Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories

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Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), Reesink UK and Toro have revealed the winners of the prestigious Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year awards at a spectacular event at Oulton Hall in West Yorkshire.

Two student greenkeepers who had travelled the furthest proved victorious, with Jack Vowell of Farrington Park in Somerset and Daniel Parker of Knighton Heath in Dorset claiming the top prizes.

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories

Following regional judging earlier in the year, 10 finalists were selected to contest the prestigious awards at Oulton Hall, where there was further examination of their abilities with a series of tests that gave them the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and passion for the greenkeeping industry.

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award was presented to Jack Vowell, Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Farrington Park, by Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager at Reesink Turfcare and main award judge. Jack is a former recruitment consultant who switched to greenkeeping five years ago and is a student at Bridgwater and Taunton College.

Jack said: “It was such a strong field that when the runner-up’s name was read out I thought, ‘I’ve got no chance, he’s fantastic compared to me’ and so I was in complete shock when my name was announced as the winner. I just couldn’t believe it was me! ”

Jon Cole added: “The five main finalists were very impressive and they have done themselves and their clubs proud. They show that the industry is in extremely safe hands going forward. It was a closely run competition and everyone acquitted themselves well. Jack, however, showed a balance of professionalism and technical knowledge, which he knew how to deliver.”

Runner-up in the main category was Jack Wellings, Senior Greenkeeper at the JCB Golf and Country Club and a student at Myerscough College.

The Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award was presented to Daniel Parker, Apprentice Greenkeeper at Knighton Heath, by David Timms, National Accounts Manager for Reesink Turfcare and young award judge. Daniel is a student at Sparsholt College.

Daniel said: “So many emotions were going around my head, I couldn’t believe it, but it’s brilliant. I phoned my dad as soon as I found out and he was with some family at home and they were all celebrating with me. I then spoke to my course manager and he and the rest of the team were completely thrilled. This award is as much for them as it is for me because we’re all part of a team.”

David Timms added: “The young finalists shone on the course walk, demonstrating a fantastic level of knowledge with enthusiasm and confidence. All the awards judges felt proud, pleased and privileged to be able to see the calibre of the next generation of greenkeeping in front of us. Daniel is destined for a long career in the industry and is a worthy winner of the Young award.”

Runner-up in the young category was Alex Fox, Apprentice Greenkeeper at Woodhall Spa and a matchday groundsperson at Lincoln City FC and Wembley Stadium. Alex is a student at Bishop Burton College.

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “Congratulations to Jack Vowell and Daniel Parker, two very worthy winners, and huge thanks to our friends at Reesink Turfcare and Toro for another truly inspirational Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year finals here at Oulton Hall. It’s been a fantastic event with 10 wonderful finalists all trying their best. BIGGA exists to try and improve the world for greenkeepers and looking at what we’ve had in front of us today and over the last few months through the process, I think greenkeeping has a bright future ahead.”

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards will return in 2025. More information including how to nominate a student greenkeeper and the extraordinary prizes on offer is available on the BIGGA website and the Reesink Turfcare website Students Awards | Reesink Turfcare.

You can also watch the moment the winners were revealed and view exclusive interviews with Jack Vowell and Daniel Parker on the BIGGA website.

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Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success

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Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success: Ten members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) have been selected for the Bernhard Academy Links to Success United Kingdom 2025, and they will attend the 2025 BTME conference in Harrogate, England, in January.

For more than two decades, Bernhard has selected 10 members of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) to attend the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in the U.S. to experience the show, and through this programme, North American superintendents will now have the opportunity for a similar experience in the UK.

Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success

Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success

“We are very proud to introduce this initiative to GCSAA members.” Sami Strutt says, “we look forward to welcoming the selected ten to the UK to visit BTME, the largest turf exhibition outside the US and to take part in the Continue to Learn education programme in Harrogate. We’re excited to get them to explore British turf practices and discover iconic golf courses.“

While in the UK, the GCSAA delegation will experience traditional Links golf courses, get an inside look of an Open Championship golf course, discover the heritage of the first Ryder Cup venue, attend the BTME annual conference, have global networking opportunities and more.

The members of the Bernhard Academy Links to Success United Kingdom 2025 class are:

  • Brent Downs, CGCS, MG, director of agronomy at Otter Creek Golf Course in Seymour, (Ind.)
  • Tyler Miget, equipment manager at Harmony Golf Club (Colo.)
  • Matt Gourlay, CGCS, MG, AGS superintendent at Hillcrest Country Club in Boise, (Idaho)
  • Cole Miedema, assistant superintendent at Overlake Golf & Country Club in Medina, (Wash.)
  • Matthew Overton, superintendent at Buffalo (Wyo.) Golf
  • Emily Casey, assistant superintendent at Seven Canyons in Flagstaff, (Ariz.)
  • Matt Earhart, superintendent at Chartwell Golf & Country Club in Severna Park, (Md.)
  • Clay Payne, superintendent at Buffalo Dunes Golf Course in Garden City, (Kan.)
  • Ryan Franklin, superintendent at Brickyard Crossing Golf Course in Indianapolis, (Ind.)
  • Carol Turner, superintendent at Bigwin Island Golf Club in Huntsville, (Ontario)

“The Links to Success programme will no doubt strengthen international relationships within the industry,” Kevin Sunderman, CGCS, GCSAA chief operating officer, said. “This opportunity will benefit not only the GCSAA members involved but will enhance the future of the game of golf.”

To learn more, visit www.gcsaa.org/foundation/education/links-to-success

To find out more about the Bernhard Academy, visit www.bernhardacademy.co.uk

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Green-tech’s distribution partnership with Kinley Systems

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Green-tech’s distribution partnership with Kinley Systems: Green-tech, the UK’s leading supplier of landscaping materials, is thrilled to announce its partnership with renowned manufacturer Kinley Systems. This collaboration will see Green-tech distributing Kinley’s comprehensive range of landscape edging products directly to its customers.

Effective immediately, customers can order the Kinley Systems edging range through their dedicated Green-tech account manager.

Kinley Systems is a leading manufacturer of innovative landscape edging products, renowned for their quality and durability. The products that Green-tech have chosen to launch with include,

  • FORT: L-shape profile, roll-topped steel edge restraint designed for hard landscape surfaces. It is ideal for delineating hard surfaces such as asphalt, tarmac, rubber coating, resin, and paving. Also perfect for high-traffic areas including parks, playgrounds, and building perimeters.
  • Bison Kerb: A heavy-duty steel kerb for edging hard landscapes, Bison serves as a superior alternative to concrete kerbs. It is suitable for replacing concrete in civil construction developments including service roads (excluding motorways), pavements, car parks, drive and pathways.

Green-tech offers the most comprehensive range of landscaping materials in the UK, stocking over 10,000 product lines. The addition of Kinley Systems’ edging products to their portfolio provides an even greater choice for their customers.

Richard Gill, Sales Director at Green-tech, commented on the partnership: “We are excited to strengthen our portfolio with the addition of market-leading edging products from Kinley Systems. The Kinley Systems range is an excellent fit for us and reinforces our commitment to delivering top-tier products that meet the evolving demands of our clients. Kinley Systems’ passion for innovation and design excellence to resolve challenges and open up new possibilities aligns with Green-tech’s values and ethos; this collaboration allows us to provide our customers with additional innovative and high-quality solutions for their landscaping needs.”

For more information on the new range of Kinley Systems products and to place orders, customers are encouraged to contact the Green-tech team today on 01423 322100 or visit www.green-tech.co.uk.

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GroundsFest 2024: More Exhibitors, More Visitors, More Excitement

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GroundsFest 2024: More Exhibitors, More Visitors, More Excitement: The second edition of GroundsFest, held on 10 and 11 September at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, has firmly established itself as the UK’s largest grounds management and landscaping event. Following a strong debut in 2023, this year’s show exceeded all expectations, marking a significant milestone in its young history.

With 8,014 visitors across two days—4,738 on day one and 3,276 on day two—GroundsFest 2024 saw an impressive increase in attendance, a remarkable feat for an event that only launched last year. The expanded event layout immediately immersed visitors in the action, creating an engaging and dynamic atmosphere from the moment they arrived.

One of the standout features of this year’s GroundsFest was the introduction of Machinery Nation LIVE, which captivated large crowds with thrilling machinery face-offs. Visitors watched top brands go head-to-head in a series of entertaining and rigorous trials, comparing performance across categories such as petrol vs. battery, agility, power, and more. Machinery Nation LIVE also provided interactive equipment challenges where attendees could compete for prizes, adding to the excitement and engagement throughout the show.

And speaking of prizes, GroundsFest 2024 was a treasure trove for lucky visitors. Attendees had the chance to win a wide range of impressive prizes, including a Toro ProStripe 560, a CyberTank portable power station and up to £20,000 worth of Kress tools, an award-winning battery pruner SC 100e and a SWIFT 372e battery garden ride-on mower from STIGA, an EGO Pro X battery-powered pedestrian mower, a Union Jack Turf Tank robot, and much more.

Innovation took centre stage at GroundsFest 2024 as over 60 new products were launched, providing visitors with a firsthand look at the latest in grounds management and landscaping technology. The mix of indoor and outdoor areas also struck a perfect balance. Indoors, a vibrant show floor offered a diverse range of exhibitors showcasing products and services, while the seminar theatres hosted a wealth of educational sessions, all free to attend.

The Landscape Zone, an entire hall dedicated to professionals in the design, planning, and construction of outdoor spaces in the landscaping sector proved to be popular, adding another dimension to the show’s offering.

Grounds Training practical sessions were another highlight, attracting large crowds eager to learn from experienced instructors on the use and maintenance of pedestrian mowers, ride-on mowers, handheld machinery, and sprayers.

Hands-on experience is one of GroundsFest’s key strengths, and attendees once again relished the opportunity to test out equipment before making purchasing decisions. The Avant National Pro Challenge was also a hit, with participants showcasing their skills in an exciting competition that involved slaloms, material handling, and tool changes in an Avant Loader.

Beyond the business of grounds management and landscaping, the festival atmosphere of GroundsFest offered a fun way for exhibitors and visitors alike to unwind. The popular happy hour, live bands, and free bumper cars added to the entertainment, ensuring that GroundsFest was not just about work but also about building relationships and enjoying the industry’s camaraderie.

Event Director Christopher Bassett summed up the event’s success, saying: “It’s incredible to see how much support GroundsFest has received from every corner of the industry. The growth from last year has been phenomenal, and we’re so grateful to all the exhibitors, visitors, and partners who made this year’s show such a success. As we look to the future, we want to continue growing and evolving the show—and the only way to do that is by listening to the industry. That’s why we encourage everyone to take the time to fill out the surveys we’ve sent out. Your feedback is invaluable.”

GroundsFest 2025 is already on the horizon, set to take place on 9 and 10 September at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. After this year’s monumental success, anticipation is already building for what promises to be an even bigger and better event next year.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Category expansions across Town & Country and Wilkinson Sword

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Category expansions across Town & Country and Wilkinson Sword: Barrus is excited to announce the launch of its new product lineup for the 2024/25 season, featuring a wide array of new items and significant category expansions under its renowned Town & Country and Wilkinson Sword brands.

Town & Country: Expanding further into lifestyle sector

Continuing its extension into the lifestyle sector, Town & Country proudly presents the new Dragonfly range. This collection includes the popular Cloggies®, Gauntlet and Lux-Fit Gloves, Memory Foam Kneelers, two stylish umbrellas, a practical journal and more. Each product in the Dragonfly range combines functionality with fashionable design, making gardening and outdoor activities more enjoyable.

In addition to the Dragonfly range, Town & Country is also launching the new Bainton Wellington Boots, leisure and gardening boots for all seasons. These boots are 100% waterproof with neoprene insulation and durable PVC integrated soles. They are anticipated to be high sellers come autumn/winter this year, helping retailers make the most of this year’s wet weather.

The collection also includes a convenient, handheld Boot Cleaner, allowing consumers to easily clean footwear anywhere as well as a Boot Jack, an easy way to remove muddy boots with non-slip ridges for underfoot security, ideal for all types of footwear. These additions not only broaden and enhance Town & Country’s portfolio of high-quality outdoor footwear and accessories, but with smaller items now being introduced, also create additional impulse purchase opportunities for retailers too.

Wilkinson Sword: Enhancing the Ultralight range

Recognising the popularity and market opportunities in its hugely popular Ultralight range from Wilkinson Sword, for 2024/25, Barrus is introducing several new products to further expand the range. Gardeners will now be able to enjoy the lightweight benefits of Ultralight Snips, Ultralight Bypass Pruners, two types of Ultralight Loppers, and two further variations of Ultralight Branch and Shrub Cutters. These tools are designed to offer the perfect mix of strength and comfort with incredibly lightweight usability, making gardening tasks easier and more efficient without compromising on quality.

Additionally, within the Wilkinson Sword portfolio, developments have been made to the Razorcut Pro pruners, now with improved cutting performance, grip and comfort with a more appealing livery to add new dual layer grips and premium SK3 Japanese Steel blades.

POS to support new product lines

To support retailers in showcasing each of these new products and ranges, Barrus is also providing dedicated point-of-sale stands designed to maximise sales and attract customer attention including stand displays, full backwall solutions and innovative, eye-catching offerings to showcase the Town & Country Dragonfly range.

Sales reps on the move

Over the coming weeks, Barrus’ sales representatives will be showcasing the new products to customers and garden centres nationwide. Retailers interested in booking an appointment for a personalised demonstration can contact on 01869 363674 or email customer.services@barrus.co.uk.

For more information on the new products and to explore the full range, please visit https://www.townandco.com/ for Town & Country and https://wilkinsonsword-tools.co.uk/ for Wilkinson Sword Tools.

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