AIM for clean greens

AIM for clean greens: A new Syngenta one-box fungicide programme is now available, providing a well-proven, cost effective and agronomically strong season-long disease control strategy.   

The AIM programme contains three leading Syngenta fungicides, specifically selected to provide an effective sequential strategy for summer through to winter, including Ascernity, Instrata Elite and Medallion TL.

AIM for clean greens

AIM for clean greens

Sean Loakes, Syngenta Turf Technical Manager for UK & Ireland, advocated the AIM approach optimises the potential to protect turf from immediate disease risks, while also providing longer term pathogen reductions that more effectively prevents disease outbreaks right through the season.

“Starting the programme with Ascernity, targeted at the increasing issues of summer anthracnose and dollar spot infections, followed by Instrata Elite in early autumn has proven to prevent the hugely damaging early outbreaks of microdochium patch.

“The AIM pack then gives a further follow up of Medallion TL for when conditions cool. That gives outstanding protection against damage through the critical time of limited turf recovery,” he advised. AIM is available for golf courses, sports turf and any turf surfaces covered by the products’ label recommendations.

The AIM strategy is fully supported by the Syngenta Turf Advisor App designed to guide optimum fungicide application timing. That includes local disease risk forecast models and disease pressure levels over recent days and weeks, along with a host of weather data to refine decision making.

“Turf Advisor also provides instant assessment of growth potential (GP) of turf, for appropriate product selection.” Sean advocates the multi-active benefits of systemic Ascernity are best utilised while turf is actively growing, with a GP above 20%, while Instrata Elite remains extremely effective as growth slows to 5%-25% GP.

When growth slows further, the contact activity of Medallion TL effectively protects the leaf from disease infection, while also targeting pathogen spores in the thatch and root crown to reduce the risk of infection.

The further advantage of the AIM strategy is that each application contains different fungicide modes of action. The rotation of fungicides and utilising multiple modes of action is the basis of a good fungicide resistance management plan, he added.

“Targeting disease earlier in the season prevents damage to the leaf, reduces stress on the plant and effectively breaks the disease cycle – enabling fungicide programmes to maintain playing surface quality and longer lasting results throughout the season.

“Early disease outbreaks act as infection source for further spread as the season progresses,” he warned. Even where scars have dried up, millions of spores would have been released that can be waiting in thatch or organic matter for the right conditions to develop and trigger new infections.

“Disease management in the autumn is essentially a numbers game. The potential for disease outbreaks is dependent on both the number of pathogens present, and the conditions for it to multiply rapidly.

“Reducing the initial turf disease pathogen population gives the opportunity for cultural Integrated Turf Management (ITM) controls to be more effective.”

STRI trials in Yorkshire showed how the AIM programme of Ascernity at the onset of microdochium patch pressure, followed by Instrata Elite and then Medallion TL, kept disease down below 3% of surface area affected throughout the season, when infection in the untreated area quickly hit 15% and reached over 25% of disease cover. In high pressure trials at ISTI in Ireland, the AIM strategy was the only fungicide treatment approach to keep disease in complete control.

“The actual timing of each application and number of treatments required will be site specific, according to risks and pressure,” pointed out Sean. “The sequence of using the three products is now very well proven, and more convenient and cost effective in the AIM one-box solution.”

Preventing disease outbreaks from mid-summer gives the best chance to go into winter clean, and come out green in the spring.

AIM is distributed in the UK and Ireland by ICL. The AIM one-box solution is also eligible for extra Turf Rewards points to qualify for turf management products and education resources: www.icl-growingsolutions.uk

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Seismic shift in golf entertainment growth

Seismic shift in golf entertainment growth: Golf clubs and courses can drive new business by learning from the “seismic shift” and growth in the golf entertainment sector, new research from Syngenta and Ipsos has found.

Golf & Social Media: Golf Entertainment, published today, reveals customers new to golf perceive golf entertainment venues to offer “more engaging” and “more welcoming” experiences.

Seismic shift in golf entertainment growth

Seismic shift in golf entertainment growth

Launching the report, which analyzed 16.1 million social media posts, shares and comments in the United States and United Kingdom, Syngenta Global Head of Marketing Mark Birchmore said: “The emergence of golf entertainment has been one of the most seismic shifts we’ve witnessed in the industry in recent years.

“According to the National Golf Foundation (NGF), off-course play has skyrocketed by 55% since 2017, now totalling 32.9m participants, compared with a more modest 8% growth in green grass players.

“It begs the question, have green grass clubs and facilities missed out on new customers by not creating the right offer? Nearly a decade ago we carried out market research to look at youth participation and asked ‘what would encourage young people to start golf?’. This revealed a number of pull factors, including the desire for casual dress, an enjoyable, fun, social environment and golf games and new formats: all areas golf entertainment venues excel at.”

The research found that ranges and putting venues are seen to be more engaging and have a better image and reputation among customers than traditional green grass golf courses. Golf entertainment venues are perceived as open to all, offering informal, inclusive experiences for groups of friends with food and drink on tap.

Social media posts also revealed customers thought golf entertainment venues were more welcoming and less intimidating than green grass clubs and courses, with a relaxed atmosphere and no dress code making it the ideal place to sample golf.

The new report is part of a wider study, Golf & Social Media: The Great Divide, which found that there is a clear division between customers who perceive they are a golfer (Insiders) and those who do not (Outsiders).

Many visitors to entertainment outlets such as Topgolf, where technology, gaming and hospitality combine, fall into the Outsiders camp.

“Golf entertainment venues and their success at attracting a huge, new diverse audience presents a massive opportunity for golf course businesses,” continued Mark Birchmore.

“Creating inclusive, welcoming experiences characterized by fun and informality, promoted online with viral content, is something green grass golf venues can take and adapt. In this way, golf’s image and reputation can also be improved, helping attract and engage new waves of customers.”

The report also shines a light on the people around the world shaping golf entertainment’s growth, such as 3s, the 12-hole floodlit concept backed by Justin Timberlake, and a college student posting viral mini-golf videos on TikTok.

Data for the report was provided by Ipsos, with 16.1 million mentions of golf on social media in the United States and UK analyzed over a three-year period (2019-2022).

To download this report and all previous Syngenta market studies, visit: www.syngentagolf.com/golf-industry-reports

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Hybrid technology taken to the next level

Hybrid technology taken to the next level: New for this year, the industry’s first and only fairway mower with a true hybrid drive system, the Toro Reelmaster 5010-H, has been given a comprehensive upgrade.

Toro is always listening to its customers, and it turns out there are quite a few improvements made to this revolutionary mower based on R&D and customer feedback, all with the intention to enhance performance and provide better machine control.

Hybrid technology taken to the next level

Hybrid technology taken to the next level

Jon Cole, divisional business manager for Toro’s UK distributor Reesink Turfcare, explains:

“The technology of the 5010-H is proven beyond doubt since its launch in 2015 with the hybrid elements of the engine design particularly impressing customers. Therefore, what I think many will be pleased to learn is that most of these advances relate to the hybrid technology.”

In brief, more electronic components have been added. Leading with the fact that the hydrostatic drive is now electronically controlled, and with this simple change, Toro has added its SmartPower system to automatically control mowing speed and optimise cutting performance.

In essence, what this technology does is monitor the engine’s RPM. Previously, the operator was responsible for controlling the machine’s speed when mowing long or wet grass or climbing a steep hill, now, the machine does it automatically. As the RPM drops, traction speed decreases until it recovers back to the desired speed and by maintaining optimal cylinder and blade speed a better and more consistent cut is produced.

The same technology also means that as speed decreases the traction pedal still moves an entire stroke giving increased resolution for tight turning in tight quarters. So, for customers mowing training grounds or a relatively flat golf course, they can slow down the engine speed to peak torque curve rather than peak of the horsepower curve.

It means the same results can be achieved with the engine 2600rpm on flat ground compared to 3000rpm, saving on fuel consumption, and lowering the noise level output.

With SmartPower also comes cruise control and this allows for a more consistent clip rate. Rather than relying on the operator’s foot to maintain a consistent speed the machine does that, as well as allowing maximum speed settings to be set. Whether the setting is at four or six miles an hour doesn’t affect quality, clip rate is not affected, and the same results will be achieved, it just helps with operator training and preferences.

There is so much more that’s been tweaked with this machine but the real benefits for customers as Jon sees it are: “These changes mean customers can focus on cutting, on achieving that fine mowing detail, following the clean-up edge of the fairway for example, rather than focusing on the speed at which they’re mowing. This is where everyone including members will see the difference, there’s more precision for better presentation.”

To discuss the greener option for the golf course, contact Reesink Turfcare on 01480 226800 or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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We Care, That You Care

We Care, That You Care: As we approach STIGA‘s 90th anniversary, the gardening mower and tool company stands at a unique intersection of rich heritage and exciting possibilities.

The ‘We Care, That You Care’ campaign embodies the STIGA passion for nature and the pledge towards a more sustainable future.  The goal? To support 90 community garden groups throughout the UK, honouring each year of the 90th anniversary, by empowering others with innovative, eco-friendly garden products.

We Care, That You Care

We Care, That You Care

Become one of the Stiga 90!

STIGA believes that everyone deserves the chance to cultivate beautiful spaces responsibly, and during 2024 the team are giving away their eco-friendly garden products to community garden groups, up and down the UK, for free! ‘We care that you care’, and this is our way of showing you we care.

Cultivating Connections

The campaign is aimed at a diverse array of community groups, from schools and hospital gardens to urban gardens, food bank gardens, community gardens and guerrilla gardeners. Each one of these groups represents a unique opportunity for STIGA to engage, help and empower local communities.

Growing together

Communities and individuals associated with the community group can engage with STIGA through a dedicated web page, where information about their project will be collected and products selected that will benefit their project. This process ensures every aspiring group has an equal opportunity to bloom with STIGA.

How to get involved

If you are responsible for any non-profit, community group or charity that looks after a green space and would like to receive products from STIGA’s innovative, eco-friendly garden product range…for free, then simply register on the wecare.stigauk.com website.

The STIGA judging panel will assess your application along with your social engagement tokens. You will be notified if you are successful, stating the free products that will be donated to your community group.

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ISEKI tractor and Wiedenmann blower double

ISEKI tractor and Wiedenmann blower double: One of Scotland’s most notable private estates, which has unrivalled cultural and historical significance, has welcomed a Wiedenmann Whisper Twister blower and ISEKI TH 5420 compact tractor.

Kinross House, in Kinross-shire, overlooks Loch Leven, the largest loch in the Scottish Lowlands. Its formal gardens were planted in 1675, and its magnificent estate includes a national nature reserve, and is a short boat trip from the medieval island castle where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned in 1567.

ISEKI tractor and Wiedenmann blower double

ISEKI tractor and Wiedenmann blower double

Beautifully and sensitively restored in the last decade, this magnificent Scottish Palladian mansion now operates as a luxurious private retreat.

Head Gardener, Colin MacDonald, who, is responsible for maintaining around 100 acres of exquisitely manicured lawns and landscaped gardens and a further 100 acres of woodlands said:

“We chose the Whisper Twister primarily to blow off residual grass cuttings and present lawns to best effect. Until now we’ve tidied up with backpack blowers but once regular grass cutting resumes, the Wiedenmann will save hours of time every week. It will also double up for leaf blowing and keeping pathways clear. We’re looking forward to discovering lots of new uses across the season.”

The ISEKI purchase replaced a smaller 20 hp tractor which had come to the end of its lifetime.

“The tractor choice was about being Stage V compliant, future proofing and adding horsepower. We needed it to be bigger, so 40 hp is incredibly useful. We’ve earmarked some attachments for cutting and managing the turf and pathways, all which we hope to have soon. Adding efficiency while still maintaining quality is important. We owe it to the House to always present the gardens at their best.”

Fairways GM’s Area Sales Manager, Michael Lindsay, conducted installation training with Colin and his team of three gardeners: Joanne Curran, (on tractor), Gavin Smith and Craig Paterson.

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J Premier Pitch makes impressive debut

J Premier Pitch makes impressive debut: Ticking the boxes for wear tolerance and fast germination, J Premier Pitch from Johnsons Sports Seed has impressed during its debut season at Dartford Football Club.

Under the supervision of Head Groundsman Jay Berkhauer and the team at Jordans Sportsground Solutions, J Premier Pitch was chosen due to a tight six-week renovation window, delivering a quality surface for the first game of season and demonstrating great resilience, despite challenging conditions, ever since.

J Premier Pitch makes impressive debut

J Premier Pitch makes impressive debut

Jay has been in the industry for 20 years, working on all manner of sports surfaces from Premier League clubs to grassroots facilities, schools, cricket clubs and everything in-between! For the last seven years he’s been an operative for contractors Jordans Sportsground Solutions and has been based at Dartford FC, of the National League South, for five seasons. “This pitch gets a lot of use!” he exclaims. “We’ve got four teams that play here so when it comes to renovating and preparing the pitch we know we need seed that can handle high levels of stress and wear, and meets the budget and resources we have available.”

“We’d heard about the quick establishment and germination of Johnsons, and with only five and a half weeks between our renovation and the first game, this was going to be critical. We sowed J Premier Pitch end of May 2023, saw the first sprouts of germination within seven days and by the first game of the season we were as good as gold!”

J Premier Pitch has delivered proven performance on some of the greatest sporting stages globally. The new 2024 formulation blends five top-rated perennial ryegrass cultivars to create a mixture with exceptional wear tolerance, disease resistance and outstanding visual merit. “After the impressive initial germination, we’ve also noticed the pitch has held up really well given the very wet winter and sustained high levels of play. There has also been a significant reduction in the amount of Red Thread we’ve seen in comparison to previous years.”

“While we may not have the luxury of a big budget or two weeks of recovery time between fixtures, we still very much aim for professionalism in the product we deliver. By hand seeding goal mouths and spot treating problematic areas we can maintain a pitch that looks good and plays well for the whole season. J Premier Pitch, for us, has been the right balance of price and quality” he concludes.

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My Path to Wimbledon: Conrad Cavill, Groundstaff

My Path to Wimbledon: Conrad Cavill, Groundstaff: Inspiring new recruits from all walks of life to join the sector is the critical, but concerning focus for #GroundsWeek 2024.

The main characters of sport’s folklore are almost always its coaches and athletes. The set designers for those stories, however, are in short supply. Research carried out by the Grounds Management Association highlights that 40 per cent of the current workforce is over 50 years old and without an influx of new recruits, this could result in a significant employment gap within five years.

My Path to Wimbledon: Conrad Cavill, Groundstaff

My Path to Wimbledon: Conrad Cavill, Groundstaff

Through speaking to the All England Club’s Conrad Cavill, we hope to illuminate the art of Groundsmanship and demystify the industry sport is indebted to.

Pathetic fallacy in most narratives would involve a scene with the sun smiling down bright and beaming rays. This biography, however, is not like the rest. Unique in that a summer’s day shine, spurred an imminent escape:

“When I was in college, I did a week work experience at Southampton’s training ground.

“Years went by jumping around jobs. I was working in a call centre. I looked out on a day like this. It was sunny and I thought, I just don’t want to do this. I want to be outside.

“I remembered my time at Southampton. That’s when I looked into Grounds again. I found a Sports Turf Degree and went straight into education again.”

Incredible that a throwaway week’s work experience at the age of 17 years old would be the catalyst to an extraordinary Grounds career that would later cross Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Initially dropping out of a Football Business degree, Conrad’s first attempt at university didn’t stick. His second however, fared much better, returning to education a few years later through the University Centre Myerscough to undertake a Sportsturf degree. This time accompanied with lived experience shaping an unshakeable ambition:

“I wanted a degree. I wanted something. Without any experience, apart from that week at Southampton, I just went straight in and started a degree.”

Recognised as one of the leading academies in the country by holding ‘Category One’ status in the Premier League’s ‘Elite Player Performance Plan’, Southampton Football Club are widely renowned for the players they’ve platformed. The roll call of graduates who list the Staplewood campus as their alma matter includes three time Southampton Player of the Season, Matt Le Tissier; Premier League all-time top scorer, Alan Shearer; England’s youngest ever player at 17 years and 75 days old, Theo Walcott; five time UEFA Champions League Winner, Gareth Bale; and UEFA Champions League and Premier League winner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

My Path to Wimbledon: Conrad Cavill, Groundstaff

My Path to Wimbledon: Conrad Cavill, Groundstaff

Something, clearly, is in the waters. It’s a culture that permeates. Conrad explains that “people that were there at that time” during his week work experience “have gone on to be at the top of the game”, listing fort leaders of the industry in Karl Stanley – Wembley Stadium Grounds Manager, Andy Gray – St. George’s Park Head of Grounds and Estates, and David Roberts – former Liverpool Football Club Grounds Manager.

“I remember it being busy and tough. I did a lot of leaf clearing and collection!” he laughs as he recollects his week with the Saints, “because I had no experience, there’s not much I could really do”. His first week at Wimbledon, however, was night and day.

“You’re on a mower, straightaway. It didn’t matter what experience you had. They were keen, they just wanted you out there, getting used to the machines.

“They weren’t scared to put people on, they were just happy to get you going. We were straightaway doing proper things, rather than just collecting things up. That’s what I remember, they were very welcoming and made you part of the team.”

A wonderful example of The Wimbledon Way. Our common purpose – together creating joy and extraordinary moments by giving everyone an unforgettable Wimbledon experience – exercised for staff as well.

First week inductions are not the only point of difference with Wimbledon. Conrad confesses that “the amount of pressure you have working here is extremely high, but it has a lot more relaxed nature about it”. Comparing to his various experiences in golf, he explains the cat-and-mouse nature of Groundsmanship on a course, rather than a court.

“You’re starting at 6am, and the first golfers are going on as soon as it’s light. You’re practically being chased by the golfers.

“Whereas here, even in the height of summer, we have until 11 o’clock. We’re a lot more relaxed, we can make sure everything is done right, we’re not rushing. Here, you’ve got a lot more time for the attention to detail.”

Get this for another first. Conrad’s first year with the All England Club, as one of the seasonal staff brought in to support the delivery of The Championships, coincided with   London 2012. The first Olympic grass court tournament since tennis was reintroduced as an Olympic sport, and the first to be held at a Grand Slam venue in the Open era.

“I’ll potentially never have that again. As a sports fan, it was amazing, especially with Andy Murray winning. As a Groundsperson, where we had less than a month to get the baselines back to green after The Championships, to see how they did that was amazing.”

Something as illustrious as the Olympics, the pantheon of sport, will shine on any resume; but that should not detract from the breadth of Conrad’s CV. Following his stint at Southampton, where he continued as a matchday mower, was another fortunate first: England v Sri Lanka, 2011. The inaugural Test Match at the then Rose Bowl, and the first Test Match ever played in Hampshire, “a great experience doing that”.

Two seasons was then spent at Wimbledon, before an excursion to the USA. Another opportunity courtesy of Myerscough, connecting Conrad with The Ohio Program whereby the American university land students an internship in the States, where he was able to work at Baltimore Country Club and Miami Beach’s La Gorce Country Club, “which again, was amazing. I never thought I would be able to do that. I always wanted to travel, but to be part of, work and have a year somewhere was amazing.”

Another opportunity courtesy of Myerscough, connecting Conrad with The Ohio State Program whereby the American university land students an internship in the States.

His favourite visit though, was the next six months spent in New Zealand:

“That’s one of my favourite places. New Zealand was unbelievable. Personally, I would love to move there.”

My Path to Wimbledon: Conrad Cavill, Groundstaff

My Path to Wimbledon: Conrad Cavill, Groundstaff

Returning back to the UK developed his armoury even further. First, he worked on a golf course, “which again was good because I had worked at all of these professional venues, and then I found myself at a normal golf club”, before moving to Hurlingham.

“There was nothing available at Wimbledon. I moved to Hurlingham Club where they have grass tennis courts and croquet, to gain that experience, so when a job did come up here, I was in a really good position.”

A vast career that has crossed cities and conquered sport: football, cricket, golf, and tennis. A Tour de Grounds, and Conrad had this advice for those starting out in their careers:

“Youngers, definitely travel and gain experience.

“I wish I had done this earlier! I wish I had come out of school and did my National Diploma. I could have travelled more. As I got older it was difficult because it became harder visa-wise. Because I would have loved to go to Europe as well.”

Despite his array of industry experience, Conrad still has a bucket list that spurs him on.  “I would love to and have always wanted to, although it’s expensive, go to Scandinavia.”

“I have heard people who have gone and done it, and they loved it. When I look back and see the photos of New Zealand and I see the mountains in the background. Golf courses in Norway that have forests in the background. That kind of stuff, that’s what I love about it.”

Wimbledon may not house hectares of forest similar to those that steal the scene in Scandinavia, but our special mix of grass courts with ivy walls and hydrangeas adjacent, are just as magical. The Championships has seen generations come and go. Each with their own momentous rivalries, triumphant feats, and heroic defeats. Historic and career-defining moments of unexpected that have taken place on the world’s most prestigious tennis stage.

Unimaginable to picture those moments without the two-tone lawn green customary backdrop with which Wimbledon is intrinsically linked. Our English country garden setting has been the ‘always’ of Wimbledon since its formation. Something Conrad is acutely aware of.

“For me, I love building up to The Championships. That’s what’s special. The build-up. You’ve got something to aim for. And then it starts all again. That’s a great feeling. That’s what I love”.

It’s ‘always like never before’.

A mantra that emphasises the honouring of iconic history, balanced with continual innovation. To be at the pinnacle of sport. That, in Grounds, includes technology.

“They’ve embraced it. Even down to the machines that we’re using on courts. The mowers have gone electric. We’re looking at electric sprayers. Although the machines are staying the same, the technology has changed drastically. When we were first looking at electric mowers, you would have had to have dragged the battery around with you.

“It’s improving for the good, and hopefully that will just continue.”

Wimbledon has a pivotal role to play in helping to protect the environment, today and for the future. As part of our ongoing journey of environmental sustainability, electric lawnmowers and horticulture equipment are used around the Grounds. The most famous of which, of course, is Little Nicky, the small GPS-guided robotic mower – trundling up and down the slope of The Hill, trimming back any new growth. Which, Conrad confesses, wasn’t love at first sight.

My Path to Wimbledon: Conrad Cavill, Groundstaff

My Path to Wimbledon: Conrad Cavill, Groundstaff

“I was very sceptical. I didn’t like the idea. But when you see what it can do on an area like that” – one teeming with spectators: sunbathing, sipping and soaking up Wimbledon’s atmosphere and giant-screen action during The Championships – it results in an effective reallocation of resource. “You might have lost two people up there a few days a week.”

Conrad makes clear throughout the conversation the formula for progression in the industry. Innovation is one half of the equation. Collaboration is the other. “You’ve always got things to learn”, explaining that one of the effects of COVID-19 is now being corrected, “we have just started doing site visits again”. During the winter, with the weather unfavourable for attending to the grass courts, our Grounds department use this time to focus on the educational side of the job.

This year the team received talks from various industry partner and supplier stakeholders, including the Marketing Manager of DLF – the world’s largest producer and distributor of grass seed and home to one of the world’s largest research and breeding programmes for both turf and forage, and the Vice President of Stevens Water Monitoring Systems – experts in Hydrology, Environmental Monitoring, Soil physics and chemistry, and Agronomy, speaking about a new addition to their irrigation department’s arsenal.

Externally, All England Club Groundstaff visited The Queen’s Club. A useful comparison exercise, witnessing the range of racket sports on offer and how their team adapt and prepare for The Cinch Championships. Outside of tennis, the team travelled to Twickenham in the lead up to England taking on Ireland on Saturday 9 March during the penultimate round of the 2024 Six Nations Championship, to understand the challenges of a sand-based pitch and the differences in maintenance. Finally, the team were hosted by Origin Amenity at their research facility at Throws Farm, Essex, as part of an ‘Open Research Day’ to discuss disease pressure monitoring and prevention.

“It’s going and seeing what they’re doing, the technology they’re using and how we can transfer that across. If we just stay here, in our little bubble, we wouldn’t learn. Learning keeps you at the top, keeps you at a high level.

“That’s what I love about this industry. It’s so small and everyone respects each other. If you get a question from anyone else, everyone’s happy to help and try guide people in the right direction”.

It’s a close-knit, connected community. They look out for each other whilst setting the stages for stories to unfold. The annual campaign of #GroundsWeek aims to raise the nation’s awareness of grounds management, celebrating its vital importance within sport. Encouraging those with ‘career curiosity’ to take their first steps into pursuing a rewarding role within the sector. To young sports fans everywhere, and to those longing for a career change:

“Don’t be scared to challenge yourself. I left a perfectly good job to risk going into a new industry. It’s that hesitancy, but once you do it, you challenge yourself, you’re going to get stronger and stronger.”

Written by Aman Ahmed

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Milwaukee Tool to increase OPE market share

Milwaukee Tool to increase OPE market share: Milwaukee Tool seeks to increase its market share in the outdoor power equipment (OPE) sector in 2024 to offer more battery-powered solutions for gardening, landscaping and horticulture professionals.

As an industry-leading manufacturer of heavy-duty power tools, accessories and hand tools for professional users worldwide, Milwaukee Tool is now set to heighten its position in the market with both new and updated releases of its cordless solutions, placing an increased focus on its battery technology and range of outdoor power equipment.

Milwaukee Tool to increase OPE market share

Milwaukee Tool to increase OPE market share

Since the launch of its cordless OPE range, Milwaukee Toolhas played an important role in offering a battery alternative to solutions for professionals across the industry. Since then, Milwaukee Tool’s in-house research and development team has been working with industry professionals across a variety of trades to gain a better understanding of their daily challenges and has consistently put their findings back into the development of its products to ensure its customers have access to the solutions they truly need.

Rhys Adams, national sales manager OPE at Milwaukee Tool UK, commented: “Our mission in 2024 is to ensure our expansive range for cordless equipment proves its value to professionals in the OPE sector by providing a one-stop-shop for the solutions they need.

“To help increase our share of the OPE market, we’re bringing a variety of new products, as well as enhancements to our existing product ranges, to help ensure users have the right solutions to complete the task at hand with ease and efficiency when compared to more traditional alternatives – something that has always been at the top of our agenda.”

Among the tools hitting the market this year is the DUAL BATTERY SELF PROPELLED LAWN MOWER which features a 46 cm steel deck and blade design, and utilises Milwaukee Tool’s M18 FUEL battery technology to deliver best-in-class quality of cut.

Milwaukee Tool’s M18 FUEL battery technology has been engineered for the most demanding trades in the world to deliver unrivalled performance in a compact structure. Capable of powering a whole range of tools without wavering on power and performance, professionals can fuel an arsenal of outdoor power equipment using a single battery platform.

Rhys continued: “Our battery platform has been tried and tested in some of the world’s harshest and most demanding environments to ensure that no matter how challenging the job might be, or how difficult the terrain, our solutions are up to the task. The same technology, battery platform and power is put into our OPE range to support more and more professionals in the sector, and we’re excited to be able to provide the industry with even more solutions which we’ll be announcing very soon and throughout the remainder of the year.”

Also utilising the M18 FUEL battery platform is Milwaukee Tool’s first DUAL BATTERY BACKPACK BLOWER featuring a high contrast consistent blowing force of 20.5 N across the entire battery discharge. The advanced blower will be available later this year and can hold up to four M18 FUEL batteries for extended run time, as well as a padded back pad and padded adjustable straps for extreme comfort. The blower is one of the many products in the complete OPE range from Milwaukee Tool designed with the end user in mind.

Launched in 2017, Milwaukee Tool’s range of outdoor power equipment has grown to feature over 60+ tools and solutions to help provide the right solutions for outdoor maintenance, gardening, landscaping and land clearance professionals. The range features a selection of lawn mowers, brushcutters, hedge trimmers, blowers, chainsaws and sprayers, as well as an all-in-one multi-tool with 12 optional attachments powered by one single M18 FUEL Power Head.

Be sure to look out for the latest launches from Milwaukee Tool throughout 2024 or to discover its full range of outdoor power equipment and battery technology today, click here or visit https://uk.milwaukeetool.eu/

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Aphrodite Hills upgrades Club Car fleet

Aphrodite Hills upgrades Club Car fleet: Aphrodite Hills Resort has received 72 new Club Car golf vehicles, replacing a fleet that has clocked up around 1.8 million kilometres since 2010.

The 5-star Cyprus venue estimates a ten-fold return on investment for the Club Car Precedents bought 14 years ago, with each of the 72 cars having between 25,000 – 30,000km on the clock.

Aphrodite Hills upgrades Club Car fleet

Aphrodite Hills upgrades Club Car fleet

Andrew Darker, Aphrodite Hills’ Director of Golf, explained: “Lots of venues lease their buggies but we decided to purchase ours all those years ago and it has proved a very shrewd move.

“The cars have delivered exceptional longevity. We are buggy-mandatory here as it’s a very hilly course on tough terrain. We’ve always had our own mechanic on site who does all the servicing and preventative maintenance, and it has been an excellent investment.”

Aphrodite Hills Resort is a PGA Partner venue and the first and only golf, leisure and real estate development in Cyprus. It is built on two plateaux, separated by a dramatic ravine with stunning views over the Mediterranean.

A staggering 130-metre gorge separates the signature seventh hole, meaning the golf cars have to navigate an exceptionally steep descent before climbing back up the other side to the green.

After driving the equivalent of 45 times around the globe, the old fleet has been replaced by Club Car’s state-of-the-art Lithium-Ion Tempo model complete with Visage GPS technology.

“The new fleet is enhancing the experience for our golfers,” continued Darker. “As a big resort the geo-fencing function is a great asset to have, and the lithium batteries are making a huge difference with shorter charging time, lasting longer and being more powerful, which is a big plus on our terrain.

“It was a no-brainer to buy rather than lease the new vehicles again and to stick with Club Car because we know how reliable and durable they are.”

Tony Swinnerton, Club Car’s EMEA Sales Director, said: “To have a fleet drive 1.8 million cumulative kilometres is phenomenal and just demonstrates the quality of our vehicles.”

Club Car’s highly-acclaimed Tempo model comes with 3.3hp motor and 375 Amp controller as standard to deliver outstanding hill-climbing power and acceleration. It also has many customisable options including colour, seats, storage, wheels and three programmable drive modes to maximise performance.

The Lithium-Ion-powered model is more efficient than standard batteries, with shorter charging time, longer lifespan and zero maintenance. It is also lighter, resulting in less impact on turf.

For more information on Club Car visit: www.clubcar.com

For more information on Aphrodite Hills Resort visit: www.aphroditehills.com

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Yamaha announce new partnership

Yamaha announce new partnership: Yamaha Motor Europe (YME) and Leading Courses, Europe’s largest community platform for golf course tee times and golf course reviews, have announced a new partnership with the golf car manufacturer sponsoring the ‘Best Facilities’ category of Leading Courses’ Golfers’ Choice Rankings.

The Golfers’ Choice Rankings are an overview of the best golf courses in Europe and beyond. The rankings are decided by reviews given by the Leading Courses community, which make them one of the most transparent golf course rankings in the world of golf. The Golfers’ Choice Rankings not only include Golf Courses, but also rankings for the Best Golf Clubs Overall, Maintenance, Price and Quality, Hospitality and Facilities.

Yamaha announce new partnership

Yamaha announce new partnership

Central to the partnership is Yamaha’s exclusive sponsorship of the Best Facilities category in the Golfers’ Choice Rankings 2024. The facility which tops this category at the end of 2024 will be presented with a Drive² Lithium-Ion golf car fully equipped with the YamaTrack GPS software to use for one year. In pursuing this partnership, Yamaha seeks to further align its brand and range of golf cars with the development of best-in-class golfing facilities across Europe.

This agreement continues to demonstrate Yamaha’s support for the development of best-in-class facilities across the golf courses of Europe and align its leading products with delivering the best experience for golfers at the best courses the region has to offer.

Commenting on the new partnership Matt Taylerson, Divisional Manager, Marketing, Yamaha Motor Europe N.V., Branch UK, said,

“The partnership with Leading Courses allows us to align our premium products with Europe’s best golf courses as seen through the eyes of the golfers themselves. As a truly customer-centric brand, the fact that Leading Courses makes golfers the heart of its offering is very important to us.

“At Yamaha we want to become even more widely recognised as the brand of choice for premium golf cars and to share our innovations more widely with both the golfing industry and the players themselves. The high quality of the Leading Courses platform and its role as the independent voice of real golfers aligns perfectly with Yamaha’s customer-centricity.”

Jeroen Korving, founder of Leading Courses, added,

“Our platform has been specifically designed to support golfers in discovering and playing the best courses, leveraging hundreds of thousands of reviews and information on over 25,000 facilities worldwide. Golfers can obtain information on the best golf destinations, select the right courses using the reviews and the Golfers’ Choice Rankings, and even book tee times at 3,000 courses spread across 20 countries.

“Leading Courses is very proud to welcome Yamaha as the sponsor of the ‘Best Facilities’ category of our Golfers’ Choice 2024 rankings. It’s a testament to our shared commitment to elevating the overall golfing experience. Together, we drive innovation and set new standards, elevating every swing and moment on the course.”

About Yamaha Golf Cars

Yamaha has a long established and exemplary reputation for engineering golf cars that offer the perfect blend of reliability, comfort and performance. Course owners and managers choose Yamaha golf cars because they are an easy way to meet the needs of golfers, enhance their enjoyment of the game, and make fleet management simple and cost effective.

Yamaha’s first golf car, the YG-292, was launched in 1975, followed by the legendary G1-A in 1979. The G1-A leveraged customer feedback on the YG-292 and was built with what would become Yamaha’s trademarks of innovative engineering, durability and reliability. In fact, there are still G1-A models in active service on golf courses today.

In the decades that followed, Yamaha racked up an impressive series of world-firsts for golf cars, from the first four-stroke engine to the first 360-degree body protection system, to the first use of electronic fuel injection. Recent innovations include the introduction of Lithium-Ion battery powered models.

Today Yamaha’s range of golf cars spans 13 different models across the Golf Car Fleet, Personal Transportation and Commercial segments, and the company produces an average of 60,000 new golf cars every year, worth approximately £360 million in sales globally.

About Leading Courses

Leading Courses has been helping golfers find and play the best and most suitable golf courses with the help of hundreds of thousands of reviews for over 10 years. The website and app provide information on more than 25,000 golf courses worldwide. Leading Courses has over 400,000 website visitors per month and offers tee times for over 3,000 golf clubs in more than 20 countries.

This makes it Europe’s largest community platform for golf course tee times and golf course reviews. For golf courses, Leading Courses provides increased (national and international) reach and revenue, valuable insights (trends/reviews) and opportunities for digital and ecommerce solutions.

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