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

John Wells to become BIGGA president

/in , , /by

John Wells to become BIGGA president: A Master Greenkeeper with more than four decades of experience across the world has accepted the nomination to become President of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) in 2026.

John Wells, 66, has immediately stepped into the role of BIGGA President Elect, supporting current President Ronnie Myles for the remainder of his term. He will be formally appointed BIGGA President at the association’s Annual General Meeting, taking place online in January.

John Wells to become BIGGA president

John Wells to become BIGGA president

As BIGGA President, John will act as an ambassador for the association, representing BIGGA at events across the UK and overseas. He will also join the Board of Management, using his extensive experience to help guide the association in its mission to support and develop greenkeepers and turf professionals.

John was so surprised to be offered the presidency that he was initially in disbelief. He said: “I was quite taken aback when I received the call from Ronnie Myles to ask if I’d consider the position. At first, I thought it might be a wind-up from some mates! But once I realised it was genuine, I was over the moon. I’ve been on Cloud Nine ever since.

“It’s a tremendous honour and I am delighted to have the opportunity to give back to an industry that has given so much to me. I’m a firm believer in education and that is something I am keen to champion during my spell as President,” he said.

John’s greenkeeping journey started at Welwyn Garden City, where his early promise was recognised as he ascended to the role of Head Greenkeeper at just 20 years of age. He spent 16 years there before moving to Brocket Hall, where he oversaw major course developments.

He achieved Master Greenkeeper status in 1995 and left Brocket Hall in 2010, with John’s 18 years there having also seen him posted to Cyprus, Russia, France and beyond to oversee projects. His final port of call was South Herts Golf Club, where he retired in 2023.

“We are delighted that John has accepted the Board’s invitation to serve as President for 2026,” said BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton. “John has had a lengthy and storied career in greenkeeping and has always been a highly engaged member of BIGGA.

“As only the 10th member at the time to earn the Master Greenkeeper designation, he exemplified high standards, and his knowledge and expertise are still in strong demand after his retirement from full-time course management.

“I am looking forward to spending time with John throughout his presidency year at the various events we attend and within the boardroom, where his experience and wise counsel will be an undoubted asset.”

Throughout his career, John has been a passionate advocate for education and mentoring. Many of the team members he trained have gone on to become course managers themselves, while others now work around the world. He continues to support and advise greenkeepers through consultancy work and his close involvement with BIGGA.

“Education has always been at the heart of BIGGA, and that’s something I care deeply about,” he said. “When I started out, there were very few training opportunities. The development of structured education within the association has transformed the profession, and I’m proud to have seen that evolution firsthand.”

Although retired from full-time course management, John remains heavily involved in the sport. He consults at a 36-hole course near his Hertfordshire home, looks after two cricket squares, and travels regularly to visit his son, Harry, who is Golf Course Superintendent at Dubai Creek Golf Club.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work in some incredible places, but what I’ve always enjoyed most is helping others succeed,” he said. “To be invited to serve as BIGGA President is a huge honour, and I’ll do my utmost to represent the association and its members to the best of my ability.”

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.

Bedford School Invests in Groundbreaking RM21

/in , , /by

Bedford School Invests in Groundbreaking RM21: Bedford School has taken delivery of the revolutionary RM21 Combo Mower, marking a new chapter in sports surface maintenance at the prestigious independent school.

The RM21 Combo Mower – now available in the UK and Ireland through an exclusive partnership between Agrovista Amenity and XDC Autonomous Solutions – is a cutting-edge machine that combines line marking and mowing in a single autonomous unit. Unlike traditional robotic line markers or standalone mowers, the RM21 brings genuine multi-functionality to turf management, saving time and boosting productivity.

Bedford School Invests in Groundbreaking RM21

Bedford School Invests in Groundbreaking RM21

“We’re the new proud owner of the RM21,” says the school’s Head Groundsman George Mills. “For us, it’s the line marking capability that was the biggest selling point – but the fact that we’ve also got the mowing function gives us added flexibility, particularly during the wetter months when our pitches can be difficult to access with heavier equipment. We’ve even thought about using it on the lawns in summer to free up the gardeners for other jobs.”

Thanks to its modular design, the RM21 doesn’t just cut and mark. A growing range of interchangeable attachments – including a grass collector, automated dew brush and ball picker – make it a versatile, all-season solution. The school also plans to use the robot to mark running tracks, cricket boundaries, rugby and football pitches, tennis courts, and hockey fields across its sprawling grounds and neighbouring training facilities.

The RM21 is exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by XDC Autonomous Solutions, who also provide technical support, training, and service backup. Through a strategic collaboration, Agrovista Amenity has become the exclusive sales distributor – a move that proved pivotal for Bedford School.

“Honestly, what made my mind up was Agrovista becoming part of the fold. Having someone I know and trust – someone I can go to if there’s an issue – gave me the confidence to purchase outright rather than go down a lease route,” George explains. “They know I’m a good customer, and I know Agrovista Amenity will always be there if I need them.”

Agrovista’s national network of over 40 experienced representatives ensures the RM21 is well supported and promoted across the UK, while XDC’s technical expertise guarantees high-quality backup and training for users.

For George, the RM21 represents far more than a piece of kit. It’s another tool in the box from a supplier that’s become a trusted, all-encompassing resource.

“Agrovista have pretty much become a one-stop shop for us. Fertilisers, seed, sprinklers, fittings, hose pipes, robots – anything we need in our industry, they’ve got it. That’s a big advantage. It saves me time, reduces admin, and means I can spend more time doing what I enjoy – being out on the grounds, not stuck behind a desk.”

With sustainability also front of mind, the school is already exploring the wider benefits of battery-powered equipment across its estate. The RM21 fits well into that vision.

“We’re starting to look seriously at battery options across the board,” continues George.

“This robot is another step in that direction. It’s efficient, flexible and ultimately gives us time back to focus on detail and quality.”

As robotic technology continues to reshape the landscape of grounds management, the RM21 Combo Mower – backed by Agrovista Amenity and XDC – looks set to lead the charge.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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.

Bernhard Academy powers ongoing growth

/in , /by

Bernhard Academy powers ongoing growth: The Bernhard Academy, a leading centre of expertise for turf care education, has reinforced its reputation with two highly successful training events welcoming turf professionals from across the country.

Established to advance both technical and management skills, the Academy plays a pivotal role in supporting the industry’s workforce and strengthening standards across all areas of golf and sports turf management.

Bernhard Academy powers ongoing growth

Bernhard Academy powers ongoing growth

On 23 September, the Academy hosted its flagship Turf Equipment Technicians Conference, endorsed by the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (TETO). 23 technicians gathered for a full day of focused training and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Bernhard Company factory, gaining a unique insight into precision engineering in practice. The conference concluded with an inspiring session from James Breeze, who was recently selected to represent the Bernhard Academy as a volunteer technician at the 2025 US Open at Oakmont Country Club, sharing his experience of international collaboration in elite tournament preparation.

The following day saw the return of the popular Cutting Unit Set-Up and Sharpening Techniques course. The sold-out programme provided hands-on learning in one of the most critical aspects of turf maintenance, giving participants practical takeaways to apply immediately within their roles.

Sami Strutt, Education Director for the Bernhard Academy, commented: “The Bernhard Academy is about more than sharpening skills. It’s about preparing people at every level of the turf industry to meet the challenges of modern turf management. Whether it’s hands-on technical training or leadership development in operations and management, we want every delegate to leave us with knowledge they can put into practice right away.”

While the Bernhard Academy is renowned for its technical training, it also delivers a wide range of management programmes covering areas such as personnel, operations, and budgeting. These courses are designed not only for technicians and greenkeepers, but also for club managers and key stakeholders within golf businesses who want to strengthen leadership, improve decision-making, and maximise the long-term success of their venues.

Following the overwhelming demand for the latest technical course, turf professionals and club leaders alike are encouraged to secure their places early on upcoming Academy programmes to avoid missing out. For more information on future courses and events, visit: www.bernhardacademy.co.uk/courses.

The Bernhard Academy’s Education Director, Sami Strutt, also featured as a panellist at the 2025 Golf Business Expo. Strutt delivered a seminar for delegates about the challenges of attracting talented people to work in the golf industry, while also discussing the evolution of the Bernhard Academy.

To find out more about the Bernhard Academy, visit www.bernhardacademy.co.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.

SIS Pitches Reports Surge in Hybrid Pitch Installations

/in , /by

SIS Pitches Reports Surge in Hybrid Pitch Installations: Leading sports surfaces specialist, SIS Pitches, has reported a 44% year-on-year increase in hybrid pitch installations, driven by demand from Premier League football clubs.

The growth in demand for durable, high-performance playing surfaces among football’s elite in preparation for the current season has meant that SIS stitched hybrid playing surfaces for half of the clubs in the Premier League this summer to help them prepare for the current season. The growing adoption of SIS Grass Hybrid at stadiums and training facilities has also been seen abroad, especially across Europe, the Middle East and in North America.

SIS Pitches Reports Surge in Hybrid Pitch Installations

SIS Pitches Reports Surge in Hybrid Pitch Installations

In the past six months alone, SIS Pitches has stitched hybrid surfaces at stadiums or training grounds for the likes of Aston Villa, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest.

Notable among its list of successful projects this summer was the stitching of the new hybrid pitch at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium. The state-of-the-art playing surface was installed alongside a SIS Air AquaCycle aeration and water management system, making it one of the most advanced playing surfaces in the world.

SIS’ impact is equally felt across the Championship, League One, and League Two. Clubs such as Birmingham City, Wrexham, Derby County, Wycombe Wanderers, Stevenage, Mansfield, Colchester United, Swindon Town, Notts County and Stockport County have all benefited from SIS Grass Hybrid or SIS Synthetic artificial surfaces. Notably, Stockport County’s SIS Grass Hybrid pitch at its Edgeley Park stadium contributed to the club winning the EFL’s Grounds Team of the Season award two years running.

Non-league clubs are also embracing the latest hybrid pitch technology, recognising the performance and durability benefits seen at higher levels. Hednesford Town is one such example, having invested in a new SIS Grass Hybrid surface at its Keys Park home with the same aeration, vacuum drainage and water recycling and management system installed at Everton’s new world-class sporting, music and entertainment arena.

Earlier this summer, the leading sports surfaces specialist made a multi-million-pound investment in a new fleet of 16 hybrid pitch stitching machines, which allow faster installations and greater configurability for its global customer base. This investment also eases operational pressure for groundspeople working at multi-use stadia, whose narrowing timeframes to install hybrid grass pitches between matches and non-sporting events represents a major challenge. This need for speed and flexibility – without compromising quality – has been driven by clubs and franchises around the world seeking to maximise stadium revenue by hosting concerts, exhibitions and fixtures spanning multiple sports.

Ivo Lamot, CEO at SIS Pitches said: “Demand for our elite-level hybrid pitch technology has never been greater, not just among clubs in the Premier League but many others around the world.

“The rise of the multi-use stadium and the revenue it can generate means many forward-thinking clubs are looking to install or replace their playing surface in a much tighter timeframe than before. Having invested significantly in our advanced stitching capabilities, we’re best placed to meet those needs, which is resulting in an increase in projects from new and existing clients.

“Furthermore, with the recent launch of our new Game-Ready Hybrid pre-stitched turf product, means we can harvest and transport turf with the hybrid fibres already within the profile. This means a ready-to-play, reinforced surface can be installed in an exceptionally quick timeframe.

“One of the best things about hybrid pitch technology is its accessibility at all levels of competition. We’re seeing an increase in interest from clubs further down their respective countries’ football pyramids, eager to benefit from the consistency and durability it brings. We’re fully expecting this growth trajectory to continue well into next year and beyond.”

For more information on SIS Pitches, visit www.sispitches.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.

Top Results at Woolley Park Thanks to the Redexim

/in , /by

Top Results at Woolley Park Thanks to the Redexim: Woolley Park Golf Club in Wakefield has long been a family-run facility built on pride, passion, and constant improvement – and Course Manager John Rowbottom believes one piece of machinery has raised their maintenance standards more than most: the Redexim Top Brush 6000.

Introduced in 2020 as a solution for everything from disease control and surface preening to pre-cut preparation and top-dressing integration, the Top Brush 6000 has since become a fixture at forward-thinking turf facilities around the world. And since investing in one of the first units in 2022, Woolley Park Golf Club has never looked back.

Top Results at Woolley Park Thanks to the Redexim

Top Results at Woolley Park Thanks to the Redexim

“We jumped in with both feet,” says John. I’d seen it advertised when it got launched and thought, that’s a piece of equipment I need to look at. We’d just come out the other side of losing chemical control for worms, which I appreciate is the right way to go – but it was a big problem for us, and Redexim solved it better than anyone.”

Initially purchased to tackle the frustrating and unsightly problem of worm casts on fairways, the Top Brush quickly proved itself a versatile, season-round asset.

“I was thinking purely autumn and spring use pre-mowing to clear worm casts, reduce mess and prevent damage to machinery,” he explains. “But it’s turned out to be far more than that. The level of presentation we now get on a day-to-day basis is unreal. It’s not just helping with the problem – it’s improving how the course looks.”

With its three independently adjustable poly brush units and a 6-metre working width, the Top Brush 6000 can quickly and evenly sweep large areas, removing moisture, worm casts, surface debris and more. The result? A clean, healthy sward with improved airflow and reduced disease pressure.

“We’re running it on the fairways at least two out of the three times a week we cut them. It stands the grass up beautifully before mowing, helps us remove moisture, and just lifts the overall finish of the course.”

The Top Brush 6000 is designed for turf managers who need performance without compromise. The hydraulic brushes can be rotated in either direction, meaning operators can choose whether to brush with or against the direction of travel – ideal for tasks like leaf clearance or removing pine needles in tree-lined areas.

At Woolley Park, where 27 holes are spread across historic deer parkland, this flexibility has been key.

“We’ve even run it across tees where possible, although it’s mainly the fairways where it shines,” John says. “It’s really helped increase sward density through gentle brushing, and it even improves recovery after top dressing.”

Despite its size, the Top Brush 6000 was built with usability in mind. Its folding wings allow for compact storage, while easy adjustments and intuitive controls mean any team member can use it with confidence.

“When we brought it in, I got the lads a new tractor to run it with. Now, it’s just part of the routine – any of the team can jump on it and go. It’s simple in its operation, and that’s one of the best things about it.”

The Rowbottom family has deep roots in both agriculture and golf. The club was founded in 1995 after John’s grandfather decided to diversify from farming – despite never having played a round of golf in his life.

“We’ve been farming here since 1922. In the mid-90s, Granddad just plucked the idea of a golf course out of thin air. None of us played, but farming wasn’t in a great place, and diversification was being encouraged so he went for it. It was a huge leap, but it worked.”

Today, John runs the greenkeeping operation, while other family members help manage the business. The club continues to invest heavily in its machinery and course infrastructure, working closely with suppliers like Redexim.

“We’ve had Redexim kit on site in some form or another for years. But the Top Brush 6000 has probably stood out more than anything we’ve had before. It solves multiple problems in one go, and you can’t argue with results like that.”

Whether it’s the improved presentation, increased machine longevity, or the ability to tackle worm casts without chemicals, the Redexim Top Brush 6000 has become an invaluable part of Woolley Park’s turf care toolkit.

“It’s one of those machines where you look back and think, how did we manage without this? It’s paid for itself in time, results, and in how it protects the rest of our machinery. It’s helped us push the golf course forward and that’s what it’s all about.”

For more information, visit https://www.redexim.com/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.