BIGGA teams up with RSPB and The R&A

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BIGGA teams up with RSPB and The R&A: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association has established a formal relationship with the RSPB and The R&A’s partnership that will see the association explore collaborative opportunities to increase awareness and support for biodiversity conservation on golf courses.

The greenkeeper association’s relationship with the RSPB and The R&A will help facilitate mainstream wildlife conservation on golf courses, by promoting best practice and providing inspiration for greenkeeping teams who would like to promote biodiversity at their golf facilities. RSPB Business Conservation Advisor Dr Marie Athorn will present at BIGGA educational events including its flagship event, Continue to Learn, and offer help and advice for greenkeeping teams to make the most of the opportunities for the promotion of ecology on their golf courses.

BIGGA teams up with RSPB and The R&A

BIGGA teams up with RSPB and The R&A

The relationship and the BIGGA platform will also be used to raise awareness and encourage participation in partnership case studies and research, such as trialling management of nature-based solutions. BIGGA will also support the RSPB and The R&A in achieving the partnership’s goals by providing support whenever possible, such as by hosting guidance notes on the BIGGA website.

James Hutchinson, BIGGA’s Membership Services Manager for Ecology and Sustainability, said: “We consider this relationship to be of tremendous importance as BIGGA, The R&A and the rest of the golf industry seeks to alter the perception of those who believe golf courses as detrimental to the environment. Golf courses constitute large areas of mixed habitats, from areas of trees, heathland, wildflower meadows, wetland habitat and even bunkers and, as such, they play a hugely important role in preserving the UK’s under threat wildlife species.

“Turf professionals everywhere have an awareness of their role as stewards of the wider landscape and we’re looking forward to working closely with The R&A and RSPB to promote best practice and in turn provide more habitats for Britain’s wildlife to enjoy alongside the nation’s golfers.”

Dr Marie Athorn, RSPB Business Conservation Officer, said: “It is great that BIGGA are giving their full support to the partnership between the RSPB and The R&A. The partnership, funded by The R&A, has a fantastic opportunity to encourage and facilitate nature conservation on golf courses. With the support of organisations like BIGGA the partnership can reach the passionate and knowledgeable greenkeepers across the UK to showcase the amazing work they are already doing for nature and provide the expertise to those who want to start on their journey to helping nature on their golf course.

“With over 3,000 golf courses in the UK the golf industry is in an amazing position to support nature conservation on a landscape scale. With many golf courses being located in close proximity to densely populated areas, golf courses, if well managed for nature, can provide connectivity across an increasingly urban landscape. Regional BIGGA networks provide an exciting opportunity for golf courses and their greenkeepers to work together to support nature, whether that be a particular species in decline or to restore habitat that supports common and rare species alike.”

Steve Isaac, The R&A’s Director – Sustainability, said: “The partnership between The R&A and the RSPB has set out a number of key work areas that will contribute towards the protection of habitats and wildlife on golf courses across the UK. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the health benefits golfers and other users of golf courses gain from enjoying recreation surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. However, the aims of the partnership will only prove successful and enhance the natural value of golf courses if they are delivered on the ground. Greenkeepers will, obviously, play a vital role in this and the relationship between the partnership and BIGGA provides exciting opportunities we all have for golf and nature. We are delighted that BIGGA has joined this initiative and feel that this reflects the values that many greenkeepers put into practice as the custodians of wildlife on our golf courses.”

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A Case Study……Is this the new normal!

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A Case Study……Is this the new normal!: Craig Earnshaw, course manager at Harleyford GC in Buckinghamshire is a man on a mission and has been fast to embrace the modern approach to managing, communicating and training that today’s advancing technology can offer.

Communicating daily tasks to the team was always a fundamental activity practised by Craig but he felt that this could not only be improved but made more relevant in the digital age where everyone has a mobile phone and many have tablets. Craig’s aim was never to replace the daily verbal brief, however, when looking at digital software systems and what they can offer, the digital whiteboard aspect and the power of reporting and communicating remotely was an area of significant interest. Having looked at various options, Craig decided TurfKeeper offered exactly what he was looking for and saw that the system offered a major leap forward in complementing what he was doing on a verbal, face to face or messaging on a whiteboard basis. On a more personal note Craig says “the system has helped his communication as he is dyslexic and no longer has to rely on his deputy to write up his instructions on the white board” He continues, “This harnessing of digital technology benefits him as a manager, his team and therefore ultimately the club.”

A Case Study……Is this the new normal!

A Case Study……Is this the new normal!

To start with, a large screen TV was installed in the clubs new maintenance facility and with the use of the digital whiteboard feature the day’s pre-plan activity can be done online and displayed. This is then is keyed into the system and displayed on the TV so the whole team can see what has been assigned; any key notes, machinery and stock to be used is also displayed as well as the weather forecast and such important direction of cut details for any area are to mowed.

“A key to success of this system” states Craig, “has been the staff ‘buy in’ and them seeing the benefits beyond the traditional whiteboard and pen. It also offers the ability to view the tasks out on the course via the phone and this has not just increased efficiency and productivity, but has been a real game changer during the Covid-19 crisis.”

Craig continues, “Using the TurfKeeper system, we have been able to plan and communicate from a far. The team can log onto the system and know what task or activity is required even before they arrive at work, in some cases even before they leave home!

A Case Study……Is this the new normal!

A Case Study……Is this the new normal!

Avoiding close contact during this pandemic is a must and by utilising modern technology such as this, we have been able to work around it. If I am out on the course and forget to add anything or maybe a new task has cropped up, the web based TurfKeeper technology allows the inputting of a task via the phone and have it appear on everyone else’s, including also the jobs board.”

The TurfKeeper ethos is directed towards the modern, digital, web-based way of planning, recording and communicating. There is nothing wrong with a paper diary and handwriting, but when you need quick fire information to fan out the flames, the digital approach delivers with speed and ease.

Craig continues, “Take for example the pre-Covid-19 situation. Seven staff members working 40 Hrs per week at a total of 280 Hrs. In a usual year, bunkers need daily raking, greens rolled 2-3 times per week, empting bins, ball washer and moving tee blocks prior to cutting and all that jazz. And oh yes…..of course…working around the golf!. When all the aforementioned is factored in, this takes a huge amount of time, and hence the good reason why we need all the staff.

A Case Study……Is this the new normal!

A Case Study……Is this the new normal!

“Now cue Furlough…no need to cut daily, certainly minimal to zero rolling or bunker raking. No course furniture to move or service in the way of bins and ball washers, and oh yes…….no golfers.  Never have courses been easier to maintain in terms of bare minimum and cutting. No golf to work around, so less waiting time and the result….cutting the time in half it usually takes to mow most of the areas. Cue now to the inquisitions….do we need that many staff members? Course looks good to me and there is only 3 of you. what did you do with all those labour hours before?

“These are not unreasonable question to be fair”, comments Craig. “We are lucky in the fact that staff numbers have not been brought into question. I did get asked how come we can get everything cut with only 3 staff but it was a light hearted comment. None the less, that is where the advent of modern technology plays it part. Unlike a traditional paper diary, I can just enter a date range, click a button and the data instantly; all the labour hours, costs, effort, stock used etc. Looking through the reports, I can balance off last year v this year and communicate to the board exactly where all of the hours go, as the reports detail every last task. It’s very clear to see how long bunkers took this year v last year or even identify work that hasn’t needed to be done. It really helps to hammer home the facts.”

“So to sum it all up, it’s quite simple for me” states Craig. “I rely heavily on irrigation software system, digital moisture meters and various other technological tools to monitor surface performance, so why not also other aspect of the job?

TurfKeeper allows me to extend the technological side of management and communication but in addition, the planning, budgeting, stock control, machinery maintenance and reporting.  Such a system is a valuable asset and working example of the technology we should all be embracing in the modern age in which we now operate.”

The greenkeeping team at Harleyford Golf Club in Buckinghamshire won the 2019 BIGGA Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year award for its incredible performance in preparing the course for The Matchroom Sport Championship.

A Case Study……Is this the new normal!

A Case Study……Is this the new normal!

TurfKeeper is a web based management system that provides turf industry professionals a fully integrated operations and management solution. Designed by turf industry professionals, the system, in a completely personalised, single environment, provides complete control over and insight into staff management, task planning, machinery management, inventory control, chemical applications planning and recording, and budgeting & expense management. With detailed reporting on all areas readily available, and a resource library provision, the system becomes the home of all turf management planning, actions, and facility history.

www.turfkeeper.com

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Give the gift of adventure this Christmas

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Give the gift of adventure this Christmas: With the end of 2020 looming, it can only mean one thing – Christmas is just around the corner! With this year highlighting the important things in life, a Polaris Youth vehicle might just be the perfect present to give the gift of adventure this Christmas.

Polaris Youth side-by-side and ATV vehicles provide the ideal opportunity for kids to enjoy off-road adventures, combining key safety, technology and performance features. With current Covid-19 measures resulting in a lot more time at home and reduced travel, now is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, right here in the UK.

Give the gift of adventure this Christmas

Give the gift of adventure this Christmas

Not only do off-road vehicles give kids a reason to get outside, but it’s also a gift that will grow with them through the years thanks to adjustable riding options and flexible parent-adjustable speed limiters that can be used to adapt the machine to suit their age, experience and skill. With the entire full-size Polaris Off-Road line-up also available, it’s an activity the whole family can enjoy.

Every Polaris youth model has safety at the forefront of every design, so parents can have peace of mind whilst the kids are having fun. Every purchase comes standard with a starter kit that includes a Polaris youth helmet, whip flag and a training DVD.

RANGER 150 EFI

For side-by-side performance that kids will love, the Ranger 150 is the industry’s first youth vehicle with smart safety features, making it the ideal vehicle for children to enjoy safely.

The Ranger 150 features geofencing capabilities so parents can keep their kids in safe, set parameters whilst riding. From the Ride Command app, parents can control the ride boundaries and set specific speed limits for both inside and outside a geofenced area. Digital speed limiting ensures that kids are riding at the appropriate speed for their age, experience and terrain, and can be easily increased as they grow. The youth Ranger also features password protection for the engine start, meaning that parents can control when the vehicle is being operated by simply entering a passcode to allow the engine to start.

At 150cc of power with electronic fuel injection, 8” of ground clearance and 22.7kg of storage capacity, the RANGER 150 EFI is ready for a full day of safe riding. Easily operated with automatic PVT transmission (forward/neutral/reverse), plus hydraulic disc brakes on the front and rear and the adjustable seats with tilt steering wheel for the perfect fit. For ultimate safety, every purchase of a Ranger 150 comes with two youth helmets, a safety flag and a training DVD.

Available in Sage Green. Starting at £3,699 excluding VAT.

OUTLAW 70 EFI

Reliability you can trust for the next generation. Launched this year, the Outlaw 70 EFI delivers industry-leading safety features and benefits that are designed to grow with young riders. The upgraded 70cc engine and new ergonomic design specifically sized for a wider age range (six to ten-year-olds) enable young riders to enjoy the machine for longer.

The child-friendly ATV is equipped with advanced safety features for parents’ peace-of-mind, delivering convenient and reliable single-lever disc brakes, an enclosed engine, a parent-adjustable speed limiter to fit the rider’s age and skill level, and an industry-exclusive safety kit with a Polaris youth helmet, safety tether, training DVD and whip flag.

The Outlaw 70 also comes with electronic fuel injection (EFI) offering improved cold starts and LED lighting for improved visibility. All-new accessories include front-and-rear bumpers, a storage bag, windshield and a decal kit that allows kids to customize the machine and make it their own.

Available in White/Red and also available in a 110cc model. Starting from £2,299 excluding VAT.

SPORTSMAN 110 EFI

The Sportsman 110 has a reliable 112cc 4-stroke engine with electronic fuel injection. Packed with youth-centred safety features that come as standard, like a speed limiting adjuster, safety flag, daytime running lights, a safety tether, a Polaris youth helmet as well as a training DVD led by Polaris certified trainers, the Sportsman 110 is the ideal machine for young ATV riders for ages 10 and above.

Available in Velocity Blue. Starting from £2,499 excluding VAT.

RZR 170 EFI

The ultimate kid’s sports machine engineered to provide the thrill of driving while providing crucial safety features for parents’ peace of mind. The industry’s only youth sport side-by-side, the RZR 170 EFI has six inches of ground clearance and five inches of suspension travel so kids can cruise over any terrain, like dirt, rocks and sand, with ease. For comfort, there’s adjustable seating and a tilt steering wheel, and for ultimate safety, the RZR has seat belts, safety door nets and a full protective cage, as well as always-on LED daytime running lights and, similar to the other vehicles within the Polaris youth lineup, a parent-adjustable speed limiter.

Available in Lime Squeeze/Cruiser Black, and Bright White/Indy Red. Starting from £3,699 excluding VAT.

PHOENIX 200

The Phoenix 200 is an ATV aimed for older youth riders aged 14 and up, delivering a combination of reliable 196cc performance, Polaris safety features and comfortable suspension so kids can ride all day long.

Featuring dual a-arm front suspension with 17.7cm travel, and mono-shock swing-arm rear suspension with 16.5cm travel, kids can ride comfortably on the Phoenix 200 and operated it easily with automatic PVT transmission (forward/neutral/reverse). Safety comes first with the parent-adjustable speed limiter and starter kit that includes a Polaris youth helmet, whip flag and Polaris training DVD.

Available in Avalanche Grey. Starting from £3,299 excluding VAT.

For more information on the Polaris youth line-up, please visit www.polarisbritain.com or contact the Polaris Britain Press Office at press@polaris-orv.media.

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Reesink pumps up range with Franklin

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Reesink pumps up range with Franklin: Reesink Turfcare is the new distributor of Franklin water pumps to the UK and Ireland. The turfcare distributor has secured a range of high-quality pumping systems for clean and dirty water in submersible and surface applications.

Robert Jackson, water division sales manager for Reesink Turfcare, which also stocks Toro irrigation control systems and sprinklers and Otterbine pond and lake aerators, says: “With the introduction of the Franklin range we’ve made the purchasing decision very easy and straightforward for customers needing a new water pump. The products are great quality, the cost is reasonable, there’s something for every requirement.”

Reesink pumps up range with Franklin

Reesink pumps up range with Franklin

The ES, VS and EV series are suitable for pumping clean water through irrigation systems at golf clubs and sports grounds, and the EGT and EGF series provide the solution for dirty water extraction from reservoirs, streams, lakes and pits.

The ES series includes the five-inch compact close-coupled submersible multistage pump with 50Hz for flow up to 7.5m³/h. It’s small and installation is easy as it’s not necessary to connect the pump to a control panel.

The hydraulic design of the four-inch submersible VS series enhances overall efficiency, reduces energy consumption and makes the pumping systems more cost effective. The 50Hz deals with flow up to 24m³/h.

The EV Series features multistage surface pumps with single free-flow impellers which are good for irrigation systems with a flow up to 120m³/h with the 50Hz.

Robert continues: “In most cases customers are opting for a like-for-like pump exchange and we believe our range has something to suit most requirements in a fine turf, commercial and residential situation. The idea is we have a range of products that can be bought, delivered promptly and fitted straight away.”

Concluding the new range from Reesink are the EGT and EGF series, submersible drainage pumps for dirty water in hard-working environments. They are also widely used for water extraction from ponds, streams or pits and for rainwater collection. They can deal with a liquid temperature of up to 35°c, a pH value of 6-11 and maximum immersion depth of 5m.

Robert concludes: “A new pump brings multiple benefits such as improved energy efficiencies and variable speed solutions, whether you need to boost your water pressure, irrigate your golf course or extract water for more sustainable water consumption, Franklin will have a solution for your needs.”

Contact Reesink today to see how the Franklin range can help you quickly and easily. Call 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk, or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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Andy O’Neill on 12 months as Territory Manager

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Andy O’Neill on 12 months as Territory Manager: The last 12 months have been a challenge for us all, and perhaps that’s putting it mildly! For Redexim’s Andy O’Neill add to the mix the fact that he only had a couple of months to get his feet under the table as Central UK Territory Manager before the nationwide restrictions were introduced.

Now, a year into the role, Andy reflects on his rather unusual induction period and how new products in the Redexim portfolio are making quite the impression now that socially distanced demonstrations can resume.

Andy O’Neill on 12 months as Territory Manager

Andy O’Neill on 12 months as Territory Manager

Andy joined Redexim in November 2019 and brought with him a wealth of knowledge and experience of their portfolio of products, having spent the previous 14 years at dealer F G Adamson & Son. After making his debut on the Redexim stands at SALTEX and BTME in January this year, Andy set to work familiarising himself with dealers and key customers in the central regions before the restrictions were imposed.

“Joining Redexim presented me with a fantastic opportunity to work with a well-established range of equipment which, during my time in my previous role, I developed a great deal of belief in and passion for” explains Andy. “It was great to meet lots of faces, both old and new, at the industry trade shows and thanks to the powers of modern technology, we managed to keep in contact and support these customers and dealers during those difficult few months where physical meetings were not possible.”

Along with a new face, SALTEX and BTME were also the launch platforms for two new products in the Redexim natural turf collection – the 6m wide Top Brush and the high-speed 2519 Verti-Drain. “Despite the many adversities the year has thrown at us, there’s still a fantastic appetite to see new equipment in the industry and the Verti-Drain 2519, in particular, is delivering real wow-factor to those that have seen it to date. Now that I am finding my feet all over again, I am looking forward to demonstrating these and other products to the market where and when I can over the next few months.”

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