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Course quality the most important factor influencing decisions

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Course quality the most important factor influencing decisions: According to a new survey from Carr Golf, 90% of UK golf club members say that year-round course quality will impact their membership decision.

When asked to rank membership factors, course conditioning dominates at 55%, significantly ahead of value for money (39%), tee time availability (39%), and price (22%).

Course quality the most important factor influencing decisions

Course quality the most important factor influencing decisions

The Challenge: High Expectations, Changing Climate

While current satisfaction among club members is high, with 78% of members satisfied or very satisfied with their membership, expectations are even higher. 88% expect good to excellent course conditioning year-round, a standard that’s becoming increasingly difficult to meet for course managers.

The UK experienced its hottest summer on record in 2025, 1.5°C above the long-term average. These volatile conditions, dry summers paired with mild, wet winters, are stretching maintenance operations to their limits.

Ed Pettit, Managing Director of Carr Golf Maintenance, explains: “Many clubs are still grappling with inadequate equipment, resources and practices to deal with the challenges they now face. Clubs must invest in irrigation optimisation and water storage to manage summer stress, while mild and wet winters are increasing pressures on drainage and year-round playability.

“On top of this, the chemistries at the disposal of course managers are limited and less curative, making it extremely difficult to overcome disease outbreaks.”

The Solution: Data-Driven Course Management

With year-round course conditions directly linked to membership growth and retention, golf clubs require a more strategic approach to meet the standards customers expect.

Carr Golf Maintenance uses a data-driven programme based on 13 key performance indicators (KPIs) to track, measure, and optimize course performance, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Recently, in the UK, the company partnered with Burhill Group Limited (BGL) to enhance agronomic standards, elevate playing conditions and maintain sustainability certification at five of its venues across England.

“We consistently see a strong correlation between improved KPI scores and increased golfer satisfaction, membership retention and growth,” says Pettit.

“For clubs to meet member expectations, manage evolving weather, and stay compliant with environmental regulations, a comprehensive agronomic programme isn’t optional, it’s essential.”

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Dyrham Park elevates standards with new fleet

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Dyrham Park elevates standards with new fleet: After seven years as Golf Course Manager at Dyrham Park Country Club, Dan Szwajbak knows exactly what his course, and team, need to perform at their best.

With an 18-hole private members course, practice facilitites and regular weddings and events, presentation is demanded year-round – making reliability, performance and aftersales support absolutely criticial. Delivering on all fronts is a new suite of equipment installed in August 2025 by George Browns.

Dyrham Park elevates standards with new fleet

Dyrham Park elevates standards with new fleet

The club, located in Barnet, had long relied on the same brand of cutting equipment, however, when the cut performance and aftercare no longer matched their needs, Dan felt the time was right to explore other options. “A mower is a mower, but a big part of the buying process is knowing that the people selling it can really support you afterwards” he explains.

Through previous demonstrations and a delivery of hand mowers by George Browns, Dan and the team became confident with both the dealership and the Baroness brand. “The price point is good and the machines offer us more in terms of cut quality and reduced maintenance.” This led to the most recent delivery of an LM311 triple greens mower, an LM551 fairway mower and GM2810 for roughs in the summer of last year.

The impact, Dan says, was almost instant. “We were getting feedback from the members about the noticeable improvement in cut and presentation and, from our side, we noticed the bed knives staying on cut much longer – even through the winter and on heavier ground – reducing the downtime for us which is important as a small team with no dedicated mechanic.”

The greens mower is out daily through the spring and summer, fairways are cut three times a week and rough cutting is completed on a two-day cycle. Also delivered, and quickly becoming the main mode of safe transportation of team members, materials and hand-held equipment around the site, are a pair of Kubota RTVX1110’s.

In addition to machine performance, importantly, the whole process has been smooth and hassle-free. “We haven’t had any complaints. Thanks to the support of David Fisher at George Browns, the transition for the team has been incredibly straight forward.” He summarises, “When you’re spending significant amounts of money, aftercare is hugely important and with George Browns we have the reassurance that the support is there should we ever need it. The machines are excellent with the service to match!”

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La Finca Golf Resort a Premium Sustainable Agronomy Venue

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La Finca Golf Resort a Premium Sustainable Agronomy Venue: The R&A has welcomed La Finca Resort as one of the select venues working with The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service under a premium venue support agreement. La Finca Golf is situated in Algorfa, Alicante, one of Spain’s most famous golfing destinations, and is known for its striking design and resort facilities.

The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service supports clubs worldwide with independent, science-led expertise, helping them to deliver long-term sustainability alongside outstanding course conditioning and playing performance.

La Finca Golf Resort a Premium Sustainable Agronomy Venue

La Finca Golf Resort a Premium Sustainable Agronomy Venue

Paul Woodham, Sustainable Agronomy Lead for Europe and GB&I at The R&A, said, “La Finca Resort is a fantastic addition to our growing sustainable agronomy portfolio. Its reputation as a premier Spanish golf destination, coupled with its ambition to lead in agronomic and greenkeeping best practice management and drive environmental sustainability, makes this a very exciting collaboration. We look forward to working with the La Finca Golf team to demonstrate how sustainable approaches can enhance quality and resilience for the benefit of golfers and the game.”

The R&A is internationally recognised for staging The Open, the AIG Women’s Open and elite amateur championships, while promoting long-term environmental responsibility across the sport.

Opened in 2002 and designed by the renowned José Gancedo, La Finca Golf, recently enhanced under the consultancy of architect Tim Lobb, has established itself as a benchmark in Spanish golf. Its wide fairways, signature greens and natural water hazards create a unique challenge for advanced amateurs and professionals alike. Over the years, the course has hosted European Junior Championships, Spanish Junior Championships, professional tour events, and national circuits.

Gonzalo Pedrera Martínez, CEO of La Finca Resort, commented, “Joining The R&A’s Sustainable Agronomy programme is a significant step forward for us. It reinforces our commitment to excellence in course presentation while ensuring that sustainability is central to our long-term strategy. We are proud to align with The R&A and contribute to shaping a future for golf that balances performance with responsibility.”

This partnership reflects a shared ambition to set new standards in course management and to strengthen the role of sustainability at the heart of world-class golf.

For information about The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service, please contact sustainableagronomy@randa.org or visit www.randa.org/sustainability/agronomy.

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STIHL launches new SGA 60 battery-powered sprayer

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STIHL launches new SGA 60 battery-powered sprayer: STIHL has expanded its sprayer offering with the launch of the SGA 60, designed to combine operator comfort with automatic and precise liquid distribution. Built for groundskeepers, landscapers and gardeners, the model removes the requirement for manual pumping, delivering consistent pressure throughout the spraying task.

Providing a working pressure of up to 4.5 bars, the SGA 60 uses the STIHL AK System battery and features a 15-litre tank capacity. Its five nozzles enable users to tailor the spray pattern depending on the application, whether applying fertilisers or other solutions across a variety of areas. With a quick-change feature, professionals can choose between single, double, quadruple, fan-jet, and adjustable modes, ensuring effective coverage specific to the application.

STIHL launches new SGA 60 battery-powered sprayer

STIHL launches new SGA 60 battery-powered sprayer

Ease of use is at the heart of the SGA 60’s design, with straightforward pressure controls, an intuitive ON/OFF switch and a clear battery charge indicator. Additionally, padded shoulder straps, back support, and a hip harness evenly distribute weight for minimal strain, allowing for comfortable use.

The 2026 addition arrives as STIHL celebrates its 100th anniversary. Since 1926, STIHL has defined the global standard for battery and petrol-powered forestry, landscaping, and residential gardening equipment for professional and domestic users.

To learn more about the STIHL SGA 60, head here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxd2eORPo4E

For more information on STIHL products, visit www.stihl.co.uk or contact your nearest STIHL Approved Dealer.

Find out more about STIHL’s historic milestone, here: https://100.stihl.com

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BIGGA unveils new initiatives to Elevate the game of golf

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BIGGA unveils new initiatives to Elevate the game of golf: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) used its annual education conference and trade show in Harrogate to announce a series of new initiatives aimed at elevating standards across the game of golf.

The BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) represents the association’s ‘championship week’ and provides a platform for the industry to come together from all corners of the globe. In 2026, it also provided an opportunity to clearly articulate what BIGGA exists to do and how it intends to support the profession as it continues to evolve.

BIGGA unveils new initiatives to Elevate the game of golf

BIGGA unveils new initiatives to Elevate the game of golf

BTME once again attracted exhibitors, speakers and visitors from across the UK and overseas, reflecting the global reach of the event and its profile within the turf management industry. Across the exhibition halls, the Continue to Learn education programme and networking spaces, the week showcased innovation, collaboration and best practice throughout the sector.

Across three show days, 4,567 visitors walked through the doors of Harrogate Convention Centre, representing an 8.7% increase on last year. Visitors stayed for an average of 1.60 days, up from 1.56 in 2025.

A new strapline to underpin the association’s work was also revealed by BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton: ‘We support greenkeepers through education, recognition and community to enhance course quality and to continually elevate the game of golf.’ BTME provided a clear demonstration of that purpose in action.

“BTME is our championship week and a moment to set out, clearly and confidently, what BIGGA exists to do,” said Croxton. “Everything we do is rooted in supporting greenkeepers through better education, stronger professional communities and meaningful recognition. When we do that well, standards on the ground improve, course quality rises and the game itself benefits.”

Croxton outlined a series of developments designed to provide greater long-term support for greenkeepers. Central to that work is a restructured education and training pathway, setting out clear progression from entry level through to course management, underpinned by BIGGA’s status as a Lantra Customised Training Provider.

That accreditation allows the association to deliver bespoke, industry-specific training that is independently quality assured while remaining directly aligned to the practical realities of greenkeeping.

Alongside education, BIGGA is modernising its membership offer to better reflect the way clubs and facilities now operate. This includes the introduction of more flexible membership options, expanded welfare support, and a strengthened approach to professional recognition.

As part of that, BIGGA has reached agreement with STRI Group to manage the popular Golf Environment Awards, ensuring environmental excellence is fully integrated into its awards programme and continues to be recognised as a core component of modern course management.

“These initiatives are not standalone announcements,” Croxton added. “They form a connected programme of work that reflects where the profession is now and where it needs to go next. Our focus is on providing clear pathways, relevant support and a sense of belonging for greenkeepers at every stage of their careers.”

Education remained a cornerstone of the week through BIGGA’s Continue to Learn programme, which provided a wide-ranging schedule of learning opportunities. In total, 5,877 hours of education were delivered, with bookings up more than 7% on 2025’s record turnout.

Designed to support professional development in a modern, practical and progressive way, Continue to Learn reflects BIGGA’s wider ambition to provide a coherent education pathway that supports progression from entry level through to course management.

Recognition also played a central role, with the BIGGA Celebration once again highlighting outstanding achievement across the profession. The awards shone a light on the dedication, resilience and professionalism of greenkeeping teams and individuals, reinforcing the value of their work to clubs, facilities and the wider game.

A further highlight was BIGGA Elevates, which brought together more than 50 women from across the industry for an event focused on visibility, connection and shared experience. Engagement continued beyond the room, with more than 35 participants joining the BIGGA Elevates WhatsApp community as the initiative begins its next phase of development.

Lauren Frazer, BIGGA’s Head of Commercial and Marketing, said the response demonstrated both appetite and momentum for continued progress.

“The turnout and engagement were hugely encouraging,” she said. “We heard inspiring stories, made valuable connections and opened up important conversations. This is very much the beginning for BIGGA Elevates, and we are already working on what comes next as the initiative continues to evolve alongside the support of the wider industry.”

BTME provided a clear statement of intent from BIGGA, reinforcing a cohesive strategy that will define the association’s direction of travel in the coming years. With membership at its highest level for more than two decades, the focus is on continuing to broaden the association’s reach and its impact.

Further detail on initiatives outlined during BTME will follow in due course as the association builds on the momentum generated during another landmark week in Harrogate.

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