Husqvarna signs deal with DP World Tour

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Husqvarna signs deal with DP World Tour: Husqvarna, a global leader in outdoor power products and cutting-edge robotic mowers, has signed a partnership with the DP World Tour – Golf’s Global Tour – as it becomes an official partner to the Amgen Irish Open and the Betfred British Masters.

The multi-year partnership will see Husqvarna’s brand and products, including its CEORA®, Automower® 580L EPOS®, Automower® 550 EPOS® and Automower® 535 AWD EPOS® feature across on-course and digital branding, product showcases in tournament villages and hospitality platforms at the two events – which make-up part of the Tour’s iconic “Back 9”- a series of its most historic events.

Husqvarna signs deal with DP World Tour

Husqvarna signs deal with DP World Tour

Beyond the two staple tournaments, Husqvarna also becomes a Corporate Partner to the BMW International Open on the Tour’s European Swing until the end of the 2027 season, as it strengthens its footprint across the golfing landscape.

Max Hamilton, Executive Commercial Director of the DP World Tour, said: “We are delighted that Husqvarna have continued to bolster their significant investment into the game of golf with the DP World Tour. As an organisation that is at the top of its game in the field of grass maintenance, and that is already supporting many of the best clubs in Europe and across the world, it is a perfect fit for Golf’s Global Tour, where leading talent from around the world get to compete on some of the best stages in golf.”

Samantha Donnelly, Senior Marketing Manager at Husqvarna said: “As world-leaders in the space of robotic mowers, we’re committed to helping people make time for what matters through our cutting-edge innovation. Whether that’s our professional range that opens more time for greenkeepers, or our residential models, that automatically cut the lawn to perfection – great for golfers looking to spend more time with their family, or out on the course

We’re also committed to supporting the game of golf, so we’re incredibly excited to see our connection to the game growing – whether that’s through the courses we supply, or those we partner with. We’re thrilled to announce this partnership, as we take our next step in the sport.

The relationship marks Husqvarna latest commitment to the industry and future in the sport, as it builds on partnerships with some of the game’s most decorated names – including Europe’s most successful golfer and host of the Betfred British Masters, Sir Nick Faldo.

The collaboration with Husqvarna and Sir Nick Faldo looks to build a foundation for the future of golf – including course maintenance, but also for the game itself, with the brand supporting the growth of the Faldo Futures initiative via donations and beyond from May 2025.

The Faldo Futures initiative, which boasts alumni such as five-time major champion Rory McIlroy, is designed to introduce young players to the game of golf, alongside an advanced education program built to enhance their skills.

Sir Nick Faldo said: “As host of the British Masters for nearly 3 years now, it’s an event that’s close to my heart – so it’s brilliant to see Husqvarna partnering with this iconic tournament. What its technology is doing for golf courses is truly changing the game – I’ve heard firsthand how greenkeepers now have more time to spend on other areas of the course, such as the greens, which is driving a real improvement for players. Husqvarna’s support for Faldo Futures is increasingly important too – it’s an initiative that supports young golfing talent, so we’re incredibly proud of it. Having brands such as Husqvarna help foster its growth, is brilliant for the future of the game”

Husqvarna’s long history in providing golf courses with world-leading mower technology, including some of the globe’s most iconic venues, has helped revolutionize course maintenance, while helping reduce emissions and costs associated with the upkeep.

Hero innovations such as the Husqvarna CEORA™s and Automower® 550 EPOS, automatically cut back the rough and other key green spaces on the course, around the pre-planned routes mapped by the greenkeepers – opening more time to perfect the upkeep of the greens, as the brand continues to set the scene for the future of golf course maintenance.

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Having conversations about mental wellbeing is crucial

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Having conversations about mental wellbeing is crucial: Working in this industry is demanding, both mentally and physically, a fact that cannot be ignored. With all the current uncertainties about the future, people’s ability to manage the everyday challenges – from rising prices, increased job insecurity and longer health care waiting lists – is being put to the test.

This uncertainty has, without question, impacted the mental wellbeing of many. In Perennial’s recent comprehensive Wellbeing Research Report 2025 due out mid-May, almost 83% of people within horticulture scored low or average for their wellbeing using a recognised scale 1

Having conversations about mental wellbeing is crucial

Having conversations about mental wellbeing is crucial

Whether florists, garden centre employees, nursery staff or gardeners, greenkeepers and landscapers, both the employed and self-employed are experiencing issues in their daily lives that need to be tackled.

It is essential therefore, that for long-term success across the industry, open conversations about mental wellbeing in the workplace are held and efforts made to identify concerns and put solutions in place.

There are many ways that both employers and employees can raise awareness and take action. To help start the conversation and make sure everyone feels supported and knows that help is on hand, Perennial has developed a number of free resources and tools including:

Free Mental Wellbeing Webinars

Designed with Mental Health First Aid England to help organisations understand more about mental wellbeing and give people the skills and knowledge on how best to support their colleagues in the workplace. There are 2 x different sessions running throughout May – November 2025.

  1. Support your team by having confident conversations about mental health – aimed at Managers, Supervisors or Team Leaders
  2. Do we need a Mental Health First Aiders in our workplace? – aimed at HR and business owners

Free Mental Wellbeing Resource pack

The charity has developed tools and services to help people during life’s challenges which can all contribute to a person’s mental wellbeing. Details of these are included in the pack which can be downloaded and shared within your organisation

Access to Perennial’s MHFA Ambassador Network

Exclusively for people in horticulture who are trained as a Mental Health First Aider, the network meets virtually once a quarter to share knowledge, ideas and best practice

“The horticulture industry is wonderful, but it does have its challenges. We need to support each other in our workplaces to ensure that everyone can access the advice and support they need for positive mental wellbeing.”

Clare Downs, Head of Preventative Services, Perennial

Take action today and start the conversation within your workplace.

Book your place on one of the free webinars and find out more about all the resources above by visiting perennial.org.uk/workplace-wellbeing

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Women in Golf awards return to Foxhills

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Women in Golf awards return to Foxhills: The Women in Golf Awards is delighted to announce that the fourth annual ceremony will take place on November 27th 2025 at Foxhills.

The awards make a return to the Surrey venue following the resounding success of the 2024 event, that included golf tuition and networking opportunities followed by the gala awards ceremony in the evening. With plans to expand the event for 2025, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the 2024 awards, Foxhills was a natural choice to host once more.

Women in Golf awards return to Foxhills

Women in Golf awards return to Foxhills

“We couldn’t have been happier with the 2024 awards,” said co-founder of The Women in Golf Awards, Nicole Wheatley. “The team at Foxhills were fantastic to work with and the venue itself provided everything we needed for a wonderful day of networking and celebration. The last 12 months has seen the awards evolve further, and I’m delighted that we can work with Foxhills once again to deliver even more opportunities for everyone who attends.”

2025 has seen the Women in Golf Awards hold its first education day for past winners and nominees in collaboration with Bernhard Academy and Colt, Mackenzie, McNair. The event that was funded via sponsors contributions to the awards’ Women in Golf Fund, provided educational and networking opportunities while contributing to an insight paper identifying factors that prohibit women considering golf as a career.

“In addition to the golf, networking and celebrations that have previously been part of the awards, we are going to expand the educational opportunities on offer,” continued Nicole. “The generosity of our sponsors has allowed us to grow the Women in Golf fund and add personal and educational development opportunities on the day of the awards. The event is becoming a real vehicle for change in the industry and I’m very proud to be helping provide more opportunities for women to progress in their careers.”

“Since 1978, when the club hosted the third ever edition of the Women’s Open, Foxhills has had a strong affinity to supporting women’s golf, so we’re beyond thrilled to host the Women in Golf awards for a second year running, in 2025,” added Marcus Weatherburn, Director of Membership at Foxhills. “The 2024 event was such a positive experience for everyone at the club. To be in the room with so many inspiring women was a real privilege, and to know that we’d helped to make the event such a special occasion was hugely satisfying. Having heard Nicole’s plans for 2025, we’re delighted to be able to provide facilities for every aspect of the day and can’t wait to welcome everyone to Foxhills in November.”

As in previous years, the Women in Golf Fund will provide a number of free tickets for women working in the industry, who might not otherwise be able to attend. These are allocated via a ballot accessed through the website www.womeningolfawards.co.uk.  There will also be a limited number of subsidised tickets available to purchase later in the year. Women interested in these tickets can sign up for priority access on the website.  The 2025 sponsors and awards categories will be announced at the end of July with nominations open from Mid-August.

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ISEKI UK & Ireland Expands Technical Team

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ISEKI UK & Ireland Expands Technical Team: Iseki UK & Ireland has announced the appointment of Callum Gaskell as Field Service Engineer, as part of its continued growth and strategic focus on strengthening dealer support services.

With a heritage rooted in engineering excellence and a reputation for high-performance and durable machinery, Iseki supports groundcare, local authorities, sports turf, agriculture and estate management professionals. The growing popularity of the products, from compact tractors to mowers and robotics, has made Callum’s role essential.

ISEKI UK & Ireland Expands Technical Team

ISEKI UK & Ireland Expands Technical Team

In his new role, Callum will provide backup and technical service training to Iseki’s extensive dealer network. His appointment forms part of Iseki’s ongoing investment in strengthening after sales support and ensuring customers continue to receive first-class service.

On the appointment, Phil Catley, Product and Marketing Manager at Iseki UK & Ireland, said:

“Callum’s experience is a perfect fit for the direction we’re heading in as a business. He not only knows the Iseki product range extremely well from his time at Ransomes Jacobsen, but he also brings a fresh perspective from his recent work with agricultural technology and material handling equipment.

“His appointment enhances our ability to provide technical excellence and responsive support to our dealers and end users, and that’s something we take great pride in as part of the Iseki brand experience.”

Callum has a strong track record in the turf care and agricultural machinery sectors. He started his career at Ransomes Jacobsen, progressing through roles in engineering and production. There, he gained in-depth technical knowledge of Iseki machinery while working closely with the brand.

More recently, he worked at Thurlow Nunn, initially specialising in GPS and guidance systems before moving into after sales and service support for forklifts and telehandlers. This gave him broad experience in diagnostics, field support and customer service.

Callum’s  appointment reinforces Iseki’s strategic investment in service excellence, ensuring its dealer network continues to deliver unmatched reliability and technical expertise to customers across the UK and Ireland.

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Hindley Hall Upgrades Irrigation Efficiency with KAR UK

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Hindley Hall Upgrades Irrigation Efficiency with KAR UK: Hindley Hall Golf Club, a hidden gem nestled in the Northwest of England has invested in a state-of-the-art Hunter irrigation system supplied by KAR UK.

The system, featuring the Hunter ACC2 controller and TTS-800 Series Golf Rotors, has already had a transformative impact on the course, providing better water efficiency, improved turf quality, and an enhanced playing experience for members.

Hindley Hall Upgrades Irrigation Efficiency with KAR UK

Hindley Hall Upgrades Irrigation Efficiency with KAR UK

Hindley Hall Golf Club is a compact 18-hole course spread across 96 acres, with undulating greens and narrow fairways that offer a deceptively challenging round for golfers. Despite its relatively small size, the course poses unique challenges for Course Manager Andrew Birchall and his team, particularly due to the region’s high annual rainfall and predominantly clay-based soil.

Andrew, who has been at Hindley Hall for 15 years – 10 years as Deputy and the last 5 years as Course Manager – is dedicated to ensuring the course remains playable and in top condition, and that is why upgrading the aging irrigation system became a priority.

Prior to the installation, Hindley Hall’s irrigation system was failing, particularly at the sprinkler level. “It was putting too much water out in the wrong places, and we were really struggling to get water onto the greens when we needed to,” Andrew said.

Recognising the need for a modern, efficient system, Andrew opted for the Hunter ACC2 controller and TTS-800 Series Golf Rotors, which were installed by his own team. “We did everything in-house, which was a challenge, but it’s something we believe in – if we can be self-sustainable, we will be.”

The Hunter ACC2 controller, which allows remote management via mobile and desktop applications, has given Andrew and his team the flexibility to manage the irrigation system with ease. “The remote control is a game-changer. My deputy and I can control the system from anywhere – if I’m not at the course and there’s a sudden change in weather, I can adjust the irrigation instantly.”

This newfound control has also streamlined feeding the greens, saving both time and effort.

“In the past, if we applied a granular feed, we’d have to wait for a forecasted night of rain to wash it in. Now, if there’s no rain on the horizon, I can simply switch the irrigation on from my mobile as I’m going around,” Andrew explained. “It’s brilliant. Everything’s at your fingertips. As I’m feeding one green, I can turn the one behind me on to wash in the feed that’s just gone down. I can get it done at six o’clock in the morning without affecting play – no disruption at all.”

Furthermore, the controller integrates with a weather station to prevent unnecessary watering. “If the system detects more than an 85% chance of rain, it automatically shuts off the scheduled irrigation,” he states.

The TTS-800 Series Golf Rotors have also been a revelation for the course. “What I love most is that they’re totally top serviceable,” Andrew said. “If there’s an issue, we don’t have to dig up the entire sprinkler or disturb play. We just take the cover off, make the fix, and we’re done.”

The new system has delivered measurable improvements in water efficiency and turf quality. “We’re seeing around a 30% reduction in water usage because we’re putting less water out but delivering it exactly where it’s needed. The greens are getting more water without the wastage, and the uniformity is unbelievable.”

This precision has also improved playability, as the greens remain firm yet receptive. “In the past, some greens would dry out and become non-receptive to golf balls, but now we’re maintaining that fine balance between firmness and playability.”

KAR UK’s support, particularly from Wesley Henshaw (Golf Sales Manager), was instrumental during the installation process. “Wes was brilliant,” Andrew remarked. “He sent us the products exactly when we needed them, talked us through everything, and was always on hand if we encountered any issues. He knows the challenges we face because he’s been in our shoes, having worked in golf course construction and irrigation installations.”

As Hindley Hall continues its commitment to providing an exceptional golfing experience, the partnership with KAR UK and Hunter is proving to be a winning combination.

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on X and Instagram @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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