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

Mansfield Sand supports golfing health project

/in , /by

Mansfield Sand supports golfing health project: Mansfield Sand, a provider of silica sand-based products for the sports turf industry, has donated £1,000 towards a pioneering golf project due to begin in June at Coxmoor Golf Club in Sutton-in-Ashfield.

The innovative partnership between Golf in Society, Mid Nots Dementia Partnership, and the Sutton golf club is focused on providing the opportunity for local people with chronic illnesses, such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease, to enjoy a healthier and more active lifestyle through golf.

Mansfield Sand supports golfing health project

Mansfield Sand supports golfing health project

Started in 2016 by entrepreneur Anthony Blackburn, Golf in Society is a fast-growing social enterprise committed to transforming the UK’s ageing population through the health and wellbeing benefits of golf.

People wanting to take part don’t need to have played golf, but must have a long-term health condition and would benefit from weekly golf sessions that provide outdoor physical exercise, mental stimulation and social interaction.

Anthony said: “We believe we have developed a recipe for success. Our golfers love our fun and competitive weekly golf sessions, which are tailored to an individual’s needs. At the same time, their carers get a much-needed respite break.

“We have already had a lot of interest from local people who have been frustrated by inactivity during the pandemic.”

As part of Dementia Action Week, Mansfield Sand sales directors Gary Cunningham and Sharon Morris were invited to Coxmoor to meet people behind the project and hand over a cheque for £1000 towards the set-up costs.

Gary said: “As a regular supplier of sand and other products to the golf industry, including Coxmoor Golf Club, we are big supporters of golf.

“This is a great project, which is about much more than golf — It has the potential to transform lives.

“When we were contacted about this new project we were delighted to help. As a company we take our involvement in the local community seriously and we believe this project will really benefit local people and encourage them to get fit and stay healthier for longer.”

David Thornton, an ambassador for Golf in Society, added: “It has been encouraging to see the local business community rallying round, even in these difficult times, to support our latest new venue.

“We are very grateful to Mansfield Sand for its substantial donation.

“Anyone with a long-term serious health condition, such as dementia, is welcome to come along to the weekly golf sessions, which we hope will formally start on 22nd June.

“We are putting on taster sessions before then on Tuesdays, from 11am-1pm.”

There are still spaces available to join the project sessions. Contact either Dianne Holmes, wellbeing team Ashfield District Council, 07917 158511 / d.c.holmes@ashfield.gov.uk

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/

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.

Get more than before

/in , /by

Get more than before: Cylinder mower maintenance doesn’t have to be a chore and with Toro’s Reels+ there’s less time and labour needed on maintenance which means more time and labour for the mower. Plus, there are real savings to be made.

Michael Hampton, parts manager at Reesink Turfcare, and the exclusive distributor in the UK and Ireland of Toro Parts, says: “Never more so than now, there’s a focus in the marketplace for streamlining operations. By using Toro Reels+ customers can save up to 20 minutes of installation time per cylinder with the pre-installed flock seals and spacers.

Get more than before

Get more than before

“Not only does this means customers can get back into action a lot more quickly and efficiently, but there’s the added benefit of the peace of mind that comes with using professionally pre-assembled parts. It means there’s far less time and effort spent on maintenance and that means the machines are out mowing for longer.”

Toro invested in technology to ensure Reels+ guarantee a fit which matches the exact engineering specifications of the mower, as Michael explains: “As you might expect, a perfect fit produces a perfect cut. Will-fit parts have cylinders that can make tall grass short, but don’t account for the after-cut appearance and quality of cut. Toro prides itself on the quality of the cylinder, the job it performs, the time it saves for the operators and increasing the product life of the cutting units.”

Time isn’t just saved in maintenance though. Toro recommends replacing cylinders at the same interval to maintain the highest quality of cut, which is made easier by its distributor – Reesink Turfcare’s 24-hour delivery promise. Reesink also offers 48-hour delivery support, so you know you’re in good hands throughout the entire process.

To get a superior quality of cut, turn to the experts and make sure your business benefits from the multiple plus points of easier machinery maintenance with Toro Reels+ by visiting reesinkturfcare.co.uk today.

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.

Redexim revolutionising topdressing

/in , /by

Redexim revolutionising topdressing: With the goal of improving the resilience and year-round playability of the greens, Lymington Golf Centre have purchased a Rink DS800 from Redexim to improve both the frequency and effectiveness of topdressing.

Just a few months into his new programme of pencil tining, topdressing and incorporating the sand into the profile with the help of the Redexim Speed-Brush, Course Manager Brian Goodall is already noticing an increase in greens speed and the recovery of some weaker course areas.

Redexim revolutionising topdressing

Redexim revolutionising topdressing

Overlooking The Solent and out to the Isle of Wight, the nine USGA spec greens at Lymington Golf Centre saw a big increase in footfall during 2020. The ongoing resurgence in demand for golf was a big contributor in the purchase of the Rink, from local dealer Hunts Forest Group at the end of last year. “I was keen to improve the condition of a few key course areas, one of which was the greens, to not only improve the playing experience but also help them to cope with the increase in rounds” explains Brian, who oversaw the conversion of 50 acres of farmland into the golf course 16 years ago.

“We had been using a contractor for topdressing previously, the issue being that the day you’re booked in isn’t necessarily the best day to conduct that sort of operation. Several other greenkeepers recommended the Rink from Redexim, and after other testimonials from Hunts and a local contractor I made the purchase.” Brian opted for the DS800 trailed model, featuring a 0.8m3 hopper capacity, variable spreading widths of between 2m and 12m, and spreading thicknesses of 0.5 to 15mm.

The DS800 has already completed two operations across all nine greens since its delivery, with Brian planning to topdress between four and six times a year. “It’s got a great range of adjustments and is so simple to use. Compared to the drop-dresser that our contractor used which could only cover 1.5m at a time, the Rink being a disc spreader means that in three or four passes you’re done and moving onto the next green! We follow the Rink with the Redexim Speed-Brush to work the sand down into the profile and are already seeing truer, faster greens, less susceptible to pitch marks and more wear tolerant which puts us in good stead for the season ahead.”

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.

Fresh confidence for Festival of Turf

/in , /by

Fresh confidence for Festival of Turf: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting a new trade exhibition that will allow golf greenkeepers, groundsmen and the wider turf industry to get together in a COVID-safe environment and enjoy two fantastic days of networking, innovation and entertainment.

Although the delay to the lifting of lockdown restrictions announced on Tuesday 14 June wasn’t the news anyone was hoping for, BIGGA is pleased that the new date facilitates the successful staging of the Festival of Turf.

Fresh confidence for Festival of Turf

Fresh confidence for Festival of Turf

The golf industry has faced significant challenges relating to COVID-19 over the past 15 months and BIGGA has been at the forefront of discussions relating to safety measures, essential maintenance guidelines and the eventual reopening of the game. Likewise, the Festival of Turf was formulated as an exhibition that could be hosted in a safe manner for all involved. BIGGA has worked closely with specialist contractors throughout the design and planning stages to ensure safety for all who attend, as well as ensuring the event will comply with any regulations that may be in place. A combination of outdoor and indoor exhibition space alongside other measures such as enhanced cleaning, pre-registration and social distancing measures will ensure a safe exhibition experience for all.

Numerous conversations with both BIGGA members and those on the commercial side of the business over the past year made it clear that there was a real appetite to host a physical event this summer. Such an event would allow everyone to reunite and share their experiences, as well as discover what new innovations BIGGA’s commercial supporters – both old and new – have developed in the past year or so. Although the lifting of restrictions has been delayed, this appetite remains and the Festival of Turf has been warmly received across the sports and amenity turf industries, with exhibitors hurrying to book up the available space and exclusive product launches planned for the event.

Registration for the Festival of Turf is open and available via the BIGGA website.

A video explaining more about the Festival of Turf is available to watch and embed on YouTube.

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.

Hunter performs for Spurs

/in , /by

Hunter performs for Spurs: Since upgrading to an advanced Hunter irrigation system, Tottenham Hotspur F.C’s incredible training centre has seen remarkable improvements according to Darren Baldwin, Head of Playing Surfaces & Estates, and Liam Plummer, Irrigation Technician.

Tottenham Hotspur F.C’s state of the art Enfield training centre needs little introduction. It is, after all, widely regarded as one of the best training facilities in world football.

Hunter performs for Spurs

Hunter performs for Spurs

“The chairman and I share the same vision in the sense that this facility must never look tired or old,” said Darren. “We are always developing, always adding, always tweaking, always looking to make improvements.”

This is exactly what he decided to do with the irrigation system which was purchased through KAR UK, a leading wholesaler of irrigation equipment and distributor of Hunter products.

“It was always going to be Hunter from KAR UK,” continued Darren. “The whole package is superior– from technical, set-up, products, flexibility, the design, it just all works for us.”

Not content with just a new upgraded irrigation system, perfectionist Darren also brought in Liam Plummer, an experienced Irrigation Technician, who recently joined from The Grove Golf Course.

“I was working in greenkeeping and irrigation for fifteen years, but this job really appealed to me because it enabled me to purely focus on irrigation,” said Liam. “I don’t see problems, instead I see solutions. I thought this job was just too good an opportunity to turn down.”

With 16 grass pitches and hundreds of acres of green spaces and landscaping areas, Liam quickly found that there is certainly enough to keep him busy. He does, however, admit that the upgraded Hunter system, which consists of three ACC2 controllers and the Centralus irrigation management platform, does make his life easier.

Hunter performs for Spurs

Hunter performs for Spurs

“The new software has helped me to put a watering schedule in place with ease, which is something we couldn’t do before,” he said. “We have three zones on this site and each ACC2 manages a separate zone with the Centralus software controlling those three areas.”

Hunter’s ACC2 controller delivers advanced water management to meet the demands of large-scale commercial projects. The ACC2 has built-in intelligence, with the ability to maintain preset flows on up to 6 flow zones simultaneously. Perfectly complementing the ACC2 is the Centralus irrigation management platform, which offers secure, comprehensive cloud-based control and monitoring features for ACC2 controllers. The connectivity allows users to view a controller’s status, change settings, enable automatic weather adjustments, view forecasts, save water and receive instant notifications of important system alarms.

Furthermore, it allows users to manage the ACC2 controllers remotely – as Liam explained.

“I can manage it all from my phone or laptop,” he said. “I can be anywhere and put any sprinkler on just by pressing a button. There have even been times when I’ve been sat on the sofa at home, and I’ve had a call asking me to turn some sprinklers on because they needed water after applying fertiliser to a pitch.”

The grass pitches at the training centre have also received a boost after the sprinklers were upgraded to the new TTS-885’s and I-80’s from Hunter. These powerful rotors boast some of the highest torque outputs of any rotor in the commercial sphere and provide total top serviceability (TTS) via their integrated, surface-mounted snap-rings for no-dig easy maintenance.

“They are by far the best sprinklers for large turf areas and are perfect for football pitches,” said Liam. “The coverage you get from them is fantastic. You get that all important uniformity across the whole pitch, due to the rotors and nozzle configuration being the same.

“I also like the fact that, if needed, you can take almost the entire sprinkler apart without having to de-pressurise or drain the system. It saves so much time. We also have Hunter’s MP rotators, and Pro spray nozzles on the landscaping areas such as our show lawns. They are short, low pressure, and they do exactly what we want them to do.

“I would say that the new Hunter sprinklers make us more accurate with our water usage which is very important these days.”

Hunter performs for Spurs

Hunter performs for Spurs

Darren agreed and revealed that Tottenham Hotspur F.C finished top of the 2020 Premier League Sustainability Table. Furthermore, he believes that the club’s efficient water management procedures certainly played a part in the award.

“We reviewed every single arc on every sprinkler to make sure we were not putting out too much, he said. “So, when it comes to water, and the irrigation, the system is designed around saving grey water – and we recycle this grey water back into our new Even Products irrigation tanks (also purchased through KAR UK) which give us greater capacity on the same footprint.

“Ultimately, the new Hunter software allows us to be more accurate with what we are using, and we also have less waste. The really good news out of all this is that it has massively improved our sustainability.”

With the new tanks and system supplied by KAR UK, Liam concluded by praising the support and service the club receives.

“The back-up from KAR UK is perfect,” he said. “They are always available to advise me on a product or a technical aspect I may be unsure of. If I need clarity on something, then Mike McDonnell (UK sales manager) will always come here to assist.”

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on Twitter @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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.