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Strathbogie Expands with Redexim Partnership

September 23, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Strathbogie Expands with Redexim Partnership When Pete McArthur, Director of Strathbogie Scotland, talks about turf management, it’s clear this isn’t just about machinery. It’s about helping greenkeepers do what they do best. Pete has spent years building the business around innovation, particularly in robotics and technology. Now, with support from Redexim and its Scottish dealer […]

Husqvarna turf & tech conference sets out the future of modern golf course management

September 22, 2026/in Press Release/by Admin

Husqvarna turf & tech conference sets out the future of modern golf course management Husqvarna brought together leading figures from across golf and turf management at its inaugural Turf & Tech Conference to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the sport. Although a relatively recent entrant to the golf sector, the 337-year-old […]

Strathbogie Expands with Redexim Partnership

September 23, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Husqvarna turf & tech conference sets out the future of modern golf course management

September 22, 2026/in Press Release/by Admin

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Strathbogie Expands with Redexim Partnership

September 23, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Strathbogie Expands with Redexim Partnership

When Pete McArthur, Director of Strathbogie Scotland, talks about turf management, it’s clear this isn’t just about machinery. It’s about helping greenkeepers do what they do best.

Strathbogie Expands with Redexim Partnership

Pete has spent years building the business around innovation, particularly in robotics and technology. Now, with support from Redexim and its Scottish dealer partner, HRN Group, the company is taking the next step by launching a specialist machinery hire service for golf courses and professional sports turf facilities across the north and northeast of Scotland.

The move reflects Strathbogie’s changing direction. While the business has long been established within forestry and groundcare, its focus is increasingly centred on professional turf management and providing practical solutions that help customers overcome today’s biggest challenges.

“We’re focusing much more on professional groundcare now,” explained Pete. “Whether it’s sports pitches, golf courses or any formal turf surface, that’s where we’re heading. But our core clients, who have sustained the business for nearly 50 years, remain a hugely important part of what we do and will continue to be. This is about developing our business for the 21st century, and our traditional customer base blends perfectly with our growing professional turf clientele.”

The decision to invest in Redexim equipment wasn’t one made overnight. In fact, it began with a conversation almost two years ago between Pete and Redexim’s Area Sales Manager for the North, Allen Whellans.

“When speaking to greenkeepers and sports turf managers, Redexim was always the name that kept coming up,” Pete said. “I started asking people I trust, including greenkeepers at some very prestigious clubs, about the equipment and the feedback was consistently excellent.”

Those conversations ultimately led to Strathbogie investing in a fleet of Redexim machinery, including a Verti-Drain 1513, Speed-Seed 1100, Speed Brush, DS800 Top Dresser and Tool Carrier, supplied through HRN Group.

For HRN Group’s Groundcare Sales Director, Wilson Morrison, the project was never simply about supplying machines.

“It started as a bit of blue-sky thinking,” Wilson explained. “We knew there was a gap in the north of Scotland for a specialist hire company. Allen, Pete and I started talking about the opportunity and it just grew from there. It was about finding the right partner that could really do it justice.”

For Pete, reputation counts for everything.

“My brother-in-law is a greenkeeper, and they’d just bought very similar Redexim machinery. He described it as ‘bomb proof’. That was good enough for me. I trust people who use equipment every day, and Redexim has a reputation for building machinery that lasts.”

More importantly, the investment supports Pete’s wider vision of helping clubs that may struggle to justify purchasing specialist equipment outright.

“There seemed to be a gap in the market, particularly in the north of Scotland,” he explained.

“Not every golf club or sports facility can afford to buy these machines but hiring them makes perfect sense. It gives them access to the right equipment when they need it without the significant capital investment. Some of these machines are only needed a few times each year, so buying them can be difficult to justify. By offering hire, we’re helping clubs maintain high-quality playing surfaces while keeping costs under control.”

Behind the scenes, HRN Group has played an important role in helping Strathbogie establish its new hire fleet, managing the supply of the equipment, overseeing efficient delivery, providing a comprehensive handover and ensuring Pete and his team received installation and operator training.

“This isn’t just about supplying machines and walking away,” said Wilson. “We’re working closely with Pete and the team. From delivery and handover through to installation training and ongoing support, we want to make sure they have everything they need to build a successful hire business.”

That support doesn’t stop once the machines are delivered.

“If our sales team receives enquiries for machinery hire, we’ll pass those opportunities on to Strathbogie,” Wilson added. “We want to see Pete grow this business because, ultimately, it’s a partnership.”

The investment also complements Strathbogie’s growing expertise in robotic mowing technology. Rather than replacing greenkeepers, Pete believes automation and specialist machinery allow them to focus on the skilled work that really matters.

“Looking after the health of the turf is where the real expertise lies. Greenkeepers have incredible knowledge of agronomy and turf management. If technology can free up some of their time, it allows them to use those skills where they add the greatest value.”

That philosophy is shaping the company’s future.

“We’re trying to change the way people think. Just because something has always been done one way doesn’t mean it’s the best way. Technology is moving quickly and the turf industry has a fantastic opportunity to embrace it.”

Wilson believes the partnership has worked because all three businesses share the same outlook.

“We wouldn’t have partnered with Strathbogie unless we felt they shared the same ethos as us,” he said. “Pete, Allen and I all gelled straight away. We’re all forward-thinking, always looking for opportunities and wanting to move the industry forward.”

He also believes the versatility and quality of Redexim’s equipment makes it the ideal choice for a specialist hire fleet.

“Pete has invested in versatile, high-quality equipment that’s backed by the support of both HRN Group and Redexim. That’s important because if a machine isn’t out on hire, it’s not earning money. We want to make sure he has the backup he needs to keep everything running.”

Pete also believes Redexim’s values aligned closely with those of Strathbogie Scotland.

“I value heritage. Redexim is a family-owned business and that means something to me. We don’t go looking for entry-level machinery. We’d rather invest in specialist equipment that’s proven, reliable and respected within the industry. You’re buying the best to get the best.”

As Strathbogie Scotland continues expanding its services, the partnership between Strathbogie Scotland, HRN Group and Redexim provides another important piece of the puzzle. Combining specialist turf equipment, expert local support and flexible hire options, the collaboration is helping golf courses and sports facilities across northern Scotland access professional-grade machinery while adapting to the changing demands of modern turf management.

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

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

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Husqvarna turf & tech conference sets out the future of modern golf course management

September 22, 2026/in Press Release/by Admin

Husqvarna turf & tech conference sets out the future of modern golf course management

Husqvarna brought together leading figures from across golf and turf management at its inaugural Turf & Tech Conference to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the sport. Although a relatively recent entrant to the golf sector, the 337-year-old manufacturer has a long history of developing innovative solutions for green space professionals and is using that expertise to support a more sustainable, resilient and technology-led future for golf course management.

Held at The Belfry on the eve of the 2026 Husqvarna British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo and opened by Husqvarna CEO, Glen Instone, the conference featured representatives from The R&A, DP World Tour, British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), Golf Course Association of Europe (GCAE), leading European golf venues, influential media and the international research community.

Husqvarna is determined to go beyond the role of a traditional corporate sponsor, using the platform afforded by its DP World Tour partnership to facilitate thought leadership and meaningful discussion across golf, ultimately contributing to a stronger and healthier industry. Discussions explored the changing role of the greenkeeper, the agronomic impact of lightweight robotic mowing, the future use of course data and the role technology can play in addressing the industry’s recruitment and sustainability challenges.

Yvette Henshall-Bell, President of Husqvarna Forest & Garden, highlighted the rapid adoption of autonomous turf-management technology. “Four years ago, our first robots built for golf courses rolled off the production line at Husqvarna’s UK centre for robotic mower manufacturing in Newton Aycliffe,” she said. “Today, they are cutting at more than 2,000 golf courses globally, including the fairways at The Belfry for the DP World Tour’s Husqvarna British Masters.

A central theme throughout the conference was the wider impact autonomous technology can have on course maintenance, including turf quality and playing conditions. Andrew Lees, Global Segment Manager for Professional Robotics at Husqvarna, highlighted findings from the company’s survey of golf courses already using the technology. “What really stood out was the impact on turf quality and playing conditions. We saw strong results across overall turf quality, density, uniformity and quality of cut, but more importantly, we also saw improvements in playability, which ultimately comes back to the golfer’s experience.”

The discussion also explored how autonomous technology can complement the expertise of greenkeeping teams. Jim Croxton, CEO of BIGGA, highlighted the potential for technology to create more productive and highly skilled roles within greenkeeping. “We aren’t seeing the technology replace people,” said Croxton. “We’re seeing people get more opportunities to be productive, collaborative and innovative while the robots get on with cutting the grass.”

Among these is a study led by Professor Paul Koch of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, investigating whether autonomous overnight dew removal can disrupt the development of dollar spot, a turfgrass disease becoming increasingly prevalent as climatic conditions change.

“We feel this research can reduce reliance on synthetic fungicides, which are becoming more expensive and harder for greenkeepers around the world to use,” said Professor Koch. “Because of the increasing prevalence of dollar spot, we need to look at alternative strategies.”

The discussions were given further relevance by the activity taking place on The Belfry’s Brabazon Course, where Husqvarna autonomous technology was helping prepare and maintain the playing surfaces for the 2026 Husqvarna British Masters.

Jonathan Snowball, Head of Pro Sales UK and British Masters project manager at Husqvarna, said: “These machines are proving themselves at championship level. If we can deliver this standard here, we can deliver it on any golf course around the world.”

During tournament week, 16 fairways were maintained using Husqvarna CEORA® robotic mowers, supported by autonomous solutions across the driving range and short-game practice area. The overnight programme was designed around the specific demands of a DP World Tour event, including precise cutting heights, consistent fairway definition and presentation tailored to television camera angles.

Daniel Lightfoot, Director of Sustainable Golf at The R&A, said: “Tournament golf provides one of the greatest opportunities to showcase the very best in sustainable turf management. It demonstrates how today’s course managers can deliver world-class playing surfaces that challenge the best players in the world while embracing responsible, efficient, and environmentally sustainable practices. The use of low-carbon, automated technology is just one example of how modern golf course managers are helping to deliver a sustainable future for the game.”

Henshall-Bell concluded: “This conference demonstrated that the future of turf management will not be shaped by technology alone. It will be shaped by technology working alongside the expertise, experience and ambition of the people responsible for managing golf courses.”

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

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Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Strathbogie Expands with Redexim Partnership

Husqvarna turf & tech conference sets out the future of modern golf course management

Strathbogie Expands with Redexim Partnership

Husqvarna turf & tech conference sets out the future of modern golf course management

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Strathbogie Expands with Redexim Partnership

Strathbogie Expands with Redexim Partnership

Husqvarna turf & tech conference sets out the future of modern golf course management

Husqvarna turf & tech conference sets out the future of modern golf course management

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