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Wycombe Heights GC and BGL drive sustainability

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Wycombe Heights GC and BGL drive sustainability: Wycombe Heights Golf Centre, owned and operated by BGL (Burhill Group Limited), has unveiled a series of sustainability commitments as part of a continued journey towards achieving a net zero status.

The club has committed to seven fundamental aspects that will be implemented throughout and around the facility. These are: planning, policies and procurement, staff and golfer engagement, taking climate action, conserving resources, fostering nature, strengthening communities, and tracking and reporting.

Wycombe Heights GC and BGL drive sustainability

Wycombe Heights GC and BGL drive sustainability

Some of the key initiatives that are underway have already begun to have a positive impact. A switch to an electric greens mower has allowed the club to substitute diesel for zero carbon electricity as the energy source, irradicate the use of hydraulic fluid which is harmful to local habitats, and reduce noise which is positive for both neighbours and operations. Eventually, the club plans to run an entirely electric fleet.

Furthermore, the transition to an off-site renewable energy supply has helped reduce club emissions by over 51 tCO2e per year, a reduction equivalent to flying 15 times from London to Hong Kong, and 150,000 kms by car.

The most recent initiative has been the construction of a 12,000-metre cubed reservoir to enable the club to irrigate the course using a sustainable water source. Thanks to the investment, 100% of the water used on-site is derived from sustainable sources. This has also allowed the club to avoid supply and demand issues in drier periods.

Commenting on the club’s sustainability journey, Operations Director for BGL Golf, Guy Riggott, said: “Our success with sustainability initiatives so far is something we are very proud of, and we are excited to continue to follow our seven step commitment as we take that to the next level. Through these efforts, our goal is to benefit the environment as well as our employees, members, and visitors.”

Riggott, added: “The work and commitment from Wycombe Heights towards improving sustainable practices is incredible. Across the group, we’re passionate about finding new ways to reduce energy, water consumption, and overall carbon footprint. We are excited to see the continuation of this programme with new initiatives that align with our seven step commitment to sustainability.”

Wycombe Heights Golf Centre is located in High Wycombe, in the heart of Buckinghamshire. The property boasts two 18-hole courses, including a main and short course. In addition, Wycombe Heights has an impressive driving range, fitted with state-of-the-art TrackMan technology.

BGL’s seven step commitment to sustainability is group-wide, across the portfolio of 10 BGL Golf venues around the UK. BGL is a pioneer in the UK golf industry, currently operating 22 golf courses at 10 venues around the country. The company has been a flag-bearer for sustainability, becoming the first and only major multi course operator to have all its venues GEO certified, in 2016.

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Club Car portfolio on show at BTME

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Club Car portfolio on show at BTME: Club Car, the industry-leading manufacturer of small-wheel, zero emissions vehicles, will showcase its innovative collection of golf and utility cars at BTME next week.

Among the vehicles on display at Europe’s premier turf management exhibition, held at Harrogate Convention Centre, will be a Lithium-Ion-powered Club Car Carryall 500, which was launched in Europe last summer.

Club Car portfolio on show at BTME

Club Car portfolio on show at BTME

The versatile Carryall range has long been the favoured utility vehicle of superintendents and groundskeepers around the world with its exceptional reliability and best-in-class ergonomics.

The new Lithium-Ion versions charge up to 40% faster than lead acid batteries, do not degrade over time and are around 180kg lighter, allowing for smoother operation over manicured terrain and less turf damage.

Also on the stand will be Club Car’s acclaimed Tempo golf car – featuring Lithium-Ion battery, Visage GPS technology and premium seats – and an Urban, Club Car’s innovative new road-legal utility vehicle which boasts automotive-grade safety features and low operational costs.

Andy Bourke, Club Car’s Regional Sales Manager for UK, Ireland & Scandinavia, said: “With our broad portfolio of sustainable transport solutions, it’s hugely important for our customers to be able to see what we have to offer.

“BTME is a great opportunity to meet up with our customers and dealers to hear their feedback, and it’s always a good barometer of the year ahead for the industry.”

Club Car’s expert sales team will be on hand at stand 626 to highlight the vehicles’ key features and benefits and to discuss visitors’ requirements.

For more information, visit www.clubcar.com, or to book a time slot at BTME contact Andy Bourke, Club Car’s Regional Sales Manager, UK, Ireland & Scandinavia: Andrew.Bourke@clubcar.com.

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The R&A to exhibit at BTME

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The R&A to exhibit at BTME: The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service will be at the upcoming BTME show; where it’ll showcase how The R&A is contributing to a brighter, more sustainable future across golf venues, globally.

The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service is a fully encompassing offering for golf venues to seek expert course support, receive advice on the delivery of best practices surrounding sustainable agronomy operations and gain comprehensive strategies for implementing changes.

The R&A to exhibit at BTME

The R&A to exhibit at BTME

“We are pleased to be able to attend BTME for another year, where our team will proudly be on hand to answer any questions on what we do. An exciting start to the show will be the opening breakfast keynote, recounting the agronomic and greenkeeping stories of The 151st Open and 2023 AIG Women’s Open – of which both trophies will be present!” comments Alistair Beggs, Head of Agronomy

“We hope many industry professionals will be able to join us, getting the chance to see the trophies up close, whilst chatting all things sustainable agronomy.”

During the event, the team will be located at stand 408 and will offer a host of opportunities to find out more on the R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service available to all. Furthermore, they will also welcome partner industry experts in sustainable water management for golf courses, as well as golf & nature, to their stand; giving attendees the chance to find out more information.

Dr. Tom Young, Associate at The Environmental Partnership, will be on the stand Tuesday 23rd between 2pm and 4pm to discuss sustainable water management, and how the collaboration between the two powerhouses in their respective industries are working together. Marie Athorn, from the RSBP, will also join Sophie Olejnik from OleoEcology to discuss golf & nature, including how the RSPB-R&A partnership is in place to provide guidance for golf courses to support the environment.

The stand itself will be one to revel in, with attendees also getting the chance to view unique greenkeeping heritage, exclusive to The R&A World Golf Museum. During the show, a number of impressive items will be displayed, each telling a story of how critical keepers of the green were to the game. The breadth of items on display will demonstrate how far golf course management has evolved, and The R&A has a unparalleled history to showcase this.

To enquire about The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service, e-mail sustainableagronomy@randa.org

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First GroundsFest Prize Winner Announced

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First GroundsFest Prize Winner Announced: Nathan Lewis from Lewis Garden Machinery is the proud winner of a range of battery-powered Pellenc equipment – a GroundsFest registration prize that added an extra layer of excitement to the spectacular event.

The inaugural GroundsFest proved to be a huge success, captivating visitors with the largest display of outdoor machinery demonstrations in the UK, free educational sessions, live music performances, and the opportunity to engage in hands-on practical training.

First GroundsFest Prize Winner Announced

First GroundsFest Prize Winner Announced

Amidst the countless opportunities at GroundsFest, every participant who registered and attended the event had a chance to win some exceptional prizes. The first prize was a battery-powered Rasion Basic lawnmower and a Selion telescopic polesaw from Pellenc.

Weighing less than 25 kg, the Rasion redefines working conditions for green space professionals. Its ultra-manoeuvrability, easy transport, and unmatched power ensures impeccable cut quality for various mowing tasks. With a reach of up to 14.76 ft, work can be carried out with the Selion polesaw without a carrying harness because of their lightness.

They are ideal for use in noise sensitive areas and powerful enough for forestry work.

The Pellenc prizes were won by Nathan Lewis from Lewis Garden Machinery, a well-established and reputable family business specialising in garden and landscape maintenance since 1987. The company, known for its bespoke maintenance schedules, has built a large portfolio of domestic and commercial clients through continued investment in equipment and improved work practices.

In recent years, Lewis Garden Services has made significant investments in battery equipment, particularly suitable for noise-sensitive areas such as offices, nursing homes, and hospitals. The addition of the Pellenc Rasion and Selion to the company’s machinery fleet aligns seamlessly with their commitment to providing an efficient, sustainable, and affordable service.

Ecstatic about the prize, Nathan admitted that winning was the perfect way to conclude his first memorable GroundsFest experience, emphasising the outdoor demonstrations, the wide variety of exhibitors, and the lively performance by the Queen tribute band as particular highlights.

Anticipation now builds for the announcement of the second registration prize winner, which will be announced soon.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

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Groundbreaking turf innovation at BTME 2024

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Groundbreaking turf innovation at BTME 2024: Envu, a leading provider of turf management solutions, is set to make a significant impact at the upcoming British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association’s (BIGGA) Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) from January 23-25 at the Harrogate Convention Centre.

At stand 134, Envu will showcase a range of products including the first and the only bio-control fungicide on the market in the UK and Ireland, Harmonix Turf Defense.

Groundbreaking turf innovation at BTME 2024

Groundbreaking turf innovation at BTME 2024

The company’s National Accounts Manager for the UK and Ireland, Phil Logan, will also be hosting a seminar titled ‘The future of disease management’ on January 24, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM on the Seminar Stage.

Offering a deep-dive into the changing landscape of managing and controlling fungal diseases on golf greens, the seminar aims to provide attendees with insights into regulations affecting plant protection products in the UK and EU.

“I’ll be exploring the importance of alternative approaches to disease management, explaining biological fungicides’ mode of action and discussing how bio-controls can be integrated into disease management strategies for reduced reliance on conventional fungicides,” explains Phil.

“Visitors are welcome to join us on our stand to find out more about Harmonix® Turf Defense.”

Boasting broad-spectrum contact fungicidal activity, Harmonix® Turf Defense is a revolutionary bio-control fungicide and the first and only registered product of its kind in the UK and Ireland. With its proven ability to reduce the reliance on chemical products, it is set to transform attitudes towards turf disease management.

“It is designed to combat common turf diseases such as microdochium patch, anthracnose, and dollar spot,” says Phil.  “Importantly for users, Harmonix® Turf Defense is suitable for use on golf courses and sports turf throughout the year, whether the grass is in vegetative rest or actively growing.”

“This groundbreaking fungicidal innovation is based on a patented strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, QST 713, which naturally produces high volumes of bioactive compounds known as Lipopeptides, which exhibit fungicidal activity upon direct contact with plant pathogenic fungi,” notes Phil.

Visitors to the Envu stand will also have the opportunity to participate in the Batak competition, where the fastest in turf can win a £250 Amazon voucher, with a £50 runner-up prize.

Find out more https://www.uk.envu.com/turf-management/harmonix-turf-defense

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