Golf de La Grande Motte, a 42-hole golf complex on the French Mediterranean coast, has reduced water consumption following the installation of a new Toro irrigation system.

Robert Trent Jones designed two 18-hole courses (Pink Flamingos and The Gulls) and the six-hole Seagulls layout at the club in the 1980s. Since then, the club has operated the Toro Site Pro system and LTC satellites, which use hydraulic converters alongside hydraulic rotors.

In 2023, nearly 40 years opening, La Grande Motte decided to update its infrastructure. Toro worked alongside irrigation designer Frédéric Quillien of K Consult and water technicians Arrosage Concept on a project to modernise irrigation, with a new system that enhances water distribution and reduces consumption.

“Despite hurdles like trenching difficulties caused by the courses’ proximity to sea level – resulting in pipes floating in the trenches – and the need for continuous access for players, the installation of 1,500 units of Flex 800 series sprinklers equipped with high-performance nozzles became the cornerstone of this comprehensive renovation,” said Roland Demonty, area sales manager at Toro.

The project included the integration of Toro LAC decoders, empowering the greenkeeping team with precise control over water delivery to specific areas. This allows for tailored irrigation adjustments based on real-time weather data, enabling compliance with water restrictions while optimising water usage. Three ‘Smart Hubs’ manage the 1,500 LAC decoders through the Lynx Central Control system.

“The greenkeeping team was able to optimise irrigation schedules and achieve remarkable water savings,” said Demonty. “Indeed, not only has La Grande Motte upgraded its water quality and significantly reduced water consumption, but it has also set a new benchmark for sustainable golf course irrigation practices.”