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Air2G2 proves to be a ‘game changer’

May 26, 2020/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by CharmianRobson

Air2G2 proves to be a ‘game changer’: The Air2G2 GT Air Inject from Campey Turf Care Systems has played a significant role in transforming the greens at the La Grande Mare Golf Club in Guernsey. When he arrived at his new job two-years ago, course manager, Rick Hamilton, spoke to the members about their main […]

Drive, determination and MM seed

May 26, 2020/in News, Press Release/by Lucy Nicholls

Drive, determination and MM seed: Broomfield Bowls Club is considered to have one of the best surfaces, if not the best in the Midlands. The immaculate green is thanks to the drive and determination of a volunteer greenkeeper and a little help from Limagrain UK’s MM range of grass seed. Jonathan Blakeman has a long […]

Air2G2 proves to be a ‘game changer’

May 26, 2020/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by CharmianRobson

Drive, determination and MM seed

May 26, 2020/in News, Press Release/by Lucy Nicholls

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Air2G2 proves to be a ‘game changer’

May 26, 2020/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by CharmianRobson

Air2G2 proves to be a ‘game changer’: The Air2G2 GT Air Inject from Campey Turf Care Systems has played a significant role in transforming the greens at the La Grande Mare Golf Club in Guernsey.

When he arrived at his new job two-years ago, course manager, Rick Hamilton, spoke to the members about their main concerns and the quality and playability of the greens was top of the list.

Air2G2 proves to be a ‘game changer’

Because the course is built on marshland, the soil is very silty heavy clay, making it a problematic soil profile to produce a healthy root zone. The dense profile was causing the greens to hold moisture in the winter and hardpan in the summer, meaning there was little control of how they performed throughout the year. From his previous experience in Asia, Rick knew the Air2G2 was precisely what was needed to open up the soil profile and bring life back into the greens.

“When I first analysed the greens, I knew we had to take action,” Rick explained. “It was at the point that when we tried to change the holes, we would sometimes snap the blades in the hole cutter because the greens were that hard. The greens are old, they are 25 to 30-year-old push-up greens, so there is no drainage, and the soil type doesn’t help with that.

“For me, the Air2G2 is a game changer. Every now and then over the years, different machines come into the industry, and I would say it is one of those game changing machines. I brought it over on hire from a dealer in Jersey and went out, and I could hardly get the probes to inject at first because the surface was that hard. But I managed to do it with the deep probe and close spacing to really get through into the greens and loosen them up to get water and wetting agent in.

“The first afternoon after we did it, the members came out and played and couldn’t believe there was no disruption to the surface at all, and they were surprised with how clean it was. A few weeks later on we had a bit of rain, and we had a competition and the good golfers couldn’t believe how receptive the greens were with the ball holding.

“The difference in the greens is massive in terms of playability, root development, the health in the root zone and getting the water to penetrate. And in the winter when it’s a bit wetter and softer, it helps to release some of the water and get the greens to drain.”

For Rick, the impact of the Air2G2 was immediate, and after using his own machine for a year, the difference is obvious for everyone who plays La Grande Mare. Because of the course construction and location, there is an extensive aeration programme in place that sees the Air2G2 used regularly along with needle tining, a combination that has made members the happiest they’ve ever been with the greens.

For more information about the Air2G2 or the new Air2 Hand Probe visit www.campeyturfcare.com.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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Drive, determination and MM seed

May 26, 2020/in News, Press Release/by Lucy Nicholls

Drive, determination and MM seed: Broomfield Bowls Club is considered to have one of the best surfaces, if not the best in the Midlands. The immaculate green is thanks to the drive and determination of a volunteer greenkeeper and a little help from Limagrain UK’s MM range of grass seed.

Jonathan Blakeman has a long affinity with his beloved bowls club dating back to when father Steve joined in 1985. Steve tended the green at Smethwick Cricket Club between 1988 and 2006 with Jonathan taking the reigns during the 2008 season, he then proceeded to continue to maintain the green to the high standards that the club had come to expect.

Drive, determination and MM seed

Two years later and the club was forced to start looking for a new home. After a lengthy search they eventually moved to the nearby Mitchells & Butlers Bowling Club, Portland Road – who were more than happy to accept their neighbours. The former Cape Hill Brewery Sports Ground was opened in August 1930 and once boasted three crown green bowling greens. Broomfield was given its own green for its members but unfortunately it was not exactly at the standards they were used to.

“I think it is fair to say that the green we were given had fallen into disrepair,” said Jonathan. “The members of the club had tried their best to maintain it but unfortunately it needed a lot of work.”

Jonathan, who was also working full-time, came up with a plan. Armed with the knowledge passed onto him by dad Steve, Jonathan began working round the clock to transform the green.

Ten years later and the green is regarded as one of the best with many players praising its immaculate surface. It’s no surprise to see why the green is so widely lauded when you consider how much time Jonathan puts into maintaining it.

“In the growing season it is cut four times a week and we do verticutting once a month depending on conditions. Then there are the usual treatments and taking the dew off in the mornings.

“Rather than leaving work and doing a hobby somewhere else my interest just happens to be looking after the green for Broomfield.”

Ever the perfectionist, Jonathan decided to start looking for a grass seed which would help the green stand up to such heavy usage, and that was when he first became acquainted with Limagrain UK.

“At Broomfield we have eight league teams so that amounts to about 80 or 90 visiting clubs and that’s just competitive use. On top of that, we have internal competitions and players practicing or playing socially. It’s safe to say that the green has a lot of use between April and September.

Drive, determination and MM seed

“Historically I had always used another brand, but I eventually started looking elsewhere. I knew Mark Allen from Agrovista Amenity and he highly recommended the seed mixtures from Limagrain. That was five years ago, and I have been using the MM range ever since.”

Jonathan relies on both the MM10 and the MM11 mixtures – both of which are traditional 80:20 Fescue and Bent mixtures ideal for overseeding, renovation and construction. The cultivars used in these mixtures have low nutrient and irrigation requirements but still produce a fine, dense sward which creates a superior playing surface. The mixtures are tolerant of close mowing and have excellent disease resistance. Good tolerance to wear makes both MM10 and MM11 suitable for use in high traffic areas.

Although similar mixtures, a variance in the formulation brings out the best in Broomfield’s green according to Jonathan.

“We are always trying to introduce different cultivars and finer species into the surface and the reason for rotating between MM10 and MM11 is because each mixture has a different make-up of cultivars. I just think that the more you have in your surface, the more resilient it can be against the challenges of disease, wear, and drought tolerance. They also produce a fantastic colour all year round.

“One application of either the MM10 or MM11 is all we need and that sees us through the season. We tend to overseed with the mixtures after end of season renovations which are normally within the first ten to fourteen days in October. We’ve got a routine which has worked incredibly well. Firstly, we will scarify heavily and then we overseed with MM10 or MM11. Finally, we top dress and then we don’t have to use any more seed throughout the season because we maintain a good coverage.”

Given the level of commitment and technical excellence Jonathan has demonstrated over the past twelve years, it is obvious that he needs little guidance. However, he was still keen to praise the service and support provided by both Agrovista Amenity and Limagrain UK.

“Their collaboration makes for a great team,” he said. “I frequently see Mark from Agrovista Amenity and then twice a year both him and Matt Gresty from Limagrain will visit me at Broomfield. They will look closely at how the greens are performing and will always offer sound advice. It’s great customer service and I always receive my delivery quickly and efficiently.

“I would absolutely recommend MM10 and MM11 to other crown green bowling clubs – because they really can make a difference.”

For further information, please contact Limagrain UK on 01472 371471 or visit the company’s website www.lgseeds.co.uk/mm – you can also follow the company on Twitter: @MM_Seed

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)

Air2G2 proves to be a ‘game changer’

Drive, determination and MM seed

Air2G2 proves to be a ‘game changer’

Drive, determination and MM seed

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Air2G2 proves to be a ‘game changer’

Air2G2 proves to be a ‘game changer’: The Air2G2 GT Air Inject from Campey Turf Care Systems has played a significant role in transforming the greens at the La Grande Mare Golf Club in Guernsey.

Drive, determination and MM seed

Drive, determination and MM seed: Broomfield Bowls Club is considered to have one of the best surfaces, if not the best in the Midlands. The immaculate green is thanks to the drive and determination of a volunteer greenkeeper and a little help from Limagrain UK’s MM range of grass seed.

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