Turf News is the perfect place for professionals working within the UK’s vibrant turf industry – keeping you up-to-date with topical news, latest market developments and much more across all areas of the industry.
NEWS ARTICLES

Kubota showcases latest innovations at BTME

/in , /by

Kubota showcases latest innovations at BTME: Kubota returns to BTME at Harrogate from 25-27th January, where the company will once again join forces with Baroness to showcase outstanding Japanese technology and engineering.

A selection of Kubota’s extensive range  of machinery for golf and turf will be on show, including some of the raft of new products introduced in 2021.

Kubota showcases latest innovations at BTME

Kubota showcases latest innovations at BTME

Heading up the launches is the new LX Series, a range of multi-purpose compact tractors from 35-40hp that allow users to handle a wide variety of tasks ranging from mowing and snow clearance to materials handling and cultivations. With an impressive lift capacity, optional front loader, front linkage and pto, this is a tractor for all seasons that will be the perfect workhorse for golf clubs and sports pitches.

Kubota’s mowing equipment is the mainstay of leading grounds maintenance contractors and local authorities across the country, and latest addition to the renowned F Series front mowers, the 38hp F391, will be revealed offering unmatched output and performance for commercial mowing.

Leading the way in utility vehicles for demanding applications, the RTV-X1110 will be on show and Kubota specialists will be on hand to discuss the many ways that it can be deployed and the multitude of attachments available for work on greens, tees and fairways. With a powerful 24hp engine, Kubota’s VHT-X variable hydrostatic transmission and dynamic engine braking, the RTV-X1110 is built for hard work and difficult terrain.

Kubota looks forward to welcoming visitors to stand Red Zone 230.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

BIGGA and Bernhard & Company reveal representatives

/in , /by

BIGGA and Bernhard & Company reveal representatives: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and its Partner Bernhard & Company have revealed the 10 sports turf managers who will be heading to San Diego, California in February 2022 for the GCSAA Conference & Show.

The delegates will represent the UK greenkeeping industry as they network with peers from around the globe and sample the education on offer at the world’s largest golf course management event.

BIGGA and Bernhard & Company reveal representatives

BIGGA and Bernhard & Company reveal representatives

Each of the delegates was chosen after demonstrating their commitment to professional development and a passion for the greenkeeping industry. This year’s delegation will mark the 200th BIGGA member participating in this incredible initiative, which was first introduced in 2001. As such, BIGGA is tremendously grateful for the ongoing support of Bernhard & Company, which hosts this invaluable opportunity for 10 members of the association each year.

The members selected for the 2022 BIGGA Delegation to the GCSAA Conference & Show are:

  • Joe Curtis, head greenkeeper at Diamond Club Ottenstein, Austria
  • Matthew Dobbs, course manager at Ringway Golf Club, Cheshire
  • Allan Duncan, head greenkeeper at Broomieknowe Golf Club, Edinburgh
  • Craig Haldane, golf course manager at The Gleneagles Hotel & Golf Courses, Perthshire
  • Colin Hopper, head greenkeeper at Elsham Golf Club, Lincolnshire
  • Matthew Houseman, head greenkeeper at Scarcroft Golf Club, West Yorkshire
  • Chris Low, head greenkeeper at Walsall Golf Club, West Midlands
  • Darren McLaughlan, course manager at North Berwick Golf Club, East Lothian
  • Scott McTaggart, course manager at Sandyhills Golf Club, Glasgow
  • Andrew Wilson, deputy course manager at Whitecraigs Golf Club, Glasgow

The BIGGA delegation to the GCSAA Conference & Show is considered one of the leading opportunities available to greenkeepers and the experience can be truly career-defining.

For Allan Duncan, the head greenkeeper at Broomieknowe Golf Club, a place on the delegation is reward for nine years of investment in his own professional development. Allan had been a greenkeeper for 20 years but had never really attempted to progress his career, until he considered the future he could provide for his children.

Allan explained: “I took stock of my career nine years ago. I had two young sons and I realised that in 10 years they would be learning to drive and going to university. The position I was in at the time wouldn’t have enabled me to support them, so I went to my boss and asked for a pay rise, but the club couldn’t afford it. I decided to go back to college and get myself the qualifications I needed to progress my career and since then I’ve done so many amazing things.

“To say that I am excited is an understatement. I come from a smallish town in Scotland and I was in the same job for 20 years, just going through the motions. Now, a few years later, everything has changed and I am overwhelmed to have been selected for the delegation. I don’t think it’s ever too late if you apply yourself and I hope I can inspire others to do the same.”

Bernhard & Company Director Steven Nixon said: “We are very proud to have been supporting the delegation for so many years. The quality of applicants is always incredible, making the selection process quite challenging. We are looking forward to taking our 200th delegate in 2022 and offering the 10 successful candidates a fantastic career opportunity.”

The BIGGA Delegation to the GCSAA Conference & Show is just one of countless exclusive opportunities that have been specifically tailored to help BIGGA members achieve their professional ambitions and fulfil our overarching ambition of raising standards of greenkeeping in the UK and creating a stronger and more dynamic golfing industry. For more information about BIGGA, head to www.bigga.org.uk

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Först diesel chippers approved

/in , /by

Först diesel chippers approved: For those customers looking to enhance their environmental credentials, Först’s diesel woodchippers fitted with Doosan engines are now approved for use with HVO fuel. HVO (or hydrotreated vegetable oil) is a paraffinic diesel fuel which offers a significant reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions.

Following a period of substantial testing and consulting with Doosan, Först are pleased to confirm that their Doosan engine machines are all now certified for use with HVO fuel. Available from most fuel wholesalers, HVO eliminates up to 90% of net CO2 as well as significantly reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions.

Först diesel chippers approved

Först diesel chippers approved

With such a strong focus on climate change in all industries globally, the opportunity to switch to greener fuels is an attractive one, especially when coupled with the power and performance of Först’s diesel wheeled and tracked woodchippers.

Först’s Senior Engineer, Gary Wheelband, says of the new fuel option:

“We’re extremely pleased to enable Först customers to switch to a more environmentally friendly fuel option without the need for any additional investment in fuel storage or infrastructure, and with no compromise on the performance our woodchippers are known for. The benefits of HVO aren’t just related to sustainability – it can be bulk stored, is cheaper than pump fuel and has a much longer shelf life than diesel or petrol.”

The Först machines approved for use with HVO fuel are the ST6D42 and ST8D55 in the wheeled woodchipper range and the TR6D42, TR8D55 and the XR8D in the tracked woodchipper line up. Först offer a comprehensive 3 year warranty and sell direct in England and Wales, and through an approved dealer network in 20 other countries.

For more information visit www.forstglobal.com or call +44 1264 721790

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Huxley partners with Honourable Company

/in , /by

Huxley partners with Honourable Company: Huxley Golf was extremely proud to collaborate with The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers Muirfield this autumn.

The Honourable Company commissioned Huxley Golf to create an all-weather practice tee of the highest calibre for what is one of the world’s most prestigious Clubs dating back to 1744. Known for its masterful layout and stunning location, the course remains as challenging today as it ever was.

Huxley partners with Honourable Company

Huxley partners with Honourable Company

Having hosted the Open Championship 16 times, it will continue to make history when it welcomes the world’s top female golfers for its first AIG Women’s Open Championship in 2022.

The Huxley Golf team, led by Hugh Fraser for this project, replaced an existing hard practice area with a new and expansive all-weather one, measuring 12ft (3.6m) by 138ft (42m). The company’s renowned Premier Tee Turf 2 was used to update the facility to be the best that it could be. This surface has an exquisitely dense pile which provides an attractive and hardwearing surface that is quiet, comfortable and realistic to play off. The installation was carried out on schedule in just a couple of days and, of course, golfers could enjoy the facility immediately.

Course Manager, Colin Irvine, commented, “We pride ourselves on the quality of our facilities and service and are focused on ensuring that members and visitors alike have an enjoyable and memorable time, every time they visit. That’s why we have taken the opportunity to update our practice area, thus ensuring that the customer experience on all aspects of our beautiful course is second to none.

“I had not worked with Huxley Golf before but I knew from my industry peers that the company has the best all-weather golf surfaces on the market so I was confident they would be the perfect match for us here at Muirfield.

“I am absolutely thrilled with the result. It looks good and it plays well. I have no doubt that our members and visitors will appreciate the exceptional quality of this specialised golf surface which offers a realistic grass-like feel to the golfer.

“I was also delighted with the overall service delivered by Huxley Golf. From initial enquiry through to completion, I received efficient, reliable and friendly support throughout. Huxley Golf has my unreserved endorsement, and I would be pleased to call on them again.”

Hugh Fraser added, “It was a great privilege for us to be selected by The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers to help the team there realise their ambition for their practice area which I’m sure will help to draw generation after generation to this most revered sporting venue.”

For over half a century, the name Huxley has been synonymous with premium all-weather golf surfaces and products. Endorsed by the UK’s leading golf organisations as well as many legendary golfers and celebrities and their coaching teams, the Hampshire-based company’s artificial golf surfaces are in use all around the world at top-flight courses, resorts, and training academies. For more information visit www.huxleygolf.com

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Fight against the Garden Chafer

/in , /by

Fight against the Garden Chafer: International Pheromone Systems is looking for trial sites as part of its work to develop lures and traps to help monitor and control an insect pest that is menacing golf courses, race courses, amenity gardens and parks across much of the UK.

Dr Sam Jones, Technical Manager for IPS, explains: “Garden Chafer beetles are turf pests and are most problematic in locations where turf must be kept pristine.

Fight against the Garden Chafer

Fight against the Garden Chafer

“While adults can cause some damage from feeding it is the grubs (larvae) that are the most damaging as they feed and develop on the roots of the grass. In certain locations populations of the Garden Chafer can proliferate. There has been an increasing demand for an environmentally friendly, biocontrol method of managing these pests particularly following the ban of some pesticides. We estimate that a typical golf course would probably need 8 – 12 traps to efficiently monitor for these pests, dependent upon size, shape and planting.”

Monitoring provides early warning of a pest’s presence and identifies areas to be targeted, rather than treatments being applied to large regions where the beetle may not be present. Any trials would be expected to take place between May and July when the pests are usually most abundant.

“We don’t have a pheromone for either the Garden Chafer or the Welsh Chafer, so we currently use plant derived attractants which in the case of the Garden Chafer are floral odours. The hope is that our new lure formats will attract both species. This work will later be extended to the less damaging pests, the Rose Chafer and the Cockchafer,” Sam added.

Chafer larvae are distinguished by their “C” shaped body, which is white with a pale brown head. Garden chafer larvae reach up to 15 mm long when fully grown. Larvae feed on the roots of grasses which results in the formation of patches. Damage is often exacerbated by badgers and crows which like to dig into the turf to feed on the larvae.

“Damaged turf on sports pitches can sometimes impact on player welfare. Once weakened the turf may not provide adequate traction which can result in increased slips and falls and potential player injury.

“As well as injuries there can be loss of revenue for the facility if a sporting event has to be cancelled and the capital costs of replacing the damaged turf can often be substantial,” Sam explains.

International Pheromone Systems offers a nature-based approach and specialist knowledge for natural and safe solutions to monitor and manage pests in agricultural and domestic environments.

The company’s highly skilled entomologists find solutions from nature itself. Together with universities, scientific partners and growers, the IPS team works to find natural solutions to help reduce pesticide use and support integrated pest management (IPM) in agriculture, horticulture and forestry businesses.

A healthier, safer and more productive environment is achieved by using the natural behaviour of pests and finding the right pheromone combination and trapping solution specific to a particular species.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.