Tag Archive for: Area

ICL Appoints Peter Smith as Technical Area Sales Manager

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ICL Appoints Peter Smith as Technical Area Sales Manager: ICL is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Smith as Technical Area Sales Manager for Scotland North.

Peter brings more than 15 years’ experience working across some of the UK’s most respected golf venues, with a strong track record in delivering championship-standard playing surfaces.

ICL Appoints Peter Smith as Technical Area Sales Manager

ICL Appoints Peter Smith as Technical Area Sales Manager

He began his greenkeeping career at Kingsfield Golf Centre in 2009, where he played a key role in the grow-in of the full course from seed. Peter went on to hold senior positions at several prestigious clubs, including The Royal Burgess Golfing Society, Trump International Golf Links Scotland and Stirling Golf Club. Most recently, he served as Head Greenkeeper at Bathgate Golf Club, where he was responsible for all aspects of course preparation, including PGA and County events as well as long-term course development planning.

Peter’s experience also extends internationally. He completed the Ohio State University Programme, with placements at Oakmont Country Club and Trump National Doral. During this time, he contributed to preparations for major tournaments, including the 2014 Constellation Senior Players Championship and the 2014 PGA WGC.

Alongside his club roles, Peter is an active member of the wider greenkeeping community and has previously served as a board member for BIGGA Scotland.

Commenting on his appointment, Peter said joining ICL represents an exciting new chapter in his career.

“Throughout my time in turf management, I’ve always looked for partners that combine innovation with practical, real-world solutions. ICL has consistently stood out for its product quality, research-driven approach and commitment to supporting turf managers. I’m looking forward to working closely with turf managers and distributors across Scotland to help them achieve the best possible playing surfaces and deliver real value for their customers.”

Phil Collinson, Sales and Business Development Manager – UK North, welcomed the appointment.

“Peter brings a depth of hands-on experience across a wide range of environments, from championship venues to member clubs. His technical expertise, professionalism and understanding of modern turf management will be of real value to our customers and distributors. He is an excellent addition to the team and further strengthens our commitment to supporting the Scottish market.”

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-growingsolutions.com

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KAR UK welcomes new Area Sales & Accounts Manager

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KAR UK welcomes new Area Sales & Accounts Manager: KAR UK has announced the appointment of Oliver Paton as Area Sales & Accounts Manager for Southern England and South Wales, further strengthening its regional support and customer-facing expertise.

Oliver joins the team with over eight years’ experience across irrigation, water treatment and filtration, bringing with him a strong understanding of both the technology and the practical demands faced by customers operating in the field.

KAR UK welcomes new Area Sales & Accounts Manager

KAR UK welcomes new Area Sales & Accounts Manager

“I’ve been working in irrigation and water treatment for a number of years now, so the industry itself is very familiar to me,” Oliver explained. “I understand how systems are put together, how different components work together, and, most importantly, how they’re used in real-world applications.”

Having worked closely with products from the KAR portfolio for several years prior to joining the company, Oliver is already well placed to support customers from day one.

“I know the products, I’m used to selling them, and I’ve dealt with many of the people who are using them,” he said.

In his new role, Oliver will act as a key point of contact for customers across Southern England and South Wales, offering technical guidance, product advice and tailored solutions.

“A lot of the focus in the first six months is about meeting people and making myself known,” he said. “I want to be that first point of call – offering assistance and advice and working closely with the wider KAR team to make sure customers get the best solution for their needs.”

Oliver’s background in delivering bespoke and turnkey projects is expected to be a major asset, particularly as systems continue to become more advanced.

“Technology has moved on massively,” he added. “It’s about understanding the application and matching the right solution to how it’s actually going to be used.”

With KAR’s extensive product portfolio, Oliver is confident he can help customers navigate those choices.

“Meeting people, understanding their challenges, and putting together solutions that really work for them is what I am really looking forward to.”

Outside of work, Oliver enjoys spending time with his young family and playing rugby.

KAR UK looks forward to welcoming Oliver to the team and supporting customers across Southern England and South Wales with his experience, insight and hands-on approach.

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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Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026

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Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026: Two John Deere turf dealerships are expanding their areas of responsibility later this year.

Ripon Ground Care and Turner Groundscare will extend their respective geographies from 9 July 2026 when Balmers GM leaves the John Deere dealership network.

Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026

Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026

Part of the Ripon Group, Ripon Ground Care has been selling and servicing John Deere machinery and technology since 1982, with 13 branches located across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Teesside.

For over 40 years, the company has supplied equipment for industries such as golf and sports turf, local authorities, contractors, caravan parks and similar environments.

Similarly, Turner Groundscare has over 30 years’ experience and offers a full range of premium John Deere equipment across Cheshire. The company has an excellent reputation for its servicing and customer support.

“With decades of experience between them, John Deere is proud to have both Ripon Ground Care and Turner Groundscare taking over operations in the Lancashire and West Yorkshire areas,” says Chris Meacock, John Deere’s Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf.

“Over the next six months before this transition takes effect, we will put everything in place to ensure a seamless transfer for John Deere customers who will be dealing with Ripon Ground Care or Turner Groundscare in due course.

“We would also like to thank Balmers GM for their hard work and years of service with John Deere.”

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Hayling Golf Club Practice Area Survives Rare Tidal Event

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Hayling Golf Club Practice Area Survives Rare Tidal Event: Just two weeks after the installation of a high walled, revetted practice bunker by synthetic bunker experts EcoBunker, renowned south coast links course Hayling Golf Club suffered an unprecedented tidal event that put their investment at immediate risk.

“Water resources are very limited on Hayling Island and we don’t have any irrigation on the practice ground,” explained Graeme Roberts, course manager at Hayling Golf Club. “That made EcoBunker the obvious choice for our practice bunker as it would maintain its visual appeal and playability with very limited maintenance.”

Hayling Golf Club Practice Area Survives Rare Tidal Event

Hayling Golf Club Practice Area Survives Rare Tidal Event

However, in early December, just two weeks after the practice bunker was completed, Hayling experienced spring tides and off-shore winds that led to the highest sea levels seen in many years. The unprecedented tides pushed 20 to 30 tonnes of shingle against, and through, the boundary fence, creating a slipway for sea water to run straight into the practice area.

“Over two consecutive nights the teeing and bunker practice area was completely underwater. Sediment was spread across the whole area and our new practice bunker filled up with sea water. By the time the tide had receded on the second morning, we had significant damage across the area from the sea water, including damage to the new turf that had been laid around the bunker,” continued Graeme.

“Remarkably, despite such a significant event, the only evidence that sea water had been in the bunker was the silt deposited on the liner and a sediment line where the water had reached. With a quick brush of the face and a clean of the liner, the bunker was as good as the day it went in.”

EcoBunker CEO and inventor of synthetic bunker technology, Richard Allen commented, “We have lots of evidence from our Floridian customers that EcoBunkers have stood the test of hurricanes, storms and weather events. But I’m not sure we’ve ever heard of a bunker being completely under water for two nights! This was a huge challenge for Graeme and his team, so I’m delighted that our EcoBunker technology withstood the test and was one less thing for Graeme and his team to worry about.”

Less than two weeks after the tidal event, with a quick refresh of their EcoBunker and a significant clear up of the practice area, Graeme and his team are making great progress towards providing members and visitors with the practice experience that they have invested in.

For more information on EcoBunker please visit www.ecobunker.co.uk

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ICL Appoints Philip Mayes as Technical Area Sales Manager

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ICL Appoints Philip Mayes as Technical Area Sales Manager: ICL Turf & Landscape has appointed Philip Mayes as Technical Area Sales Manager, South.

In this role, Philip will be responsible for supporting golf and sports clubs across southern counties, predominantly Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire, and West Sussex, working closely with distributors, greenkeepers, and sports turf managers to provide technical guidance and tailored solutions.

ICL Appoints Philip Mayes as Technical Area Sales Manager

ICL Appoints Philip Mayes as Technical Area Sales Manager

Philip brings a wealth of experience in sports turf management, with a strong background in golf course maintenance and education. His career spans both the UK and the Middle East, where he has led high-profile projects in golf and sports turf. He holds an MSc in Horticulture (Sports Turf Management) from the University of Reading and a BSc Honours in Turfgrass Science and Golf Course Management from the University of Central Lancashire.

Philip’s UK-based experience is extensive. He spent 11 years as a senior lecturer and programme manager at Merrist Wood College, training future turf professionals in sports turf, landscaping, and grounds maintenance, as well as golf course architecture and construction. Additionally, he held the positions of Deputy Head Greenkeeper and Assistant Greenkeeper at golf clubs, alongside other turf management roles at various sporting venues.

His international experience includes working as Graduate Assistant Superintendent at The Old Collier Golf Club in Florida, and as Senior Sports Turf Manager and Project Manager in Doha, Qatar, where he oversaw the maintenance of five FIFA World Cup stadiums and training facilities before, during, and after the FIFA World Cup 2022. He also played a key role in developing a 430,000m² turf nursery to support the tournament’s pitch requirements. Prior to this, he worked in Dubai as a Project Manager and Training Manager, supporting major sports turf projects across the region.

Philip is also a keen golfer, enjoying the game whenever time allows, further strengthening his connection with the industry and his understanding of the needs of course managers. His hands-on experience in golf course maintenance, combined with his work in large-scale sports turf projects, means he is well-placed to help clubs optimise playing conditions while balancing sustainability and budgetary considerations.

Commenting on his new role, Philip said: “I’m excited to join ICL and help golf and sports clubs achieve the highest turf standards. With experience in golf course management, project execution, and education, I understand the challenges turf managers face. I’m looking forward to offering practical, research-driven solutions that improve playing surfaces.”

Andrew Pledger, Sales & Business Development Manager – UK South, welcomed Philip to the team, saying: “Philip’s extensive experience in both the UK and international turf sectors adds significant value to ICL and the turf industry. His technical expertise, coupled with his hands-on approach, will be a great asset to our customers.”

Philip’s appointment highlights ICL’s ongoing commitment to delivering expert technical support and innovative solutions to the golf industry. By working closely with both distributors and sports clubs, he will ensure that turf managers receive insights that go beyond standard sales calls—providing actionable, research-based guidance that enhances long-term turf performance.

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

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