Kilworth Springs’ Success with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair

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Kilworth Springs’ Success with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair: Nestled in the picturesque Avon Valley of South Leicestershire lies Kilworth Springs Golf Club, a renowned destination for golf enthusiasts seeking both challenge and beauty.

Maintaining a lush green course amidst heavy traffic has often posed a significant challenge for Head Greenkeeper Joel Chappell. After a thorough search for the ideal seed, Joel discovered EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair by DSV, a breakthrough solution that has transformed the course’s resilience and aesthetics.

Kilworth Springs' Success with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair

Kilworth Springs’ Success with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair

EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair from DSV emerges as a game-changer in turf management, boasting rapid germination and establishment. Specifically designed for cool-season over-sowing and surface repairs, this innovative seed blend incorporates Tetraploid Ryegrasses renowned for their vigour and adaptability. With attributes like fast germination, strong colour retention, and resistance to diseases and drought, Pro Rapid Repair emerges as the go-to choice for demanding environments like Kilworth Springs Golf Club.

Joel shares insights into the unique challenges posed by Kilworth Springs Golf Club and the transformative impact of EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair. “Maintaining grass here is no easy feat,” he remarks, referring to the club’s sandy and gravely, free-draining terrain. The course’s popularity, coupled with its inland links layout, subjects it to heavy wear and tear, especially around high-traffic areas like tees and approaches.

Joel’s quest for a resilient seed led him to EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair. “We tried many different seeds,” he says. “We were looking for a seed which was hard-wearing, could establish quickly and could withstand low mowing heights. The EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair stood out by far and ticks every box for us. In the growing season it is establishing within 3 or 4 days.”

Joel also highlights the critical role played by Pro Rapid Repair in rejuvenating damaged areas with remarkable speed and durability. “Last summer we had irrigation issues and had to dig up parts of the course. We overseeded with Pro Rapid Repair and within two weeks we were able to take those areas out of Ground Under Repair (GUR). That shows you just how well the seed works.”

Kilworth Springs' Success with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair

Kilworth Springs’ Success with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair

According to Joel, the success story of EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the exceptional customer support provided by his DSV representative Hamish Crichton and Rhys Norville from Regen Amenity, a DSV distributor. “Their expertise and support have been invaluable,” he adds. “As a Head Greenkeeper, you are so focussed on what you are doing and trying to achieve.

Therefore, it can be beneficial to listen to other opinions and fresh perspectives.”

Kilworth Springs Golf Club’s transformation with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair sheds light on the rising prominence of the EuroGrass Pro Mixtures in the UK sports turf market.

With solutions tailored for various sports including golf, cricket, horseracing, and winter sports, the EuroGrass Pro range from DSV exemplifies versatility and effectiveness. As Joel summarises – “For us, EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair is a winning solution.”

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Royal Troon greenkeepers get compound upgrade

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Royal Troon greenkeepers get compound upgrade: Royal Troon Golf Club has upgraded its greenkeepers compound, incorporating state-of-the-art locker rooms, ahead of this summer’s 152nd Open.

The 145-year-old club, based in South Ayrshire, Scotland, has made a large investment in a new welfare block, which includes offices, a staff room, a kitchen, wet and dry changing facilities, showers and toilets.

Royal Troon greenkeepers get compound upgrade

Royal Troon greenkeepers get compound upgrade

The changing rooms feature 28 modern lockers and benches to cater for the dedicated team responsible for maintaining the club’s pristine courses.

The investment aims to support the 20 greenkeeping staff preparing to host the Championship in July.

Locit, the manufacturer of the Pure Lockers brand, partnered with distributor Nationwide Lockers to deliver the slate grey steel lockers to the specifications of contractor Fleming Build.

Stephen Anthony, Club Secretary at Royal Troon Golf Club, said: “The club is delighted with the new facilities, including the lockers, for our 20 greenkeepers. 

“The move to personal lockers provides a secure space for our team’s belongings. 

“The club is committed to the well-being of every employee and this upgrade speaks volumes about the value the club places on our dedicated team of greenkeepers and their integral role in maintaining our course’s international standards.”

John Burns, Project lead and Site Manager for Fleming Build, based in Glasgow, said: “The recent enhancement to the greenkeepers’ compound underscores Royal Troon’s commitment to providing top-notch facilities for its dedicated employees.

“The decision to work with Nationwide as a locker supplier was influenced by price, a quick lead time, colour customisation and fast installation. Pure Lockers were the best buy and ensured a seamless delivery process for Royal Troon. Collaborating with Locit and Nationwide Lockers reinforced our commitment to quality project delivery.”

Pure Lockers are the world’s first carbon-neutral steel lockers. Each product is PAS 2060 certified, the internationally recognised specification for carbon neutrality published by the British Standards Institution (BSI).

Locit manufactures from a state-of-the-art digital manufacturing facility in Deeside using 3D CAD/CAM software solutions that enable the design of products with minimum waste materials. The factory also uses an innovative curing process at a lower temperature than the industry standard to guarantee the highest quality and 40% energy savings.

Kevin Elliott, Business Development Manager, at Locit said: “At Locit, we take pride in our commitment to delivering excellence to our clients. We understand that each client has unique requirements, and our approach is collaborative. We work closely with our clients to tailor Pure Lockers to their needs, ensuring that every detail aligns with their vision.”

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SISGrass invests in Indian cricket

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SISGrass invests in Indian cricket: Hybrid cricket pitches have been installed at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala, the first in what is expected to be a series of major projects across India in 2024 and beyond.

Completed by international sports pitches specialist SISGrass in partnership with Indian fine turf specialist company Greater Ten, the work represents the start of a drive towards improved playing surface quality and consistency at both amateur and professional levels, opening the nation’s most popular sport up to millions more people.

SISGrass invests in Indian cricket

SISGrass invests in Indian cricket

SISGrass’s investment in India follows a decision by the International Cricket Council to permit the use of hybrid surfaces for T20 and 50-over competition. After widespread success installing hybrids across English cricket grounds, the SIS team chose India as its next region of development. Paul Taylor, a former England international and SIS’s International Cricket Director, says the decision made sense for several reasons.

“India is home to millions of cricket fans, players and professionals who play almost all year round,” says Taylor. “This huge demand puts pressure on facilities, which can make it difficult for people to access good quality pitches in their local area. Our hybrid system will create far more opportunities for people to participate in the sport, guaranteeing a higher-quality of play at every level of competition.”

The Universal machine used in Dharamshala to install the hybrid surface was first developed by SISGrass in 2017. It injects a small percentage of polymer fibre with the natural turf found inside cricket stadiums. This composition is more resilient to stresses created during play, helping to prolong the life of pitches, guarantee an even bounce and ease pressure on busy groundspeople. Completed installations are predominantly natural grass, with only 5% of polymer fibre used. This ensures the characteristics of an all-natural pitch are maintained.

Speaking about the installation, Mr. R.P. Singh, Hony. President, HPCA, said, “The HPCA has consistently embraced the latest advances in cricket, and we believe SISGrass’s technology will be game-changing.

“Maintaining top-notch practice pitches is crucial for player development, as traditional surfaces struggle under the demands of rigorous training schedules. SISGrass’s integration of natural grass with synthetic fibres creates a robust and durable playing surface, ensuring players are prepared for competitive play. We are confident the installation will pave the way for a brighter future for Indian cricket, not just in Himachal Pradesh but across the nation.”

Hybrids have already been sanctioned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for T20 and 50-over competitions, and in 2024 they will be used in four-day County Championship matches for the first time. The Universal machine in India will now travel to Ahmedabad and Mumbai, where it will stitch more pitches for practice and match play.

The first machine of its kind, the Universal has already proven effective in the UK, having been used to install SISGrass at almost every major county ground in England. These include Lord’s, The Kia Oval, Edgbaston, Emirates Old Trafford, Trent Bridge, among many others. The machine will remain in India after the first three installations are complete, making it immediately available to other grounds and facilities as projects are approved.

Richard Gould, CEO of ECB, added: “Hybrid pitches have played an important role in enabling some venues to manage an increased amount of cricket during the English summer as the fixture list across men’s and women’s international and domestic cricket has grown.”

The introduction of hybrid pitches represents an important moment for India’s national game, which has championed T20 cricket through the IPL. These shorter formats have been one of the main drivers behind the development of hybrid surfaces, with more intense periods of play making it harder to prepare all-natural surfaces in time for top-level competition.

“Cricket is often associated with tradition but the installation of SISGrass in India is a milestone of progress,” adds Taylor. “Our hybrid pitches will allow for longer periods of play than is possible with all-natural surfaces, helping to maintain a base level of performance for millions of players across the country. But the technology will also potentially transform grassroots-level cricket, giving juniors the chance to play on the same surfaces found in major stadiums. Our expansion in India is an investment in the future of the game at all levels.”

HPCA has already installed SISAir – another specialist technology business that forms part of the wider SIS Pitches portfolio. SISAir is a sports pitch aeration system that optimises root zone growing conditions, creating stronger and more durable grass. During heavy rainfall, SISAir will also remove excess surface water using a series of pipework installed underneath a playing surface. The technology is used widely across major stadia, including Galatasaray’s Rams Park.

For more information on SISGrass, visit: https://www.sispitches.com/sports-pitches/hybrid/installation/cricket

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T H WHITE Machinery Imports Went the Distance

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T H WHITE Machinery Imports Went the Distance: Team T H WHITE Machinery Imports geared up for an extraordinary challenge that not only pushed the boundaries of endurance but also aimed to raise awareness and funds for mental health support. The Great Ferris Coast2Coast Challenge took place from April 9th to April 10th, 2024, spanning from Arnside seafront to The Whale Bone Arch in Whitby.

Mental health is a pressing issue affecting millions worldwide, with one in four individuals experiencing some form of mental health issue annually. Recognising the profound impact mental health has on physical health, relationships, and work, Team T H WHITE Machinery Imports was committed to making a difference.

T H WHITE Machinery Imports Went the Distance

T H WHITE Machinery Imports Went the Distance

Supported by Ferris, the team embarked on a 160-mile journey across the stunning landscapes of Cumbria, the Pennines, Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North York Moors – all aboard a Ferris IS 2600Z mower. This unique challenge not only showcased the durability and versatility of Ferris equipment but also symbolised the endurance required to tackle mental health challenges, with the patented suspension system offering unmatched comfort even over rough terrain.

“We’ve all experienced ‘down days,’ and it’s crucial to recognise that mental health is just as important as physical health,” said a Bill Johnston, Director of T H WHITE Machinery Imports. “Through the Coast2Coast Challenge, we aimed to spark conversations, raise awareness and funds to support those struggling with mental health issues.”

The team invited everyone to join their cause by making a donation to their designated charity, Wiltshire Mind. Donating was simple through a dedicated Just Giving page, accessible via the provided link or QR code.

Supporters rallied behind the team as they navigated through challenging terrains, spreading awareness and raising vital funds for mental health support. The journey was followed closely, and contributions to their cause poured in. Donations are still coming in and they are set to raise over £3000!

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Lindum Turf up for prestigious industry award

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Lindum Turf up for prestigious industry award: A north Yorkshire turf grower has been nominated for an award at the world’s most prestigious gardening show for the second year in succession.

Lindum Turf, based at Thorganby near York, was named as the winner of the Sustainable Garden Product of the Year category at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last year, for its plastic-free wildflower turf.

Lindum Turf up for prestigious industry award

Lindum Turf up for prestigious industry award

The turf, which can produce an instant wildflower meadow effect, is grown on a fully biodegradable growing medium, unlike many others that use a single-use plastic mesh that damages the environment.

This year, the company has been shortlisted in the same category for its latest innovation – Species Rich Turf – a mixture of hardy grasses and wildflowers that can directly replace a monoculture grass lawn.

As with wildflower turf, Species Rich is also entirely plastic free, ensuring that laying it does not damage the environment in any way.

Lindum Turf managing director, Stephen Fell, said to be nominated two years in succession was a great honour.

Chelsea Flower Show is the pinnacle achievement for both garden designers and suppliers into the industry, meaning winning at the prestigious event is a huge source of pride.

Mr Fell said: “Being nominated at Chelsea last year, and then winning, was a tremendous achievement and testament to the hard work and innovation the team at Lindum Turf dedicate to creating new and sustainable products.

“Our wildflower turf is not only plastic free, meaning no single use plastics are buried in the soil to degrade into microplastics, it also provides a rich diversity of flora that attracts vital pollinators.

“Our Species Rich Turf builds on this idea, but with the addition of some hardy grass varieties to make it robust enough to replace a normal family lawn.

“The turf can withstand being walked on and played on, but adds a large diversity of plants to a garden making it much more ecologically beneficial than a monocrop lawn. It’s a great way to maximise the environmental benefits of your garden without compromising on utility.”

Lindum Turf will have to wait for the show, which takes place from May 21-25 at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, to find out if they have won.

Some turf producers grow turf with a plastic-reinforced mesh incorporated, which helps to keep it together when being lifted, but the mesh is buried in the soil once the turf is laid leaving it to break down into microplastics which pollute the soil and even nearby watercourses.

Last year, Stephen Fell challenged the industry to remove single use plastics in turf as it is environmentally damaging.

The Chelsea Flower Show has already banned plastic bags, floral foam, and plastic artificial turf across its shows and is aiming for the complete removal of single use plastics by 2025.

It holds the Sustainable Garden Product of the Year category to encourage and highlight innovation in this area and reward companies doing the best work.

Mr Fell described single use plastics as the antithesis of environmentally friendly garden.

He said: “People want to create wildflower meadows because of the beautiful colours and because they provide the type of biodiversity we need to help restore nature.

“This aim is entirely inconsistent with burying harmful plastics in the ground so it is high time the industry fully addressed this issue.”

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