlled Rain began work on the course. The course had just about given up on trying to get the system started, as McClaflin said that it was a big fight to start it up.

The controllers are enclosed in a plastic cabinet that can be taken apart on both sides. One side opens for the controller and the other side opens to where there is water for the hydraulic system. The side where the water for the system is located is where the converter was mounted. Another added benefit of the controller cabinets is they are plastic. The previous models were metal and over the years the constant pounding of golf balls took their toll.

Ice cube relays were put in each assembly and 110 volt line was looped around the entire course for the pump start relay.

In systems using hydraulically operated valves, the communication link between the valve and controller is the tubing. PVC is used in most cases on golf courses because it can withstand the onslaught of rodents. Although in colder climates, poly-based tubing may be used because it is softer and will expand when the water freezes.

Lake Cushman Golf Course, built in 1965 is a 9-hole, 2,957 yard course located in Hoodsport, Wash. The old hydraulic system that the course had been using was converted to solid-state timing, using a Toro EHC01-16 converter. The conversion to solid-state timing allows each station within the system to run from 0-99 minutes in accurate one minute increments.

The new system is now better suited for the irrigation needs of the Lake Cushman Golf Course. The system is able to work with the various micro-climates that are presented on the course. Because of snowfall in the winter, there are places on the course that are very soft and do not need as much watering as other places on the course.

A good way to test for irrigation needs on a golf course is with a tensiometer. In the book "A Guide to Golf Course Irrigation System Design and Drainage" by Edward Pira, he states that in large areas like golf courses where watering needs differ from fairway to fairway and within the fairway itself, it may be difficult to select a "typical" site to install sensors. Pira suggests that they can be used as indicators by wiring them to a signal light that can serve as a guide to the operator as to whether or not irrigation is needed.

Just like anything else in golf, timing is everything.

"Every single controller had to be programmed individually and it all had to be timed out perfect," McClaflin said. "You just never know what kind of problems you'll have. The good thing is that it worked."