Tag Archive for: Area

Retail area announced at GroundsFest

in , /by

Retail area announced at GroundsFest: Organisers of GroundsFest have announced a retail area – the largest ever seen at a groundscare event. This will allow visitors to purchase a wide range of products, tools, clothing, and accessories at a discounted rate.

The retail area is being organised by FR Jones and Son, a family run business that offers over 10,000 groundscare and arboriculture products from over 100 leading brands.

Retail area announced at GroundsFest

Retail area announced at GroundsFest

Commenting on the retail area, GroundsFest’s Sales Director Charles Neale said: “We know from our research that this retail area will be very popular with attendees. FR Jones and Son have an extremely large following and the area will attract thousands of groundscare professionals to GroundsFest. They have a wide range of products suitable for budgets of all sizes and it will be a fantastic opportunity for visitors to walk away with some incredible discounts which will only be available at GroundsFest.”

FR Jones and Son have been trading in the industry since 1963 and have expanded significantly in the last few years. It is now one of the leading suppliers of professional grounds maintenance and arboriculture equipment in the UK.

Managing Director Justin Jones is excited to be a part of the event.

“GroundsFest is a really exciting concept,” he said. “The industry has been crying out for a national event in the summer which features outdoor demonstrations and GroundsFest ticks every box. Many of our customers are already looking forward to it and I think the event is going to be very well attended.

“As a company, we are delighted to be involved. We are going to have a fantastic line-up of products on display at GroundsFest, and we will be offering exclusive discounts on selected items which will only be available for visitors throughout the two days. Our large team has plenty of experience and product knowledge and they will be out in force at GroundsFest to help visitors make the right decisions.

“We look forward to meeting thousands of existing and new customers in September.”

GroundsFest is taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 20 and 21 September 2023.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

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

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.

New area sales manager for Agrovista Amenity

in , /by

New area sales manager for Agrovista Amenity: Tom Weaver has been announced as the new Central Area Sales Manager for Agrovista Amenity.

Tom initially started his career as a greenkeeper and quickly worked his way up to the position of course manager. He credits his greenkeeping experience for helping to shape his career path and claims that he was proud to once have been ‘on the tools.’

New area sales manager for Agrovista Amenity

New area sales manager for Agrovista Amenity

At the age of 28 he became a sales advisor for Pitchcare, where he began advising greenkeepers and turf managers on various products – many of which he had previously used. Tom made an impact, and it wasn’t long before he was overseeing the internal sales team.

It was a period in his career that he will always remember fondly.

“For me, the biggest achievement was the team ethos that we have created,” he said.

“We’ve been on a journey together and the department is now such a well-oiled machine.

We’ve got staff ranging in age from 21 to 65, who are all pushing in the same direction – it’s great to see and even better to be a part of.”

Based in Allscott, Telford, Tom will still be leading the internal turf team but in addition he will also be focussing on the external side of the business.

“It is not a case of reinventing the wheel because the external team is the best in the business,” said Tom. “I’m there to offer support and to ensure that I’m always available on the other end of the phone if they need advice or solutions.

“I’m sure there be will lots of twists and turns in the road ahead, but that is part of the job and I fully intend on successfully overcoming any challenges. In terms of my direct line of management I could not ask for much more – my relationship with Dan Hughes (Head of Commercial) and John Marland (Head of Amenity) is very strong and it’s always nice to have their support.

“2022 has the potential to be hugely successful and I truly believe we can do great things here.”

Commenting on Tom’s appointment, Dan Hughes said: “Tom joins an exceptionally talented and experienced Area Management team of James Watson (South) and Ramsay MacGregor (North). Despite still being relatively young, Tom brings a wealth of agronomy skill and proven management experience to the role. At heart Tom is an industry person, sports enthusiast and a conscientious team player who will strengthen our business and engagement with customers.”

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

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.

Timberwolf announces expansion of area

in , /by

Timberwolf announces expansion of area: Timberwolf have announced the expansion of area for its dealer Lister Wilder. The machinery dealer recently announced the opening of its Bristol/Bath branch at Keynsham. Following this announcement Timberwolf have awarded Lister Wilder official dealer status for the surrounding area of their new depot.

Phill Hughes (Sales & Hire Director) pictured commented “This is a very exciting announcement for us as we look to increase our coverage in the Arboriculture market. We are already Timberwolf dealers from three of our other branches and have a great relationship with them as the UKs leading chipper franchise – Our Arb customer base spans groundcare contractors, councils and tree surgeons, all of which know and use Timberwolf chippers as their go-to brand. With the opening of the new Bristol/Bath branch we will be able to offer #SaleswithService across the two cities, and provide the service levels that our Arb customers expect”

Timberwolf announces expansion of area

Timberwolf announces expansion of area

Lister Wilder have held the Timberwolf franchise for 20 years and built up a reputable customer base from its three depots. This new appointment will allow for Lister Wilder to further expand its arboriculture customer base in a new area.

Guy Marshlain, Sales and Marketing Director at Timberwolf said, “Having worked with Lister Wilder for 20-years, the Timberwolf team would like to congratulate them on their ongoing developments and the planned opening of their new dealer branch at Keynsham.”

We look forward to continuing our positive relationship and would like to encourage all arborists in the local area to pop in and meet the Lister Wilder team to discuss their wood chipper requirements.”

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.

New Technical Area Sales Managers for ICL

in , /by

New Technical Area Sales Managers for ICL: ICL has announced the appointment of Rob Ainscough and Fergal Greenan who both join the company as Technical Area Sales Managers.

Rob Ainscough, Technical Area Sales Manager – North West England

Rob has always held an interest in the science behind sports surfaces which he says was ignited after playing a wide range of sports from an early age. His interest was piqued furthermore when he carried out his school work experience with the grounds staff at Bolton Wanderers FC.

New Technical Area Sales Managers for ICL

New Technical Area Sales Managers for ICL

This work experience convinced Robert that he wanted a career in sports turf and after school he embarked on a National Diploma at Myerscough College. During his studies he volunteered to be part of the greenkeeping team at the Scottish Open which took place at Loch Lomond Golf Course.

His career in greenkeeping quickly took off and after a spell at Loch Lomond he became the Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Leigh Golf Club.

To further continue his development Robert accepted a two-week trial at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club. His trial was quickly extended and after gaining six months experience here he went onto spend a further year in Australia working at Manly Golf Club and Royal Sydney Golf Club.

Upon his return to the UK Rob was offered his previous position Leigh Golf Club and was quickly promoted to Head Greenkeeper at 25 years old.

Fergal Greenan Technical Area Sales Manager – Ireland

Based in Ireland, Fergal joins ICL with an excellent combination of industry qualifications and practical experience.

His extensive skillset has been displayed while working on various major golf courses in the US through the prestigious Ohio State Program.

New Technical Area Sales Managers for ICL

New Technical Area Sales Managers for ICL

Fergal also boasts a Bachelor of Agricultural Science Horticulture, Landscape and Sports Turf Management, together with a Certificate in Teaching, which was utilised in his previous role as a Lecturer (in Horticulture) at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) in Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Fergal will be working under Colman Warde, Ireland Country Manager, to build the business and to support ICL distributors.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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.

Le Golf National’s Short Game Area

in , /by

Le Golf National’s Short Game Area: Not content to rest on its laurels after the stunning success of last year’s Ryder Cup, the team at Le Golf National is continuing to invest in its facilities, building a substantial new training area for short game practice.

Located between the sixteenth green of the Albatros course and the club’s driving range, the new short game area housed a large grandstand during the Ryder Cup. “When the stand came down after the event, all the grass in the area was dead, so it was clear we needed to do something with the ground,” said Lucas Pierré, golf courses and estates manager at Le Golf National. “At the same time, we decided to rebuild all our training areas using better materials. They are really important for us and get a great deal of use, both from our paying golf customers and from our coaches running clinics for local schoolchildren.”

Le Golf National's Short Game Area

“The area between the sixteenth green and the driving range was ideal for this use, as it was already covered by our irrigation system,” said Pierré. “The new short game area was designed in house, jointly by me, by Alejandro Reyes [LGN’s former superintendent, now an agronomic consultant] and by our head golf teacher. We saved as much of the USGA rootzone as possible – it is quite large, with 3,000 sq m of green space, 4,000 sq m of surrounds and 1,000 sq m of sand, in two big bunkers.

“We already have Capillary Concrete on the Albatros course, and we are used to working with their French distributor, Stan Chapus of Greenmix,  so we know that the system works, and we decided on EcoBunker to create the bunker edging. Together they make an advanced system – not cheap, but they work well together. We can keep the sand on the bunker faces; it doesn’t wash down every time there is a big rain.’”

The new area will open in September for use by the local childrens’ golf schools, and be in use when the French Open returns to Le Golf National in October.

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.

St Andrews Unveil New Short Game Area

in , /by

St Andrews Unveil New Short Game Area: A major revamp of the short game facility at the St Andrews Links Golf Academy is almost complete.

The project, which aims to further enhance the facilities at the Home of Golf, has seen the golf and greenkeeping team at the Links work closely with award-winning Golf Course Architecture firm Mackenzie and Ebert.

St Andrews Unveil New Short Game Area

The work began at the end of October and with the project nearing completion, excitement is now building for March 2019 when the area will open for golfers to enjoy.

Director of Golf John Grant said: “We are very passionate about our work and being able to offer golfers great practice facilities where they can work on improving their game. In recent years we felt the short game area didn’t offer enough variety or replicate the conditions and types of shots golfers experience across the seven courses at the Links.

“We were delighted to be able to work with Martin and the team at Mackenzie and Ebert and believe we have been able to redesign the site and create something that reflects the world class quality of our courses and facilities, enhancing the services we currently offer at the Golf Academy and improving the overall experience.”

Renowned Golf Course Architect Martin Ebert added: “It has been very fulfilling to have contributed to the Short Game Area at St Andrews Links. The beautiful undulations which are present throughout all of the courses at St Andrews have served as the best possible inspiration for the design and shaping of the greens and surrounds which have been created.

“Formerly, the large flat green with the five bunkers on one side was disappointing in terms of the short game shots on offer. This has been replaced with four new greens, three of which have been raised and shaped to replicate shots which might be found around the greens on the courses at St Andrews. The fourth green has been kept at ground level to allow pitch and run shots and flat putts from off the green to be practised and the five bunkers have been shaped and located in positions to allow all different types of bunker shots to be practised.”

With the Old Course regularly hosting Major events, including the 150th Open in 2021, the design also took into account the infrastructure requirements, retaining some flat areas to accommodate a grandstand as well as ensuring an existing putting green – Harry Colt’s wonderful old 2nd green of the Eden Course – remains an integral part of the short game area.

Work began in October 2018 with Director of Instruction Steve North, Eden, Strathtyrum and Balgove Course Manager Kevin Muir and his greenkeeping team working closely with Mackenzie and Ebert throughout all aspects of the project.

The new design has also freed up some additional space, which will be utilised to increase parking provision to cater for the increasing number of golfers visiting the Eden Clubhouse and Golf Academy all-year round.

Elsewhere on the Links, winter projects are continuing apace, including the creation of a permanent catering facility at the rear of the 9th green of the Old Course.

Previously a mobile catering unit has serviced the needs of golfers on both the Old and New Courses, however renovation work has now begun to extend the footprint of the toilet block and shelter to include a dedicated catering facility.

Director of Operations Ewen Bowman said: “We have long held ambitions to find a more permanent catering solution, both for our staff and golfers, as we strive to deliver a five-star experience.

“The new Halfway House will enable us to provide a great facility for golfers to pick up a selection of fresh snacks and refreshments before taking on the challenge of the back 9.”

Finally, work will continue over the winter to improve access routes around the Old Course with a new road routing taking shape between the Old and New Courses. This work has involved moving an existing track several yards away from golf as well as creating better screening to ensure the safety of golfers and staff.

The road, which is predominantly used by greenkeeping team and golfer’s assistants will be completed in the new year with tarmac treatment whilst the former track will be backfilled and turfed.

To keep up to date with all the latest news at the Home of Golf visit standrews.com for regular updates, blogs and insight into these winter projects and many more.

For the latest industry news visit turfnews.co.uk

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter 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.

Pitchworks Grow With New Area Manager

in , , /by

Pitchworks Grow With New Area Manager: Pitchworks, market specialists in supplying superior ground equipment and products to the sports industry, have confirmed the appointment of Lee Williams as its new Area Manager. Lee’s role will involve covering North Wales, Shropshire, Merseyside, Cheshire and surrounding areas.

Founded in 1993 by former Manchester United FC player Garry Worrall, Pitchworks has significantly grown in size and reputation over recent years.

Pitchworks Grow With New Area Manager

The company prides itself on its commitment to develop close customer relationships which are created through its dedicated sales representatives who provide in-depth one-to-one consultations.

Lee’s previous roles have included being the Head Groundsman at Rydal Penrhos School – a position which he held for 30 years. With experience in the polo industry as well, Lee is also a keen golfer and has represented the County of Flintshire.

As the company continues to grow, the appointment of Lee is another step in the right direction and continues to ensure that the Pitchworks team is perfectly placed to understand the daily demands faced by modern day groundsmen and greenkeepers.

Lee can be contacted at lee@pitchworks.co.uk

For more information please visit www.pitchworks.co.uk or call 0161 427 0857.

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 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.

New ICL Area Sales Manager

in , /by

New ICL Area Sales Manager: ICL has announced the appointment of Craig Lalley as its new Technical Area Sales Manager, with Craig set to cover North East England, Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. 

Craig joins ICL with a wealth of experience having spent his entire working career within the turf and landscape industry. It all started in greenkeeping where Craig enjoyed 13 years working on golf courses. He then moved into amenity sales before joining Mansfield Sand as Football and Golf Sales Manager – a position he excelled in for the past four years before joining ICL.

New ICL Area Sales Manager

Complimenting Craig’s experience is his impressive list of qualifications which includes BASIS, Level 2 and 3 in Amenity Sports Turf, a Technical Certificate, a degree module in Construction & Design and certificates PA1, 2 and 6 in the Safe Use of Pesticides.

Craig starts his new role with ICL on 1st May and will be responsible for providing support to distributors and end users by offering high quality technical advice and product recommendations as well as creating tailored nutritional and disease control programmes.

For further information, please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie

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 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.