Tag Archive for: Becomes

Carnoustie apprentice becomes qualified greenkeeper

Carnoustie apprentice becomes qualified greenkeeper: On Tuesday 4th April, Carnoustie’s first apprentice in recent years, Ross Crosbie, celebrated becoming a fully qualified Greenkeeper after a four-year apprenticeship with Carnoustie Golf Links.

The Executive Team at Carnoustie Golf Links have been extremely impressed by Ross’s hard work and dedication to his apprenticeship and have since been delighted to offer Ross a full-time, permanent position as a Qualified Greenkeeper at the world-famous Angus venue.

Carnoustie apprentice becomes qualified greenkeeper

Carnoustie apprentice becomes qualified greenkeeper

As a Carnoustie resident, Ross grew up in the town and played golf from a young age, enjoying the benefits of the junior coaching programme delivered by Carnoustie Golf Links as part of the Carnoustie Craws junior programme, which provides free group coaching to over 350 young people in the community, from age 5 to age 18.

Ross had previously undertaken work experience at the Links and having made the most out of his opportunity, looked for the next step after completing his school studies. When the Apprentice Greenkeeper position became available, Ross was keen to apply and was ultimately successful in his bid for the role.

Kevin Stott, Links Superintendent at Carnoustie Golf Links said: “From the outset, Ross has truly integrated himself into the Greenkeeping team as well as the wider organisation. Ross arrives at work every day with a great attitude to learn, an enthusiastic work ethic and is also keen to pass on his knowledge and support newer apprentices.

“Since beginning his Apprenticeship, Ross has showcased a strong commitment and passion to becoming a greenkeeper, always working to the best of his ability. He consistently looks to improve upon his skills and does so with real enthusiasm and determination.

“Ross has supported the Greenkeeping team by acting as a representative at Careers Days, showcasing the apprenticeship programme and now, on completion of his apprenticeship, Ross continues to showcase his great attitude to work, his passion for greenkeeping and fantastic attention to detail and we believe that he is a great ambassador for Carnoustie.”

The four-year apprenticeship works in conjunction with Elmwood College in Cupar and upon completion, the apprentice is awarded with a Sports Turf Greenkeeping SVQ Level 2 award. The benefits of being an apprentice at Carnoustie are many and include the opportunity to earn whilst you learn from one of the best Greenkeeping teams in the world.

Ross has had the chance to work alongside some of the most skilled and knowledgeable greenkeepers whilst at Carnoustie and has expanded his awareness by travelling further afield to learn about course management in warmer climates. In the fourth year of his apprenticeship, he travelled to the USA where he undertook work experience at Pinehurst Golfing Resort in North Carolina. He gained new experiences and learnings which he has brought back with him to Carnoustie, enriching his own knowledge and development, and even experienced working with the Greenkeeping team to present the US Women’s Open in 2022.

Ross Crosbie said: “Ever since I was young, I’ve played golf at Carnoustie, and I know how highly regarded Carnoustie is in the industry, because golf has pretty much been my life. So, to be able to work on a Championship golf course, my home course, to me, that’s the best thing about working at Carnoustie. But also, I’ve had great opportunities working here. I’ve been off to America, I spent three weeks at Pinehurst. That’s something that I never, ever thought I would do in my life. The amount of people that I’ve met, the things that I’ll take with me for the rest of my life, it really is something incredible.”

Carnoustie Golf Links strives to employ apprentices and local young people as it continues to connect with the community in an aim to support development of the young work force. Carnoustie Golf Links aim to train and mentor eager, motivated young people, providing hands on training and offering the best start to any young person joining the company.

Michael Wells, Chief Executive at Carnoustie Golf Links said: “As a strategic employer, the Links is dedicated to the training and development of new generations. At Carnoustie, we provide a four-year apprenticeship to our trainee Greenkeepers – they finish their apprenticeship with a qualification in Greenkeeping plus four years’ experience working at one of the world’s best golf courses.

“We want to provide our apprentices with every opportunity to succeed and excel, plus allow trainees to access all areas of learning which will help them reach this ambition. Our strategic partner, John Deere, have been hugely supportive of our apprenticeship programme providing opportunities for additional development training through their international venues.

“Our aim is to provide as thorough an education into greenkeeping as possible, moving away from the antiquated apprenticeship style in favour of a dynamic and modern approach. We trust our apprentices and give them responsibilities that they feel comfortable with, which will challenge them whilst allowing natural progression to take place.”

At a celebratory lunch on Tuesday 4th April, hosted in The Rookery restaurant and bar within Links House at Carnoustie Golf Links, Ross was presented with a certificate of completion of his apprenticeship from Carnoustie Golf Links and a gift from John Deere presented by Nikki McKenzie from John Deere.

In attendance from Carnoustie Golf Links was Michael Wells – Chief Executive, Adair Simpson – Deputy Chief Executive, Kevin Stott – Links Superintendent, Duncan Cairnie – Championship Course Manager, Mark Reynolds – Burnside and Buddon Course Manager, Tracey Riley – HR Manager. In attendance from John Deere, one of Carnoustie’s strategic partners, was Nikki McKenzie. In attendance from Carnoustie High School was Russell Brown.

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Top-Brush trial becomes working wonder

Top-Brush trial becomes working wonder: All but eliminating the issue of worm cast removal, the team at Worplesdon Golf Club have been delighted with the performance of their Redexim Top-Brush.

The effectiveness of the 6m wide brush came as no surprise though to Course Manager Paul Robinson, who had been involved with the development of the proto-type model – helping to create the perfect solution for course brushing, dew removal and presentation.

Top-Brush trial becomes working wonder

Top-Brush trial becomes working wonder

Worplesdon’s 18-hole course is located in the classic heathland belt of Surrey and is consistently ranked in Golf Monthly’s UK&I Top 100. The loamy, sandy fairways played a part in Paul’s interest in the development of the Top-Brush. “Having lost chemical treatments, mechanical means of removal are going to become pivotal in maintenance programmes moving forward” he explains. “We were delighted to be one of the first to trial the prototype and provided Redexim with in-field feedback to help shape the final model.”

Three years after its first arrival, a fully-developed Top-Brush has now completed its first year on course. “There’s no universal solution for every course, but we used the Top-Brush to incorporate sand during dry conditions and found that this then made any casts that did occur dusty and easy to disperse. It has given us a quick, effective answer to one of the major greenkeeper challenges.”

With a 6m working width and option to have the brushes contra-rotating to the direction of travel, the Top-Brush has found more than one use for Paul and his team of eight. “It’s not a one-trick pony. We’ve used it for removing dew which has played a big role in improving plant health, but also we’ve found it leaves a fantastic finish which has meant we can sometimes reduce the amount of fairway mowing that takes place – saving both fuel and man-hours.”

Paul adds, “With a lot of greenkeeping tasks time is really of the essence, so larger, more efficient machinery is the future for ensuring we can still achieve the perfect finish but in the most effective and sustainable ways. The whole Top-Brush project has been great to be involved with and the result is something which is truly fit-for-purpose.”

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Club Car becomes Ryder Cup supplier

Club Car becomes Ryder Cup supplier: Club Car®, a global leader in golf, consumer and utility vehicles, has become a Worldwide Supplier of the 2023 Ryder Cup, extending its long-term association with golf’s greatest team competition.

Club Car has supplied team cars and support vehicles for the last 15 Ryder Cups and has been an Official Supplier of Ryder Cup Europe since 1997, when the event was held at Valderrama, Spain.

Club Car becomes Ryder Cup supplier

Club Car becomes Ryder Cup supplier

It will now take on an elevated designation as a Worldwide Supplier to the 2023 edition of the iconic biennial contest, which takes place in September at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome, Italy.

Furthermore, Club Car has also become the Official Golf Car of the PGA of America, continuing more than 30 years of collaboration in support of the golf industry and the association’s nearly 29,000 PGA professionals.

“The PGA of America is very excited that Club Car, a tremendous friend to the PGA Professional and the game of golf, will continue as presenting sponsor of the PGA Professional Championships and the 41 PGA Section Championships,” said PGA of America President John Lindert.

Club Car President Mark Wagner said: “The game of golf doesn’t exist without PGA Professionals, and we are thankful for our long-standing relationship with the PGA of America.

“We have also enjoyed a long, successful association with The Ryder Cup, and we are proud to have been part of its growth into one of the biggest sporting events in the world. Not many brands have Worldwide Supplier status so this is a fantastic honour for Club Car.

“It is set to be another spectacular Ryder Cup later this year and we are excited to once again assist with its delivery.”

This September, Club Car will send nearly 600 cars to Rome, providing transport solutions for many different areas of the event including television, rules officials, catering and the captains and support teams.

Club Car supplies many of the world’s leading golf destinations with its wide range of vehicles, and is an official supplier to the DP World Tour, PGA TOUR Properties, the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) and St Andrews Links Trust.

For more information on Club Car visit: www.clubcar.com

For more information on The Ryder Cup visit www.rydercup.com

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Agrovista Amenity becomes BIGGA patron

Agrovista Amenity becomes BIGGA patron: Agrovista Amenity is pleased to announce that it has become a gold member of the BIGGA (British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association) Regional Patron Scheme for 2022/23.

As part of the scheme, Agrovista Amenity, a leading supplier of products and services to the UK amenity and landscape markets, will participate and support BIGGA in a series of events throughout the year including seminars, education workshops and golf days.

Agrovista Amenity becomes BIGGA patron

Agrovista Amenity becomes BIGGA patron

Commenting on the scheme, Head of Amenity John Marland said: “As a regional patron, Agrovista Amenity is proud to support BIGGA and help create outstanding learning and development opportunities for greenkeepers.”

Lauren Frazer, Head of Business Development at BIGGA, said: “Agrovista has been a highly valued supporter of BIGGA members for a number of years, helping provide development opportunities on a national scale, particularly through the popular Agrovista Amenity Academy. This online resource proved invaluable for many during the turmoil of the coronavirus pandemic, helping greenkeepers continue developing and improving their knowledge despite the difficulties we all faced.

“We are incredibly proud, therefore, to welcome Agrovista on board as one of our first Regional Patrons, which will enable the team to support BIGGA members on a local level and contribute to the hosting of the network of regional learning opportunities that we know many members find crucial for their professional development.”

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

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Green-tech becomes Platinum Perennial Partner

Green-tech becomes Platinum Perennial Partner: Green-tech has confirmed that it will continue its Platinum partnership and ongoing support to the charity for a third year running.

Perennial is the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping people who work in landscaping and horticulture, from gardeners, landscapers and designers to nursery workers, arborists and grounds staff.

Green-tech becomes Platinum Perennial Partner

Green-tech becomes Platinum Perennial Partner

Initially established as a pension fund for gardeners in 1839, 70% of the people the charity now helps are of working age, offering free and confidential advice, support and financial assistance.

Kris Nellist enters his second year in the role the Managing Director for Green-tech, a leading supplier to the landscape industry. He comments, “Perennial is a lifeline to many people working within the industry, both past and present. I am delighted to continue our support of the charity by renewing our Perennial Platinum Partnership and showing Green-tech’s appreciation for all those in the sector.”

Perennial launched their industry corporate partnership programme in 2020 to raise much needed funds. There are numerous packages available for corporate sponsorship.

Phil Swainston, Perennial’s Corporate Partnership Manager adds,

“Now, more than ever, is the time to be aware of the impact the current cost of living crisis and recession is going to have on many working in the horticultural industry. I am therefore delighted that Green-tech is continuing their support of Perennial into 2023 via our Corporate Partnership scheme and I am looking forward to working with all the team on many of the new initiatives we will be launching over the next 12 months. Green-Tech will be invaluable in spreading our message that Perennial is here to help all those working in horticulture that need our help”

If you would like to donate to Perennial or get involved in the Partnership Programme then visit their website https://perennial.org.uk/home/getinvolved/perennial-partners/  or call 0800 093 8510.

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Etesia ET Lander becomes even better

Etesia ET Lander becomes even better: Following the successful launch of the ET Lander electric utility vehicle from Etesia UK in 2021, the company has announced the launch of the next phase of production including becoming fully N1 homologation compliant.

Customers first got the chance to view the utility vehicle at SALTEX in November, where it won the prestigious SALTEX 2021 Innovation award within the vehicle category, while also finishing second within the environmentally friendly category.

Etesia ET Lander becomes even better

Etesia ET Lander becomes even better

Coming off the production line in Wissembourg, France from June 2022, with the first sold machines arriving in the UK July 2022, the new models will be fully N1 homologation compliant meaning that the ET Lander will be fully road legal along with being able to be used off road.

The new models will feature lithium-ion batteries meaning that the range of the ET Lander will extend to 100km and have a charger system compatible with a standard type 2EV car charger.

Built for use on road and off road in both the town and countryside, the Etesia ET Lander is 100% electric, spacious, well-equipped and user-friendly. It is built on a robust chassis and has an array of options including a three-way tipper bed with dual control from the fully-fitted two-seater cab or by remote control when outside the vehicle.

With a length of just 3.72 meters, the ET Lander is very compact. Thanks to the power steering, the short turning radius of 4.40 meters and 360 ° visibility, it goes anywhere. Fitted with a Lithium battery (77.8V 210 Ah producing 10Kw), the autonomy of the vehicle lasts for a full working day – without noise pollution.

The ET Lander can transport loads of up to 940kgs and can also tow up to 750kgs. With its all-road tires and powerful transmission, it is a real all-terrain vehicle for use in a variety of conditions on slopes and difficult terrain. Furthermore, life is made easier for its users through the integrated loading ramps – which allow for the transport of materials, ride-on mowers and other grounds maintenance equipment.

For more information, please visit the dedicated ET Lander website www.etlander.co.uk

To arrange a no obligation demonstration, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

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

You can also view the latest Etesia videos by visiting www.youtube.com/EtesiaUK.

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Agrovista Amenity becomes a Jubilee Partner

Agrovista Amenity becomes a Jubilee Partner: Agrovista Amenity is proud to announce that it has joined The Tree Council as a Jubilee Partner.

Since 1973, The Tree Council has been working towards bringing everyone together with a shared mission to care for trees and our planet’s future. It is therefore fitting that The Tree Council is an official delivery partner of The Queen’s Green Canopy.

Agrovista Amenity becomes a Jubilee Partner

Agrovista Amenity becomes a Jubilee Partner

The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 which invites people from across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee”.

Everyone from individuals to Scout and Girlguiding groups, villages, cities, counties, schools and corporates will be encouraged to play their part to enhance the environment by planting trees during the winter tree planting season.

By becoming one of the Jubilee Partners, Agrovista Amenity will be playing an integral role in planting trees and hedgerows in honour of Her Majesty’s service to the nation, creating a lasting legacy which will benefit future generations for years to come.

The aim is to achieve 70 Jubilee Partners, whose collective impact will ensure the planting of an incredible 35,000 trees and 7 kilometres of hedgerows.

Ed Smith, Landscape Team Manager for Agrovista Amenity, revealed his delight at becoming a Jubilee Partner.

“It is such a wonderful initiative,” said Ed. “We see tree planting as a real benefit to the environment and with everything that is going on in terms of COP26, we have a real opportunity to make a change. The direction we are heading in terms of our bio-degradable tree guards, best practice and our commitment to sustainability reflects this.

“Our planet is changing. We are on a journey and want to play our part. Supporting the likes of The Tree Council is very much part of that journey.”

“This initiative will signal a huge amount of environmental, biodiversity and other eco-system services benefits.”

The Agrovista Amenity team will celebrate becoming a Jubilee Partner by attending a corporate planting day which is taking place in Bicester in Oxfordshire in early December.

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

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Fentons becomes Becx distributor

Fentons becomes Becx distributor: Fentons of Bourne Ltd, the family-owned estate and garden equipment supplier, has been appointed the sole UK distributor for Becx Machines, the Netherlands-based manufacturer of high-end mechanical weed control and hedge cutting equipment for tool carriers and excavators.

Established in 2008, Becx Machines is located in Moergestel, North Brabant, which provides excellent links across Europe and to the UK. Their first hedge trimmer was launched in 2009 using a patented cutting principle and the success of this machine launched a succession of commercial models.

Fentons becomes Becx distributor

Fentons becomes Becx distributor

13 years on, they now manufacture seven different hedge trimming attachments with a working width between 75 cm and 240 cm. They also manufacture weed brushes, weed brush/edge cutters and various attachments for mounting hedge trimmers onto excavators.

Glen Bellamy, a director at Fentons, commenting on the agreement said,

“We have a track record of being sole importers; for over 25 years we have represented Homburg Draincleaners, another Netherlands-based company that manufactures specialist field drainage maintenance equipment for the agricultural sector.

“It’s a cliché, but we are genuinely delighted with the signing of this latest sole importer agreement. The quality of the Becx equipment is exceptional and the growth in their business in just over a decade is testament to the machinery they produce.

“In keeping with the trend for electrification, they have recently introduced their first electric hedge trimmer. With a working width of 75 cm, it’s two hydromotors have been replaced by 48-volt electric motors and can be mounted on almost any electrically driven tool carrier.

“Already we have had interest from local authorities for their cut and collect equipment. With the trend for more environmental working practices, this ticks several boxes as the clippings can be collected in a single pass, saving labour, and then composted for internal use or for sale as an income generator.

“We’ll be exhibiting at LAMMA in January 2022, which will be the first opportunity for prospective customers to see the equipment.

“This agreement is an exciting development for all of us here at Fentons and we look forward to a long association with the Becx team.”

Erwin Hommen, owner and managing director of Becx Machines added,

“Glen and the team at Fentons are a great fit with us as we share the same values, putting customers uppermost in the running of our businesses. Today’s end-user demands high-quality equipment and it has been their input into the development of our products that has contributed to the growth of our business. We are really looking forward to working with Fentons and I’m confident that they will help us, increasing our penetration in the important UK market sector.”

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Top-Brush becomes Newark’s weapon

Top-Brush becomes Newark’s weapon: The reduction in availability of curative chemistry has been a game-changer when it comes to the fight against worm casts. Recognising that cultural methods are going to become perhaps the only way to manage them, Newark Golf Club are the latest in a growing list to add the 6m-wide Redexim Top-Brush to their armoury.

For Course Manager Alex Clarricoates, its effectiveness at removing casts, as well as improving course presentation, made the purchase a no-brainer.

Top-Brush becomes Newark’s weapon

Top-Brush becomes Newark’s weapon

“Having gone through the autumn and winter struggling with casts on our fairways and surrounds, as soon as I saw the Top-Brush on social media I requested a demonstration” explains Alex, who has been at Newark for 12 years. “As well as the obvious issues with playability, from an agronomic perspective, the increase in casts means that they often get trodden on and lay like that throughout the winter, resulting in us entering into the new season with bare patches.”

The large working with of the Top-Brush means it can quickly and effectively rid large areas of not only worm casts, but also organic matter and dew. Its three brushes can rotate in or against the direction of travel and its working depth can be adjusted to achieve a light surface brush or more aggressive, deeper surface agitation. “This versatility means that throughout the spring and summer we’ll be using the Top-Brush for clearing dew and removing lateral growth, and during periods of drought it will be a key tool to deliver that extra little bit of surface presentation on the fairways without needing to cut. Come the autumn, we envisage the Top-Brush will be in use daily to clear any worm casts when they appear.”

On the day of the install by local dealer F.G. Adamson & Sons and Redexim Territory Manager Andy O’Neill, Alex also had a demonstration of the Verti-Drain 7416 which was purchased on the spot! “The club have been making major investments over the last twelve months, in more manpower and new equipment to help us elevate the course to the next level. We had always previously outsourced the work but by having our own Verti-Drain, we can now relieve even more areas of compaction and at the time when ground conditions are absolutely spot on.”

Alex concludes, “With these two new tools at our disposal, we are in a fantastic place when it comes to course condition. It’s only upwards from here!”

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Frank Alviti becomes the newest pin

Frank Alviti becomes the newest pin: The strategic re-alignment of the GreenMech dealer network continues with the announcement that Frank Alviti will be taking over the areas of Herefordshire, Shropshire and Mid-Wales with immediate effect.

With a well-established client base that spans arb, groundcare and industrial, Frank Alviti will be offering sales and support across the complete GreenMech range from their Ludlow premises.

Frank Alviti becomes the newest pin

Frank Alviti becomes the newest pin

Family-run Frank Alviti are a main agent for a number of leading manufacturers in the grounds and agricultural sector, including McConnel and Antonio Carraro. As well as a large stock of machinery for sale, their extensive hire fleet offers customers short and long-term equipment solutions – all backed up with in-house workshop servicing and support. From December 2020, the full GreenMech portfolio of pedestrian, road-tow, PTO and tracked woodchippers will be available.

On their appointment, Director Dave Alviti said, “We’ve been running a couple of GreenMech machines on our Arb hire fleet for a few years and are pleased to now extend this into a full distribution agreement. Having personally worked as an arborist previously, I have a longstanding relationship with GreenMech and their machines, and so I am delighted to share this knowledge, experience and quality range of woodchippers with our client base over the coming weeks and months.”

Martin Lucas, GreenMech Sales Director added, “With a fantastic reputation for sales and aftercare, we look forward to working with Dave and the whole Frank Alviti team to raise the GreenMech profile and offer a more localised service across this key territory.”

Any existing warranties relating to GreenMech chippers sold by previous area dealers Brian Beddoes and Tallis Amos Group Ltd, will continue to be supported by Frank Alviti.

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