Campey announces passing of Tony Cundall

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Campey announces passing of Tony Cundall: It is with great sadness that Campey Turf Care Systems announce the passing of Tony Cundall at the age of 75.

Tony was the first Campey Product Specialist to cover Manchester, Wirral, Cheshire and Staffordshire, an area where he quickly became both respected and well-liked by his customers and colleagues. Not only did he provide excellent sales and service, he was renowned for his willingness to go the extra mile and a very professional approach to his work. His popularity extended beyond his sales role and he became known throughout the industry as a true gentleman on every level.

Campey announces passing of Tony Cundall

Campey announces passing of Tony Cundall

Before retiring in 2011, Tony gave up working in the field and was General Manager in house.

“Our thoughts are with Tony’s wife Dinah and Tony’s family at this sad time.’ Said Richard Campey. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and worked with him.”

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Retiring Ronnie makes two last purchases

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Retiring Ronnie makes two last purchases: Buchanan Castle GC’s course manager, Ronnie Myles, retires on May 29 after 50 years’ greenkeeping, the last 15 years as head greenkeeper at the Drymen club.

In a busy career, Ronnie has also worked at clubs in East Kilbride, Erskine, Scarcroft, Cathkin and Helensburgh. At least 12 of the staff he has trained have gone on to become head greenkeepers themselves.

Retiring Ronnie makes two last purchases

Retiring Ronnie makes two last purchases

Ronnie’s last two purchases have been from dealer Fairways GM at Inchinnan, to help the team at Buchanan Castle maintain quality of presentation.

First to arrive, at the start of the year, was a Wiedenmann Super 500, four-in-one collector, sweeper scarifier, and its versatility has been a revelation at the James Braid-designed course.

“It was still winter and the difference it made was unbelievable,” said Ronnie. “Working in tandem with our blower, it cleared and collected leaves and other debris in one pass. We had so many stormy days, so it was busy up and down the course, back and forth. Our golfers were cock-a-hoop because it instantly presented the playing areas to the best standard.

“In the spring, we switched the flail paddles to scarifying blades and it scarified all the fairways with minimal disruption. A good, neat job. We just haven’t had a chance to get it onto rough management duties, but that will happen in time.”

In April, Ronnie’s team took delivery of a Jacobsen TR320, high traction contour trim mower. Highly manoeuvrable, it is a reel mower which works equally efficiently on flat or sloped, and, on wet or dry turf. Purchased to bring added quality to bankings and surrounds across the parkland course, it too, is an instant hit.

“I’m so impressed,” continued Ronnie. “It has transformed the areas we got it for. Before, we couldn’t get too near the bunker edges.   However, the TR 320 allows you to get up close, right to the edge. It has eliminated 80-90% of our need to use a hover mower. Previously, the hover mower would take one person the best part of a day to go around.  With the Jake we are done in a couple of hours. The finish is far neater and someone is free to do other duties.”

Ronnie says that while it is imperative to buy the right machines for purpose, reliable service and back up from a dealer also plays a significant role in the purchase. “I’ve known the Rae family for a very long time, so I know with Fairways we are in good hands.”

Taking over from Ronnie will be his two deputies, Chris Prior and James Macdonald, who both become joint course managers.

“I wish them all the best for the future, they both absolutely deserve the opportunity. They will be ably supported by John Steel, and our newly recruited 16-year-old apprentice, Tom Bruce. I know they will all do well.”

While Ronnie is happy to be standing down knowing the course is in capable hands, his days won’t be too quiet.

“I’m not completely retiring,” said Ronnie who is moving to Stirling to be nearer family. “When you work 50 years it would be impossible to sit back and do nothing. I’m taking on a part time role with a club in Stirling which will keep me busy at least 20 hours a week.”

In April, Ronnie was elected Regional President of BIGGA for Scotland & N Ireland, and in July, he is one of the greenkeepers selected who will support the R&A during The 150th Open at St Andrews.

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Get ready to ride

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Get ready to ride: Since 1954, Polaris Off Road has been an innovative force in Powersports, and knows what it means to Think Outside. That’s why it has a diverse line-up of performance-ready apparel and accessories that have all been designed with a single purpose: To help customers get the most out of their riding experience and take on the off-road in confidence. 

It’s not just Polaris Off Road Vehicles that are built for ultimate durability and performance: All items in the Polaris apparel range are crafted from premium materials, engineered for the most extreme off-road conditions, and designed for all Polaris riders – from the hard workers to the hard adventurers. For 2022, riders can upgrade their riding wardrobe with Polaris’ latest additions to its racing collection, introducing brand-new looks and colour options to the world of off-roading.

Get ready to ride

Get ready to ride

Dario Baraggia, PG&A Manager at Polaris Off Road Vehicles EMEA said: “These new additions to the Polaris apparel range can give customers the true belonging to the Polaris brand, whether it be through clothing or accessories. Like our vehicles, the collection is made with premium materials that give riders what they need; breathability, comfort and flexibility, as well as the quality needed to endure any weather conditions and even the roughest of rides.

Racing Collection

For 2022, Polaris has added two new CE approved gloves: The Safety Gloves Touch and the SF Tech Gloves Touch. Both gloves are touch screen compatible with silicone print on the fingers to improve grip. They have a neoprene cuff with Velcro tightening and reinforcement patches for safety and comfort. The SF Tech Gloves Touch are fitted with knuckle protection, whilst the Safety Gloves Touch have a flexible fabric back. Both gloves are available in black, in sizes XS-7 through to 3XL-13.

When working all day on or off a vehicle, the new Bodywarmer is an excellent companion. Made from a combination of breathable yet waterproof materials, the bodywarmer has a simple yet classic design, featuring soft shell waterproof side panels, and two external pockets with easy grab pullers. Available in black, in sizes S to 3XL.

The lightweight, long sleeve Technical Shirt provides superior comfort with a 100% polyester construction to keep the riders feeling cool and fresh, whilst the lycra cuffs and collar guarantees comfort. With a simple yet iconic design, the black and grey technical shirt offers increased visibility with a red accent stripe and there is Polaris branding across the chest.

Many of the racing favourites are still available in the collection, including the water-resistant Technical Jacket and Pants; the ultra light pairing are made from polyester ripstop and softshell to provide ultimate comfort. The Racing Softshell helps to provide protection from the elements with softshell waterproofing and a removable hood. The Rain Jacket is the summer version of the Racing Softshell. With a very similar design the Rain Jacket is made from polyester ripstop high tearing resistance material, a PU coating of 1000mm and features a non-removable hood. The Hybrid Jacket is the perfect hybrid of the Racing Softshell and Rain Jacket with added insulation; with sleeves in softshell waterproof and breathable 3000mm fabric and a body made from nylon downproof, even whilst out racing, riders can be protected from all elements.

All of the racing collection is available in black with elements of grey, and red contrasts.

Helmets and goggles 

Built from the ground up, with innovative features for ultimate comfort and control, is the Tactical 2.0 helmet. With a shock-resistant, injection-moulded thermoplastic shell and a Venturi vent system that generates negative pressure at velocity and pulls moist air from the breath box, the Tactical Helmet is ideal for any off-road rider. The integrated eyeport seal is co-integrated with the breath box to create a draught-free seal with 509 goggles for an unparalleled warmth and clear field of view. Closing with a magnetic fidlock chin-strap technology, the Tactical 2.0 Helmet is both DOT and ECE 22.06 approved.

Available in Matte black, Gray, Lime, Red/Black and Orange; in sizes XS-4XL.

To provide utmost clarity, the 509 Kingpin Off-Road Goggles work in unity with the Tactical 2.0 helmet for a draught-free seal. The 509 Kingpin goggles have been designed with premium materials with an attractive price in mind. Featuring an oversized spherical lens that delivers optimal peripheral vision, the CE-certified goggles have metal tear off posts that provide strength and durability. Lenses can be changed in a matter of seconds with the quick-change technology so riders can wear the best lens tint for the conditions. The 509 Kingpin Goggles are available in blue or stealth gray.

Engineered for dirt and trail riding is the 509 MX6 Off-Road Goggles that provides a super wide field of view. The CE-certified goggles have a PC outer lens with anti-scratch coating and an internal anti-fog coating; there are outriggers with latch system for a quick lens change and 45mm straps with silicon to hold straps in place. The 509 MX Off-Road Goggles are available in Black or Red/Black.

Accessories and merchandise

Customers can truly live and feel the Polaris brand with new and existing accessories and merchandise. Customer can take Polaris with them with four new camping chairs; the Kickback Rocker comes in Polaris blue with two built in cup holders; the new Freestyle Rocker and Easy Chair both have one cupholder and are available in black and the triangular shaped Quick-E-Seat is also available in black. Polaris has also added the Folding Table as the ideal partner for any of the new folding chairs. The Folding Table is available in black and has four built- in cup holders to help avoid any spillages.

Polaris have also added two new baseball caps to their accessories and merchandise collection. The new Highland Cap has a flat brim and contrasting mesh panelling on the back, in either tan and black or grey and black and both colourways feature the Polaris logo across the front. The Classic Cap has a rounded brim and a Polaris logo across the front; it is available in grey and blue or Polaris blue.

Also added into the range is a new 23oz Water Bottle in matte black with a Polaris logo so riders can stay hydrated on and off their machine. There are new garage accessories including a blue Polaris Flag and Polaris Parking Sign both in Polaris blue.

The Polaris Off Road apparel collection is available across dealers in Europe, Middle East and Africa. For more information, please contact your local, authorised Polaris dealer.

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SISIS performs at the Royal Wellington

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SISIS performs at the Royal Wellington: John Spraggs, Course Manager at the Royal Wellington Golf Club in New Zealand, has reported excellent results from using a range of SISIS equipment to maintain the historic course.

Royal Wellington Golf Club is regarded as one of New Zealand’s finest courses. Situated alongside the Hutt River near Silverstream, the parkland course offers an enjoyable and stimulating golfing challenge in a beautiful setting.

SISIS performs at the Royal Wellington

SISIS performs at the Royal Wellington

A course of this stature deserves to be in good hands and that is where the highly respected and extremely experienced John Spraggs comes in. John, who started work in the turf industry in 1978, has been the Course Manager at Royal Wellington for 17 years. He oversees an impressive team of 11 Greenkeepers, 1 Horticulturist, 1 Equipment Manager and 1 Equipment Serviceman.

Also remarkable is the arsenal of turf maintenance equipment which is used to keep the Royal Wellington in superb condition. John claims that there is one brand which has, and always will, have a place in his equipment shed.

“I have been in the turf industry since 1978 and have used and seen many brands,” he said. “Due to its simplicity and robustness, the SISIS brand is known for its quality and performance, making our work easier.”

John and the Royal Wellington team are currently relying on two SISIS products – the Litamisa 1800 tractor mounted sweeper and collector and the Javelin Aer-Aid tractor mounted aerator.

“In regard to the Javelin Aer-Aid – we use this monthly on our sand constructed greens, tees, and greens approaches – to provide aeration and inject air into the rootzone,” said John.

As John says, not only does the Javelin Aer-Aid aerate with a vertical action but it also injects air into the root zone at a fast-working rate, creating thousands of fissures. The cam trigger mechanism ensures that the air is always expelled at the bottom of the tine penetration, enabling treatment to be targeted precisely and consistently.

10mm diameter ‘tipped’ tines are spaced at 75mm (3ins) with depth of penetration, infinitely variable, to a maximum of 127mm (5ins). These air injection tines are specially designed to use the maximum air available from the compressor and produces clean, fresh, air at a constant rate of 88 litres per minute, while surface disturbance is kept to a minimum.

“The Royal Wellington is a large parkland course with many deciduous trees,” continued John. “Therefore, leaves are an issue, and this is why we use the Litamisa. We also use it to pick up cores and debris following turf renovations.”

The SISIS Litamisa 1800 is ideal for sweeping requirements, from large sports fields to gardens and extensive lawns. It features a spiral design brush for improved collection, a hydraulic tip facility for easy emptying and a large capacity hopper. It follows ground contours and is simple to use and maintain.

John further explained the benefits from using these two machines.

“Gathering leaf litter, and clearing debris from turf renovations are simpler, and more productive,” he said. “Minimising surface disturbance from hole punching is critical to keep our players happy. The Aer-Aid does a fantastic job with the surfaces being playable following a light roll, straight behind the Aer-Aid.

“I would say that the simplicity of the SISIS equipment is the greatest feature; they are very easy to service and adjust.”

The two products were purchased though SISIS dealer Powerturf NZ, but John revealed that he also receives support from SISIS.

“The service from SISIS is absolutely first class – it has exceeded all expectations. I have on occasion gone direct to SISIS asking questions and the responses back have always been fast and informative.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow SISIS on Twitter or Instagram @SISISMachinery and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery. You can also view the latest SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

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Clean fun on the course

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Clean fun on the course: KAASPEED is a new and unique mode of transport for UK golfers. An electric, lightweight, self-balancing, wide-wheeled scooter that provides a new and exciting way to traverse the course and is brought to the UK by Reesink e-Vehicles.

With all clubs worth their salt considering how to entice generation Z and more millennials to the course – and retain their custom – KAASPEED scooters could be just the ticket. They’re fun, different and a talking point for any club.

Clean fun on the course

Clean fun on the course

Dave French, sales manager for Reesink e-Vehicles, says: “Golf managers are facing up to the reality that they need to be more inclusive and attract the younger generation to the sport. KAASPEED is one way to do that. They provide a different aspect to the game, a fun way to get from hole to hole. Plus, as a solo drive, this speeds things up – no veering off for your partner’s golf ball in the opposite direction to yours – and means more games in the same amount of time, bringing sure-fire appeal to this generation.”

Not just that though, at a fraction of the cost of a new buggy, KAASPEED scooters are a cost-effective transport solution, especially as little maintenance is required. The frame is the only one of its kind on the market, encasing all the cables and made from aircraft-grade strong aluminium, yet it’s surprisingly light, weighing only 45kgs.

The car-grade LG cell lithium-ion battery is low-profile, cleverly stowed in the footrest. It’s long-lasting with a long range – a maximum of 31 miles; high performance including top speed of 28mph – which can be limited, and a smart battery management system featuring temperature resistance. And the motor is highly efficient with more torque for maximum hill climbing capacity.

Golf clubs can order KAASPEED scooters pre-configured for their members to hire or buy, with a radius front tyre and a solid tyre wall on the rear, which provides the unique self-balancing profile. Dave expands: “This provides convenience as users hop-on hop-off navigating the course, but also means their golf bag on the back always remains secure and upright. With four stock colours and up to 10 special colours with 14 accessories to choose from, KAASPEED scooters offer great customisation for clubs to offer a unique and fun rental option for their members and guests.”

In addition to the golf scooter setup, KAASPEED also provide configurations for use off road and on, with the choice of two types of tyre – the Scorpion tyre offers excellent traction for woodland and sandy surfaces, while the standard plain tread tyres are perfect for flat ground with turf protection.

Dave concludes: “The trend for electric on the course shows no signs of abating, and rightly so. The course is nature’s playground for golfers and it seems counterintuitive to pollute that with the noise and fumes of diesel transportation.”

KAASPEED scooters join STAR EV’s range of award-winning lithium and sealed battery-powered utility vehicles and golf buggies under the Reesink e-Vehicles brand. To find out more, visit reesink-evehicles.co.uk or call 01480 226800.

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