Jedbugh praises Agrovista Amenity

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Jedbugh praises Agrovista Amenity: A granular feeding programme devised by Tom Hobbis of Agrovista Amenity has dramatically improved the greens at Jedburgh Golf Club.

Described by those who play the course, Jedburgh Golf Club in Scotland is a hidden gem full of risk and reward. It is a par 69 course with spectacular views over the town of Jedburgh, Dunion and the Cheviot hills. With a thriving membership, the club recognises the importance of keeping the course in the best condition possible. Therefore, when a problematic ninth hole started causing issues the club sought some outside expertise.

Jedbugh praises Agrovista Amenity

Jedbugh praises Agrovista Amenity

“We brought Amenity Specialist Tom Hobbis in from Agrovista Amenity to give us some advice,” said Robert Armstrong, Jedburgh Golf Club’s Green Ranger. “We wanted a new entire feeding programme and so Tom looked at all the greens, not just the one we were having the most problems with. He took several soil samples to see if we had any underlying issues and fortunately there was nothing serious – just a lack of nutrients. He then came up with a plan for all of the greens.”

“It was about taking it back to basics,” said Tom, who joined Agrovista Amenity last year. “We needed to reduce stress on the greens and a simplistic programme was required. After careful consideration I felt that a granular approach would be most suitable.

“I put together a programme using the Compo Expert range because you get 100% nutrition from these products, and they have a very low scorch potential – which would suit the lack of water application. Another reason for choosing the Compo Expert products is that they don’t sit in the surface for long – they break down incredibly well and get into the profile very quickly. The products that I put forward have been tried and tested in all corners of the UK.”

Agrovista Amenity is the exclusive national distributor of Compo Expert’s turf products in the UK for good reason. The unique and innovative controlled and slow-release chemistry provides environmentally-friendly fertilisers at a time when many turf and landscape managers are exploring more sustainable methods.

In concentrating on the problematic ninth hole, Tom firstly identified Ferro Top 6-0-12 as a solution. With a very fine and uniform granular size, Ferro Top ensures perfect sward penetration and is ideal for fine turf surfaces such as greens.

“We used Ferro Top at the start of the season and at the back end of the season,” said Tom. “With its high iron content, it has really firmed the greens up and helps towards sward penetration. The magnesium in it has also massively helped to keep a good colour across the greens for longer periods without a flush of growth.

“After Ferro Top gave the greens the kick-start they needed, we then moved on to Floranid Twin Eagle Master 19-5-10 which is ideal for late spring/early summer and autumn feeds.

We used two applications and it gave great longevity thanks to its two nitrogen compounds, ISODUR and CROTODUR. As a result, the club didn’t have to put as much down over the course of the season, and it therefore saved money.”

Jedbugh praises Agrovista Amenity

Jedbugh praises Agrovista Amenity

As Tom says, the new slow-release fertilisers in the Floranid Twin range are comprised of a unique combination of two highly efficient and well-proven nitrogen compounds, ISODUR (moisture dependent) and CROTODUR (heat dependent). This Double N Technology ensures a long-lasting and reliable supply of nitrogen at the highest possible utilisation rate and guarantees optimal plant growth for the successful implementation of ambitious sports turf management.

Last but certainly not least, Tom claims that one of the most integral products in the programme was Kali Gazon 0-0-27. High potassium with added magnesium and sulphur makes Kali Gazon an effective stress reliever, improving turf tolerance against drought, disease, and cold temperatures.

“All of these products have proved to be a fantastic combination,” concluded Tom. “Jedburgh Golf Club put a lot of faith in me and the products and I’m incredibly happy that they are reaping the benefits of the programme.”

Andrew Chambers, Head Greenkeeper, who plays a vital role in the maintenance of the course at Jedburgh, also praised the successful programme.

“The feeding programme has been very successful, and we are delighted with the progress – the products have worked admirably for us,” he said. “We will be carrying out the same programme this year and I’m looking forward to the greens getting even better.

“We’ve had a significant number of positive comments, everybody at the club is delighted and I’ve not had one bad word said about the greens.”

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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SISIS partnership brings feel-good factor

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SISIS partnership brings feel-good factor: Waterhouses FC is the latest grassroots football club to benefit from the new partnership between Dennis, SISIS, Campey Turfcare and the Staffordshire Football Association.

This partnership will be a key component in the Football Association’s goal of improving a total of 20,000 grass pitches across England over the next decade.

SISIS partnership brings feel-good factor

SISIS partnership brings feel-good factor

Gareth Thomas, Commercial and Partnership Lead for Staffordshire FA, revealed how partnerships with such companies are integral to achieving this goal.

“We are measured by participation, so we are tasked by the government and the Football Association to get more people playing football,” he said. “The reality is, if clubs have not got good, quality surfaces to play on then people won’t want to play.

“Already we have seen a huge improvement from the clubs who have made the most of the funding by purchasing the right equipment. Working with the likes of SISIS helps to make our programme as impactful as it possibly can be.”

Waterhouses FC, based in North Staffordshire, plays a large part in the local community and is home to many teams ranging from Under 8’s upwards. The pitch improvement project has been driven by Waterhouses Parish Council and David Stone – Chairman, and Chris Hinton – Clerk to the Parish Council, explained why it was so important.

“Since 2008 the maintenance of the pitches has been down to the Parish Council, but with five villages within the parish, and with so much to do, it has been difficult to juggle everything,” said David. “As a result, the pitches suffered and now we want to improve them.

The facilities here are certainly worthy of that.”

Chris added: “From experience I’ve seen just how hard it is to find good pitches to play on when the bad weather hits. Quite often, teams will end up on a 3G pitch which costs a fortune. We quickly tuned into the fact that the FA is trying to improve this widespread problem.”

Through the programme, significant funding is available to support grassroots clubs, and part of the criteria involves a qualified pitch advisor visiting the site. Andy Jackson (Stoke FC Grounds Manager) visited Waterhouses FC and wrote a full report in which he recommended three pieces of equipment. One of those products was the SISIS Quadraplay.

The SISIS Quadraplay multiple-purpose, single-pass maintenance incorporates a mounted frame for up to four implements such as grooming rakes, spikers, slitters, rollers and brushes. The implements can be fitted to the mainframe in any order and can be independently adjusted to achieve the desired effect. Compact, robust, versatile and with the ability to carry out up to four operations simultaneously – the Quadraplay makes life a lot easier for many grounds persons, as Chris explained.

SISIS partnership brings feel-good factor

SISIS partnership brings feel-good factor

“The Quadraplay helps with the presentation of the pitch, it disperses the worm casts, it rolls the pitch and de-thatches it. Depending on weather, we plan on using it at least once a week – it will be invaluable to us.”

Gareth clarified why the Staffordshire FA will always be quick to recommend both the Quadraplay and SISIS in general.

“We don’t want clubs to buy equipment that they might only be able to use a couple of times a year,” he said. “The Quadraplay is ideal because it is versatile and can be used on a regular basis throughout the year. It is a product we are more than happy to put our name to.

“We know that all the products from SISIS are quality, but perhaps more importantly, the SISIS team are brilliant at ensuring grounds personnel know how the equipment works. They are always on the other end of the phone if you need them and if clubs aren’t too sure on when or how to use a product, a member of the SISIS team will be quick to visit and show them how.”

David admitted that the pitch improvement project has brought a feel-good factor to the community.

“The children, the families – all the local people that come here, will benefit from this,” he said. “The quality of the pitches will go up and the costs of doing it will go down, because we no longer have to bring in third parties.

“It’s really quite incredible to be honest.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow SISIS on Twitter or Instagram @SISISMachinery and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery. You can also view the latest SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

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GGM Groundscare’s state-of-the-art blade grinders

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GGM Groundscare’s state-of-the-art blade grinders: GGM Groundscare, the trusted, leading supplier of fine-turf machinery and after-sales support has made a £60k investment in two new professional blade grinding machines for their Haydock depot from market leading manufacturer Foley.

The investment comes as GGM reports seeing significant growth in the golf and fine turf areas of the business with both Baroness and Dennis machinery. This has led to a requirement for the organisation to double their grinding capacity and it is now able to offer first class grinding at both its Colne and Haydock depots.

GGM Groundscare's state-of-the-art blade grinders

GGM Groundscare’s state-of-the-art blade grinders

GGM Groundscare specialise in helping golf clubs across the North West and Yorkshire to become more efficient in their operation by using the best machinery available. With the new investment, customers will benefit even more, with improved response times, back up support and a high quality of grinding, resulting in blades that are returned to “good as new” condition.

Managing Director Chris Gibson said:

“As a company, we are committed to offering an excellent after sales offering and this investment means customers can reap the benefits of premium grinding and get a first-class level of cut.

We recognise that an important factor in achieving a first-class quality of cut is to ensure blades are kept in optimum condition with precision relief grinding, something that is essential to golf clubs. This investment will allow us to offer this service to even more golf clubs.”

GGM Groundscare have installed the two new grinders at its Haydock branch:

The 633 Accu-Pro from Foley is engineered to blade grind to the customers exact specification, both spin grinding or returning the reel to manufacturer specifications, with a focus on quality and efficiency.

The second grinder, the Foley 673 Automatic Bedknife Grinder, is one of the fastest of its kind in the world without compromising on quality of results.

Chris Gibson continued:

“Following our previous investment in our two Foley Grinders at our Colne depot in 2018, we quickly saw an upturn in the efficiency and demand of our blade grinding offering.

This investment is on the back of our commitment in growing and developing our Haydock depot offering and the two new Foley grinders enable us to offer our Merseyside and Cheshire based customers a local first-class service with a quicker turn-around. Foley grinders return blades to manufacturer standard and provide customers with unmatched results.”

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The Grove collects another award

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The Grove collects another award: The Grove, London’s inspiring country escape, continues to win awards for outstanding achievement, underlined by being named ‘Environmental Golf Course of the Year’ at the Golf Environment Awards 2022.

These important industry accolades, managed and administered by STRI, reward outstanding golf courses, no matter how big or small, for the time and effort they have put into protecting and preserving their unique surroundings, with clear objectives and targets.

The Grove collects another award

The Grove collects another award

Watch Head Greenkeeper, Sam Reid, discuss The Grove’s sustainable practices HERE 

The Grove, which features an award-winning Top 100 ranked 18-hole championship golf course designed by Kyle Phillips, fought off strong competition from some of Europe’s leading golf destinations to win this prestigious accolade, which follows a trio of wins at the recent 59club Awards, the golf industry ‘Oscars’ for service and hospitality.

Commenting on the Environmental Golf Course of the Year accolade, Phillip Chiverton, Golf Course and Estate Manager at The Grove, said: “This award, which underlines a huge team effort at The Grove, recognises how we continue to successfully introduce environmentally sustainable management projects across and around our 18-hole golf course, and throughout the gardens and wider estate.

“These projects are achieving an increase in habitat varieties, significantly improving playing experiences for our daily fee-paying golfing guests, and providing a positive contribution to wildlife across the wider estate.”

The Grove’s Roll of Honour 2022:

  • Environmental Golf Course of the Year, Golf Environment Awards 2022.
  • Golf Manager of the Year – Brad Gould, 59club (second year running).
  • Greenkeeper of the Year – Phillip Chiverton, 59club (second year running).
  • Leading Individual Group Golf Sales Performance – Joel Westwell, 59club.
  • Gold Flag Destination, 59club – Industry benchmark for exceptional service.

The Grove, was also recently awarded GEO Certified® status. GEO Certified is the symbol of a great golf environment, confirming the facility satisfies all the certification criteria; meeting a credible standard in the areas of nature, resources, climate and community, and is committed to continual improvement.

Anna Darnell, Resort Leisure Director at The Grove, concluded: “This long list of industry awards recognises an incredible team effort that is delivered every day at The Grove. Our products and standards are first class, but it’s our dedicated people who deserve all the credit for bringing it to life, for the benefit of our customers.”

At-a-glance: Sustainability in Golf at The Grove

  • Rainfall compensation system creates annual water savings of up to 30%.
  • Computer monitoring of soil moisture levels accurately deliver water by volume and location.
  • Minimised areas of managed turf reduce mowing, irrigation and use of chemicals.
  • Collaboration with Hertfordshire & Middlesex Wildlife Trust created areas of naturalised habitat, including River Gade chalk stream conservation, maintenance of native fescue grasses, and the introduction of wildflower areas (Operation Pollinator).
  • New wetland area within woodland, creating new environments for newts, frogs, water vowels and dragonflies.
  • Ongoing investment in renewable energy programmes.
  • Active management of woodlands, creating new habitats for wildlife and replanting where appropriate.

The 18-hole rolling parkland golf course remains the only venue in the UK to have hosted a World Golf Championship event (in 2006, won by Tiger Woods). It has also hosted the DP World Tour’s British Masters in 2016.

Beyond its pristine fairways and greens, The Grove’s 18th-century Mansion houses 26 rooms, suites and lounges decorated with a 21st-century spin on vintage glamour.

There’s also the thoroughly modern West Wing with a further 189 deluxe, superior and family rooms. Many of these rooms have balconies and terraces looking over immaculate formal gardens.

For further information: www.thegrove.co.uk

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Campey to host Tee Renovation Days

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Campey to host Tee Renovation Days: Campey Turf Care Systems in occasional conjunction with Germinal Seeds, are hosting a series of Tee Renovation Days throughout the country next month and are delighted to invite anyone with a professional interest, to come and see the complete process in one day.

Starting on April 4th at East Brighton GC, moving on to Eastbourne Downs GC, Kings Norton, Renfrew, Seascale, Knotty Hill, Greetham Valley, Huyton and Prescott, Wilmslow and Greenway Hall Golf Club, Campeys, leaders in innovative equipment in all areas of turf maintenance, will be at ten different Golf venues in total, providing an opportunity to see the very latest techniques in renovation specific to Golf Tees, and to introduce some alternative methods that may not have been considered in a golf course setting before.

Campey to host Tee Renovation Days

Campey to host Tee Renovation Days

Each day will start at 9am with Campeys providing refreshments and bacon rolls before the day begins. A full team of experts will be on-hand to guide the visitors through the processes and to listen to any ideas, or particular issues, that you may be experiencing at your own club.

A full list of the venues and dates can be found on the Campey website www.campeyturfcare.com/tee

For catering purposes, Campeys is respectively asking that attendees register on-line via the website or by scanning the QR code on the official invite.

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