Kilmacolm GC enjoys quieter mornings with Jacobsen ELiTE 360

Kilmacolm GC enjoys quieter mornings with Jacobsen ELiTE 360

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Kilmacolm GC enjoys quieter mornings with Jacobsen ELiTE 360

Renfrewshire’s Kilmacolm Golf Club is already reaping the benefits of electric mowing following the arrival of a new Jacobsen Greens Mower ELiTE 360 supplied by Fairways GM.

Kilmacolm GC enjoys quieter mornings with Jacobsen ELiTE 360

Kilmacolm GC enjoys quieter mornings with Jacobsen ELiTE 360

Delivered in May, the battery-powered mower is the first Jacobsen machine purchased by Course Manager John Dale for the club, although he was already familiar with the brand from previous roles elsewhere.

Together with Fairways GM’s Jonathan Rae and Stuart Cameron, John explored the available options before selecting the ELiTE 360. As part of the process, he sought the views of fellow course managers who had already introduced Jacobsen electric technology into their fleets.

“I spoke to several and the feedback was consistently positive,” he explained. “Jacobsen was already well established in the electric mower market and everyone was impressed with the performance and cut quality.  After the demonstration, I had no hesitation.”

The ELiTE 360 has quickly become an important part of the club’s maintenance programme, particularly because of its exceptionally low noise levels.

“Both our large practice putting green and a chipping green are close to neighbouring houses, traditionally, I’ve been reluctant to work in those areas too early in the morning because of the potential disturbance. The ELiTE 360 has completely changed that. It’s so quiet that we can prepare much earlier, which really helps us make the best use of the day.”

With a team of five maintaining the course and greens cut six times per week, consistency and presentation are essential.

“Our members expect high standards and one feature I particularly like is the ability to adjust the cut rate,” he continued. “It’s very straightforward to make changes depending on conditions or upcoming competitions. If we’ve got a Friday competition, it’s easy to alter the settings to achieve exactly the finish we want. It gives us another level of control.”

Battery performance has also exceeded expectations. “We’re comfortably getting more than 36 holes from a charge, which covers everything we need for two days. With fuel costs continuing to rise, electric technology makes increasing sense from an operational perspective.”

To support the purchase, Kilmacolm Golf Club also opted for a full-service agreement with Fairways GM.

“The machine has been fantastic so far and having the backing of a full-service contract gives us additional peace of mind,” concluded John Dale.

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Redexim Launches the RINK Sandstorm

Redexim Launches the RINK Sandstorm

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Redexim Launches the RINK Sandstorm

Redexim is pleased to announce the launch of the Sandstorm. The Sandstorm is a self-powered topdresser that works without a tractor or hydraulic connection. Simply hitch it to a utility vehicle and spread. It has a 28 ft³ (800 L) capacity and can spread up to 39 ft (12 m), so you can cover more ground with fewer refills while staying light on turf. Ideal for greens and tees.

Redexim Launches the RINK Sandstorm

Redexim Launches the RINK Sandstorm

Sandstorm – No tractor or hydraulics needed

The Sandstorm is designed to make topdressing simple. With its own engine, it operates independently of a tractor or hydraulic system. Just hitch it to a utility vehicle and get to work.

UTV Ready

It is compatible with a wide range of vehicles, including the Toro Workman, John Deere ProGator and Cushman Truckster XT.

Jason Jones, Sales Manager North America:

“With many turf managers relying heavily on utility vehicles and not always having immediate access to tractors, the Sandstorm provides a practical and efficient solution that fits into their maintenance programmes.

“The launch of the Sandstorm Topdresser is particularly exciting for the North American market because it aligns with the day-to-day operational realities our customers face.”

It holds more. Spreads more

Compact yet powerful. Adjust spreading speed from your seat. Move material up to 39 ft (12 m). It gets material moving and jobs done right.

Steady material flow

The Sandstorm spreads with care. Its design keeps weight low while distributing material evenly, making it perfect for greens and tees where a fine touch is critical. Its ribbed belt and hopper shape help prevent build-up, so sand, moist and heavy materials move freely.

Redexim Launches the RINK Sandstorm

Redexim Launches the RINK Sandstorm

Control from your seat

The Vision X Pro digital display allows you to control belt speed, spinner speed, driving speed and gate opening from your seat. Save up to 20 profiles for repeatable results across different surfaces and changing conditions.

Powered by its own Engine

With its own Vanguard 14 HP engine, it is able to work without a tractor, PTO or hydraulics. Hitch it to a compatible utility vehicle and it is ready for fast, even topdressing on golf courses and sports pitches.

The Sandstorm

The Sandstorm has a maximum spreading width of 39 ft (12 m) and a maximum spreading thickness of 0.6 in (15 mm). Its hopper capacity is 28 ft³ (800 L). It weighs 1,687 lbs (765 kg) empty and has a maximum working speed of 16 mph (25 km/h). Features include a self-powered engine, compatibility with utility vehicles and a lightweight design suitable for spreading wide across large areas while being light enough to work on sensitive areas without adding undue pressure.

For more information, visit https://www.redexim.com/uk/

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Bearsden GC project success followed by major machinery investment

Bearsden GC project success followed by major machinery investment

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Bearsden GC project success followed by major machinery investment

After an ambitious and successful golf course transformation project, Bearsden Golf Club has continued its long-term investment programme with the arrival of a substantial new fleet of turf maintenance equipment supplied by Fairways GM at Renfrew.

Bearsden GC project success followed by major machinery investment

Bearsden GC project success followed by major machinery investment

The two-year construction, which began in summer 2023 and encompassed land adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Antonine Wall, transformed Bearsden GC’s previous nine-hole course through extensive remodelling and environmental improvements. The redevelopment has helped future-proof the course for generations to come, while collaborative flood management measures introduced in partnership with East Dunbartonshire Council are also delivering wider benefits to the surrounding residential area.

The endeavour, led by Project Course Manager David McBride and his team, was made even more remarkable by the fact the course remained fully playable for members throughout the transformation works. The project also earned the team recognition as finalists in the prestigious 2026 BIGGA Greenkeeping Project of the Year Awards.

Working alongside Fairways GM’s Jonathan Rae and Stuart Cameron, David McBride selected a broad range of equipment to support everything from fine turf presentation through to fairway maintenance and day-to-day transport duties. However, one of the key considerations throughout the purchasing process was noise reduction, reflecting the golf course’s proximity to surrounding housing.

The new fleet includes an ISEKI TG6507 utility tractor, compact ISEKI TH3420 tractor, Wessex CRX-320 rotary mower, Infinicut pedestrian hand mower, Jacobsen GP400 greens mower, Jacobsen Eclipse® 360 ELiTE® all-electric greens mower and Jacobsen LF570 fairway mower.

“Electric mowing was important because of the proximity to housing,” explained David. “Jonathan and Stuart let us trial the Jacobsen Eclipse® 360 ELiTE® on our greens and we approved that almost instantly. The same applied to the Infinicut pedestrian mowers.

“Now, a few months down the line, we are complete converts to electric. The reduction in noise is remarkable as is the quality of the cut. We would never go back. We are extremely happy with the decision.”

“We already knew the capabilities of the Jacobsen LF570 from earlier experience. Here, we effectively have a large greens complex with extensive approaches and apron areas around the putting surfaces, and we like to keep those areas particularly short and refined. To achieve that, we opted for a Jacobsen GP400 fitted with seven-blade cutting units specifically for going around the pins.”

“The redevelopment project has raised standards right across the golf course, so it was important that the machinery fleet evolved with it. We’ve invested heavily in creating a course that will serve the club for many years to come and we wanted a machinery fleet — and a supplier partnership — capable of supporting that ambition.

“Fairways have been excellent throughout and we’re delighted with both the machines and the relationship we’ve developed with the team.”

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Share of Fife Golf Trust tender goes to Toro

Share of Fife Golf Trust tender goes to Toro

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Share of Fife Golf Trust tender goes to Toro

Reesink Turfcare, the distributor of Toro turf maintenance equipment in the UK, has supplied a significant package of machinery to Fife Golf Trust as part of a £2.4 million fleet investment programme designed to modernise operations across its seven golf courses.

Share of Fife Golf Trust tender goes to Toro

Share of Fife Golf Trust tender goes to Toro

The investment forms part of a comprehensive renewal of the Trust’s ageing machinery fleet, helping to improve reliability, reduce downtime and support long-term sustainability objectives. Toro was awarded approximately 25 percent of the overall machinery contract following a competitive public tender process.

David Gray, Golf Courses Manager of Fife Golf Trust, says: “This was a robust procurement process. The decision was made through public tender and competitive evaluation, with contracts awarded on merit.

“The procurement process was designed to ensure transparency, compliance and value for money, with detailed specifications developed for each individual machine.”

Involved in the order are five Toro Reelmaster 5010-H hybrid fairway mowers, six Toro GreensPro 1260 greens rollers and a Toro Workman HDX-D utility vehicle with ProPass spreader.

David continues: “A key part of the strategy was to invest in the cleanest and most efficient equipment available, which aligns closely with our sustainability objectives. We are committed to managing our courses sensitively and finding the right balance so that both golf and nature can thrive together.”

About the specific machinery, David says: “The hybrid Reelmaster mower was the best option on the market to ensure we continued to reduce our emissions. We’ve run Toro fairway mowers for over 10 years so this approach tied in well. Similarly with the Workman and ProPass, this was a direct replacement for one that we are familiar with. While the greens rollers are new to us, the affordability, reliability and performance of the machines will ensure this is a good investment.”

Fife Golf Trust’s operating model is unique within Scottish golf. While partner clubs remain separate entities, the Trust focuses solely on course maintenance and management, overseeing seven venues with a team of 23 greenkeepers across approximately 550 hectares of land.

“Our teams consistently produce fantastic course conditions that we are proud of,” confirms David. “This investment will help ensure we can continue delivering high standards while keeping golf affordable and accessible for local communities.”

For Reesink Turfcare, the project demonstrates the value of matching the right equipment to the needs of large-scale golf operations says John Rankin, Area Sales Manager for Reesink Scotland.

“We are delighted that Toro equipment was selected as part of this significant investment programme,” says John. “The competitive tender process made the outcome a strong endorsement of Toro’s ability to meet the performance, value and sustainability criteria required by a modern golf operation. We look forward to supporting Fife Golf Trust and its teams as they continue to deliver high-quality playing conditions across their portfolio of courses.”

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Kubota proves a partnership that’s built to last at The Glasgow Academy

Kubota proves a partnership that’s built to last at The Glasgow Academy

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Kubota proves a partnership that’s built to last at The Glasgow Academy

Since Robert Cheape joined The Glasgow Academy in 1985, the school and accompanying sports grounds have expanded significantly! His tenure as Head Groundsman has been underpinned by a long-standing partnership with dealers Hamilton Ross Group, and much of the success he has attributed to the reliability and versatility delivered by Kubota tractors in use at the grounds for over 30 years.

Kubota proves a partnership that’s built to last at The Glasgow Academy

Kubota proves a partnership that’s built to last at The Glasgow Academy

Founded in 1845, The Glasgow Academy is the oldest continuously fully independent school in Glasgow, now providing a private coeducational day school for 1700 pupils. The school is renowned for its sporting prowess – with rugby and hockey played by both the students and Glasgow Accies Sports club in the winter months, then switching to primarily cricket, tennis and athletics during the summer. Working alongside Robert on the maintenance of the natural turf and artificial surfaces is a busy team of six, with three of the staff having over 120 years of service between them.

“With sport played daily, we rely heavily on having the right, reliable equipment to produce pitches that can withstand the pressure of constant wear” Robert says. For more than three decades, powering that maintenance operation has been Kubota. “In the shed we have a Kubota B1550 from the early 1990’s which still runs and is used for lighter jobs around the sites, a B2650 and, more recently, we added an L2622 to the fleet.”

“While we can see the improvements and things like the controls and operator-friendliness has moved on they’re still, fundamentally, well-built, comfortable, reliable workhorses. For that reason, I’ll never use anything else” he adds.

The L2622 delivered in August 2025 brings increased power and productivity, featuring a 61hp stage-V diesel engine and the highest rear lift capacity in its class. “With time of the essence, we found we were relying on larger, more power-hungry implements and the L2622 has proven the perfect partner for implements such as our Verti-Drain – which we’re increasingly relying on with the more regular periods of prolonged and heavy rainfall.”

“We also run a Kubota RTV-X1110 which is another reliable runaround, towing smaller equipment and getting people and tools around the sites quickly and safely.”

Reliability for Robert extends beyond the machines themselves, with Kubota he also has the added peace of mind of first-class dealer support from the team at Hamilton Ross Group. “I’ve dealt with Paul Denholm since 1990 and the school’s relationship with Hamilton’s began even before that! We just know that if we need anything, from a simple advice call or a service visit, that they’ll be there to look after us. That sort of service goes a long way.”

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