J Sustain Fairway starts futureproofing fairways

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J Sustain Fairway starts futureproofing fairways: Maintaining top-quality fairways on the rugged west coast of Wales has always been a challenge at Cardigan Golf Club.

With shallow soils averaging just 3-4” over bedrock, achieving strong turf establishment has tested the greenkeeping team for many years – particularly in 2025 with close to no rainfall for many months. That’s why the outstanding results have come as even more of a surprise for Course Manager Stuart Adams, who now wants to shout the benefits of Johnsons J Sustain Fairway from the rooftops!

J Sustain Fairway starts futureproofing fairways

J Sustain Fairway starts futureproofing fairways

“Traditionally, our shallow, sandy soils made it difficult for anything to get a good hold” Stuart explains. “We went back to basics and looked at what was native on the fairways and found that Hard and Sheeps Fescue seemed to cope with our links condition, and for the last few years we’ve been using a bespoke ‘Cardigan mix’ from DLF containing 25-30% Hard Fescue. When Johnsons launched J Sustain Fairway with 40% Hard Fescue in early 2025, the switch was a no-brainer.”

Despite a challenging year weather-wise, the results of the inaugural overseeding operation were so impressive Stuart was quick to share the news with his DLF Regional Technical Manager Ian Barnett. “As soon as the rain returned in September, the strike rate was simply incredible – I couldn’t believe my eyes! It was the best establishment I’ve seen from any mix in the last six or seven years.”

Blending 40% Hard Fescue with 15% Sheeps Fescue and other top performing Slender Creeping, Strong Creeping and Chewing Fescue cultivars, J Sustain Fairway from the Johnsons Sports Seed range is a high-performance, fine-turf fairway formulation equipped to withstand the environmental challenges of the future. Ideal for links and heathland venues, it delivers a natural tolerance to a broad range of turf stresses and requires less nutrient, water and chemical inputs to thrive.

“It’s tough, resilient and perfect for coping with hotter, drier summers and wetter winters which is critical for futureproofing our course” he adds. Beyond resilience and rapid establishment, Stuart has also noticed unexpected benefits. “We used to suffer with leatherjackets and pecking damage but haven’t seen that this year. It could be that the toughness of the Hard Fescue roots is making it harder for pests to get through.”

Due to the lack of irrigation on their fairways, Cardigan’s overseeding programme is fixed to the autumn, with J Sustain Fairway already firmly in their maintenance for 2026.

“When something doesn’t work, everyone is quick to point it out” he notes. “But when something works as well as this, it should be shouted from the rooftops!”

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Alan Prickett Appointed Managing Director of Iseki UK

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Alan Prickett Appointed Managing Director of Iseki UK: Iseki UK & Ireland is pleased to announce the appointment of Alan Prickett as its new Managing Director. Alan succeeds David Withers, whose imminent retirement follows a remarkable period of growth and success for the business.

Alan brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent nearly three decades working closely with David, fostering a shared management ethos and strategic vision that has underpinned numerous successful initiatives in the UK and export markets.

Alan Prickett Appointed Managing Director of Iseki UK

Alan Prickett Appointed Managing Director of Iseki UK

Alan re-joined Iseki UK & Ireland at the beginning of 2020, initially serving as Business Development Manager before moving into the role of Director, with responsibility for both operational and sales activities.

His extensive background in the groundcare industry includes a 23-year tenure at Ransomes Jacobsen, where he held various positions across the UK and internationally, culminating in his appointment as Managing Director in 2014.

“The future direction of Iseki UK & Ireland under my leadership will remain largely unchanged from the present successful path, with an ongoing focus on quality products, good staff and dealers, plus the provision of excellent after-sales care,” said Alan.

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David Withers Announces Retirement from ISEKI

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David Withers Announces Retirement from ISEKI: David Withers, Managing Director of Iseki UK and Ireland, will retire at the end of 2025 following a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in the turf care and grounds maintenance industry.

Speaking at the SALTEX show in 2025, David reflected on his time at ISEKI, describing the process of building the brand as “one of the most fun and satisfying things I have done in my career.” Under his leadership, the company has doubled its sales over the last eight years and continues to grow.

David Withers Announces Retirement from ISEKI

David Withers Announces Retirement from ISEKI

David  began his career demonstrating verti-drains for Charterhouse Turf (now Redexim), followed by 25 years at Jacobsen, including six years as President. His eight-year tenure at ISEKI UK & Ireland as a stand-alone entity marks the culmination of his full-time professional journey.

“I feel it is time to finish full time work… I may still do a bit of consulting and advise for a couple of companies, but plan to end serious work and focus on developing a golf swing and a tan!” he said.

Expressing confidence in the future of ISEKI UK & Ireland, David said that he had worked with Alan Prickett for around 30 years and am very comfortable leaving the business in his hands to keep it growing and prospering for many years to come.

He also extended his gratitude to dealers, customers, and fellow manufacturers for their support and partnership throughout his career, wishing them continued success.

In addition to his role at ISEKI, David has been an influential figure within the industry, serving as a director of the Agricultural Engineers Association for many years and as its president in 2022. During the recent AEA 150th celebrations, he spoke at an event in the Houses of Parliament.

He has also recently taken up a Directorship at the Grounds Maintenance Association and intends to continue contributing to the organisation in his retirement.

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SALTEX 2025 builds momentum

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SALTEX 2025 builds momentum: SALTEX 2025 has officially wrapped with a confirmed attendance of 7,463, marking an increase on 2024 visitor numbers and reinforcing its position as the cutting-edge event for the grounds management industry.

With visitors from across Europe, Asia, the Americas and New Zealand to name a few, the show’s international reach continues to grow – and so does its impact.

SALTEX 2025 builds momentum

SALTEX 2025 builds momentum

This year’s SALTEX wasn’t just busy and vibrant on the show floor, but incredibly purposeful, too. Exhibitors reported a high volume of meaningful conversations with influential buyers and decision-makers, many of which may progress into commercial opportunities. From elite sports venues, such as 14 Premier League football clubs and over 75 golf clubs, to local authorities, private estates and educational institutions, the calibre of attendees mirrored a sector ready to invest.

Josh Keay, Greenkeeper at Blackwell Golf Club, said: “It’s been great, the education you get through Learning LIVE and the extracurricular activities you can do, all on top of networking – it’s a great place to catch up with people. It’s also a great opportunity to see how the industry is moving forward and how things can be useful to you.”

Over 50% of visitors said they attended SALTEX to source new machinery and technological advancements – and they weren’t disappointed. The show floor was alive with innovation, as a number of exhibitors used the event as a strategic launchpad for their latest products. Among them were AriensCo with the AS 920 ESherpa 2WD, SMG Machines introducing the TurfBoy TB1 Eco DC, Allett Ltd unveiling the LEDMASTER UVC 100, ISEKI showcasing its Raymo remote-controlled range, Rhenac presenting the RML 400 lighting product and Trimax launching its latest innovation, OptiAdjust. These are just a handful of the many new technologies revealed at SALTEX 2025, highlighting the show’s role as the go-to platform for product debuts and industry advancement.

Alan Prickett, Sales Director at ISEKI UK & Ireland, said: “We had a really good time celebrating our 100-year anniversary at the show, and very pleased with the visitor numbers. We like it here at the NEC – it’s a good atmosphere and it gives us the chance to put a proper stand up without having to worry about everything getting wet all the time.

“We like to support the GMA, they do very good work, and SALTEX is an important get together for the industry. It’s a great place to launch new products and we do always come away with actionable enquiries, and they lead to sales. We’ll keep coming back.”

The Learning LIVE programme attracted 1,038 attendees, making it one of the most visited features of the show. With sessions spanning seven key themes including Technical Insights, Sustainable Grounds Management, Careers and Skills Development, Innovation in Grounds, Case Studies and Best Practices, Funding and Resources and Hands-on Learning, the programme once again delivered practical, forward-thinking content for professionals and volunteers at every level.

Keynote speaker James Haskell drew a packed audience with his talk on elite mindset and performance, setting the tone for an unforgettable programme. Alongside him, a host of respected industry figures shared expertise and sparked discussion on the future of the profession.

“I love SALTEX and especially given the opportunity to speak about what I’m passion about, which is resilience and elite level mindset – It’s something I use in all areas of my life,” said James Haskell. “All the visitors here are so important to sport, and my Learning LIVE session seemed to resonate with them, which is great. Grounds management work has a lot of traditions to it, but innovation for me, is about looking at the best solutions and the best ways of working.”

SALTEX is unique in its mission: every penny of surplus is reinvested back into the grounds management industry. That means every exhibitor and visitor is directly contributing to the development of the profession including grassroots initiatives, workforce training, GMA membership and sector-wide advocacy.

Geoff Webb, Grounds Management Association CEO, said: “SALTEX is a cornerstone of our industry. Every year it brings together the right people and the latest innovations that drive grounds management forward. What makes SALTEX truly unique is that at its core is an exhibition built by the few to serve the many. It’s had challenges such as COVID, new entrants, and defied decades of change built by grounds staff, providing a high quality and professional shop window for our sector and those that supply into it, those that work in it and those that elevate others – be that through education or agronomic advice it is a show truly by the industry, for the industry.

“That means when someone chooses to exhibit or attend SALTEX, they’re directly contributing to the future of the profession. This year’s event was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together with purpose. The energy, the quality of conversations and the appetite for progress were clear across the show floor. Great business was done with numerous comments about the high quality of leads and connections. We changed it up and we have had a great response as a result. A great team effort all round.

“As we look ahead to our 80th edition in 2026, we can feel that we’re building momentum. SALTEX continues to be the beating heart of the grounds management community, and we’re proud to champion its growth both nationally and internationally. We are back at the NEC November 11-12th 2026 so put it in your diary and, if you missed out this year, sign up to exhibit or pay us a visit.”
Next year’s edition will be a landmark celebration, marking the 80th SALTEX. Taking place on 11-12 November 2026 at NEC Birmingham, it will honour eight decades of progress within the grounds management industry.

For updates and registration details, visit www.saltex.org.uk.

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The Drift renews with Toro

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The Drift renews with Toro: Over the last five years, The Drift in Surrey has invested over £2 million to bring in new facilities and improve the course in preparation for its 50th anniversary in 2025 and a key element of that process was the signing of a fleet lease deal with Toro and Reesink Turfcare.

Tom Parrish, General Manager at The Drift, provides an update on the works and what’s next for the impressive 18-hole championship course, as the club signs for another five years, in a dual deal with its sister club, Badgemore Park in Oxfordshire,

The Drift renews with Toro

The Drift renews with Toro

“The Drift and Badgemore Park have been in very similar situations in the last five years,” explains Tom. “We’ve both had 50th anniversaries that have been commemorated with extensive improvement and investment plans to the course. While the focus of the work has been different, the requirements for executing them to the best of our ability have been largely down to having the right turfcare equipment.”

When The Drift renewed with Toro last time, the success and results were so immediate and noticeable that its sister club Badgemore Park followed quickly into its own similar deal with Reesink. When renewal time came and with neither club wanting to change the set-up, a dual deal was brokered by Paul Bell at Reesink Turfcare.

“Working with partners who would ensure we had the best possible resources to do the work and complete the projects on time was vital and that’s why we chose Toro and Reesink as our preferred turfcare partners,” confirms Tom.

“It was the right decision. The course presentation continues to improve year on year, and we have more plans to ensure we continue to improve the quality of the golfing experience here at The Drift. We feel that with the improvements we have already seen, having Toro on side once again was the obvious choice.”

Investment at The Drift focused on making improvements to enhance the enjoyment, challenge and conditions for members and guests, Tom says: “In the last five years we’ve re-designed holes five, six and nine, making nine a new signature hole, as well as a complete bunker redevelopment project and the opening of our Top of the Range Academy and Driving Range powered by TrackMan.”

Having made the right machinery selection five years ago, little was changed as the club renewed. Tom says: “The core fleet remains the same, the quality of cut for the greens machines was so good we didn’t need to tweak this, but we have brought in additional equipment to support their good work – the GreensPro roller for example will further push the quality and speed of the putting surfaces, exactly what we’re aiming for.”

The fleet is led by three Toro Greensmaster TriFlex 3400 mowers famed for a precision finish, the lightweight Reelmaster 3575 for the fairways, and the Groundsmaster 3500 triplex rotary mower. There’s a new sprayer – the Multi Pro 1750 – as well as an update to the utility vehicle fleet with the Workman MDX-D. Tom adds: “We took the opportunity to bring on board an AgriMetal blower from Reesink too.”

With the 50-year celebrations underway what’s next for the club? “We feel we’re exactly where we wanted to be,” says Tom. “The clubhouse renovation and expansion are next on our list to ensure the improvements in the golf course are matched with the off-course experience as well. We continue to ensure we’re providing our members with a golf offering befitting a club with our history.”

Discover how choosing Toro could benefit your course by calling distributor Reesink UK on 01480 226800, emailing info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visiting reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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