Many, LA
United States
Site Profile
After 25 years of operation, the course infrastructure — particularly the greens and irrigation system — had significantly deteriorated. The Cypress Bend Resort owners set out to renovate the course with three key objectives in mind: enhancing playability, preserving the site’s natural beauty, and improving course conditions.
A major aspect of the project was replacing the outdated irrigation system. The resort needed a modern, user-friendly control platform that could scale with future course needs, along with high-performance rotors that delivered exceptional distribution uniformity and simple upkeep.
The site’s varied elevations and dense tree cover posed notable communication challenges, making reliable radio connectivity between the central software and the field nearly impossible.
To address these issues, the owners assembled an expert team, including Hunter Industries, golf course architect Jeff Blume, ASGCA, contractor Mid-America Golf, irrigation consultant Les Hill, and operator Sterling Golf Management. The $6.5 million renovation plan included a thoughtful redesign of the course along with the installation of an efficient new Hunter irrigation system.
Among the Hunter products chosen were a two-wire irrigation system with Pilot Command Center Software, a Pilot Integrated Hub System, TTS-800 Series Golf Rotors, and an ICD-HP Programmer.
Pilot Command Center Software comes equipped with cloud database backup, web-based features, and visual insight integrations from POGO® sensors. These useful tools allow staff to spend less time at the computer programming the nightly watering.
Working in tandem with the software, TTS-800 Series Golf Rotors provided the unmatched distribution uniformity needed to shorten rotor and pump run times while cutting electricity costs. Complete with water-saving PressurePort™ Nozzle Technology and no-dig Total-Top-Serviceability, these advanced rotors ensure consistent performance and quick, easy maintenance.
The two-wire system, featuring two Pilot Integrated Hubs, controlled all the sprinklers on the course, allowing the staff to run grow-in programs immediately — hole by hole — before the computer was installed. To mitigate the communication issues on the site, Hunter suggested hardwired communication between the central system and the hubs. This enabled reliable, high-quality communication while allowing the superintendent to turn the rotors on and off from any location with his radio.
Using the Pilot Navigator App, the staff can now command their course from anywhere, making quick system adjustments from the convenience of a phone or tablet.
With an efficient control system, powerful rotors, and an intuitive remote management solution, the staff is keeping the renowned course in optimal playing condition while saving time on maintenance and reducing water and electricity costs.
“The project has turned Cypress Bend 180 degrees from what it was. The quality of the turf is exceptional because of the Hunter irrigation system. Staff don’t have to continually do repairs now that it has the new high-density polyethylene system, along with the remarkable Hunter TTS-800 Series Golf Rotors,” said national golf specification manager Dennis Wagner.
Along with the proven performance of Hunter products, the quick, hands-on service from the company’s representatives during installation was crucial to the project’s success.
“Hunter’s field service personnel were on site within 24 hours every time they were requested, and the office itself was very quick to respond when additional equipment was needed. They had our backs for the entire project,” added Hill.
Thanks to a revamped landscape design and a new best-in-class irrigation system, Cypress Bend Golf Course has unlocked new levels of beauty and efficiency, solidifying its status as a premier golf destination in Louisiana.
