ZLine bunkers at The Rose

/in , /by

ZLine bunkers at The Rose: The Rose is a new golf club, located close to the city of Athens in Georgia, due to open in 2026, and being developed by two-time All American and 2001 Walker Cupper Nick Cassini and his brother Dimitri, and designed by Oklahoma-based architect Tripp Davis. And The Rose’s bunkers are being lined using the ZLine system, which Davis has used on several of his recent projects.

“We are now grassing the course, and will be doing so until into the fall,” says Davis. “And the bunkers are being lined at the moment as well. Our team have been trained by ZLine in how to install the product, and they’re hard at work doing so.”

ZLine bunkers at The Rose

ZLine bunkers at The Rose

The Rose will be private, and a healthy number of members have already been enrolled. “It is a beautiful site, fairly open,” says Davis. “200 of the 300 acres we are using for the golf course were harvested for pine trees, so we have mostly cleared lesser quality hardwoods and volunteer underbrush. The land has a Shinnecock feel to it, with really nice rolling contours. It will have 105 acres of turf and 195 acres of thinner native grasses near play and what we are calling our ‘heathland’ areas of native grass and small indigenous shrubs more out of play. The developers want the course to be in the style of early American classics, so the sand lines on the bunkers are very high. When you have a high sand line, you need to be sure that the sand will hold on the bunker faces, and ZLine holds extremely well. Additionally, the bunker sands used in Georgia need to drain quickly to perform well, and ZLine drains better than any other bunker liner product I have come across.”

“The course has turned out really well, and I can’t wait to see it finished – I think members and their guests will love it,” he says. “And the ZLine bunkers will play a significant role in that.”

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.

Briggs & Stratton presents full power solutions portfolio

/in , , /by

Briggs & Stratton presents full power solutions portfolio: At this year’s GroundsFest exhibition in the UK, Briggs & Stratton will showcase a comprehensive range of power solutions through its well-established Briggs & Stratton® and Vanguard® brands.

GroundsFest attendees can expect to witness the full breadth of Briggs & Stratton’s commercial and utility engine capabilities, showcasing everything from lawn mower engines and XR Single-Cylinder Utility engines to powerful vertical shaft engines designed for ride-on mowers.

Briggs & Stratton presents full power solutions portfolio

Briggs & Stratton presents full power solutions portfolio

A standout will be Vanguard’s single-cylinder horizontal shaft engine line-up (VAN 160 to VAN 400 EFI/ETC), engineered for performance, reliability, cost-efficiency, and operator comfort. Vanguard’s largest 29,9kW/40HP* petrol engine will also be featured, equipped with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) – a powerful and efficient alternative to traditional diesel solutions.

Briggs & Stratton will also highlight its cutting-edge Vanguard Lithium-Ion battery technologies, including their range of Fixed Battery packs and the award-winning 48V 1.5kWh Swappable Battery pack (Si1.5). Accompanying these will be the full Vanguard battery system – including batteries, chargers, motors, and motor controllers – designed to deliver flexible and scalable electrification solutions for a broad range of applications.

Attendees are invited to visit the Briggs & Stratton team on site, connect with product experts, and experience the latest advancements in high-performance, future-ready power.

Mark Kerr, OEM Sales Manager UK & IE at Briggs & Stratton said, “We are excited to attend GroundsFest to showcase the full range of our commercial and utility engine capabilities, as well as Vanguard’s cutting-edge technology. Our team looks forward to meeting attendees and helping them discover the ideal power solutions for their needs.”

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.

Toro U.K. announces new products ahead of GroundsFest

/in , , /by

Toro U.K. announces new products ahead of GroundsFest: Toro U.K. Limited ­­– owners of the Royal Warrant-holding lawnmower manufacturer Hayter® and global turf care leader Toro® – will unveil new products and initiatives at GroundsFest 2025. From battery-powered equipment to dealer-focused experiences, both brands are aiming to make a strong impression at the UK’s premier groundscare event.

As a prelude to their showcase at GroundsFest on September 9–10 – the UK’s largest industry event – they’ve released snippets of what to expect for tradespeople, groundscare professionals, influencers and dealers across the UK.

Toro U.K. announces new products ahead of GroundsFest

Toro U.K. announces new products ahead of GroundsFest

Hayter is nominated for an Innovation Award at GroundsFest this year for their new Harrier range, and both brands hope to showcase the best of what they have to offer.

The Dealer Hub

At the heart of Toro U.K.’s larger stand — which will showcase the complete Toro® and Hayter® portfolios — the new Dealer Hub highlights the brand’s ongoing investment in strengthening and supporting its nationwide dealer network.

Craig Hoare, Sales and Marketing Manager, had this to say about The Dealer Hub:

“GroundsFest is the ideal opportunity to reconnect with our dealers in person. This year, we’re putting our dealers front and centre,” Craig explains. “We’re offering early access to new-season materials and a dedicated space to talk about opportunities, challenges, and everything in between. The Dealer Hub is our way of saying: we’re here, and we’re listening.”

The Dealer Hub will offer visitors a range of exclusive benefits, including:

  • Advance access to new product details and upcoming campaigns.
  • Opportunities to engage directly with Toro and Hayter’s commercial and marketing specialists.
  • Complimentary refreshments in a welcoming, business-focused environment.

New product reveals

As well as the Dealer hub, both Hayter and Toro will be announcing new products, including long-requested attachments and new battery versions of professional groundscare equipment. Some of the announcements set to be shown at GroundsFest include:

  • Toro’s new eProStripe– a battery-powered evolution of the classic stripe mower
  • Toro’s professional clothing range– designed for durability and comfort on the job
  • Hayter’s Harrier roller brush attachment – engineered for enhanced lawn striping and debris clearance

The new announcements and Dealer Hub come at a time when Hayter and Toro are shifting focus to concentrate on the needs and wants of their community of groundscare professionals – a resource that both the horticultural heavyweights value deeply.

Matthew Coleman, UK Sales Manager, Professional Landscape Contractor & Site Works Equipment, had this to say about the products on show at this year’s event:

“We’re bringing over 80 products to GroundsFest this year – our biggest display yet,” says Matt. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for visitors to get hands-on with everything from our latest battery innovations to trusted favourites across the Toro and Hayter ranges.”

Free to attend, GroundsFest brings together live machinery demonstrations, an industry-focused exhibition, educational seminars, and on-site entertainment. Toro U.K. Limited welcomes dealer partners and professional users to their shared stand to explore the newest product innovations and learn more about the company’s continued commitment to supporting the turf care sector at every stage.

To register for GroundsFest, visit: www.groundsfest.com

To explore the full Toro and Hayter range, visit: www.toro.com/en-gb | www.hayter.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.

Level Up Your Career with the Experts

/in , /by

Level Up Your Career with the Experts: Since Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was first introduced to sports turf literature, over 1,900 articles have been published on the subject. This underlines IPM’s central role in modern turf management and highlights the importance of continued professional education.

Finding a trusted source of knowledge is key. At STRI Group, our courses are built on science and delivered by leading experts, giving you the skills and confidence to apply acquired knowledge effectively in your role.

Level Up Your Career with the Experts

Level Up Your Career with the Experts

Dr Christian Spring, Principal Scientist at STRI, explains:

“IPM and ITM represent the best-practice approach for sustainable turf management. They are critical to the short, medium and long-term success of every playing surface. With the challenges facing turf managers – from climate change and water availability to regulatory pressures – adopting IPM is the only way to make sports surfaces as resilient as possible.”

BASIS courses provide the knowledge and qualifications needed to put IPM into practice. IPM is about managing turf sustainably by combining cultural, biological, and chemical controls, while reducing reliance on pesticides.

Through BASIS and FACTS training, turf professionals can:

  • Apply IPM principles effectively in real-life situations
  • Meet regulatory requirements by showing they’ve considered non-chemical options first
  • Improve turf health, resilience, and sustainability through best practice in pest, disease, and nutrient management.

In short, BASIS courses turn the philosophy into practical, accredited skills that help turf professionals deliver high-quality, sustainable playing surfaces.

How can STRI help?

Each autumn, STRI hosts three BASIS-accredited courses at our headquarters in Bingley. With an 8-hectare research facility, expert tuition from Dr Christian Spring, and plenty of hands-on practical learning, there really is no better place to immerse yourself in turf science.

Courses available

  1. BASIS Foundation in Amenity Horticulture – Turf

Who it’s for: Practitioners or those new to product sales who need a grounding in IPM, agronomy, and safe pesticide use.

  • Format: Fully face-to-face teaching, with an online exam afterwards.
  • Dates: 24-26 November 2025 (teaching), 28 November 2025 (exam).
  • Cost: £1,130 + VAT (includes exam fee).
  1. BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection – Amenity Horticulture

(Turf or Hard Surface specialist modules)

Who it’s for: Advisors, agronomists, or anyone seeking advanced IPM and plant protection product training.

  • Format: Two teaching weeks face to face, plus online written exam, with ID and viva exams held at STRI HQ.
  • Dates:
    • Week 1 teaching: 6 – 10 October 2025
    • Week 2 teaching: 3 – 6 November 2025
    • Online written exam: 8 December 2025
    • ID exam (live samples at STRI): 9 December 2025 (afternoon)
    • Vivas at STRI: 10 December 2025
  • Cost: £2,990 + VAT (includes exam fee).
  1. FACTS Turf Course

Who it’s for: Turf professionals wanting to deepen their expertise in nutrient management and fertiliser planning.

  • Format: 3.5 days face-to-face teaching, with online written exam and viva.
  • Dates: Teaching: 21 – 24 October 2025 Exams: 11–12 December 2025
  • Cost: £2,195 + VAT (includes exam fee).

Why Choose STRI?

At STRI, you’ll learn directly from leading turf scientists while gaining hands-on experience at our 8-hectare research facility. Our courses are designed to futureproof your skills, equipping you with the knowledge to meet challenges such as climate change, water management, and increasing regulatory pressures.

Alongside expert tuition, you’ll also join a strong professional network, giving you valuable connections that extend well beyond the classroom.

Book your place now – spaces are limited.

Email enquiries@strigroup.com or call 01274 565131.

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.

STIGA Technology Enhances Glenapp Castle’s Gardens

/in , /by

STIGA Technology Enhances Glenapp Castle’s Gardens: The STIGA team is proud to announce that Glenapp Castle, Relais & Châteaux, perched high above the dramatic coastline of southwest Scotland, has chosen STIGA’s robot mowers to care for its historic lawns.

Overlooking the Irish Sea and the iconic Ailsa Craig Island, Glenapp Castle is a baronial retreat hidden within 110 acres of enchanting parkland, including an Italian garden designed by renowned horticulturalist Gertrude Jekyll. Beneath its fairytale towers and turrets lie grand interiors adorned with rich fabrics, art, and antiques that echo the splendour of a bygone era. With award-winning cuisine, access to country sports and world-class golf, and its own all-weather boat for exploring the surrounding isles, Glenapp Castle offers an unrivalled Scottish escape.

STIGA Technology Enhances Glenapp Castle’s Gardens

STIGA Technology Enhances Glenapp Castle’s Gardens

STIGA’s range of autonomous robot mowers has been officially certified by Quiet Mark, making STIGA the only autonomous robotic mower brand to receive this prestigious recognition. Combining cutting-edge innovation with eco-conscious engineering, the mowers deliver exceptional performance while operating with minimal noise, helping to preserve the tranquillity of gardens and estates like Glenapp.

The adoption of STIGA’s robotic mowing technology has already proven transformative at Glenapp Castle, complementing the expertise of the estate’s gardening team and allowing them to dedicate more time to vital restoration and conservation work.

Jill Chalmers, Managing Director of Glenapp Castle, said:

“We are delighted to introduce STIGA’s Quiet Mark-certified robotic mowers to our estate. The technology not only maintains our gardens to the highest standard, but also does so in harmony with the peaceful surroundings that our guests so greatly value. This innovation supports our talented gardening team, allowing them to focus on preserving the heritage and natural beauty of Glenapp Castle for generations to come.”

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.