ICL Appoints Peter Smith as Technical Area Sales Manager

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ICL Appoints Peter Smith as Technical Area Sales Manager: ICL is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Smith as Technical Area Sales Manager for Scotland North.

Peter brings more than 15 years’ experience working across some of the UK’s most respected golf venues, with a strong track record in delivering championship-standard playing surfaces.

ICL Appoints Peter Smith as Technical Area Sales Manager

ICL Appoints Peter Smith as Technical Area Sales Manager

He began his greenkeeping career at Kingsfield Golf Centre in 2009, where he played a key role in the grow-in of the full course from seed. Peter went on to hold senior positions at several prestigious clubs, including The Royal Burgess Golfing Society, Trump International Golf Links Scotland and Stirling Golf Club. Most recently, he served as Head Greenkeeper at Bathgate Golf Club, where he was responsible for all aspects of course preparation, including PGA and County events as well as long-term course development planning.

Peter’s experience also extends internationally. He completed the Ohio State University Programme, with placements at Oakmont Country Club and Trump National Doral. During this time, he contributed to preparations for major tournaments, including the 2014 Constellation Senior Players Championship and the 2014 PGA WGC.

Alongside his club roles, Peter is an active member of the wider greenkeeping community and has previously served as a board member for BIGGA Scotland.

Commenting on his appointment, Peter said joining ICL represents an exciting new chapter in his career.

“Throughout my time in turf management, I’ve always looked for partners that combine innovation with practical, real-world solutions. ICL has consistently stood out for its product quality, research-driven approach and commitment to supporting turf managers. I’m looking forward to working closely with turf managers and distributors across Scotland to help them achieve the best possible playing surfaces and deliver real value for their customers.”

Phil Collinson, Sales and Business Development Manager – UK North, welcomed the appointment.

“Peter brings a depth of hands-on experience across a wide range of environments, from championship venues to member clubs. His technical expertise, professionalism and understanding of modern turf management will be of real value to our customers and distributors. He is an excellent addition to the team and further strengthens our commitment to supporting the Scottish market.”

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-growingsolutions.com

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ATV Services Scotland Ltd appointed as AODES dealership

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ATV Services Scotland Ltd appointed as AODES dealership: One of Scotland’s most prestigious off-road vehicle dealers, ATV Services Scotland Ltd., has been appointed as an AODES dealership.

AODES’ UK distributor, BOSS ORV, has made the announcement, saying it is a major advantage for the AODES dealer network to have such a historic ATV dealer join the AODES dealer network. ATV Services was founded in 1989 by director John Yuille Snr., originally as a service operation. He was joined by his son less than two years later, and today the business is the largest supplier of utility ATVs in the UK. The company has four depots and thirty-seven operating staff and has recently been awarded the King’s Royal Warrant for ‘Supply and Servicing of All-Terrain Vehicles’. Their headquarters is a newly built premises at Whitefordhill, Ayr. ATV Services Scotland Ltd. is now solely owned by the founder’s son, John Yuille, and his wife Janis, and they are joined by their son, Billy, as the business’s third-generation family. Initially, the AODES range of ATVs and utility vehicles will be sold and supported by the Newton Stewart depot to cover Southwest Scotland.

ATV Services Scotland Ltd appointed as AODES dealership

ATV Services Scotland Ltd appointed as AODES dealership

“We are delighted to further our relationship with BOSS ORV by adding AODES to our customer offering,” says John. “Although a newer brand to the UK, we have watched its development over the years and feel this is a great time to get involved. Regardless of any brand we represent, our company is totally committed to providing our customers with the highest quality after-sales support, and this is exactly what we shall do with AODES. We look forward to developing our company further with the brand.”

The AODES brand dates back thirty years when it was established as ODES in China, with a USA R&D and distribution centre in California. The range comprises ATVs and UTVs, featuring 525cc and V-Twin engines in 650cc and 1000cc displacements. Described as being developed for work or play, they are designed to navigate off-road terrain with ease, seamlessly merging professional utility with outdoor comfort.

BOSS ORV National Sales Manager, Neil Everett says, “AODES are sold in over 100 countries and offer highly competitive, quality alternatives to more well-known brands while providing an exceptional range of functional features and benefits. We’re so pleased to welcome ATV Services Scotland as an AODES dealership for sales and support, and look forward to working with John and the team to offer AODES to Scottish ATV and UTV users.”

For more information about BOSS ORV distributed machinery, you can call 01785 561046

E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk Web: www.bossorv.co.uk

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Integrated Weed Management takes centre stage

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Integrated Weed Management takes centre stage: GroundsFest Academy kicked off its 2026 programme in style with a fully booked Integrated Weed Management (IWM) event, bringing together contractors, local authorities, educators and suppliers for a free day of learning, discussion and hands-on demonstrations.

Held at the Wiltshire FA headquarters, the event focused on the latest guidance, funding opportunities and practical solutions surrounding integrated weed management, with a particular emphasis on reducing reliance on chemicals and exploring effective alternative methods. Delivered in partnership with Kersten UK, Terrazza MC, Parks for London and Lantra, the day combined expert-led presentations with interactive outdoor sessions and live equipment demonstrations.

Integrated Weed Management takes centre stage

Integrated Weed Management takes centre stage

The programme introduced delegates to the core principles of integrated weed management, alongside the latest industry guidance, legislative developments and funding information. Attendees were also able to explore chemical-free and alternative weed control methods in action, helping to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

Sean Faulkner of Kersten UK highlighted the growing momentum behind IWM and the importance of education.

“We’re trying to educate as many people as possible on the benefits of integrated weed management. We’ve been helping to develop the guidance and training around it, and it’s slowly building up steam. This was a great way of getting that information out to more people. It’s been a really good group today, with a big mix of attendees who have all been really engaged.”

Hands-on learning was a key theme throughout the day. Luca Smith from Terrazza MC explained why practical demonstrations are so important.

“Weed control is really traditional, most people think of spraying or strimming. There are so many alternative methods out there, especially with the environmental impact of traditional approaches. Everyone today was really hands-on, asking loads of questions, and it’s great to be able to let people actually use the equipment and see how it works.”

Education providers were also keen to stay aligned with the latest developments. Richard Goldsmith, who attended from Warwickshire College Group, said:

“Today was about making sure I’m delivering the most up-to-date information to my apprentices. Integrated weed management is a great step towards the future. The technology around heat treatments has really moved on, and it’s getting to the point where we can see it as a real alternative to chemical control. Events like this are a brilliant way to keep CPD up to date.”

Other delegates also echoed the value of the event. Jason Lee from Countrywide Grounds Maintenance said:

“We want to understand what’s around the corner and how we can move towards more environmentally friendly solutions. Seeing how the training is structured around integrated weed management has been really interesting.”

Matt Jones of Sipcam Home and Garden added:

“It’s been a brilliant day for understanding the challenges around integrated weed management and how it all fits together for councils and contractors. Offering this event for free is superb.”

David Fisher from Lantra, a partner of the GroundsFest Academy, summed up the wider impact:

“It’s about sharing best practice, upskilling the industry and making people more aware of the training and resources available. It’s really raising the profile of integrated weed management.”

Ed Stannard from Parks for London said:

“We’re hoping delegates leave feeling more confident to consider non-chemical-first approaches, while understanding there are still situations where chemicals are necessary. We’re delighted with the turnout.”

Bradley Tennant, Director of Education at GroundsFest Academy, said the event set the tone for a busy year ahead. “We’re really happy to have our best turnout so far, and we’ve got a lot planned for the future.”

With strong attendance, positive feedback and a packed programme of future events, GroundsFest Academy continues to play a vital role in supporting education, innovation and best practice across the industry.

For more information, visit www.groundsfestacademy.com

For more information, please visit www.groundsfestacademy.com 

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Brand switch for Massereene Golf Club

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Brand switch for Massereene Golf Club: Massereene Golf Club in Northern Ireland has recently changed its cutting fleet to Toro. The significant overhaul was driven by performance, reliability, and reassurance in the brand and dealer service in Keys Brothers who managed the deal.

For the parkland course with narrow fairways and small greens, accuracy is the key to successful play. The same rule applies for cutting these areas. It needs to be precise and exact and Course Manager Mark Cassidy knew it would be Toro that could best handle these intricacies.

Brand switch for Massereene Golf Club

Brand switch for Massereene Golf Club

“I’ve been working as a greenkeeper for 35 years and know what’s required to deliver the best results,” he says. “I know from experience that when it comes to performance Toro is what we can rely on when it comes to ensuring the best finish across the course, but it especially withstands the test in the trickier areas. We couldn’t be happier with the results.”

Trusting in the brand’s performance is equally as important as ensuring a top quality finish, and this was something the club as a whole needed to get behind.

Mark explains: “The committee was of course involved in the decision to move away from our previous supplier and bring Toro on board – everyone needed to be in agreement that this was the best route forward for the club to guarantee its success over the next five years. We had to consider the tournaments we were hosting, machinery servicing and backup and support.

“For the ISPS HANDA World Invitational for example, Toro stepped forward with loan machines for us to use in preparation for and throughout the event. We were well supported and the view from everyone was that using Toro guaranteed the immaculate presentation we needed.”

The maintenance support and customer service from Keys Brothers completed the package and the club will take advantage of a full service plan from the dealer including regular sharpenings, new blade fittings and preset checks.

“We don’t have a mechanic but by having the maintenance supplied by Keys Brothers it’s like we do. It enables us to be consistent with our records and keep on schedule. It guarantees peace of mind when it comes to health and safety too.”

The deal comprises a full cutting fleet of greens, tees, fairways and rough mowers including hybrid cutting options such as the Reelmaster 5010-H and three new Workman models in a utility vehicle refresh.

Andy Keys, Company Director for Keys Brothers, says: “Massereene is a club with big plans and aspirational goals. They didn’t want the equipment they were using holding them back. By talking to us they realised there was a way to have the quality machinery and the support they needed in a comprehensive package that brings better value for money. Now they have a fixed price for the machines and the maintenance and no unexpected bills or unwelcome surprises like they were having before.”

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The British greenkeeper building a world-class course

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The British greenkeeper building a world-class course: Jamie Faulkner’s journey from suburban London to the searing heat of Bahrain has been defined by travel and an enduring love of greenkeeping.

He first got on a mower at 16, working at Bletchingley Golf Club in Surrey. “I just liked using the machines,” he says. “It felt like a fun job at first, but once I started playing golf, I was hooked. I’ve never thought about doing anything else.”

The British greenkeeper building a world-class course

The British greenkeeper building a world-class course

That early enthusiasm has taken him across the world. From his roots in Croydon, Jamie has built a career that’s seen him work on courses in Australia, the United States, India and Saudi Arabia before settling in Bahrain as Director of Agronomy at The Royal Golf Club — the only grass course on the island.

The Royal hosted a DP World Tour event this month, so it’s a venue where expectations are high and presentation is everything. The course is also the country’s golfing flagship, setting the standard for two new developments now being planned elsewhere on the island.

“The players love coming here because it’s such a contrast to the rest of the region,” says Jamie. “Presentation and playing consistency are everything. Our goal for the DP World Tour was for the course to be the best it’s ever been.”

Huge investment

The club recently completed a £1.5 million machinery investment, replacing an ageing competitor fleet with a full suite of John Deere equipment supplied by Orient Irrigation Services.

“The guys love the machines, especially the mowers,” says Jamie. “The kit we had before was 15 years old and completely run into the ground, so these are a huge step up. Everyone’s very happy with them.”

The new fleet includes compact tractors, mowers, and two HD200 sprayers on ProGators. While the purchase was driven by the golf course, the machinery will also support the wider operation, which includes maintaining the nearby horse racing track and landscaping around 1,000 villas that neighbour the club.

“I’ve got 85 staff in the landscape business and 45 on the course,” Jamie explains. “It’s quite normal managing big teams here in the Middle East because the conditions are so demanding. The desert environment means there’s a lot of manual labour, from weeding and raking sand dunes to constant irrigation work.”

Away from home, but the weather still dominates

The heat presents relentless challenges. Temperatures can climb to 50 degrees with 90% humidity, making disease and pest prevention a year-round priority. “It’s a brutal climate,” he says. “We have to stay on top of everything, especially pythium root rot, which can take hold fast in the summer.”

Jamie’s journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. After several years working in and around London, first at Chipstead and then at The Addington, he decided to take his greenkeeping skills overseas.

His first stop was Kalgoorlie Golf Club near Perth, Australia, followed by a posting to Fiddlesticks Country Club in south-west Florida through the Ohio State University internship programme.

He spent three years in Bahrain before taking a superintendent’s role at a course in Bangalore, India, before moving to Riyadh to work for Golf Saudi. When travel restrictions hit during the pandemic, he commuted 600 kilometres between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain every two weeks to see his family.

“I’ve been away from the UK for 12 years now,” he says. “I was desperate to see the world, and I wanted to learn something new with every move. You pick up so much experience working in different climates and with different grasses. I think it makes you a better greenkeeper.”

The Royal’s 450 members are mainly ex-pat golfers, but with two new courses planned in Bahrain, there’s optimism that more international visitors will follow. For now, Jamie’s focus is on perfecting the playing surfaces and ensuring the club continues to set the standard for golf in the region.

Dealer support a major factor 

Dealer support plays a big part in that. Jamie works with Orient’s Harry Pattinson, a former outlet manager at John Deere dealer Thomas Sherriff in the UK. Despite being based an hour’s flight away, Harry provides ongoing technical and parts backup.

“We’ve agreed to do an annual expert check of the fleet,” says Harry. “We’ll spend a week going through every machine, checking for any small warranty issues and making sure Jamie’s team gets the most from the investment.”

For Jamie, keeping things simple is key. “We’ve got a huge workforce with people jumping on and off machines all day,” he says. “They need to be easy to use and reliable, which John Deere delivers. Out here, that’s what really matters.”

From his early days cutting greens in Surrey to preparing a DP World Tour venue in Bahrain, Jamie’s story is proof that passion and persistence can take you a long way. Even to the edge of the desert.

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