Renovation Report Donnie Beck

In this TurfNet Renovation Report, Anthony Pioppi interviews Donnie Beck, superintendent at Fishers Island Club, about their major irrigation system renovation. Beck, the fifth superintendent in the course's 100-year history, discusses the unique challenges of maintaining a links-style golf course located seven miles off the Connecticut coast but belonging to New York. The course faces increasing saltwater flooding, now occurring 6-7 times per year compared to once or twice when Beck started in 1994. The new Rain Bird irrigation system, designed by Paul Roche and installed by Tanto, replaced a partial system from the 1990s and includes innovative long-range rotors that throw 115 feet to cover the massive Seth Raynor greens averaging 10,000-11,000 square feet. The project required complex logistics, with 15-16 crew members commuting daily by ferry from Connecticut and staging materials months in advance. The system focuses on greens, tees, and select fairways used primarily for salt leaching rather than turf irrigation, maintaining the course's traditional firm and fast playing conditions.