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Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD

September 22, 2025/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD: Romford Golf Club in Essex has relied on its Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi8 HD for deep aeration since 2018, and Course Manager Antony Kirwan says it’s now integral to the club’s maintenance programme. “The GXi8 is exceptionally versatile,” says Antony Kirwan. “We use it across every […]

Performance leads Brighton College back to Baroness

September 22, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Performance leads Brighton College back to Baroness: Brighton College has improved productivity in its grounds maintenance operation with the purchase of a new LM531 fairway mower from Baroness. Chosen for its outstanding cut quality and ease of use, the new machine will keep on top of mowing the heavily used rugby and cricket facilities at […]

Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD

September 22, 2025/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

Performance leads Brighton College back to Baroness

September 22, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

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Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD

September 22, 2025/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD: Romford Golf Club in Essex has relied on its Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi8 HD for deep aeration since 2018, and Course Manager Antony Kirwan says it’s now integral to the club’s maintenance programme.

“The GXi8 is exceptionally versatile,” says Antony Kirwan. “We use it across every surface — tees, greens, aprons, and fairways. Its quick forward motion and range of tine sizes mean we can adapt it precisely to what we need at different times of the year. We use it in conjunction with a pedestrian aerator, and its efficiency allows us to cover 13 or 14 greens in an eight-hour shift, finishing the remainder the next morning.”

Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD

Romford’s course is mostly flat, but Antony Kirwan says that even the uneven areas pose no problem. “We’ve a couple of areas that still have ridge and furrow from when it was farmland,” he explains, “but it breezes over them and doesn’t fluctuate or miss a beat.”

Antony Kirwan particularly values the speed of the GXi8 when aerating fairways. “We have to close holes during this work, so it’s essential the machine is both quick and efficient to minimise disruption and get golfers back out as soon as possible,” he adds. “It’s easily the fastest machine for the job.”

That efficiency carries through to how the tines are used. New sets start on the fairways, and once they’ve worn down, they’re still appropriate for use on the greens for the next set of renovations — helping the team get the most out of every set.

The team are also vigilant about maintenance. “We make sure to grease all the points before every use and maybe change the belt once a year,” says Antony Kirwan. “At this rate, I think it will still be here for many years to come.”

Romford’s aeration programme has evolved since the GXi8’s arrival: fairways are treated two or three times in winter, while in March the greens are aerated to a depth of around 175 mm. Greens also receive scheduled renovations and three summer passes with 10 mm tines, and tees, aprons, and surrounds are maintained during seasonal windows. The mid-season renovation includes a scarify, topdressing, a spike at around 150 mm depth, seeding with bent, and a light roll — a process that keeps the greens healthy, smooth, and consistent throughout the season. This approach improves soil health by letting air, water, and nutrients reach the root zone, keeping the course in championship condition.

Founded in 1894, Romford Golf Club has a proud history. Legendary golfer James Braid served as head professional from 1896 to 1904 and won the first of his five Open Championship titles while at the club in 1901. Today, the course honours that heritage with meticulously maintained playing conditions that continue to attract golfers from across the region.

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Performance leads Brighton College back to Baroness

September 22, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Performance leads Brighton College back to Baroness: Brighton College has improved productivity in its grounds maintenance operation with the purchase of a new LM531 fairway mower from Baroness.

Chosen for its outstanding cut quality and ease of use, the new machine will keep on top of mowing the heavily used rugby and cricket facilities at the Jubilee Ground and joins a Baroness LM281 which has been delivering reliable service at the College’s Home Ground for the last four years.

Performance leads Brighton College back to Baroness

Head Groundsperson Adrian Brunton oversees a dedicated team of five and, together with a separate gardens team, they manage the three sites which make up the College, Prep School and Pre-Prep School. The grounds are used intensively – not only by pupils but also local sports clubs and even international teams, most recently the New Zealand Women’s Rugby squad as part of their World Cup preparations.

With such high levels of usage, maintaining consistent playing surfaces is key and, as Adrian explains, the Baroness equipment has played a part in that over recent years. “It was partly down to our relationship with Lister Wilder that we really got familiar with Baroness. We purchased an LM281 triple for the Home Ground and that has delivered on all fronts.”

“The results, reliability and aftercare we’ve had with that machine meant that, when the time came to upgrade to a wider mower for the Jubilee Ground, we didn’t look anywhere else.” The new Baroness LM531 features five 22” cutting units which offers high productivity for large areas and superb contour following ability. Powered by a 25hp Kubota engine, it features industry leading blades and cylinders that stay on cut up to three times longer than the competition.

Adrian notes, “The cut quality is outstanding. The cylinders keep their edge to deliver a consistent, high-quality finish from the start of the job to the very end. Since it’s delivery in early August, the LM531 has been out twice a week and then this will drop to roughly once a week over the slower growing months.” He adds, “This machine also enables us to cut down to 10mm which is lower than our previous mower and will give us a better playing surface particularly for cricket.”

The college, too, have been impressed with the service received from both Lister Wilder and Luke Collins from Baroness. “He’s been a constant point of contact for us since our first purchase and has always made himself available for advice and to answer any follow-up questions. That level of support makes such a huge difference.”

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.

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Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD

Performance leads Brighton College back to Baroness

Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD

Performance leads Brighton College back to Baroness

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD

Romford GC maximises versatility with Terra Spike GXi8 HD: Romford Golf Club in Essex has relied on its Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi8 HD for deep aeration since 2018, and Course Manager Antony Kirwan says it’s now integral to the club’s maintenance programme.

Performance leads Brighton College back to Baroness

Performance leads Brighton College back to Baroness: Brighton College has improved productivity in its grounds maintenance operation with the purchase of a new LM531 fairway mower from Baroness.

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