Rain Bird Europe appoints Lukas Böttcher

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Rain Bird Europe appoints Lukas Böttcher: Lukas Böttcher has been appointed by Rain Bird Europe as Golf Sales Specialist for Germany and Switzerland.

Having spent all his career in greenkeeping and golf course management working at golf courses throughout Europe, Lukas joins the company to strengthen the team in Germany. In his previous role as Head Greenkeeper, he managed strict water restrictions and focused on water conservation during multiple drought-affected seasons.

Rain Bird Europe appoints Lukas Böttcher

Rain Bird Europe appoints Lukas Böttcher

Lukas comments on his appointment: “Working in golf course construction and turf management has given me a significant amount of hands-on experience building, maintaining and running irrigation systems. Having dealt with water restrictions, constant heat stress during the summer and tight irrigation windows, I understand the pressure a lot of golf courses are under to use every drop of water in the most efficient way. As Golf Sales Specialist I will be helping clubs with Rain Bird systems to optimise their efficiency. I am also looking forward to supporting those looking to upgrade or renovate their irrigation system with Rain Bird technology.”

Didier Genty, Europe Golf Sales Manager for Rain Bird added: “I am delighted to welcome Lukas to Rain Bird. He brings valuable, practical experience in the golf sector and considerable expertise in irrigation and water management.”

Lukas can be contacted via email at lbottcher@rainbird.eu.

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Whitecraigs GC updates Jacobsen fleet

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Whitecraigs GC updates Jacobsen fleet: Whitecraigs Golf Club on Glasgow’s south side has renewed its fleet of Jacobsen machines with dealer Fairways GM.  Six new machines will help maintain their main 18 hole and nine hole Par 3 courses.

Delivered to the club were two LF570 lightweight large area reel mowers, an Eclipse 322 greens mower, two GP 400 greens mowers and a TR 330 tight area mower.

Whitecraigs GC updates Jacobsen fleet

Whitecraigs GC updates Jacobsen fleet

Peter Hall, Course Manager, said: “We had a good look around elsewhere before we made what I think are some sound choices. It’s ’like for like’ with everything improved. Everyone was comfortable with what we had so we are just going that step further. We’ve also got a maintenance contract which is peace of mind and guarantees everything to be in top working order. It’s a good deal for my team and for the club.”

“The two GP400s for example are three wheel drive, as opposed to the two wheel drive machines they replaced. They climb steep bankings effortlessly, even in wet conditions. The TR 330 with cutting units that move side to side allows us to alter wheel tracks around bunkers each time we cut. This enables us to spread the wear and keeps the turf healthier.”

Fairways GM’s Regional Sales Manager, Rob Hogarth, said “The whole package was delivered shortly after lock down ended so it’s great to see Peter and his team enjoying their new machines as much.  We pride ourselves on good service so their contract means we absolutely go the extra mile to keep everything running smoothly. At demo the TR 330 impressed. Its technology allows operators to effortlessly shift all three cutting reels to either side of the machine, creating up to 45 cm of offset. Bunkers and other hazards can be trimmed while keeping the mower away from the edges.  You can see already the difference the TR 330 is starting to make.”

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STRI launch golf survey for R&A Golf Course 2030

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STRI launch golf survey for R&A Golf Course 2030: STRI Group is delighted to announce the launch of a new golf course industry focused survey to support The R&A Golf Course 2030 (GC2030) industry initiative established in 2018.

STRI was awarded a number of GC2030 projects to help meet the projected challenges that the golf industry will face over the next ten years, including, golf green quality standard, grass selection, aggregate availability, Integrated Turf Management (ITM), and water management.

STRI launch golf survey for R&A Golf Course 2030

STRI launch golf survey for R&A Golf Course 2030

The new golf industry survey will focus on Integrated Turf Management of Poa/Bent Parkland Greens and the results will allow STRI to review current practices and use of Synthetic Plant Protection Products (SPPP), as well as water management issues such as drought or flooding.

Steve Isaac, Director of sustainability, The R&A, said: “This Golf Course 2030 project is designed to help you and your course overcome the challenges we face in coming years, such as, more frequent flooding and drought events, more disease and pest incidence and the consequences of regulation, particularly with regards to the availability of pesticides.

“Your input, through this brief questionnaire, will be vital if this project is to deliver the support and guidance you need to future-proof the condition and playability of your course.”

Paul Woodham, General manager of agronomy, STRI, said: “This project is well underway and is designed to act as a learning resource and support tool for all in the industry. The questionnaire offers an opportunity to get involved as we build the research information which deals with all aspects of managing parkland greens.

“There will be continued challenges with further restrictions and limited resources over the next decade. The predicted challenges for the golf industry due to climate change and resource pressures are being realised, and we encourage all applicable courses to offer their support by completing this important R&A Golf Course 2030 survey to help to shape the future of the game.”

STRI will produce an interactive best practice handbook, for the management of Poa/Bent golf greens in a parkland setting based on the survey results and wider research around this subject.

For further details, and to complete the Golf Course 2030 survey, visit www.strigroup.com or follow the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GC2030.

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