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Lay of the Links gets updated at Cabot Highland

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Lay of the Links gets updated at Cabot Highland: For Cabot Highland’s Course Manager James Hutchison a new course build, world-class golf conditions to maintain and a reputation to uphold are all part of the day job. Luckily, with a Toro Total Solution agreement, he has a fleet of Toro machinery, a new irrigation system and back up support from Reesink Scotland to make the job easier.

The Castle Stuart course has long been a Toro customer with both Toro machinery and irrigation maintaining the acclaimed links in Inverness and now the new Old Petty course, designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, will be too.

Lay of the Links gets updated at Cabot Highland

Lay of the Links gets updated at Cabot Highland

James comments: “There are over eight Cabot-managed courses across the world using Toro, but we still did extensive research and testing when it came to deciding what would work best for our new course and how to bring the latest technology onto our Castle Stuart course.

“With so much riding on the opening as well as maintaining Castle Stuart’s position in the top 100, we knew we needed Toro’s finest cutting equipment to guarantee success and allow us to continue competing for our place.”

The latest machinery order, which includes four Toro Reelmaster 3555-D mowers, two Greensmaster TriFlex 3420 mowers, a ProCore 648s aerator, ProPass 200 topdresser and Multi Pro 5800 with GeoLink have all been chosen with the specifics of the new course front and foremost says James.

When it comes to the decision of which irrigation system should be installed on the new Old Petty course, James opted for the Lynx Central Control System with Infinity sprinklers.

“We open officially in April 2026 and we’re currently growing the grass,” James explains. “For the delicate stage we’re in, precision is key, and Toro has delivered that from the 2000 pop up sprinklers with targeted watering with negligible water waste to the combination of the lightweight Reelmasters and the hybrid TriFlexes with no risk of hydraulic leaks.

“We’re about to start topdressing using the ProPass and 5000 tons of sand and spraying in wetting agents. The accuracy of the GeoLink with sprayer means we’re not wasting a drop of the expensive product; it’s all going exactly where it needs to and not putting the grass under unnecessary stress due to over spraying.”

Also aiding in the period of growing in the grass was the irrigation system says Robert Jackson, Division Manager at Reesink Hydro-Scapes: “We needed to be able to establish the grass species quite quickly. Having the correct irrigation system with the correct control and application meant we could assist in the whole process. With the input of the installer and consultant and Reesink’s experience on the irrigation products we were able to make sure the client achieved what they required from a system.”

By choosing Toro from Reesink Scotland, James is guaranteed the back up and support from the UK distributor: “We have a team of 23, which will go up to 30 next year with the requirements of the new course in mind, so we need to know the equipment can support them,” he says. “We don’t need any downtime or delays for repairs and Reesink’s support to our on-site mechanic will be a vital service.”

Mike Turnbull, Reesink Scotland Branch Manager, comments: “We are delighted to be chosen to partner Cabot Highland at the highly prestigious courses at Castle Stuart. We look forward to meeting and exceeding James’ expectations with the Toro machinery and support their whole business from our new depot near Elgin.”

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Kubota rises to the maintenance challenges at Hellidon Lakes

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Kubota rises to the maintenance challenges at Hellidon Lakes: Located at the highest point of Northamptonshire, Hellidon Lakes Golf Club boasts 27-holes of challenging parkland play, a hotel and a range of other facilities. Behind the pristine fairways and manicured greens is a small, dedicated maintenance team led by Golf Course Manager Gary Armstrong and an L2-622 and RTV-X1110 from Kubota.

A long-time Kubota user, Gary and his team have relied on the brand for both reliability and versatility. “I’ve worked with Kubota equipment for years so was pleased, when I started here seven years ago, to find Kubota was already part of the fleet. Our Senior Management at Hellidon Lakes loves the Kubota brand and the equipment is also favoured at our other venue course in Shropshire.” Gary explains.

Kubota rises to the maintenance challenges at Hellidon Lakes

Kubota rises to the maintenance challenges at Hellidon Lakes

This year, Hellidon Lakes upgraded its fleet through local Kubota dealer George Browns, replacing their previous compact tractor which had served the club for over 20 years with a higher-horsepower L2-622 which was delivered in April 2025, alongside an RTV-X1110.

“Our grounds here are steep and undulating so we needed something that could handle these ground conditions and power a wide array of implements. The L2-622 is now our main workhorse – running our trailed mower, sprayers, trailers, side-arm flails… basically anything that requires a tractor, the L2 is there to provide the power!” He adds, “The greater capacity and capability of the L2-622 gives us scope moving forwards to utilise other, more power-hungry implements that will bring further benefit to our maintenance programme, particularly on the fairways.”

“The RTV-X1110 has been brilliant for moving materials and people around the site, with the added bonus of it being homologated for road use.” Gary notes, “With hydrostatic transmission (HST), it’s slightly different to operate than our previous utility vehicle but feels better tailored to the needs of turf maintenance and the team have quickly and easily adapted to it, to get the most out of the RTV.”

Longevity and robust reliability were key considerations in the club’s choice to stick with Kubota, with the management teams confidence in the brand making the recent investments an easy decision. Important, too, is the strong local support from George Browns. “Our relationship with George Browns is fantastic. Their Daventry depot is just a few miles away giving us extra peace of mind and making service and parts easily accessible. This convenience, combined with trust in the badge, sealed the deal” Gary concludes.

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BASIS to debut at SALTEX 2025

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BASIS to debut at SALTEX 2025: BASIS Registration Ltd will make its first-ever appearance at SALTEX on 12–13 November 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, bringing its popular Knowledge Trail to Stand D141.

This marks a key moment in BASIS’ work to champion high standards across the turf and amenity sector. After reviewing and refreshing its amenity offer, BASIS has refined its services to remain modern, relevant, and aligned with the evolving needs of professionals managing green spaces, sports turf, and landscapes across the UK.

BASIS to debut at SALTEX 2025

BASIS to debut at SALTEX 2025

Visitors can take part in the BASIS Knowledge Trail, a popular initiative which is designed to spark conversation, share insight, and support CPD learning. Partners include: Agrigem Ltd, Grounds Management Association, GreenBest Ltd, ICL Group, Lantra, NSTS and Origin Amenity Solutions.

Earn up to 6 BASIS CPD points per day

  • 2 points for attending SALTEX (sign in at Stand D141)
  • 1 point for each quiz on the Knowledge Trail or seminar visited

To take part, collect a Knowledge Trail & Seminar Stamp Card from the BASIS stand. Each completed quiz or seminar earns a stamp, and you can collect as many as you like throughout the day, but CPD points will cap off at 4. Return your card to Stand D141 to have your CPD points awarded.

Additionally Professor John Moverley OBE, Vice-Chair of the BASIS Board of Trustees, will speak on the Spotlight Stage in a session titled: “Implementing Sustainable Practice in Grounds Management – why, what, and importantly how”

He’ll explore the drivers shaping sustainable turf and amenity management and share practical tools to help professionals measure and improve performance.

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See what’s new at SALTEX 2025

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See what’s new at SALTEX 2025: Europe’s cutting-edge grounds management show, SALTEX, is once again proving why it’s the go-to show for innovation, as a host of top industry brands prepare to launch their latest products and services exclusively at this year’s event.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 12-13 November, SALTEX will offer visitors an exclusive first look at the latest innovations transforming the future of grounds management. From cutting-edge technologies to smart solutions, the show floor will be alive with fresh thinking and dynamic ideas – each designed to elevate performance across every aspect of grounds management.

See what's new at SALTEX 2025

See what’s new at SALTEX 2025

“SALTEX has always been where the industry comes to see what’s next,” said Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA. “It’s the launchpad for innovation and manufacturers choose SALTEX to debut their most exciting products because they know this is where the people who use them every day come to see them.

“For visitors, it’s a unique opportunity to discover the latest technology and get hands-on with solutions that are shaping the future of grounds management. Year after year, SALTEX proves why it’s the must-attend event for grounds people who want to stay ahead of the curve.”

This year’s exhibitors are bringing a wave of new product developments and exclusive unveilings, including:

AriensCo (C056) – Launching the AS 920 ESherpa 2WD alongside the AS 990 Tahr RC and Ariens Summit Pro Series, offering enhanced performance and operator comfort.

Campey Turf Care Systems (C050) – Unveiling the new lightweight Imants RECYCLINGDRESSER® 1.3, engineered to reduce labour and material costs by recycling and redistributing existing soil across the playing surface.

Raw Stadia (C110) – Demonstrating a new software solution linking surface data with performance decisions, including a live demo and video showcase of its real-world applications.

GreenBest (A060) – Expanding its SmartLawn range with SmartLawn FreshStart Lawn Seed, SmartLawn Hand Spreader and SmartLawn ProCast 20 Push Spreader, built for smarter, greener turf management.

Allett Ltd (B130) – Revealing the LEDMASTER UVC 100, designed for professional mowers and engineered for professional mowers. It is completely autonomous and functions independently of the mower, thanks to its own powerful battery, based on the reliable Metabo LiHD technology.

ISEKI (C100) – Launching the all-new Raymo remote-controlled range, delivering the first of the new GPS Models on show equipped with the 48” Craft Deck a 150Ah battery and a full range of Raymo accessories.

Rhenac (E038) – Presenting the RML 400 lighting product featuring Rhenac’s largest and most advanced mobile lighting system, designed to deliver full-spectrum LED light across 400 m² of turf.

STIGA (G130) – Unveiling a suite of next-generation mowing solutions including the AXL, a Fflly autonomous mower delivering AI-powered precision for large and complex turf areas. ePark Pro – STIGA’s first fully electric front mower, combining zero-emissions with high performance for noise-sensitive and urban environments and Vista Robots – autonomous robotic mowers featuring AI-powered camera recognition, GPS RTK guidance and STIGA’s unique AGS technology.

SMG Machines (A110) – Introducing the TurfBoy TB1 Eco DC, powered by a powerful, emission-free 48 V electric motor with 1,000 kW, which also guarantees low-noise operation at just 99.5 dB.

Net World Sports (H110) – Taking visitors behind the scenes of its FIFA-accredited equipment testing process and showcasing how FORZA goals are engineered to perform at elite level.

Turfcoach (D125) – Launching a brand-new mobile app that brings together all Turf IQ features in one user-friendly platform.

Chappell Enterprises UK (F115) – Introducing new advertising and recruitment services to better connect employers and professionals in the grounds sector.

Plus many more exhibitors who will be showcasing innovative solutions across the show floor, making SALTEX the must-attend event for discovering what’s new and what’s next in the world of grounds management.

Register for FREE and be in with a chance of winning a Cramer Tools Lawn Mower, complete with charger and battery worth £2,240!

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Future-Proofed Irrigation at Bedford School

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Future-Proofed Irrigation at Bedford School: Bedford School’s cricket facilities have undergone a significant transformation following the installation of a fully automated Hunter irrigation system, supplied by KAR UK and installed by JK Irrigation. The upgrade has not only boosted efficiency but also future-proofed the grounds for continued development over the next decade.

At the heart of the new system is the Hunter ACC2 controller, complete with an internet module that gives Head Groundsman George Mills and his team full remote access. Each grounds team member is responsible for a different area, and thanks to the Centralus platform, they can now manage their irrigation schedules from their phones, no matter where they are.

Future-Proofed Irrigation at Bedford School

Future-Proofed Irrigation at Bedford School

“We’ve got all the grounds team set up with their own logins,” George explained. “Chris, my deputy, manages the first team square, Glenn looks after the second team square, Anthony does the grass nets, and I focus on the smaller third team square. That bit of ownership means everyone really takes pride in their area – and yes, there’s a bit of healthy competition too!”

The system features Hunter G-800 TTS valve-in-head sprinklers around the main cricket squares and Hunter I-25 sprinklers for the smaller areas. Two 25,000-litre tanks water storage tanks and a Lowara pump system, controlled via an integrated unit, ensure powerful and consistent pressure – around seven bar – which is a dramatic improvement on the school’s previous setup.

“Our mains pressure was poor – barely one bar,” George said. “Before, we were moving a single sprinkler eight to ten times just to get coverage. Now we can water the first team square in 15 to 20 minutes at night when it’s more efficient and better for the plant.”

Two thousand metres of pipework now runs beneath the surface, installed by JK Irrigation with help from the in-house team for reinstatement works. The installation also includes 13 strategically placed water boxes across the site, all configured to accommodate future system expansion.

“We’ve designed this with the long term in mind,” George added. “We’re hoping to add a fourth cricket square soon, and we’ve already got the infrastructure in place to irrigate it. We’re also planning a full renovation of the first-team rugby pitch, and the irrigation will go in first so we can reseed quickly and maintain momentum.”

The system has already proven invaluable during periods of dry weather. The team can now reliably water in granular fertilisers – even in hot conditions – and maintain the feeding schedule without compromising on turf health.

“We’re applying a granular every month,” George said. “Being able to water it in properly means we’re seeing better uptake and performance. It’s a huge advantage, particularly in seasons like this where rainfall can’t be relied on.”

Beyond the immediate benefits, George sees the project as an investment in both the grounds and the people who manage them.

“Everything we’ve done – the system, the infrastructure, the way it’s all been set up – is about improving the site for the next 10 years and more.”

With strong support from the school, a dedicated team, and a robust irrigation system in place, Bedford School is perfectly positioned to deliver top-quality playing surfaces well into the future.

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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