AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION SYSTEM
In the spring of 1988, nature filled the huge cavity to the brim with water and the new seventh hole water retention pond appeared to have adequate capacity for a tree-line-to-tree-line watering system. The proposal, financing, and construction of the new automatically controlled irrigation system began.
Our Superintendent, Bill Rolland, was the front running promoter who spearheaded the effort to get the system financed and installed on our course. He, with the Grounds Committee, convinced the Board and Certificate holders, in a special meeting held in October 1988, that the proposed tree-line to tree-line design (double row of sprinklers) would best serve our needs, when contrasted with less expensive proposals. The proposal was voted and approved by the Certificate holders. The complete price for the new system was contracted for $600,000 for which bonds were sold to meet the debt obligation. The contract for the installation of the entire irrigation system was awarded in the winter of 1988 to White Turf lnc. Barre, Mass. The supplier for the component parts of the system was P .I.E Inc., Milford, Conn. The pump housing foundation was built and donated by Don Treannie; the pump house itself was built by volunteer Witmore (Pete) Turner.
When the system is under central control via the central computer, 99 coordinated irrigation distribution programs are possible. These programs control individual sprinklers as predetermined by historical occurrences of wet or dry conditions. Although 99 programs can be created, only 12 are currently used. The whole golf course can be watered at night in a nine-hour span. This translates to about one fourth the time of the old centerline manual watering system.
The newly installed automatically controlled irrigation system was commissioned to full operation August 1989. It has been a success and is credited with bringing about the plush, full green growth of grasses and strong turf we now enjoy.
PREFERENTIAL POLICIES
Many members of The Foxboro Company 4-Ball League lived in Mansfield. They were also interested in the golf club project and joined the volunteer effort, as construction got under way. They also took part in the fund raising drive. It was for this reason that the Board of Governors approved a policy that allowed both Mansfield and Foxboro golfers to be given preferential treatment in such matters as memberships and other social benefits. As time went on, such policies were considered discriminatory and the 
Board decided to drop the policy.
The Foxboro Company 4-Ball League in the past has also been given preferential treatment in playing their League matches and Field Day on our course. With the sale of The Foxboro Company to Siebe PLC, and for other reasons, our close relationship was discontinued in 1991.
