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The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026

January 14, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026: The R&A’s Sustainable Golf experts will once again be present at BTME in Harrogate this January, with the introduction of The R&A Clubhouse, a dedicated space designed to support learning, discussion and professional development throughout the show. Located alongside The R&A’s stand in Hall 4, The R&A […]

Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026

January 14, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026: Two John Deere turf dealerships are expanding their areas of responsibility later this year. Ripon Ground Care and Turner Groundscare will extend their respective geographies from 9 July 2026 when Balmers GM leaves the John Deere dealership network. Part of the Ripon Group, Ripon Ground […]

The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026

January 14, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026

January 14, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026

January 14, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026: The R&A’s Sustainable Golf experts will once again be present at BTME in Harrogate this January, with the introduction of The R&A Clubhouse, a dedicated space designed to support learning, discussion and professional development throughout the show.

Located alongside The R&A’s stand in Hall 4, The R&A Clubhouse will complement the existing exhibition presence by providing an environment for structured talks, informal conversations and shared learning opportunities.

The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026

Led by R&A professionals and industry specialists, The Clubhouse programme will run across the three days of the trade exhibition, offering practical insight, experience-led discussion and discussions on the key challenges facing modern golf course management.

As in previous years, The R&A will be represented by a broad team drawn from across the organisation, including Sustainable Agronomy, Championship Agronomy, Golf Course 2030 Research and Education programmes. Specialists attending from Great Britain and Ireland, Europe and Asia-Pacific will be available throughout the week to engage with industry professionals, share experience and contribute to conversations around sustainable, performance-led course management across different environments and regions.

The R&A team will be based in Hall 4, providing a central point for visitors to find out more about the independent agronomy support available to golf venues and to speak directly with R&A agronomists and specialists working at both a strategic and practical level.

The R&A Clubhouse programme begins on Tuesday 20 January with a focus on Excellence in Agronomy – Performance Delivered Sustainably, exploring how course teams can balance performance expectations with long-term sustainability. On Wednesday 21 January, the theme turns to International Insights into Sustainability and Greenkeeping, drawing on global perspectives and shared experiences from across the industry. The programme concludes on Thursday 22 January with Championing Leadership of Golf Courses, supporting collaboration and understanding between course managers, club leaders and decision-makers.

Richard Windows, Assistant Director – Sustainable Agronomy Services at The R&A, said: “BTME provides an invaluable opportunity to bring the industry together and encourage open discussion around the issues that matter most to golf courses. The R&A Clubhouse has been designed to facilitate meaningful learning, with contributions from our own specialists and wider industry experts, allowing attendees to gain insight that is both relevant and practical.”

Daniel Lightfoot, Director – Sustainable Golf at The R&A, added: “Having colleagues from across Sustainable Agronomy, Championship Agronomy, Golf Course 2030 Research and our education programmes together in Harrogate allows us to support a wide range of conversations. By combining R&A expertise with industry-led discussion in the Clubhouse, we hope to provide a forum that encourages shared understanding and informed decision-making.”

BTME 2026 takes place at Harrogate Convention Centre, with the trade exhibition running from 20–22 January 2026. You can find out more on each of the clubhouse activities here: https://www.btme.org.uk/attendees/what-s-on/feature-areas/the-r-a-clubhouse.html

For more information on The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service, or to arrange a meeting with the team at BTME, please contact sustainableagronomy@randa.org

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Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026

January 14, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026: Two John Deere turf dealerships are expanding their areas of responsibility later this year.

Ripon Ground Care and Turner Groundscare will extend their respective geographies from 9 July 2026 when Balmers GM leaves the John Deere dealership network.

Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026

Part of the Ripon Group, Ripon Ground Care has been selling and servicing John Deere machinery and technology since 1982, with 13 branches located across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Teesside.

For over 40 years, the company has supplied equipment for industries such as golf and sports turf, local authorities, contractors, caravan parks and similar environments.

Similarly, Turner Groundscare has over 30 years’ experience and offers a full range of premium John Deere equipment across Cheshire. The company has an excellent reputation for its servicing and customer support.

“With decades of experience between them, John Deere is proud to have both Ripon Ground Care and Turner Groundscare taking over operations in the Lancashire and West Yorkshire areas,” says Chris Meacock, John Deere’s Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf.

“Over the next six months before this transition takes effect, we will put everything in place to ensure a seamless transfer for John Deere customers who will be dealing with Ripon Ground Care or Turner Groundscare in due course.

“We would also like to thank Balmers GM for their hard work and years of service with John Deere.”

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)

The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026

Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026

The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026

Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026

The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026: The R&A’s Sustainable Golf experts will once again be present at BTME in Harrogate this January, with the introduction of The R&A Clubhouse, a dedicated space designed to support learning, discussion and professional development throughout the show.

Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026

Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026: Two John Deere turf dealerships are expanding their areas of responsibility later this year.

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