Ponoka Golf Club celebrates new irrigation system

PONOKA -- A ribbon-cutting was recently held to celebrate the completion of the Ponoka Golf Club's new irrigation system.

The replacement was undertaken after the previous system had reached the end of its lifespan, which had resulted in frequent repairs and added labour and operational costs. Thanks to a $1,000,000 grant from the Alberta government's Community Facility Enhancement Program, the Ponoka Golf Club was able to fully replace the irrigation system to provide more efficient, full surface coverage across the golf course and use less water overall.

"Years of planning have gone into the current aging infrastructure and the Alberta government was pleased to be part of the solution by giving one million dollars to replace the irrigation system," reads a statement from MLA Jennifer Johnson. "Golfers from around the province will continue to gather in this incredibly beautiful spot, and with these upgrades, will continue to do so for many generations to come." 

The new irrigation system utilizes HDPE piping, which replaces the PVC piping used in our previous system. The non-profit says that HDPE is more durable and flexible, and will provide greater longevity and reliability. They add that the upgrade is expected to last at least 50 years and will result in major long-term improvements to course conditions and overall playability.

Without the system's replacement, the Ponoka Golf Club notes that associated costs would have likely increased by 10 to 25 per cent over the next several years. This year, the golf club also celebrated 90 years serving the local community.