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Seismic shift in golf entertainment growth

Seismic shift in golf entertainment growth: Golf clubs and courses can drive new business by learning from the “seismic shift” and growth in the golf entertainment sector, new research from Syngenta and Ipsos has found.

Golf & Social Media: Golf Entertainment, published today, reveals customers new to golf perceive golf entertainment venues to offer “more engaging” and “more welcoming” experiences.

Seismic shift in golf entertainment growth

Seismic shift in golf entertainment growth

Launching the report, which analyzed 16.1 million social media posts, shares and comments in the United States and United Kingdom, Syngenta Global Head of Marketing Mark Birchmore said: “The emergence of golf entertainment has been one of the most seismic shifts we’ve witnessed in the industry in recent years.

“According to the National Golf Foundation (NGF), off-course play has skyrocketed by 55% since 2017, now totalling 32.9m participants, compared with a more modest 8% growth in green grass players.

“It begs the question, have green grass clubs and facilities missed out on new customers by not creating the right offer? Nearly a decade ago we carried out market research to look at youth participation and asked ‘what would encourage young people to start golf?’. This revealed a number of pull factors, including the desire for casual dress, an enjoyable, fun, social environment and golf games and new formats: all areas golf entertainment venues excel at.”

The research found that ranges and putting venues are seen to be more engaging and have a better image and reputation among customers than traditional green grass golf courses. Golf entertainment venues are perceived as open to all, offering informal, inclusive experiences for groups of friends with food and drink on tap.

Social media posts also revealed customers thought golf entertainment venues were more welcoming and less intimidating than green grass clubs and courses, with a relaxed atmosphere and no dress code making it the ideal place to sample golf.

The new report is part of a wider study, Golf & Social Media: The Great Divide, which found that there is a clear division between customers who perceive they are a golfer (Insiders) and those who do not (Outsiders).

Many visitors to entertainment outlets such as Topgolf, where technology, gaming and hospitality combine, fall into the Outsiders camp.

“Golf entertainment venues and their success at attracting a huge, new diverse audience presents a massive opportunity for golf course businesses,” continued Mark Birchmore.

“Creating inclusive, welcoming experiences characterized by fun and informality, promoted online with viral content, is something green grass golf venues can take and adapt. In this way, golf’s image and reputation can also be improved, helping attract and engage new waves of customers.”

The report also shines a light on the people around the world shaping golf entertainment’s growth, such as 3s, the 12-hole floodlit concept backed by Justin Timberlake, and a college student posting viral mini-golf videos on TikTok.

Data for the report was provided by Ipsos, with 16.1 million mentions of golf on social media in the United States and UK analyzed over a three-year period (2019-2022).

To download this report and all previous Syngenta market studies, visit: www.syngentagolf.com/golf-industry-reports

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The most famous school grounds in the world

The most famous school grounds in the world: Eton College’s Lee Marshallsay became the first school Grounds Manager to become the GMA Grounds Manager of the Year, proving that it’s not just the boys in the Eton classrooms who are high achievers. Lee spoke with Scott MacCallum.

The Battle of Waterloo, perhaps one of the most famous triumphs to be carved onto the bedpost of British military history, was said by the very man who led our forces, to have been won on the playing fields of Eton.

The most famous school grounds in the world

The most famous school grounds in the world

Now in all likelihood the Duke of Wellington didn’t say it, or to be charitable, no-one is around to prove that he did or didn’t, but what it did was ensure that those very playing fields became the most famous school grounds in the world. An accolade held to this very day.

Can you think of anywhere to rival them?

What the quote actually meant, apocryphal or not, was that the excellence embodied by Eton, and its fellow British public schools, was what carried the country to victory. That ethos remains in place in 2024, a mere 584 years after Eton was founded in 1440.

So, it is perhaps fitting that the man charged with looking after those famous fields has also achieved a degree of excellence which marks him, and his superb team, out from the crowd.

Lee Marshallsay was crowned Grounds Manager of the Year at the recent GMA Awards, held at Headingley, in Leeds.

“It was a real shock as the winner normally comes from football, cricket, tennis or horse racing, so I certainly didn’t expect my name to be called out. I believe it is the first time that someone from a school has won the award.

“But it was great as it was only possible for me to win because the team had won the Top Independent Schools Grounds Team award earlier in the evening, so it is an award for the whole team.

At 37, Lee is still a young man but he has packed a lot into his 20 years as a groundsman and grounds manager and he has a CV which includes two other schools at the very top of the independent school tree – Harrow and Charterhouse, both of which he was Grounds Manager.

But the role at which he has excelled was very much second choice by way of a career.

The most famous school grounds in the world

The most famous school grounds in the world

“I actually wanted to work in taxes and excise, but I didn’t get the grades,” laughed Lee, as we stood on the balcony of one of Eton’s famous pavilions, about to conduct a Turf Matters, YouTube video interview.

It says a lot for Lee’s single minded focus that he would have contemplated a job which doesn’t feature strongly on many people’s list of dream occupations, but having seen those aspirations dashed, he embarked on another activity which doesn’t offer much by way of love and affection either.

“I was a football referee to quite a decent standard,” he revealed, adding that he was a referee at Conference level and assistant referee at National League level.

With his commitments at the school he has retired his whistle and flag, but he does attribute refereeing for adding to his man management skills.

“Dealing and managing people in stressful situations on the pitch showed me that everyone is different and everyone has to be handled in different ways. I miss the 90 minutes of a game, but I don’t miss everything else that goes along with it.”

It was actually flicking through the prospectus of Oaklands College, shortly after his tax man dreams had been thwarted, that he fell upon the Greenkeeping and Grounds Management course.

“So that’s what I did,” he said of a decision which must go down as one of his best ever.

“I did a one year’s course including some work experience at Tottenham before getting an interview at Harrow School.”

Lee worked his way through the ranks at Harrow before eventually becoming Grounds Manager. He made the move to Charterhouse after 12 years and it was further four years before the attraction of his current employer saw him make the move… four years ago in the middle of Covid!

His attitude to being the man in charge of the most famous sporting fields in the world is refreshingly down to earth.

“I personally don’t look at the fact that it is Eton any differently to how I looked at it at either of my previous schools.

First and foremost I’m looking to produce playing surfaces for the boys. It’s just on a bigger scale.”

Lee manages a team of 30 at Eton which is split into three areas – the playing fields team, which looks after 38 winter sports pitches covering 600 acres; the gardens team which looks after the formal areas of the school and the gardens of the 25 boarding houses, and the landscaping team which works on the meadows, the hedges, the trees and the management of Dorney Lake, which was the venue for the 2012 Olympic Rowing regatta.

The most famous school grounds in the world

The most famous school grounds in the world

There are also 500 acres of farmland which doesn’t come under the management of Lee and his team.

“My goal is always to try and improve year on year and I feel that as a team we’ve gone on a bit of a journey since I came here. We aren’t perfect but we always want to be better, and always try to be better.

“We came second to Whitgift School in the GMA Awards last year so to win it this year shows that we haven’t rested on our laurels. We went again and have been recognised and that is great for the team to show them that the hard work they’ve put in has been recognised,” said Lee.

If there is one thing that Lee is particularly hot on, it’s presentation.

“We have parents and grandparents visiting the school, as well as other visitors and people who walk around the grounds, as we are an open site in the town, so presentation is very important.

I want to make sure that we are always on point, that pins are straight goal posts are clean etc.

All small things, but they are noticeable if they are not done well.”

Lee may not have learned the phrase back at school in Borehamwood, but he is an advocate of Carpe Diem – seizing the day!

“The biggest thing I’d say about this site is when the opportunity comes up to do work, you’ve got to do it because if you miss the boat you may not get the chance again for some time.

“The reason that is the case here at Eton is the weather. We are getting more rain and with the Thames so close to us our water table is higher than most, while our fixture list, with over 1500 boys on the role, is packed. There is play on most pitches every single day but if there is a gap we will go on and carry out work,” said Lee, who explained that the boys play sport from 2pm every day.

There is one sport that doesn’t give Lee too many headaches when it comes to presentation. The Eton Wall Game is unique to the school, and bizarre barely covers it.

Two teams, one comprising pupils from College, which is one of the boarding houses, pit themselves against a team made up of the “Oppidans”, pupils from all the other boarding houses. The combination of rugby and football doesn’t produce much by the way of scoring with many matches finishing 0-0 but it is a spectacle nonetheless.

The most famous school grounds in the world

The most famous school grounds in the world

It is played on a strip of ground called the Furrow five metres wide and 110 metres long, next to a slightly curved brick wall erected in 1717.

The St Andrew’s Day match, in particular, is viewed by many as one of the highlights of the year which sees almost the entire school turns out to watch.

It is a bitterly contested clash, with the Oppidans currently holding a slight advantage at 48 victories to the 43 of College, with the remainder ending in draws.

“We don’t have to prepare the pitch for the Wall Game, but it is tradition for the Head Groundsman to toss the coin before it starts,” revealed Lee.

While that is not something any other Grounds Manager has on his list of tasks, there are many others which are just the same as any grounds team up and down the country.

“A few summers ago we had the dry hot weather where everything burnt off and died while we had the frosts at the end of that year while we’ve had the floods as well.

“As people who work on grounds we have to adapt and we learn how to know where we can make a difference and which parts of our land that we need to avoid. This time last year was a nightmare for us in terms of trying to get things done to the cricket square.”

Lee has come a long way from that 16 year old unfulfilled tax man back in Borehamwood. What would the Lee, with 20 more years’ of experience under his belt, say to him to cheer him up?

“I would say to grab every opportunity that comes your way because you just don’t know where it is going to take you. And in this job, if there is something you want, you can really go out and get it.”

And coming from the man who now looks after the most famous sports fields in the world, that is very sound advice.

All-female grounds team revel in derby delight

All-female grounds team revel in derby delight: Last weekend, history was made for the grounds management industry. For the first time in Football, an all-female grounds team prepared the pitch at the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal vs Tottenham in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, a sold-out crowd of over 60,000 fans flooded into the Emirates Stadium to watch the game, making it the highest attendance of a women’s domestic football match in the UK. It was also the most-attended sports fixture in London that weekend, including Premier League games, putting the grounds management industry firmly in the spotlight, highlighting the vital role of grounds staff in making sport possible.

All-female grounds team revel in derby delight

All-female grounds team revel in derby delight

Not only was history made off the pitch but also on the pitch, by the grounds team who prepared it. Thirteen trailblazing women from various grounds management settings, from cricket and football to educational facilities, worked hard over the days leading up to the match to prepare the pitch.

With women making up less than 2% of the grounds management industry, the all-female grounds team’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed and received praise from across the sporting world, with support shared by Lionesses legends, Leah Williamson, Alessia Russo and Beth Mead amongst many others, as well as widespread media coverage.

This historic moment was the result of collaboration between the Women’s Super League, Arsenal FC, the Grounds Management Association and Women in Football, and put women in grounds management at the centre of one of the greatest sporting stages in the country.

Leading the GMA’s involvement in the project, Director of Communications, Jennifer Carter was proud of the day:

“To see a team of thirteen experienced and talented women prepare the iconic Emirates Stadium pitch in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators and viewers across the UK, was a highly significant moment in the GMA and grounds management industry’s history.

“The lack of visibility of women in this field remains a significant barrier, but we’re confident that moments like these, and more in the future, will be pivotal in convincing more young people, especially females, to explore this promising career path. Those who took part are incredible ambassadors for the industry, and I have no doubt that their work will have inspired many and shed light on the grounds management profession.

“We’re hugely grateful for our partners at Arsenal, the WSL and Women in Football for working with us to make this happen and we’re immensely proud of the thirteen inspirational grounds women.”

Vinai Venkatesham, Arsenal’s Chief Executive, was full of praise for the grounds team’s efforts:

“This is a celebration of what’s been achieved for women in sport, but also serves as a reminder of the work we need to do together to ensure more young girls are encouraged to break into the game. It’s important we continue to build on these moments to inspire the next generation and accelerate the sustainable growth of the game.”

The Grounds Management Association is encouraging sports fans to share their appreciation for grounds staff during #GroundsWeek, the association’s annual awareness week, from 18 – 24 March 2024. For more information about #GroundsWeek and how to support it, visit: thegma.org.uk/groundsweek.

If you’re interested in working in grounds management, you can find out more about careers and training at thegma.org.uk/learning.

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Be in it to win it

Be in it to win it: Entries for the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards 2024, the industry’s most recognisable and longest standing awards for student greenkeepers, are now open.

One of the key prizes awaiting the winner of the awards is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study at one of the world’s most innovative universities.

Be in it to win it

Be in it to win it

There are extraordinary benefits to attending the online course at The University of Massachusetts Winter School for Turf Managers, says Toro and Reesink Turfcare who between them cover the costs of all the prizes.

“We always knew the prizes for this award needed to carry weight and this one has a century-long legacy behind it,” explains Alastair Rowell, managing director, Reesink Turfcare. “By sending the winner on this course we are investing in the promise they demonstrated in the awards process.

“The nine-week course brings significant benefit to the winner and the club they work at. They will learn to convey concepts that are essential to producing and maintaining high performance turf, with an emphasis on enivironmetal stewardship, input reduction, efficiency and fiscal responsibility.”

It’s easy to see how this is one of the biggest prizes available in the industry: the course fees alone amount to almost $3000 including tuition and all course materials; an all-exenses paid trip to America to visit the Toro headquarters, research and development facilities and manufacturing plant, plus a one-week work placement at a golf club at home or abroad.

James Gaskell, winner of the 2022 award who has recently completed the course, says: “It is a great learning tool to advance your knowledge and it always stands out on a CV. It has been the most insightful and enjoyable learning experience.”

If that wasn’t enough to convince student greenkeepers to enter the awards, there are plenty more! The awards provide the opportunity to meet and compete with the best student greenkeepers in the country and network with influential industry leaders. Participants can increase skills and knowledge to enhance professional development and build lasting relationships in the greenkeeping community, too.

As Alastair concludes: “That’s just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the investment we make in these student greenkeepers. There are also international trips for the young award winner too, plus prizes for the runners up and those who endorse the winners’ applications. It’s an investment worth making in the futures and potential these young people demonstrate.”

The finals for the 2024 event will be held at Oulton Hall in Leeds. Apply online at bigga.org.uk/education. All appplications need to be endorsed by your college tutor/assessor or employer. Closing date for entries is Friday 12 April 2024.

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Wiedenmann double all in a day’s work

Wiedenmann double all in a day’s work: This summer, Brian Dunne, celebrates 20 years as Course Superintendent at Adare Manor Old Course GC in the southwest of Ireland.

He has built a long-established relationship with local Wiedenmann dealer Seamus Weldon, at nearby Killarney.

Wiedenmann double all in a day’s work

Wiedenmann double all in a day’s work

“We go back years; they’ve always been there for us,” he said. “When we purchased a new blower back in 2008 or thereabouts, Michael Weldon pointed us in the direction of a Wiedenmann Whisper Twister. It was new to the market, and we were among the first to buy.

“You can’t fault it. Aside from a new belt and some wheel bearings, it’s never missed a beat. We’d be lost without it.

“From October to December, it’s out every day of the week on leaf clearance duty. Our course is lined with beech and oak trees so there’s plenty of work. One of the team on our small tractor blows the leaves into lines and our collector follows behind. It has dozens of tasks; we use it to dry off the fairways or tee boxes, it helps year-round with presentation and tidying and, of course, when we’ve had storms, it’s come into its own.”

“We used to bring contractors in to help with deep aeration on our fairways. It was always a struggle to book the right week: and balance weather and the needs of golfers. It was also getting very expensive.

“I asked Michael if he could source a second-hand aerator so we could do the job ourselves. He came back with a beautifully refurbished Wiedenmann Terra Spike XP, and we haven’t looked back.

“Your own machine makes such a difference.  We try to do our fairways twice a year. We just pick when the conditions are right and do two or three at a time. We’ve got twelve acres in total, as well as walkways and tee boxes, so it takes us around a week and a half normally to do all the split sessions.

“We were out in late January and with 20 mm diameter tines down to 250 mm. In some choice places known to hold water, we went a little deeper, so around 300 mm and we might revisit these more frequently.

Brian’s team, three at present, with a vacancy about to be filled, takes on two summer workers to help them cope. The friendly parkland club is constantly busy, its history and dramatic setting, marking it out as not your typical golfing experience, so enjoys lots of visitors.

Very few clubs can boast anything as spectacular as Desmond Castle (1200 AD) which nestles in the background of the 1st and 15th greens. Move to the centre of the course and the ruins of the Franciscan Abbey (1464 AD) let you know you’ve arrived somewhere extraordinary.

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Green-tech help to reduce the risk of flooding in Leeds City

Green-tech help to reduce the risk of flooding in Leeds City: Leeds City Council is working with the Environment Agency on their Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2 (FAS2) to reduce the risk of flooding of a 14km stretch between Leeds Train Station and Apperley Bridge.

The project is designed to protect 1,048 homes and 474 businesses through a combination of traditional engineering methods and natural flood management. Due for completion in Spring 2024, it is expected that the flood risk will be reduced to a 0.5% probability of occurring in any given year (a 1-in-200-year level of flood protection).

Green-tech help to reduce the risk of flooding in Leeds City

Green-tech help to reduce the risk of flooding in Leeds City

BAM Nuttall is a construction and civil engineering company that delivers key pieces of infrastructure across the UK, from railways to wind farms. They use digital engineering and a net zero carbon approach, placing sustainability at their core.

Part of the scheme included work on the bank of the river Aire upstream of Kirkstall Bridge using an earth embankment or steel sheet piled flood walls in some areas. The embankment will tie into flood walls, that will extend up to the existing Kirkstall Bridge. This section of railway line connects Leeds with Shipley and Bradford and has flooded several times in the past, and currently remains at risk.

Alongside the embankment and flood walls, 2.4 hectares of landscape and ecological enhancements are being implemented in Kirkstall Meadows. This work includes the creation of wetland scrapes and various interventions to support local wildlife.

The project was subject to planning conditions that required reinstatement or protection of vegetated features along the riverbank where the construction of hard flood defences would otherwise have compromised the permanent river-side ecology.

Sub-agent Jim Mitchell, comments, “Green-tech was chosen as the products they offered were designed exactly for this purpose. They were able to supply products that complied with the project specification and offered expert advice on alternative solutions that improved buildability and function’.

For this part of the project, Green-tech supplied 45 pre-established Coir Edge Sods which comprise 5 different aquatic plant species mixes. This unique system incorporates pre-established vegetation within the face of stone-filled gabions which is an integral part of the erosion control solution for a water’s edge, even where the projects require hard engineering solutions. This innovative, green erosion control system helps when the stability of engineering with gabions is combined with the benefits of immediate vegetation to provide rapid environmental and ecological regeneration.

20 gt Coir Log Rolls were supplied. These are cost-effective and an excellent technique for establishing marginal vegetation around lake edges, streams, and river banks. Compressed coir fibre encased in woven polyethylene or coir netting, gt Coir Log Rolls can be supplied pre-established with UK native species or unplanted.

These were accompanied by 20 gt Rock Rolls – designed to help reduce and prevent long-term erosion and allow for the ground to stay stabilised. Commonly used around watercourse shorelines, high-flow riverbanks, and streams, gt Rock Rolls are UV-stabilised polypropylene mesh filled with gabion stones. They are ideal for creating a solid foundation for installing pre-vegetated coir products – the roots of the emergent plants grow into the voids of the rock rolls, giving long-term erosion control and bank support. Gt Rock Rolls installed below coir units can also be used to support a filter fabric or biodegradable matting.

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XP Kinetic now available in Europe

XP Kinetic now available in Europe: Following the announcement of the arrival of the all-new RANGER XP Kinetic last year, Polaris has now announced that the first shipments of the Ultimate trim model have started, with both the Premium and Ultimate models now available at European dealerships.

RANGER XP Kinetic is available as a 3-seat model in Premium and Ultimate trim. The Premium trim contains a single 14.9 kWh lithium-ion battery that offers an estimated range of 45 miles (70 kilometres), whilst the Ultimate trim delivers double the battery capacity of 29.8 kWh with a higher estimated range of 80 miles (130 kilometres)* – ideal for longer days spent hard at work.

XP Kinetic now available in Europe

XP Kinetic now available in Europe

Convenient charging options are designed to fit specific customer needs and are as easy as plugging into a standard wall outlet. Whether customers are looking for an overnight charge, or a quick top off during the lunch hour, they are covered. XP Kinetic comes standard with a 1-phase EVSE that allows riders to charge from a 240V outlet. Factory-installed on-board charging rate is 3kW for the Premium trim—reaching full charge from 0% in 5 hours—and 6kW for the Ultimate trim—reaching full charge in 10 hours, which can be reduced to 5 hours with peak charging**. Peak charging requires a 3-phase (380V) outlet together with a 3-phase WallBox EVSE accessory, and along with the available 3kW on-board charging system (sold separately), rates can be boosted to 6kW for Premium and 9kW for Ultimate for up to 50% faster charge times.

Alongside all the premium features found in both model trims – like LED headlights, integrated dash switches and full-coverage front bumper fitted as standard – the Ultimate trim also offers a bright 18-centimetre (7-inch) touchscreen infotainment screen powered by RIDE COMMAND technology, which offers configurable gauges to monitor ride activity. Pair that with the Ultimate’s added front and rear camera, riders can then see a full view of their surroundings – including other riders behind. Riders can also seamlessly pair the display via Bluetooth to wirelessly stream music and stay connected with call and text alerts.

A feature also seen on the petrol-powered Ranger XP 1000 model, ‘Plow Mode’ activation on the XP Kinetic Ultimate makes snow removal even easier by automatically lowering the plow when shifting into low gear ratio, and automatically raising the plow when shifting into reverse. It also features a handy ‘Back Drag’ mode for pulling snow away from buildings. 

Capabilities and Performance

Manufactured at Polaris’ state-of-the-art facility in Opole, Poland, and engineered through Polaris’ exclusive 10-year partnership with Zero Motorcycles, the RANGER XP  Kinetic features an all-electric powertrain that offers the most horsepower and torque ever found in a utility side-by-side. Not compromising on capability, the XP Kinetic can effortlessly tow up to 1,134kg and boasts an industry-best 680kg payload capacity, as well as a class-leading 35.5 centimetres of ground clearance and 25.4 centimetres of suspension travel to confidently rise over obstacles and smooth out the bumps.

With regenerative braking, electric power steering, on-demand all-wheel drive and VersaTrac Turf mode as standard, as well as three driving modes—ECO, Standard and Sport—riders are in complete control of their ride, depending on the terrain and task at hand.

Warranty

Thanks to being fully electric, the RANGER XP Kinetic features fewer moving parts for lower maintenance costs, and both Premium and Ultimate models are backed by a two-year total coverage warranty, three-year electric powertrain warranty, and five-year battery coverage***.

Availability

The following models are now available in dealers across EMEA – please confirm with your local market for specific regional homologations available:

RANGER XP Kinetic Premium in Icy White Pearl (MD homologation)

RANGER XP Kinetic Premium in Icy White Pearl (Tractor T1a homologation)

RANGER XP Kinetic Premium in Icy White Pearl (Tractor T1b homologation)

RANGER XP Kinetic Premium in Icy White Pearl (ZUG/LOF homologation)

RANGER XP Kinetic Ultimate in Icy White Pearl (MD homologation)

RANGER XP Kinetic Ultimate in Icy White Pearl (Tractor T1a homologation)

RANGER XP Kinetic Ultimate in Icy White Pearl (Tractor T1b homologation)

RANGER XP Kinetic Ultimate in Icy White Pearl (ZUG/LOF homologation)

For availability and pricing in your market, please speak to your regional Media Contact or contact the Polaris EMEA Press Office at press@polaris-orv.media.

* Range estimates based on manufacturer data on typical customer driving usage and conditions. Actual range varies based on conditions such as external environment, weather, speed, cargo loads, rates of acceleration, vehicle maintenance, and vehicle usage.

** Charging times vary depending on the charging capacity of your battery system and the output capacity of the power supply, as well as the ambient temperature.

*** Warranty coverage period, terms and conditions may vary by market. Promotional powertrain warranty inclusive of 24-month factory warranty plus an additional 12-month warranty. Promotional battery warranty inclusive of 24-month factory warranty plus an additional 36-month warranty. The duration of this warranty may vary by international region based upon local laws and regulations.

For images of all European homologations, please visit the RANGER XP Kinetic product page

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The dawn of a new era in fungicide

The dawn of a new era in fungicide: In a groundbreaking announcement at BTME 2024, Agrovista Amenity revealed the much-anticipated launch of Maxtima®, a revolutionary turf fungicide.

Maxtima® heralds a new era in fungicide technology, promising fast-acting and long-lasting solutions for turf disease control.

The dawn of a new era in fungicide

The dawn of a new era in fungicide

John Marland, Head of Amenity at Agrovista Amenity, expressed his excitement about Maxtima®, stating, “We are thrilled about the launch of Maxtima®, a product that truly represents the dawn of a new era in fungicides. Building on the success of Attraxor® plant growth regulator, Maxtima® showcases the excellence in BASF technology and promises fast-acting, long-lasting disease control that will undoubtedly make a significant impact in the turf management industry.”

Innovative Active Ingredient: Maxtima® contains Mefentrifluconazole, an advanced demethylase inhibiting fungicide. This active ingredient is responsible for the fungicide’s exceptional performance against turfgrass pathogens.

Fast-Acting: Maxtima® rapidly enters the plant and effectively combats active infections. Its quick uptake and action help control turf diseases promptly.

Effective at Low Temperatures: Maxtima® demonstrates excellent absorption even at temperatures as low as 4°C giving it an improved ability to combat fungal pathogens during the autumn and winter months.

Long-Lasting Protection: One of the standout features of Maxtima® is its ability to provide extended protection for up to 28 days. This is made possible by the active ingredient’s slow release from leaf tissue reservoirs.

Broad-Spectrum Disease Control: Maxtima® offers broad-spectrum disease control, making it effective against a range of turf fungal pathogens. It can help manage even the toughest turf diseases.

Favourable Environmental Profile: Maxtima® boasts low application rates, minimising chemical usage and impact on the environment.

Excellent for Rotation: Due to its unique chemistry, Maxtima® serves as an excellent rotation partner for non-DMI (demethylation inhibitor) fungicides on sports pitches, greens, fairways, and tees. This rotation capability can help prevent the development of resistance in fungal populations.

Phillippa Overson, Key Account Manager at BASF, highlighted the significance of Maxtima®, saying, “We have been so eager to launch Maxtima® in the UK! The ground-breaking DMI fungicide is a must-have for turf management professionals and is a cost-effective, and versatile fungicide for complete control of the toughest turf diseases. We know it is going to quickly become a favourite for turf specialists due to its wide range of disease protection, and its year-round application.

“Maxtima® is the latest turf product to be added to the BASF turf and amenity portfolio, and we’re extremely excited for turf management teams to try it.”

As the sun rises on the era of Maxtima®, the collaboration between Agrovista Amenity and BASF has delivered a product that not only meets but exceeds expectations in the realm of turf fungicides. Turf managers and professionals can now look forward to a new standard in disease control, one that is fast, enduring, and effective — ushering in a brighter future for turf health management.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

Find out more about Maxtima in our video from BTME 

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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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Avant Dealer Awards Mark 25 Years in the UK

Avant Dealer Awards Mark 25 Years in the UK: Avant Tecno, a pioneering force in the compact loader industry, recently celebrated its 25th Anniversary in the UK with a spectacular event held at Carrow Road Stadium in Norwich, Norfolk. The occasion not only marked a quarter-century of Avant’s presence in the UK but also served as an opportunity to recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of its dedicated dealers through the Avant Dealer Awards.

Avant Tecno: A Legacy of Innovation Since 1991

Since its establishment in 1991, Avant Tecno has been a trailblazer in the manufacturing of compact loaders. With a production milestone of over 70,000 loaders at their state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Ylöjärvi, Finland, the company has left an indelible mark on the industry. Avant’s global reach includes sales offices in Germany, the UK, and the US, along with import partners in more than 55 countries. Avant machines have been a staple in the UK for 25 years, with a rapidly expanding network of regional dealers covering the entire nation.

Avant Dealer Awards Mark 25 Years in the UK

Avant Dealer Awards Mark 25 Years in the UK

The recent Avant Dealer Awards served as a fitting occasion to express gratitude to the network of dealers who have played a pivotal role in the brand’s growth and success.

Avant Dealer Awards 2023: Recognising Excellence

The awards ceremony at Carrow Road Stadium, home of Norwich City FC, saw deserving dealers acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to Avant Tecno’s success. The winners included:

 

  • Eco Award 2023: Ben Burgess & Co Ltd.
  • After Sales and Customer Care: Avant South East Ltd
  • Largest Growth: Essener Equipment Co.
  • Recognition Award: Davies Implements Ltd.
  • Most Machines Sold: Essener Equipment Co.
  • Leguan Dealer of the Year: Ben Burgess & Co Ltd.
  • Avant Dealer of the Year: Ferrybridge Ltd.

One standout winner of the evening was Ferrybridge Ltd., recognised as the Avant Dealer of the Year. With nearly two decades of expertise in the Plant and Machinery industry, Ferrybridge has recently emerged as an authorised dealer for all Avant compact loader products in Ireland.

Andrew Shore from Ferrybridge expressed delight at winning the prestigious award, highlighting the opportunity to align with another world-renowned brand like Avant. He emphasised the versatility and strength of Avant machinery, noting their adaptability to various industries such as equine, landscaping, and tree surgery.

“The beauty of the Avant brand is that it has given us a doorway into a lot of industries. You name the industry, and we have probably sold an Avant machine into it. Becoming an Avant dealer was a good opportunity for us to get another world-renowned strong brand.”

“Winning the award was an extremely pleasant surprise – we have only been selling the machines for just over a year now. We’ve put a lot of work into it to really try and push the products, and it has been going really well. It is great to be recognised.”

Andrew also praised Avant’s commitment to innovation, highlighting the simplicity of operation and the extensive range of over 200 attachments that cater to a multitude of tasks: “There is an attachment for every job that needs to be done,” he said.

As Avant Tecno looks ahead to the future, the recent Dealer Awards underscore the company’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and the enduring partnerships with its valued dealers that have been integral to its success over the past 25 years.

For more information, please visit www.avant.co.uk 

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