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Bernhard and Company Partners with Laguna Golf Phuket

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Bernhard and Company Partners with Laguna Golf Phuket: Bernhard and Company, the leader in fine turf maintenance solutions, has completed a major machinery installation at Laguna Golf Phuket, one of Asia’s most prestigious golf destinations and the recent Asian Tour host venue. 

This installation, carried out in collaboration with Bernhard’s regional distributor, Sports Turf Solutions, represents a significant advancement in Laguna Golf Phuket’s long-term strategy to enhance course conditioning to world-class standards.

Bernhard and Company Partners with Laguna Golf Phuket

Bernhard and Company Partners with Laguna Golf Phuket

Laguna Golf Phuket has invested in Bernhard’s industry-leading Express Dual and Anglemaster grinding systems as part of a renewed agronomy vision under the direction of Jhomer Darlito Q. Patalot Jr, Director of Agronomy. This initiative aims to improve the performance, reliability, and longevity of the equipment fleet while also aligning with the broader sustainability commitments of Laguna Golf Phuket.

Jhomer Lito Patalot Jr. and his team are responsible for maintaining Laguna Golf Phuket, which involves approximately 15 cutting units. As part of the installation, Bernhard and Company provided hands-on training to 12 members of the greenkeeping and mechanics team. This training was led by Mirai Takahashi Business Development Manager for Japan. “Laguna Golf Phuket was seeking a long-term solution to extend the life of their cutting blades and equipment while improving the overall health and performance of the turf,” stated Wilson. “With our Express Dual 4100 and Anglemaster 4100 now installed, along with a dedicated team trained to maximise the benefits of this technology, Laguna Golf Phuket is well-positioned to provide exceptional playing conditions consistently.”

The installation process included training for mechanics Jakree Srikanha, Prasit Pintu, Seksan Suwan, and Sanya Samkamlue, ensuring the on-site team can maintain precision sharpening standards year-round.

Laguna Golf Phuket, renowned for hosting prestigious regional and international golf events, has announced its decision to invest in Bernhard machinery. This move aligns with their goal of being at the forefront of golf tourism in Asia and ensuring tournament-ready course conditions.

Paul Wilson, the Managing Director of Laguna Phuket, stated: “The new Bernhard machinery reinforces our commitment to providing world-class playing surfaces and maintaining consistent quality throughout the year. Additionally, the advanced technologies enhance the efficiency and capability of our greenkeeping team, leading to improved turf health, reliability, and overall course presentation. The equipment also supports our sustainability goals by promoting energy and resource efficiency, while extending the lifespan of our machines.”

Wilson further emphasised that “Bernhard and Company’s proven reliability, technical expertise, exceptional customer service, and established global track record of working with Top 100 venues make them the ideal long-term partner for maintaining elite playing conditions.”

As one of Asia’s most recognised golf destinations, hosting high-profile tournaments and attracting golfers worldwide, Laguna Golf Phuket’s investment is a strong endorsement of Bernhard’s esteemed reputation in top-level course management.

To find out more about Bernhard and Company’s range of Express Dual reel grinding machines, head to: https://bernhard.co.uk/reel-grinders/

To find out more about Bernhard and Company’s range of Anglemaster bedknife grinding machines, head to: https://bernhard.co.uk/bedknife-grinders/

To learn more about Laguna Phuket, visit: https://www.lagunagolfphuket.com/

To learn more about Sports Turf Solutions, head to: https://sportsturfsolutions.com/

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KAR UK and Hunter Bring Practical Solutions to BTME

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KAR UK and Hunter Bring Practical Solutions to BTME: Visitors to Stand 550 at BTME 2026 will be welcomed by KAR UK, joined by the expert team from Hunter Irrigation, for a showcase built around innovation, efficiency, and practical support for today’s greenkeepers and course managers. With an abundance of turf irrigation expertise in one place, the stand will be a must-visit for anyone responsible for maintaining healthy, high-performing golf surfaces.

This year, the spotlight will fall on two major areas of Hunter’s golf portfolio: the Pilot® Network Control System and the TTS-800 Series of golf rotors – widely recognised within the industry as the GT range.

KAR UK and Hunter Bring Practical Solutions to BTME

KAR UK and Hunter Bring Practical Solutions to BTME

TTS-800 / GT Series Rotors: Water Efficiency Meets Performance

Alongside Pilot, KAR UK and Hunter will also highlight the TTS-800 Series, commonly known in golf as the GT rotors. Engineered specifically for golf course performance, these rotors combine exceptional durability with some of the most precise, water-efficient irrigation available.

The GT range is built around Hunter’s signature Total-Top-Service (TTS) design, enabling every internal component to be accessed from above ground. This dramatically reduces maintenance time, eliminates unnecessary digging, and keeps surfaces playable and presentable.

From an irrigation standpoint, the rotors deliver uniform water distribution, impressive throw performance, and highly efficient nozzle options that help clubs achieve the same turf quality with less water applied. For courses upgrading older or inconsistent irrigation heads, GT rotors offer a step change in both reliability and water savings.

Smarter Control with Hunter Pilot

Hunter’s Pilot Network Control System is built around the idea that the best irrigation technology should make life easier, not more complicated. From installation to day-to-day operation, the Pilot system is designed to provide maximum reliability with minimum fuss.

Courses can choose between conventional or integrated hub configurations, allowing the system to be built around existing infrastructure or deployed as a completely modern, centralised control network. Pilot hardware can work independently or be linked seamlessly into Pilot Central Control Software, giving clubs the flexibility to upgrade at their own pace.

The software itself has become one of the standout features of the system. Pilot Central Control balances irrigation run times with both water and electrical supply to ensure the most efficient cycles possible – an increasingly important capability as golf clubs look to reduce costs, conserve water, and remain environmentally responsible. For periods when precision takes priority over pump-station efficiency, such as grow-in or overseeding, Pilot’s controller-based programming provides simple, localised control.

The latest addition to the system, the Pilot Navigator mobile app, takes flexibility even further. Putting the full power of Pilot Command Centre Software directly into a smartphone, the app allows greenkeepers to make quick adjustments, trigger irrigation, and manage key settings remotely and intuitively. With customisable features and real-time visibility, it enables users to save time, conserve water, and stay fully in control of their course – whether they’re on-site, on the move, or responding to changing conditions across the site.

Whether you’re planning a system upgrade, replacing components, or simply looking for better ways to manage water, the combined expertise of KAR UK and Hunter Irrigation will ensure every visitor receives clear, practical advice tailored to their course.

For greenkeepers and course managers facing the growing pressure of water management and system efficiency, there’s no better place at BTME 2026 to explore smarter, more sustainable irrigation solutions. Visit Stand 550 to see the technology first-hand, meet the specialists, and discover how Hunter’s golf-specific innovations can support your plans for the season ahead.

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on X and Instagram @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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GroundsFest and GroundsFest Academy to Exhibit at BTME

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GroundsFest and GroundsFest Academy to Exhibit at BTME: GroundsFest and the GroundsFest Academy will be exhibiting at BTME 2026 for the very first time, marking an important milestone for the fast-growing event and its year-round education programme.

Visitors can find the GroundsFest team on stand 233, where they will be showcasing what makes GroundsFest a must-attend date in the industry calendar, as well as raising awareness of the GroundsFest Academy and its commitment to education and skills development.

GroundsFest and GroundsFest Academy to Exhibit at BTME

GroundsFest and GroundsFest Academy to Exhibit at BTME

The appearance at BTME follows an announcement earlier this year confirming a new collaboration between The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), organisers of BTME, and GroundsFest. The partnership is designed to strengthen both events while bringing together professionals from across the grounds care, landscaping and golf sectors. As part of this growing relationship, BIGGA exhibited at GroundsFest for the first time in September, making GroundsFest’s debut at BTME a natural next step.

BTME provides an ideal platform to introduce GroundsFest to an even wider greenkeeping audience. Taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 16 and 17 September, GroundsFest has quickly established itself as a unique industry event, welcoming grounds staff, greenkeepers, landscapers, designers and architects, gardeners, local authorities, estate managers and contractors.

What sets GroundsFest apart is its distinctive format. The event combines indoor business and education opportunities with large-scale outdoor demonstrations, giving visitors the chance to see equipment, technology and techniques in action. After an action-packed day, attendees can unwind and continue networking at the show’s much-loved live music festival – a relaxed, informal environment that brings the industry together in a different way.

For many BTME visitors, the show will also be an opportunity to discover more about the GroundsFest Academy and what it offers. Created as a pathway for GroundsFest to give back to the industry, the Academy exists to invest in education and support the sector all year round. Its focus is on accessible, high-quality training that helps people learn, grow and stay inspired, whatever stage they are at in their career.

The GroundsFest Academy provides a platform for professionals, volunteers, students and newcomers to gain real-world knowledge and develop practical skills. A key aim is to raise awareness of career opportunities, attract new talent into the sector, and support the ongoing development of those already working within it.

The Academy delivers two distinct types of events. Inspire Events explore the key topics shaping the industry, while Focus Events take a deeper dive into market-specific challenges and opportunities. All sessions are CPD accredited and cover a wide range of relevant subjects, ensuring genuine value for attendees.

Exhibiting at BTME 2026 gives GroundsFest and the GroundsFest Academy the chance to connect directly with greenkeepers, encourage them to put GroundsFest 2026 in their diaries, and highlight the Academy as a hub where skills are shared, ideas are explored, and the future of the industry is strengthened through continued learning and collaboration.

For more information about the GroundsFest Academy, visit www.groundsfestacademy.com

For more information about GroundsFest, visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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Bernhard Academy champions leadership and development

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Bernhard Academy champions leadership and development: The Bernhard Academy strengthened its commitment to driving education and thought leadership across the golf and sports turf industries as it delivered two highly engaging workshops at the 2025 Women in Golf Awards, held on 27 November at Foxhills Golf Club, Surrey.

With 20+ delegates in attendance, the sessions formed part of the Academy’s wider mission to elevate industry professionals not only through technical growth, but also through essential management and people-development training.

Bernhard Academy champions leadership and development

Bernhard Academy champions leadership and development

Delivered by Phil Helmn MG, Programme Leader at the Bernhard Academy, the workshops explored how understanding different personality types can strengthen communication and teamwork, alongside practical insights into the behavioural drivers that influence performance under pressure. Delegates praised the relevance and accessibility of the content, noting the immediate value it could bring to their everyday roles.

Attendees represented a broad mix of roles, from greenkeepers and club managers to events teams, trustees, and board members – reflecting the growing demand for inclusive leadership development across the sector. Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with Dolores Brown, Head of Tournaments at Golfbreaks, commenting: “It’s so engaging, has a relaxed feel but also combines a lot of learning – without feeling draining or boring!”

Sami Strutt, Education Director at the Bernhard Academy, commented: “We’re incredibly proud that the Bernhard Academy is continuing to work with such respected organisations across the golf industry. Our mission has always been to help raise standards through learning, whether that’s technical development or supporting people to grow as leaders. Opportunities like this reinforce the value of investing in people and help to create a stronger, more confident, and more connected workforce for the future.”

The Women in Golf Awards celebrates achievement, provides education, and drives cultural change within the sport. Bernhard Academy’s contribution this year further reinforces its role as a leading provider of progressive learning experiences, helping professionals build stronger teams, improve communication, and unlock their leadership potential while continuing to support technical growth across golf and sports turf management.

For more information on the full range of programmes, courses, and development opportunities offered by the Bernhard Academy, please visit www.bernhardacademy.co.uk.

For bespoke training or tailored workshop requests, organisations can get in touch via www.bernhardacademy.co.uk/contact-us-bernhard-academy to discuss customised packages designed to meet specific needs.

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New fleet delivery and irrigation update

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New fleet delivery and irrigation update: Coventry Hearsall Golf Club has been a Toro machinery customer for 13 years and a Toro Total Solutions customer for seven. As the club takes on another machinery renewal agreement with Reesink Turfcare, it provides an update on what it’s like to be exclusively Toro.

The machinery deal is on a five-year rolling contract and although the set up was inherited by Course Manager Chris Low when he joined midway through tenure three years ago, it wasn’t one he had plans on changing.

New fleet delivery and irrigation update

New fleet delivery and irrigation update

“I’ve worked with Toro before and being with the same brand for machinery and irrigation makes everything really easy,” says Chris. “The main components of quality, reliability, and performance are applicable to both and having one point of contact, good back up and support and the power of competitive finance in addition means it’s a hard deal to beat.”

The latest fleet deal comprises greens, tees and fairway mowers and utility vehicles, and the biggest change to the fleet set up is bringing in walk-behind mowers – the Toro Greensmaster Flex 1021 – for greens, tees, collars and run-offs. This is, says Chris, a “conscious decision to move away from ride-on mowers for these areas. We think the level of control and precision they will bring to these smaller areas will elevate their aesthetic.”

Work starts on a bunker programme as soon as the architect’s approval is in and some of the machinery choices reflect these changes to the course. “We’ll be creating shorter mowing areas and the machinery investment and selection had this in mind,” Chris continues. “It was felt the Greensmaster TriFlex 3420 and Reelmaster 3575 in particular would work well in these new areas.”

As the first club in the country to upgrade to Toro Lynx central control system and a combination of Infinity, T5 and T7 sprinklers using Reesink Hydro-Scapes’ fixed term finance for irrigation, Coventry Hearsall has been enjoying hassle-free, precise watering application ever since.

“In terms of maintenance all we’ve had to do is replace one decoder in seven years, that’s it,” Chris explains. “It’s been so easy to scale – we’ve doubled the coverage on the approaches and have more run-off areas. We wanted the capacity to expand as needed and the set-up has allowed us to do that. It was undoubtedly the right choice.”

Chris finished by saying it would be wrong to underestimate the power of a Toro Total Solution: “Regular investment in the machinery and an irrigation system that allows for consistent year-round coverage does not go unnoticed by the members. They are happy and membership is full.”

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