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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New AS 990 Tahr RC rotary mower enters series production

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New AS 990 Tahr RC rotary mower enters series production: Series production of the new remote-controlled sickle mower from AS-Motor has begun, and the first machines have already been delivered. With the AS 990 Tahr RC, the high grass specialist is expanding its RC portfolio with a mower that impresses above all with its bidirectional mowing mode and extreme slope capability.

Faster mowing on steep slopes

The AS 990 Tahr RC operates without a conventional direction of travel. Its sickle mower, which is open on both sides, enables a clean cut forwards and backwards, including even clippings distribution. There is no need to turn after each pass. This saves time and significantly increases the area coverage. The proven cross-blade system from the Sherpa family delivers high cutting power. Grass and scrub up to 1.5 metres high are cut at high speed by two pendulum blades and shredded by the cutter bar above. The large-area deposit of the cut material facilitates its rapid decomposition.

New AS 990 Tahr RC rotary mower enters series production

New AS 990 Tahr RC rotary mower enters series production

The caterpillar design with even weight distribution, large support width and low centre of gravity ensures high traction in every driving situation, uphill, downhill and across slopes. With a slope capability of up to 56 degrees (across the slope), the machine remains stable and controllable. Only the caterpillar tracks have contact with the ground, which reduces the risk of getting stuck and protects the turf. The low ground pressure of only 0.14 kg/cm² underlines the soil-conserving approach.

Intuitive control, high area coverage

The remote control, reduced to the essentials, enables precise working even in demanding terrain. It is child’s play to mow straight lines or turn on the spot if necessary. The automatic reversal (left/right) of the control lever saves you having to rethink when changing direction. In practice, the AS 990 Tahr RC achieves an area coverage of up to 4,500 m² per hour.

Simple and robust – typical AS-Motor

AS-Motor also focuses on maximum robustness and low complexity with the AS 990 Tahr RC. The design is geared towards durability, low susceptibility to faults and easy maintenance, with a solid square steel tube frame, the established cross blade system from the Sherpa series, reliable hydrostatic drives from Hydro-Gear and the proven engine from the AS 940 Sherpa. The asymmetrical crawler track prevents the chains from jumping off, and their tension can be quickly checked and adjusted. Easily accessible service points, a hinged engine cover, few wear parts and moderate fuel consumption of around 4.5 litres per hour ensure economical operation. The compact dimensions, low weight of 502 kg and sturdy lashing points facilitate transport and handling, even in a van.

Safe mowing with the new AS 990 Tahr RC

In addition to productivity and robustness, the AS 990 Tahr RC focuses on user safety. Remote control operation significantly increases this, especially on steep slopes. Users work outside the danger zone, with less dust and noise exposure. Triple ejection protection reduces the risk of stone chips, and an automatic parking brake engages when the machine is stationary or in an emergency stop. Optionally available LED headlights also improve visibility in difficult lighting conditions.

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GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events

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GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) will expand GMA Connect in 2026, rolling out six UK-wide events designed to bring practical, accessible learning directly to grounds staff and volunteers.

Following two successful pilot events in 2025, the 2026 GMA Connect programme will take place in Oxford, Cardiff, Manchester, Leeds, Southampton and Ipswich, ensuring grounds people can access hands-on learning closer to home.

GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events

GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events

As a core GMA member benefit, GMA Connect brings the Association’s learning experience into regional hubs whilst also welcoming the wider grounds management industry. Each one‑day event offers a mix of targeted seminar sessions and live demonstrations from leading suppliers, giving attendees the chance to see products, equipment and techniques in action.

Designed around real‑world challenges faced by local grounds teams, GMA Connect focuses on practical solutions and takeaways that can be put to use immediately on site.

2026 Schedule:

  • Abingdon School (Oxford) – Thursday 16 April
  • Cardiff City Stadium (Cardiff) – Wednesday 22 April
  • Joie Stadium, Manchester City (Manchester) – Thursday 14 May
  • Headingley Stadium (Leeds) – Tuesday 19 May
  • Stoneham Lane Football Complex (Southampton) – Thursday 21 May
  • Ipswich Rugby Club (Ipswich) – Thursday 4 June

What Attendees Say:

Sean Smith, Groundsperson at Croke Park, said: “Events like this are important because they’re accessible and give you the chance to see things outside your everyday routine. You can chat with different people, see what they do differently and share what you do differently. I would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking about attending.”

Ticket Information:

  • Joie Stadium, Manchester City: £10 for GMA members | £50 for non-members
  • All other events: Free for GMA members | £35 for non-members

“The two pilot events in 2025 were a huge success, so we’re delighted to be rolling out six events across the UK in 2026,” said Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA. “It’s all about delivering high-quality learning closer to home and making it more accessible and easier to fit around the busy lives of grounds people. GMA Connect is a core member benefit and these events allow us to bring the GMA learning experience directly into the regions.”

GMA Connect is open to grounds professionals and volunteers working across all levels of the sector, from grassroots to elite sport. The programme is supported by GMA Platinum Supporters MJ Abbott, Kubota, Howardson Group, ISEKI, Cramer and GKB, working in partnership with the GMA.

For more information and to secure your place, visit thegma.org.uk/connect.

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