Barenbrug changes the game

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Barenbrug changes the game: Varieties Barzico and Barbasten, already first and second on the 2022 BSPB/STRI Sports Ryegrass list, is available commercially in Barenbrug’s 2022 Elite Sport blend. These varieties are the result of many years of breeding and trials in the UK and abroad.

Calling the winter sports range a ‘Game Changer’ for top football and rugby stadiums, Luke Hunt, Barenbrug’s Product Manager says “We have broken the mould for 2022 with the very top performing grasses bred by us for premium sport stadiums, pitches and courses, and produced in the UK. Grounds managers now have a brand-new choice in a field where many different products have contained the same varieties”.

Barenbrug changes the game

Barenbrug changes the game

The Elite Sport blend is complemented in Barenbrug’s winter sport range with RPR Sport, a highly researched blend of four hard-wearing perennial ryegrasses, including Barlibro Regenerating Perennial Ryegrass (RPR). The range also contains Multi Sport, with a focus on through-the-year performance and sustainability, and SOS for emergency mid-season turf repair in cool temperatures.

Barenbrug’s premium sports range is in wide use at Premier League stadiums, top-ranked golf courses and tennis courts, as well as local clubs and schools. Ipswich Town FC is one of many football clubs who has had the game changed by the winter sport varieties. Ben Connell (ITFC) began trials five years ago with Barenbrug bred grass varieties on the training grounds and academy pitches. Since then, he has overseen their introduction into the stadium pitch. “One advantage of working with a seed breeder,” Ben says, “is to be able to follow the development of new grass varieties and work with the breeder to see how products can work best for our pitches. So for us, Barenbrugs winter sport varieties are top of the table”.

Specialising entirely on developing innovative UK grass seed solutions, Barenbrug UK is now recognised as the leading grass seed breeder and grower in the UK. As part of the wider Barenbrug Group, grass experts since 1904, their worldwide research and plant genetics network includes dedicated UK trials of amenity varieties and mixtures, providing a solid testing ground while drawing on knowledge and expertise from across the globe.

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Lantra set to attend SALTEX

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Lantra set to attend SALTEX: Lantra, one of the leading awarding organisation’s for the land-based sector and a one-stop shop for nationally recognised industry training and qualification in the UK, is to attend Europe’s largest turf management show which is set to hit the Birmingham NEC in November.

Representatives from Lantra will be descending on the Saltex exhibition to meet grounds’ care volunteers, professionals, suppliers, and manufacturers and to provide information and advice on training courses, qualifications and opportunities that could lead to becoming a Lantra Instructor or Assessor.

Lantra set to attend SALTEX

Lantra set to attend SALTEX

Saltex, which takes place at the Birmingham NEC from November 2 to 3, is now in its 76th year and this year, 400 brands are expected to showcase their products and services across three halls at the venue.

The Lantra team will be using the event to reinforce how training can help address the skills gap in the landscape sector.

They’ll provide information on their work, and demonstrate how, through training initiatives, courses and qualifications, this major industry issue can be tackled.

David Fisher, Lantra’s Head of Industry Partnerships, said he is very much looking forward to attending the event and fly the flag for training, lifelong learning, and the need to address the skills shortage issue in the land-based sector as a whole.

He said: “Saltex provides us with another excellent platform to showcase our quality training courses and nationally recognised qualifications that are delivered through a national network of training Provider Partners.

“During this major event we look forward to meeting all those involved, or who have an interest, in grounds’ care and turf management.

“We want, to look at the challenges faced by the sector and demonstrate how we are here to help, listen and provide people with the tools and training they need to hone their skills and development.

“Saltex will provide us with a great opportunity to meet up with industry contacts and get to hear first-hand about the latest developments and requirements in the industry.

“We always gain useful intel on what knowledge and skills operators are prioritising to inform our training and qualifications. Lantra will be exhibiting at Stand K124 so please come along and see us.

“Who knows it may result in becoming a Lantra Instructor or Assessor of the future,” David added.

To register to attend the free event please visit https://eventdata.uk/Forms/Form.aspx?FormRef=SALB2Visitor&TrackingCode=SALTEXWEB

For further information about Lantra please log on to https://www.lantra.co.uk/

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Electric greens at Sheringham GC

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Electric greens at Sheringham GC: All-electric ride-on power arrives in East Anglia for the first time as Sheringham Golf Course becomes the first club in the area to purchase Toro’s all-electric eTriFlex 3370 riding greensmower.

When ranked 75th in the 2022 National Club Golfer Top 100 Courses in England, the work undertaken each year isn’t just about maintaining the status quo, it’s about working hard to enhance the club in meaningful ways, according to course manager Ricky Goodman, and in 2022 sustainability is top of the agenda.

Electric greens at Sheringham GC

Electric greens at Sheringham GC

Currently in his fourth year at the Norfolk club, known for its unique ocean and stream train views, Ricky made his bid for new Toro machinery when he arrived, and the board supported the move once they understood all the benefits this change would bring to the club.

Ricky says: “I shared my plans and ideas for the course and how bringing Toro in, the quality of the machines and innovation of the brand would benefit the course and with finance through distributor Reesink available, I got their backing. Clubs in Norfolk, including this one, are known for using a specific brand of turfcare machinery and our club was ready to move on and set itself apart, all it needed was a little push.

“We’re focusing on many sustainable initiatives this year and using lithium-ion battery-power for cutting our greens spearheads them all. The all-electric eTriFlex 3370 ticks so many boxes and solves many issues. There’s no noise pollution which means we can start mowing earlier without disturbing the residents we have bordering the back of the club and we no longer need to worry about oil spills on the greens, which causes incredible damage.”

In addition to this, Ricky explains how the club is using solar panels to create its own energy and is replacing plastic tees with biodegradable wooden ones instead. Irrigation is a top priority, both supply and storage given the recent draught and Ricky is “looking into water storage and capture for irrigation for the paths and fairways”, alongside construction works, including levelling tees that are 100 years old. Ricky is also cutting back on the nutrients in the greens to help preserve more sustainable species.

The Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 is not the only Toro machine the club is investing in, also on order are a ProCore 648 aerator and Reelmaster 3575-D. The reason for further expanding the fleet is for the brand’s longevity and resale value as Ricky explains: “Toro machines can run for five to six years no trouble; they have a market leading resale value and whereas other brands would go off-cut very quickly with Toro it’s just a quick click and you’re back on it. Plus, I can take all units off quick release and back on in five minutes, other brands would take 30 minutes just to take them out so productivity with Toro is much improved.”

It’s certainly a decision that’s proved itself with Ricky’s seven-strong team, the members and board, says Ricky: “The Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 mower is the benchmark, the next level in turfcare machinery, and we couldn’t be happier with the difference we can see on the course. All-electric mowers are the talk of the industry, and discussion on their benefits has influenced other clubs to go green as well. We’ve had a lot of interest in ours – the local contractor mechanics have asked to borrow it for training, getting to know the machine and preparing for how the market will be progressing. It won’t be long before every golf course will want one.”

To talk to someone about Toro technology and how the Toro range could suit your course, call 01480 226800.

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Polaris’ 0% finance offer

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Polaris’ 0% finance offer: Polaris Off Road Vehicles is excited to announce an exclusive three-year 0% finance offer* for customers in the United Kingdom.

Running in conjunction with Rural Finance Limited, one of the largest agricultural finance and rural community finance brokerages in the UK, this offer is available on selected Sportsman and RANGER model purchases** from 1st October 2022 until 31st December 2022.

Polaris' 0% finance offer

Polaris’ 0% finance offer

Richard Coleby, National Sales Manager at Polaris Britain said: “We’ve got a great line-up of utility vehicles and our goal is to make sure that customers can get their hands on these as easily as possible, when they need them the most. Interest-free finance options are a fantastic way to spread the cost of a vehicle and for this offer, we’ve also included up to £1,000* of accessories so you can customise your vehicle from the get-go, ready for any task that comes your way.”

The 0% finance offer is available on all Sportsman 570 models, all Ranger 1000 3-seat models (excluding crew models), and all Ranger XP 1000 3-seat models (excluding crew models).

Sportsman 570

The latest Sportsman 570 platform launched for 2021 gave the bestselling ATV a whole new look and all-new features, all while featuring that same legendary ride and handling, unrivalled versatility and reliable performance that the Sportsman is renowned for. The Sportsman 570 is available with or without electronic power steering (EPS) and is also offered in a premium SP trim with upgraded 14-inch alloy wheels, painted bodywork and dual A-arm suspension on the front. Polaris also presents an additional four special edition models; Hunter Edition, Black Edition, Agri Pro Edition or Öhlins Edition, all with unique features for work or play.

Ranger 1000

Experience the ultimate combination of price and performance with the new Ranger 1000, featuring smoother low-speed drivability and increased agility to create a perfect balance of big-work capability and all-day comfort. Engineered for work with its ProStar 1000 single-overhead-cam engine for more torque at lower RPMs, along with the Pro-PVTi clutch system for smooth drivability at low speeds. The Ranger 1000 is designed for comfort with special attention to cab comfort, storage and accessory integration, and built to last with redesigned components and features to ensure enhanced durability, protection and ease of maintenance.

Ranger XP 1000

Top of the range and built to be the most capable and comfortable Ranger ever, the Ranger XP 1000 3-seat model has the premium edge with striking LED headlights, alloy wheels and best-in-class features and specifications – including 1134kg towing capacity, 454kg cargo bed capacity, 33cm ground clearance and 27.9cm suspension travel on the front and rear. Available on certain models, the three-position engine switch on the dash allows users to switch between work, standard and performance settings to suit their ride.

Purchasing these models with the 0% finance offer is simple with the scheme available over three years with 6 + 30 monthly payments up to a maximum of 80% of the manufacturer’s recommended retail price. Customers can also include up to £1,000 (excluding VAT) of genuine Polaris accessories to make their vehicle bespoke.

Please visit a Polaris dealer for further details on Polaris’ range of off-road vehicles and current offers.

*Available for customers in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland (excluding the Republic of Ireland). The finance offer is subject to status, terms and conditions apply.

**All vehicles and accessories are subject to availability. Offer applies to the following models: Sportsman 570, 570 EPS, 570 EPS Agri Pro, 570 EPS Black Edition, 570 EPS Hunter Edition, 570 EPS SP, 570 EPS SP Öhlins SE and Ranger 1000 EPS, 1000 EPS Nordic Pro SE, XP1000 EPS, XP1000 EPS Hunter Edition, XP1000 EPS ABS, XP1000 EPS Nordic Pro SE.

For further media information on Polaris ORV products, please contact the Polaris ORV Media Office at press@polaris-orv.media.

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Continue to Learn Scholarship participants

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Continue to Learn Scholarship participants: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Premium Partner ICL have revealed the five participants of the seventh ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship. 

The five BIGGA members, drawn from golf clubs across the United Kingdom, have been invited to attend the Continue to Learn education programme, considered the largest learning experience for those in sports turf management outside the United States. Continue to Learn is held each January and coincides with the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME), hosted by BIGGA at the Harrogate Convention Centre in North Yorkshire.

Continue to Learn Scholarship participants

Continue to Learn Scholarship participants

The ICL Continue to Learn Scholars for 2023 are:

  • Patrick Brown, assistant greenkeeper, Wentworth Club
  • Jarno Ruscoe, greenkeeper, Ingestre Park Golf Club
  • Allan Spalding, assistant greenkeeper, Lundin Golf Club
  • Michael Sparke, deputy course manager, Kings Hill Golf Club
  • Nicholas Thorley, deputy head greenkeeper, Saunton Golf Club

To earn an ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship, BIGGA members must demonstrate a commitment to developing their own professional abilities by engaging with BIGGA’s Continuing Professional Development scheme. Whether through in-person learning, reading the association’s magazine, Greenkeeper International, or by accessing resources on the association’s website, BIGGA members have access to thousands of learning opportunities, all aimed at helping improve their professional abilities.

The ICL Continue to Learn Scholars will receive three nights’ hotel accommodation and a comprehensive education package offering an array of personal development opportunities.

BIGGA Chief Operating Officer Sami Strutt said: “BIGGA appreciates that budgets are tight at the moment and that’s why we are providing more opportunities than ever before to access the learning we provide for our members in new and more cost-effective ways. That includes the latest Continue to Learn timetable, to be published early in October and featuring more free education opportunities than ever before.

“Thanks to ICL, five BIGGA members will also enjoy the countless hours of personal and professional development that come with attending BTME and Continue to Learn. Our sincere thanks are extended to ICL for their continued support of BIGGA and its members, particularly through the tough economic climate we are all currently navigating.”

Continue to Learn at BTME 2023 will take place in various venues including the Harrogate Convention Centre from 22 to 25 January 2023. For further information about BTME and Continue to Learn, visit www.btme.org.uk

Through the Turf Rewards loyalty scheme from ICL and Syngenta, BIGGA members are able to claim Continue to Learn education vouchers. Points are gained by purchasing products for use on the golf course. For further information visit www.turfrewards.com

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