Kibworth thrives with DSV EuroGrass Solutions

/in , /by

Kibworth thrives with DSV EuroGrass Solutions: Martin Anderson became Course Manager at Kibworth Golf Club in 2019, aiming to improve the course in Leicestershire. With a strong connection to the club, Martin’s journey from apprentice to leader shows his dedication to its success. One significant change he made was using DSV EuroGrass seed mixtures, which greatly improved various areas of the course.

Martin’s connection with Kibworth runs deep, tracing back to his earliest memories. “I took my first ever steps here at a New Years Eve party,” he reminisces. Little did he know then that Kibworth would become not just a backdrop to his life, but a stage for his growth and passion.

Kibworth thrives with DSV EuroGrass Solutions

Kibworth thrives with DSV EuroGrass Solutions

From those first toddler steps to his formative years as an apprentice, Martin’s bond with Kibworth only strengthened. “My mum and dad were members, and I was a junior member before becoming an apprentice,” he shares, illustrating the club’s integral role in shaping his journey. It was here that he honed his skills, learned the art of greenkeeping, and even found love, meeting his wife in the clubhouse where she worked as a waitress.

In 2019, Martin landed the position of Course Manager, a role that held both challenge and promise. Armed with a vision to elevate standards and restore Kibworth’s reputation, Martin embarked on a journey of transformation. “Some areas of the course needed attention,” he recalls, “but with a new committee and investments in equipment and products, we set out to make a difference.”

Among the pivotal changes was the introduction of DSV EuroGrass seed mixtures, a decision born out of research and collaboration with trusted partners like Rhys Norville from ReGen Amenity. “Rhys put us in the direction of DSV,” Martin explains, emphasising the importance of building relationships with reliable suppliers. The trial of DSV’s Dual Use blend delivered promising results, paving the way for its integration into Kibworth’s approach.

For the fairways and tees, Martin turned to DSV’s 3-way rye mix, renowned for its quick establishment, vibrant colour, and disease resistance. The impact was profound. “The strike rate was really good,” Martin reflects, “and it keeps coverage throughout the season, even going into winter.” Remarkably, this season marked the first time in years that the tees remained disease-free—a testament to the efficacy of DSV’s seed.

“We have not had to put a fungicide on the tees at all,” adds Martin. “That is extremely remarkable when you consider that it has been so wet and warm – perfect conditions for disease to thrive.”

 

With its proven track record of performance, reliability, and innovation, DSV’s seed mixtures instil confidence with every application, ensuring that the areas it is applied at Kibworth remain vibrant and disease-free year-round.

“I am confident every time we apply DSV seeds. I know it is going to come through and deliver good results,” affirms Martin.

Backed by decades of research and expertise, DSV’s seed mixtures continue to redefine standards of quality and performance, offering greenkeepers and course managers like Martin the tools they need to achieve remarkable results.

As Martin’s journey at Kibworth Golf Club continues, the future looks brighter than ever. With products like DSV EuroGrass seed mixtures leading the charge, the club is poised for continued success and excellence in greenkeeping practices.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Toro stands up to tough terrain

/in , , /by

Toro stands up to tough terrain: In a theme of fives, Calcot Park Golf Club has received five new Toro machines on a five-year lease. Headlining the fleet is the Reelmaster 5410 with five cutting units for tackling the challenging terrain of the course with unrelenting ease for years.

The club, situated on the Berkshire border, is no stranger to Toro. In fact, according, to Course Manager Tom Jennings, 100 percent of its machinery fleet is red and that’s as much for its longevity as it is its performance.

Toro stands up to tough terrain

Toro stands up to tough terrain

“Toro machinery is bulletproof when it comes to longevity. We have fairway mowers here that are up to 13 years old, which is impressive for the amount of work they do,” says Tom.

It’s no surprise then that when the time came to upgrade its machines with a five-year lease deal, Toro was the only option considered. And one machine in particular that has made its mark is the Reelmaster 5410 with five cylinders.

“The topography at our course is very up and down, and being a heavy clay site, we need a machine that can handle that, especially in the winter,” says Tom. “As a parkland course, we’ve got thicker grasses and lots of them and the sheer quantity and the coarser texture can be tough to get through, but it presents no problem for Toro and in particular the five-cylinder mower.”

In a fleet deal that also includes two new Greensmaster 3400 mowers, a Reelmaster 3100 sidewinder, and Groundsmaster 4000 – all provided by Reesink Turfcare, Tom says all the mowers work hand in hand to navigate the Harry Colt designed course and also singles out the Reelmaster 3100 for commendation.

“We’ve got the 3100 coming in on the lease as well. It’s a smaller machine which is why we chose it. Our course was built in 1930 and a lot of the complexes are quite small and tight; this sidewinder is flexible enough to get around them, whereas others on the market tend to be too bulky for the job.”

The club benefits from Reesink’s lease deal which allows it to renew its range of machines every five years. “Opting into a lease deal works well for the club,” says Tom. “I know that if we get a five-year lease, in five years from now I’m not only going to get the machines and the brand that performs best on the course; but benefit from the latest technology and the latest machines that could also benefit the course.”

And Tom and his team have their sights set on electric power next. “We’ll be considering some of the electric machines next time. We’re in an urban area and I think this will be helpful with our mowing routines,” he concludes.

Learn more about Toro’s technology and how it could benefit your course, by calling distributor Reesink at 01480 226800, emailing info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visiting reesinkturfcare.co.uk

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

International Thank A Greenkeeper Day is coming

/in , /by

International Thank A Greenkeeper Day is coming: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), in conjunction with other global greenkeeping associations, is recognising those who are essential to golf’s success with the return of the popular Thank A Greenkeeper Day.

On Tuesday 10 September, all golfers, those who are in the golf business or anyone who benefits from the game is encouraged to thank greenkeepers and other turf technicians for their hard work and dedication to creating the playing surfaces enjoyed by millions around the globe.

International Thank A Greenkeeper Day is coming

International Thank A Greenkeeper Day is coming

In addition to BIGGA, other groups taking part in the global event include:

  • Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
  • Australian Sports Turf Managers Association
  • Canadian Golf Superintendents Association
  • Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Associations

Together the groups represent more than 31,000 golf course management professionals in 78 countries around the world.

The celebration will include commercials that will appear on the Golf Channel, print advertisements and social media messages, all sharing the many ways that greenkeepers benefit the game and their communities. Golfers and others are encouraged to join in the conversation on social media using the hashtags #ThankAGreenkeeper (in the UK) or #ThankASuper (United States and elsewhere).

Celebrities to already record messages of support include Jimmy Bullard, Peter Crouch and Joe Cole, as well as reality TV star Mark Wright, social media influencers Mia Baker and Gaz Beadle and Sky Sports personalities Kirsty Gallagher and Trey Niven. But it’s not just about celebrities or professional golfers and everyone associated with golf is encouraged to get involved.

Golf courses and other groups are encouraged to provide special recognition for their greenkeeping team. In previous years this has included providing a clubhouse meal or a token of gratitude for the team or just sharing a message of support across club newsletters and websites.

During the 2023 Thank A Greenkeeper Day, social media messages reached more than 14.7 million followers around the world, while broadcast media reached an additional 18 million people.

A social media tool kit will be made available in early August with materials to aid in the celebration and this will be shared on the BIGGA website.

More information about Thank A Greenkeeper Day is available on the BIGGA website, where you can view some of the amazing messages of support that have already been received, as well as reflect on the success of the 2023 instalment.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Makita launches first robotic mower

/in , /by

Makita launches first robotic mower: Makita continues to power the outdoors with its new robotic mower. Providing automatic mowing and charging, the RM350D Robotic Mower can cover lawns up to 3,500m2 and slopes of up to 26°. With a cutting width of 240mm, rapid charging capabilities and long uninterrupted usage time, the solution provides ultimate convenience for those looking for fuss-free lawn maintenance. 

The RM350D Robotic Mower is designed to mow the lawn and recharge automatically on its dedicated charging station. It cuts the grass into small pieces, leaving them on the lawn to act as a natural fertiliser. Thanks to the automatic cutting height adjustment, both the starting and target height of the lawn can be adjusted. Specifically, the cutting height can be adjusted from 20-60mm in precise 5mm increments.

Makita launches first robotic mower

Makita launches first robotic mower

The RM350D is simple to operate. Users simply need to set the boundary wires and guides and press go, with no need to download and sync up to an app. Four high quality brushless motors drive the blades and power the machine across the working area and once the battery has discharged, it automatically returns to its charging station and resumes mowing when the charging is completed, making it a totally autonomous system.

This design means the machine is not reliant on satellites for navigation control. As such, the RM350D is not incumbered by overhead obstructions such as trees, bushes and other garden features which may otherwise have restricted the cutting area.

Users will also enjoy the schedule settings feature, where the product can be programmed to run on specific days and times of the week – it simply leaves its charging station automatically, mows the lawn and then returns to the charging station independently.

In terms of maintenance, the RM350D simple to clean and reduce the burden of off-season maintenance. Its IPX5 rating means is can be cleaned with a hose – simply remove the top cover to wash the entire machine with water.

Matt Chilton, Product Manager at Makita UK commented: “We are delighted to add the RM350D to our growing outdoor collection. Thanks to battery operation, not only it is quieter, but also more environmentally friendly than a petrol powered lawnmower. It’s easy to set up and totally autonomous, meaning professionals can take care of other work on site while the robot takes care of the lawn. And with schedule setting capabilities, it has never been easier to manage and fulfil a lawncare timetable.”

To find out more about Makita and its range of products visit: www.makitauk.com.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Contractor commends Johnsons J Green

/in , /by

Contractor commends Johnsons J Green: For contractors Avon Sportsground Maintenance, when it comes to the overseeding of bowling greens it’s the fine fescue and browntop bent blend of J Green that is sown every time!

Delivering hardwearing but slow growing surfaces, the mixture from the Johnsons Sports Seed range is used on all 47 greens in the Bristol and Bath area currently under the remit of Owner Matt Phillips and his team.

There isn’t much that Matt doesn’t know about looking after bowling greens, the company founded by his father in 1980 and Matt joining just four years later at the age of 16. “In contrast to other sports where foot traffic is more evenly distributed, in bowls, players are relatively static meaning we need a sward that will give us good coverage and has tolerance of high wear” he explains. “We’ve been using Johnsons J Green for several years for exactly this reason – it ticks all of the boxes.”

Incorporating top-rated fine fescues and bent grass cultivars, J Green delivers fast sustainable surfaces with excellent disease resistance, summer colour and enhanced shoot density – helping to reduce poa invasion. “The thick, dense coverage also helps us to keep moss at bay which is becoming evermore important with the reduction of chemicals at our disposal.”

Matt continues, “Not only do we want to produce bowling greens that perform to the highest standard, we also have to be thinking of the future and, particularly, how we manage disease and pests. For this, we need cultivars that are more resistant to disease. J Green not only helps us to achieve cleaner and healthier surfaces across all of our sites, we find that any outbreaks are incredibly limited and the resulting scarring is easy to rectify with some targeted overseeing in the spring. Because of this, we have all-but eliminated our use of fungicides.”

With the programme performing year after year, and the clubs extremely pleased with the results, Matt and his local DLF Regional Technical Manager Ian Barnett have – actually very little – to discuss as they look ahead to the next renovation season this September! “We’ve got a great team, a great programme and great seed to match but Ian’s not complacent and will still check-in regularly to make sure everything is all OK. We wouldn’t even consider using anything else” he concludes.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.