Kubota’s Rugby Partnership

Kubota’s Rugby Partnership: Kubota UK have announced that they are extending their elite sponsorship of Aviva Premiership club Northampton Saints until 2020.

The market leading machinery manufacturer and supplier of world-renowned Kubota engines joined forces with Saints back in 2015, the company’s first ever sponsorship with a top flight sports team.  Based on the success of the partnership, Kubota is looking forward to continuing its support for the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons.

Kubota's Rugby Partnership

Dave Roberts, Kubota UK’s Managing Director, said: “ Signing a new deal with Northampton Saints was an easy decision for us. Over the past 3 years that we have been involved with the club, it has proved itself to be an outstanding partner, delivering fantastic exposure for our brand, a high quality match day experience and, of course, a great way to showcase our products. Partnering with Saints aligns perfectly with our drive for excellence, and the desire to lead our respective fields. We’re delighted to be continuing to build on that over the next few years.”

As part of the deal, Kubota provides some of its industry leading groundcare solutions to help the Franklin’s Gardens Ground Staff maintain its pitches to the highest standards in the Aviva Premiership.

Mark Darbon, Saints CEO, is thrilled to see the relationship between the two organisations blossom.  He commented: “This is a partnership in the truest sense of the word.  Kubota UK has been a great asset to the club in recent years and we are delighted to have extended our partnership with them.

“At Saints, we set out to have the highest standards in every area of our organisation. This includes how we maintain our stadium pitch – one of only three natural grass pitches in the league – as well as our training facilities. Having the highest quality training and playing surfaces is vital in allowing the team to perform.

“By continuing our work with Kubota, we are helping build the best platform to realise our ambitions, and we are looking forward to working closely with the machinery manufacturer over the next two years.”

The elite sponsorship package also means Kubota receive a suite of commercial rights, from prime brand positioning on the back of the Saints playing shorts for all matches, to the Kubota logo featuring prominently in the stadium including on the big screen, on the perimeter advertising boards around the ground and in the matchday programme and matchday tickets.  The sponsorship also includes corporate hospitality and player appearances for Kubota events.

Karen Tipping, Kubota UK’s Marketing Manager, concluded: “Rugby union has a really strong appeal with our dealer and end-user customers.  As Saints are one of the leading professional rugby clubs in Europe, our sponsorship gives us the opportunity to extend the reach of the Kubota brand as well as further strengthen our relationships with our dealer and end-user customers.”

For more information on Kubota UK call 01844 268000 or visit www.kubota.co.uk.

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SIS Pitches Project In Manadon

SIS Pitches Project In Manadon: SIS Pitches have announced a substantial new re-surfacing project taking place in Manadon, Plymouth.

The process commenced at the beginning of January and will see refurbishment of the existing sand based hockey surface, which will be replaced with SISTurf Soccer Pro60-meeting FIFA Quality Pro requirements. In addition, comprehensive fencing, floodlighting and surface extension works will be carried out, with the developments forming a new full size synthetic turf football pitch.

SIS Pitches Project In Manadon

A period of 8 calendar weeks was agreed in order for the completion of the project.

The project is the latest re-surfacing development carried out by SIS Pitches, following previous successes in the area at Ottery St Mary Leisure Centre and BH Live Littledown Leisure Centre.

The Manadon works represent part of a wider football, cricket and outdoor sports centre scheme led by the Argyle Community Trust and Plymouth City Council. The project is funded by the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund, Sport England and the England and Wales Cricket Board, alongside contributions from the Council and the Trust. These works form one of a series of refurbishments to grassroots sports facilities, in order to improve the quality and experience of taking part in sport.

Simon Mroczek, UK Operations Director at SIS Pitches, feels the project represents a positive step for the city moving forwards: –

We are very pleased to be working on this project alongside the Argyle Community Trust and Plymouth City Council. The completed works will benefit not only the local community but also the city as a whole, providing a top-quality facility that the everyone can enjoy.’

SIS Pitches is a world-leader in the design, manufacture, construction, installation and maintenance of sports surfaces, and is a FIFA licensee, World Rugby preferred turf producer and certified FIH manufacturer.

SIS Pitches is a part of a framework agreement to provide the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of artificial grass pitches. The agreement is in support of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), Football Association (FA), Sport England, England Hockey and Football Foundation (FF) capital investment programmes.

As part of ongoing innovation successes, SISGrass hybrid surface technology, developed by SIS Pitches, has been selected for 6 of the 12 2018 football World Cup pitches, including the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow-host of the opening and final matches of the tournament.

For more information, visit: www.sispitches.com

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Golf Course ‘Abandoned’

Golf Course ‘Abandoned’: It is the harsh and unpredictable conditions on the seaside that have traditionally made links golf such an enticing endeavour.

But for England’s oldest course, at least, they are proving too much of a challenge.

Golf Course 'Abandoned'

The Royal North Devon Golf Club has accused the Government of “abandoning us to the ocean” after Storm Eleanor prompted the collapse of part of its eighth tee and high tides expected next week threaten the demise of the seventh.

Designed by the famous Victorian golfer “Old” Tom Morris, the course at the mouth of the Taw-Torridge Estuary is renowned as the “St Andrews of the South” and one of the UK’s toughest.

The historic lay-out now faces permanent disfigurement, however, due to the brutal coastal erosion.

More than 50 yards of the championship course has been lost as a result of the “preventable” collapse, with boulders strewn across one of the fairways.

The disruption places in jeopardy two major upcoming amateur competitions.

Yet Natural England, the body responsible for the stretch of coast near Westward Ho!, appears content to let the sea reclaim the land, according to the club.

The agency last night insisted no suggestions were ruled out, but a statement explaining that “the dunes and shingle ridge are naturally dynamic coastal features and subject to constant change” have been seized on by local golfers as evidence civil servants are determined to let “mother nature take its course”.

Mark Evans, the club’s general manager, said: “By allowing this collapse we are tampering with history.

“There’s no plan at the moment – it’s a disgrace.”

Founded in 1864, the club quickly gained national status thanks to the patronage of the then Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, who bestowed the royal title two years later.

Believed to be substantively unchanged since the original Tom Morris design, the course is the oldest in continuous use in England.

While other land is available which would allow the club to reconfigure the course away from the coastal collapse, this would make the golf “not anything like as interesting”, according to Mr Evans.

Natural England said it would permit the club to build two new greens, providing it relinquished the two existing ones threatened by erosion.

The collapse and subsequent flooding have also provoked fears over the security of a nearby landfill site containing hospital waste and other toxic material such as asbestos.

The club says wrangling between the local Torridge District Council and Devon County Council has so far held back action to address the problem, although last night Torridge said the two authorities were “working well”.

It is understood that to adequately protect the golf course, and by extension the landfill site, from the sea erosion would require a costly project of installing “rock amour” along the coast.

“They’ve got to look at the bigger picture,” said Mr Evans

“Yes they might be saving England’s oldest golf course but they’re saving an environmental disaster that’s just waiting to happen.”

He said both Natural England and local council officers were “burying their heads in the sand”.

However, a meeting has been scheduled for January 29 to discuss the landfill site.

“Natural England is working with Devon County Council, Torridge District Council , the Environment Agency and the golf club to consider options and agree the longer term management of coastal change at Northam Burrows,” a spokesman for the agency told The Daily Telegraph.

“The dunes and shingle ridge are naturally dynamic coastal features and subject to constant change, a characteristic that makes this stretch of coast so special for wildlife and its wonderful wild landscape.

“As a Site of Special Scientific Interest any works would need the consent of Natural England and having an agreed longer term approach to coastal management in place will enable the golf club to plan for the future.”

Jane Whittaker, leader of Torridge District Council, said: “Following recent storms and their impact we have already had initial meetings to discuss both the old Devon County Landfill site and how the Golf Club can be supported into the future.”

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Polaris 0% Finance Offer

Polaris 0% Finance Offer: As part of a new range of special offers which promises great savings throughout 2018, Polaris is extending its 0% finance offer. Interest-free finance on new Polaris Sportsman ATVs, Ranger 4×4 Utility Vehicles, RZRs and Scramblers (excluding Youth) will now be available until 31st March 2018, making it a a great time to consider updating an existing model with one of the latest Polaris Ranger UTVs or Sportsman ATVs.

“Polaris 4 x 4 vehicles are used for work and leisure around the world,” says Ben Murray, Polaris’ National Sales Manager. “With a Polaris you can take on the challenge of the roughest terrain knowing you have one of the toughest, most durable vehicles available. Now is a very good time to take advantage of the interest-free finance offer, and there are additional offers such as a free roof and rear panel when you buy a new Polaris Ranger Diesel. Polaris also has one of the widest ranges of accessories available and the 0% finance can include up to £1,000 ex VAT on genuine Polaris ATV and UTV accessories.”

Polaris 0% Finance Offer

The 0% finance scheme, in conjunction with Rural Finance, is available over two years with 2 + 22 monthly payments up to a maximum of 80% of the Recommended Retail Price from January 2018 through to 31st March 2018. It’s available for new Polaris utility ATVs, UTVs, Sport and Leisure (excluding Youth). Each new Polaris comes with a two year-warranty and CESAR security as standard for peace of mind.

A visit to a Polaris dealer is recommended for full details, any special deals, and to see the extent of the Polaris range and accessories. The availability of the 0% finance through Rural Finance is subject to status; the offers and warranty are subject to terms and conditions.

Available in the UK, excluding the Republic of Ireland. The finance offer ends on 31st March 2018.  Polaris Britain 0800 915 6720 www.polaris-britain.com

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Made-To-Order Pitches Continuing

Made-To-Order Pitches Continuing: South Africa will continue to ask home curators to prepare surfaces to favour their pace pack even though they did not get the pitches they wanted for two-thirds of the series against India. Only Newlands provided the pace, bounce and movement South Africa would have liked while SuperSport Park was slow and took enough turn to be called “subcontinental” by the hosts and the Wanderers had so much variable bounce and exaggerated movement that the umpires took players off the field on the third afternoon and the venue could face potential sanction.

Captain Faf du Plessis has expressed his disappointment at both Highveld venues but instead of backing off, emphasised the importance of groundspersons working with team management to prepare pitches that can help South Africa.

Made-To-Order Pitches Continuing

“You must try and get – whether it’s one percent or five percent or ten percent – whatever you can you must try and get an advantage against opposition that’s quality. When we go to India, we certainly don’t play on flat, green tracks. And I assume that there would be a similar conversation happening there,” Faf du Plessis said. “For me it’s just making sure that there’s a conversation happening with the management of our team and also the groundsman about the conditions that would be ideal for a Test series. This Test series we didn’t get that, and I can’t give you the reason for that.”

One theory is that the constant talk of pitches – du Plessis has been more vocal about it than any other South African captain – has placed extra pressure on curators to produce bowler-friendly pitches and they are veering to the extreme. And there is some evidence to support that theory.

After SuperSport Park’s Bryan Bloy, who had prepared his first Test pitch, came under severe criticism from the team, the Wanderers’ Bethuel Buthelezi, who has worked at the ground for three decades and been head groundsman since 2016, produced a pitch that Kepler Wessels described as “dangerous” and on which batsmen from both sides got hit.

Asked whether the reaction to SuperSport Park could have put pressure on the Wanderers to go completely the other way, du Plessis conceded that it may have had that effect but still put the responsibility on the groundsman to do a better job. “That might be. But I’m in an environment where I have to score runs and perform, so it’s the same,” he said. “If there is an option to get a pitch in the way that we want to, you would hope that the experience would be there to get the pitches right.”

Again, du Plessis insisted South Africa did not ask for anything “excessive,” and only wanted the curators to stick to what the country is known for. “We never asked for something excessive. We never asked for extra grass. All we asked for was a typical South African wicket that has pace and bounce,” he said. “Although this wicket had pace and bounce, it was obviously a lot more, so we pretty disappointed with that. It’s disappointing to see that once again we’re not getting it right. I don’t know how to answer it or how to change it, but it obviously needs to improve.”

Du Plessis has already suggested that the CSA appoint someone to oversee curators around the country and that a national strategy that will avoid producing pitches like those at SuperSport Park and the Wanderers and even the ones South Africa played Bangladesh on earlier in the summer. In September-October 2017, South Africa played Bangladesh in Potchefstroom and Bloemfontein on flat pitches whose placidness surprised even the visitors. There has been no word from CSA on if they are considering du Plessis’ request.

More immediately, they will concern themselves with whether the Wanderers will be punished for its pitch. Team manager Mohammed Moosajee said he is expecting “repercussions”, and du Plessis hopes they won’t be too serious. “Look, I think because we finished the game, I don’t think that will happen,” du Plessis said. “I understand the demerit points if the game was called off, or if it was an absolute stinker that lasted two days, then your demerit points would get a bit more. So I assume that even if this pitch was rated poorly, you’d still be able to come back here for Test cricket.”

South Africa are scheduled to play Australia in the last of four Tests in Johannesburg from March 30 to April 3. Before that, the venue will also host an ODI and a T20I against India, which are likely to go ahead even if the most severe sanction – a ruling of “unfit” and a 12-month ban – are imposed, because of timing.

While the match referee may submit his report immediately, the home board will receive the ICC’s ruling within 14 days of the Test finishing, which will take the process to February 10 at the latest. The CSA will then have a further 14 days to appeal, which means the matches against India, which are both sold out, should go ahead. A ban could affect the Australia Test and any demerit points will hang over the venue’s head for the next five years.

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GEA Winners Announced

GEA Winners Announced: The winners of the 2018 Golf Environment Awards (GEA) have been announced at The Crown, Harrogate, in a ceremony hosted by STRI Group and the R&A.

 Environmental Golf Course of the Year 2018 – Carnoustie Golf Links

GEA Winners Announced

Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year 2018 – Stephen Thompson (John O’Gaunt Golf Club)

Outstanding Environmental Project of the Year 2018 – Abergele Golf Club

Operation Pollinator 2018 – Kingsdown Golf Club

STRI ecology consultant, Sophie Vukelic, said: “A huge congratulations to the winners and finalists of this year’s awards, you each showcase what sustainable management is within golf. The golf environment is a better place with you all working to protect it”

The annual Golf Environment Awards provide the platform from which the golf industry can demonstrate environmental excellence in all its forms. Established in 1995, the awards have gone from strength to strength and in 2018, attendees to the awards almost tripled in numbers.

Carnoustie Golf Links were awarded Environmental Golf Course of the Year for their incredible work within the local community and their continued environmentally conscious practices in all areas of golf course management. Each decision at the golf facility considers the impact on the environment and each member of staff is trained to work in such a way.

Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year was received by Stephen Thompson of John O’Gaunt Golf Club for his passionate dedication to nature conservation within golf. Stephen has extensive biodiversity records for both courses at his club, enabling him to tailor the management of the mosaic of habitats accordingly.

Abergele Golf Club won Outstanding Environmental Project of the Year for their Tir Gwylllt (Wild Land) area. Darren, his team of greenkeeping staff and several members have created a wildlife haven from materials ready to hand or donated. The project is a remarkable example of people pulling together to create something spectacular.

Operation Pollinator was awarded to Kingsdown Golf Club where Tom Freeman had introduced extensive native wildflower areas with the help of local primary school children. Not only did this Operation Pollinator project provide for nectar and pollen loving insects, it also provided a great golf education to the younger generation.

STRI is indebted to lead partner, The R&A, and the sponsors – Ransomes Jacobson, Aquatrols, Syngenta, Tillers Turf and Wiedenmann and would like to thank them for their continued support. The R&A’s involvement in the GEA Awards does not elicit its endorsement for the sponsor’s products or services.

Fancy having a go yourself? The entries for the 2019 Golf Environment Awards are now open and we encourage all golf clubs, big or small, to enter and show off their hard work. Enter today at www.golfenvironmentawards.com

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Pershore Groundsman Praised

Pershore Groundsman Praised: Pershore Town groundsman Tim Phillips was singled out as an unlikely man of the match after ensuring that the club yet again avoided the wipeout of fixtures last weekend.

After snow and then rain, only three fixtures were played in Midland League Division One – and one of those on an artificial pitch.

Pershore Groundsman Praised

Despite being next to the river and the soggy conditions, the King George V Stadium was playable and Phillips’ hard work was rewarded with Town’s best league win of the season as they defeated Chelmsley Town 4-0.

Phillips, a former referee, was runner-up in the league’s groundsman of the year competition and his expertise has been visible again.

“Our groundsman has done another great job. The game was never in doubt and that was down to Tim’s hard work,” said manager Quentin Townsend. “Despite all the rain, there was nothing wrong with the pitch.

“We spent quite a lot of money on the pitch in the summer, a four-figure sum, and we’ve turned down offers from clubs to groundshare to protect the pitch. We’ve put the pitch first and foremost.”

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Rain Bird Appoints Rigby Taylor

Rain Bird Appoints Rigby Taylor: Rain Bird, a leading global manufacturer of irrigation product and services, has confirmed the appointment of Rigby Taylor as its distributor of golf products for the UK market.

UK golf course managers will continue to access products through the UK-wide network of approved Rain Bird contractors, but they will now receive additional support, new product information and after-sales service from Rigby Taylor’s technical field sales force.

Rain Bird Appoints Rigby Taylor

Chris Clark, Rigby Taylor’s executive chairman, commented: “We are very pleased at this partnership agreement. The coming together of two such major industry names will bring significant synergistic benefits and our 50 plus team of highly skilled field personnel will be working closely with Rain Bird and its contractors to further establish this exciting range of products as the UK’s brand leader.”

Jimmy Sandison, regional sales manager for Rain Bird in the UK, Ireland, Iceland and Scandinavia explained: “We want to provide the very best levels of service and support to all of our customers. By having Rigby Taylor in place as a strong UK distribution partner for our golf course irrigation products, contractors and course managers will all benefit from a quicker, more efficient service.”

He added: “My expanding team and I will concentrate our technical expertise and irrigation know-how on educating and supporting customers in optimising the performance of their irrigation systems and in using water, energy and human resources more efficiently. We will also be focusing more of our time working with key partners who are designing and specifying new systems and those involved in course renovation projects.”

For more information, visit: www.rigbytaylor.com

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John Deere Partnership Renewed

John Deere Partnership Renewed: John Deere and the Ladies European Tour (LET) have confirmed an extension to their partner agreement as of January 2018, during which Deere will continue to be designated the Tour’s official supplier of golf course maintenance equipment which includes mowers, tractors and Gator utility vehicles.

Under the terms of the agreement, LET tournaments – including The Solheim Cup at Gleneagles in September 2019 – will be supported by John Deere equipment through the company’s European golf dealer network. Deere officials will also continue to work closely with the LET’s agronomists, with the goal of helping to produce better quality playing surfaces across the continent.

John Deere Partnership Renewed

The announcement was made by LET chairman Mark Lichtenhein on the John Deere stand at BTME 2018 in Harrogate on Tuesday January 23, together with John Deere’s global turf marketing director Manny Gan and European turf sales & marketing manager Carlos Aragones.

“We are delighted that John Deere has decided to extend its relationship with the Ladies European Tour for the next two years, beyond The 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles,” said Mark Lichtenhein. “This is a testament to our enduring partnership since 2006 and demonstrates the alignment of our brands and our joint objective to ensure a bright future for the women’s game.”

Carlos Aragones added, “We are also delighted that what has already proved to be a fruitful relationship with the Ladies European Tour is continuing to grow. The strength of the John Deere brand is based on the quality of our products and customer service, and we are very proud to be associated with both the LET and The Solheim Cup.”

The Solheim Cup is the highlight of the women’s professional golf calendar, when the best women golfers from Europe and the United States compete for this prestigious biennial trophy. The next tournament takes place on the world-famous PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles in Perthshire, Scotland from September 13-15, 2019.

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

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Ipswich Town Prize On Offer

Ipswich Town Prize On Offer: Entrants to this year’s Suffolk FA Groundsman of the Year competition — sponsored by Ransomes Jacobsen — are being given the opportunity to win a unique prize.

All entrants will go into a draw for the chance to spend a match-day at Portman Road with the Ipswich Town groundstaff.

Ipswich Town Prize On Offer

This money-can’t-buy prize comes courtesy of Ipswich Town head groundsman Ben Connell, who will once again head up the judging panel for the Groundsman of the Year competition.

He said: “We are delighted to offer a local groundsman this unique opportunity to join the groundstaff and be part of the match-day experience at Portman Road.

“The winner will spend time and assist the groundstaff before, during and after the game, finishing off their day by visiting the board room.”

Ipswich-based Ransomes Jacobsen will be sponsoring the competition, which is open to clubs in Suffolk who play at Step 7 and below, for a second season.

The winning groundsman will again receive £200 to be spent on groundscare equipment, with the runner-up and third placed groundsman receiving £100 and £50 respectively.

Entry details are on the Suffolk FA website (www.suffolkfa.com).

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