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NEWS ARTICLES

Seeing Is Believing At Brickendon Grange Golf Club

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Seeing Is Believing At Brickendon Grange Golf Club. Two new Otterbine aerating fountains to celebrate golden jubilee.

Seeing Is Believing At Brickendon Grange Golf Club

There’s nothing like a bit of ingenuity to bring in the results, as Lewis Mattholie, deputy greenkeeper at Brickendon Grange Golf Club, can attest to. And the result is two new beauty spots for the club’s golfers to enjoy.

With its 17th hole voted the Greatest Amateur Hole in the UK in the 2016 Grass Roots Golf competition, Lewis and the team at the Hertfordshire club wanted all the club’s holes to be equal.

And with the problem of slightly stagnating water in two of the ponds flanking the eighth and eighteenth holes to solve, and the occasion of the club’s 50th anniversary to mark, Lewis decided it was time to tackle the problem.

“The water in two of our ponds needed some TLC,” Lewis tells us. “The water was stagnating a little and starting to smell. I knew the answer was an aerator, but as with most things in life it’s a bit of hard sell to get people to buy into something they can’t see.

“I figured I could quite easily create a makeshift unit with a hose and end plug to demonstrate the affect of a fountain, so I went ahead and made one!”

The result was the management committee could instantly see how a fountain would rejuvenate the two holes by bringing beauty and tranquillity to them, essentially creating two new beauty spots for golfers to enjoy.

And by choosing Otterbine’s Fractional five-in-one aerating system, which combines beauty with function, the club not only benefits from two new beauty spots, but improved water quality too.

The Fractional can be relied upon to keep the ecosystem of any smaller area of water in perfect balance thanks to its ability to transfer an impressive 1kg/2.2lbs of oxygen per hp/hr and its pumping rate of 115m3/ph.

Lewis says: “The water quality has vastly improved. Gone is the problem of stagnating and smelling water, which was perfect timing for the club’s 50th anniversary!”

As we’ve mentioned, the idea for the project came about to mark the occasion of the club’s 50th anniversary in 2016 and one member of the club was so taken with the idea they offered to step in and pay for both fountains! Which leads us to ponder the club’s nickname of the ‘ace of Herts’. While we know it’s so named for its geographical location, with such kind-hearted members we wonder if it’s more appropriately named the ‘ace of hearts’!

Leicester Groundsman Cuts Club Crest Into Centre Circle

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Leicester Groundsman Cuts Club Crest Into Centre Circle. Current Premier League champions Leicester are preparing to hand over their trophy to Chelsea this weekend, but when it comes to pitch designs, the Foxes are still riding high at the top.

Craig Shakespeare’s side travel to Manchester City this weekend, but they still have two fixtures remaining at the King Power Stadium – starting with Tottenham on May 18 before the visit of Bournemouth three days later.

With their Premier League status secured courtesy of the 3-0 victory over Watford last weekend, the Midlands club can enjoy their final three games this season with their sights set on a top-half finish.

But while Shakespeare puts his squad through their paces at their Belvoir Drive training base, the club’s groundsmen have been busy perfecting  their latest design at the home ground.

Leicester’s performance against the Hornets last Saturday was every bit as immaculate as the playing surface, with an eye-catching design from chief groundsman John Ledwidge receiving plaudits for the state of the pitch heading into the summer break.

The club have developed a reputation for entertaining their opponents on surfaces akin to a bowling green, with the designs on show during last season’s surge to their first domestic league title catching the eye just as much as the side’s displays.

Having acknowledged the praise for his circular-themed offering against WalterMazzarri’s side, Ledwidge has taken his love for pitch patterns to the next level – by fashioning the club

Ledwidge and his team were hosting New Ground Technology for a European Stadium and Safety Management Association (ESSMA) workshop on Wednesday, and the Leicester groundsmanager was eager to use the equipment out on the pitch.

After several hours of careful trimming, the ‘Van Gogh of football pitches’ revealed his latest masterpiece, with the intricate details of the club’s circular crest, complete with the face of a fox and ‘Leicester City Football Club’, cut into the surface.

The Foxes will soon be dethroned as Premier League champions, but the club appear determined to end the season with the accolade for Grounds Team of the Year.

Aston Villa scooped the award last season despite relegation to the Championship, but Leicester – along with Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham were highly recommended.

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Vitalnova Blade: A Proven Biostimulant

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Vitalnova Blade: A Proven Biostimulant. Biostimulants are substances and microorganisms applied to plants and rootzones to enhance plant growth, and rootzone microbial activity.

Vitalnova Blade: A Proven BiostimulantHistorically the diversity of biostimulant products available was limited but in recent years a plethora of new products have come to the market in response to an increase in demand and interest.   The value of the global market has grown annually by over 10% each year for the last decade, and more and more products are marketed as biostimulants.  In this increasingly crowded marketplace the Turf Manager needs to carefully consider the products selected to form part of their turf maintenance programme.

Whilst biostimulants can never replace macronutrients there are many reasons why a Turf Manager would include them to support their annual nutritional programme.  In recent years, the Turf Industry has taken a greater interest in soil biology and the benefits a healthy soil can have for the overall health of turf.  The focus of many professionals has changed from ‘turf growth’ to  overall ‘turf health’ with the aim of achieving greater levels of surface consistency, establishing better control of playing qualities and reducing disease occurrence.

With claims of improving rooting, encouraging microbial activity, increasing organic-matter breakdown, improved disease and drought resistance, amongst other things, biostimulants appear to be the ‘silver bullet’ supplement that modern professionals need.  However, whilst it has been generally perceived that biostimulants have beneficial effects on turf health, evidence has often been anecdotal.  There are a few well-researched products available, which have the advantage of having ‘proven’ themselves and have supporting independent evidence of how they work and the benefits they can provide.  These products will provide the most consistent and reliable turf response.

Vitalnova Blade is a carefully formulated biostimulant for turf developed by ICL to boost microbial activity and encourage better rooting, amongst other things.  It is a product that combines seaweed and carbohydrates to provide a readily available source of carbon together with a range of micronutrients, amino acids and bioactive molecules. Consequently, regular applications of Vitalnova Blade through the growing season have been independently proven to stimulate soil biology and plant growth to enhance the benefits of a conventional fertiliser programme.

Independent research for Vitalnova Blade has demonstrated an increase in soil borne microorganisms as well as improved rooting.  Plots treated with Vitalnova Blade showed a doubling of indigenous mycorrhiza levels as well as up to a 50% increase in beneficial bacteria levels when compared with untreated control plots.  Such increases in fungal and bacterial activity increase soil nutrient re-cycling to help release ‘locked-up’ nutrients and enhance growth.

Furthermore, the same trials showed a 40% increase in rootmass compared with the untreated control plots.  With a greater rootmass the turf’s ability to take up nutrients and water is increased to give a stronger, healthier plant and minimise stress which leads to better pest and disease resistance.  The small quantity of macronutrients included within Vitalnova Blade (5-6.5-3.5) also help to enhance the benefits of routine fertiliser inputs by supplying a direct source of readily available nutrients to support overall plant health.

Dr Andy Owen ICL International Technical Manager says:  ‘Vitalnova Blade is a well-researched biostimulant for turf surfaces.  The components have been carefully formulated for the best results.   We have independent trials data that shows it can improve turf rooting and mycorrhizal association.  In my opinion it is a great product for feeding your soil biology and all round turf health’.

Formulated for use on golf course greens, tees, fairways and sports fields, Vitalnova Blade is designed to be used during the growing season (April – September) with the first application being made once consistent growth has been achieved.  It is best applied monthly at between 20-30 l/ha and makes the perfect tank-mix partner for Greenmaster liquid fertilizers and Seamax Seaweed where the aim is to optimise turf health and recovery and maintain a natural colour.  It can also be tank-mixed safely with Primo Maxx where a growth regulator is required although the application rate may need to be altered depending upon the frequency of Primo Maxx application.

When used regularly on sand-based surfaces, whether fine turf or sports field turf, the significant improvement Vitalnova Blade offers in microbial activity and the associated increase in nutrient recycling, coupled with the improvement in rooting most users see really does amplify the benefits which can  be gained.

On sports fields where the time available for renovation is short and the pressure to regain sward cover is high, apply Vitalnova Blade alone or in conjunction with a good wetting agent to increase the rate of establishment and speed up canopy closure.  Apply at 30 l/ha once the seed has popped and germination has started.  Further applications can be made once the 2nd leaf stage has been reached and then it is recommended that these continue on a monthly basis and in conjunction with Greenmaster Liquid and Seamax to optimise turf health.

Designed to boost microbial activity, improve root growth and manage stress Vitalnova Blade is a biostimulant that will enhance your routine fertilizer programme.  It is available now from ICL-Specialty Fertilizers.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

Jurgen Klopp Bemoans Pitch After Third Home Game Without Win

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Jurgen Klopp bemoans Anfield’s pitch after third successive home game without a win. Liverpool made it three home games in a row without a win, held to a 0-0 draw by Southampton for the second time this season.

Jurgen Klopp admitted post-match his frustration at the result, but insisted it was a point gained in the race for the top four – a race which still remains in the Reds’ hands thanks to Arsenal beating Man United.

Liverpool’s home form though, failing to beat Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Southampton in consecutive games at Anfield, is a major concern for supporters.

Klopp also highlighted how dry the Anfield pitch was – a pitch that was due to replaced two years ago but has had to wait due to the ongoing construction of the new Main Stand.

“Today the pitch was really dry. We gave all the water we had and after 15 minutes it was really dry. It was difficult and with a lot of passes you could say, ‘Why are they playing this?’.

“In a home game you have to have the best circumstances but we couldn’t have this.”

Liverpool, despite their poor form since January, are still two wins away from qualifying for the Champions League – away to West Ham and at home to Middlesbrough.

Meanwhile, Anfield’s pitch will be replaced this summer. In the last two years it was only re-seeded due to the access required by cranes while the new Main Stand was built.

Brendan Rodgers frequently bemoaned the pitch in 2014/15, once describing it as “awful” and saying: “It is an old pitch that has not been upgraded for some years and it can be a disadvantage for us. It is difficult to play one-touch football on it.”

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Greenkeeper Takes Up Role As ECB Pitch Adviser

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Falmouth Greenkeeper Takes Up Role As ECB Pitch Adviser. Cornwall Cricket is delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Johnson, Head Greenkeeper at Falmouth Golf Club, and Head Groundsman at Mount Ambrose CC as its new named ECB Pitch Adviser.

Greenkeeper Takes Up Role As ECB Pitch Adviser

Simon has more than thirty years’ relevant experience and has prepared pitches for Minor Counties’ games while at Camborne CC.

Kevin O’Kelly, who has been the ECB Pitch Adviser for the last five years, has agreed to stay on in an active role and assist Simon in his new position.

Simon Menneer, Cornwall Cricket CEO, said: “This is an excellent outcome for Cornish cricket. We have gained the services for the long-term of an outstanding and respected expert in his field, and retained the valuable services of our outgoing Pitch Adviser which will ensure continuity.”

The ECB Pitch Advisory Scheme is funded by Sport England and ECB, and represents the first governing body to address the issue of groundsmanship, in particular at recreational / non-professional level.

The project is to place 45 County Pitch Advisers across England and Wales and for their activities to be fully embraced into the work of County Cricket Boards.

Roles of a Pitch Adviser:

1. To advise on the quality performance of specific pitches / squares and produce recommendations (where necessary) for any improvements, which may include grant aid schemes (Prioritised Detailed Assessment).

2. To monitor the developments of any facilities on which recommendations are being implemented.

3. Available, if required, to assess pitches / squares in respect of various league criteria.

4. Create a response team for basic assessments.

5. Help build an effective Groundmanship Association.’

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