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GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit

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

GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit: GroundTech is proud to announce its appointment as the first UK distributor for the revolutionary Drop-Pit Ball Management System, developed by VDB Technics – an industry leader in automated driving-range technology. Specifically developed to work in conjunction with robotic range pickers, GroundTech can now provide a fully […]

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 […]

GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit

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

The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026

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

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit

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

GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit: GroundTech is proud to announce its appointment as the first UK distributor for the revolutionary Drop-Pit Ball Management System, developed by VDB Technics – an industry leader in automated driving-range technology.

Specifically developed to work in conjunction with robotic range pickers, GroundTech can now provide a fully automated, highly efficient and exceptionally reliable solution for collecting, washing, transporting and dispensing range balls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit

Using the Drop-Pit with an autonomous collector such as the Echo Range Picker eliminates the need for manual collection, ball washing, transportation and dispenser loading.

With a capacity of 300 balls per cycle and 20,000 balls in a 24 hour period, the Echo RP-1250 will transfer the load into the Drop-Pit where they’re automatically washed and counted via the electronic control unit. A vacuum system then transports the clean golf balls to the dispenser ready for play. This sophisticated vacuum-transport design keeps the line clear, resulting in significantly less clogging than alternative automated systems.

“Our decision to partner with VDB Technics is not only based on the system’s performance, but for its practicality” explains GroundTech Director Marcus Glover. “Thanks to its modular underground wash zone, compact drop box and long-distance vacuum transport capability it is easier to install than comparative systems and seamlessly integrates with existing driving-range equipment. We’re excited to add Drop-Pit to our portfolio and further cement our status as a leading provider of automated golf course solutions.”

Lode Moies, Sales Manager at VDB Technics added, “We look forward to a long and successful partnership with GroundTech. Their strong market knowledge, professional approach and excellent service support make them the ideal partner to represent our Drop-Pit technology in the United Kingdom.”

For more information on Drop-Pit, or the autonomous Range Picker or mowers available from GroundTech, visit www.groundtech.co.uk

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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 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

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 appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit

The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026

GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit

The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit

GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit: GroundTech is proud to announce its appointment as the first UK distributor for the revolutionary Drop-Pit Ball Management System, developed by VDB Technics – an industry leader in automated driving-range technology.

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.

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