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The Pease Golf Course in Portsmouth dates back 34 years. But its irrigation lines are even older, installed back in the 1950s, reaching over 70 years. As a result, the aging lines are becoming costly and inefficient to maintain. This is also causing damage to the golf course that houses over 70,000 rounds of play per year. To conserve the regional 27-hole golf course, the authorities approved a total renovation of the irrigation lines. The Pease Development Authority revealed its recent contract with National Lawn Sprinklers Inc. The contract encompasses a financial commitment of $1.3 million. However, the financial burden of the failing infrastructure far surpasses this figure. Under the agreement, National Lawn Sprinklers would replace the irrigation lines first installed in the mid-1950s by the US Air Force. The property was still a part of the Pease Air Force Base back then, when the main irrigation amenities were set up in the upper part of the land. Those areas form the 1, 2, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, and 18 holes in the now golf course. As a result, the site’s main plumbing system is outdated and far beyond its expected lifespan. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad When the Peach Development Authority took it over in 1991, it only made partial updates, including installing tie-in lines and sprinklers. However, done on a tight budget, the work was hasty and has worn out by now. Owing to the dying irrigation system in the course, the core pipes and their supporting lines suffer from frequent breakdowns. Moreover, due to the 1950s-era obsolete parts, repairs become a headache for the management, causing delays. It is also adding to turf damage because of inconsistent watering while incurring massive water waste, too. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad The new irrigation system will use modern, precise watering technology while addressing the recurrent issues. It also plans on reducing the total water wastage, using its latest sustainability model. The contract will work on developing an aeration system for the main pond on hole 14. Speaking on the proposed plans for the new irrigation lines, Tiffany Eddy of the PDA explained, “The irrigation system is long overdue for upgrades. The new system will be more environmentally friendly and efficiently managed by staff using advanced technologies that allow precise watering in targeted areas.” Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports Work will begin early in spring, likely in mid-March, when the ground conditions improve. Giving a date, Eddy shared that all 27 holes in the course will be ready and open from May 1. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad But even before this major change, the Pease Golf Course had seen its fair share of developments. How has the Pease Golf Course changed through the years The golf course has withered through the years of the legacy it holds. Originally a 9-hole course, Pease Golf Course has gone on to showcase a full field of 27-hole course. While the obsolete irrigation system has led to poor turf conditions, the course wasn’t always in this condition. Alexander Findlay designed the first 9 holes of the course back in 1901, at the then Portsmouth Country Club. Since then, it has witnessed many changes. In July 1929, the land acquired an additional 90 acres, and Mr. Stiles designed 9 more holes. The course opened on Memorial Day 1931. However, the power shifted to the US military when the US Air Force acquired the property in 1956. The course came to be known as the golf facility on Pease Air Force Base. The US Air Force developed the course, including airport zones and the main irrigation lines. In 1991, PDA took over, identifying key sites for reuse. The Air Force Base doubled as landing sites, industrial zones, and business/commercial zones. The site became the Pease International Tradeport: an aviation industrial park, commercial space, and business hub. According to PDA, over 10,500 jobs were created, over 3,000 acres developed, and nearly 5 million sq ft of building space occupied. The course saw the construction of 9 more holes in 2000. In 2012, Brad Booth redesigned the lower nine, including drainage, routing, and terrain improvements. As is apparent, Pease Golf Course has seen multiple renovations and reconstructions over the ages. In 2025, the course will have two more events to tee off: the PGA Tour Simulator Scramble and the PGA Tour Simulator Best Ball. With over a century of legacy, the golf course continues to be one of the most iconic spots.
