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ICL and Syngenta reopen Turf Rewards for 2026

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ICL and Syngenta reopen Turf Rewards for 2026: ICL and Syngenta have confirmed the reopening of the Turf Rewards Scheme for 2026, continuing their joint support for turf professionals across the UK and Ireland through a structured rewards scheme designed to add value to everyday purchasing decisions.

The Turf Rewards Scheme allows clubs and contracting businesses to earn reward points when purchasing selected ICL and Syngenta turf products. These points can then be redeemed against a wide range of rewards that support day-to-day operations, help improve efficiency, and add value to planned purchasing throughout the year.

ICL and Syngenta reopen Turf Rewards for 2026

ICL and Syngenta reopen Turf Rewards for 2026

New rewards for 2026 include the LightScout Quantum (PAR) Meter, a professional tool that allows turf managers to measure usable light for photosynthesis, rather than relying on visual assessments. This provides clearer insight when managing turf in shaded, low-light, or restricted environments.

For 2026, the scheme has been expanded to include Greenmaster Liquid Advance. Designed for professional turf managers, the range combines proven liquid nutrition with a biostimulant package containing MTU®, a patented molecule now available in turf for the first time. The inclusion reflects the growing role of liquid nutrition in modern turf management, particularly where flexibility, precision, and response under pressure are critical.

Two new Syngenta products, Comprevo and Vyplenza will also be added to the scheme in the coming weeks, further expanding the range of qualifying products available to turf professionals.

Turf managers across golf, sports, and amenity sectors are encouraged to sign up or resume using Turf Rewards in 2026 and make the most of the benefits available.

For full details and to register, visit www.turfrewards.com for the UK scheme or www.turfrewards.ie for the Republic of Ireland scheme.

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MM Seed: New and Improved for 2026

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MM Seed: New and Improved for 2026: MM Seed enters 2026 with a refined and strengthened range, building on its reputation for quality, performance and reliability across golf, winter sports, cricket and tennis.

With carefully selected cultivar updates and the continued inclusion of HEADSTART® GOLD as standard, the latest MM mixtures are designed to deliver stronger establishment, improved durability and consistent presentation in increasingly challenging conditions.

MM Seed: New and Improved for 2026

MM Seed: New and Improved for 2026

Golf: Fairway and Greens Performance You Can Rely On

For fairways and high-wear areas, MM22, MM50 and MM13 remain core options, each offering distinct benefits depending on site requirements.

MM22 continues to be a trusted choice for divotting, repairs and renovation work on tees and fairways subject to heavy traffic. For 2026, MM22 is enhanced with the inclusion of Mumbai perennial ryegrass, a dense, fine-leaved and hard-wearing cultivar. This is complemented by Hastings and Sybille creeping red fescues, further improving density and visual quality.

MM50 also benefits from the addition of Mumbai, strengthening its ability to produce a dense, resilient sward capable of withstanding close mowing and sustained wear. Alongside proven cultivars such as Singapore, MM50 continues to deliver consistency and performance where presentation and durability are equally important.

For lower-input environments, MM13 offers a traditional yet highly effective solution for overseeding and renovation of tees, fairways and roughs. With excellent drought tolerance, good disease resistance and strong recovery, MM13 is particularly suited to sites where ease of management and reliability are key. Its ability to hold colour and performance through winter further enhances its appeal.

On greens, MM8 and MM9 provide specialist solutions for different playing environments. MM8 is a 100% fine fescue blend, ideally suited to links and heathland-style courses. Featuring top-rated cultivars such as Sybille, it delivers a fine, dense sward with low nutrient requirements, good drought tolerance and improved disease resistance, making it ideal for sustainable maintenance programmes and seasonal overseeding.

MM9 remains a premium browntop bent mixture for summer overseeding, autumn renovation and new green construction. Renowned for producing smooth, dense putting surfaces, MM9 offers excellent colour retention, strong disease resistance and tolerance to close mowing, making it a dependable choice for high-performance greens.

Winter Sports: Proven Mixtures and Smart Innovation

MM60, a market-leading winter sports mixture for over 30 years, remains a go-to option thanks to its fast germination, excellent wear tolerance and strong winter recovery. The inclusion of the Lionel cultivar provides enhanced resistance to Fusarium, supporting turf health during high-risk periods.

MM Tetrasport blends 75% tetraploid and 25% diploid perennial ryegrass, delivering the combined benefits of both species. The result is a hard-wearing, disease-resistant sward with excellent colour, deep rooting and improved drought tolerance, making it particularly well suited to stadiums, training grounds and pitches with limited irrigation.

New for 2026, MM Active Shield has been developed to address growing concerns around Grey Leaf Spot. The mix includes Fiesta 4 and Fabian, the most tolerant cultivars identified in DLF GLS trials, alongside other independently trialled varieties. Fast to establish even in cooler temperatures, MM Active Shield delivers greater root mass, improved plant strength, excellent wear tolerance and outstanding year-round colour.

Cricket and Tennis: Trusted at the Highest Level

MM50 continues its long-standing position as the market-leading cricket and tennis mixture, used by numerous county and international venues. The inclusion of Mumbai raises performance further, while Singapore supports rapid recovery from match play and wear. Tolerant of low cutting heights and quick to establish, MM50 remains a proven choice for cricket squares and tennis courts alike.

HEADSTART® GOLD: Performance Built In

All MM seed mixtures come with HEADSTART® GOLD as standard. This second-generation biological seed treatment accelerates germination and supports early root development through a carefully balanced blend of macro and micronutrients, including phosphorus, sulphur, copper and molybdenum. By promoting stronger roots during establishment, HEADSTART® GOLD helps improve stress tolerance, reduce inputs and deliver healthier turf faster.

Combined with MM’s high standards for seed purity and germination, the 2026 range offers professional turf managers dependable solutions designed to perform from day one – and well beyond.

The 2026 MM Seed product catalogue is now available through your local MM Seed distributor.

Visit the new and improved MM Seed website at www.mm-seeds.co.uk

You can also follow the company on X: @MM_Seed.

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INFINICUT® and TMSystem™ brands reacquired by original founder

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INFINICUT® and TMSystem™ brands reacquired by original founder: Original founder John Coleman is pleased to announce the acquisition of Advanced Turf Technology (ATT) from Stanley Black & Decker, reuniting the company and its portfolio of brands – including the INFINICUT® brand of professional pedestrian mowers and TMSystem™ cassette range – with its original ownership and founding vision.

The acquisition, completed in early February 2026, brings INFINICUT® back to its roots and the core philosophy that established it as a pioneer in the turf care sector. As the original electric mower in the professional marketplace, the INFINICUT® redefined expectations around sustainability, performance and innovation with customers around the world long before electric solutions became mainstream.

INFINICUT® and TMSystem™ brands reacquired by original founder

INFINICUT® and TMSystem™ brands reacquired by original founder

“The INFINICUT® mower range was designed and developed to challenge convention and placed the focus firmly on innovation – pairing industry-leading cut quality with the very best in battery technology” explains John Coleman, Managing Director of Advanced Turf Technology. “Bringing the brand back allows us to fully focus on those principles, enabling us to be reactive to changing market requirements and accelerating the next phase of its evolution.”

As part of this renewed commitment, ATT will be moving to new, dedicated manufacturing premises supporting product development and putting a renewed focus on innovation. With full autonomy over design, manufacturing and future strategy, John and the team are well placed to reaffirm the INFINICUT’s position as a leading force in the global mower market.

ATT also confirmed that the INFINICUT® name will remain unchanged, with the performance, specification and iconic yellow livery which has become synonymous with the brand continuing as customers would expect. Aftersales support will also remain in place, with comprehensive parts, service and technical advice continuing through current and new dealerships across the country.

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Efficiency and safety gains with switch to Aspen Fuel

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Efficiency and safety gains with switch to Aspen Fuel: Having read about the positive experiences of other clubs making the switch, the team at Gloucestershire’s Minchinhampton Golf Club are themselves now discovering the efficiency and safety benefits of Aspen alkylate petrol.

Used across a suite of 2-stroke equipment, club Mechanic Tom Dorey notes the significant reduction in costly faults and breakdowns, while its delivery by the barrel has reduced the time and risks associated with transporting fuel from the forecourt.

Efficiency and safety gains with switch to Aspen Fuel

Efficiency and safety gains with switch to Aspen Fuel

Minchinhampton comprises of 36-holes at the New Course site along with a further 18-holes at the historic Old Course – established in 1889 and situated 4 miles away on SSSI common land, managed in partnership with the National Trust. The third, the parkland Avening Course, has been used on multiple occasions as an Open Qualifying venue. Looking after the maintenance is a team of 17 greenkeepers who, alongside Mechanic Tom, keep the large machinery fleet and busy courses in tip-top condition.

“I was familiar with Aspen Fuel from personal experience but was seeing more articles in the press about facilities switching over and felt it was worth exploring” explains Tom. “We spoke with some other golf clubs and then met with Aspen’s Roy Narbey at BTME in 2025 who arranged a trial of Aspen-2 for us. The rest, as they say, is history and we’ve recently just taken delivery of our second barrel.”

Being virtually free from ethanol, aromatics and benzene Aspen alkylate petrol presents a 99% cleaner fuel when compared with traditional pump fuel. The significantly reduced emissions not only benefit the health and safety of the operator but also contributes to increased sustainability standards, helping the team to meet the courses environmental responsibilities.

Like other Aspen users, Minchinhampton quickly discovered the immediate benefits but were pleasantly surprised by the further ‘wins’ that came from the switch. “The difference was notable almost immediately. The team all commented on the better working environment when using tools such as backpack blowers and hedgecutters and reported the reduction in fumes and headaches as soon as we switched.” Tom adds, “In the workshop, servicing of the equipment is now much simpler. I haven’t had to spend time repairing or replacing gummed up carburettors, saving us money and enhancing the overall lifespan of the engines and the equipment.”

Aspen-2’s pre-mixed formula has also eliminated issues with incorrect mixture ratios. “Convenience has been another big plus point, with the fuel readily available on site, pre-mixed so there’s no risk of issues associated with incorrect fuel and oil ratios.”

“The support from Roy throughout the trial and in getting us up and running has also been brilliant. He gave us lots of hints and tips for correct pump operation and getting the most from our equipment.” He concludes, “The experience has been incredibly positive and eventually we hope to extend our use to Aspen-4 for the cleaner running of some of our larger equipment.”

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Burnham & Berrow and Royal Aberdeen claim BIGGA Awards

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Burnham & Berrow and Royal Aberdeen claim BIGGA Awards: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has revealed the winners of the BIGGA Awards 2026, recognising outstanding achievement, innovation and commitment across the greenkeeping profession.

Harrogate’s Royal Hall hosted the BIGGA Celebration sponsored by Bernhard Academy on the opening night of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME), with Sky Sports presenter Sarah Stirk announcing the winners.

Burnham & Berrow and Royal Aberdeen claim BIGGA Awards

Burnham & Berrow and Royal Aberdeen claim BIGGA Awards

The prize for Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year with Bernhard & Company was awarded to Burnham & Berrow, while the Greenkeeping Project of the Year award with Price Turfcare went to Royal Aberdeen on a memorable evening celebrating excellence across the profession.

Burnham & Berrow’s award recognised the team’s exceptional response to an unprecedented challenge ahead of Final Open Qualifying. With just eight weeks to act, the team delivered innovative solutions after deliberate chemical vandalism damaged multiple greens.

Working closely with The R&A agronomy team and industry partners, a tightly managed recovery programme culminated in full turf replacement, with independent testing confirming championship standards were achieved in time for the event.

“What a job the team did – not only my team, but the whole club,” said retired Course Manager Richard Whyman. “Twenty of the 27 greens were damaged and it was hard to see the grass dying in front of you.

“With it being my last tournament, it was difficult for me, but I pulled myself together and The R&A were incredibly supportive.”

Royal Aberdeen was recognised for a long-term project to safeguard the future of the historic Balgownie Links. Ongoing coastal erosion prompted a complex reconstruction programme, including new greens, tees and protective infrastructure.

Delivered largely in-house by a small team, the project demanded meticulous planning and adaptability amid challenging weather and tidal pressures, with judges praising the balance between preserving heritage and delivering practical, forward-thinking solutions.

“We know erosion is a big issue – not just for us, but right down the UK coastline – so we’re trying to implement measures to slow that erosion, with contingency plans in place,” said Course Manager Richard Johnstone.

“As for my team, they’re the real heroes in this – I just lead them. They’ve taken on a huge challenge, and I’m very grateful to the club for supporting us.”

The evening also saw BIGGA present its Outstanding Contribution award with Kress to John Millen in recognition of a career that has left a lasting impact on the association and the wider greenkeeping profession.

A highly respected figure within the industry, Millen has devoted decades to supporting education, professional development and the advancement of greenkeeping standards, earning widespread admiration from colleagues across the UK and beyond.

“I really can’t believe this,” said the 85-year-old, who is still working in education but has swapped playing golf for croquet. “Only a week ago I didn’t even know whether I’d be coming tonight – I’ve been here virtually every year. I just want to say thank you to everybody.

“Through greenkeeping, through our associations and through the game itself, for me it’s always been about people who are passionate about golf courses and about working for one another.”

The event also celebrated the incredible finale of an inspiring personal challenge, as Jack Percival bounded onto stage after completing his epic 300-mile run from Epsom. The senior greenkeeper at Royal Automobile Club undertook the run to raise awareness around mental health and funds for Percy’s Homeless Hub and the Greenkeepers Benevolent Fund.

The BIGGA Awards were established to recognise the exceptionally high standards, professionalism and dedication demonstrated by greenkeepers throughout the year. From major championship preparation to ambitious renovation projects and contributions that strengthen the profession, the awards highlight the vital role greenkeepers play in the success and sustainability of the game.

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