Links Kennedy Bay Re-opens with EcoBunker Technology

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Links Kennedy Bay Re-opens with EcoBunker Technology: One of Australia’s leading golf courses, Links Kennedy Bay, has fully re-opened following an 18 hole re-design that includes the addition of over 100 pot bunkers featuring synthetic revetted faces from U.K. bunker specialists EcoBunker.

The ambitious project was led by former Tour professional and acclaimed course architect Graham Marsh, working alongside Western Australian industry leader Trevor Strachan. With the original back nine sold for development, the redesign required a brand-new back nine as well as the rerouting of holes 5 to 9. The changes gave Marsh a rare blank canvas to elevate playing conditions while safeguarding the long-term integrity of the course.

Links Kennedy Bay Re-opens with EcoBunker Technology

Links Kennedy Bay Re-opens with EcoBunker Technology

“The use of EcoBunker was validated through a feasibility study by Trevor Strachan, which confirmed its long-term advantages over natural revetting,” said Adam Strachan of Sports Turf Construction, project manager for the redevelopment. “I was initially concerned about using synthetic faces in such a beautiful, natural landscape, but the results are superb. The bunkers are indistinguishable from natural revetts and come with a minimum 25-year lifespan.”

Chief among the challenges for the re-design were the extreme weather conditions in the area. Along with the very hot, dry summers, Perth is renowned as one of the windiest cities in the world. In addition, the region receives up to 600mm of rain annually, most of which comes in the winter months, making bunkers vulnerable to sand blow, wash out and erosion.

“The course previously had natural revetted bunkers, but with exposure to the elements many wasted away into sandy faces and became very irregular. The new design ensures consistency across the course, maintains the intended challenge that golfers face from the bunkers, delivers a sharp, natural aesthetic and will do all these things for many years without significant maintenance,” continued Strachan.

Bunker walls on the course now range from 60cm to a dramatic 1.8 metres. Installed by Sports Turf Construction with support from EcoBunker Australian distributor Turfcare Australia, the system adapted to every design challenge across the four phase project.

“The course takes inspiration from the world’s great links courses,” Strachan concluded. “We’re particularly proud of our interpretation of the famous ‘Hell Bunker’ from the 14th at St Andrews. EcoBunker gave us the stability to create an intimidating, visually striking feature that will stand the test of time. After building 100+ EcoBunkers at Kennedy Bay, I’ll be looking to use this technology wherever possible in future projects.”

For more information on how EcoBunker can help meet the challenges faced at your course, visit www.ecobunker.co.uk

For all enquiries relating to Australian-New Zealand and South Pacific, please contact Turfcare Australasia at www.turfcareaus.com.au or Sales@turfcareaus.com.au

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Tom Curry Joins STIGA as Brand Ambassador

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Tom Curry Joins STIGA as Brand Ambassador: STIGA is delighted to announce England Rugby player Tom Curry as the brand’s newest ambassador. The partnership brings together one of rugby’s most respected and powerful players with one of Europe’s leading garden machinery brands — united by shared values of teamwork, reliability, performance, and community.

Through this exciting collaboration, Tom will be working with STIGA to explore his growing passion for gardening and test a range of innovative products designed to help him create his own “pitch-perfect lawn” at home.

Tom Curry said:

“I’m delighted to be an ambassador for STIGA. The timing of this partnership is perfect as I’m currently in the process of moving house and looking forward to spending lots of time in my garden. I can’t wait to test out STIGA’s great range of products and see what they can do. For when I’m in camp or during busy training periods, the STIGA autonomous robot mower sounds ideal!”

Tom Curry Joins STIGA as Brand Ambassador

Tom Curry Joins STIGA as Brand Ambassador

“I’ve always been passionate about recognising the importance of grassroots rugby — you need strong foundations to grow, achieve, and follow your dreams. That’s why this partnership with STIGA feels so natural. Just like rugby, great gardens start from the ground up.”

Renowned for his uncompromising tackling and relentless work rate, Tom is a player whose performances embody precision, power, and consistency — qualities that STIGA prides itself on delivering in every product.

As part of STIGA’s wider partnership with England Rugby, this collaboration with Tom reflects a shared commitment to supporting the game at every level — from grassroots clubs to the international stage. STIGA’s belief in nurturing potential and creating lasting impact mirrors the way rugby builds communities and inspires the next generation.

James Gordon, Managing Director at STIGA, added:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Tom to the STIGA family. His work ethic, reliability, and commitment to performance — both on and off the pitch — perfectly align with our values. Together, we’re championing growth, from grassroots clubs to home gardens, helping people nurture their own green spaces with pride.”

Shared Values, Shared Impact

At their core, rugby and STIGA are built on the same foundations — teamwork, reliability, performance, and community. It’s this shared spirit that helps both players and gardeners grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact

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The Grass People’s Expert Tips for a Greener Winter Lawn

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The Grass People’s Expert Tips for a Greener Winter Lawn: As temperatures drop and frost sets in, many UK homeowners assume their lawns must go dormant until spring. But according to Chris McIlroy, Lawn Expert at The Grass People, “winter is not the end it’s the preparation stage”.

Their winter lawn-care products gives gardeners the right tools to keep lawns nourished, moss-free, and healthy all season long ensuring a strong, vibrant return in spring.

The Grass People’s Expert Tips for a Greener Winter Lawn

The Grass People’s Expert Tips for a Greener Winter Lawn

Step 1: Spread precisely don’t waste your effort

Even the best fertiliser underperforms if it’s applied unevenly. The Grass People’s range of professional-grade lawn spreaders ensures consistent, controlled application across lawns of any size. From lightweight handheld spreaders for smaller gardens to broadcast options for larger areas, even coverage means better results and no patchy regrowth.

“A spreader may seem simple, but it’s the secret to consistency,” says Chris McIlroy, Lawn Expert at The Grass People. “Every handful applied evenly saves you from patchy growth and wasted product.”

Step 2: Feed for the season, not the week

Winter lawncare is about slow, steady nourishment not quick fixes. The Grass People’s SLOW RELEASE: Autumn/Winter Fertiliser provides up to four months of feeding in a single treatment. With an NPK of 8-0-6 plus added magnesium and iron, it strengthens grass against frost and disease, helping roots stay active through the colder months.

Apply in late autumn while the soil is still workable to lock in nutrients before growth slows.“Our slow-release formulas mean fewer applications and less waste, ideal for time-poor gardeners who still want results,” says Chris McIlroy.

Step 3: Control moss while you feed

Moss thrives in damp, shaded lawns when grass weakens during winter. The SLOW RELEASE: Winter Feed & Moss Control takes a dual-action approach, feeding the grass while discouraging moss growth.
With an NPK of 5-0-8 and 9 % iron, it delivers colour, strength, and up to eight weeks of moss protection.

“Winter can be tough on lawns, but it doesn’t have to be the season of damage,” adds Chris McIlroy. “By feeding your lawn and keeping moss in check now, you’re setting yourself up for a healthier, greener spring.”

When to act

  • October – December: Apply Autumn/Winter Fertiliser to strengthen before frost.
  • January – March: Use Winter Feed & Moss Control to protect and maintain colour.
  • Year-round: Use spreaders for precision, for fertiliser, seed, or even grit salt in icy conditions.

Why it matters

A strong, nourished lawn over winter:

  • Prevents bare patches and moss invasion
  • Reduces disease risk and frost stress

Requires less renovation in spring

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BIGGA members chosen for R&A Championship Agronomy Programme

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BIGGA members chosen for R&A Championship Agronomy Programme: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and The R&A have selected 10 ambitious and talented greenkeepers to provide support during five of the biggest championships in 2026.

Following an extensive application process, the BIGGA members chosen as the second cohort for The R&A Championship Agronomy Programme will join the home greenkeeping teams for the hosting of next year’s Championships, including The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale and the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

BIGGA members chosen for R&A Championship Agronomy Programme

BIGGA members chosen for R&A Championship Agronomy Programme

The greenkeepers, who hail from across the UK and beyond, will gain experience in elite championship preparation, working alongside the host teams and The R&A’s Championship Agronomy Team.

The volunteers will be on site at:

  • The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale
  • The AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes
  • The Amateur Championship at Royal Liverpool and West Lancashire
  • The Women’s Amateur Championship at Muirfield
  • The Walker Cup at Lahinch

Each member is selected to participate at one of the championships, where they will be fully embedded in championship preparations. The entire group will also assemble at BTME in January, attend an education session at Royal Liverpool Golf Club and will be invited to attend The Open, where they will learn about course preparation and the staging of a major championship.

The R&A Championship Agronomy Programme is the latest opportunity for BIGGA members, building on a range of initiatives designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and professional development of greenkeepers.

Adam Newton, Sustainable Championship Agronomy Lead at The R&A, said: “Following on from the great success of the inaugural programme in 2025, we are delighted to welcome another fantastic cohort of delegates for 2026.

“They will gain a truly unique educational experience and a fascinating insight into championship agronomy and greenkeeping at the highest level and at some of the most historic and prestigious championships in the world.”

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “This year’s inaugural programme clearly demonstrated the incredible value of this initiative, both for those who took part and for the wider profession.

“I’d like to congratulate the 2026 cohort on being selected to continue that legacy. Their involvement represents an outstanding professional development opportunity and a chance to gain unique, first-hand experience at the very highest level of championship preparation.

“BIGGA’s partnership with The R&A reflects our shared commitment to education, collaboration and excellence in golf course management, and to ensuring that greenkeepers remain central to the future of the game.”

BIGGA members selected for 2026

  • Scott Allen, greenkeeper, The Mid Ocean Club — The 154th Open, Royal Birkdale
  • Brent Downs CGCS MG, director of agronomy, Otter Creek — The Amateur Championship, Royal Liverpool and West Lancashire
  • Jonathan Fisher, head greenkeeper, Ruddington Grange — The AIG Women’s Open, Royal Lytham & St Annes
  • Paul Fowkes, course manager, Kilworth Springs — The Walker Cup, Lahinch
  • Scott Fraser, greenkeeper, Trump International — The 154th Open Royal Birkdale
  • Harry Glover, greenkeeper, Lee Park — The Amateur Championship, Royal Liverpool and West Lancashire
  • Tom Jennings, course manager, Calcot Park — The Women’s Amateur Championship, Muirfield
  • Kate Stillwell, course manager, Golf Club of Kópavogur and Garðabær — The AIG Women’s Open, Royal Lytham & St Annes
  • Jethro Wilson, head greenkeeper, Bradford Moor — The Women’s Amateur Championship, Muirfield
  • Dominic Wright, greenkeeper, Fulford — The 154th Open, Royal Birkdale

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Origin hosts successful golf irrigation training days

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Origin hosts successful golf irrigation training days: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS), the exclusive Rain Bird Golf distributor for the UK, recently hosted two successful golf irrigation training days, providing delegates with a comprehensive understanding of their irrigation systems and how to optimise their performance.

The first session took place at Luffenham Heath Golf Club, Stamford, on Thursday 30 October, where a new Rain Bird irrigation system has recently been installed. The second event was held at Ashby Decoy Golf Club, Scunthorpe, on Wednesday 5 November.

Origin hosts successful golf irrigation training days

Origin hosts successful golf irrigation training days

Both events were well attended, attracting course managers, greenkeepers and irrigation technicians keen to enhance their technical knowledge. BIGGA CPD points were available to attendees, reinforcing the educational value of the sessions.

The training gave delegates an in-depth understanding of irrigation hydraulics on their own courses, exploring how to make existing irrigation systems operate more uniformly and how to combat dry patch to achieve better results without significant capital investment. The sessions also included an introduction to Rain Bird’s CirrusPRO™ control system, with discussion around how central control technology can help make irrigation more uniform and effective.

The days were hosted by Peter Robin, OAS Irrigation Product Manager, and Angus Finlayson, OAS Irrigation & Digital Solutions Lead, who shared their expertise and practical experience throughout.

Peter Robin commented, “It was fantastic to see so many enthusiastic delegates keen to deepen their understanding of irrigation technology. We aimed to help them get the best out of their systems, and the feedback has been really positive. The engagement and questions throughout both days showed a genuine interest in making irrigation more efficient and effective on the golf course.”

Angus Finlayson added, “Both events were a great success. We focused on broader irrigation principles rather than system-specific demonstrations and the level of participation was excellent. It was rewarding to see delegates leave with more confidence in operating and improving their irrigation systems, regardless of the brand.”

For information on upcoming events and training opportunities, visit www.originamenity.com.

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