Toro supporting Royal Troon

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Toro supporting Royal Troon: Royal Troon Golf Club in Ayrshire, Scotland has signed an exclusive partnership deal with Reesink Turfcare and Toro machinery ahead of hosting The Open 2024 for the tenth time.

The deal has provided Billy McLachlan, who’s been at the helm of the world-famous golf course for 31 years and Course Manager for four of The Open tournaments, and his team with a range of world-class equipment, including the latest electric mowers, for the greatest golf championship in the world.

Toro supporting Royal Troon

Toro supporting Royal Troon

Preparations have been well underway for years; starting as the club came out of the 2016 tournament with drainage work and then the installation of a “revolutionary” new Toro irrigation system.

“To have the reassurance of an irrigation system which allows us to be proactive and reactive depending on weather conditions; targeted and effective with our water usage and to have an entirely different level of precision and control throughout the tournament will be revolutionary,” Billy says. “It will take a lot of stress away.”

Billy who has been using Toro machinery for years felt the timing was right to make the commitment with Reesink, especially in the run-up to and over the tournament. Plus, he had his eye on sustainable mowing options: “We have a focus on using electric machinery and were extremely impressed with the Toro Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 ride-on and Greensmaster e1021 pedestrian mowers, which will be taking care of the greens.

“Having all-electric turfcare machinery is a new addition to our fleet at The Open and I’m looking forward to the huge benefits that will bring. For one, they will allow us to get out to any areas we need to without disturbing viewers or the flow of play and we know we can work all hours needed, because they are so quiet.”

Jon Cole, divisional business manager at Reesink Turfcare, comments: “For electric power to play such a key role in yet another Open tournament sends a fantastic message. Just like diesel machines, battery operated mowers can also cope with the demands of producing the quality of cut and level of work demanded by a global event.”

The club has a core fleet of Toro machines and included new versions of the Toro Reelmaster 3575 and Groundsmaster 4300 mowers for fairways and roughs respectively as well as mid and heavy-duty utility vehicles in the last delivery. There’s a Toro ProCore 648s which will be instrumental in post-event recovery work.

Billy continues: “To have the support of Reesink throughout the tournament will be vital. We will have additional models of the same machines we’ve been using coming in and extra technicians, which provides great peace of mind.”

So, what can players and viewers expect from The Open 2024? Billy says it will certainly be bigger than ever: “We have the longest hole in Open history and, just two holes after that, the shortest hole in the championship’s history – our iconic par-three eighth, also known as the ‘Postage Stamp’.

“There are nine new tees too which lengthened the overall course – I think we’re sitting just 36 yards fewer than the record at Carnoustie in 2007 – and the event has sold out, ensuring a record attendance of 250,000, an increase of more than 70,000 people from the last time we hosted it in 2016. The grandstands, catering facilities, temporary buildings, services, everything is bigger to accommodate the increase in numbers.”

With the team, the years of planning, and Reesink and Toro by its side, it’s safe to say Royal Troon Golf Club is in a good position to deliver a tournament to remember.

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John Deere military event shines light on machinery careers

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John Deere military event shines light on machinery careers: John Deere has seen an influx of applications to its Military Hiring Programme after hosting a bespoke event for service leavers involving dealers from across the UK.

Held at the company’s UK headquarters in Langar, Nottinghamshire, the event gave armed forces personnel the chance to have detailed discussions about what the next stage of their career could look like working with one the world’s biggest machinery manufacturers.

John Deere military event shines light on machinery careers

John Deere military event shines light on machinery careers

The ground-breaking resettlement programme for military service personnel offers new career opportunities working on some of the world’s most advanced agricultural and professional groundscare products.

Members of the armed forces have been identified as ideal candidates to bring their unique skill sets and experience to technician roles within UK and Ireland dealerships as many have already worked with systems and products similar to those used by John Deere.

Those who enrol onto the programme are put into contact with an individual from the John Deere network who have resettled themselves, who will guide them through the next steps which includes free training courses before finding employment with a John Deere dealer.

“What was really successful about the day was the amount of conversation between military personnel and dealers,” says Allan Cochran, Branch Training Manager for John Deere.

“Everybody wanted to talk, everybody wanted to engage with the event, and I think everyone that was there, both military and dealers, got something out of it.”

The event drew a positive number of applications to the Military Hiring Programme, with 23 ex-servicemen now waiting for the next step to start their new career with John Deere.

The Military Hiring Programme has drawn interest from across the country, with attendees travelling from not just the surrounding Midlands, but also from as far as Cornwall and Scotland.

“To have people coming from all the country is really great to see,” says Allan. “We have dealers in all corners of the nation, and with the largest proportion of people wanting to resettle wherever they are based now, we can make that happen.”

As well as dealers and staff, attendees also had the opportunity to listen to those who had been through the Military Hiring Programme themselves and were now a part of the dealership network. Ex-servicemen Martin Frodsham, Will Foster and Mike Rogers spoke about their journey and what their career has been like since leaving the armed forces and becoming technicians.

Attendees also heard from John Deere instructors who showed them the machines that they would be working on should they apply to join John Deere, with a focus on precision agriculture and what the future looks like for agricultural technology.

The event was supported by ten John Deere dealers, including Thomas Sheriff, Cornthwaite Group, Ripon Farm Services, Ben Burgess, Tuckwells, Farol, Tallis Amos Group, Hunt Forest Group, Smallridge Bros, and Masons Kings.

Interested service members and ex-service members can apply to the Military Hiring Programme at any time online by visiting www.deere.com/JDMHP, or contact John Deere for more information.

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GMA launches industry survey

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GMA launches industry survey: The Grounds Management Association (GMA), in partnership with the National Governing Bodies of sport, is pleased to launch its industry survey aimed at grounds staff and volunteers.

This survey is a crucial tool in understanding the impact of economic and environmental factors on you and the grounds management industry.

GMA launches industry survey

GMA launches industry survey

To ensure the survey is relevant and tailored to individual roles, it is divided into two versions: one for professional (paid) staff and another for volunteers.

Click Here For PROFESSIONALS – Click Here For VOLUNTEERS

In appreciation of the time and effort spent on completing the survey, all participants will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Amazon gift voucher.

All responses will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. No individual responses will be disclosed, and the data will be used exclusively by GMA staff and research contractors for industry analysis purposes.

The survey will close on Friday 16 August 2024.

The GMA encourages all grounds staff and volunteers to participate and share their insights to help shape the future of the industry.

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Kubota unveils new Z4-541

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Kubota unveils new Z4-541: Expanding Kubota’s existing zero-turn mower range and tailored for the pro-consumer market, the Z4-541 is a 54-inch petrol model which boasts a larger chassis, exceeding the dimensions of the current Z1 and Z2 models.

Operation and efficiency

The introduction of the Z4-541 broadens the existing zero-turn lineup, building upon a larger chassis while maintaining maneuverability comparable to smaller models.

Kubota unveils new Z4-541

Kubota unveils new Z4-541

The 360-degree turning capability enables effortless navigation around obstacles, while the machines’ low centre of gravity and wide-profile drive wheels ensure exceptional stability and balance, making the machine suitable for tasks on uneven terrain.

The Z4-541’s robust 54” steel fabricated deck comes as a 3-blade side discharge, with enhanced performance and cut quality, and featuring quick-dial height adjustment and K-lift deck operation for easy raising and lowering of the deck. Regardless of whether the machine is fitted with the side discharge or mulching kit, rest assured it will cover expansive areas, delivering a professional finish.

This specific model also features an optional OCDC (Operator Controlled Discharge Chute) kit, enabling operators to temporarily shut the side discharge, perfect for maintaining clean pathways and protecting parked vehicles from debris.

Performance

The Z4-541 is equipped with a petrol Kawasaki V FS730-V engine producing 24hp/17.9kw. The design of V twin engines allows the machine to run quieter and smoother with fewer vibrations than most traditional single-cylinder engines. A rear “wrap around” bumper gives added protection and comes as standard, along with a rear towing hitch, ideal for small light trailers.

Tailored for expansive areas, the versatility of this machine makes it well-suited for tackling large residential gardens or demanding commercial landscapes and green spaces – excelling in diverse settings and guaranteeing maximum efficiency with every operation.

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Danny Negus Courts Success with MM50

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Danny Negus Courts Success with MM50: Danny Negus has been spearheading the grounds maintenance efforts at Devonshire Park in Eastbourne since 2016.

His journey to becoming Grounds Manager reflects a dedication to his craft that spans three decades, starting as a Greenkeeper in 1994 and transitioning into Groundsmanship in 2006 and steadily climbing the ranks.

Danny Negus Courts Success with MM50

Danny Negus Courts Success with MM50

“Every year is filled with challenges,” Danny reflects. ” Eastbourne Borough Council owns and operates Devonshire Park, so as a local authority, financial constraints are a reality. But with this monumental year ahead, it’s an exciting challenge—a chance to showcase our capabilities.”

Devonshire Park, a historic venue marking its 150th anniversary alongside the 50th year of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Rothesay International Eastbourne tournament, holds a special place in the world of tennis.

For Danny, one of the first significant changes upon assuming his role in 2016 was switching his grass seed to MM50.

“One of the first things I did when I took my role here in 2016 was that I gave MM50 one year of trial,” Danny explains. “Because of the success we had with it, we have used the seed ever since. Even when we had a golf course that came under my remit, we used MM and that is because I believe in the MM products.”

MM is one of the most respected brands in the UK amenity industry, with over 40 years of experience and knowledge. The extensive product portfolio is second to none with performance proven mixtures that are used at many leading venues in the UK and Europe.

MM50, in particular, is one of the UK’s biggest selling grass mixtures. The hard-wearing ryegrass mix is very fine leaved, has high shoot density, is tolerant to close mowing down to 4-5mm and produces a great colour all year round. It also has quick recovery from damage and play.

At Devonshire Park, where nearly all maintenance operations are liquid-based, the compatibility of MM50 with their approach is evident. “We are about 95% liquid only and rely on granulars solely during our renovation period,” Danny elaborates. “I find that the MM50 responds fantastically to what we do, just real good synergy between the plant and the nutrition delivery—it works.”

Danny emphasises the importance of creating a surface that not only meets the demands of the sport but also aligns with the venue’s aesthetic standards. “One of the biggest challenges you always have is to create a surface that is fit for the sport that is being played,” he notes.

“The main characteristic of MM50 is that it actually does both. It creates an exceptional performance surface while responding in such a way that, for the sake of the venue and the event, it looks as it should. There is no reason whatsoever to change from MM50.”

Reflecting on his partnership with MM, Danny highlights the invaluable support provided by Matt Gresty, MM and Designer Sales and Brand Manager for DLF UK. “Matt is brilliant,” Danny praises. “We have way too many nerd-offs together! He has the right outlook and a great understanding of the pressures of delivering a global event and the environmental pressures. He is an exceptional part of why you would choose MM Seed—he is Mr. MM in my view.”

With MM50 as his trusted ally, Danny continues to elevate the grounds at Devonshire Park, ensuring world-class tennis courts, especially as the venue embarks on its monumental year ahead. The proven performance and reliability of MM50 will undoubtedly play a crucial role in meeting the heightened expectations during this significant milestone, reaffirming Danny’s commitment to excellence in sports turf management.

For further information, please contact MM Sports Seed on 01386 791102 or visit the company’s website www.mm-seeds.co.uk.

You can also follow the company on Twitter: @MM_Seed.

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