Summer Drainage Projects Across Southern England

/in , /by

Summer Drainage Projects Across Southern England: Summer provides an ideal window for major drainage works on golf courses, with firm ground conditions and reduced disruption while many members are away during the holiday period. This allows essential infrastructure projects to be delivered efficiently while minimising impact on play.

Greg Evans Golf Course Solutions has supported a number of drainage projects across southern England this summer, with consultant Greg Evans providing drainage design and project management from planning through to delivery.

Summer Drainage Projects Across Southern England

Summer Drainage Projects Across Southern England

Working closely with owners, general managers, course managers, and specialist contractors, each project was planned around the specific challenges of the site. The focus was on practical outcomes, clear communication, close coordination with club operations, and minimal disruption to play.

Recent projects include:

  • Singing Hills Golf Club – Phase Two of the club’s drainage programme, involving the installation of over 7,000 linear metres of pipe
  • Old Fold Manor Golf Club – Drainage works to the 1st green and 2nd tee
  • Sunningdale Heath Golf Club – Completion of drainage works on the 10th fairway, finalising the club’s main fairway drainage network

Each project was designed to improve surface performance through the wetter months, reduce the impact of heavy rainfall, and provide more consistent turf quality over the longer term.

“With winters becoming wetter and more unpredictable, drainage is increasingly important for playability and turf protection. These projects highlight the importance of clear planning, close coordination with contractors, and careful on-site management,” said Greg Evans.

Further drainage projects are planned for 2026, as Greg Evans Golf Course Solutions continues to work with clubs to deliver reliable, year-round playing conditions.

About Greg Evans Golf Course Solutions

Greg Evans MG is one of a small number of Master Greenkeepers worldwide, providing agronomic consultancy, drainage design, and project management services to golf clubs across the 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

Rhenac Sustainable Technology Set to Upgrade Pitch

/in , /by

Rhenac Sustainable Technology Set to Upgrade Pitch: Rhenac is proud to announce the installation of its state-of-the-art CLS® (Complete Light Spectrum) mobile grow lighting systems at Leigh Sports Village.

The project represents a significant dedication to sustainability and sporting excellence, ensuring high-quality pitch conditions for all four professional teams using the venue for football and rugby.

Rhenac Sustainable Technology Set to Upgrade Pitch

Rhenac Sustainable Technology Set to Upgrade Pitch

The contract has been awarded to Turf Lighting Solutions (TLS), part of the Rhenac Group. Based in Standish, Wigan, TLS and their Germany based parent company Rhenac have an outstanding international portfolio, delivering installations for venues including Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and FC Schalke 04 in Germany.

Striking the right balance between international expertise and local economic support was essential for the council, who were keen to back a Wigan borough-based business while equipping Leigh Sports Village with technology that would enhance pitch quality and contribute to the borough’s environmental objectives.

The new Rhenac CLS® systems are at the forefront of environmentally friendly turf management. Intelligent sensors and automated controls ensure the right light, colour spectrum and temperature are delivered precisely when required, promoting strong, healthy turf growth while minimising energy consumption. Integrated UV-C technology helps to manage fungus and disease naturally, while built-in heat panels support recovery and growth during colder periods.

Use of the latest CLS LEDs technology results in turf that requires less water and fertiliser, further reducing the environmental impact. With more than 600 TLS rigs operating across 25 countries, the aluminium frames are proven in some of the world’s most demanding sporting environments. Each unit is constructed from lightweight, anti-rust aluminium that is 100% recyclable, combining durability, efficiency and full material recovery at the end of its service life. With all lighting components and spare parts guaranteed to be available for the next ten years, the system offers venues a secure and future-proof investment supported by a strong service network.

Councillor Susan Gambles, cabinet member at Wigan Council and board member of Leigh Sports Village, said: “Leigh Sports Village is home to incredible athletes, champion teams, and has hosted international events, and it is a key community asset for local people. I am delighted that a borough-based business will deliver this upgrade, in line with our community wealth building ambitions to invest in our local economy.”

Leigh Sports Village is now benefitting directly from this proven technology, transitioning from traditional TLS HPS lighting rigs to Rhenac’s advanced LED systems and delivering a 40% reduction in energy, water, and fertiliser use. The upgrade marks a major step forward in aligning with Wigan Council’s sustainability targets and enhancing the long-term performance of the stadium’s playing surfaces.

Keith Porter, Head Groundsman at Leigh Sports Village, explains: “With high-pressure sodium bulbs set to be phased out by 2030 due to their carbon footprint and high running costs, utilising artificial light and heat in photosynthesis has been a game changer. CLS technology offers the additional ability to precisely control conditions for turf needs, so we are looking forward to implementing this in conjunction with Rhenac TLS.

“Thanks to proactive investment, we will significantly reduce our environmental impact, a major win for Leigh Sports Village and our nearby Pennington Flash Nature Reserve. Huge thanks to Wigan Council for their investment.”

Mark Sinnett, Managing Director of TLS, continues: “Leigh Sports Village is a complex, multi-sport venue that also stages major concerts, so it needs a lighting system that’s efficient, adaptable and environmentally responsible.

“With our sensor-driven CLS technology, the turf now receives targeted and efficient treatment, ensuring optimal growth conditions with minimal energy use.

“This precision control, together with innovative LED laminators, delivers significant energy savings while maintaining ideal growing conditions and reducing waste. Combined with independently operated heat panels, the system supports faster, healthier turf recovery all year round. The addition of smaller RML 50 units provides even greater flexibility across the site, ensuring every area performs consistently and aligns perfectly with Wigan Council’s sustainability goals.”

Through this collaboration, Wigan Council and Leigh Sports Village are setting new standards in sustainable sports turf management by bringing global innovation to local sport and supporting Wigan Council’s wider commitment to achieve Carbon Net Zero by 2038.

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

Verti-Drain® Helps Sidcup Sports Club Stay Match-Ready

/in , , /by

Verti-Drain® Helps Sidcup Sports Club Stay Match-Ready: With over two decades of experience in groundsmanship, Jay Berkhauer, Head Groundsperson at Sidcup Sports Club, has seen his fair share of challenging pitches. But since introducing the Redexim Verti-Drain® 7212, Jay says things are looking brighter than ever for the busy multi-sport site.

Sidcup Sports Club is home to thriving rugby, cricket, and tennis sections, with a packed calendar that leaves little downtime for renovations. “It’s constant,” explains Jay. “Rugby runs from September through to the end of April, and then cricket starts the following week. I’ve got a week between the last rugby game and the first cricket match to turn things around.”

Verti-Drain® Helps Sidcup Sports Club Stay Match-Ready

Verti-Drain® Helps Sidcup Sports Club Stay Match-Ready

That intense schedule, combined with high footfall and limited budgets, makes every decision crucial. “Every penny counts,” says Jay. “It’s members’ money, so I’ve got to make sure I’m spending it on the right things – the right kit, the right products, the right tools for the job.”

Compaction had become a major issue at Sidcup Sports Club, particularly on the rugby pitches, where play takes place almost every day of the week. “The first team pitch has drainage, but the compaction was so bad that water just sat on the surface,” Jay explains. “The second team pitch also gets a lot of usage as it’s used Monday to Sunday for training and matches – so the compaction rates were through the roof.”

With the old setup, Jay relied on monthly slitting and twice-yearly contractor visits for aeration, but it simply wasn’t enough. “Slitting once a month and bringing in contractors twice a year just wasn’t touching the sides,” he says. “So, when my boss asked what we needed next, I said straight away – I need a Verti-Drain.”

Jay opted for the Redexim Verti-Drain 7212, a compact yet powerful model ideal for lower horsepower tractors and sensitive turf areas. With a working width of 1.6 metres and a maximum depth of 10 inches (25cm), it was the perfect fit for Sidcup’s needs.

“I’ve used Redexim Verti-Drains everywhere I’ve worked,” says Jay. “They’re the best on the market, and they do what they say on the tin. The 7212 fits my tractor perfectly – it’s a quality bit of kit and works really well with what we’ve got here.”

One of the standout features for Jay is the heave action, which sets the Verti-Drain apart from other machines available. “With the Verti-Drain, the tines don’t just go straight in and out – they kick and lift slightly as they move through the soil,” he explains. “That heave action breaks up the compaction beneath the surface. It’s not just punching holes – it’s cracking the ground and waking the subsoil up.”

Owning the Verti-Drain has also given Sidcup Sports Club greater control and cost-efficiency. “Before, we were paying a lot of money twice a year just to aerate the two rugby pitches,” says Jay. “Now, we can do it whenever we want. If I’ve got time in a  morning or the conditions are right, I can get out and do it. We’re saving money, getting more flexibility, and improving the pitches at the same time.”

Even after just a few months of use, Jay says the difference is clear. “Before the Verti-Drain, every time it rained, the pitches flooded. It was a constant cycle – it just got worse and worse. Now, the water’s getting down into the drains instead of sitting on the surface, and that’s also helping us keep grass coverage through the entire season.”

And the players have noticed, too. “Some of them have come up to me saying how much better the pitches are – there’s grass on the surface rather than just mud,” says Jay. “The better the pitches are, the more people want to play here. It all feeds back into the club – if the pitches are good, games stay on, the bar stays busy, and the club keeps making money.”

For a one-person grounds team maintaining over 2.5 hectares, time is everything. “The Verti-Drain is so quick over the ground,” says Jay. “I can do the first team pitch in two and a half hours, the whole site comfortably in two days. My old kit would’ve taken all week. It’s optimising my time – I’ve got a lot to do beyond the pitches, so it’s been a game-changer.”

Looking ahead, Jay says the investment in the Redexim Verti-Drain 7212 is already paying off. “It’s helping us become more self-sufficient, save money, and keep the pitches in the best condition possible,” he concludes.

For more information, visit https://www.redexim.com/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

GKB aeration duo making a real difference

/in , /by

GKB aeration duo making a real difference: For Mike Powles and his team of six volunteer grounds staff at Walsham Le Willows Sports Club, the aim of their maintenance is simple: to keep the surfaces in the best possible condition all year round.

That task is now much easier thanks to the purchase of a Deep Tine Aerator (DTA) and Combislit from GKB Machines – allowing the club to maintain consistently high-quality pitches, without reliance on external contractors.

GKB aeration duo making a real difference

GKB aeration duo making a real difference

Located in the heart of Suffolk the club is a hive of activity, with 24 football teams and eight cricket teams just a few of those making the most of the multi-sport facilities. While the team of volunteers can keep on top of the regular grass cutting and general site maintenance, historically, they relied on contractors to aerate the pitches twice a year. However, as Mike explains, this approach came with challenges. “Contractor availability rarely aligned with our schedule or the ideal ground conditions which meant that costs quickly mounted, but the results weren’t always as we’d hope.”

Looking for a more flexible and cost-effective solution, Mike attended SALTEX, where he said the GKB Deep Tine Aerator (DTA) stood out straight away. “It looked solid and strong. You could tell it was built to last.” Despite torrential rain on demo day, the results were evident – leading to the purchase of a 1.6m model via Ernest Doe close to two years ago.

“We now have full control over where and when we aerate. If conditions are good, we get it on the back of the tractor and away we go” he says. “It’s lovely and straight forward to operate which is important for us as a volunteer team and has meant we’ve been able to get the DTA out more often which is paying dividend in terms of surface quality.”

Impressed by the performance of the DTA, the club returned to Ernest Doe earlier in 2025 to add a GKB Combislit to their fleet. “We attended a GMA event where the pitch advisor suggested we look at a slitter and, because the DTA has worked so well, we only looked at GKB.”

Together, the DTA and Combislit now give Walsham Le Willows year-round options for aeration, whether the upper surface needs opening or for when deeper penetration is required. Mike adds, “We’ve always been impressed with the service from Ernest Does, particularly Adrian Kersey who has been our point of contact for the last eight years. His support, together with that of GKB’s Tom Shinkins has got us up and running and, going into winter, the pitches have never looked better!”

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

Husqvarna becomes Title Partner of the British Masters

/in , /by

Husqvarna becomes Title Partner of the British Masters: Husqvarna, a global leader in robotic lawnmowing and part of Husqvarna Group, has signed a multi-year agreement to become the new Title Partner of the British Masters – one of the world’s most historic golf tournaments.

The 2026 Husqvarna British Masters will be staged at The Belfry on the iconic Brabazon Course in England. In addition, Husqvarna will also be the official robotic mowing partner of the DP World Tour.

Husqvarna becomes Title Partner of the British Masters

Husqvarna becomes Title Partner of the British Masters

“Golf is the perfect stage to demonstrate the performance of Husqvarna’s robotic lawnmowers, already delivering world-class results at over 1,700 courses worldwide. This partnership marks a shared commitment to reinvent golf course maintenance for a new era”, says Yvette Henshall-Bell, President Europe BU Husqvarna Forest & Garden Division, Husqvarna Group.

First played in 1946, the British Masters has a distinguished history with past champions including Peter Thomson, Tony Jacklin, Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam, Seve Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie and Sweden’s Alex Noren in the 2025 tournament. Six-time major winner Sir Nick Faldo, himself a Husqvarna Brand Ambassador, will return as host of the Husqvarna British Masters in 2026.

“As a former Champion, I take great pride in hosting this iconic tournament and it’s about to enter an exciting new era with this new partnership. I love Husqvarna’s products, and they will be out in full force at The Belfry next August to make sure the Brabazon Course is in perfect condition”, says Sir Nick Faldo.

As part of the agreement, Husqvarna also becomes an Official Marketing Partner of the 2026 DP World Tour, building on the successful partnership in 2025. In 2026 Husqvarna will be the Official Tournament Partner to the British Masters and the Amgen Irish Open, Corporate Partner to the BMW International Open, KLM Open and FedEx Open de France. With this elevated status, Husqvarna will showcase its products across DP World Tour channels throughout the season, and partner with green keepers and course managers to deliver consistent quality on the tournament courses.

Recently, at the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl in Wales, 15 Husqvarna CEORA robotic mowers maintained all 18 fairways during the tournament, marking the first time robotic mowers have maintained fairways live on the world golf stage.

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