Kubota helps Crondon Park’s drive to the top

Kubota helps Crondon Park’s drive to the top

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Kubota helps Crondon Park’s drive to the top

A pair of Kubota compact tractors are proving pivotal to the ambitious development plans underway at Crondon Park Golf Club. With significant investment, a growing team and a clear vision the Essex venue is undergoing a transformation designed to elevate it into one of the county’s premier golfing destinations – assisted by the right people and, importantly, the right, reliable equipment.

Kubota helps Crondon Park’s drive to the top

Kubota helps Crondon Park’s drive to the top

Having first joined the club as a junior member in 2002 before returning as Director of Golf in September 2022, David Laffar has witnessed Crondon’s evolution from multiple perspectives. Now working alongside Managing Director Marlon Fox – whose family opened the club in 1994 – he is helping to steer the direction and investment into facilities, which has been substantial. “We often get told that the layout here is one of the best in the county, now it’s about bringing it up to a playing standard that matches.”

“Since mid-2022, over £3 million has been committed to course improvements including new drainage and irrigation systems and playing a key part in the successful execution of these projects has been the pair of Kubota tractors” he explains. Delivered by George Browns in May 2023, the 60hp Kubota L2622 and 50hp L1552 have quickly become indispensable. “They’re real workhorses and have matched the demands of the various implements we’ve been running as part of the renovation works.”

Picking up the baton to execute the next stage of the project alongside a team of five is new Course Manager David Byron. He comments, “Joining a club when there’s so much to do can be daunting, but I must say I took a sigh of relief when I saw we had two Kubota tractors in the shed! It’s enabled me to hit the ground running, getting renovations underway straight away with no concerns about power or reliability.”

“These tractors are the backbone of everything we’re doing – from aeration work to providing the right power and lift for existing and new implements we’re currently looking to add to the fleet. The two machines give us versatility for the different tasks, comfort for the operators who are often working long hours and peace of mind.” A sentiment echoed by David Laffar, “Out of our whole fleet, the Kubota tractors are probably the most reliable machines we have.”

The back-up from dealers George Brown has been another plus point for the club, ensuring that advice is available when needed. This support is increasingly important for the team as they prepare to host a number of major county championships across the summer. “We’re not a ‘traditional’ club but it’s nice to know what we’re creating here is now attracting the attention of tour organisers. We’re incredibly excited for the events of this year and beyond and know that, with Kubota, we’ve got the right kit to keep pushing those course standards” concludes Laffar.

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Royal Lytham & St Annes deploys Husqvarna autonomous mowers

Royal Lytham & St Annes deploys Husqvarna autonomous mowers

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Royal Lytham & St Annes deploys Husqvarna autonomous mowers

Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club has selected Husqvarna autonomous mowing technology, marking a significant endorsement of robotic turf management at one of golf’s most historic championship venues.

Royal Lytham & St Annes deploys Husqvarna autonomous mowers

Royal Lytham & St Annes deploys Husqvarna autonomous mowers

The club, who will play host to this year’s AIG Women’s Open, has purchased four Husqvarna CEORA 546 EPOS units and one Automower 580L EPOS, supplied by authorised Pro Partner dealer Balmers GM Ltd. Husqvarna is providing a further two CEORA units to support preparations ahead of the championship. The installation reflects a broader shift in how elite venues are approaching the demands of major championship preparation, with consistent surface quality and operational efficiency increasingly central to how head greenkeepers plan their programmes.

The deployment follows Husqvarna’s significant involvement at Royal Porthcawl for the AIG Women’s Open 2025, where CEORA robotic mowers cut all 18 fairways throughout the championship: the first time The R&A had entrusted autonomous machines with that responsibility at a major. The deployment at Royal Lytham & St Annes represents a continued ambition to establish Husqvarna as a standard in maintaining elite championship venues.

Jonathan Snowball, Head of Business Unit for Professional division UK, Husqvarna, said: “Royal Lytham is one of the most recognisable venues in the sport. When a club of that calibre commits to autonomous mowing – particularly in the context of hosting such a prestigious event, it says something meaningful about where the technology stands and a clear signal of where autonomous turf management is heading.”

The CEORA 546 EPOS is Husqvarna’s commercial-scale robotic mower, built for large surface areas and designed to deliver consistent results without continuous operator input. The Automower 580L EPOS brings the same autonomous capability to more varied terrain, with GPS-assisted precision guiding both units across their designated zones.

Andrew Meeks, Group Sales Manager, Balmers GM Ltd, said: “Royal Lytham adopting autonomous mowing is a significant moment for the industry. It’s the kind of decision that reflects just how much confidence there now is in this technology at the very highest level of the sport.”

Paul Smith, Course Manager, Royal Lytham & St Annes, said: “Investment in Husqvarna robotic mowers has helped the Club to deliver optimum mowing year round, elevating turf health, easing workshop pressures and is having a real benefit in re deploying our resources in other areas of course maintenance.  We have developed a hybrid maintenance program that enables us to have the benefits of both conventional cylinder and robotic mowing”

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Origin Amenity's 20-20-30 Supporting Integrated Turf Management

Origin Amenity’s 20-20-30 Supporting Integrated Turf Management

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Origin Amenity’s 20-20-30 Supporting Integrated Turf Management

The 20-20-30 Tank Mix Programme from Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) has formed part of an Integrated Turf Management (ITM) programme for almost 20 years, providing turf managers with a practical approach to supporting plant health and resilience during periods of increased Microdochium pressure.

Origin Amenity's 20-20-30 Supporting Integrated Turf Management

Origin Amenity’s 20-20-30 Supporting Integrated Turf Management

The programme combines four complementary technologies in a single tank mix, each contributing to overall plant performance through different modes of action centred around four key principles: strengthen, support, condition and defend.

20-20-30 is made up of Seamac ProTurf Fe, which provides chelated iron, magnesium and seaweed extracts in a low pH formulation that supports plant health while helping to create a leaf surface less favourable for disease development. Liquid Turf Hardener supplies readily available calcium and magnesium to strengthen cell walls and improve tolerance to environmental stress. Mantle combines essential micronutrients and Harpin Elictor technology to support plant health and stimulate natural defence responses, while Turfite Elite delivers potassium phosphite and salicylic acid to promote root development, plant vitality and systemic defence mechanisms.

By addressing several aspects of plant physiology simultaneously, the 20-20-30 Tank Mix helps improve turf resilience during periods when Microdochium pressure is elevated. Supporting cell wall strength, plant nutrition, natural defence responses and leaf surface conditioning enables turf managers to take a more integrated, preventative approach to disease management.

Suitable for golf greens, sports pitches and other managed amenity turf, the tank mix enables multiple compatible technologies to be applied in a single operation, simplifying application while supporting consistent plant performance.

For more information on the 20-20-30 Tank Mix Programme visit www.originamenity.com or speak to your local OAS Technical Sales Manager.

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Stay sharp with a cut that sets the standard

Stay sharp with a cut that sets the standard

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Stay sharp with a cut that sets the standard

Genuine Toro cylinders deliver the clean, precise finish turfcare professionals at the top of their game expect, with competitive pricing and the added value of trusted performance and reliable support.

Stay sharp with a cut that sets the standard

Stay sharp with a cut that sets the standard

When it’s time to replace worn cylinders after the busiest months of the season, many assume aftermarket alternatives are the most economical option. But that’s a misconception, says Reesink Turfcare.

Michael Hampton, Supply Chain Manager at Reesink Turfcare, says: “There’s a perception across the industry that genuine parts automatically come at a premium, but that’s often not the reality.

“When customers compare genuine Toro cylinders with alternatives, they’re frequently surprised by how competitive they are. Once you factor in fit, performance and service life, genuine represents outstanding value.”

Every genuine Toro cylinder is manufactured to the exact specifications of the original component fitted to the machine. That means there’s no compromise on fit and no sacrifice to the quality of the cut the machine was engineered to deliver. And when it comes to cylinders in particular, that really matters.

For experienced turf professionals, the real cost of a replacement part extends beyond the initial purchase price. Time spent making adjustments, inconsistent performance and reduced component life all carry a cost.

Genuine Toro cylinders are designed to eliminate those compromises, integrating seamlessly with the cutting unit to deliver the consistency, durability and after-cut appearance expected from Toro machinery.

“Customers have already invested in a machine known for elite performance,” Michael continues. “Fitting genuine Toro cylinders protects that investment. They’re built from high-quality materials, manufactured to exact tolerances and tested to perform exactly as intended. When you consider the complete picture, they’re not simply the genuine option – they’re often the best-value option too.”

After a demanding summer, many machines are approaching scheduled servicing, making now the right time to assess cylinder wear. Replacing worn components with genuine Toro parts ensures equipment continues to perform as designed, while avoiding the false economy that can come from choosing parts based on price alone.

Customers are advised to speak to their local Toro dealer or Reesink branch to find out more and to purchase genuine Toro cylinders or to visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk for more parts and servicing support.

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GroundsFest Academy and Kress Showcase Innovations in Landscaping Technology

GroundsFest Academy and Kress Showcase Innovations in Landscaping Technology

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GroundsFest Academy and Kress Showcase Innovations in Landscaping Technology

Landscaping professionals from across the industry came together for another successful GroundsFest Academy event, this time focusing on the latest innovations in landscaping tools in partnership with Kress.

GroundsFest Academy and Kress Showcase Innovations in Landscaping Technology

GroundsFest Academy and Kress Showcase Innovations in Landscaping Technology

Held at Bearwood Park Training Ground, the impressive home of Reading Football Club’s training facilities, the free one-day event combined expert presentations with practical demonstrations, giving attendees the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in battery-powered equipment, robotics and commercial landscaping technology in a real working environment.

Designed to provide practical knowledge that delegates could immediately apply to their businesses, the day covered everything from selecting the right tool for the job and understanding current legislation, through to battery systems for commercial applications, productivity improvements, operator safety and the growing role of robotic technology.

Throughout the day, attendees experienced live demonstrations of Kress’s latest commercial equipment, including robotic lawn mowers, blowers, brush cutters, hedge trimmers and the CyberTank Power Station. Visitors also enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Bearwood Park Training Ground operation, seeing first-hand how professional facilities are maintained.

The event reinforced one of the core aims of the GroundsFest Academy: creating opportunities for the industry to learn together, share experiences and build valuable connections.

Henry Matthews of ProLand Skills Academy and Consultancy Ltd said:

“You learn so many things – it’s who you meet, the connections you make. The networking is fantastic, and that’s what GroundsFest is about, bringing the whole industry together, and it makes a difference. I would wholeheartedly recommend people come to a GroundsFest Academy event. It doesn’t necessarily have to be something you specifically do – it’s good to learn something new every day.”

For Kress, the event demonstrated how rapidly technology is transforming the landscaping sector and why keeping up with innovation is becoming increasingly important.

Jim Kirkwood, Director of Product Management at Kress UK, said:

“Anyone within this industry who has the opportunity to come to one of the GroundsFest Academy events should seriously consider it. It’s a great opportunity to learn on a one-to-one basis, discover new equipment, understand new technology and see how it could improve their business, increase efficiencies and help prepare for the future.”

Among those attending was Ewen Kenny, Assistant Groundsman at Cheltenham College, who was keen to learn more about robotic technology and sustainable equipment.

“I came here today to get a better understanding of robotics in the sports turf industry, to educate myself on what is currently happening and where the industry is heading in terms of technology,” said Ewen. “One thing I’ll definitely take away is just how much of an impact the equipment we’re currently using has on the environment, and how moving towards more battery-powered tools can be much more beneficial for our school environment.”

By combining technical expertise with live, hands-on demonstrations, the event gave attendees the chance to compare technologies, ask questions directly to industry specialists and gain practical insights into improving efficiency, reducing emissions and embracing the latest commercial landscaping innovations.

The event is part of the growing GroundsFest Academy programme, which delivers free educational events throughout the year. Supported by leading industry partners, the Academy provides practical, CPD-focused learning opportunities designed to help professionals stay ahead of the latest technologies, regulations and best practice.

The free sustainability assessment tool is now available at www.groundsfestacademy.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFestAcademy for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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