Assistant Greenkeeper

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Edgbaston Golf Club would like to invite applications for the position of Assistant Greenkeeper starting on 1st April 2026 or before depending on availability. 

Assistant Greenkeeper

Assistant Greenkeeper

Set in magnificent surroundings, and voted in the top 150 courses in the country, Edgbaston Golf Club is a beautiful parkland golf course. It was designed by renowned architect Harry S. Colt and sits beside Edgbaston Pool, a glorious ornamental 11-acre lake with abundant birdlife. Wide, sweeping, tree-lined fairways, newly renovated bunkers, and tight, pristine greens make the course a joy to play as it winds through the magnificent grounds of Edgbaston Hall.

The role has opened due to one of the team moving to the United States to work at one of the renowned courses.

The successful candidate will possess the following attributes:
  • Self-motivated and passionate for golf course presentation and detail
  • The ability to work efficiently and effectively as part of a team
  • Shows a passion for learning and development
  • Knowledge of the game of golf
Desirable qualification are as follows but not essential:
  • NVQ Level 2 or 3
  • PA1, 2 or 6
  • CS30, 31
  • CPD Active
  • First Aid
Staff Benefits:
  • Uniform
  • Competitive Salary
  • Golf privileges
  • Continuous Professional Development paid opportunities
  • Staff Appreciation Days

Edgbaston Golf Club prides itself on been a forward thinking club with the ability to improve the course every year. The club finished its state of the art bunker restoration programme to H. Colt’s original design, working with world renowned architects and construction firms. Further projects included drainage installation, irrigation upgrades and other course improvements. With this vision the club believe they will soon achieve Top 100 status. If this is something that appeals to you, we would love to hear from you!

The role starts on 1st April 2026
Competitive Salary depending on experience and qualifications.
Please Send Cover letter and CV to: Matthew Palmer
Deputy Course Manager: assistantcm@edgbastongc.co.uk

New AS 990 Tahr RC rotary mower enters series production

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New AS 990 Tahr RC rotary mower enters series production: Series production of the new remote-controlled sickle mower from AS-Motor has begun, and the first machines have already been delivered. With the AS 990 Tahr RC, the high grass specialist is expanding its RC portfolio with a mower that impresses above all with its bidirectional mowing mode and extreme slope capability.

Faster mowing on steep slopes

The AS 990 Tahr RC operates without a conventional direction of travel. Its sickle mower, which is open on both sides, enables a clean cut forwards and backwards, including even clippings distribution. There is no need to turn after each pass. This saves time and significantly increases the area coverage. The proven cross-blade system from the Sherpa family delivers high cutting power. Grass and scrub up to 1.5 metres high are cut at high speed by two pendulum blades and shredded by the cutter bar above. The large-area deposit of the cut material facilitates its rapid decomposition.

New AS 990 Tahr RC rotary mower enters series production

New AS 990 Tahr RC rotary mower enters series production

The caterpillar design with even weight distribution, large support width and low centre of gravity ensures high traction in every driving situation, uphill, downhill and across slopes. With a slope capability of up to 56 degrees (across the slope), the machine remains stable and controllable. Only the caterpillar tracks have contact with the ground, which reduces the risk of getting stuck and protects the turf. The low ground pressure of only 0.14 kg/cm² underlines the soil-conserving approach.

Intuitive control, high area coverage

The remote control, reduced to the essentials, enables precise working even in demanding terrain. It is child’s play to mow straight lines or turn on the spot if necessary. The automatic reversal (left/right) of the control lever saves you having to rethink when changing direction. In practice, the AS 990 Tahr RC achieves an area coverage of up to 4,500 m² per hour.

Simple and robust – typical AS-Motor

AS-Motor also focuses on maximum robustness and low complexity with the AS 990 Tahr RC. The design is geared towards durability, low susceptibility to faults and easy maintenance, with a solid square steel tube frame, the established cross blade system from the Sherpa series, reliable hydrostatic drives from Hydro-Gear and the proven engine from the AS 940 Sherpa. The asymmetrical crawler track prevents the chains from jumping off, and their tension can be quickly checked and adjusted. Easily accessible service points, a hinged engine cover, few wear parts and moderate fuel consumption of around 4.5 litres per hour ensure economical operation. The compact dimensions, low weight of 502 kg and sturdy lashing points facilitate transport and handling, even in a van.

Safe mowing with the new AS 990 Tahr RC

In addition to productivity and robustness, the AS 990 Tahr RC focuses on user safety. Remote control operation significantly increases this, especially on steep slopes. Users work outside the danger zone, with less dust and noise exposure. Triple ejection protection reduces the risk of stone chips, and an automatic parking brake engages when the machine is stationary or in an emergency stop. Optionally available LED headlights also improve visibility in difficult lighting conditions.

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GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events

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GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) will expand GMA Connect in 2026, rolling out six UK-wide events designed to bring practical, accessible learning directly to grounds staff and volunteers.

Following two successful pilot events in 2025, the 2026 GMA Connect programme will take place in Oxford, Cardiff, Manchester, Leeds, Southampton and Ipswich, ensuring grounds people can access hands-on learning closer to home.

GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events

GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events

As a core GMA member benefit, GMA Connect brings the Association’s learning experience into regional hubs whilst also welcoming the wider grounds management industry. Each one‑day event offers a mix of targeted seminar sessions and live demonstrations from leading suppliers, giving attendees the chance to see products, equipment and techniques in action.

Designed around real‑world challenges faced by local grounds teams, GMA Connect focuses on practical solutions and takeaways that can be put to use immediately on site.

2026 Schedule:

  • Abingdon School (Oxford) – Thursday 16 April
  • Cardiff City Stadium (Cardiff) – Wednesday 22 April
  • Joie Stadium, Manchester City (Manchester) – Thursday 14 May
  • Headingley Stadium (Leeds) – Tuesday 19 May
  • Stoneham Lane Football Complex (Southampton) – Thursday 21 May
  • Ipswich Rugby Club (Ipswich) – Thursday 4 June

What Attendees Say:

Sean Smith, Groundsperson at Croke Park, said: “Events like this are important because they’re accessible and give you the chance to see things outside your everyday routine. You can chat with different people, see what they do differently and share what you do differently. I would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking about attending.”

Ticket Information:

  • Joie Stadium, Manchester City: £10 for GMA members | £50 for non-members
  • All other events: Free for GMA members | £35 for non-members

“The two pilot events in 2025 were a huge success, so we’re delighted to be rolling out six events across the UK in 2026,” said Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA. “It’s all about delivering high-quality learning closer to home and making it more accessible and easier to fit around the busy lives of grounds people. GMA Connect is a core member benefit and these events allow us to bring the GMA learning experience directly into the regions.”

GMA Connect is open to grounds professionals and volunteers working across all levels of the sector, from grassroots to elite sport. The programme is supported by GMA Platinum Supporters MJ Abbott, Kubota, Howardson Group, ISEKI, Cramer and GKB, working in partnership with the GMA.

For more information and to secure your place, visit thegma.org.uk/connect.

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John Deere named as Solheim Cup Official Machinery Partner

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John Deere named as Solheim Cup Official Machinery Partner: John Deere has been confirmed as the official golf course and turf maintenance machinery partner of the 2026 Solheim Cup taking place at Bernardus Golf, the Netherlands, 7 – 13 September 2026, bringing their considerable experience in world-class course preparation and adding to the events sustainability credentials.

The agreement places John Deere at the heart of one of the biggest events in women’s sport. It formalises a partnership that brings together the global machinery manufacturer, Dutch dealer Kraakman, and the team at host venue Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands.

John Deere named as Solheim Cup Official Machinery Partner

John Deere named as Solheim Cup Official Machinery Partner

Paul Trowman, John Deere’s Golf and Turf Business Manager, said the partnership reflects the company’s long-term commitment to the professional game. “This is a chance to demonstrate how advanced machinery, data-driven management and high service standards can support top-level sport,” he said. “Bernardus Golf is an elite course which is presented by a team that’s at the top of its game. With John Deere machinery at its core, its greenkeepers have the tools and the expertise to ensure a global audience sees the venue in the best possible condition.”

Bernardus Golf’s local John Deere dealer, Kraakman, will supply all the equipment as well as delivering on-the-ground technical expertise before and throughout the event. The dealership is already working closely with the host venue to ensure all the right machinery is on site and has committed to a full training and monitoring programme for staff working at the venue. Back-up parts will be provided and service technicians will support the course’s mechanics.

Wim van Remortele, Commercial Manager for Golf and Turf at Kraakman, said: “Tournament preparation takes months of thought, planning, and expertise to ensure the course is playing to required regulations and looking its absolute best for a world-wide audience. Our role is to optimise the quality, efficiency and accuracy of operations, and we will be there before, during, and after the event because we have a long-term partnership with Bernardus Golf. The Solheim Cup is the pinnacle of Women’s golf so every machine, technician and process will be in peak condition. We are very proud to represent John Deere on home soil, and for what is a landmark moment for the John Deere brand.”

The 2026 Solheim Cup will be the 20th edition of the biennial competition between the best women pros from the USA and Europe and has the ambition to set a new benchmark for eco-friendly sporting events. As well as adding in John Deere’s expertise, sustainability plans include replacing general on-site parking with low-emission travel options, integrated ticketing, and last-mile solutions like the bike route experienced today. Other initiatives include renewable energy use, waste reduction, circular material sourcing, local catering, water-smart operations, and active nature restoration.

Bernardus Superintendent Niall Richardson said the partnership brings confidence and clarity to the months of preparation ahead. “I rely on equipment that performs every single day. With the Solheim Cup ahead, partnering with John Deere gives our team the reliability and support we need to prepare the course to championship level. The electric and hybrid technologies, along with the data they provide, help us work more efficiently and sustainably, key factors in how we manage the course today and into the future.”

John Deere’s market-leading technology and electric and hybrid innovations mean it is a perfect fit for the Solheim Cup’s sustainability values and ambitions. Equipment such as mowers, bunker rakes and utility vehicles will all utilise full or hybrid electric drives, and satellites will guide sprayers to accuracy in application of just 2.5cm. The whole fleet and its operators will be supported by John Deere Operations Center PRO Golf – a cloud-based course management system enabling the assignment of tasks, machinery management, and whole-course budgeting.

The Solheim Cup takes place at Bernardus in the Netherlands in September 2026.

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