Toro irrigation delivers immediate results

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Toro irrigation delivers immediate results: The new Toro irrigation system at Royal St David’s has brought almost immediate changes and noticeable results to the traditional links course on the west coast of North Wales.

The project involving Toro, Reesink Hydro-Scapes, Adrian Mortram Associates and Green Irrigation has increased membership, income and ranking for the club.

Toro irrigation delivers immediate results

Toro irrigation delivers immediate results

Links Manager Rhys Butler says: “The goal was to irrigate just the right amount to keep the grass alive, we wanted to promote the fast-running links game, without overwatering and having soft surfaces.

“We suffered a series of dry springs and droughts, and the fairways especially were struggling for recovery. We needed a system that could give us control of the moisture on all areas to keep good grass coverage and consistency of playing surfaces even in times of drought.”

With an incredible 46 years of service from the club’s previous Toro system, Rhys was impressed with Toro’s performance and longevity and how it had met the course’s needs. He was also impressed with the service from Reesink Hydro-Scapes, which meant he didn’t look anywhere else when the time came to proceed with the full upgrade.

The project commenced in the spring of 2022 and completed in early November of the same year. All new mains and controls were required as was full fairway irrigation for the first time. The club chose the Flex series of sprinklers on greens and fairways, T5 Rapidsets sprinklers on all tee surfaces and 590GF sprinklers for newly installed walkways and the entire system is controlled using Toro’s Lynx Control System with LSM technology.

Robert Jackson, Division Manager for Reesink Hydro-Scapes, explains how the system has provided Rhys and his team with to-the-second runtime accuracy across all newly installed stations via either the central controller or remotely using Toro’s smart app.

He says, “Using the app in the field gave a level of flexibility and control to be able to water dry spots, water in wetting agents and be minimalistic with water application as is natural for a links course. Water is now used wisely, as and when it is needed.”

At conception of the installation the grass was visibly starting to strain and as each hole was turned on the difference was almost immediately noticeable to members thanks to the new irrigation system accuracy and targeted watering.

The result is healthy turfgrasses and maximised efficiency of resources, to which Rhys adds: “The project was a resounding success and has transformed Royal St David’s Golf Club: membership has increased, visitor income has doubled, and our rankings have improved. This is because the irrigation system has given us moisture control on the golf course to produce great playing surfaces.”

Further details on the project can be found at reesink-hydroscapes.co.uk.

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George Browns delivers the full package

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George Browns delivers the full package: A package of Baroness and Kubota equipment, supplied by George Browns Ltd, is playing its part in the ongoing investment and development across 11 courses that make up Mytime Active.

More than just supplying first-class machinery, Regional Grounds Manager for the midlands Dave Cole emphasises the importance of the ‘outstanding’ back up support and service they’ve received from all George Browns departments which has helped to keep their ambitious maintenance plans on track.

George Browns delivers the full package

George Browns delivers the full package

Mytime Active comprises of 11 sites – offering nine and 18-hole rounds together with footgolf at locations throughout Birmingham, Bromley and Hampshire. Specifically in the midlands under the remit of Dave and his team of 20 are six courses, three of which are the beneficiaries of the latest batch of machinery upgrades. “In taking our greenkeeping practices to new heights, we’ve completely re-kitted out three courses with the expert help of George Browns” he explains.

“Our experience with them as a dealer has always been second to none; whether that’s William Montgomerie giving us the tailored, expert advice when it comes to machine specification and on-site training, or James Bailey in their Daventry service department who is phenomenal at technical support. As we all know, the grass doesn’t stop growing if your equipment goes down! George Browns understand the pressure of time and the importance of getting fast answers, resolving any issues quickly and going above and beyond to get us up and running.”

The new fleet of equipment installed in September 2024 consists of a Baroness GM2810, LM331 and two LM311 all-hydraulic triplex mowers along with an RTV-X1110 from Kubota. “We’ve run Baroness mowers for years and find them to be bulletproof.” Dave continues, “The cutting cylinders are industry-leading and we’ve definitely witnessed a reduction in disease occurrence on our greens because of the outstanding sharpness and cut quality.”

“The Baroness machines alone give us fantastic versatility on our fleet. They’re capable of working on all ground conditions, and by adjusting the height of cut we can mow multiple areas on our multiple sites to a very high level.”

On his Kubota RTV-X1110, Dave describes it as a fantastic all-rounder! “Like the Baroness machines, the RTV is incredibly comfortable and easy to operate, and it’s become our main method of transporting people and materials around the course. It was thoroughly put through its paces over the wet autumn and winter months and it never let us down, no matter how wet it was.”

He summarises, “As we continue to develop our sites around the country, we’re delighted to have the right equipment and support around us thanks to George Browns, helping us to achieve our goals both on and off the course.”

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Kyle Walker To Host GMA Industry Awards

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Kyle Walker To Host GMA Industry Awards: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is delighted to confirm that renowned sports broadcaster Kyle Walker will host the GMA Industry Awards 2025.

With a broadcasting career spanning Sky Sports, Premier League Productions (PLP) and the BBC, he has become a familiar face to sports fans, presenting programmes such as The Transfer Show, Saturday Social and Sky Sports’ ePremier League coverage.

Kyle Walker To Host GMA Industry Awards

Kyle Walker To Host GMA Industry Awards

His love for football has led him to interview many high-profile figures in the sport, including his namesake, AC Milan and England defender Kyle Walker.

In 2018, he landed his own show on BBC Radio Manchester, The Dead Good Show, before moving to BBC 5Live to host Talking Balls from 2019 to 2020. He also became a regular reporter for BBC Football Focus and Match of the Day.

He soon became the presenter of Sky Sports’ Transfer Show, the host of the Sky Sports ePremier League Show and a regular on Saturday Social and The Early Kick Off Show. His on-air talent was recognised when he was nominated for an SJA Award in The Ones to Watch – On-Air category.

2022 saw him co-present Sky Sports’ ‘Good Morning Euros’ and he was also a key part of Sky Sports’ coverage of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Kyle Walker, GMA Industry Awards host, said: “I’m really looking forward to hosting the GMA Industry Awards and celebrating the work of grounds teams up and down the country. These are the people who make sure playing surfaces are in top condition, and their work often goes unnoticed. It’s going to be a fantastic night, and I can’t wait to be part of it.”

The GMA Industry Awards, the leading celebration of professional and volunteer grounds staff, return in 2025 to recognise contributions across a range of categories within the industry.

Taking place at the iconic Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool Football Club, on Thursday 13 March, the awards are an unmissable occasion to acknowledge the talent within the entire grounds management sector.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, said: “We’re really pleased to have Kyle Walker hosting this year’s awards. He’s got a fantastic energy and a real appreciation for the work that goes on behind the scenes in sport. The GMA Industry Awards are all about celebrating the people who make sport possible, and I know that Kyle will help us to shine a spotlight on their achievements.”

Tickets for the GMA Industry Awards 2025 are available from £110 (GMA Member price). Experience the awards amongst the industry’s finest and celebrate the achievements of grounds staff at every level.

Further details about the awards, including ticket information and sponsorship, can be found here: gmaindustryawards.uk

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First Toro international master salesperson award

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First Toro international master salesperson award: Richard Wood from Reesink South East has been named Toro International Master Salesperson by Toro. This is the first time Toro has presented such an award outside the USA and only three are awarded a year globally.

Amy Dahl, Vice President of International Business at The Toro Company, presented the award to Richard under the guise of a launch event at BTME, with the Reesink UK team and an extensive Toro international team present.

First Toro international master salesperson award

First Toro international master salesperson award

She says: “We looked at all salespeople across the international division. Richard’s passion for the Toro products and his customers have seen him achieve over 50 percent market share in his area. With 30 years’ experience in the industry and 12 years at Reesink, he fits all the criteria for this prestigious award.”

The Toro International Master Salesperson of the Year Award is more than just an acknowledgment of high sales; it is a recognition of the ability to understand and anticipate the needs of customers.

Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager at Reesink Turfcare, says: “Richard is consistent with his sales and has grown market share in what is a very competitive area. His customers feel he goes the extra mile for them every day. It probably hasn’t sunk in for him yet how much of a big deal this is globally.”

Richard’s three decades of experience prior to Reesink Turfcare come from dealer JSM, four years selling amenity chemicals and fertilisers for Sheriff Amenity, and before that sales jobs for other competitive turfcare machinery manufacturers.

Richard says winning was a huge surprise: “Winning this award really was totally unexpected – I was shocked! It’s done as part of a team with my depot at Sheffield Park and it’s going to be exciting sharing the news with everyone.”

Amy says: “Richard is so humble. I know he says he just goes out and does his job, but he couldn’t be more deserving.”

The last word goes to Alastair Rowell, Managing Director of Reesink UK, who talks about the pride he and the company have in Richard’s achievement.

“Richard has an obvious passion for the Toro products and his customers and makes a valuable contribution to the industry,” he says. “He goes above and beyond in his job and his work and it’s this commitment that has resulted in sales excellence and customer satisfaction for so many years. He’s done himself and the company incredibly proud, and I am proud to be his boss.”

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Mansfield Sand the Unsung Hero

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Mansfield Sand the Unsung Hero: At Warwick Schools Foundation, where sports and recreation are integral to student life, maintaining high-quality pitches and grounds is essential.

This responsibility falls to Grounds Manager Duncan Toon and his dedicated team of seven, who oversee the upkeep of the expansive sports facilities across each of Foundation schools – Warwick Preparatory School, Warwick Junior School, The Kingsley School, King’s High School, and Warwick Senior School.

Mansfield Sand the Unsung Hero

Mansfield Sand the Unsung Hero

Central to their maintenance strategy is the use of Mansfield Sand’s MM40 sand.

MM40 Sport, sourced directly from the renowned Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield, is renowned for its superior quality and consistent performance. This medium sand – part of Mansfield Sand’s esteemed Mansil range – is designed for the maintenance and renovation of sports surfaces.

Its fine texture and exceptional drainage properties make it the preferred choice for elite sports venues across the country, including at Warwick Schools Foundation.

“I’ve always used Mansfield Sand, even when I was in my previous job at Birmingham City FC, and it has always performed well,” says Duncan.

The Foundation’s maintenance schedule relies heavily on sand application: “We have 400 tonnes delivered in the summer across the site, 120 tonnes in October, and depending on wear, another 120 to 200 tonnes in April”, Duncan outlines. “We do have a good profile here, but the more sand we can incorporate into our maintenance, the better.”

The importance of sand goes beyond general maintenance: “The biggest problem we have at the moment, even with the schedule that we have, is worm casts”, Duncan notes.

“Incorporating more sand into the profile helps with worms because if we can get a sandier top layer, it disperses the worm casts a lot more effectively when brushing. It also aids with drainage and deters birds when overseeding by covering the seed better.”

Duncan relies on MM40 on the majority of the Foundation’s sites, including on their cricket outfields, rugby pitches, and football pitches.

“The thing with sand”, Duncan reflects, “is that it might not be the most talked about product, but it is a vital part of maintenance programmes – and it certainly helps us to prepare for so many fixtures. The more games we put on, the happier people are.”

With its proven reliability, high-quality, and effective results, Mansfield Sand continues to be an indispensable partner for Duncan Toon and his team; ensuring that the grounds at Warwick Schools Foundation remain in top condition year-round.

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

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

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