October 28, 2020 - Turf Matters

Toro irrigation delivers results: Over the last four years Leighton Buzzard Golf Club has been phasing in a new Toro irrigation system and each time there’s a new installation the improvements are clear to see, says course manager, Paul Harris.

The club started discussions with Irritech and Reesink Turfcare four years ago and decided a phased installation plan would allow them to make improvements without major disruption to its members.

Toro irrigation delivers results

“When I first started around six years ago, there was a real mismatch of sprinklers and systems,” says Paul. “So, my first job was to try and get some uniformity. We initially replaced all our sprinkler heads with Toro T7s, then two years ago we had Toro Lynx Central Control installed.

“The improvement was noticeable each time we added more Toro. With the sprinklers came consistency and with the Lynx control system, we can be more efficient and target specific areas, so we quickly started saving money and water. That was really important for us as we were watering off the mains.”

In November 2019, the final phase began. The new system, designed by Irritech and installed by LS Systems Ltd, consisted of brand new pipework and cabling, and 500 Toro Infinity sprinklers added across the greens, approaches, fairways and the larger tees, with T5 and T7 sprinklers on those remaining. Plus, GAC Module was added, delivering high speed diagnostics to allow for more control, increased precision and to simplify maintenance.

“The installation was completed in spring this year, and while I knew we would see further improvement, I didn’t think it would happen so quickly,” says Paul. “It’s been a superb transformation. The standard of the course now is just incredible. Particularly on the fairways which weren’t irrigated before and the whole team is really happy with how easy everything is to operate. The Infinity sprinklers in particular are fantastic with a big bonus being that they are top accessible, so maintenance is easy and doesn’t disrupt play.”

But the biggest benefit Paul says is how the system has helped the team manage the care of the turf on a tricky sand-based course: “It’s a constant battle to irrigate during summer, we were losing turf at the end of the season almost every year, particularly in 2018 when the hot weather was quite destructive. Now we can keep the turf alive throughout the whole year.”

With such a large project now complete, Paul is looking forward to seeing the long-term results Toro irrigation will bring.

“We decided to go with Toro because of the quality of the products, the support available and the great working relationship we have with Reesink,” he concludes. “Taking all of that into consideration, with the results we’ve seen already, I’m confident that our Toro irrigation system will perform to an excellent standard for years to come.”

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GMA bolsters online training: Today, the Grounds Management Association (GMA) announces its ‘Level 2 Winter Pitches’ online course for volunteers and professionals.

It aims to help participants achieve maximum results when maintaining pitches during colder, wetter months. This includes football, rugby league, rugby union, and sports in the Gaelic Athletics Association.

GMA bolsters online training

Industry training courses and qualifications offered by the GMA are aimed at those wishing to gain further knowledge to help complement their practical skills, or update and refresh their knowledge and understanding.

‘Level 2 Winter Pitches’ can be completed in around six hours, which includes ten lessons, and gives participants the chance to learn more about basic turf care techniques. It is priced at £105 for non-members, and GMA members receive up to 30% off online courses pricing it at just £75.

Modules cover; the surface, influencing pitch playability, safe working practices, soils and drainage, how to identify a few of the most common turf grasses, and basic control methods for common weeds, pests, and diseases. The course also touches on planning annual work schedules, which is essential to support grounds management and keep natural turf pitches playable – helping to avoid match cancellations and minimise the risk of injury.

Jason Booth, Director of Technical and Learning said: “Winter can be a tough time of year to maintain pitches, even more so with current challenges we’re facing as a nation and industry. This course is as much about gaining the skills to work reactively during Winter, as well as proactively planning ahead any out of season maintenance.”

“The GMA recognises the valuable contribution of volunteers and ‘Level 2 Winter Pitches’ has been designed to help improve knowledge and efficiencies so that grounds staff and volunteers have the confidence to get pitches playable in unfavourable weather conditions using their volunteer time effectively. Launching this course online gives people the opportunity to access the vital information from anywhere, and at any time.”

A recent survey, conducted by the GMA, found that 86% say GMA training courses add value to grounds management skills. The not-for-profit organisation has a longstanding background in upskilling the sector, first launching in 1934 with the primary aim to provide learning and education for groundspeople whilst bringing together the grounds community through its network.

Now, the GMA offers two levels of training courses and seven professional development qualifications via its online platform. A further online training course ‘Level 2 Cricket’ will be available ahead of the next playing season, in Spring 2021. Bespoke offline courses are also available by contacting learning@thegma.org.uk