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Toro for rig and furrow fairways at Forfar

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Toro for rig and furrow fairways at Forfar: Rig and furrow fairways bring as much of a challenge to the greenkeeping team as they do the players. With raised ridges and sunken furrows, it takes a lightweight, manoeuvrable mower to deliver the best results and for Forfar Golf Club in Scotland, Toro is the one to beat.

Remaining from the time when the ground was used to cultivate flax, a mower that will bring the best results on rig and furrow fairways is one that’s well-balanced, has a low centre of gravity, turf-friendly tyres, and the ability to maintain cutting consistency in tough conditions.

Toro for rig and furrow fairways at Forfar

Toro for rig and furrow fairways at Forfar

For Keith Law, Head Greenkeeper at Forfar Golf Club, the Toro Reelmaster 3575-D ticks all the boxes.

“It can certainly be a challenge maintaining rig and furrow fairways if you don’t have the right equipment,” says Keith. “You’ve got to be careful not to run the risk of the grass looking burnt out on the ridges and green in the furrows if the mowers can’t maintain the height of cut or leaves clippings behind.

“The Toro Reelmaster set up with a rear roller brush on the back and groomer on the front, hugs the ground, picks up the grass in the dips and avoids scalping on the top. The brush also disperses the clippings perfectly and the groomer lifts the grass before cutting. It’s perfect on undulations – and on our bunkers, where it doesn’t leave a mark – and as the lightest fairway mower out there it minimises soil compression.”

The purchase of the Reelmaster 3575-D is the start of the club replacing much of its fleet says Keith. “We’re a totally Toro club and it’s testament to the brand that we’re still running and getting great results from machines that are well in their double digits. But now’s the time to focus on the new technology the brand offers.

“We’re a wooded heathland club and as such have had a tough time since Storm Arwen.  We’ve lost around 1500 trees, so time outside of general course maintenance has been spent dealing with that.

“It’s going to be great for everyone to focus on new machinery. Our members have already noticed and commented on the tighter finish on the fairways since we got the Reelmaster, it’s brought a links feel to our heathland course, which is appreciated, so it’s going to be exciting to hear the feedback from more new machines.”

The new machine was delivered by distributor Reesink Scotland, the Scottish service branch of Reesink Turfcare based in Livingston, which serves some of the UK’s most prestigious golf clubs, major sporting venues, councils, local authorities and landscapers.

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Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima

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Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima: At a venue that’s hosted the Ryder Cup, 19 European Tour events, and countless visitors from around the world, expectations for course quality are sky high. For Jim McKenzie, Director of Golf Courses and Estates Management at the Celtic Manor Collection, finding products that can consistently deliver performance without disruption is essential.

With three championship golf courses under his remit—including the world-renowned Twenty-Ten Course—Jim leads an expert team managing one of the UK’s most demanding golfing venues. And when it comes to turf management, he says two of Agrovista Amenity’s products—Attraxor and Maxtima—have become standout performers.

Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima

Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima

“We’ve dabbled over the years with various cultural and chemical approaches, particularly to deal with Poa seedhead suppression,” explains Jim. “Ray Hunt from Agrovista Amenity suggested we take a look at Attraxor plant growth regulator, and we liked what we saw in the marketplace. We trialled it on Roman Road in 2023, and the results spoke for themselves.

We were impressed enough that we decided to use it across the whole site, all three courses.”

The trial proved effective. Jim noted not only a reduction in clip rate, but also smaller and less disruptive seed heads, leading to smoother ball roll and improved green presentation—even at slightly higher heights of cut.

“The Poa was still there and seeding, but it was far less invasive. That helped maintain surface quality without the need for disruptive maintenance—crucial for a venue like ours where there are no closure days.”

For Jim and the team, Poa is not just accepted—it’s the grass of choice, and managing its behaviour is key to course quality.

“We used to lie awake at night worrying about keeping Poa out. Now, it’s about how we manage it—and products like Attraxor make that job a lot more effective.”

Alongside Attraxor, Maxtima has also been introduced into the programme, further strengthening the site’s ability to tackle turf health issues with confidence. Maxtima is a next-generation DMI fungicide powered by Mefentrifluconazole, and Jim is a fan.

Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima

Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima

“Maxtima’s been a valuable addition too. It’s part of that progression in product development where we can use targeted solutions that fit our unique environment.”

Its flexible application window, rainfastness, and strong resistance profile have made Maxtima a valuable addition to Jim’s toolkit—especially in a high-pressure, high-visibility environment like Celtic Manor.

“We’ve had no fresh outbreak of disease since November last year and Maxtima is the only fungicide which was used during that period,” Jim adds.

But it’s not just the products that have impressed.

“We’ve known Ray Hunt and Peter Holstrom from Agrovista Amenity for a long time—both are great to work with. They bring completely different things to the table, and that synergy works really well for us. The support we get is second to none.”

Jim McKenzie certainly knows what it takes to maintain excellence—and he’s clear that Agrovista Amenity’s product innovation and personalised support are helping Celtic Manor stay ahead of the game.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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Sustainable relationship and machinery for Gullane

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Sustainable relationship and machinery for Gullane: A sustainable relationship is one that is easy to maintain and doesn’t feel like hard work – and that’s certainly something Gullane Golf Club, one of Scotland’s most prestigious members clubs, and Toro know something about as their relationship nears its third decade. 

The reason for this enduring and continued success is, according to the club, down to the attention to detail the machinery provides in creating the best possible conditions for the fast-draining Scottish links microclimate.

Sustainable relationship and machinery for Gullane

Sustainable relationship and machinery for Gullane

Course Manager Paul Armour, who has been at the club for 20 months but is aware of the ‘Toro effect’ from his time as Supervisor on the Old Course at St Andrews, explains why the relationship has stood the test of time: “The quality of product and the brand’s obvious role as the market leader are instrumental. But it’s as much the relationship with Reesink Scotland too which has been built up over time and works well for both Toro and Gullane.”

As the club receives its latest fleet order there’s an obvious focus on sustainable machinery to align with the club’s overall ethos says Paul: “Gullane as a club strives to be as sustainable as possible, whether that is reducing diesel use or recycling materials onsite. The plan is to have as many electric machines as possible and for all our hand mowers, utility vehicles and triplexes to be electric in the next couple of years.”

It’s a plan already well in play. Three years ago, the club invested in five Toro Workman GTX Lithium utility vehicles and has been so impressed with their performance it has invested in another four bringing it to a total of nine.

Paul explains how they have proved themselves so thoroughly in that time: “The GTX machines have been a massive success here at Gullane. They have coped well with the terrain, and we have found them useful for most tasks thanks to being able to load the back and tow. That covers most jobs we throw at them such as transporting raking bunkers, changing holes, pulling greens and tees mower trailers, divoting fairways and building bunkers – and they have an impressive longevity of charge.”

Similarly, the club’s five all-electric Toro Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 greensmowers collection is about to become eight. Paul says the obvious answer as to why he’s almost doubling the numbers of this machine is the minimal noise.

“With the golf course bordering the village these machines have meant we can be more efficient earlier in the morning,” he says. “Plus, we save on fuel, but still get the same quality of cut as a diesel mower.”

Neil Mackenzie from Toro distributor Reesink Scotland says: “The Toro’s Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 with its lithium-ion battery was first to market and we’re seeing its popularity increasing year on year as clubs embrace the benefits of running a much quieter greens mower with zero exhaust emissions and no hydraulic fluid. With these mowers a burst hose is a thing of the past and lower maintenance costs come as standard.”

Despite the increase in fleet numbers of battery powered equipment, there’s little infrastructure accommodations that have had to be made confirms Paul: “We haven’t had to change too much in the shed. We’ve added individual charging points for each machine just in case we have any points trip, but that’s just a contingency.”

These sustainable machinery choices form part of a bigger sustainability plan as Paul explains: “The long-term plan is to cover as much of our electric costs as possible with the installation of solar panels on the equipment shed. We’re in discussions about that now.”

It appears the long-term plan is to continue sustaining its relationship with Reesink too, as Paul concludes: “I’ve really enjoyed building a relationship with Reesink. Our sales representative Neil Mackenzie has been great to deal with, he keeps in touch with any queries or issues that may arise, and the servicing and parts teams are great too, always available when I need them and on the other end of the phone.”

That certainly defines a sustainable relationship!

Discover how choosing Toro could benefit your course by calling distributor Reesink Turfcare at 01480 226800, emailing info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visiting reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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STIHL launches powerful and versatile battery brushcutter

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STIHL launches powerful and versatile battery brushcutter: STIHL has unveiled its latest addition to the AP System range, the FSA 110 R battery-powered brushcutter, offering professional users a powerful yet lightweight solution for maintaining green spaces, all with the added benefit of quiet, low-vibration performance.

Engineered with landscapers, groundskeepers and facilities maintenance teams in mind, the FSA 110 R combines exceptional cutting performance with impressive ease of use and ergonomic design, making it ideal for tackling everything from grass trimming to tougher clearing tasks, even in noise-sensitive areas.

STIHL launches powerful and versatile battery brushcutter

STIHL launches powerful and versatile battery brushcutter

At the heart of the tool is a high-efficiency EC motor that delivers consistent power across two speed settings. ECO mode is designed for lighter work such as edging and clean-up tasks, helping to extend battery run time, while the higher speed setting delivers maximum cutting performance for tougher tasks. Users can also fine-tune the speed within each mode for maximum control and energy efficiency.

Supplied with the STIHL AutoCut C 12-2 mowing head, the FSA 110 R makes line changes quicker and more intuitive thanks to the Advanced EasySpool system. The new mowing line can be inserted from one side and wound with a simple twist of the wear-free rotary knob with no need to dismantle the head.

Additionally, STIHL’s Rapid Click quick-change system allows operators to swap between mowing heads, such as the optional PolyCut 12-2 blade head, at the push of a button, making it faster to adapt to changing conditions on site.

Weighing just 3.6 kg (without battery), the brushcutter features a soft-grip, tool-free adjustable loop handle for a secure hold and easy customisation to suit different user heights. An integrated anti-vibration system further reduces strain on the arms and hands during extended use, ideal for professional applications where productivity and comfort are key.

Power comes from STIHL’s 36 V AP battery system, designed for professional landscaping and maintenance work. STIHL recommends pairing the tool with the AP 200 S battery, which delivers up to 60 minutes of run time with a nylon mowing line and up to 130 minutes with the PolyCut head, while also providing excellent tool balance when inserted into the housing.

Thanks to IPX4-rated splash protection, the FSA 110 R is suitable for use in wet conditions, while its low operating noise makes it compliant for work in residential, urban or public spaces where noise restrictions apply.

For more information on the STIHL FSA 110, visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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The Heron Golf and Country Club Leads the Way

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The Heron Golf and Country Club Leads the Way: The Heron Golf and Country Club, one of Essex’s premier 27-hole courses, has announced a major step forward in golf course management with the adoption of seven Belrobotics Robotic Mowers. These advanced machines now maintain all fairways and the club’s expansive driving range.

Leading the Way in Innovation and Sustainability

Renowned for its pristine fairways and natural parkland setting, The Heron has long been a favourite among members and visitors alike. Now, the club is reinforcing its commitment to excellence by integrating cutting edge robotic technology into its turf maintenance.

The Heron Golf and Country Club Leads the Way

The Heron Golf and Country Club Leads the Way

Why Robotic Mowing?

More and more golf clubs are making the move to robotic mowing, and for good reason. Here’s why:

Healthier Grass, Better Play
Robotic mowers trim the grass daily, creating a finer cut and promoting stronger, healthier turf

Eco-Friendly Operations
Electric mowers significantly reduce emissions and noise pollution compared to traditional gas powered machinery.

Efficient Grounds Management
With mowing handled automatically, the grounds team can focus on other vital tasks like irrigation, landscaping, and bunker maintenance

“At The Heron Country Club we have worked with AMS for a number of years since their installation of robotic mowers at our driving range, and they have recently expanded their service of robotic mowers to all 27 fairways on the golf course.

The automation has resulted in an improved quality of grass cutting and savings in resources and bills.

AMS provide an excellent service and we would highly recommend.”
— Alex Bartle

A Course for the Future

With this investment, The Heron continues to set the standard in modern golf course care—combining technology, sustainability, and an unwavering focus on delivering premium playing conditions.

To book a tee time or learn more about our facilities, visit www.herongolfclub.com.

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