Johnsons Sports Seed to the rescue at Reddish Vale

Johnsons Sports Seed to the rescue at Reddish Vale: As one extensive improvement project comes to an end, another unexpectedly begins at Stockport’s Reddish Vale Golf Club – and once again, Johnsons Sports Seed is playing a key role in recovery and renovation.

For the past few seasons, J Premier Tee has been transforming tees and aprons, bringing big benefits to play and praise for Head Greenkeeper Aaron Watkinson and his team. However, widespread flooding over the New Year period means a major recovery programme is now underway on the fairways – with the tried and tested Johnsons J Fairway ready to come to the rescue!

Johnsons Sports Seed to the rescue at Reddish Vale

Johnsons Sports Seed to the rescue at Reddish Vale

“I’ve worked with Johnson’s mixtures for many years and know it’s a range I can rely on” comments Aaron. “We set about some long-overdue improvements on the tees and aprons by firstly removing some of the tree coverage and identifying the key characteristics we were going to need from our choice of seed– these were wear tolerance, quick recovery, strong colour and an ability to withstand drought stress due to our aging irrigation system.”

Ticking all of the boxes has been a combination of J Premier Tee and J Fairway from the Johnsons Sports Seed range. Featuring 4turf® tetraploid ryegrass, J Premier Tee is ideal for rapid establishment on high-wear areas and sustainable shade tolerant tees. “We previously had some tees which were virtually unplayable come the end of September, but thanks to overseeding the last few years we now have a strong sward, delivering quality all year round. The members have undoubtedly noticed the improvements.”

For certain tees, Aaron also incorporated additional strength and drought tolerance with the 100% fescue blend of Johnsons J Fairway. It’s proven performance on the tees and aprons is now set to be extended as the team embark on a large-scale flood-recovery project. “We came back in January 2025 to find five of our holes under six to eight foot of floodwater from the River Tame. Once it receded, we were left with hundreds of tonnes of silt and sewerage contamination – all removed by the three of us, by hand!”

Alongside their hard work, it’s been the resilience and performance of Johnsons J Fairway that has underpinned their recovery. “Thanks to the incredible team effort some areas have already bounced back incredibly well, and those that need a bit of a helping hand will get an overseed with J Fairway which will help to complete the restoration in the coming weeks.”

The new J Fairway mix has been carefully selected to help restore Reddish Vale’s traditional heathland character and deliver cost-effective, intelligent turf management. “The blend combines high-quality chewings and slender creeping red fescues for density, visual merit, salt tolerance and drought resilience, alongside two strong creeping red fescues chosen for shoot density and disease resistance. A final 5% of browntop bentgrass gives this mixture a real edge in terms of longevity and visual quality,” adds Stuart Yarwood of DLF Seeds, who advised Aaron during the post-flood planning.

Aaron concludes, “We’re keeping positive and using this recovery as an opportunity to replicate the high standards we’ve delivered with Johnsons on the tees across our flood-hit fairways. We’ll get there!”

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Assistant Greenkeeper

Farnham Golf Club is a premier championship venue located in the heart of Surrey. With a strong reputation for excellence and a commitment to delivering a first-class golfing experience, we are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Qualified Assistant Greenkeeper to join our highly motivated greenkeeping team.
Assistant Greenkeeper

Assistant Greenkeeper

The Role:
Reporting to the Course Manager or their deputy, the successful applicant will play a key role in maintaining the golf course and practice facilities to the highest standards. This is a fantastic opportunity for an individual who is passionate about their profession and looking to further develop their career in greenkeeping.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Maintain and prepare the golf course and practice areas to championship standards
  • Operate machinery and equipment in a safe and efficient manner
  • Work collaboratively as part of a dedicated, professional team
  • Take pride in presentation and have an eye for detail
  • Support the implementation of agronomic plans as directed by the Course Manager
Candidate Requirements:
  • Minimum of 1 years’ experience in greenkeeping
  • Qualified to NVQ Level 2 in Sports Turf Management (or equivalent) preferred
  • Sound understanding of Health & Safety regulations
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a close-knit team
  • Flexible approach to working hours, including weekends on a rota basis
  • Possess excellent communication skills and a strong work ethic
  • Full UK driving licence required
What We Offer:
  • Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
  • Opportunities for professional development and further training
  • Bonus scheme and performance-based incentives
  • Company pension
  • Employee discounts and free staff meals whilst on duty
  • Free on-site parking
  • Supportive, team-focused working environment
Working Hours:
  • 8-hour shifts
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend work on a 1-in-3 rota (overtime available)
Location Requirement:
Applicants must be able to reliably commute to Farnham or plan to relocate prior to starting.
How to Apply: To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to: Rupert Lawrence – Course Manager manager@farnhamgolfclub.co.uk

Closing date: 28th May

Assistant Greenkeeper

Assistant Greenkeeper – Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club

Royal Mid-Surrey is a members’ club with a rich history, 36 holes to test golfers of any standard.
Assistant Greenkeeper

Assistant Greenkeeper

Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club lies within a bend of the river Thames in south-west London next to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. Golf has been played on this stretch of royal parkland since 1892 but it was the club’s great professional, JH Taylor, five times Open Champion, who set about transforming the landscape into one of the finest golf courses in Surrey.
The Role:
Reporting to the Head Greenkeeper’s and Course Manager, this role will be hands on and require you to assist in the day to day set up of the two golf courses. Alongside this, you will be expected to carry out daily maintenance and improvement of the golf courses and practice facilities. This is a great opportunity for an aspiring greenkeeper to gain valuable experience, learn on the job and add their skills and knowledge to the team.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Carry out all tasks given by Head Greenkeeper’s and the course manager
  • Maintain bunkers and all playing surfaces and always present them to their highest level
  • Maintain high standards of Health and Safety at all times
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
  • Positive attitude and a strong work ethic
  • Previous Greenkeeping or Ground’s maintenance experience preferred
  • NVQ Level 2 (or working towards) in Sports Turf Management or equivalent
  • PA1, PA2, PA6 Spraying certificates (desirable)
  • Full UK driving license
What We Offer:
  • Competitive salary
  • Overtime earning potential (time and a half Saturday’s and double time Sunday’s and Bank holidays)
  • Enrolment in pension scheme
  • Annual bonus and salary reviews
  • Staff lunches provided daily
  • Full staff uniform and PPE
  • Ongoing educational and personal development
  • 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • BIGGA membership
  • The opportunity to play the golf courses
This role will offer the candidate a base salary between £28,500 – £36,500 dependent on qualifications and experience, along with a company pension and benefits.
To apply for this position, or if you want any more information, please email your CV to coursemanager@rmsgc.co.uk
Closing date: 11th June

Putting the New in Nutrition with VerdeLNX

Putting the New in Nutrition with VerdeLNX: The Aquatrols Company is pleased to announce the launch of VerdeLNX, their groundbreaking nutrition line; designed to enhance plant health while minimising environmental impact, and at the same time honoring the legacy of their NPK range. These innovative products offer environmentally and economically smarter solutions for turf managers everywhere, through two proprietary technologies exclusive to the VerdeLNX range.

VerdeLNX is…

  • Designed to significantly enhance nutrient absorption, optimising both foliar and root uptake of macro and micronutrients.
  • Able to minimise nutrient losses by retaining nutrients higher in the soil profile for longer. This maximises nutrient uptake by grass plants and reduces the risk of environmental issues caused by leaching.
  • Highly eco-friendly, fully renewable, and completely biodegradable. These technologies leave no trace or residue in the soil or water.
Putting the New in Nutrition with VerdeLNX

Putting the New in Nutrition with VerdeLNX

The Aquatrols Company is dedicated to maximising water efficiency, improving turf surface performance, and optimising the effectiveness of other input applications. For the risk averse turf professional who deals with the shifting challenges of nature, budgets, expectations and regulations, The Aquatrols Company helps them manage their properties more successfully.

Learn more about VerdeLNX here > 

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