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NEWS ARTICLES

Is there a crisis in golf greenkeeping?

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Is there a crisis in golf greenkeeping?: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has launched an industry-wide survey that will quantify information relating to a perceived ‘crisis’ within the greenkeeping and wider golfing sector.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that golf clubs are struggling to fill available vacancies, particularly in the greenkeeping department. Reasons generally put forward for this include the requirement to work anti-social hours, lack of appreciation and a relatively low entry salary. However, for those who do embark upon a career in greenkeeping, the positives are many.

Is there a crisis in golf greenkeeping?

Is there a crisis in golf greenkeeping?

This survey is crucial as it is vital the scale of the challenge is quantified, as well as the key drivers for the issues. Effective golf club staff are critical to the health and growth of the sport as they strongly influence the experience of golfers on a day-to-day basis.

As BIGGA seeks to fulfil its overarching ambition of creating a more positive working environment for the UK’s greenkeepers, BIGGA hopes the hard data from the survey will enable the association to positively guide the broader golf industry.

Head greenkeepers, course managers and other members of the turf management team at golf clubs are invited to complete the survey. Only one response is required per golf club. The survey can be completed online at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2VZ52PH

BIGGA has requested the support of partner organisations with regards this research and will publish the results in full when the periods for submissions has closed.

BIGGA Chief Executive Officer Jim Croxton said: “With the ongoing cost of living crisis at the forefront of our minds and the COVID-19 pandemic having caused many people to consider their priorities, the golf industry faces a very real challenge to engage sufficient staff at club level, to effectively deliver the sport to the nation’s five million regular golfers. Participation in the sport is booming at just the time that recruiting and retaining greenkeeping staff is at its most challenging. It is vital the golf industry – utilising real data – considers positive solutions to the ongoing labour issues.

“We encourage all our members to respond to this survey, which we believe will benefit all greenkeepers and golf club staff.”

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Turf-ing up the power

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Turf-ing up the power: Makita UK has expanded its cordless outdoor power equipment range with the launch of three new lawnmowers. The DLM480, DLM481 and DLM539 all benefit from Makita’s LXT Twin 18V technology, that delivers an impressive 36V of power to make light work of grass maintenance.

DLM480 and DLM481 LXT Twin 18V (36V) 48cm Lawnmowers

These powerful machines deliver a maximum output of 860W, a no-load speed of up to 3,100rpm and a cutting width of 480mm. With a two-tooth blade design and adjustable cutting height, the DLM480 (push mower) and DLM481 (self-propelled mower) will both easily glide through grass and are recommended for lawns up to 800m/2. What’s more, their large wheel diameters of 180 / 230mm and PVC tyres mean they can sustain higher performance even when used over muddy or uneven ground.

Turf-ing up the power

Turf-ing up the power

To help minimise downtime, the DLM480 and DLM481 feature a mulching function to break down the clippings and optimise space in the collection bag. The inside of the deck also has a streamlined shape to improve grass collection efficiency further. What’s more, these machines also feature a grass level indicator, so operators know when the bag needs emptying.

DLM539 LXT Twin 18V (36V) 53cm Lawnmower

The DML539 (self-propelled mower for lawns up to 800m/2) delivers a maximum output of 860W, a no-load speed of up to 3,000rpm and a wider cutting width of 534mm to help get the lawn cut in better time. With a self-propelled function included, this model will reach its full speed of 5.0km/h in under two seconds.

The DML539 also includes a mulching function, streamlined deck shape and grass level indicator, as well as large wheels for stable operation.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “It is a busy time for those in the landscaping and grounds maintenance sectors, and having a high-power, durable and efficient lawnmower in their armoury is key to ensuring on site productivity. The DLM480, DLM481 and DLM539 all benefit from Makita’s powerful LXT Twin 18V technology – and offer the added benefit of being IPX4 rated against water ingress, which is ideal for those working outside in unpredictable British weather.”

To find out more about Makita visit: www.makitauk.com

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GreenMech expansions to dealer network

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GreenMech expansions to dealer network: In order to deliver improved regional service and support to customers, GreenMech have announced a series of updates across their UK dealer network.

The changes will see an extension to the existing territories of Vincent Tractors and Burdens Group, together with the appointment of B&B Tractors to provide new cover to the counties of Derbyshire and Staffordshire and Hopkins Machinery, who join the network as a Service Support dealer for South Wales.

GreenMech expansions to dealer network

GreenMech expansions to dealer network

Effective immediately, longstanding GreenMech dealers for Cornwall Vincent Tractors and Plant will be taking on additional area to accommodate new and existing customers in Devon. Vincent Tractors and Plant pride themselves on supplying the premier technology and machinery solutions to customers across the agricultural, construction and groundcare industries, operating out of three depots across Devon and Cornwall – located in Fraddon, Holsworthy and Smithaleigh.

Also expanding their territory is the Burdens Group who, in addition Lincolnshire, will now be covering the counties of Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. With a large fleet of equipment for both sale and rental, The Burdens Group have extensive experience with customers in various sectors including agriculture and professional groundcare. Their all-encompassing client-base has embraced the GreenMech range since they took on the franchise in 2016, and with a large after-sales and service division they are well placed to support new and existing customers.

In order to develop the sales and after sales support across Derbyshire and Staffordshire, GreenMech have appointed leading agricultural machinery suppliers B&B Tractors. With a range of brands in their portfolio including Fendt, Sany and Honda, the family-run outfit are well connected to a broad client base and will be supporting the GreenMech franchise from their branches in Tideswell and Fauld.

Finally, and completing the re-shuffle, is the appointment of Hopkins Machinery, who will be acting as a Service Support dealer for South Wales based out of their branch in Wentloog, Newport.

Sales Director Martin Lucas commented, “Service is a critical part of the GreenMech offering, meaning we are always reviewing our distribution partners to ensure the very best support for our customers. We are confident that these changes will enhance our aftersales offering and extend our reach to new clients across these counties.”

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Rain Bird’s new Xeri Bug™

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Rain Bird’s new Xeri Bug™: Rain Bird’s new Xeri Bug™ pressure compensating emitter with Check Valve (XBCV) reflects the company’s commitment to the development of products designed to conserve water.

When drip irrigating green walls, sloping landscapes or raised potted plants, a major issue has always been the escape of water and over watering at the base of the installation. Xeri Bug XBCV overcomes these problems, holding back up to three metres of water by simply snapping shut and then keeping the dripline charged and ready for the next irrigation cycle when the pump or water source is stopped.

Rain Bird's new Xeri Bug™

Rain Bird’s new Xeri Bug™

Using the Xeri Bug XBCV emitter is simple. Its self-piercing barb is designed to push quickly into the dripline tubing without the need for a hole punching tool. The emitters can be positioned exactly where they are needed next to any plant to provide irrigation where it is needed at the root base. Versions with flow rates are 2.0, 4.0 or 8.0 litres per hour are available and the pressure-compensating diaphragm ensures uniform delivery through a consistent flow from 1.0 to 3.4 bar.

The Xeri Bug XBCV has a compact, robust and durable design. It is manufactured from highly inert materials that are resistant to chemicals and furthermore its UV-resistance will also extend the life of the emitter. By retaining its charge of water and immediately beginning irrigation, it will reduce cycle times. The self-flushing action prevents clogging and reduces calcium build-up on the inlet.  Products are colour coded for flow rate identification.

Rain Bird’s complementary Point Source Emitter Calculator calculates the Daily Plant Water Requirement (PWR)  providing the number of emitters required to irrigate each individual plant, and the suggest the run time for any point source drip irrigation project.

For more information contact Peter Longman, Rain Bird Europe, plongman@rainbird.eu  www.rainbird.eu

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EFL Pitch Winners Use Mansfield Sand

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EFL Pitch Winners Use Mansfield Sand: The English Football League (EFL) has named the 2021/22 Grounds Teams of the Season, and 8 out of the 10 clubs use Mansfield Sand products on their pitches.

Up and down the country, groundstaff have again worked tirelessly this campaign to maintain pitches across all 72 of the EFL’s clubs. The Grounds Teams of the Season awards recognise the staff who have produced the best quality playing surfaces in each division.

EFL Pitch Winners Use Mansfield Sand

EFL Pitch Winners Use Mansfield Sand

Throughout the season, pitch marks are provided by the referee and the away team manager for all EFL matches. The teams that receive the highest number of marks are then visited by the STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute), where further assessments are carried out.

Once all the club visits have taken place, the reports are submitted to the Playing Surfaces Committee, at which point the winners and the highly commended teams are determined. 8 out of the 10 successful teams use Mansfield Sand products.

Middlesbrough FC, Nottingham Forest FC, Lincoln City FC, Newport County FC, Bradford City FC, and Exeter City FC all use Mansfield Sand’s Fibresand and Ipswich Town FC relies on Mansfield Sand’s MM40 product. Furthermore, League One winners Bolton Wanderers FC use Fibresand on their training pitch.

Mansfield Sand is a company with history and pedigree – in fact, its origins can be traced as far back to 1840. It has been a long-standing pioneer in the development and production of premium sand-based products and boasts the most up-to-date and advanced equipment currently in the industry.

From winter sports pitches, golf courses, bowling greens and all amenity turf areas – Mansfield Sand has a solution for all.

Commenting on the winners, Gary Cunningham, Football & Golf Sales Representative for Mansfield Sand, said: “We would like to say a huge congratulations to all the successful teams and we are honoured that so many of them use our products.

“Groundstaff deserve so much credit for preparing and maintaining the stage on which so many sporting men and women depend for their performance and enjoyment. It is vitally important to recognise and celebrate this highly skilled profession.”

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

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