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Former Lombard Trophy winner joins Germinal Sales Team

February 18, 2026/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

Former Lombard Trophy winner joins Germinal Sales Team: Germinal Amenity, the market leader in the development and supply of specialist seed products for the amenity sector, is delighted to announce the appointment of former Lombard Trophy winner and golf pro, Doug Brolls, as Technical Sales Representative for the Northeast of England and Scotland. Originally hailing […]

GKB Leaf Blower proves the economical choice

February 17, 2026/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

GKB Leaf Blower proves the economical choice: Established in 1910, Eaton Golf Club offers its members a mature parkland setting for a picturesque 18-holes of play on the outskirts of Norwich. Jay Seaman, Head Greenkeeper, has become all too familiar with the challenges that come with managing such an established parkland site – with leaf […]

Former Lombard Trophy winner joins Germinal Sales Team

February 18, 2026/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

GKB Leaf Blower proves the economical choice

February 17, 2026/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

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Former Lombard Trophy winner joins Germinal Sales Team

February 18, 2026/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

Former Lombard Trophy winner joins Germinal Sales Team: Germinal Amenity, the market leader in the development and supply of specialist seed products for the amenity sector, is delighted to announce the appointment of former Lombard Trophy winner and golf pro, Doug Brolls, as Technical Sales Representative for the Northeast of England and Scotland.

Originally hailing from Scotland and born in Lockerbie, Doug has spent a lifetime playing, coaching, competing and managing golf courses and playing surfaces. He now resides in the Northeast and is a lifelong Sunderland FC supporter.

Former Lombard Trophy winner joins Germinal Sales Team

Doug has extensive knowledge of golf and golf courses, not only in the Northeast and Scotland, but right across the whole of the UK and beyond. This awareness has been cultivated during his life as a golf professional and coach, and a multiple times winner on the North, Northeast and Northwest PGA circuits, and winning the prestigious Lombard International Trophy in Portugal in 1998.

Commenting, Richard Brown, Amenity Director of Germinal GB & Ireland, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Doug to Germinal Amenity. He has a deep understanding of players, customer service, competing and the amenity sports surfaces industry. He also has an extensive knowledge of the Northeast of England and Scotland as a territory.

As a former golfing pro and player at a exceptionally high level, he brings a unique perspective of the quality and standards that turf managers and players demand. He will be a huge addition to our team and for our customers across the sports amenity, turf management and landscape communities. Welcome on board, Doug!”

Commenting, Doug Brolls said:

“I’m very excited to join Germinal Amenity as Technical Sales Representative for Scotland and the Northeast of England. I am looking forward to using my knowledge and background in turf management with golf clubs, sports venues and turf professionals to deliver high-performance, sustainable surfaces using Germinal’s industry-leading seed and grass solutions. I am also really looking forward to reconnecting with familiar faces, meeting new customers and supporting Germinal’s commitment to innovation, quality and sustainability across the sports and amenity sector.”

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GKB Leaf Blower proves the economical choice

February 17, 2026/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

GKB Leaf Blower proves the economical choice: Established in 1910, Eaton Golf Club offers its members a mature parkland setting for a picturesque 18-holes of play on the outskirts of Norwich.

Jay Seaman, Head Greenkeeper, has become all too familiar with the challenges that come with managing such an established parkland site – with leaf fall not only proving to be a drain on time but also on the finances. Making the process more economical (in all senses of the word!) is a GKB Leaf Blower.

GKB Leaf Blower proves the economical choice

“Due to the age of the trees we have here on site, we can be clearing leaves for anywhere up to three months of the year” explains Jay, who heads up a greenkeeping team of six. “Our previous trailed blower ran on petrol and could cost us in the region of £50 a day just in fuel.” Deciding the time was right to find a more cost-effective solution, he spoke with Eddie Jack from local dealers Ernest Doe who swiftly arranged a demonstration of the GKB Leaf Blower.

“We had the machine in for a few days and the feedback from the team was really positive. It’s a solid, well-built piece of kit and, importantly, is PTO-driven so it just runs off the tractor with no need for additional fuel.” As an added bonus, when the order was placed in October 2025 the team got to keep the Leaf Blower on site, seeing them up and running in-time for the start of another busy leaf-fall season!

The Leaf Blower from GKB Machines delivers high airflow output, with low demand on the tractor – requiring less than 40hp. The adjustable rear chute and air capacity of 380m³/min makes light work of clearing leaves and other debris, to swiftly improve both playability and presentation. “Compared to other blowers I’ve used, the chute sits lower to the ground allowing you to blow leaves into the wind without them coming back at you which makes a big difference when working in challenging conditions.”

“Another thing we really like is the jockey wheels and rear anti-scalp roller which do a great job at keeping the machine stable and preventing scalping on our undulating landscape.” He adds, “It’s also incredibly simple to hitch and operate meaning anyone on the team can jump on and use it confidently.”

Beyond the machine itself, Jay also notes the excellent aftersales support they’ve received from Ernest Doe. “Eddie has kept in touch regularly just to check how things are going. Everything has been top notch.”

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.

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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)

Former Lombard Trophy winner joins Germinal Sales Team

GKB Leaf Blower proves the economical choice

Former Lombard Trophy winner joins Germinal Sales Team

GKB Leaf Blower proves the economical choice

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Former Lombard Trophy winner joins Germinal Sales Team

GKB Leaf Blower proves the economical choice

GKB Leaf Blower proves the economical choice: Established in 1910, Eaton Golf Club offers its members a mature parkland setting for a picturesque 18-holes of play on the outskirts of Norwich.

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