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NEWS ARTICLES

Campey looks forward to the SFMA Conference

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Campey looks forward to the SFMA Conference: Campey Turf Care Systems is set to exhibit at the 33rd annual STMA conference and exhibition between the 22-25th January 2024.

This year’s event is taking place at Daytona Beach, Florida and will feature Campey’s latest synthetic, hybrid and natural turf grooming products and the Martin Lishman Micro-Spray.

Campey looks forward to the SFMA Conference

Campey looks forward to the SFMA Conference

The key aim of the Micro-Spray is bringing versatility to the groundsman’s armoury. A narrow footprint allows it to fit through most gateways and passageways to tackle hard to reach spraying areas.

A new 150-litre tank version Micro-Spray is available in 2024, with all the current options of a 2.5m six nozzle or 3.5m eight nozzle three-section folding boom and the perfect combination of power, control and responsive handling, with the added benefit of a larger tank. It is suited to all types of sports grounds, golf courses and landscaping work. The comprehensive yet easy to use control box gives the operator more control over the sprayer with changeable motor direction to either walk behind or in front of the sprayer, 12 motor speeds, bout marker selection, a battery level indicator and optional hand lance.

Spray application rates, operating speed, and the pump pressure can be accurately and quickly controlled by the operator, as well as the adjustable boom height and independent shut-off nozzle bodies. All of these features come together to make a versatile sprayer that provides the same exceptional results time and time again regardless of where you’re working.

Other leading products on the Campey stand will be the Campey® Uni-Scratch, UNIRAKE©and the Campey® LM3010 liquid transfer line marker.

The Uni-Scratch is ideal for the professional and effective maintenance of natural and synthetic grass surfaces. The machine has been developed to infill or refill when installing or looking after synthetic grass carpets. It can also be used to remove organic matter on natural grass hybrid carpet pitches when carrying out annual renovations. The Uni-Scratch moves on four supporting rollers, which are adjustable in height to allow the most appropriate working depth. The rotors can be equipped with springs or linear brushes in PPL, with rear linkage to tractors of at least 30hp.

The UNIRAKE© serves a similar purpose by removing organic matter. Still, users can adjust the severity of grooming to remove a varying amount of organic matter or simply stand the sward up to encourage growth. Altering the severity of grooming is quick and easy and can be done in no less than 30-seconds.

Line marking is made simple with the Campey® LM3010 liquid transfer marker. What sets this line marker apart from the rest is that it only marks the leaf/plant and not the soil. This means that when greening out the lines for re-marking, it is easy to remove existing colours and re-line with greater precision and less time.

It is a simple, durable and easy to operate liquid transfer line marker. Marking material is transferred from the 30ltr hopper to the 10cm wide marking wheel by a grooved rubber roller which allows marking up to post or flag. It has pneumatic tyres and an adjustable flow rate giving even and accurate lines. The tubular steel handles can also be adjusted for operator comfort.

Many professional sporting clubs in the UK and Europe have the line marker, such as the Salford Reds. In the United States, sports facilities, including the Philadelphia Union Soccer PPL Park stadium and the New York Mets, a professional baseball team at its Citi Field stadium in Queens, use it regularly.

Throughout the week-long event, Campey product specialists will be available to give advice on machinery and answer any turf related questions.

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Explore the world of CRF with ICL at BTME

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Explore the world of CRF with ICL at BTME: Located in Hall 2, the ICL Stand (224) will serve as a vibrant hub of knowledge and practical advice, offering attendees a chance to network and enjoy a coffee brewed by expert baristas.

Visitors to the stand will have the opportunity to learn more about the many benefits of using Controlled Release Fertilisers (CRF) and will also be able to pick up a copy of the new ProSelect grass seed brochure in which they can learn about the new and improved mixtures that are ideal for golf courses, sports fields, turf growers and landscape contractors.

Explore the world of CRF with ICL at BTME

Explore the world of CRF with ICL at BTME

ICL has been a long-standing supporter of BIGGA’s Continue to Learn education programme and will be playing a significant role in the 2024 edition. This year, five greenkeepers will embark on the ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship 2024, receiving a generous package of three nights’ hotel accommodation and 15 hours of training and development within the educational programme.

Furthermore, ICL will host a series of informative seminars:

Turf nutrition masterclass

ICL’s Henry Bechelet, Technical Manager UK and Ireland, and Dr Andy Owen, International Technical Manager, will update and upgrade your knowledge on how good nutrition can support healthy turf surfaces and significantly improve your golf course.

Monday 22 January, 09.00 – 12.30

What’s in a soil analysis?

For this seminar, Dr Andy Owen & Henry Bechelet explore soil sampling, the interpretation of soil analysis results, and their practical application in annual golf course management.

Monday 22 January, 13.00 – 17.00

The power of water: Wetting agent trials and technology

This seminar will detail how golf course managers can utilise the latest wetting agent technology to unlock the power of water for turf management, to provide the best quality playing surface. It will illustrate key findings from the latest in-depth research trials at leading UK golf course venues and independent trial stations carried out by ICL.

Thursday 24 January, 10.00 – 10.45

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

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

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BIGGA Awards showcase greenkeeping at its finest

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BIGGA Awards showcase greenkeeping at its finest: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is delighted to reveal the finalists of the annual BIGGA Awards, with greenkeeping teams represented from across the golfing spectrum.

Each year BIGGA invites nominations from the golfing industry to recognise the achievements of its greenkeeping members, who play a vital role in the ongoing success of the sport.

BIGGA Awards showcase greenkeeping at its finest

BIGGA Awards showcase greenkeeping at its finest

The BIGGA Awards are divided into three categories, with the winners revealed at the BIGGA Celebration with Jacobsen. The event takes place on the opening evening of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) in January 2024.

The BIGGA Awards recognise that high standards of quality and dedication are vital to the success of any golf course or championship. They reward the innovation of BIGGA members who are at the cutting edge of the profession and any BIGGA member within the UK, regardless of their golf facility’s size, age or reputation, can enter. The awards provide golf clubs with an opportunity to showcase their greenkeeping team’s talents and celebrate their achievements.

BIGGA Awards 2024 finalists

Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year sponsored by Bernhard and Company

This award recognises that the success of any tournament depends upon the expertise and dedication of the greenkeeping team. From the lowliest club championship through to golf’s professional tours – all are only made possible due to the work of greenkeepers who go above and beyond to present the finest playing surfaces possible.

The finalists in this category for 2024 are:

  • Paisley Golf Club, led by Course Manager Jonathan Caldwell, for hosting the Scottish Golf Men’s Area Team Championship Finals in September 2023
  • Portlethen Golf Club, led by Head Greenkeeper Neil Sadler, for hosting the Scottish Golf Boy’s Under 16 Open Championship in July 2023
  • Walton Heath Golf Club, led by Course Manager Michael Mann, for hosting US Open Golf Championship Final Qualifying in May 2023 and the AIG Women’s Open in August 2023.

Greenkeeping Project of the Year

This award recognises those greenkeeping teams who have undertaken a specific project, completed within the past year. However, projects can be long term and may include course construction, renovation or rebuild. They particularly award innovative thinking and commitment to the project by the home greenkeeping team.

The finalists in this category for 2024 are:

  • Basingstoke Golf Club, led by Course Manager Scott Roberts, for the redevelopment of the former Dummer Golf Club site and creation of a new golf course and associated facilities
  • Dudley Golf Club, led by Head Greenkeeper Stewart Marshall, for bringing the golf club back from the brink of closure and producing a thriving venue through a range of course improvement projects
  • Sandiway Golf Club, led by Course Manager Richard Sinker, for the ‘Project 1946’ redevelopment that is seeing the golf course revert to its original heathland characteristics

Outstanding Contribution of the Year

This award is presented to a BIGGA member or members who have made an outstanding contribution above and beyond their normal working life. This can be for charity, for the betterment of the greenkeeping profession or association or generally for society. The winner of this award will be revealed at the BIGGA Welcome Celebration at BTME 2024.

More information about each of the finalists can be found on the BTME website.

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “It has become something of a BIGGA tradition that we sign off the year by revealing the finalists of our annual awards and I couldn’t be prouder of this year’s line-up. The performance of a greenkeeping team can massively impact the fortunes of a golf club and these six finalists all show instances of greenkeepers possessing the confidence and ability to take the lead and ensure their golf club’s ambitions are fulfilled.

“I wish them all the best for the awards and look forward to discovering the winners at the BIGGA Awards on the opening night of BTME 2024.”

Sponsorship opportunities are still available alongside these awards. If you’re interested in getting involved, contact BIGGA’s head of business development Lauren Frazer using lauren@bigga.co.uk.

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

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Christmas joy for children

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Christmas joy for children: Staffordshire Olympians Adam Burgess and Ben Williams played Santa to local children by delivering gifts donated to the JCB Christmas Toy Appeal.

The employee appeal got under way in November with the installation of 14 collection points at JCB plants in Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and Wrexham – and a record 1,242 gifts were donated. Now the toys have been handed over to the Stoke-on-Trent Hubb Foundation, the NSPCC and Wrexham’s Yellow and Bue Charity for distribution to deserving children.

Christmas joy for children

Christmas joy for children

Slalom canoeist Adam Burgess and triple jumper Ben Williams – who are both sponsored by JCB – helped wrap the gifts donated to the Burslem-based Hubb Foundation and delighted children at nearby Mill Hill Primary Academy in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent when they delivered the first of the presents to them.

Tana Owen, The Hubb Foundation’s School Relationship Manager, said: “The donation of toys to the children means the absolute world to them and it’s all thanks to the JCB Christmas Toy Appeal. I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated a gift.”

Ben Williams, of Newcastle-under-Lyme, said: “These appeals are so, so important as not everybody is as fortunate as others. Having grown up in the exact area where this school is, I know the gifts donated to the JCB Christmas toy Appeal will be hugely appreciated.”

Adam Burgess, of Stone, said: “I remember being a kid at Christmas, we always had presents. It was always really exciting. I know that some kids aren’t so lucky. We’re in an area that is a bit disadvantaged and I’m really proud to be part of something like this in my local area which is supporting children at this time of year.”

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Electrifying E-Series on Display

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Electrifying E-Series on Display: Dennis Mowers is set to make a significant impact at BTME 2024, in a new stand position, taking place at the Harrogate Convention Centre from January 23 to 25.

Positioned at Stand 216, the company will be showcasing its innovative E-Series range—a game-changer in the world of turf management machinery.

Electrifying E-Series on Display

Electrifying E-Series on Display

These electric-powered mowers boast exceptional battery life, ultra-low noise, and minimal vibration, presenting a no compromise alternative to their renowned petrol counterparts.

The E-Series’ robust LCD keypad screen, offers operators a wealth of information options, including speed, clip rate, service checks, lifetime running reports, and battery information. The mowers also have an astonishingly quick 2-3 hour full battery recharge time.

BTME visitors can expect to see the following products from the E-Series range:

ES-510: Unsurpassed Performance & Versatility

The ES-510 is ultra quiet in operation with ultimate versatility and performance providing an unrivalled mower and turf maintenance machine. Available with a choice of 12 interchangeable cassettes, capable of scarifying down to -10mm and is ideal for fine turf, it can power through approximately 10km on a single charge.

ES-860: Supporting Grounds Professionals to produce their Ultimate Surface

The ES-860, reminiscent of the Dennis G860, is a 34” battery-powered turf management system with 13 interchangeable cassette options.

Capable of cutting at least 3-4 football pitches on a single charge or verticutting a full pitch with ease.

ES-22 Ultra: Precision on Undulating Surfaces

This 22” battery mower with an ultra-short wheelbase is perfect for undulating surfaces. Incorporates a tungsten tipped groomer which can be in or out dependent on conditions. Offers a quality cut for bowling greens, golf greens, tees, and cricket pitches.

ES-26: Superior Performance You can rely on

The ES-26, with a 26” cutting width, provides superb balance, control, and accurate alignment for golf tees and greens and other fine turf sports surfaces or ornamental lawns and gardens.

Multi Charger Hub: Efficient Charging Solution

An easy-to-manoeuvre mobile unit capable of recharging up to 8 large E-Series machines simultaneously. Includes extra storage and an intelligent system to shut down each mower at 100% charge.

Dennis’ experienced and knowledgeable staff will be on hand throughout the event.

Discover the E-Series – where innovation meets precision.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn @DennisMowers and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK. You can also view the latest Dennis videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers

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

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