Hunter Irrigation Makes an Instant Impact

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Hunter Irrigation Makes an Instant Impact: Keith Porter, Grounds Manager at Leigh Sports Village in Greater Manchester, is celebrating his 18th year at the helm of one of the UK’s fastest-developing sporting venues – and with the installation of a new Hunter irrigation system supplied and supported by KAR UK, he’s now seeing the benefits of precision technology across every blade of grass.

The new system has delivered a game-changing level of control and consistency for Keith and his dedicated six-person grounds team. Installed by Irrigation Control as part of a major hybrid pitch redevelopment in June last year, the Hunter system includes GT-885 and I-80-ON sprinklers designed to deliver performance, reliability, total top serviceability, and full even coverage of the pitch. It is combined with the ACC2 controller and Centralus software.

Hunter Irrigation Makes an Instant Impact

Hunter Irrigation Makes an Instant Impact

“We’d seen the technology at the BTME event in Harrogate and knew it was a step up,” says Keith. “You can access the heads without digging up the pitch – which is massive on a hybrid surface – and the throw from the heads is brilliant. With the I-80s, even the central sprinklers reach right out to the touchline. We’ve now got 100% coverage, and that makes a huge difference.”

Previously, uneven watering created inconsistency in turf condition, with areas occasionally drying out and underperforming. The new system has eradicated that issue.

“With the old irrigation system, it was hit and miss – now it’s perfectly even. No dry patches, no burning off. It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about performance and safety too. Even in windy conditions, the whole playing surface is getting what it needs. It’s transformed our matchday prep.”

Leigh Sports Village – home to rugby league club Leigh Leopards and Manchester United’s Women’s and Development teams – has experienced a steady rise in profile and popularity, with regular games, training sessions, and even film shoots becoming part of the busy schedule.

The small team manage far more than just the stadium pitch – the entire site includes additional grass and synthetic pitches, a leisure centre, hotel, supermarket, and even a college campus. Despite the workload, Keith credits the investment in technology and ongoing support as vital to keeping up with demand.

“We’re left to manage things ourselves, and we’ve always had the backing when we’ve made a case for investment,” he explains. “The irrigation system was another example of the council trusting us to choose the right tools for the job.”

Control and ease of use have also proven key benefits. With Hunter’s Centralus control system, the team can operate the irrigation from anywhere – even at home – via smartphone, handheld remote, or laptop.

“It’s really simple. Any of the lads can pick it up and use it,” Keith adds. “You can run individual heads or sections for spot treatments or liquid feeding. You’re not restricted to a one-size-fits-all cycle – it’s totally flexible. That saves water, time, and effort.”

Hunter Irrigation Makes an Instant Impact

Hunter Irrigation Makes an Instant Impact

KAR UK, the UK’s leading supplier of Hunter irrigation equipment, played a key role throughout the project. Their technical support and advice proved instrumental in the system’s successful integration.

“Lee Williams from KAR UK has been great,” says Keith. “He was involved right from the start and has always been on the end of the phone. Any advice we needed, he was there. It’s been a smooth process.”

With the stadium pitch now fully covered and performing better than ever, Keith is already looking at future upgrades. “Our external pitches are older systems, but as heads start to go, we’ll be replacing them with Hunter – it’s the way forward.”

As Leigh Sports Village continues its impressive rise, Keith’s team – and their irrigation – are keeping pace.

“With the Hunter system in place, we’ve got confidence in the coverage. It’s made a big difference,” Keith concludes.

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on X and Instagram @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Dunstall Park Teams Up With STRI Group

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Dunstall Park Teams Up With STRI Group: The team that supports the Wimbledon Championships’ world-famous lawn tennis courts has been appointed to oversee the development of the UK’s first greyhound racing track in a decade.

Based in Yorkshire but operating internationally, STRI Group specialises in the design construction and management of natural turf and artificial sports surfaces with more than 96 years’ experience.

Dunstall Park Teams Up With STRI Group

Dunstall Park Teams Up With STRI Group

Its team still contributes to the management of Wimbledon’s grass courts, with other projects including the most recent FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the 2022 Commonwealth Games and 2012 London Olympics.

Now, the group will help construct the UK’s newest greyhound racing track at Dunstall Park in Wolverhampton in partnership with Arena Racing Company.

The new track is being developed using the latest welfare driven evidence and sustainability practices ahead of a planned autumn launch. It will feature 75-metre straights, with a bend radius of 47-metres and width of 5.6 metres and sit inside the venue’s horse racing track in full view of its 25,000 capacity grandstand.

Dr Christian Spring, STRI Group Principal Scientist, joined in 2005 and has been working closely with the greyhound racing industry for seven years.

“Our understanding of greyhound racing tracks and how they can operate to the best of their ability on a consistent level has shifted significantly in recent years,” said Dr Spring.

“We factor in all aspects when striving to deliver the highest quality welfare driven racing surfaces, from weather patterns to bend widths and radius plus camber and the sand we use.

“Dunstall Park will deliver the blueprint for an optimal greyhound racing surface designed to host several weekly fixtures under the widest possible range of conditions.”

Once open, Dunstall Park will host four weekly fixtures and operate as one of five greyhound stadia under the management of Arena Racing Company – the UK’s largest racecourse operator.

As part of ARC’s existing partnership with STRI Group, Dunstall Park’s grounds team will work closely with Dr Spring and his team to ensure year-round best practice is applied using the latest evidence-driven track maintenance guidance.

The new track will also be capable of recycling 700,000 litres of water through a purpose-built attenuation tank which will capture disused water and rainfall to minimise the impact on the environment.

Dr Spring added: “Greyhound racing stadiums were typically built decades ago when weather patterns we experience were very different and more seasonal.

“We’re far more susceptible to prolonged periods of wet and dry weather, as this year has proven. It’s prompted everyone to consider how we source water when preparing tracks for racing so stadiums can be resilient to the weather.

“It might sound basic, but the attenuation tank has been designed using cutting-edge technology so water loss to evaporation and soil absorption is minimised and provides the grounds team with enough water to operate for days, enhancing the tracks water resilience.

“We’re turning a pipe dream into reality, and it’s an exciting project for the team to help deliver.”

An opening date for Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

The track will host its first major competition on Friday, October 24, with the 93rd renewal of the £20,000 Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks. To celebrate the track’s first Category One final, free admission will be available to all racegoers.

Additional information will be released nearer the time.

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GreenTek an exclusive distributor for Sweep-N-Fill brush

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GreenTek an exclusive distributor for Sweep-N-Fill brush: GreenTek Solutions Ltd is proud to announce its appointment as the Exclusive UK Distributor for the highly regarded Sweep-N-Fill Mk3 topdressing brush. The product will be available for demonstration and purchase through GreenTek’s national network of Key Dealers.

Designed with input from leading turf professionals and refined over years of development, the Sweep-N-Fill Mk3 has become the gold standard in efficient, high-performance topdressing. Its hallmark feature—two soft, flexible contra-rotating brushes driven directly by ground wheels—delivers consistent results at any operating speed. This unique design enables greenkeepers to fill core holes in fewer passes, using significantly less sand, while producing a smooth, even surface that’s ready for play.

GreenTek an exclusive distributor for Sweep-N-Fill brush

GreenTek an exclusive distributor for Sweep-N-Fill brush

“This is a product that directly solves the practical needs of turf professionals,” said Jeff Anguige, Business Development Director at GreenTek. “With budgets tight and expectations high, the Sweep-N-Fill Mk3 provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for quickly reinstating greens after aeration and topdressing.”

The Sweep-N-Fill’s two contra-rotating brushes floating independently, allowing it to follow undulations across greens, tees, and approaches. The electric lift ram and adjustable tow hitch allow compatibility with a wide range of lightweight power units, from utility vehicles to greensmowers and bunker rakes—offering unmatched versatility and manoeuvrability.

Beyond topdressing, the Sweep-N-Fill also grooms turf, removing grain, lifting lateral shoots, and encouraging healthier, more upright growth. These grooming benefits promote a faster, truer ball roll—the key characteristics of elite-level playing conditions.

Jeff Anguige added, “We’re excited that this top product is now available again to golf courses throughout the UK and Ireland. Whether it’s cleaning up aerified greens, brushing in heavy dressings, or improving surface consistency, Sweep-N-Fill Mk3 delivers on every level. It’s a fantastic addition to our portfolio.”

Other key features include a vertical storage stand to save space in machinery sheds, and the ability to fill divots on tees and range areas just as effectively as on greens. Built for professionals who demand the highest performance, the Sweep-N-Fill Mk3 sets the benchmark in topdressing equipment.

For more information or to book a demonstration, contact your local GreenTek Key Dealer or visit www.greentek.uk.com.

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First Assistant Greenkeeper

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Deeside Golf Club, located on the banks of the River Dee just minutes from Aberdeen, is one of Scotland’s premier parkland courses. With a proud heritage and a commitment to excellence, the club offers an exceptional golfing experience and a welcoming environment for members and guests alike.

First Assistant Greenkeeper

First Assistant Greenkeeper

We are currently seeking a motivated and ambitious First Assistant Greenkeeper to join our dedicated team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking club that invests in its staff and course development.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist the Head Greenkeeper and Course Manager in the daily preparation and maintenance of the course.
  • Supervise and lead the greenkeeping team in the absence of senior staff.
  • Operate and maintain modern turf care machinery.
  • Contribute to the implementation of the club’s agronomic and development plans.
  • Ensure health and safety procedures are followed at all times.
  • Help deliver consistently high standards of presentation and playability across all areas of the course.

Essential Requirements:

  • Minimum SVQ/NVQ Level 2 in Sports Turf Maintenance (or equivalent).
  • Proven experience in greenkeeping, ideally at a high-quality venue.
  • A positive attitude, with strong teamwork and communication skills.
  • PA1, PA2, and PA6 spraying certificates (or willingness to obtain).
  • A good understanding of modern turf maintenance practices and machinery.

Desirable:

  • Supervisory experience or aspirations to progress within the industry.
  • Chainsaw and other relevant machinery certificates.
  • A passion for continual professional development.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
  • Opportunities for training and career progression.
  • Use of modern, well-maintained machinery.
  • Uniform and relevant PPE provided.
  • Pension scheme and staff benefits.

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive, based on experience and qualifications

Start Date: As soon as possible

Apply with CV and a brief covering letter by email to: coursemanager@deesidegolfclub.com

https://deesidegolfclub.com

Closing date:
27th July

Greenkeeper

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Northop Golf Club is one of the premier member clubs in North Wales and we are continuing to improve year on year. Over the years, Northop GC has held many championships, including European Challenge tour events, Wales Golf Championships through to National and County PGA events.

Greenkeeper

Greenkeeper

We have a strong membership, which has grown significantly over recent years coupled with a sound financial base, which allows us to continually invest in the course, which we see as our number one priority.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a keen and motivated greenkeeper looking to advance their career and join the team. We are looking for an experienced greenkeeper to fill the role as first assistant to our Head Greenkeeper.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support and deputise for the Head Greenkeeper in all course management operations and projects linked to the course.
  • Lead greenkeeping staff and manage rotas in the Head Greenkeepers absence
  • Maintain the golf courses to a high standard.
  • Help implement and drive new projects with a strong attention to detail.

Candidate Requirements:

  • NVQ Level 2 or higher in Greenkeeping.
  • PA1, PA2, PA6a spraying certificates preferred.
  • Minimum 5 years’ greenkeeping experience.
  • Full UK driving licence.
  • Chainsaw licence preferred.
  • Experience in the use of a mini digger, would be advantageous, but not essential.
  • Strong knowledge of course set-up, maintenance & H&S compliance
  • Although not essential, a playing background in the game of golf would be advantageous.

You’ll Need To Be:

  • A motivated and adaptable team player, who is willing to think outside of the norm, especially when new projects arise.
  • Punctual, dependable and flexible with working hours (incl. weekends/bank holidays on rota).
  • Eager to learn and grow professionally.

We Offer:

  • Training & development opportunities.
  • Full uniform & PPE.
  • 28 days annual leave.
  • Company pension scheme.
  • BIGGA membership.
  • Staff discounts on food & beverages.
  • Full playing rights on the golf course.

Salary will be dependent on experience, but circa 28K – 31K

To Apply: Applications with covering letter and CV to be send to Matt Pritchard, General Manager at mattpritchard@northopgolfclub.co.uk

Closing Date: 5th August 2025