March 1, 2024 - Turf Matters

Redexim Turf Tidy tackles thinning roughs: The delivery of a Redexim Turf Tidy 3000 has brought a swift end to the hunt by Arbroath Golf Links for a versatile cut and collect machine for maintenance of their roughs and fairways.

An impressive demonstration sealed the deal for delivery by HRN Tractors in November 2023, with the Turf Tidy going on to thin out over an acre of roughs over the winter period – improving the playability and ecological status of the Scottish club.

Redexim Turf Tidy tackles thinning roughs

The maintenance of the traditional coastal links course, designed in 1877 by Old Tom Morris and opened a year later, is currently managed by Head Greenkeeper Ally Wyllie and a team of two. “We decided to try and tackle our thick rough to create a more enjoyable experience for our members” Ally explains. “After a conversation with David Raitt at HRN Tractors, we had a demonstration of the Turf Tidy and could immediately see how well it performed… so much so, we placed the order there and then!”

The versatile Redexim Turf Tidy 3000 offers effective scarification, flail cutting or sweeping with collection in a single pass. Designed with a fully floating head, the Turf Tidy is able to follow the contours of the ground making it suitable for a range of fine turf and sports turf applications. A 1.8m working width and 3m³hopper – with hydraulic high-tip function – complete the specification.

“Since its delivery, the Turf Tidy has done a fantastic job of cutting through the long grasses to thin out over an acre of roughs. With this work well received by the members, we’re looking to continue this project into the spring, with the aim of enhancing our ecological status through the encouragement of finer and more native grasses.”

He continues, “One of the main reasons we purchased this machine was its ease of use and the speed at which we can change between functions. We’re planning on using this machine between October and March, and by quickly and simply adjusting the rollers we can change the set-up from flail mowing the roughs to scarifying the fairways – bringing these up to the standards we’re setting on other areas around the course.”

Ally also comments on the brilliant back-up support and service received pre and post-purchase. “David, together with Allen Whellans from Redexim, have been brilliant throughout. The help we’ve had has set us on the right track to get the best out of our machine and achieve the very best results.”

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New recruits join GMA Young Board of Directors: The GMA’s Young Board of Directors, sponsored by Reesink Turfcare, has recruited four new talented young grounds professionals to its ranks. The new additions will add fresh energy to the Young Board’s efforts to inspire the next generation of young people to join the sector.

Joining existing members are Meg Lay, Beth Gibbs, Liddy Ford and Jack Langley. Meg, who recently moved from Gloucestershire CC to Lord’s Cricket Ground, and Beth, who is part of Wellington School’s grounds team, join the Young Board fresh off the back of successes in the GMA Industry Awards 2023 where Meg won Newcomer of the Year and Beth won Young Groundsperson of the Year.

New recruits join GMA Young Board of Directors

Liddy joins the Young Board with a background in horticulture as well as a BSc in sport and exercise science. Her current role is as a part of the grounds team at St George’s Park, the Football Association’s base for all 23 of England’s national football teams.

Jack joins having progressed from Assistant Grounds person to Deputy Head Grounds person at Ashton Gate Stadium, a multi-sport facility that acts as the home of Bristol City Football Club and Bristol Bears. The four new additions will use their varied backgrounds across sporting and educational facilities, and enthusiasm for grounds management, to represent the GMA in activity that aims to inspire young people to join the sector.

Work will begin with three of the new Board members, Meg, Liddy and Beth, representing the GMA as part of the all-female grounds team preparing the pitch at Emirates Stadium for Arsenal vs Tottenham in the Women’s Super League on Sunday 3 March 2024.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, is delighted to welcome the four new members to the Young Board:

“We established the Young Board of Directors in 2011 with the aim of encouraging more young people to consider careers in grounds management. Since then, a number of the founding members have gone on to achieve great things, including John Ledwidge, Head of Grounds and Landscapes at Manchester City FC, Ryan Golding, Head Groundsman at Leeds Rhinos, and Nick Phillips, Training Center Manager at Tottenham Hotspur FC.

“Beth, Meg, Liddy and Jack, bring fresh ideas and energy, and it’s clear that we’ve brought some exceptionally talented young professionals onto the existing team. We’re delighted to welcomethem all to the Board and are excited to see them contribute to our work on inspiring the next generation to join the sector.”

Gillian Haverson, Marketing & Communications Manager at Young Board sponsors, Reesink Turfcare said:

“Reesink is thrilled to offer its continued support for this great initiative and the excellent work done by the GMA Young Board of Directors. It’s always exciting to see women flourishing in this industry and we look forward to working with each of the new members. With this new injection of enthusiasm, we’re confident the GMA Young Board can only go from strength to strength.”

Beth, Liddy and Meg will all be in action as part of the trailblazing all-female grounds team preparing the pitch at Emirates Stadium for Arsenal vs Tottenham in the Women’s Super League on Sunday 3 March 2024, which will be free to view on the BBC.