New bunkers transforming operations

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New bunkers transforming operations: New bunkers built using technology from Capillary Bunkers and EcoBunker are changing the way that Australian course Burleigh GC does business.

Burleigh has had a difficult time of it in the recent past “When I arrived here in 2014, the club was heavily in debt, as a result of building a clubhouse in 2007, right at the start of the global financial crisis,” says general manager Ian Cottle. “After several years work we secured a land lease deal with retirement village developer RetireAustralia. The lease income sorted out our immediate financial difficulties, but the result of a decade of debt was that course expenditure had been kept very low during that time, and it desperately needed investment.”

New bunkers transforming operations

New bunkers transforming operations

Cottle says that the club had a lot of catching up to do! “The condition of our bunkers was a major issue,” he says. “So in 2020 we appointed Graham Marsh to work with us to develop an 18 hole bunker plan, and we did a test bunker on the twelfth hole. We didn’t rush into anything, we played the bunker for a while to establish that it worked well before addressing other bunkers on the course.”

At architect Marsh’s recommendation, Burleigh opted to go for a fully sealed bunker, with the EcoBunker synthetic edge technology and Capillary Bunkers liner. “Graham’s eighteen hole bunker plan is a wonderful reference point,” says Cottle. “After the twelfth, we did the eighteenth green surround, then the fourth, then the first. We’re still learning about this technology and ensuring the bunker presentation achieved is what we want, however the playability and drainage performance are excellent. We put a firehose on one of the bunkers to show that there was no ponding – and prove that Capillary Bunkers lives up to its reputationof being the best draining bunker liner on the market.”

Local contractor Mark Lawson of ProLinks is handling construction, while both products have been supplied by EcoBunker and Capillary Bunkers dealer Centaur AsiaPacific. “We recently finished the bunker at the first green, and it is a great improvement,” says Cottle. “When playing the hole, the greenside bunker could not be seen until you got to the green. Members knew it was there, but if you were a guest you would never know it was there until you were ten feet from the green. The Capillary Bunkers liner allows us to flash the sand higher up the face and now you can see it from a long way away.”

The new bunkers have been well received by Burleigh’s membership. “One of the biggest issues for golf clubs in Australia is retaining qualified greens staff,” explains Cottle. “Consequently, being able to save a lot of time on repairing the bunkers after rain is a huge benefit. When the club was struggling financially, we maintained the bunkers once a week and had exasperated members. Now we can afford more frequent maintenance and the Capillary lined bunkers require less maintenance work.”

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Thonock Park chooses Ventrac

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Thonock Park chooses Ventrac: Thonock Park, situated in the heart of the Lincolnshire countryside, is the home of two stunning 18-hole courses and the PING Academy, a multi-purpose coaching studio. They are the latest club to appreciate the benefits of Ventrac, purchasing a 4500 all-terrain compact tractor with a Contour deck and Turbine blower from Rotherham-based dealer, Russells.

Rob Acheson is the Course Manager and has been in the post for the past two years. He began his career at Hillsborough Golf Club, then spent 10 years at Wortley Golf Club followed by five years at Worksop before being appointed to his current role. He manages a team of 10 greenkeeping staff.

Thonock Park chooses Ventrac

Thonock Park chooses Ventrac

Commenting on the purchase of the Ventrac package he said,

“We wanted a machine that was versatile and value-for-money; a machine that could be used for multiple tasks and, if possible, operate in wet conditions.

“We contacted Russells and they suggested we have a look at the Ventrac. They came over for the demo on a very wet day, when even our fairway mower was struggling; in fact, it was stuck out on one of the courses! It was unbelievable, it worked brilliantly without causing any damage to the turf, and everyone was impressed. We placed the order shortly after the demo and it arrived a few weeks later.

“The Contour deck has a dual use; we maintain the semi-rough and around the bunker edges. It leaves a fantastic finish and the float of the outer cutting sections of the deck means we can get close to bunker edges without damaging the turf.

“The Turbine blower is a great piece of kit for clearing the autumnal fall on the Park course and for a small blower it easily rivals our tractor-mounted blower. It’s manoeuvrability and light weight allows it to get closer to the treeline providing more effective clearance.

“We recently hired in the Trencher attachment from Russells to create drainage bands on the fairway of the 4th hole on the Parks and it proved to be a really great asset. So much so, that we have now placed an order to buy one.”

General Manager Ben Hatch added,

“From a management perspective the Ventrac’s ability to operate on steep slopes up to 30 degrees and in seriously wet conditions, ensures that we can continue to maintain areas of the course in adverse weather and, most importantly, it allows the team to operate safely; a serious consideration when working on steep undulating terrain. Sometimes it’s the only machine we can get out of the shed during very wet weather.

“Overall, it ticks all of the boxes from a health and safety perspective and its versatility makes it excellent value for money. Rather than buying a dedicated mower to perform a single task, we have effectively purchased three machines for the price of one competitor machine. Financially, the numbers really stack up. It’s a great addition to our fleet.”

About the courses

After being played on for over 90 years, the Thonock Park course was revamped in 1985 by former Ryder cup player, Brian Waites. At 6223 yards (par 70), it is not the longest of courses but, with its tree-lined fairways, true greens and stunning views of the Lincolnshire countryside, it offers a great day’s golf for members and visitors alike.

Aptly named after Karsten Solheim, the founder of PING, the Karsten Lakes course was opened in 1997, after being crafted by legendary English golfer, Neil Coles. At 6900 yards (par 72) from the back tees, it offers a very different challenge to the Thonock Park course, with strategically placed bunkers and prominent lakes and water features on many holes providing a great test for all abilities.

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Bring your course to life with Otterbine

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Bring your course to life with Otterbine: With Otterbine’s Fountain Glo™ colour changing lights there is no need for the lights to go out when the sun goes down.

Otterbine fountains are renowned for being multifunctional tools, ensuring not only a centrepiece for your lake and pond during the day, but also, most importantly, for ensuring clean, clear water. Now, these sets bring even more value to your investment by ensuring your fountain commands attention at night too.

Bring your course to life with Otterbine

Bring your course to life with Otterbine

Designed to give rich vibrant light to accentuate any fountain pattern from 0.5 to 25hp with a variety of coloured displays and sequences, Otterbine’s RGBW lights take your venue from day to night in style.

The perfect addition for resort-style golf clubs and those with hotels and a focus on events, this simple addition provides a stunning light display to create an enchanting evening atmosphere.

The quality of Otterbine is widely regarded to be market-leading and these lighting systems are no different. All are manufactured from corrosion resistant materials and feature energy-efficient LED lamps to deliver years of service without the need to change bulbs. All lights come complete with a two or three year warranty.

Available are a standard LED low voltage light system or a choice of colour changing and sequencing systems: the Mini and Midi sets come with a handheld remote to select pre-programmed sequences and the Maxi set has the ability to create custom sequences.

Simon Powell, Otterbine’s business development manager at Reesink Turfcare, distributor of Otterbine, says: “It would be quite easy for those with an Otterbine fountain to think it’s fantastic as it is – and it is! Healthy water attracting wildlife and bringing beauty to an otherwise still area of water. But that would be denying it its full capabilities; the fountain lighting enchancing displays bring your course to life in another way and creates an after-dark atmosphere like no other, which is an especially appealing proposition for weddings and events with colour co-ordinated themes.”

To find out more about the Otterbine Fountain Glo™ colour changing lights, contact Reesink on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Makita’s new products

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Makita’s new products: Leading power tool manufacturer Makita UK has expanded its powerful XGT 40VMax range of machines with the launch of the new HS009G 235mm Circular Saw and ML006G Flashlight. It has also released the DX15 ‘on-tool’ Dust Collection System (191X40-4) that is compatible with its HR007GZ XGT Rotary Hammer.

HS009G 235mm Circular Saw

The HS009G is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to reap the benefits of cordless, whilst still experiencing the power associated with corded models. Thanks to a large brushless motor and XGT battery technology, this machine can deliver the same – or higher – performance than that of corded alternatives. As such, the HS009G is ideal for higher demand applications.

Makita's new products

Makita’s new products

For precision cutting, the HS009G is compatible with the new 191141-8 guide rail and it can produce bevel cuts up to 1° left and 60° right, with positive stops at 22.5° and 45°. It offers a maximum cutting capacity of up to 61mm and a cutting speed of 4,00rpm, making light work of any cutting task. The HS009G also features an LED job light to keep the work piece clearly visible, regardless of the site conditions.

To improve user safety, the HS009G features Makita’s Auto Start Wireless System (AWS). When fitted with an optional AWS chip, the HS009G can be wirelessly connected to compatible dust extractors via Bluetooth and ensures that when the machine is in use, the extractor automatically turns on.

Makita has also launched a range of accessories for the HS009G, including the 191141-8 guide rail and E-05664 guide rail holder, 196664-7 bevel guide set, 194385-5 clamp set and E-01909 Efficut Saw Blade.

ML006G LED Flashlight

This XGT 40VMax flashlight is the ideal site companion, featuring 18 extra bright LEDs that can deliver up to 500 lumens (depending on the setting chosen). The specially designed light diffusing lens softens the LED light to prevent glare and provide widespread illumination. What’s more, the ML006G offers an impressive 82 hours of continuous illumination (when used in low mode) and the flashlight head can be easily adjusted to ensure the work area is always lit.

For ease, the ML006G features a battery capacity warning system, so users are not unexpectedly left in the dark. It is also compact, lightweight, has an ergonomic design and rubberised soft grip, making it easy and comfortable to hold and transport around site.

DX15 ‘On-Tool’ Dust Collection System (191X40-4)

Compatible with Makita’s XGT 40VMax HR007GZ Rotary Hammer, the DX15 makes dust collection a breeze. It can be used with drill bits up to 260mm and the depth gauge can be effortlessly adjusted. Thanks to the inclusion of a HEPA filter, the DX15 can capture even fine particles for maximum user safety – and the filter can be easily cleaned to ensure longevity.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “Makita’s XGT range has been designed to offer professional users a range of powerful machines that are ideally suited to higher demand applications. We are dedicated to providing the industry with an array of innovative solutions and have spent years refining our battery technology so that our products deliver the high output needed without compromising on battery run time, meaning professionals can work disruption free for longer.”

To find out more about Makita and its XGT range visit: www.makitauk.com

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STIHL announces cordless roadshow

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STIHL announces cordless roadshow: STIHL will be hitting the road throughout March with a new Professional Cordless Roadshow UK tour. The STIHL Fully Charged Cordless Roadshow will allow larger professional users, such as councils and major landscaping contractors, exclusive access to its extensive range of cordless machines, as well as providing local dealers with more support than ever before.

Professional users will be able to get hands on with STIHL’s latest range of cordless products, as well as gain insight from STIHL’s team of trained experts who will be on hand to offer advice and recommendations. Refreshments will be available on the day, as well as offers and discounts all redeemable through STIHL’s specialist Approved Dealers.

STIHL announces cordless roadshow

STIHL announces cordless roadshow

Historically, petrol powered equipment has been the technology of choice for the professional, however, cordless technology is evolving at a rapid pace. Offering exceptional performance, ease of maintenance and use, quiet operation, reduced vibration and carbon footprint reduction, cordless technology offers the landscaping, arboriculture and forestry industry more options than ever before.

STIHL will be visiting 11 locations during March, including:

  • 8th March – Stirling
    • Stirling County Rugby Football Club, FK9 5AP
  • 9th March – Durham
    • East Durham College, DH1 3SG
  • 10th March – Harrogate
    • Pavillions of Harrogate, HG2 8NZ
  • 16th March – Newport
    • Harper Adams, TF10 8NB
  • 17th March – Cheshire
    • Reaseheath College, CW5 6DF
  • 22nd March – Melton Mowbray
    • Brooksby Melton College, LE13 0HJ
  • 23rd March – Avonbank
    • Pershore College, WR10 3JP
  • 24th March – Swansea
    • St Hilary’s Church, SA2 7DZ
  • 29th March – Devon
    • Bicton College, EX9 7BY
  • 30th March – Guildford
    • Merrist Wood College, GU3 3PE
  • 31st March – Essex
    • Writtle College, CM1 3RR

Simon Hewitt, Head of Marketing at STIHL GB, commented: “The popularity of cordless machinery continues to rise amongst professional users and, through years of extensive research and development into the advancement of battery technology, we now boast a range that can meet the requirements of the most demanding applications. Indeed in every category in which we operate, STIHL now has a battery-powered tool with equivalent performance as its petrol counterpart.

“With this in mind, the roadshow will provide us and our network of dealers with a great platform to not only showcase the latest innovative products, but also to meet customers and gain valuable insight into their needs as professional users.”

For more information on the upcoming STIHL Professional Cordless Roadshow 2022, dealers are encouraged to contact their STIHL Area Sales Manager.

For more information on STIHL’s range of professional cordless tools, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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