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Enhance and perfect your turf management strategy with Attraxor

Enhance and perfect your turf management strategy with Attraxor: Finding optimal solutions to manage and maintain amenity turf remains a consistent challenge among greenkeepers, with a growing number of professionals recognising the benefits of introducing plant growth regulators (PGRs), like Attraxor®, into their ongoing strategy. Here, we hear from several of the UK’s top greenkeepers about how Attraxor® has helped them manage and maintain their turf.

The leading PGR in the turf management toolkit, Attraxor® works by restricting the production of gibberellic acid – the plant hormone responsible for cell elongation. By reducing the level of hormone in the leaf, Attraxor® then redirects the energy within the sward to enhance the root and lateral growth, while upholding consistent turf quality and colour.

Enhance and perfect your turf management strategy with Attraxor

Enhance and perfect your turf management strategy with Attraxor

PGRs, like Attraxor®, are instrumental in enabling groundkeepers to optimise their often-limited resources efficiently.

Darren McLaughlan, golf courses manager at Trump Turnberry, Ayrshire, agrees and confirms he has seen enhanced turf quality, reduced time spent and costs in maintenance – as well as improved playability.

Darren said: “We recorded growth suppression of average 33 per cent as measured by clip rate, so it’s clear that the use of Attraxor® plus natural environmental factors have significantly reduced top growth. The active prohexadione calcium shrinks the Poa seedhead leading to far more consistent ball roll, improved smoothness, and a slight increase in green speed!

“Playability metrics such as green speed and bobble test rating increased dramatically after one application. Our members have also commented on the difference in the greens and the improvement in their play since we began using Attraxor®.”

Attraxor® also limits the spread of Poa annua and reduces seedhead production by up to 38%. By using an innovative formulation for fast leaf absorption, it provides almost instant results as it is activated once diluted in water at low pH.

John Quinn, Golf Course Manager at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa, has been using Attraxor® for three seasons and continues to see excellent benefits and Poa annua reduction from the PGR.

John said “I use Attraxor® every 21 days on our greens and it has lowered the mowing maintenance of the greens and complemented our existing efforts of upkeep.

“During periods of high growth, we alternate days mowing and rolling to reduce plant stress. Attraxor® gives me better control of growth rates. Throughout the 21-day period, a more uniform sward is possible each week. I’ve found that the Poa annua seedhead suppression qualities are superior to Trinexapac-ethyl products.”

Attraxor® increases the density of the turf by redirecting growth horizontally. It encourages the thickening of the plant cell walls and epidermis, therefore creating a stronger, more resilient, and consistent sward, while suppressing Poa annua seedhead production.

To find out more about Attraxor®, visit https://www.pestcontrol.basf.co.uk/en/Products/Overview/Growth-Regulator/Attraxor.html#section-benefits or to explore BASF’s wider turf products, visit https://www.pestcontrol.basf.co.uk/en/Products/Product-innovation/Turf/

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Verti-Quake and Verti-Drain combo help Wrekin GC

Verti-Quake and Verti-Drain combo help Wrekin GC: Like many, the team at Wrekin Golf Club have recorded extraordinary levels of rainfall over the winter of 2023/24. And yet, Course Manager Gary Turner explains that they’ve emerged with free-draining fairways, which he attributes to a single pass with their Redexim Verti-Quake. The timely purchase in the autumn has now been followed up by the delivery of a Redexim Verti-Drain 1517 to further improve aeration results and enhance drainage in other areas of the course.

Nestled at the base of the Wrekin and surrounded by both natural woodland and picturesque views, Gary is now into his 20th year at the Telford club. A lack of available resources has meant that no aeration has been conducted on the fairways for the last three or four years, which is why the delivery of the Verti-Quake 2516 by Charlies Ag & Turf in September 2023, has been hailed a ‘godsend!’

Verti-Quake and Verti-Drain combo help Wrekin GC

Verti-Quake and Verti-Drain combo help Wrekin GC

“They had begun to lay wet so we knew it would take something robust to break through those years of compaction. The budget we had at the time allowed us to purchase the 2516, which went out on the fairways almost as soon as it came through the gates and the results were astounding! We created channels at depths of 4” and transformed the fairways into the driest part of the course with just one pass.”

“The plan will be to utilise this during renovation weeks in March and September and complement the linear aeration with monthly passes of our new Verti-Drain 1517 on the fairways, as well as the greens and tees.”

The 1517 from the award-winning Redexim range offers a lightweight aeration solution with a 1.7m working width and 6” working depth – a combination that makes it a popular choice for sensitive turf areas. It’s larger size and faster operating speed compared to Gary’s previous aerator presents more effective results, in less time.

“Matt Lewis from Charlie’s delivered the Verti-Drain at the start of March and, as soon as it was dry enough, we passed over all 18 greens with 12mm solid tines, in three and a half hours less than the task previously took. A few weeks on and we can still see the holes.” Gary adds, “We plan to follow the monthly verti-draining with applications of dressing, which will bring multiple benefits to the profile and help us manage the challenges posed by mother nature!”

He concludes, “The service we’ve had from Matt and the Charlie’s team has been excellent at every stage and the machines have already proven to be the best, and most timely, purchases we’ve ever made.”

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Redexim and Trilo Smart Industries forge agreement

Redexim and Trilo Smart Industries forge agreement: Redexim and Trilo Smart Industries are pleased to announce a significant strategic agreement, heralding a new era in the turf machinery industry. Under this arrangement, Redexim will become the global distributor of Trilo blower products.

Redexim will leverage the expertise of Trilo to expand its product range with PTO driven blowers, enhancing its offerings to the turf machinery industry and expanding their portfolio and market reach through its Global network of Partners.

Redexim and Trilo Smart Industries forge agreement

Redexim and Trilo Smart Industries forge agreement

This landmark agreement solidifies the collaboration between two esteemed Dutch turf machinery manufacturers, utilising their respective strengths to deliver unparalleled value to customers worldwide. Trilo Smart Industries will focus its efforts on their specialised trailed vacuum products, while Redexim will enhance their product range by incorporating the high-quality blower products into their range and will take the reins in distributing the Trilo blower range under the Redexim brand.

“We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Trilo” said Curtis Allen, Sales Manager for Redexim. “The Trilo range of blowers is renowned for its performance and quality, making it a perfect fit for the Redexim portfolio. With our existing Partners catering to customers in golf, sports turf, municipalities, and similar sectors, incorporating these products into our range was a logical step forward.”

Christiaan Arends, CEO of Vanmac Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration. “We are happy with this agreement as Trilo wants to focus on our well known trailed vacuum products.

This agreement with Redexim gives us full focus and power to keep developing, producing and marketing the best trailed vacuum machines in the world.”

Redexim will assume responsibility for sales, marketing, distribution, and support of both new and existing Trilo blower machines in the market. Trilo blower products will be rebranded as Redexim while maintaining the commitment to quality and reliability expected from both Trilo and Redexim. Consequently, Trilo will cease offering the blower as a standalone product under its brand.

This collaboration underscores the commitment of both companies to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service to turf managers worldwide. By combining Redexim’s extensive distribution network and market expertise with the renowned performance of Trilo blowers, customers can expect enhanced accessibility and support for these essential turf management tools.

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ICL and Syngenta Launch Turf Rewards 2024

ICL and Syngenta Launch Turf Rewards 2024: ICL and Syngenta are excited to launch Turf Rewards 2024, a loyalty scheme specially designed to enhance turf management across the UK and Ireland.

The innovative programme rewards clubs and companies with points for purchasing ICL and Syngenta products, which can then be exchanged for rewards that can increase productivity and improve turf health.

ICL and Syngenta Launch Turf Rewards 2024

ICL and Syngenta Launch Turf Rewards 2024

‌Turf managers gain access to a variety of rewards, including advanced agronomic and turf maintenance tools, and valuable educational resources, encouraging professional growth and elevating standards in turf care.

‌This year, the scheme welcomes AIM, Syngenta’s new one-box fungicide programme, offering an impressive 40 points. Additionally, the European Turfgrass Laboratories Organic Matter Profile Test, redeemable for 20 points, joins the list of rewards, underscoring the scheme’s focus on practical, impactful benefits for turf professionals.

‌In reflection of its growing popularity and effectiveness, the Turf Rewards website has been comprehensively overhauled for 2024, making the process of accruing points and enhancing operational efficiency even more straightforward for everyone involved in turf management.

‌Turf professionals are encouraged to join Turf Rewards 2024 to elevate their turf management practices. For detailed information and to start reaping the benefits, please visit www.turfrewards.com for the UK scheme and www.turfrewards.ie for the Republic of Ireland scheme.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Rangeline improves range economics and visuals

Rangeline improves range economics and visuals: Sand bunkers are expensive items for golf courses to maintain, given the standards now expected by golfers. This level of maintenance is only justifiable for bunkers that get plenty of use: if a lot of players visit a bunker, then it is worth spending the money to keep it in primo condition. 

But on practice ranges, where bunkers are purely aiming tools, and never get any actual play, bunker maintenance is wholly a waste of money. Thus it is tempting for course operators to dig holes on their range, fill them with sand, and leave them be. But this approach too has its problems: wind and rain will cause the bunker sand to move around and to be contaminated with other substances, reducing, even possibily eliminating, the value of having the bunker on the range in the first place. The newly-launched RANGEline product from ZLine Products, is the answer.

Rangeline improves range economics and visuals

Rangeline improves range economics and visuals

RANGEline consists of sand-coloured synthetic material, which is installed on the range in lieu of bunkers. It is UV coated to ensure that the color can withstand sunlight exposure and seamlessly replicates the aesthetic value of sand bunkers on the range, giving golfers a powerful aiming tool, but it is essentially maintenance-free. The product was formerly known at SRL-16, but has been redesigned to be thicker and denser, so it absorbs impacts better.

“RANGEline helps course operators improve the playability and shotmaking of their practice ranges, without increasing maintenance costs,” says Casey Jones, inernational operations manager of ZLine. “It is very cost-effective – the cost of the product is roughly the same as sand – and over time it will produce an excellent return on investment. Ball picking from RANGEline is much easier than from a sand bunker, as the picking machine can drive over it. Even if the ‘bunker’ is inaccessible to the picker, it is far easier to rake up the balls than to pick them from sand – which has to be done by hand.”

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ISEKI tractor and Wiedenmann blower double

ISEKI tractor and Wiedenmann blower double: One of Scotland’s most notable private estates, which has unrivalled cultural and historical significance, has welcomed a Wiedenmann Whisper Twister blower and ISEKI TH 5420 compact tractor.

Kinross House, in Kinross-shire, overlooks Loch Leven, the largest loch in the Scottish Lowlands. Its formal gardens were planted in 1675, and its magnificent estate includes a national nature reserve, and is a short boat trip from the medieval island castle where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned in 1567.

ISEKI tractor and Wiedenmann blower double

ISEKI tractor and Wiedenmann blower double

Beautifully and sensitively restored in the last decade, this magnificent Scottish Palladian mansion now operates as a luxurious private retreat.

Head Gardener, Colin MacDonald, who, is responsible for maintaining around 100 acres of exquisitely manicured lawns and landscaped gardens and a further 100 acres of woodlands said:

“We chose the Whisper Twister primarily to blow off residual grass cuttings and present lawns to best effect. Until now we’ve tidied up with backpack blowers but once regular grass cutting resumes, the Wiedenmann will save hours of time every week. It will also double up for leaf blowing and keeping pathways clear. We’re looking forward to discovering lots of new uses across the season.”

The ISEKI purchase replaced a smaller 20 hp tractor which had come to the end of its lifetime.

“The tractor choice was about being Stage V compliant, future proofing and adding horsepower. We needed it to be bigger, so 40 hp is incredibly useful. We’ve earmarked some attachments for cutting and managing the turf and pathways, all which we hope to have soon. Adding efficiency while still maintaining quality is important. We owe it to the House to always present the gardens at their best.”

Fairways GM’s Area Sales Manager, Michael Lindsay, conducted installation training with Colin and his team of three gardeners: Joanne Curran, (on tractor), Gavin Smith and Craig Paterson.

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Bernhard and Company launches ‘Race across the World’

Bernhard and Company launches ‘Race across the World’: Bernhard and Company has launched a new company-wide challenge to raise funds for Crohn’s and Colitis UK, by taking on the ‘Race across the World’, in March, April, and May.

The Race across the World challenge encourages Bernhard team members to cover the furthest distance possible over the next three months, ending May 31st, 2024. Anyone in the company can take part, and in pursuit of covering the most kilometres, staff can choose to either walk, run, or cycle. There are no limits on the distance that can be travelled, so Bernhard team members will be able to rack up kilometres right up until the end of May, in the hope of raising as much money as possible.

Bernhard and Company launches ‘Race across the World’

Bernhard and Company launches ‘Race across the World’

Steven Nixon, Managing Director for Bernhard and Company, said: “We’re really proud to be launching another charity fundraising challenge. As a team, we’re committed to supporting great causes, and by launching this challenge, everyone in the business will come together to do their very best to raise crucial funds.

“Living with Crohn’s disease can be tough, as anxieties caused by the disease can have negative effects on mental health. So, we’re excited to work as hard as we can during these few months to keep moving and help to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by those affected.”

Crohn’s and Colitis UK provides support and information for the 300,000 UK citizens that are diagnosed with the disease, which affects gut health and leads to inflammatory bowel disorder. The charity aims to provide support and up-to-date information on the diseases for anyone who needs it, as well as breaking the taboo on these unpleasant disorders.

After taking on the Three Peaks Challenge in 2018, Bernhard and Company launched its virtual challenge in 2020: Bernhard5500, which raised over £1,000 for Parkinson’s UK. Bernhard recognised that a virtual challenge would allow them to unite employees located around the world. This time, utilising a variety of fitness disciplines – walking, running, and cycling – allows Bernhard and Company to build on previous charity success, and enables its staff to contribute to the cause in whichever way they wish to.

The Race across the World is a team effort for all at Bernhard and Company, as a global business – and distance updates can be tracked throughout the challenge, by visiting: https://www.challengehound.com/challenge/e92cce40-d26d-11ee-929d-51f49388a738

Bernhard and Company will be raising funds for ‘Crohn’s & Colitis UK’, which affects over 300,000 people in the UK. To find out more about this disease and those affected by it, visit: https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/our-work/about-us

To visit the Just Giving page, and support Bernhard and Company’s charity effort: https://www.justgiving.com/page/bernhard-raceacrosstheworld?utm_term=paw3yD2n9

For more information on Bernhard and Company, head online to: https://bernhard.co.uk/

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Bernhard and Company presents BIGGA Award

Bernhard and Company presents BIGGA Award: Industry-leader in turf sharpening equipment and management solutions, Bernhard and Company, has unveiled Walton Heath Golf Club, as the winner of the ‘Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year’ Award at the 2024 BIGGA Celebration at BTME.

The award – handed over by Bernhard and Company’s Commercial Director, Angelique Crosnier – was presented this evening to Michael Mann and the entire maintenance team at Walton Heath Golf Club for the exceptional conditions displayed when hosting the US Open Golf Championship Final Qualifying in May 2023 and the AIG Women’s Open in August 2023.

Bernhard and Company presents BIGGA Award

Bernhard and Company presents BIGGA Award

Crosnier commented: “It’s an honour for us to again be title sponsor for this significant award as part of BIGGA’s annual celebration at BTME.

“The team at Walton Heath delivered incredibly impressive conditions this year for both the US Open Final Qualifying and one of the most significant events in the women’s game, the AIG Women’s Open. The team overcame a number of setbacks to present the course in great shape on both occasions,” she added.

This award recognises that the success of any tournament depends upon the expertise and dedication of the greenkeeping team. From local club championships through to golf’s professional tours – all are only made possible due to the work of greenkeepers who go above and beyond to present the finest playing surfaces possible.

Also nominated for the award were:

  • Paisley Golf Club – led by Course Manager, Jonathan Caldwell, for hosting the Scottish Golf Men’s Area Team Championship Finals in September 2023
  • Portlethen Golf Club – led by Head Greenkeeper, Neil Sadler for hosting the Scottish Golf Boy’s Under 16 Open Championship in July 2023

Find Bernhard and Company on their official social media channels:

  • Twitter – @BernhardCompany
  • Facebook – Bernhard Company
  • Instagram – @BernhardCompany
  • LinkedIn – Bernhard Company

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Bernhard and Company makes senior appointment in North America

Bernhard and Company makes senior appointment in North America: Industry-leader in turf sharpening equipment and management solutions, Bernhard and Company, has today announced a new senior sales appointment in its North American team.

Danny McConnell, who has been a key part of the North American sales team for Bernhard and Company since joining as Technical Sales Support Manager in 2022, has been promoted to the role of Director of North America Business. The move comes as Bernhard and Company continues to enhance and build its brand – and that of the Bernhard Academy – within North America.

Bernhard and Company makes senior appointment in North America

Bernhard and Company makes senior appointment in North America

Gary Ray, Business Development Manager for North America, has been with Bernhard and Company for more than 20 years and has played a pivotal role in developing the company’s business, customer, and distributor relationships in the region. Gary will continue to manage key accounts and distribution partnerships, in addition members of the Bernhard and Company Prestige Club within North America.

Steven Nixon, Managing Director for Bernhard and Company, said: “We’re delighted to have appointed Danny to this new position within our North American team, as we continue to drive business growth and brand awareness in the region. Having been a key member of our team for a number of years now, we feel Danny is the ideal person to help us further strengthen customer relationships.

“Having Danny and Gary in place in North America is a great foundation for business progression. Gary has been instrumental in much of our development in that area over the last couple of decades, so with the addition of Danny in a more senior role, we believe that our business will go from strength-to-strength.”

Speaking about his new role, Danny added: “I’m really pleased to be taking up this new position within the Bernhard and Company team. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed forming important customer relationships and helping to tell the Bernhard story around North America, so it’s exciting that I’ll be able to take that to the next level with the support of a great team.”

The new-look Bernhard and Company North American sales team will be headed up by Danny and Gary. The team also features Chris Langley, Technical Sales Support Manager North America; Tommy Richey, Technical Sales Support Manager North America; and Daryl Nagy, Technical Sales Manager Western North America.

The Bernhard and Company North American team will be on-site at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show next week in Phoenix, Arizona. They will be on-hand to provide walk throughs of the Bernhard and Company grinding machinery range, and provide insight into each product and the customer network. Bernhard and Company will be located at stand 5109.

KNOW BERNHARD AND COMPANY?

A specialist in sports turf technology, Bernhard and Company is committed to providing leading turf care solutions to golf course and pitch care specialists worldwide. The Company offers innovative and market leading blade sharpening systems as well as sports surface air movement and moisture control solutions.

With over 150 years of being at the sharp end of the industry the Bernhard and Company product portfolio is focused on providing its global customer base with championship turf, world-class playability, and unbeatable quality of cut. Bernhard and Company’s turf health solutions are used at top 100 courses and famous sporting venues around the world – there must be a reason why. For more information, visit www.bernhard.co.uk.

Find Bernhard and Company on their official social media channels:

  • Twitter – @BernhardCompany
  • Facebook – Bernhard Company
  • Instagram – @BernhardCompany
  • LinkedIn – Bernhard Company

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Training to support safe and productive golf

Training to support safe and productive golf: Lantra will be showcasing the breadth of training options available for safe and productive working in golf greenkeeping and sports turf management at the upcoming leading industry show, BTME on 23-25 January.  

Lantra’s suite of pesticide training is designed for both novices and experienced users, providing the knowledge and skills that are needed for the safe and effective application of pest management measures. The Lantra team will be exhibiting at stand 146 in Hall 1 at Harrogate Convention Centre to provide information on pesticides and other relevant training courses.

Training to support safe and productive golf

Training to support safe and productive golf

The use of equipment for the management of productive golf courses and sports-turf is commonplace, therefore operating them safely and efficiently is vital. Lantra has a range of training courses, ranging between 1-5 days in length, to ensure equipment is used safely and with confidence, which will also be promoted at BTME.

Lantra’s Head of Industry Partnerships (Landscaping & Rural), David Fisher said: ‘’The Lantra team is excited to be at the show to highlight our leading training courses and qualifications in the Landscaping and Sports Turf sectors at BTME’’.

‘’At the show, we will also be actively recruiting for instructors to deliver pesticide training, as we have a lack of them in Northern England. As a Lantra Instructor, you’ll enjoy the freedom and flexibility of working for yourself in the great outdoors, as well as playing a crucial role in delivering essential skills, training and qualifications to a diverse group of learners.’’

Lantra instructor and provider, Ian Sumpter, is also delivering sold out training sessions from the Groundcare Machinery Maintenance suite at the event, as part of the ‘Continue to Learn’ education conference, with Lantra accreditation and CPD points available.

You can find out more about the benefits of being a Lantra instructor here: Become an Instructor – Lantra  

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