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GroundTech automation delivers new levels of efficiency

August 18, 2026/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

GroundTech automation delivers new levels of efficiency Romford’s Whalebone Golf Club is discovering the many benefits of automous maintenance following the installation of a completely automated driving range system from GroundTech. Director Ed Blacker notes that the combination of ECHO robotics and the innovative Drop Pit wash return system has been pivotal to consistent presentation […]

Meet Jim Croxton, Director on the Amenity Forum Board

August 18, 2026/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

Meet Jim Croxton, Director on the Amenity Forum Board As part of the ongoing Meet the Board series, Jim Croxton, Director of the Amenity Forum and Chief Executive Officer of the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), shares his passion for professional recognition, education and helping to raise the profile of the amenity sector. […]

GroundTech automation delivers new levels of efficiency

August 18, 2026/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

Meet Jim Croxton, Director on the Amenity Forum Board

August 18, 2026/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

GroundTech automation delivers new levels of efficiency

August 18, 2026/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

GroundTech automation delivers new levels of efficiency

Romford’s Whalebone Golf Club is discovering the many benefits of automous maintenance following the installation of a completely automated driving range system from GroundTech. Director Ed Blacker notes that the combination of ECHO robotics and the innovative Drop Pit wash return system has been pivotal to consistent presentation of the range and central to the venues wider growth and development.

GroundTech automation delivers new levels of efficiency

Acquired by its current owners in September 2025, Whalebone Golf Club is currently undergoing an exciting period of investment, with the aim of creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for golfers of all ages and abilities. Central to achieving that ambition is maintaining a well-presented driving range and optimising the utilisation of the club’s greenkeepers.

“Our previous range set up presented a number of challenges” says Ed. “The entire range needed to be cleared before we could cut the grass, with the whole process taking valuable time away from the greenkeeping team’s daily responsibilities on the golf course.” After exploring available alternatives, Whalebone appointed robotic specialists GroundTech to install an ECHO RP1250 robotic ball picker, ECHO TM-1050 mower complete with deflection kit and the revolutionary Drop Pit wash return system – enabling ball collection and grass cutting to take place simultaneously and maintaining a constant supply of clean golf balls for the range.

A few short months after the installation, Ed says the set-up has transformed the upkeep of the busy range, which can see as many as 15,000 golf balls used in a single day. “We estimate we’re saving four or five hours of labour each day which can be redirected into more valuable work elsewhere around the site.”

The finish of the ECHO TM-1050 has also impressed. “We can cut in all conditions, maintaining presentation throughout the year which is vital for creating a good first impression. It makes a real difference to the customer experience hitting into an outfield that is well manicured and not covered in golf balls.”

Ed also praised the installation and support provided by the GroundTech team. “They offered a complete solution, from consultation and planning through to installation and full training. The team were efficient and friendly and, with minimal construction and groundworks needed, the whole project was completed very quickly, and we’re pleased with the outcome.”

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Meet Jim Croxton, Director on the Amenity Forum Board

August 18, 2026/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

Meet Jim Croxton, Director on the Amenity Forum Board

As part of the ongoing Meet the Board series, Jim Croxton, Director of the Amenity Forum and Chief Executive Officer of the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), shares his passion for professional recognition, education and helping to raise the profile of the amenity sector.

Meet Jim Croxton, Director on the Amenity Forum Board

For more than 15 years, Jim has worked to champion the greenkeeping profession, supporting the education, development and recognition of those responsible for maintaining the UK’s more than 2,600 golf courses. Through BIGGA, he has helped promote continuous professional development, innovation and the sharing of best practice across the industry.

As environmental expectations continue to evolve and the management of green spaces comes under increasing scrutiny, Jim brings a strong commitment to professionalism, collaboration and evidence-based decision making to the Amenity Forum Board.

We spoke to Jim about the importance of professional standards, the future of green space management and why collaboration across the amenity sector has never been more important.

Q&A: Jim Croxton

What attracted you to the Amenity Forum and the opportunity to join its Board?

The Amenity sector is extremely complex, with many distinct subsectors within it – golf, local authority landscapes, sports turf, highways, public spaces etc. Whilst a much smaller sector than agriculture it is critically important to business, travel, leisure and recreation so it is vital that it has a strong representative body that can present a coherent message to regulators and stakeholders.

The opportunity to help ensure we collaborate effectively and are well represented is important to my part of the industry and to me. Coming from a committee-based organisation I felt I had something to offer.

Why are professional standards and education so important to the amenity sector?

Professional standards underpin everything we do. The decisions made by practitioners managing our green spaces have long-term implications for the environment, public expectations and the quality of the landscapes we all enjoy.

Education gives professionals the confidence to make informed decisions based on evidence rather than habit. It encourages continual improvement, supports responsible management and helps ensure that our industry is recognized for the expertise it brings.

Investing in training and continuous professional development is one of the best ways we can strengthen the future of the amenity sector and demonstrate to regulators the professionalism inherent in our approach to landscape management.

What are the biggest challenges facing golf course management today?

Golf courses are expected to deliver exceptional playing surfaces whilst responding to increasing golfer and environmental expectations, climate change and evolving regulation.

Greenkeepers are continually balancing turf quality, resource management, biodiversity, water use and financial pressures. Meeting all of those expectations requires highly skilled professionals who understand both the science and the practical realities of managing living landscapes.

How is the profession responding to changing environmental expectations?

The profession has embraced innovation and continuous improvement. Golf course managers have always adopted Integrated Pest Management practices but the options for this are increasing all the time as technology and understanding improve.

In recent years I’m delighted that golf clubs are seeing the importance of investing in staff development to enable them to make more informed management decisions.

Climate change is also bringing new challenges, particularly around water availability. Longer periods of dry weather mean that making the best use of water resources is becoming increasingly important. The industry is responding by improving irrigation practices, selecting more resilient turf species and taking a more strategic approach to water management, helping courses adapt while maintaining high standards.

There is also a growing recognition that golf courses provide valuable habitats for wildlife, support biodiversity and make an important contribution to environmental sustainability when managed responsibly.

What role does Integrated Pest Management play in the future of golf course management?

Integrated Pest Management is fundamental to turf management. It encourages practitioners to understand the causes of problems before deciding on the most appropriate course of action.

By combining prevention, monitoring, cultural practices and targeted interventions, IPM supports healthier turf, more resilient landscapes and responsible use of plant protection products. It is about making informed decisions rather than relying on any single solution.

Why is continuous professional development so important?

Knowledge never stands still. New research, changing regulations, evolving technologies and different environmental pressures mean that professionals need opportunities to keep learning throughout their careers.

Continuous professional development helps individuals build confidence, improve competence and share experience with colleagues across the sector. Ultimately, it benefits everyone who uses and enjoys our managed green spaces.

What do you hope to achieve as a Director of the Amenity Forum?

I would like to see the Amenity Forum continue to strengthen its position as the collective voice of the amenity sector.

By bringing organisations together, promoting professional competence and encouraging constructive dialogue with policymakers and regulators, the Forum can help ensure that future decisions are informed by practical experience and sound science.

Most importantly, I hope we continue to champion the professionalism of those working across the sector. Our industry is full of highly skilled people who care deeply about the environments they manage, and that expertise deserves to be recognised.

The Board of Directors comprises representatives from a broad range of organisations and disciplines, reflecting the diversity of the amenity sector. Further profiles of Board members will be published over the coming months.

For further information about the Amenity Forum, visit: www.amenityforum.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

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

GroundTech automation delivers new levels of efficiency

Meet Jim Croxton, Director on the Amenity Forum Board

GroundTech automation delivers new levels of efficiency

Meet Jim Croxton, Director on the Amenity Forum Board

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

GroundTech automation delivers new levels of efficiency

GroundTech automation delivers new levels of efficiency

Meet Jim Croxton, Director on the Amenity Forum Board

Meet Jim Croxton, Director on the Amenity Forum Board

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