EcoBunker announces appointment of Charlie Taylor

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EcoBunker announces appointment of Charlie Taylor: Synthetic bunker edge pioneers EcoBunker have appointed Charlie Taylor to the position of Technical Sales Manager in a move that is set to strengthen the relationship between the brand and its customers.

Taylor began his career at Gillingham Golf Club where he qualified as a greenkeeper. After 3 years at Gillingham, he moved into generalist grounds care before starting his own grounds maintenance business. Having undertaken a number of projects in collaboration with EcoBunker, when the opportunity to join the business arose, Taylor could not turn down the opportunity.

EcoBunker announces appointment of Charlie Taylor

EcoBunker announces appointment of Charlie Taylor

“It was obviously a tough decision to close my business, but the chance to return to my roots in golf and to work with a brand that I truly believe in was too good an opportunity to miss,” said Taylor upon the announcement of his appointment. “With a superb range of bunker edge technology, bunker liners, lake edging and now LOKSAND, EcoBunker is growing at pace. I’m delighted to be part of the team and look forward to helping drive the business forward to the next level.”

Taylor’s role will see him manage customer relationships, ranging from project consultations and quotations, to supervising installations and ensuring quality and longevity of installations. Wherever a customer needs input from EcoBunker, Taylor will manage relationships so that customers have quick access to the answers they need.

“We have a superb product and our installations are second to none, but we needed someone with a detailed technical knowledge and a fantastic talent for customer service to strengthen the team and manage a rapidly increasing number of leads and enquiries,” commented CEO Richard Allen. “Having worked closely with Charlie on several projects, we were absolutely thrilled that he wanted to join us. He has the perfect blend of skills for the role and we can’t wait to see the service he delivers for our customers and the impact that he has on the business.”

Taylor has been in position since the end of January, where he helped introduce EcoBunker’s latest innovation – pre-cut synthetic tiles – alongside the first showing of LOKSAND to the U.K. market. For more information on working with EcoBunker or to arrange a visit to your venue, please contact charlie.taylor@ecobunker.co.uk or visit www.ecobunker.co.uk

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STIGA’s Autonomous range with ‘Vista Technology’

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STIGA’s Autonomous range with ‘Vista Technology’: STIGA, leading European manufacturer of garden machinery, is raising the bar in smart lawn care with the launch of nine new autonomous robot mowers featuring STIGA Vista Technology. The innovative AI-driven camera and new Antenna-FREE feature make these mowers smarter, faster, and easier to use than ever — delivering a perfectly healthy lawn with zero effort.

Intelligent, Fully Autonomous Mowing

At the heart of the range is STIGA Vista Technology, a new AI-driven on-board camera that allows the robots to see and understand their surroundings. The system distinguishes grass in all shapes and colours from non-grass surfaces and navigates safely around fixed or moving obstacles, ensuring continuous mowing with minimal interruptions. Equipped with HDR global shutter technology, robust aluminium housing, and Gorilla Glass protection, the camera guarantees accuracy and durability, while a front LED light enhances visibility when needed. STIGA’s Active Guidance System (AGS) analyses satellite signal quality in real time, optimising mowing sessions even under unstable conditions. Now powered by a quad-band RTK-GNSS engine that provides stronger GPS reception, the robot offers extreme navigation accuracy and smoother operation, even in challenging environments such as under trees or near buildings, ensuring reliable and precise performance. The new Antenna-FREE feature removes the need for cables or reference stations, allowing flexible placement of the charging base and faster, simpler setup — maximising the device’s productivity with minimal effort.

STIGA's Autonomous range with 'Vista Technology'

STIGA’s Autonomous range with ‘Vista Technology’

Precision Cutting for Healthier Lawns

STIGA robot mowers combine advanced cutting systems with gentle daily mulching, promoting a softer, healthier, and more resilient lawn. Their organised and systematic patterns allow for stripes, grids, or seamless coverage, adapting automatically to different garden layouts. Smart sensors make the robots weather-aware, avoiding mowing in wet conditions or unnecessary passes. The result is a perfectly even, meticulously maintained lawn that requires no extra effort from the user.

Built to last, designed to perform

Every model in the new range is built to last. High-quality components, a floating protective shell, and lightweight yet durable construction ensure resilience against impacts, weather, and UV exposure. The minimalist, compact design blends seamlessly into any outdoor space, delivering a discreet, elegant presence.

Powered by STIGA’s ePower battery, the robots operate quietly and efficiently, combining long-lasting performance with lower energy consumption — making lawn care both sustainable and stress-free.

Simple App Control and Effortless Maintenance

All robots are fully controllable through the award-winning STIGA.GO App (Red Dot Design Award 2025), which offers intuitive setup, monitoring, and customisation. Users can start, pause, schedule, or adjust mowing sessions from anywhere, receiving real-time notifications and guidance. Maintenance is straightforward: accessible components, easy cleaning, and the support of STIGA’s expert dealer network ensure quick servicing and optional upgrades, including accessories like the Climb & Mud Kit for enhanced traction on challenging terrain.

Models for Every Garden

The new range covers all types of outdoor spaces, from 600 m² up to 14,000 m², and includes the following models: A 6v, A 8v, A 10v, A 15v, A 25v, A 50v, A 100v, and A 140v. With the launch of this next-generation range, STIGA sets a new benchmark in smart lawn care, offering autonomous mowing that is not only efficient and precise but effortless and enjoyable for both residential and professional users and for any garden size.

The new mowers are available for purchase via the STIGA website and authorised dealers, with prices ranging from RRP £1,199 for the A6v to RRP £6,499 for the A 140v. To learn more about the range at www.stiga.com/uk/robot-lawn-mower-ai-camera-technology

Key highlights:

  • STIGA Vista Technology: AI-driven camera recognises grass and obstacles = uninterrupted, precise, and respectful mowing.
  •  Antenna-Free Setup: No cables or reference station required = faster and flexible installation.
  •  Active Guidance System (AGS): Optimises satellite navigation = consistent mowing even with unstable signals.
  •  Quad-band RTK-GNSS engine:  delivers stronger GPS reception =  exceptional navigation precision and smoother operation even in the most challenging environments.
  •  STIGA Cutting Quality: Gentle mulching with smart pattern control = softer, healthier, and perfectly even lawns.
  •  Robust and Elegant Design: Floating shell, lightweight yet durable = easy maintenance and long-lasting performance.
  •  App Control: Award-winning STIGA.GO App = intuitive remote management and stress-free operation.

About STIGA Group

STIGA Group ranks among the leading European manufacturers and distributors of garden machinery and equipment. The Group consists of five brands, which together represent over 90 years of experience in the industry: in addition to the premium brand Stiga, the Group includes the brands Alpina, Mountfield, Castelgarden, and Atco. STIGA Group sells more than one million gardening machines every year and operates in 87 countries worldwide; with a workforce of more than 1,300 people, STIGA has three production plants: one in Castelfranco Veneto (Treviso, Italy), one in Slovakia, and one in China. The Group also has 15 sales offices throughout Europe. www.stiga.com 

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Royal Ascot Golf Club commits £1m to greenkeeping upgrades

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Royal Ascot Golf Club commits £1m to greenkeeping upgrades: Royal Ascot Golf Club has invested significantly into its greenkeeping machinery and grounds team, weeks after scooping its first national award at a black tie ceremony in Leicester. 

The club – which won Golf Club of the Year at the annual Club Awards in November – has committed more than £1m to upgrade its course, mower fleet, cutters and maintenance equipment so its eight strong greenkeeping team can deliver a quality playing surface 364 days each year.

Royal Ascot Golf Club commits £1m to greenkeeping upgrades

Royal Ascot Golf Club commits £1m to greenkeeping upgrades

Mowers used to cut tees, fairways, approaches and greens have been replaced and new turf sprayers and turbines have been added to ensure the course and its surrounds are kept in pristine condition in all seasons.

The club has also invested in new monitoring technology, so its greenkeepers can digitally assess the performance of its mowers and their effectiveness to maximise performance.

Ian Hockley, Course Manager at Royal Ascot Golf Club, said the investment will help his team realise the course’s true playing potential regardless of weather extremities.

“We’re increasingly seeing extreme stretches of dry and wet weather, which naturally makes our job as greenkeepers more challenging,” said Ian.

“This is a significant and necessary investment as golf clubs across the UK seek to deliver year-round quality playing experiences to members and guests alike.

“Having access to the latest machinery and technology is a huge advantage in our ability to achieve this, and aligns with the club’s ambitious growth plans which led to our Club of the Year award which everyone is extremely proud of.

“We’ve just completed the club’s biggest course upgrade since our relocation from the racecourse in 2005. To be in a position where we’re continuing to be at the forefront of greenkeeping improvements is a really pleasing way to start 2026.”

The investment includes the completion of the club’s major course regeneration project costing £500,000 to transform each of its 18 holes.

Each hole is now subject to enhanced drainage and irrigation provisions, while all bunkers have been renovated and new treelines created – including the opening of the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Wood by Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

Stephen Nicholson, General Manager at Royal Ascot Golf Club, added: “We pride ourselves on delivering a welcoming, sociable, inclusive and quality experience to those who visit the club.

“Investing in the quality of our course is essential to achieving the above and we are thrilled with the outcomes of our course regeneration which has delivered outstanding results even for our holes that are most susceptible to the weather.

“We’ve experienced a breakthrough period on all levels which everyone at the club is extremely proud of and bodes well for another year of positive growth in 2026.”

Founded in 1887, Royal Ascot Golf Club was granted Royal status by Queen Victoria and is set in 150 acres of the woodland of Windsor Great Park off Winkfield Road and adjacent to the world-famous racecourse.

Further information about the club is available via www.royalascotgolfclub.co.uk.

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GroundTech secures UK Distribution for SWOZI linemarkers

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GroundTech secures UK Distribution for SWOZI linemarkers: GroundTech, one of the country’s principal suppliers of autonomous and specialist groundcare and turf maintenance equipment, are pleased to announce their appointment as the exclusive UK-wide distributor for SWOZI – globally recognised as leading manufacturers of high-performance linemarking equipment.

Effective immediately, this new partnership strengthens GroundTech’s offering to sports clubs, schools and community venues around the country by bringing the full SWOZI linemarker range to the UK market, backed by renowned sales, service and aftercare support.

GroundTech secures UK Distribution for SWOZI linemarkers

GroundTech secures UK Distribution for SWOZI linemarkers

SWOZI is a Swiss sports technology company with strong foundations in machine automation. The cutting-edge GPS and robotic technology embedded within their professional range helps to improve efficiency, simplify workflows and meet sporting codes with 100% accuracy. At the forefront of the range is the SWOZI Auto, an advanced linemarker engineered for robust reliability, accuracy and consistency. Ideal for high-use environments where performance and efficiency are key, the SWOZI Auto features intuitive operation and automated paint flow control for reduced paint waste.

Alongside the SWOZI Auto is a range of semi-autonomous and manual markers, with a variety of configurations and spray systems to suit different budgets and marking requirements. All SWOZI machines are designed with operator comfort, ease of use and long service life in mind, giving you complete control over linemarking whether you manage a single pitch or multiple sites.

“The combination of GroundTech’s established UK market presence and customer relationships with SWOZI’s technological expertise results in a strong partnership with clear customer benefits” says Marc Burgunder, Marketing & Sales Manager at SWOZI.

A sentiment echoed by GroundTech Director Marcus Glover, “SWOZI’s reputation for quality and innovation aligns perfectly with our commitment to supply industry-leading maintenance solutions to the professional market. The SWOZI Auto in particular delivers an outstanding solution for customers looking to improving marking accuracy and productivity, without the financial outlay associated with other robotic markers currently available.”

For more information on the SWOZI range, or to arrange a demonstration, get in touch with GroundTech’s expert technical team via groundtech.co.uk.

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R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service Named LET Agronomist

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R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service Named LET Agronomist: The Ladies European Tour (LET) has today announced The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service has been appointed as the Official Agronomist of the Tour.

It will advise the LET on sustainable golf course maintenance operations and environmentally responsible agronomy practices for 20 venues and three events in 2026.

R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service Named LET Agronomist

R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service Named LET Agronomist

Working collaboratively with the golf courses and the LET, The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service will provide expertise for the effective management of courses and use of best practice in sustainability to provide high performance playing surfaces in an environmentally responsible way.

This will allow courses to reach their optimal course conditioning for world-class LET tournaments, while adhering to current environmental regulations and taking into consideration factors such as climate change and resource constraints.

Services provided to LET venues during the 2026 season will include site visits, agronomic reports, observations and recommendations, follow-up calls, soil sample analysis, course set up guidelines and data collection using USGA GS3 and Moisture Meter technology with the Deacon platform.

Through the LET Sustainability Initiative (LETSI), the LET works with partners equally committed to initiatives that put sustainable leadership and green partnerships in focus to make a global impact. This partnership with The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service elevates this commitment bringing a greater emphasis to sustainability on all levels.

“We are proud to welcome The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service as the Official Agronomist of the LET. This collaboration marks an important step forward in our shared commitment to sustainability, course excellence, and the future of the women’s game,” said Diane Barnard, Director of Operations at the LET.

“With the expertise of The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service, our venues will be better equipped than ever to deliver world-class playing conditions while embracing best practices that safeguard our environment. It’s a partnership that adds real value on and off the course for the LET and our players.”

Daniel Lightfoot, Director of Sustainable Golf at The R&A, “Our team of agronomists has extensive experience of providing world-class, high performance playing conditions which adhere to best practices in sustainability at championships and events worldwide. We look forward to working with the Ladies’ European Tour to support its tournament venues that will host professional events for the best women’s golfers this year.”

LET winner Marta Martin said: “This partnership with R&A Agronomy Services is a very positive step for the LET. From a player’s perspective, and with my background in turf agronomy, having expert agronomic support across venues helps ensure consistent, high-quality playing conditions week after week, while also supporting sustainable course management. That consistency is crucial for fair competition and for the continued growth and professionalism of women’s golf.”

The LET season will begin at the PIF Saudi Ladies International which is taking place at Riyadh Golf Club from 11-14 February.

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