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NEWS ARTICLES

Appointment to oversee Greenkeepers Training Committee

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Appointment to oversee Greenkeepers Training Committee: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has appointed experienced turf educator and golf course manager Rob Phillips as Learning & Development Manager – Technical, with responsibility for managing the technical elements of greenkeeper training in the UK.

You can view a video of Rob discussing his new role here.

Rob was previously head of land-based apprenticeships at Berkshire College of Agriculture and spent six years as a trainer, assessor and programme manager for greenkeeping apprenticeships. Prior to that he spent 30 years as a greenkeeper, including 21 years as course manager at Sandy Lodge Golf Club in Middlesex. Rob is also an independent end point assessor for the certification awarding bodies City & Guilds and LANTRA.

Appointment to oversee Greenkeepers Training Committee

Appointment to oversee Greenkeepers Training Committee

The GTC is the employers’ organisation for the golf industry that controls greenkeeper education standards, ensuring training provision is consistent and regulated across the UK. In the role of Learning & Development Manager – Technical, Rob will be responsible for delivering the requirements of The GTC under their service level agreement with BIGGA. He will liaise with training providers and also seek to implement BIGGA’s innovative accreditation strategy.

As part of BIGGA’s Learning & Development department, Rob will work alongside the existing team in their mission to enhance the association’s various educational initiatives, the continuing professional development scheme and the wider efforts to attract people to the industry.

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “With almost 40 years’ experience, including seven years focusing on the training of student greenkeepers, Rob was the outstanding candidate for this position and we’re delighted he has joined the association.

“As the landscape becomes more challenging for turf professionals in the face of climate change, resource availability and suchlike, it is vital that greenkeeper training develops apace and adapts to reflect the requirements of a modern turf maintenance workforce.

“Rob’s expertise and passion for the industry means he will have a key role to play and I look forward to working with him moving forwards.”

For more information about The GTC visit www.the-gtc.co.uk

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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Coventry Hearsall’s success with Sierrablen Plus

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Coventry Hearsall’s success with Sierrablen Plus: ICL Controlled release fertiliser technology has helped to transform the fairways at Coventry Hearsall Golf Club.

Chris Low, the Course Manager at Coventry Hearsall Golf Club, has witnessed outstanding results since introducing ICL’s Sierrablen Plus Spring & Summer CalMag 23-0-5 + 7CaO + 2.5MgO controlled release fertiliser (CRF) into the club’s fairway programme.

Coventry Hearsall’s success with Sierrablen Plus

Coventry Hearsall’s success with Sierrablen Plus

Decision to choose Sierrablen Plus

After seeing numerous positive posts on social media and conducting thorough research, Chris decided to incorporate the fertiliser into his turf management programme to help boost turf density and health.

The availability of larger 500kg bags, which are both cost-effective and easy to apply with a tractor-mounted spreader, further influenced his decision.

Benefits of Controlled Release Fertilisers

Controlled release fertilisers (CRFs) are engineered to release nutrients gradually, ensuring more precise and targeted nutrient delivery to turfgrass.

This is achieved through a coating process that regulates nutrient release, guaranteeing that the turf receives essential nutrients at the right time and in the right quantities.

This method not only maximises the efficiency of nutrient uptake but also minimises waste and environmental impact. Sierrablen Plus CalMag 23-0-5 + 7CaO + 2.5MgO can be applied from early in the growing season through to summer, providing over five months of sustained healthy plant growth.

The controlled release of nitrogen supports continuous development, while added magnesium enhances the turf’s green colour and calcium increases cell strength.

Member and Visitor Praise

Since adopting Sierrablen Plus Spring & Summer CalMag 23-0-5 + 7CaO + 2.5MgO, the improvements in turf density at Coventry Hearsall Golf Club have been nothing short of remarkable.

The fairways have drawn praise from both members and visitors alike. “Members and guests have commented that the fairways are like carpets and the best they have ever been,” says Chris.

The benefits of Sierrablen Plus extend beyond just aesthetics and playability. The fertiliser’s controlled release technology provides sustained nutrition for over 5 months, reducing the need for frequent applications and thereby saving time and resources.

Additionally, the environmental benefits of using a controlled release fertiliser, such as reduced leaching and runoff, align with the club’s commitment to sustainable practices.

Sierrablen Plus Spring & Summer CalMag has proven to be a transformative addition to the turf management programme at Coventry Hearsall Golf Club.

“We’ve seen a noticeable improvement in the turf’s resilience and overall health, making our maintenance efforts more effective and efficient,” Chris notes.

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

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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Pellenc Portfolio To Shine At GroundsFest

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Pellenc Portfolio To Shine At GroundsFest: Pellenc UK is set to impress at GroundsFest 2024, taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 10 and 11 September.

Attendees can look forward to an exciting display of Pellenc’s innovative, battery-powered equipment.

Pellenc Portfolio To Shine At GroundsFest

Pellenc Portfolio To Shine At GroundsFest

Over recent years, Pellenc has established itself as a leader in the market by offering an exceptional line of ‘zero emission’ battery-powered tools. This success is largely due to their advanced Lithium-ion ultra-high-performance batteries.

Visitors to the Pellenc stand (OSA150) will have the opportunity to explore an extensive array of top-tier equipment. The impressive Pellenc product lineup includes chainsaws, pole saws, hedge cutters, grass strimmers, brushcutters, blowers, and mowers.

Throughout the two-day event, the Pellenc team will be on hand to provide expert assistance and advice on all battery-powered tool enquiries.

Pellenc stands out in the industry with its generous warranties, offering a four-year commercial warranty for all batteries and a three-year warranty for all tools.

Pellenc is distributed exclusively in the UK by Etesia UK.

For more information, visit www.etesia.co.uk/pellenc

You can also follow Pellenc on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @PellencUK for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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Wilkinson Sword shares cheap and simple task

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Wilkinson Sword shares cheap and simple task: If you only have time to do one job this season, tidying lawn edges and neatening up the borders around a patio or terrace is one easy task that is guaranteed to have the most impact.

Having the right tools can make all the difference in keeping an outdoor space looking pristine. Whether you’re tackling weeds, trimming edges, or refining lawn borders, investing in quality garden tools like those from Wilkinson Sword can streamline gardening tasks, help improve the overall look of a patio or terrace and make spaces look neat and tidy.

Stainless Steel Hand Patio Knife

RRP – £12.99

The Wilkinson Sword Stainless Steel Hand Patio Knife is a must-have for tackling moss and weeds that stubbornly cling to your paved areas and patio stones. Crafted with high-quality rust-resistant stainless steel, its mirror-polished blade effortlessly slices through unwanted growth. The ergonomically designed weatherproofed ash handle ensures comfortable grip and durability, while the leather hanging strap allows for convenient storage.

Single Hand Grass Shear

RRP – £14.99

For precise lawn edge maintenance in hard-to-reach areas, the Wilkinson Sword Single Hand Grass Shear is your go-to tool. Featuring non-stick coated blades and a 180-degree rotating blade, it allows for vertical and horizontal cutting with ease. The single-handed safety lock adds an extra layer of security during use, while the compact design makes it ideal for intricate trimming tasks. With a 15cm blade length, this shear is perfect for refining the edges of your lawn around your patio to perfection.

Long Handled Edging Shears

RRP – £24.99

Designed to minimize strain on your back, these shears feature 850mm long durable handles with soft grips for comfortable use. The high-quality carbon steel blades with non-stick coating ensure clean and precise cuts, while the 17cm blade length makes quick work of edging tasks. Keep your lawn edges and borders looking sharp without the hassle of bending, thanks to these long-handled shears.

Ultralight Edging Knife

RRP – £34.99

For a lightweight yet powerful tool to maintain a crisp lawn edge, look no further than the Wilkinson Sword Ultralight Edging Knife. Up to 30% lighter than traditional edging knives, its ultralight design reduces fatigue, allowing you to enjoy gardening for longer periods. Crafted with rust-resistant stainless steel, the half-moon blade effortlessly slices through turf to leave a neat edge where your lawn meets borders, paths, and patios. The comfortable T-handle provides excellent control, making precision edging a breeze.

To view more of the range visit www.wilkinsonsword-tools.co.uk.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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Calling All Grounds Care Heroes

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Calling All Grounds Care Heroes: Nominations and entries are now open for the Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) Industry Awards and, this year, we’re turning up the excitement!  

Anfield Stadium, the iconic home of Liverpool FC, will be the new backdrop for this prestigious event on Thursday 13 March 2025.

Calling All Grounds Care Heroes

Calling All Grounds Care Heroes

Breaking new ground, the Industry Awards are making their debut at Anfield Stadium, following previous editions at Headingley Stadium and the NEC alongside Europe’s premier grounds management show, SALTEX.

Since 2009, the GMA Industry Awards have celebrated outstanding achievements in grounds care across professional, amateur, and voluntary sectors, spanning a variety of sports. But this year it’s extra special, as it kicks off the GMA’s annual awareness campaign: #GroundsWeek, running from March 17 to 23, 2025. ISEKI returns as the Industry Awards platinum sponsor for 2025, reaffirming their support for the sector, alongside award category sponsors, DLF Seeds and Syngenta.

Shifting from its traditional November date to March, these awards now support the vital mission of #GroundsWeek, honouring the unsung heroes – the grounds care professionals and volunteers who keep the nation’s playing surfaces pristine!

Categories That Inspire Greatness: 

With 17 categories spanning the entire sector, the GMA Industry Awards provide the perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on the year-round contribution of grounds staff towards maintaining and improving playing surfaces.

  • Young Groundsperson of the Year – Recognising rising stars
  • Newcomer of the Year – Welcoming fresh talent
  • Volunteer Groundsperson/Team of the Year – Honouring those who go above and beyond
  • Community Groundsperson/Team of the Year – Making a difference in local sports
  • Best Managed Artificial Surface of the Year – Innovation on display
  • Environmental and Sustainability Impact Award – Champions of eco-friendly practices (Sponsored by Syngenta)
  • Bowls & Croquet Groundsperson/Team of the Year – Precision and passion
  • Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year – Pitch-perfect excellence
  • Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team of the Year – Serving up aces in turf management
  • Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year – Galloping towards excellence
  • Professional Rugby League Grounds Team of the Year – Tackling pitches head on
  • Professional Rugby Union Grounds Team of the Year – Scrumming up perfection
  • Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year – Scoring perfection, the MVPs behind the scenes
  • Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (Elite) – Elevating the game, making stadiums roar
  • University & College Grounds Team of the Year - Cultivating knowledge and green spaces
  • Independent School Grounds Team of the Year – Nurturing growth in every blade (Sponsored by ISEKI)
  • GMA Grounds Manager of the Year – Celebrating the very best across the industry  (Sponsored by DLF Seeds)

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA said:
“The GMA Industry Awards are a fantastic opportunity for individuals and teams to gain the recognition they deserve for their vital work across the grounds care industry. I urge everyone to get involved and submit their nominations – It’s going to be a great event at Anfield Stadium, and we look forward to celebrating the outstanding achievements.”

Are You Ready to nominate or enter?

You can now nominate someone deserving, or enter yourself, by visiting https://gmaindustryawards.uk/. We encourage everyone in the industry to join in and celebrate the outstanding work being done in the grounds care industry.

Important Dates: 

  • Award Nominations Close: Friday 13 September 2024
  • Final Entries Close: Friday 27 September 2024

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Emily Herrington by emailing eherrington@thegma.org.uk.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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