Tag Archive for: And

Verti-Drain® proves past, present and future

/in , /by

Verti-Drain® proves past, present and future: While much has changed in the fine turf industry over the last 40 years, one thing that has remained a constant for greenkeeper Trevor Dennis is the presence of a Verti-Drain®.

As an early adopter of the technology in his position at Kings Lynn Golf Club in 1986, the original aerator has played a major role at all of Trevor’s clubs – including Heacham Manor Golf Club in Norfolk where, on his retirement, he hands over not only the Head Greenkeeper baton, but a pair of Redexim Verti-Drain’s.

Verti-Drain® proves past, present and future

Verti-Drain® proves past, present and future

Trevor was one of the first to see the Verti-Drain® used in a golf course environment during his apprenticeship training in 1986 and, impressed by the benefits, convinced his club at the time to invest. “I had to explain the technique and what this would do for course condition… Comparing it to an agricultural plough was the only way to get the committee of farmers to understand! I have only used a Redexim Verti-Drain® since and have complete faith in it” he explains.

Inheriting two Verti-Drain’s, including a 1513 and Redexim Carrier delivered just a few weeks ago by local dealer Ben Burgess, is Tom Brooks who became Heacham’s new Head Greenkeeper in October 2023. An American Links-style course, Heacham Manor features 18 USGA specification greens which was the reason for the club’s most recent purchase. “We have a Verti-Drain 7416 and wanted to complement this with something light enough for work on the greens throughout the winter months” explains Tom. “Our new Carrier and Verti-Drain® will give us enough depth and versatility to alleviate any compaction on the greens without applying any unnecessary weight, all while freeing the tractor up for other maintenance tasks.”

Tom continues, “Verti-draining is central to what we do and now we have two machines, the 7416 can focus on the fairways and walk-off areas while the Carrier and 1513 combination promises to deliver effective relief on the greens – particularly in this very wet start to the winter.” Lightweight and robust, the Redexim Carrier utilises a 31hp engine and hydrostatic transmission to power a range of high output implements while exerting minimal ground pressure.

Along with offering year-round versatility thanks to a range of tine options, the pair also work well alongside other maintenance machines – in particular, Tom notes their Rink DS800 topdresser. “We’ll be looking to use the Carrier and 1513 as part of spring and autumn green renovations, following with the Rink to effectively incorporate accurate amounts of sand dressing into the profile.” He concludes, “The results and reliability we get from Redexim has served us well in the past and will continue to do so long into the future.”

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.

Reesink and Toro working with 59club

/in , /by

Reesink and Toro working with 59club: In their continuous drive to maintain and improve standards within the golf community, Toro and Reesink Turfcare are working with leading customer service management specialist and training provider; 59club.

The relationship with 59club focuses on the continuous efforts required to produce the best playing surfaces possible.

Reesink and Toro working with 59club

Reesink and Toro working with 59club

59club provides mystery shopping audits and satisfaction surveys at participating golf clubs to help measure standards. Their insights and expertise are utilised to upskill and train employees, all with a focus on improving customer satisfaction.

Jon Cole, business divisional manager for Turfcare at Reesink Turfcare, explains: “59club supports continuous improvement in the industry, placing the importance on the customer’s experience.

“A big part of the process is looking at the consistency of the tees, greens, fairways and bunkers. An unbiased look at course performance is always a good thing and the results provide valuable feedback on the processes, procedures, methods and equipment used to keep the course inline with expectations.”

While Reesink is one of the best placed suppliers to help with course maintenance and improvements, its involvement with 59club doesn’t stop there.

Will Hewitt, general manager 59club UK, explains: “Our latest brand alignment with Toro and Reesink Turfcare is really exciting, they’re a great match for our values and ethos to provide a measurement of quality across the industry. We’re delighted to announce that they will also sponsor the Greenkeeper of the Year at our annual awards.”

Jon continues: “We’re always looking to shine a light on those working across the UK to create the best fine turf they can. The future of the industry relies on those professionals, and we consider it an honour to create opportunities and be approached to support initiatives to recognise the skill it takes, promote progression and ensure the future of turf management is bright.”

59club have nine territorial divisions serving the UK, Ireland, Europe, USA, Canada, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. They are endorsed and supported by governing bodies such as the PGA, The Asian Industry Golf Federation and the French Golf Federation, 59club are also a chosen partner of the CMAE, European Tour Destinations and PGA Branded Properties.

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.

BIGGA and Bernhard and Company select greenkeepers

/in , /by

BIGGA and Bernhard and Company select greenkeepers: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Premium Partner Bernhard and Company have selected 10 association members to engage in one of the sports turf industry’s most prestigious learning opportunities. 

A BIGGA Premium Partner, each year Bernhard and Company invites 10 BIGGA members to attend the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America’s (GCSAA) Conference and Trade Show, this year taking place in Phoenix, Arizona.  A spot on the delegation marks out a candidate as among the most dedicated and talented ambassadors for the golf greenkeeping sector.

BIGGA and Bernhard and Company select greenkeepers

BIGGA and Bernhard and Company select greenkeepers

With experiences designed to elevate the careers of those in attendance, the delegation is a week-long educational trip that features site visits as well as seminars, networking events and educational demonstrations. The successful delegates will also be invited to convene at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition in January, where they will meet former participants in the programme, many of whom have gone on to great success in their careers.

The BIGGA members selected for the 2024 BIGGA Delegation with Bernhard and Company are:

  • Robert Acheson, course manager, Thonock Park Golf Club
  • Harry Cannon, head greenkeeper, Sunningdale Golf Club
  • Stephen Davey, head greenkeeper, Queenwood Golf Club
  • Michael Gibbons, course manager, Disley Golf Club
  • James Hampson, deputy head greenkeeper, Llanymynech Golf Club
  • Stuart Imeson, owner and course manager, Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course
  • Fraser Jardine, deputy head greenkeeper, Trump Turnberry
  • Richard Ponsford, course manager, Clevedon Golf Club
  • Luke Sheldon, head greenkeeper, Beau Desert Golf Club
  • Richard Stephens, course manager, Vicars Cross Golf Club

Head to the BIGGA website to find out more about each of the delegates.

Michael Gibbons is course manager at Disley Golf Club. Reacting to being selected, he said: “Having spoken to numerous former delegates, it’s clear the BIGGA Delegation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Being able to soak up all the US has to offer is an incredible personal opportunity but it could also be career-defining. The learning and networking opportunities will be second to none and I hope to get all that I can out of the experience. I feel incredibly fortunate to be one of the greenkeepers picked for it and cannot wait to get going in January.”

Fraser Jardine is deputy head greenkeeper at Trump Turnberry. He spoke of his pride at being selected as part of the team representing UK greenkeeping on a global scale and added: “I can’t wait to get over to Phoenix to meet people in the industry from around the world. I’m looking forward to learning about new technology and sharing ideas and techniques with others that I can bring back home with me. Thanks to BIGGA and Bernhard and Company for such an incredible, prestigious opportunity.”

The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show runs from 29 January to 1 February 2024. As part of their duties, the delegates will attend the BIGGA stand during the conference, speaking to visitors about the association and UK greenkeeping.

For more information about the exclusive career development opportunities available to BIGGA members, head to the BIGGA website.

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.

BIGGA and ICL reveal scholarship participants

/in , /by

BIGGA and ICL reveal scholarship participants: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Premium Partner ICL have revealed the five participants of the eighth ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship. 

From a remote links course on the north coast of Scotland to a nine-hole championship venue close to central London, the ICL Continue to Learn Scholars for 2024 accurately represent the diverse greenkeeping industry and how anyone can make a great career for themselves by grasping the opportunities made available via BIGGA membership.

BIGGA and ICL reveal scholarship participants

BIGGA and ICL reveal scholarship participants

The five successful BIGGA members have been invited to attend Continue to Learn at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition, taking place in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, in January 2024. Continue to Learn is considered the largest learning experience for those in sports turf management outside the United States.

The ICL Continue to Learn Scholars for 2024 are:

  • Chris Hale, deputy course manager, Taunton & Pickeridge Golf Club
  • Sam Norman, assistant greenkeeper, Abbey Hill Golf Club
  • Kate Stillwell, course superintendent, West London Golf Centre
  • Jason Norwood, greenkeeper, Reay Golf Club
  • Jamie Caswell, Blue Course supervisor, Frilford Heath Golf Club

To earn an ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship, BIGGA members must demonstrate a commitment to developing their own professional abilities by engaging with BIGGA’s Continuing Professional Development scheme. Whether through in-person learning, reading the association’s monthly journal, Greenkeeper International, or by accessing resources on the association’s website, BIGGA members can enjoy thousands of learning opportunities, all aimed at improving their professional abilities.

Jason Norwood has previously enjoyed success with BIGGA, having been crowned the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year in 2019 and participating in the The Open Volunteer Support Team and the Future Turf Managers Initiative. The Reay greenkeeper said: “Living in the far north of Scotland, there is a lack of educational events that you would find in other areas of the UK. Being a lone greenkeeper, this proves challenging to get the time away from maintaining the golf course without it impacting the rest of the working week. The ICL Scholarship will enable me to access the best educational event in the greenkeeping calendar.”

Kate Stillwell is course superintendent at West London Golf Centre, a nine-hole championship golf course just five miles from Wembley Stadium. She said: “I feel very fortunate to have been accepted as there is a huge wealth of knowledge to take advantage of at BTME that I can bring back to share with the team. There is huge importance in continuing to educate ourselves on advances in technology, techniques and knowledge within the groundscare industry. There have been contacts I have made for life at BTME and my hope is to carry on sharing and spreading the knowledge, bringing new people into the industry.”

Continue to Learn at BTME 2024 will take place in Harrogate, North Yorkshire from 21 to 24 January 2024. For further information about BTME and Continue to Learn, visit www.btme.org.uk

The Turf Rewards loyalty scheme from ICL and Syngenta, BIGGA members can claim Continue to Learn education vouchers. Points are gained by purchasing products for use on the golf course. For further information visit www.turfrewards.com

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.

Trilo M3 delivers large fuel and labour savings

/in , /by

Trilo M3 delivers large fuel and labour savings: An M3 Multipurpose from Trilo has become a valuable extra member of the team at Knaresborough Golf Club, following an extensive search for a more time-friendly solution to the task of leaf clearance.

Purchased in May 2023 with both a flail rotor and brush, not only has the M3 delivered versatility for tasks around the course and throughout the maintenance calendar, its large capacity and high-productivity have also resulted in large fuel and labour savings.

Trilo M3 delivers large fuel and labour savings

Trilo M3 delivers large fuel and labour savings

Knaresborough Golf Club in North Yorkshire is a picturesque parkland course, maintained by Head Greenkeeper Neil Jarrett and a team of four. “Ideally we’d be operating with a team of six especially as we go into Autumn, with leaf-fall from our heavily tree-lined fairways only further exacerbating an already busy maintenance schedule” Neil explains. With a flail collector too ‘cumbersome’ to get onto the course, and a combination of blowers and rotary mowers proving too time-consuming, a more effective solution to this problem was needed.

“Gareth, my Deputy, organised a couple of demonstrations and we had a really good look at what was out there. When we saw the Trilo M3 machine, it became a clear decision. The portability and multi-functionality this displayed really impressed the club manager and all of the team – it was head and shoulders above the competition for us.”

The Trilo M3 Multipurpose is a 3-in-1 machine that, with a range of optional attachments, can facilitate a range of operations including scarification, cut and collect and debris clearance. A working width of 1.5m makes the unit both compact and manoeuvrable, while the hopper capacity of 3m3 and hand-held suction hose makes vacuuming of materials from large or hard-to-reach areas a breeze.

“The wanderhose has transformed how we clean and clear clippings and leaves, particularly around the clubhouse and the dykes we have on the course. Tasks that would have previously involved three people, two rotary mowers to mulch the leaves, a blower and hand-rake can now all be cleared in a matter of minutes by one person.” He continues, “Using one machine with a hopper the size of the one on the M3 also means we’re making less trips to empty, reducing fuel, saving money and moving towards being more sustainable which is something we’re actively trying to address as a club.”

Together with the brush which makes for effective sweeping and clearance of turf areas and hard ground such as the club car park, Knaresborough also purchased a flail rotor attachment enabling them to utilise the M3 for one-pass cut and collect. “Over the summer we’ve been using the M3 to cut back and thin out our long rough and it’s been brilliant! This will be an ongoing project over the next few years as we try to maintain a ‘wispier’ rough, which looks more attractive as well as making the areas easier to play.”

Neil concludes, “The M3 has really delivered and we’ve yet to find anything it can’t do! The service and advice we’ve had from our local dealer F G Adamsons (RFS Ltd) and James Boyle of Vanmac Trilo has also been very good. As we move forward and explore its full capabilities, we know we will be well looked after.”

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.