Greenkeeping inspiration for school kids

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Greenkeeping inspiration for school kids: Primary school pupils in St Andrews have been learning about what it takes to be a greenkeeper at the Home of Golf after St Andrews Links became the first venue in Scotland to host an innovative First Green field trip.

Aimed at inspiring the next generation of greenkeepers by showcasing the range of skills required in greenkeeping across science, technology, engineering and maths, the First Green event gave pupils an interactive experience of the life of a greenkeeper at the world’s most famous golf complex.

Greenkeeping inspiration for school kids

Greenkeeping inspiration for school kids

Held at the St Andrews Links Golf Academy adjacent to the renowned Old Course, the event saw 23 primary five pupils from local St Andrews school, Canongate, visit the Home of Golf for a day of interactive activities and practical learning. Students participated in three hands-on, outdoor learning stations that showcased a variety of skills that are utilised by professional greenkeepers each day.

Staff from across the Links introduced the pupils to irrigation, bunkering, wildlife conservation, soil management, greenkeeping tools and machinery, including the stimpmeter used by greenkeepers to measure the speed of the greens. Pupils were then able to put their learnings to the test with a putting competition led by Rachel Knight, Golf Academy Operations manager at St Andrews Links Trust.

The First Green initiative, run by the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), aims to introduce young people to the career opportunities that are available in golf and showcase the skills that are required for these roles.

It is the only science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education and environmental outreach programme that uses golf courses as learning labs. It was first introduced in the United States in 1997 but more recently was adopted by BIGGA, with the UK’s inaugural event taking place at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in 2023. The First Green curriculum helps students apply their classroom knowledge in an outdoor setting using STEM concepts connected to golf course management and conservation. First Green also gives students a first-hand look at the important role greenkeepers play in their local communities.

Gordon McKie, Greenkeeping Operations Manager at St Andrews Links Trust, said,

“We are delighted to have held Scotland’s first ‘First Green’ event here at the Home of Golf.

Greenkeeping is often an overlooked industry with many people lacking an understanding of what goes into looking after a golf course. The First Green initiative allows us to engage with young people at primary school age who may go on to consider greenkeeping as a future career.

Our first event was a great success, and we hope to host similar events annually at St Andrews Links, or even more frequently if we can. We would encourage other schools and golf courses in Scotland to get involved and to start engaging with young people who may go on to become the next generation of greenkeepers.”

A set of 13 lesson plans have been designed by BIGGA to guide greenkeepers on how to run STEM based sessions for young people aged 9 to 14 years of age. The lesson plans highlight the work of greenkeepers and their important role in maintaining a golf course in a good condition for golfers, whilst also helping to protect the environment. Host greenkeeping staff are encouraged to utilise these lesson plans and will typically co-ordinate a 2-to-3-hour showcase of their greenkeeping skills.

Jenny Bledge, Workforce Project Manager at BIGGA, said,

“First Green is a flagship initiative that we are extremely proud of at BIGGA because it helps golf clubs connect with their communities in a really meaningful way. By using STEM principles, participants – like the pupils who attended the event at St Andrews Links – get to have fun while learning practical skills outdoors in a real-world workplace setting. This not only raises awareness about golf courses and their role in the environment but also puts a big emphasis on sustainability while helping to promote greenkeeping as a STEM career.

First Green events are popping up all over the UK, and I was thrilled that St Andrews Links was one of the first to get involved. Seeing First Green in action at the Home of Golf was a real testament to all the hard work we’ve put in to bring it to life. It was fantastic to see Gordon McKie, St Andrews Trust’s Greenkeeping Operations Manager, diving into the activities and getting hands-on!”

Three UK courses have now hosted First Green events thus far, Royal Liverpool, the Bedfordshire and St Andrews Links, with events planned at Clevedon, Dudley, Woburn, and Royal Liverpool once again.

If you are interested in hosting a First Green field trip at your Golf Club, or if you are a school or group interested in attending an event, please visit https://www.bigga.org.uk/careers/first-green/get-involved-first-green-uk.html

Watch an event roundup video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW0p1qLk-Xk

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Pick a power source, pick a cutting preference

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Pick a power source, pick a cutting preference: Over the past years, Toro’s Greensmaster 1026 redefined cut quality and manoeuvrability among pedestrian greensmowers. Its natural evolution, the battery-powered Greensmaster e1026, was designed to keep that promise with all the benefits of a zero emission electric motor.

The Greensmaster e1026 fixed-head pedestrian mower represents not only Toro’s investment in research and development of tried-and-true electrified equipment, but its dedication to providing choice within its range of battery-powered products.

Pick a power source, pick a cutting preference

Pick a power source, pick a cutting preference

Toro has given greenkeepers their personal preference back without foregoing green credentials. Inspired by the success of the e1021 and eFlex 1021 models, the electric Greensmaster e1026 brings the choice of a wider width of cut to the market with the added benefit of zero engine exhaust emissions.

With a mowing width of 26-inches, customers can cut faster without losing the quality and precision of cut – it’s productivity powered by electricity – and it’s efficient, quiet and virtually maintenance-free, while boasting excellent balance and manoeuvrability.

Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager, Reesink Turfcare comments: “We’re delighted to be able to offer customers an ever-expanding range of sustainable mowing options while optimising processes and boosting productivity. With the Greensmaster e1026 it’s possible to achieve those goals and mow up to 44,000 sq ft of turf on a single charge without affecting cut precision.”

As you’d expect, all the USPs of the petrol model remain. The innovative telescoping handle for example with five different handle positions to accommodate the height of the operator and the clip frequency feature which can easily be changed in the field to mow the perimetric collars, and more, while on the go. The quick-change feature also can be locked out for added control.

As the industry continues innovating at lightning speed, the Greensmaster e1026 provides a modern alternative to Toro’s petrol line — the perfect blend of efficiency and sustainability, as

Jon concludes: “With this new electric model, our grass and our business keep getting greener.”

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Redexim proves the solution for safe synthetic surfaces

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Redexim proves the solution for safe synthetic surfaces: A combination of the RTC plus and Verti-Top® TB from Redexim have been entrusted with protecting and preserving the lifespan of the synthetic surfaces – along with the health and safety of the students – at Emanuel School.

With the recent addition of an all-weather pitch at their Blagdon sports ground, the school opted to purchase a maintenance set-up for both this and the main site in South-West London to retain performance and keep the surfaces clear of contamination.

Redexim proves the solution for safe synthetic surfaces

Redexim proves the solution for safe synthetic surfaces

Sport plays an integral part of life for students at Emanuel School, reflected in the ongoing investment into the quality facilities available to pupils and a number of clubs and organisations in the wider community. Estates Director Chris Wright heads up a number of teams responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the grounds and sports surfaces across the three sites. “With one artificial surface at the main school, our second at the Blagdon site came online in September 2023 which really made us look at how we were going to maintain these, along with the synthetic lawns we’ve introduced into our ornamental areas” Chris explains.

“The maintenance was previously contracted out, but from a cost and practical perspective, it became logical to invest in equipment that would give us the flexibility to conduct regular brushing and a more intensive deep clean more frequently.”

After speaking to local dealers Lister Wilder, Chris and the team opted for two RTC plus brush units and two Verti-Top® TB cleaning systems from the award-winning Redexim synthetic range. Powered by a 22hp petrol engine, the RTC plus features a 2.7m wide underslung, winged brush to make routine brushing a breeze. This is then complemented by the more intensive cleaning delivered by the Verti-Top® TB which lifts and separates contaminants from all types of infill material using a combination of vacuum and sieve.

“This partnership gives us flexibility and effective cleaning for the shorter-pile, sand-dressed surfaces as well as the ornamental carpet which has a longer pile. The RTC plus is out once a week and then we can affix the Verti-Top® TB to the RTC for a thorough clean once a month.” Chris continues, “The Verti-Top® has really impressed us with the amount of detritus it collects – everything from paper clips to jewellery which are removed in a single pass.”

The purchase also means the maintenance teams have eliminated contamination risks when switching equipment between natural and synthetic turf. “We don’t want to be putting a tractor with muddy tyres onto the artificial pitches which could then go on to cause other playability or safety problems.” He adds, “We’ve been really pleased with the performance and results to date, and as we’ve come to expect from Redexim it’s a well-built, well-designed solution which will help us to present good, clean surfaces for many years to come.”

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Major brands return to SALTEX

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Major brands return to SALTEX: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is delighted to welcome back the grounds industry’s leading global brands to SALTEX 2024, the premier event in grounds management. This year’s exhibition is set to be a landmark occasion, showcasing the latest innovations, and providing unparalleled networking opportunities. 

After a year of remarkable growth and development within the industry, SALTEX 2024 will welcome back industry giants including Kubota, Toro and Iseki, all reaffirming their support for the GMA’s vision of excellence in grounds management. These returning brands represent the pinnacle of quality and innovation, offering visitors an exclusive look at cutting-edge products and services.

Major brands return to SALTEX

Major brands return to SALTEX

Visitors can expect to see these big brands (just to name a few!) making their presence known on the show floor:

  • Reesink UK/Toro UK
  • Kubota
  • Dennis Mowers
  • EGO
  • WEIBANG
  • Hilltip
  • Milwaukee
  • Ariensco
  • Grillo
  • Husqvarna UK
  • Kioti UK
  • Cramer
  • ISEKI
  • Origin Amenity Solutions
  • SGL

This year’s show will see DeWalt exhibiting as part of Infinicut’s expanded stand for the first time, as well as McConnel’s making a much-anticipated return for 2024.

Sarah Cunningham, SALTEX Event Director added: “I’m really excited to welcome back our old industry friends and can’t wait to meet our new exhibitors this year. Having these top-tier companies here shows just how important SALTEX is for sharing knowledge, growing professionally, and pushing our industry forward. Their commitment really highlights how much they value being a part of SALTEX.” 

This year SALTEX is also set to welcome an exciting array of new exhibitors broadening the horizons of the grounds management industry. These new exhibitors are poised to introduce innovative products, cutting-edge technologies, and sustainable practices that promise to revolutionise the way we think about grounds management.

Stogger Turf Care, an internationally recognised tech innovator based in the Netherlands, said: “Stogger Turf Care is very excited to participate at SALTEX 2024. We can’t wait to present our new product line and state-of-the-art technologies to this large audience. Let’s ignite your growth potential with Stogger Turf Care.” 

Hayley Group, one of the UK’s foremost value-added suppliers of leading-brand engineering components, consumables, and related support services, are also exhibiting at SALTEX for the first time, and said: “We are delighted to be exhibiting at SALTEX for the first-time in 2024. We’ve got a strong presence in supporting grounds management professionals with their bearings and maintenance consumables, this exhibition will help us build on that. We are looking forward to showing visitors to our stand the full range of products on offer, and how we can be a single-source contact for critical components and consumables they use on a daily basis.”

Their presence signifies the ever-growing interest and investment in the sector. With a commitment to excellence and advancement, these new exhibitors will undoubtedly enrich the SALTEX experience, offering fresh perspectives and opportunities for learning, collaboration, and growth within the grounds community.

SALTEX 2024 promises to be an event brimming with educational sessions, live demonstrations, and interactive exhibits, all designed to empower grounds management professionals.

For more information on SALTEX 2024 and to register for the event, please visit https://www.saltex.org.uk/. You can see the full list of exhibitors here: https://www.saltex.org.uk/exhibitors

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