John Deere to unveil light utility Gator GS models at BTME

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John Deere to unveil light utility Gator GS models at BTME: Greenkeepers visiting John Deere’s BTME stand in Harrogate in January will be among the first in Europe to see the new Gator GS utility vehicles. 

Built to meet the growing need for a work vehicle which sits between a golf cart and a go-anywhere, all-terrain machine, the Gator GS allows British and Irish greenkeepers to get carry out lighter duties around the course quickly and efficiently without sacrificing on durability and reliability.

John Deere to unveil light utility Gator GS models at BTME

John Deere to unveil light utility Gator GS models at BTME

“Whether it’s course setup, hand watering, hauling mower trailers, or just moving from hole to hole, the Gator GS allows greenkeepers to get those jobs done on time and efficiently,” says Chris Meacock, Golf and Turf Division Sales Manager at John Deere.

The new GS is available now in petrol or electric derivatives, both of which are designed to complete jobs without disruption to the neighbours or early morning golf groups.

The powerful, yet quiet,  14hp petrol electronic fuel injected engine incorporates a unique engine and body design that incorporates baffling and sound deadening materials for quiet operation.

Customers choosing the 48V GS Electric Gator will have an AC drive motor and controller system that helps maintain torque during even the toughest of situations, with eight Trojan T-105 batteries providing the power needed to complete the day’s work.

Both machines have a top speed of 17.5mph to enable greenkeepers to get more done in less time.

Operation is simple with a pedal start and infinite speed selection that doesn’t require shifting thanks to a continuously variable transmission drivetrain.

Measuring just 49.3 inches across, the body design allows for transport through tight areas while avoiding turf damage on the edges of cart paths.

Cargo space has been optimised for tools and materials, with 371 litres of space and a 363kg cargo box weight capacity. The Gator GS has an easy-to-access and effortless cargo box latch to make it easy to unlock, tilt, and quickly unload materials.

The Gator GS is ready to tow with a standard factory installed 50.8 mm rear receiver hitch and a 544.3 kg towing capacity.

Built with operator comfort in mind there are high-back bucket seats, two standard USB ports, low-effort steering system design, and multiple storage compartments for gloves, small hand tools and mobile devices.

“The John Deere Gator is one the most versatile vehicles that a golf course manager and their team can use, and the GS and GS Electric adds to that versatility with its size and manoeuvrability,” says Chris.

The Gator GS and GS Electronic will be on show at BTME from 20 to 22 January at Harrogate Convention Centre, and can be ordered through dealers now.

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BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider

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BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is proud to announce that it has been formally approved as a Lantra Customised Provider, marking a significant milestone in the Association’s ongoing commitment to raising standards, professionalism, and access to high-quality education across the golf greenkeeping industry.

This approval recognises BIGGA’s capability to design, deliver and quality-assure industry-relevant learning that meets nationally recognised standards.

BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider

BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider

As a Lantra Customised Provider, BIGGA is now approved to develop and deliver bespoke, accredited training and awards that are tailored specifically to the needs of the golf and sports turf sector. This status ensures that BIGGA programmes are externally validated, quality assured and aligned with employer and industry expectations, providing learners and employers with confidence that training outcomes are meaningful, credible, and transferable.

The approval also sees the BIGGA Kickstart Programme formally recognised as the association’s first accredited and approved award under the Lantra Customised Awards framework.

This entry-level programme has been designed as an accessible and supportive introduction to the fundamentals of golf course maintenance.  It provides essential knowledge and practical understanding for those interested in pursuing a career in greenkeeping, as well as those already working in the industry who wish to validate their skills and knowledge before potentially progressing to formal Level 2 qualifications.

Rob Phillips, Learning & Development Manager (Technical) at BIGGA, said:

“Becoming an approved Lantra Customised Provider is a significant milestone for BIGGA and represents the latest step in our continued and highly valued partnership with Lantra. This approval gives us the ability to formally accredit BIGGA-designed programmes that are shaped by the realities of modern golf course management and the needs of both learners and employers. The accreditation of the BIGGA Kickstart Programme is particularly important, as it provides a recognised and credible entry point into the profession, while laying the foundations for clear progression through to apprenticeships and our recommended formal education pathway.”

David Fisher, Head of Industry Partnerships for Landscape and Rural, from Lantra added: “As part of our wider partnership working, we are really pleased to confirm BIGGA has been approved as a Lantra Customised Provider.

“The accreditation of the BIGGA Kickstart Programme is an exciting step forward, as it provides a recognised and credible entry point into the profession, providing a Lantra approved certificate for progression through to apprenticeships and further Lantra/ BIGGA approved training and qualifications.

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Bernhard and Company backs Soil Scout Grandmaster Programme

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Bernhard and Company backs Soil Scout Grandmaster Programme: Following its recent announcement introducing Soil Scout’s real-time underground monitoring technology to the Northern American market, Bernhard and Company is supporting the launch of Soil Scout’s new Grandmaster Programme – a global ambassador initiative designed to recognise and connect the professionals shaping the future of turf management.

The Grandmasters Programme has been created to celebrate the individuals who keep the world’s finest playing surfaces alive. The front-runners whose expertise, innovation and leadership continue to move the industry forward beneath the surface.

Bernhard and Company backs Soil Scout Grandmaster Programme

Bernhard and Company backs Soil Scout Grandmaster Programme

Rather than a traditional ambassador scheme, the programme is built around human expertise, mentorship, and shared learning, bringing together leading turf professionals from different regions into a global community. Grandmasters will plan an active role in sharing real-world insight and experience, helping to advance understanding of soil conditions, root zone health and sustainable turf practices across the industry.

Participants in the programme will commit to long-term collaboration, allowing Soil Scout to work closely with them to track data, gather insight, and amplify authentic customer voices through global channels. In return, Grandmasters will gain early access to new technology, exclusive events, and opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals worldwide.

The first four confirmed Grandmasters include:

  • Brent Downs MG, CGCS – The Otter Creek Golf Club and Harrison Lake Country Club
  • Andrew Northeim – Columbus Crew
  • Rodney McKeown – Sentosa Golf Club
  • Janne Lehto MG, CGCS – Golf Hirsala Golf

Further ambassadors are expected to be confirmed in the coming months, including representatives from leading US venues, as the programme continues to expand.

“Following our introduction of Soil Scout to the North American market, it’s exciting to see the brand launch a programme that puts people, not just technology, at the centre of progress,” said Steven Nixon, Managing Director at Bernhard and Company. “The Grandmasters Programme recognises the professionals who are shaping best practice in turf management and creates a platform for them to learn from one another on a global scale.”

Jalmari Talola, CEO of Soil Scout, said: “This programme is about recognising the people who move our industry forward. These are professionals whose knowledge, curiosity, and leadership influence not only the surfaces they manage, but the wider turf community around them. By connecting them and supporting their work with real-time underground data, we’re creating a platform for shared learning and long-term progress.”

The launch of the Grandmasters Programme reflects a shared belief between Bernhard and Company and Soil Scout that meaningful progress in turf management comes from combining data-driven insight with real-world experience, collaboration, and mentorship.

Turf professionals in Europe and North America will also have the opportunity to learn more about Soil Scout and its technology at both BTME 2026 in Harrogate, England and the 2026 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Florida – at which Bernhard and Company will be showcasing Soil Scout.

To find out more about Bernhard and Company’s market-leading grinding machinery and solutions, visit: www.bernhard.co.uk

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EcoBunker to Introduce LOKSAND at BTME

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EcoBunker to Introduce LOKSAND at BTME: EcoBunker has agreed a partnership with LOKSAND Global that gives the erosion control specialists and leaders in synthetic bunker edge technology exclusive rights to the distribution of LOKSAND in the U.K. Details on the partnership and new products will be available to view at BTME in Harrogate from 20th January.

LOKSAND is a soil amendment featuring interlocking, crimped fibres that bind and stabilise soil and sand profiles. Deployment of the LOKSAND soil amendment allows greenkeepers, contractors and architects to tackle the problem of poor turf quality in heavily trafficked areas, including strengthening cart-path entry and exit points, walkways and green exits — without resorting to repair or hardscape options.

EcoBunker to Introduce LOKSAND at BTME

EcoBunker to Introduce LOKSAND at BTME

“We can honestly build nearly anything with LOKSAND,” said Danny Potter, owner of global distributor Centaur Holdings. “We’re still establishing the limits of what it can do. We’ve used it to stabilize the steep noses that dive into bunkers, rolled-over edges, slopes where golfers enter and exit bunkers or green complexes, and obviously, grass walkways. It binds and keeps everything in place without compromising percolation in any way. What’s more, LOKSAND can be mixed using whatever soils and sands you have on site, so there’s no need for any expensive import of particular sand mixes. If you have a project where the soil needs stability, strength, durability and drainage, then LOKSAND is the perfect solution.”

The first LOKSAND installation in the U.K., is set to begin at Woodhall Spa this week. It is being used in conjunction with EcoBunker hidden edges and EcoTec bunker liners, showing off the perfect combination of technology now available through EcoBunker. This follows the success of the recent Hann Reserve installation in the Philippines that saw LOKSAND used to re-inforce deep bunker shaping underpinned by EcoBunker edges at the interface with the sand.

“LOKSAND is a brilliant innovation. It allows greenkeepers, architects and contractors to lock in design features in areas that are traditionally vulnerable to wear,” said Richard Allen, CEO of EcoBunker and inventor of synthetic bunker technology.” Add in the superb drainage attributes, the consistency of surface that can be achieved and the lifespan of the product, you can see why we jumped at the opportunity. Our first installation is going in at Woodhall Spa alongside two of our core technologies and we can’t wait to show off how the joint innovation bring long lasting benefits to the course.”

Danny Potter will be present on the EcoBunker stand – 246, Hall 2 – at BTME from 20th January, where he and Richard Allen will introduce the benefits of LOKSAND technology to the European turfcare industry. Alongside LOKSAND, EcoBunker will present their brand new pre-cut tile technology, offering visitors the opportunity to see for themselves how pre-cut can halve the time of synthetic bunker builds.

For more information on EcoBunker please visit www.ecobunker.co.uk

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Johnsons Sports Seed breathes new life into Raglan

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Johnsons Sports Seed breathes new life into Raglan: After more than six years of dormancy, Raglan Golf Club had become a shadow of its former self – with overgrown fairways, unplayable greens and failing drainage.

When new owners took over in spring 2024, they swiftly brought in Course Manager Lucy Sellick to embark on a 10-month restoration and recovery project. With a little help from industry friends, and the reliable performance of Johnsons Sports Seed mixtures, the turnaround to opening in April 2025 was nothing short of miraculous!

Johnsons Sports Seed breathes new life into Raglan

Johnsons Sports Seed breathes new life into Raglan

When Lucy arrived in September 2024, the task she faced was monumental. Ten greens had been re-laid, while the remaining eight required extensive renovation to make them playable once again. “We were lifting tree canopies, re-wilding and bailing off the grass it was so long – basically starting from scratch” she explains. Having used mixtures from DLF’s Johnsons Sports Seed range throughout her career, Lucy knew exactly where to turn for support and advice.

“The greens had poor coverage and were full of coarse, hard Poa annua. We scarified, aerated and topdressed the eight greens and finished the renovation with an overseed of Johnsons J All Bent mixture to outcompete the Poa.” J All Bent sets the industry standard for density and visual quality, with the inclusion of top-rated Browntop Bent cultivars delivering fast, sustainable golf greens with reduced requirements for chemical inputs.

“This has given us outstanding uniformity, playability and resilience. We oversowed in the autumn of 2024 and again in the spring of 2025 before opening on 1st April. Obviously everyone wanted to come and play the course, and the Johnsons J All Bent has stood up well to both the high levels of footfall and the environmental pressures we’ve experienced this year.”

The challenge didn’t end there, however. With these eight greens performing well, the next objective was to achieve consistency with the other 10 greens laid with a fescue-dominant sward. “The decision to go with fescue pre-dated my start and, unfortunately, it just doesn’t quite work with our traditional parkland course. While we bring thatch levels down enough to be able to start introducing J All Bent, we’ve been oversowing with J Ultrafine Rye 100.”

Blending four of the finest perennial ryegrass cultivars, the fast-establishment of J Ultrafine Rye 100 is ideal for renovations and surfaces that demand strong wear tolerance and high visual merit. Lucy adds, “The germination from this was fantastic and the feedback we’ve had from the players has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Lucy and her team of five continue to refine the course and manage further development projects throughout the winter – her relationship with DLF central to that progress. “The advice from our Regional Technical Manager Ian Barnett has been invaluable. From seed selection to overseeding strategy, the help from Ian has played a major part in our transformation.”

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