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Riptide helps to transform the greens at Dudsbury

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Riptide helps to transform the greens at Dudsbury: Five years ago, Dudsbury Golf Club embarked on an ambitious project to revolutionise the composition of their greens.

The decision to introduce ProSelect Riptide, a creeping bentgrass exclusive to ICL, was met with both anticipation and trepidation. Fast forward to today, and the results speak for themselves. The greens at Dudsbury Golf Club have undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the successful sward composition change.

Riptide helps to transform the greens at Dudsbury

Riptide helps to transform the greens at Dudsbury

ProSelect Riptide has proven to be a game-changer in the golf course management industry. Its unique characteristics and superior performance have made it an ideal choice for Dudsbury Golf Club. We spoke to the course manager, Warren Moss, to get his insights on the impact of ProSelect Riptide on the greens.

“The change to ProSelect Riptide has been truly remarkable,” Warren shared enthusiastically. “The greens are now in pristine condition year-round. The grass has a vibrant green colour, excellent ball roll, and exceptional disease resistance. It has significantly improved the playability of the course, making it a delight for golfers of all levels.”

The benefits of ProSelect Riptide extend beyond aesthetics and playability. Its deep rooting system ensures better drought tolerance and reduced water consumption, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Additionally, the grass recovers quickly from pitch marks and other forms of damage, resulting in quicker healing times and improved overall turf health.

Members of Dudsbury Golf Club have been quick to note the positive impact brought about by ProSelect Riptide. One regular shared that the greens used to be inconsistent, but since the switch, the course feels akin to a professional tour circuit. The ball now rolls smoothly, providing an exceptional putting experience. They were full of praise for the club’s management for this outstanding improvement.

An equally appreciative voice highlighted the visual appeal of the course since the change. They noted that ProSelect Riptide has been a game-changer, leading to smooth and uniform greens that provide Dudsbury Golf Club with a distinct edge. Being part of a club that prioritizes quality and constantly strives to enhance the golfing experience was described as a true pleasure.

The success of the sward composition change at Dudsbury Golf Club with ProSelect Riptide is a testament to the importance of innovative turf management practices. By embracing cutting-edge solutions, golf courses can elevate the quality of their greens, improve player satisfaction, and ensure environmental sustainability.

The collaboration between Dudsbury Golf Club and ICL, serves as a shining example of how investing in advanced turf technologies can pay off in the long run. It not only enhances the reputation of the golf club but also attracts new members and visitors who appreciate the value of exceptional playing conditions.

As the golf industry continues to evolve, it is imperative for golf course managers to stay ahead of the curve. The success story of Dudsbury Golf Club should inspire other clubs to explore innovative turfgrass solutions and embrace positive change. ProSelect Riptide has undeniably left its mark on the greens at Dudsbury Golf Club, and it will continue to do so for years to come, ensuring a superior golfing experience for all.

For more information, please visit www.icl-growingsolutions.uk

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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International representation at SALTEX

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International representation at SALTEX: Organisers of SALTEX, Europe’s largest free sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition, have announced that currently there’s a 16 percent increase in international exhibitors attending the 2023 show from 2022.

Sarah Cunningham, director of commercial and events at the GMA, says: “Not only is the exhibitor list internationally diverse, but there are visitor registrations from 39 countries already too. Statistically, this makes 2023 the most internationally-recognised show in the grounds care sector – that’s with weeks still to go until the show and the potential for more to come.”

International representation at SALTEX

International representation at SALTEX

So, what’s the reason for sports turf management personnel from around the world making the journey to SALTEX in Birmingham in November?

Aside from it being the longest-standing and largest trade show for the sector, SALTEX is internationally renowned, strengthened by its long history of success and being the exhibition of choice for five of the UK’s National Governing Bodies (NGBs), SALTEX has location on its side.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, adds: “SALTEX isn’t just a show for the UK, it’s a show in the UK for the entire industry worldwide. Author of FIFA’s official handbook on pitch maintenance, Richard Hayden’s comments about the UK being the global leader in grounds management, are true. The UK is 10 years more advanced than anywhere else in the world and has expertise like no other when it comes to sports-turf management.

“He is absolutely right that ‘if you want to work in technology, you go to Silicon Valley and the UK is the Silicon Valley of turf’ – the UK and specifically SALTEX is where you go to learn and network with some of the greatest in the business.”

The English grounds-management sector alone is valued at more than £1bn and employs more than 27,000 people, with specialists in every area, from seed enthusiasts who can breed grasses that grow in the shade to scientists who develop chemicals to make grass greener. Representatives from all areas will be at SALTEX.

Sarah continues: “Whatever the area of interest, visitors can be assured it will be covered by exhibitors, Learning LIVE educational seminars, representatives from National Governing Bodies, and grounds people and turfcare professionals making sport possible.”

There are international exhibitors coming from Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and USA.

Specifically, there’s Kreon from Spain, a trendsetting manufacturer from an architectural perspective; DJuke, exhibiting under the name Hydrowick, with its lightweight flexible standing water solution products for improved turf quality; GKB from The Netherlands, designers/manufacturers of machines for the sports sectors and golf course maintenance, and Jacobsen from the USA, producers in lawn and light duty machinery into the sports industry, dealers and parts available.

Of course, it helps that for any visitors coming from overseas, Birmingham is conveniently centrally located. Right next to the airport, the NEC is just a four-minute walk from Birmingham International railway station and for those driving, the NEC is in the centre of the UK’s motorway network with its ample parking and GMA members parking is subsidised for the duration of the event.

Register now for Europe’s largest and leading sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition at Birmingham NEC on 1-2 November 2023 at: https://bit.ly/456l0dA

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Johnson’s J 4Turf 25 delivers strength at Stratford

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Johnson’s J 4Turf 25 delivers strength at Stratford: J 4Turf 25 from the Johnsons Sports Seed range is ticking the boxes of wear tolerance, quick establishment and fast recovery for the team at Stratford Racecourse – as the track finds itself in the midst of a packed eight-month summer race season.

Head Groundsman Sam Linley has been relying on the tetraploid blend for the last two years, with the deeper rooting and harder wearing perennial ryegrasses providing outstanding strength to the highest areas of wear and tear around the track.

Johnson’s J 4Turf 25 delivers strength at Stratford

Johnson’s J 4Turf 25 delivers strength at Stratford

Racing has taken place at the Warwickshire venue since 1755, with the summer jumps track hosting a meet on average every two weeks between the months of March and October. While seasonal breaks present an opportunity for Sam and his team to conduct some remedial works in late spring and early autumn, the batches of fixtures leave little time in the remainder of the season for recovery. “Stratford isn’t the biggest of tracks in terms of width and total ground” Sam explains, “so quick recovery is absolutely critical – especially in the summer where meets come thick and fast!”

“We’ve been using J 4Turf 25 for two years now after struggling to find a mixture that could withstand the high impact around the fences. Our Regional Technical Manager from DLF Ian Barnett together with Adam Moss from Aitkens recommended the tetraploids for their deeper rooting and we honestly can’t fault the results we’ve had with it, particularly on the bends and the landing and take-off areas.”

The blend of highly-rated diploid perennial ryegrass, along with Fabian and Tetragame 4Turf tetraploids makes J 4Turf 25 an ideal choice for equestrian use. The sward strength, outstanding visual merit and ultra-fast establishment delivered by the tetraploid cultivars have proven their worth as both a post and in-season renovation mix.

“The sooner we can get recovery post-race, the quicker we can crack on with the other maintenance tasks we need to get done, sometimes in very limited windows between fixtures. That’s been brilliant with the Johnsons mix.”

This year, Sam has also introduced further visual appeal to the site through the introduction of a wildflower area sown with the Chameleon mixture from DLF’s ColourBoost collection. “We had a banked area in one of the enclosures which was maintained but looked a little run down. Ian and Adam suggested some high-impact wildflowers and this has transformed the space… great effect with very little effort! Not only have we had lovely comments from people admiring the display but it’s been great to see more bees, butterflies and moths around.” He adds, “It’s been a great to compliment the work we do on the track with a real array of colour along the walkway to enhance the overall visitor experience. That’s what it’s all about.”

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SISIS Quadraplay is the helper at Belper

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SISIS Quadraplay is the helper at Belper: Chris Jordan, Head Groundsman at Belper Town Football Club in Derbyshire, believes that the SISIS Quadraplay helps him to maintain the pitch after high usage on at the Raygar Stadium.

Chris has been working for Belper Town FC for just over a year and he says that he jumped at the chance of helping his local club. In addition to his role at Belper Town FC he also carries out a lot of other grounds maintenance work for the local council including four other football pitches. However, the pitch at the Raygar Stadium is by far the most used pitch he tends to.

SISIS Quadraplay is the helper at Belper

SISIS Quadraplay is the helper at Belper

“We had over 70 games on the pitch last season, and you never know what you are going to turn up to after a game,” said Chris. “The ground was very bumpy when I first arrived and so the playing surface was the first thing I wanted to focus on.”

With the tool shed containing just a drag mat and a compact tractor, it is fair to say that it was somewhat empty on his first day. As a result, the club quickly applied for and received an FA grant, and Chris was left to choose which equipment he wanted. The SISIS Quadraplay was top of his list:

“I researched the Quadraplay and I’ve seen them in the press a lot,” said Chris. “There was nothing but good reports about them so I thought it would be ideal for us.”

The SISIS Quadraplay multiple-purpose, single-pass maintenance incorporates a mounted frame for up to four implements such as grooming rakes, spikers, slitters, rollers, and brushes. The implements can be fitted to the mainframe in any order and can be independently adjusted to achieve the desired effect. Compact, robust, versatile and with the ability to carry out up to four operations simultaneously the Quadraplay makes life a lot easier for many groundspersons.

“Time isn’t always on my side, and the Quadraplay allows me to carry out essential maintenance tasks quickly,” said Chris. “More importantly it enables me to put right all the damage which has been done following high usage.

“After a game I will often see how bad the pitch is. Sometimes it just needs a light roll and a brush, or sometimes we wind the roller right down to put the divots back. Other times it will need a good rake.

“The Quadraplay allows you to alter settings easily to suit the task at hand,” continued Chris. “You can put all four implements to play, or you could just use one of them – the versatility of it is incredible.”

“It’s also so strong, robust, and simple to use. I can get volunteers to drive it as well, which does help me a lot. Once it is setup, anybody can use it.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow SISIS on Twitter or Instagram @SISISMachinery and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery. You can also view the latest SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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A Day of Learning and Networking at Leicester City FC

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A Day of Learning and Networking at Leicester City FC: Leicester City FC Training Ground recently played host to a fantastic gathering of turf professionals.

Turf Science Live, an event organised jointly by ICL and Syngenta, offers a platform for greenkeepers and groundsmen to dive deep into the latest in turf management. The incredible surroundings of Leicester City Football Club’s training facilities made for the perfect backdrop. With over 100 attendees from sporting venues all over the UK, the day was ripe for sharing insights and experiences.

A Day of Learning and Networking at Leicester City FC

A Day of Learning and Networking at Leicester City FC

The day commenced in the impressive press room, setting the tone for the informative sessions that were to follow. Attendees were divided into four groups, ensuring an intimate and comprehensive learning experience. Each group would experience all four designed stations – two in the morning, followed by two post-lunch.

Speaking of lunch, it wasn’t just about satiating hunger. Attendees had the opportunity to showcase their golfing skills, with a “longest drive” and “nearest the pin” putting competition on the site’s golf course, adding a touch of camaraderie and friendly competition to the day.

The seminar’s core, however, was undeniably the four stations:

Station 1: From Research to Results

Dr Andy Owen, International Technical Manager for ICL Growing Solutions, Turf and Landscape Division, and Dr Jonathan Knowles, Head of the Sports Turf Academy at Leicester City Football Club, explained the intricate process of turf research, exploring its nuances and the journey from laboratory findings to real-world applications

Station 2: Environmentally Friendly Outfield Nutrition

In this session, Henry Bechelet, ICL’s Technical Sales Manager for UK and Ireland’s turf and landscape business, discussed the shift towards eco-friendly solutions, highlighting the importance and efficacy of sustainable nutrition for outfield areas.

Station 3: Integrated Turf Pest Management

Glenn Kirby, the Syngenta EAME Technical Services Manager for Turf & Landscape, enlightened attendees on holistic approaches to turf pest control, emphasizing the integration of multiple tactics to achieve optimal results.

Station 4: Biological Tools for Turf Management

Eric Chen, the Syngenta EAME Biologicals Technical Manager for Turf & Ornamentals, presented on the potential of biological tools in turf management.

As the day wrapped up, Ed Carter offered heartfelt gratitude to the team at Leicester City FC for their partnership and for hosting the event. Prizes were awarded to the competition winners and attendees had the opportunity to walk on one of the football pitches.

This marked a memorable end to a day filled with learning and networking. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees is a testament to the event’s success and the relevance of the topics discussed.

As the industry continues to evolve, gatherings like Turf Science Live ensure that professionals stay abreast of the latest developments and best practices in turf management

For more information, please visit www.icl-growingsolutions.uk

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.