Desert Canyon Golf Club is undergoing some changes, meaning low summer rates for golfers and, in just a few months, an improved course for future play.

Last November Desert Canyon began the complete replacement of its irrigation system.

The lifespan of most irrigation systems is about 15 years. However, after 37 years of service, mainlines, laterals, valves, controllers and sprinkler heads at Desert Canyon finally needed to be replaced to improve the watering of the course.

A project cost of $2.4 million over the next two years was anticipated.

The installation of a booster pump was the first step to stabilize the irrigation cycles.

In November, Desert Canyon also started to replace the main line on the back nine holes and emptied the lake on hole one for a complete overhaul.

With the cooperation and approval of the Town of Fountain Hills, the new mainline crosses four streets in the immediate neighborhood and replaced the old line in washes and along fairways.

The construction schedule foresees about four miles of new six-, eight- and 10-inch mainline pipe replacing the old four-inch pipes, and the installation of more than 1600 new individually controlled sprinkler heads.

New shut-off and control valves enable the system to be run more efficiently by distributing water when and where it is most useful.

According to General Manager Karl Boettcher, this will allow Desert Canyon to conserve water and easily fine-tune distribution, making sure all areas are receiving proper hydration.

The source for all the irrigation water will be the refurbished lake and a pump station right next to it.

In the evenings, water will now be pressurized and pumped directly from the lake and out to the course. Afterwards, the lake will be refilled with water coming from the course’s well located on hole five.

After nine months of work, Desert Canyon has completed holes 11, 13 and 14 with two miles of main line (out of four) already in the ground.

This month, the course will see water returning to the newly- lined lake. Before overseeding in October, four more holes will be completely renovated.

“We tell the neighbors, we know it can be dusty and noisy, but in six months we’ll be completely finished,” Boettcher said. “Then they’ll have a nice, beautiful course to look at.”

Along with keeping the locals happy, Boettcher said it is important to provide for local golfers who want to keep playing.

“We’re glad for anyone wanting to come out and play despite the construction,” Boettcher said.

Desert Canyon has been voted the best local course to play five years running by Marketing Surveys of America. So, Boettcher said it is important to keep providing for the golfers who keep coming back for more.

“About 90 percent of our players are local. We want to keep them happy and give them an opportunity to play golf,” he said.

Boettcher said coordinating play through the construction has been difficult, but well worth the effort.

“The challenge became to plan the construction with minimum impact on the golf game,” Boettcher said. “During the season, we worked only on the main line. During the summer, we are closing one hole at a time to install the lateral lines and sprinkler heads.”

To compensate the golfers during the week for the closure of one hole at a time, Desert Canyon is offering a special summer rate this year of $19.95, which includes cart, driving range and unlimited golf Monday through Friday.

On weekends, all 18 holes will be playable, and the summer rate is $33 for residents and $30 for pass holders, which also includes carts and practice balls.

Boettcher said, in the end, the improved golf experience and irrigation will all be worth the effort.

“The new irrigation system will conserve money and water and give us a better course when it’s finished,” Boettcher said. “It’s a win-win situation that, to me, completely justifies our investment.”