Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2026 finalists announced

Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2026 finalists announced

/in , /by

Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2026 finalists announced 

The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has announced the 10 hopefuls in with a shot at claiming the top prizes at the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards 2026.

Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2026 finalists announced

Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2026 finalists announced

The nominees, split between the Student Greenkeeper of the Year and Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year categories, represent golf clubs and colleges from across the country.

Launched in 1989, the awards, sponsored by Toro and Reesink Turfcare, have long recognised and rewarded some of the most promising talents in the industry, with many finalists going on to enjoy stellar careers.

The 2026 awards will take place at Rockliffe Hall in County Durham from 8-10 September, when the finalists will compete in a series of challenges designed to test their technical knowledge and passion for the greenkeeping profession.

BIGGA’s Head of Professional Development Deb Burnett said: “These awards continue to showcase the breadth of talent coming through the greenkeeping industry, and this year’s finalists are another outstanding group.

“Whether they are at the beginning of their careers or have already taken on significant responsibility within their teams, they have shown the commitment, knowledge and ambition that will help drive the profession forward.”

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year winner’s prize includes enrolment in an internationally recognised 10-week turf management remote study course at The Winter Turf School (University of Massachusetts), a one-week placement at a prestigious golf course in the UK or overseas, and an all-expenses-paid trip to Toro HQ in the United States.

“This year’s Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards attracted an impressive number of entries, and the quality of submissions was high, making the judging process more competitive than ever. As a result, those who have secured a place in the finals have achieved something truly noteworthy and should be congratulated for standing out among such a strong field of candidates.

“We are excited to bring the finalists together at Rockliffe Hall this September, a prestigious venue and valued Toro customer, for what promises to be a memorable and inspiring final.”

Gillian Haverson, Marketing and Communications Manager, Reesink UK, award sponsor.

The victor in the Young category will also enjoy a one-week placement and the US visit, along with a trip to Continue to Learn at BTME.

The runners-up in each category will also receive generous prizes, as will the people who endorse the winners.

Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year finalists

  • Ruth Etches, first assistant greenkeeper at Trentham Golf Club and student at Myerscough College
  • Nick McEley, deputy head course manager at Milngavie Golf Club and student at Gosta Training
  • Jake Rose, assistant greenkeeper at Alwoodley Golf Club and student at Myerscough College
  • Toby Smith, deputy course manager at Redlibbets Golf Club and student at Hadlow College
  • Ben Young, head greenkeeper at Morpeth Golf Club and student at Myerscough College

Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year finalists

  • Finn Cluett, apprentice greenkeeper at Aspley Guise Golf Club and student at Oaklands College
  • Lottie Fosten, assistant greenkeeper at Wentworth Golf Club and student at Myerscough College
  • Archie Raynham, apprentice greenkeeper at Essendon Country Club and student at Oaklands
  • Tyler Rogers, apprentice greenkeeper at Taymouth Golf Club Ltd and student at Askham Bryan College

Sam Wells, apprentice greenkeeper at Isle Purbeck Golf Club and student at Myerscough College

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

Replay Maintenance and Abbeycroft unveil strategic programme

Replay Maintenance and Abbeycroft unveil strategic programme

/in , /by

Replay Maintenance and Abbeycroft unveil strategic programme

Abbeycroft has entered a strategic 5-year partnership with Replay Maintenance to deliver a structured, data-led maintenance programme across its network of artificial sports pitches.

Replay Maintenance and Abbeycroft unveil strategic programme

Replay Maintenance and Abbeycroft unveil strategic programme

The collaboration began with a recent resurfacing at Brandon, funded by West Suffolk Council as part of a wider upgrade of the facilities and then a rolling programme across Abbeycroft facilities in Bury, Haverhill, Newmarket, Hadleigh and Sudbury, standardising quality and raising performance across their portfolio.

Abbeycroft selected Replay for its specialist expertise in artificial surface care, robust methodology and proven track record delivering measurable outcomes at scale. The partnership moves beyond a traditional supplier model, aligning both organisations around clear outcomes: safer play, consistent performance, lifecycle value and transparent reporting that stands up to scrutiny. Replay’s experience and accountability were decisive, giving Abbeycroft confidence that maintenance will be proactive, data-driven, and focused on long-term asset health.

For customers and communities, the benefits are immediate and tangible. Structured interventions improve traction, ball roll and surface integrity, enhancing the experience for players, clubs and schools while building confidence in every booking and fixture. By reducing reactive call-outs and safeguarding warranties, the programme extends pitch lifespans and protects public investment.

Data sits at the heart of the partnership. Site-level reporting provides a shared view of conditions, usage patterns, and emerging trends, supporting smarter decision-making, accountable governance, and timely lifecycle planning. Coupled with the Brandon resurface and the rolling programme now in place, this evidence-led approach lifts standards and ensures consistent quality wherever users play within Abbeycroft’s facilities.

Sustainability is a core consideration. By targeting the right interventions at the right time, the maintenance model reduces waste, optimises resources and plans responsibly for refurbishment, aligning operational efficiency with environmental goals. Over the coming years, Abbeycroft and Replay will track improvements in performance metrics, reductions in unplanned downtime, extended asset lifespans and rising customer satisfaction. Success means predictable lifecycle planning, strong ROI and continued reinvestment to keep facilities inclusive, affordable and trusted by local communities.

Warren Smyth, CEO at Abbeycroft, said: Abbeycroft exists to help people live healthier, happier lives, and that starts with safe, reliable places to be active. Partnering with Replay is a strategic choice grounded in industry best practice — structured maintenance, clear standards and actionable data. Most importantly, it means clubs, schools and communities can access affordable, high‑quality facilities they trust.”

“We are absolutely delighted to partner with Abbeycroft Leisure to deliver this structured, data-led maintenance programme across their portfolio, commented Replay Maintenance Managing Director Nick Harris. “Our methodology has always been about moving beyond a simple supplier relationship to form an aligned, transparent collaboration focused on long-term asset health. By leveraging real-time reporting and specialist care, we are ensuring that local clubs, schools, and communities have access to safe, high-performing, and reliable pitches. Proactive maintenance is fundamental to maximising the economic return on investment and extending the lifespans of these vital community facilities.”

To find out more about the partnership, you can hear from Warren Smyth and Nick Harris here.

For more information, visit www.replaymaintenance.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

97% of HSE Pesticide Enforcement Visits in 2025 Required Action

97% of HSE Pesticide Enforcement Visits in 2025 Required Action

/in , /by

97% of HSE Pesticide Enforcement Visits in 2025 Required Action

The Amenity Forum is urging amenity businesses, contractors, local authorities, housing providers and other land managers to review their compliance arrangements following recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) pesticide enforcement findings which showed that action was required following 97% of official control visits carried out during 2025.

97% of HSE Pesticide Enforcement Visits in 2025 Required Action

97% of HSE Pesticide Enforcement Visits in 2025 Required Action

At the Forum’s Updating Event in May, delegates were presented with an overview of official control activity undertaken across England, Wales and Scotland. The findings highlighted a number of recurring compliance issues affecting organisations across several sectors, including amenity management, horticulture and forestry.

The most common issues identified related to pesticide storage, stock control, record keeping, inspection requirements for pedestrian-operated equipment and registration under the Official Controls Regulations.

The findings reinforce the need for organisations to maintain robust management systems, ensure staff remain competent and up to date, and regularly review compliance arrangements.

Ian Graham, Chair of the Amenity Forum, said:

“The findings highlight that there remains significant scope for improvement in some areas of compliance across the sector. Whilst many of the issues identified can be addressed through improved awareness, training and management controls, the figures demonstrate the importance of maintaining robust systems and regularly reviewing procedures.

Good practice is not simply about meeting legal requirements; it is about protecting people, protecting the environment and maintaining public confidence in the work our sector undertakes every day.

 Every organisation should take the opportunity to review its arrangements, strengthen professional standards and ensure compliance remains a priority”

The Amenity Forum is encouraging organisations to take the following five actions:

  • Review pesticide stores and ensure bunding, fire protection and storage arrangements remain suitable.
  • Audit pesticide stocks and remove any unauthorised or expired products.
  • Ensure spray records are complete, compliant and readily available for inspection.
  • Verify that pedestrian-operated spraying equipment has been inspected where required.
  • Confirm registration requirements under the Official Controls Regulations have been met.

The Forum believes these findings reinforce the importance of ongoing training, continuing professional development and the adoption of industry best practice. By taking proactive steps now, organisations can reduce risk, improve compliance and demonstrate their commitment to professional standards.

Whilst action was required following the majority of visits, only a relatively small proportion resulted in enforcement notices. The findings suggest that many compliance issues can be addressed through improved awareness, training and management controls before formal enforcement action becomes necessary.

The Amenity Forum continues to work with members, regulators and stakeholders to promote best practice, professionalism and responsible management across the amenity sector.

For further information about the Amenity Forum, visit www.amenityforum.net

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

Waterscapes guidance on when smart irrigation upgrades pay for themselves

Waterscapes guidance on when smart irrigation upgrades pay for themselves

/in , /by

Waterscapes guidance on when smart irrigation upgrades pay for themselves

Waterscapes, the UK specialist in commercial irrigation systems and water feature maintenance, has published new guidance for facilities managers, estates teams, and budget holders on judging when smart irrigation technology pays for itself.

Waterscapes guidance on when smart irrigation upgrades pay for themselves

Waterscapes guidance on when smart irrigation upgrades pay for themselves

Written by Managing Director Paul Jeffery, the guidance separates the four technologies usually sold under the smart irrigation label: weather-based controllers, flow monitoring, soil moisture sensors, and remote access. It sets out where each earns its cost on a commercial site, and argues that most sites need some of the technology rather than all of it.

According to the guidance, the largest saving on most sites comes from correcting schedule drift, where programmes set in spring no longer match summer demand. Fault detection follows, with flow monitoring identifying leaks in days rather than the weeks a conventional system can take, converting excavation and replanting jobs into small repairs.

The guidance also addresses the reporting case. With asset managers increasingly asked to evidence water use for sustainability reporting, and UK summers bringing temporary use bans and drought permits, Waterscapes notes that metered, logged irrigation data places sites in a stronger position when restrictions and exemptions are discussed.

“On most commercial sites we survey, the controller is the cheapest component on the system and the one costing the most money,” said Jeffery. “A schedule that has drifted out of season can be putting out 30 or 40 per cent more water than the planting needs. Weather-based control tends to claw that back within the first season.”

The guidance is direct about when upgrading doesn’t pay, advising that small simple systems, sites with failing hydraulics, and systems near the end of their life are usually better served by other routes. “We would rather tell a client their system isn’t worth upgrading than sell them technology that won’t pay back,” Jeffery said.

The full guidance is available on the Waterscapes website at waterscapes.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

Bearsden GC project success followed by major machinery investment

Bearsden GC project success followed by major machinery investment

/in , , /by

Bearsden GC project success followed by major machinery investment

After an ambitious and successful golf course transformation project, Bearsden Golf Club has continued its long-term investment programme with the arrival of a substantial new fleet of turf maintenance equipment supplied by Fairways GM at Renfrew.

Bearsden GC project success followed by major machinery investment

Bearsden GC project success followed by major machinery investment

The two-year construction, which began in summer 2023 and encompassed land adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Antonine Wall, transformed Bearsden GC’s previous nine-hole course through extensive remodelling and environmental improvements. The redevelopment has helped future-proof the course for generations to come, while collaborative flood management measures introduced in partnership with East Dunbartonshire Council are also delivering wider benefits to the surrounding residential area.

The endeavour, led by Project Course Manager David McBride and his team, was made even more remarkable by the fact the course remained fully playable for members throughout the transformation works. The project also earned the team recognition as finalists in the prestigious 2026 BIGGA Greenkeeping Project of the Year Awards.

Working alongside Fairways GM’s Jonathan Rae and Stuart Cameron, David McBride selected a broad range of equipment to support everything from fine turf presentation through to fairway maintenance and day-to-day transport duties. However, one of the key considerations throughout the purchasing process was noise reduction, reflecting the golf course’s proximity to surrounding housing.

The new fleet includes an ISEKI TG6507 utility tractor, compact ISEKI TH3420 tractor, Wessex CRX-320 rotary mower, Infinicut pedestrian hand mower, Jacobsen GP400 greens mower, Jacobsen Eclipse® 360 ELiTE® all-electric greens mower and Jacobsen LF570 fairway mower.

“Electric mowing was important because of the proximity to housing,” explained David. “Jonathan and Stuart let us trial the Jacobsen Eclipse® 360 ELiTE® on our greens and we approved that almost instantly. The same applied to the Infinicut pedestrian mowers.

“Now, a few months down the line, we are complete converts to electric. The reduction in noise is remarkable as is the quality of the cut. We would never go back. We are extremely happy with the decision.”

“We already knew the capabilities of the Jacobsen LF570 from earlier experience. Here, we effectively have a large greens complex with extensive approaches and apron areas around the putting surfaces, and we like to keep those areas particularly short and refined. To achieve that, we opted for a Jacobsen GP400 fitted with seven-blade cutting units specifically for going around the pins.”

“The redevelopment project has raised standards right across the golf course, so it was important that the machinery fleet evolved with it. We’ve invested heavily in creating a course that will serve the club for many years to come and we wanted a machinery fleet — and a supplier partnership — capable of supporting that ambition.

“Fairways have been excellent throughout and we’re delighted with both the machines and the relationship we’ve developed with the team.”

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