Aqua-Aid at BTME

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Aqua-Aid EU BV at BTME: Aqua-Aid Europe BV will be returning to BTME in Harrogate for the third time in January to demonstrate the power of Verde-Cal G against black layer and the benefits of WormPower Turf.

Common golf course issues such as compaction and thatch are tackled using machinery, but the causes of these problems can be tackled and prevented using Verde-Cal G and WormPower Turf.

Aqua-Aid EU BV at BTME

Following the REACH pre-registration process after the successful introduction of the AQUA-AID product lines, all individual products have now been full registered with the ECHA to follow the REACH guidelines; this ensures availability of our products after the impending new legislation becomes effective.

Black layer is a common problem that all golf courses can face, and once this layer is established drainage is greatly reduced, with machinery often the go to remedy. Verde-Cal G uses gypsum and thCa™ to remove this layer and provide a healthier root zone with no surface disruption.

The gypsum (calcium sulphate) within Verde-Cal G is combined with the organic complexing agent thCa™. This makes it more readily available for soil or plant use without effecting or raising the pH. In high pH soils this is a great tool to reduce salts and bicarbonates to lower pH levels. Using the product loosens compacted soil, improves aeration and allows water to percolate, which directly combats the causes of black layer within the root zone, and provides more oxygen to the plant roots.

Detailed information on Worm Power Turf will also be available on stand B37. This product increases root mass by enhancing the availability of plant nutrients, and accelerating root initiation, establishment and development. In turn, this increase the water holding capacity of the soil, reducing irrigation frequency and increasing the stress tolerance during harsh conditions.

 All of Aqua-Aid EU’s products are designed to combat and prevent specific root zone and soil issues, from black layer and compaction to hydrating and penetrating the soil using OARS PS (penetrating surfactant) and HS (hydrating surfactant). Ultimately this is done by promoting clean soil profiles, strong roots and healthy plants.

For more information on the range of products please visit the www.aquaaid.eu

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Richard Peel Groundcare Return To BTME

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Richard Peel Groundcare Return To BTME: Richard Peel Groundcare Ltd (RPGC) will be exhibiting at BTME for the second time in 2018 as the contractor homes in on the golf market after great success across other areas of sports turf.

The cornerstone of RPGC is using the latest and most innovative machines available to the industry to provide the best quality contracting work possible. This methodology has seen growing success in the golf market, with multiple contracts being completed in 2017.

Richard Peel Groundcare Return To BTME

The growing reputation of the company has led to the production of a new website that showcases everything RPGC offers, with detailed explanations and videos of the machine processes available for customers see the machines in action.

Appealing to the specific needs of customers has led to fantastic results at many projects in 2017, including the installation of sand-banding on 14-greens at Dyrham Park Golf and Country Club to aid the primary drainage system, and several aeration projects using the Air2G2 Air Inject and Verti-Drain, top dressing and drainage works.

The importance of attending shows as an exhibitor is a critical part of RPG’s further growth into golf, and Richard Peel Managing Director, places great value in attending BTME for a second time.

“Like most contractors we spend a majority of our time out on site, so having the chance to take a few days out and meet greenkeepers and other people from within the industry is great,” he said.

“Primarily for us it’s a great chance to display what we offer when it comes to greens, fairway and tee maintenance. We’ve built a solid reputation with our work on football pitches, rugby pitches and racecourses over the years and we’re looking forward to the golf side of the business continuing to grow.”

For more information, visit: www.richardpeelgroundcare.co.uk

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New Campey Launch At BTME

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New Campey Launch At BTME: The new Koro FIELD TOPMAKER models (FTM) are being launched in 2018 with the smaller 1.6 -meter model designed for the purpose of working on golf courses.

The unequivocal success of the FTM across all sports surfaces, including golf, has helped produce healthier turf through greatly improved surface hygiene, but the enhancements to the machine take it further.

New Campey Launch At BTME

To make it more user friendly for golf the weight and balance has been analysed, resulting in a lighter, steadier machine. Solid locking pins now offer greater consistency, and the overall performance is improved due to the re-designed UNIVERSE rotor and angled cross conveyor.

The FTM will be joined on stand B28 by the industry leading Vredo DZ  Overseeder. This generation of overseeders provide a 96% germination rate by placing the seed in direct contact with the soil, with their small yet robust build making them the perfect choice for all golf courses.

These machines will sit alongside the Air2G2 Air Inject, an aeration machine that is becoming a stalwart of the Campey range. It uses pressurised air to target compaction deep at root zone level. Probes penetrate the soil and force air sideways to create fissures in the sub structure improving aeration and drainage throughout the soil.

Completing the line-up on stand is the Dakota 310, offering the accuracy expected from any Dakota 400 series spreader, but in a compact version. It spreads light to heavy and wet to dry, with easy calibration and no tractor or truckster required.

For more information, visit: www.campeyturfcare.com

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Record Breaking Year For Kingsbarns

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Record Breaking Year For Kingsbarns: – In a season that saw Kingsbarns Golf Links host two European Tour events and its first Major, the course based in Fife has confirmed it welcomed more guests to the Scottish east coast in 2017 than ever before. The results have rounded off a memorable year for the celebrated links which also won the Best Customer Service accolade at this year’s Scottish Golf Tourism awards.

The annual results show a healthy upward curve in rounds played at Kingsbarns in 2017, and follow on from an equally impressive increase recorded last year. The year-on-year figures indicate a continual positive trend at Kingsbarns which its chief executive believes is underpinned by a commitment to consistent and continual improvement.

Record Breaking Year For Kingsbarns

“The 2017 season has been outstanding for a number of reasons, not least hosting the Ricoh Women’s British Open,” noted Alan Hogg. “Welcoming the world’s best players to Scotland was a privilege that all the team at Kingsbarns enjoyed. It is, however, an approach we adopt day in, day out with our guests. The standard of service doesn’t alter. The fact we recorded more rounds this year than any other is testament to this consistent approach.”

The Ricoh Women’s British Open was held at Kingsbarns in August with the 2017 line-up boasting players from 27 different nations, including all 25 of the world’s top golfers in the Rolex Rankings. The course received praise throughout the week, most notably from Michelle Wie, who opened the tournament with a new woman’s course record of 64.

“The fact it is a course record is a huge honour for me, especially at a place like Kingsbarns, which is definitely one of the most scenic courses I’ve ever played,” she said following her historic round. “You get lost in the views out there and it almost feels like playing back home in Hawaii.”

While the players enjoyed views from the elevated tees at Kingsbarns, including new teeing areas at the 3rd and 16th holes, the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) recorded a remarkable set of performance figures during the tournament, culminating in some of the most unswerving championship statistics ever collated.

“The green speeds at Kingsbarns were some of the most consistent we have had during tournament testing,” said Richard Windows, STRI agronomy services manager. “It was a great example of the implementation of good agronomic practices executed by a team of expert greenkeepers.”

The STRI confirmed the women’s major was contested over an exceptional course. Windows continued: “Achieving the targets was particularly pleasing because of the challenging weather conditions experienced throughout the championship with heavy rain falling on most afternoons and evenings. The results were outstanding.”

The regular greenkeeping team at Kingsbarns, led by Innes Knight and augmented during the tournament by over 20 volunteer greenkeeping professionals from Scottish, English and international golf courses, worked tirelessly during the tournament to ensure the course was presented to a world-class standard. It is a policy the team adopts throughout the year regardless of whether the tee-sheet is packed with the best players in the world or not.

“Our policy is to present Kingsbarns to the highest possible standard throughout the year,” explained Knight. “It could be a mid-week match for local golfers, a four-ball of international tourists or the closing Sunday of a Major. It does not matter. All members of staff at Kingsbarns are committed to delivering a truly unique golf experience for all our guests.”

Art Dunkley, director of Kingsbarns Golf Links, agreed. “We continually seek to improve how we present Kingsbarns and welcome our visiting golfers from the UK and from around the world. Hosting the Ricoh Women’s British Open showcased our ability to meet the high standards expected of a Major venue.”

Kingsbarns is looking forward to an exciting 2018 with another busy tee sheet based on early golf bookings, the Open Championship taking place at nearby Carnoustie Golf Links and the 18th staging of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. In addition and as a follow on to this year’s Women’s British Open, an exciting new ladies-only golf day designed for the enjoyment of amateur golfers is scheduled for Saturday 14 April 2018.

For more information, visit: www.strigroup.com

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Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year Announcement At BTME

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Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year Announcement At BTME: The overall winner of the Amenity Forum Sprayer Operator of the Year Awards, which is sponsored by ICL and Syngenta, and supported by BASIS, will be announced at the 2018 BTME event in Harrogate.

The awards, in their third year, seek to recognise and reward the industry’s best sprayer operators. Its aim is to improve overall standards by identifying the best practice of individuals to enhance results – and sharing their experiences across the industry.

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year Announcement AT BTME

Over the past year, sprayer operators from all over the UK have been entering one of three categories and the winners were announced at the recent Amenity Forum conference, held at the Pirelli Stadium, Burton on Trent.

The category winners were:

Sports turf: Using a knapsack/boom sprayer: Chris Phillips – Complete Weed Control

Chris joined Complete Weed Control, South Wales in 2001 as an operator and soon became proficient in the skill of street pavements herbicide application before excelling in the fine turf side of the business. Since acquiring the CWC franchise in south and central Wales, his business has gone from strength to strength and in particular his work on golf courses has been widely praised.

Chris feels extremely proud to have won this category and believes it is a major achievement in his highly successful career so far.

Landscape & Industrial: Using a knapsack sprayer: Nathan Hume – SH Goss Ltd

Nathan, Contracts Manager and Ecologist for SH Gross Ltd, primarily specialises in the prevention of invasive non-native plants and also operates in a wide variety of sites including airports, railways, cemeteries, rivers, forests, nature reserves, construction sites and golf courses.

“It was an honour to receive the award. Myself and the company have always followed best practice so awards like this are a nice justification that we are doing things right,” he said.

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year Announcement AT BTME

Landscape & Industrial: Using a vehicle sprayer: Lee Harrison – Complete Weed Control

Lee joined Complete Weed Control South Wales five years ago and is regarded as a very intelligent operator, who is highly motivated and anxious to do a good job every day. He is extremely knowledgeable with all aspects of pesticide applications and especially when it comes to calibration. His precision is said to be ‘legendary’ within the company.

The three category winners have now been invited by ICL and Syngenta to attend the BTME Welcome Reception where the overall winner will be announced. Not only will the winner receive the Amenity Forum Shield but they will also have a number of fantastic prizes to choose from which include.

  1. Flights, accommodation and entry to GCSAA 2018 San Antonio, Texas – or
  2. Flights, accommodation and entry to GIE Expo 2018 Louisville, Kentucky – or
  3. ICL / Syngenta products to the value of £2,000

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

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Kubota To Showcase New Ranges At BTME

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Kubota To Showcase New Ranges At BTME: Kubota will be bringing a number of exciting new and enhanced machinery ranges to the upcoming BTME exhibition as it continues to keep the needs of turf professionals at the heart of its product innovation.

Visitors to the show are encouraged to drop by the Kubota stand to see a host of market leading and high quality groundcare equipment designed specifically to offer greenkeepers increased levels of performance.

Kubota To Showcase New Ranges At BTME

New for 2018, the ZD1211 will be on display and has been designed to meet the ever-changing needs of turf professionals, delivering exceptional quality, performance and durability for its users.

Engineered specifically for superior cutting performance, the ZD1211 is equipped with a three-blade, 140 mm deep deck that is available with a rear discharge system and optional mulching kit, ideal for use in golf course rough and around trees. Kubota’s unique baffling system significantly improves mulching performance by increasing airflow to create uniformed and neat swathes of clippings.

For improved and consistent cutting, operators can choose between oscillating or rigid front axles modes, dependant on mowing conditions. The oscillating mode is designed to seamlessly navigate any terrain, whilst the rigid mode offers uniformed cutting, regardless of ground conditions.

In addition, powered by a three-cylinder Kubota 18.5kw diesel engine, the ZD1211 features an HST transmission for smoother responses even in the toughest conditions. It’s 49-litre fuel tank, combined with its low fuel consumption, offers enhanced performance, cutting down the time expenditures usually necessary for fuelling.

Operator comfort is another key feature of this machine. Adjustable operating levers, thicker platform mat, deluxe high back suspension seat and elevated backrest/armrests ensure greater productivity whilst minimising fatigue.

Visitors to the stand will also get the opportunity to see the new B2 Series compact tractors, featuring Kubota’s unique bi-speed turn innovation to provide operators with a much tighter turning circle, advanced manoeuvrability and reduced turf damage.

Also on display will be Kubota’s current extensive range of front, walk behind and ride-on mowers, as well as an RTV-X900 utility vehicle.

Adrian Langmead, Business Development Manager for Kubota UK’s Groundcare Division, said: “Kubota has been one of the leading manufacturers of professional machinery for the golf industry for many years and continues to invest heavily in product innovation to ensure the ever-changing needs of turf professionals and greenkeepers are met.  This is clear to see by the new products Kubota bring to market, as well as the enhancement of existing ranges to give operators the highest levels of performance.

“BTME provides Kubota with the ideal platform to not only showcase its innovative groundcare product range, but also the excellent aftersales proposition on offer through its extensive UK dealer network. With a team of Kubota industry experts on hand to discuss product technology, Kubota Finance packages and aftersales support and advice, turf professionals visiting the stand can be confident that all their requirements will be satisfied.”

A number of live social media Q&A sessions will be carried out during the event, so be sure to visit the Kubota UK Facebook page (@KubotaUK) to submit your questions.

For more information on Kubota and its range of groundcare solutions or to find your nearest dealer, call 01844 268 000 or visit www.kubota.co.uk.

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Swedish Greenkeeper Wins Award

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Swedish Greenkeeper Wins Award: Swedish greenkeeper Daniel Grant has won this year’s SRUC Elmwood’s annual John Deere HNC Student of the Year Award, which was sponsored by John Deere and Scottish turf dealer Double A. Daniel was selected as the winner due to his outstanding commitment and attitude to his programme of studies at HNC Golf Course Management level throughout the 2016/2017 academic year.

Daniel, aged 27, works at Tomelilla Golf Club in Skåne, near his home town of Ystad, which has an 18-hole main course, a nine-hole short course and Footgolf. Although born and working in Sweden, Daniel has a Scottish pedigree – his father John is the golf professional at PGA Sweden National at Bara near Malmo, having moved from Scotland to Sweden in 1987 to work at Ystad Golf Club.

Swedish Greenkeeper Wins Award

The HNC course at SRUC’s Elmwood campus in Cupar, Fife, was recommended by PGA Sweden National course manager Barry Crawford – another Scot, who gained the same qualification there, among others – when Daniel was working for him as a seasonal greenkeeper.

“The course was a fantastic experience,” said Daniel. “I really was not expecting to receive this award, so it was a very pleasant surprise, especially as I never planned to be a greenkeeper! It came into focus when I need a full-time job after Swedish National Service. I really enjoyed my seasonal work at PGA Sweden National and Ystad Golf Club, and after the army I decided this was what I wanted to do full-time. I’m very happy being a greenkeeper, and want to progress as far as I can.”

The course covers many different areas such as ecology, soil science, irrigation, drainage, design and construction, the history and development of golf and much more. For Daniel’s year it finished with a graded unit where the students had to present a management plan for Auchterderran Golf Course, near Kirkcaldy in Fife.

“Although Daniel brought several years’ experience and very evident practical abilities to the course, it was his engagement with learning and the desire to develop his knowledge and learn even more that shone through in all his work,” said his SRUC Elmwood course tutor Stuart Mackie.

“His attention to detail and the depth of his analysis allowed him to present assignments that provided the required evidence and fully engaged the reader in understanding his conclusions. His nomination was very well deserved for the work he put into every subject.”

For more information visit www.johndeere.co.uk

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Duncan Ross Expertise At BTME

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Duncan Ross Expertise At BTME: Quality of work, customer satisfaction and an expertise in golf course maintenance and construction are factors that have helped Duncan Ross establish their name in the industry, and that experience will be brought to stand A60 at BTME 2018.

A successful expansion of services has meant 2017 afforded Duncan Ross Ltd the opportunity to work on some exciting golf projects. A tee reconstruction at Hesketh Golf Club was one of a number of golf course maintenance and drainage contracts, including the installation of drainage on the 18th green at Lancaster Golf Course.

Duncan Ross Expertise At BTME

Now a regular exhibitor at BTME, Duncan Ross, managing director at Duncan Ross Ltd, knows the benefits of meeting customers face to face and talking through potential projects.

“We used to attend every other year, but this will be our third year in a row at BTME in Harrogate and we’re really looking forward to it,” he said.

“A lot of what we offer comes from customer service and making sure that they always get their specifications met. So, being able to speak to them face to face about anything they might want to improve on their course or any issues they’ve got is ideal for ourselves and them.

“We’ve had a very exciting year with the projects we’ve been working on across all aspects of golf course maintenance and construction, and we know we’ll be continuing that throughout 2018.”

Duncan Ross are committed quality and cost-effective services with highly experienced staff using some of the most advanced machinery and techniques in the industry.

For more information visit www.duncanrosslanddrainage.co.uk

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Bright Future Ahead After SALTEX College Cup

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Bright Future Ahead After SALTEX College Cup: The SALTEX College Cup returned to the NEC once again at this year’s event and highlighted just how well young grounds staff are academically prepared for careers in the industry.

The SALTEX College Cup, sponsored by Ransomes, is a national student-led sports-turf challenge. It is an academic test of turf management knowledge for student competitors who are enrolled at colleges throughout the UK on relevant courses of study.

Bright Future Ahead After SALTEX College Cup

Askham Bryan College, Bridgwater & Taunton College, Myerscough College and, last year’s winners, the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Greenmount Campus competed for a chance to have its name engraved on the trophy in support of their respective turf programmes.

In teams of four, the colleges embarked on the two-hour competition consisting of paper-based multiple choice and short answer questions on turf management, plus a case study which required a more in-depth written answer. The students were also presented with live test samples in which they had to identify potential threats to the health of turf.

CAFRE, from Northern Ireland, claimed the top prize for the second year running although Askham Bryan were only one point behind in what was a closely fought competition between all of the colleges. CAFRE was awarded the trophy, a £500 cheque for the college’s turf department, and each student received a £50 Amazon voucher. The team was also presented with a prize that money can’t buy – the chance to get involved with pitch preparation at the 6 Nations, Scotland vs England, at BT Murrayfield Stadium.

Results were announced on the first day of SALTEX and CAFRE’s senior tutor, Paul Campbell, revealed his delight at picking up the trophy for a second successive year.

“A combination of excitement and disbelief ensued among the squad as they emulated the achievement of 2016 – particularly for team captain and rugby fan Michael Dundee as he realised he was on his way to BT Murrayfield – and he didn’t need a ticket!

Paul continued: “CAFRE staff and students fully support the concept of the SALTEX College Cup – it provides a forum for showcasing and acknowledging the skills of young people making a career in the industry and allows college staff to benchmark how their programmes are performing against other specialist colleges in the UK. The excellent organisation of the event, the generous sponsorship and the once-in-a-lifetime experience afforded to the winners will mean healthy competition for next year`s team and guarantees CAFRE will return to defend the title in 2018.”

Commenting on the sponsorship of the 2017 SALTEX College Cup, Ransomes senior director Alan Prickett said: “The SALTEX College Cup was another success this year, and we were delighted to have sponsored it for the second year running. Ransomes has a commitment to educating the next generation of groundscare professionals, and we aim to support this in a variety of different ways, including sponsoring the SALTEX College Cup competition. CAFRE, based in Northern Ireland were deserved winners again this year.

Congratulations to CAFRE and we look forward to seeing if the college can retain its title for a third time next year!”

For more information visit www.iogsaltex.com

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Launch Of ISEKI UK & Ireland

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Launch Of ISEKI UK & Ireland: ISEKI UK & Ireland has been launched as part of a huge investment in UK and Ireland markets by the Japanese tractor manufacturer.

The launch of ISEKI UK & Ireland is an exciting development showing great investment and commitment by ISEKI in these key markets. ISEKI UK ltd is a company formed with investment from ISEKI for the sole purpose of distributing the ISEKI range of products and growing market share and sales in the UK & Ireland Markets.

Launch Of ISEKI UK & Ireland

For the last many years, the ISEKI product line has been distributed in the UK and Ireland by Ransomes Jacobsen operating out of their facilities in Ipswich Suffolk. ISEKI would like to sincerely thank Ransomes Jacobsen for all their hard work and dedication over this period and look forward to building on this foundation.

The new ISEKI company will also be based in the Ipswich area and joining ISEKI UK in the new year as Managing Director will be ex-President of Jacobsen, David Withers.

Withers is well known in the industry having served for many years at Ransomes and Jacobsen and more recently working as a business consultant in the golf industry.

“I started working with Iseki when the product line came to Jacobsen in 1996 and have always enjoyed being involved with such an exciting and reliable product line. When ISEKI outlined their strategic vision of getting closer to the customers by investing in their own distribution in the UK it made sense to me” said Withers, who went on to say “I am really looking forward to joining Iseki UK in the New Year to head up this exciting new venture”

Kazuya Tani the European Managing Director of ISEKI  said “This is an exciting time for ISEKI we will be investing more in marketing and promotions of the ISEKI brand and want to see a wider acceptance of our products through expanding our markets served and getting more share from existing customers. The commitment of ISEKI to the UK Market will be significant and we trust that the market will react positively to this approach”

More information will be issued over coming weeks and no changes are anticipated to the current dealer network.

For more information go to www.iseki.co.uk

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