Tag Archive for: Completes

SIS Pitches completes new hybrid pitch in Reykjavik

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SIS Pitches completes new hybrid pitch in Reykjavik: Global leader in sports surfaces SIS Pitches has completed the installation of a bespoke new hybrid pitch system at Laugardalsvöllur, Iceland’s national football stadium in Reykjavik.

The full design and construction of the new pitch will maximise elite-level football in Iceland, where the country’s subpolar climate has historically made high-standard playing surfaces difficult to maintain. The completion of the project builds on SIS Pitches’ status as the leading pitch builder in Iceland following its successful construction of the pitch at FH Hafnarfjorour in 2023.

SIS Pitches completes new hybrid pitch in Reykjavik

SIS Pitches completes new hybrid pitch in Reykjavik

Laugardalsvöllur’s full hybrid grass pitch benefits from three of SIS Pitches’ advanced concepts, each working in unison to keep the surface play-ready all year round. The SIS Grass Hybrid system features a 95% natural grass surface reinforced with polyethylene fibres to deliver significantly more playing hours than a fully natural pitch, which is especially important given Iceland’s harsh temperatures, high rainfall and limited daylight.

Installed below the pitch itself is the SIS Aqua pop-up irrigation system and the SIS Heat undersoil heating system, which optimises the temperature of the rootzone, encouraging better root growth and reduce the risk of long-term damage. The installation is completed by a bespoke irrigation and undersoil heating system.

Part-funded by the city of Reykjavik, the project was completed over a period of three months. During this period, the installation team successfully navigated challenges posed by snow, ice and temperatures as low as -16°C. Access to the site was also limited in December – a time when good daylight in Iceland can be as little as two hours per day.

After excavating the existing playing area 450mm down to a formation level, the new drainage, irrigation and undersoil heating systems were installed. This was followed by the installation of a lower rootzone, an upper rootzone and the playing surface itself, which benefits from the structured profile underneath.

The hybrid grass fibres were installed to a depth of 180mm and stitched at 2cm x 2cm spacing, increasing the long-term durability of the playing surface. All materials used through the profile of the pitch were tested before being independently verified by leading sports agronomists, OBI Sports, to ensure conformity with industry standards and high performance over their lifespan. The dedicated support provided by SIS Pitches’ team of experts to the stadium’s grounds staff during the grow-in stage ensured no issues were encountered during the quick turnaround from seeding to the first competitive fixture.

Carlos Reis, Director at SIS Pitches, said: “The project was a challenging one due to Iceland’s tough climate, but we always thrive on overcoming challenges. It was a real privilege to bring an elite level playing surface to Iceland’s national stadium. The configuration of the new hybrid pitch will power more play all year round, helping the country to further grow its footballing profile on the international stage.

Michael Walker, International Sales Manager at SIS Pitches, added: “Iceland isn’t necessarily conducive to the effective growth of natural grass, so the hybrid profile really is the ideal solution. Ultimately, it will mean a pitch free of discrepancies, promising uninterrupted play for the Icelandic national team.”

For more information on SIS Pitches’ sports pitch installation services, visit sispitches.com.

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Royal Ascot Golf Club completes phase three of regeneration

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Royal Ascot Golf Club completes phase three of regeneration: Royal Ascot Golf Club has completed the latest phase of its course regeneration project to fulfil ambitious growth plans to make its playing facilities among the best in the UK.

The club has committed £500,000 to the project which will see each of its 18 holes upgraded by enhancing drainage and irrigation provisions, renovating all bunkers and adding new treelines to the course’s surrounds.

Royal Ascot Golf Club completes phase three of regeneration

Royal Ascot Golf Club completes phase three of regeneration

Phase three saw holes five, six, sixteen and seventeen plus ten bunkers transformed before the beginning of the new season with the project scheduled to be completed this autumn.

Despite one of the wettest winters in recent times, improvements have meant the course has remained open for play through the winter. And Course Manager Ian Hockley is pleased with the outcomes both visually and practically.

“Delivering a quality playing surface on each of our holes in all seasons is a key priority for the club,” said Ian. “This investment coupled with the hard work of our eight-strong grounds team makes that goal possible, and we’re really pleased with the outcomes.

“Visually, our bunkers are now much more visible for players and are positioned appropriately for the modern game.

“We’ve been able to eliminate any risk of cross contamination too by applying clean sand to each of our bunkers and removing any clay which runs the risk of heavier conditions and flooding when the weather turns.

“Feedback from players has been overwhelmingly positive which is great to hear with the new season around the corner.”

The investment forms part of Royal Ascot Golf Club’s long-term strategy to enhance the playing and social experiences of members and visitors alike.

Last year, the club cut the ribbon on its regenerated clubhouse and patio which is now open seven days a week and capable of hosting corporate events and private celebrations while serving food all year round.

Other planned developments at the club include the creation of a new swing studio and an extended pro shop.

Stephen Nicholson, General Manager at Royal Ascot Golf Club, added: “We’re committed to establishing Royal Ascot Golf Club as one of the UK’s best courses.

“With the nights drawing out, the completion of phase three of our course regeneration project is timely as we welcome an increasing number of players to the course as the weeks build up to summer.

“Credit must go to our grounds team who play an essential role in maintaining the highest standards to our course.”

Further information about Royal Ascot Golf Club is available online via www.royalascotgolfclub.co.uk.

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Kings Lynn GC completes phase 3 of EcoBunker Project

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Kings Lynn GC completes phase 3 of EcoBunker Project: Faced with the challenges of sandy soil and bunker erosion, Kings Lynn golf club has employed synthetic bunker experts EcoBunker to meet their ongoing maintenance challenges. Now in the third phase of a 40 bunker renovation project, the team and members at Kings Lynn are already enjoying the benefits that the EcoBunker system brings to their course.

“We’re a sandy course which can cause real structural problems with the bunkers,” said Michael Fahy, Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Kings Lynn. “Our bunker walls erode very easily, and we have had several occasions where they’ve collapsed completely. With EcoBunker we are getting that strength and integrity along with a sharp looking finish. The members love the looks and the playability, and the team love how easy they are to maintain.”

Kings Lynn GC completes phase 3 of EcoBunker Project

Kings Lynn GC completes phase 3 of EcoBunker Project

With a mix of high wall and low edged bunkers, and several significant height transitions leading into greens, the bunkering at Kings Lynn poses a variety of maintenance challenges. But whatever the type of bunker – all of which EcoBunker offer ultra-low maintenance solutions – the local surroundings pose consistent challenges across the course.

“We have a real problem with soil erosion and rabbit scraping and burrowing, which quickly contaminates the bunker sand,” continued Michael. “To counter this, we have fitted EcoTec bunker liners alongside the synthetic walls to create a fully closed system. This requires virtually no maintenance and eliminates all contamination. Previously we could spend half a day picking out stones, weeding walls and topping up sand on a single bunker, but now we simply brush the faces, knock the sand off and strim the top edge. We’re saving time and budget with every bunker we replace.”

Now in the third phase of renovations, all Par 3’s have been completed and the team is moving on to those bunkers next most in need of attention. Having been trained by EcoBunker during the first installation, Michael and his colleagues, Tim Race and Mason Bernstein, use the EcoBunker system to renovate the bunkers themselves and plan the schedule of work accordingly.

“We re-build a few bunkers each winter, knowing that by the time we get to the last phase, the first EcoBunkers we built will still have many years life left in them, even though it could be a 10 year project. The club are investing for the long term which makes so much more sense than the continual rebuilding and patching of the traditional bunkering on the course.”

For more information on how EcoBunker can help meet the challenges faced at your course, visit www.ecobunker.co.uk

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Agrovista completes acquisition of Advance Grass Solutions

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Agrovista completes acquisition of Advance Grass Solutions: Agrovista has today announced the completion of its acquisition of leading sports turf agronomy services business, Advance Grass Solutions (AGS).

The acquisition brings together some of the most experienced and progressive teams in the sector, further strengthening Agrovista Amenity’s position as a key player in professional turf management.

Agrovista completes acquisition of Advance Grass Solutions

Agrovista completes acquisition of Advance Grass Solutions

The senior management team is now working on plans to ensure a smooth integration of the business.
Commenting on the announcement, Managing Director of Agrovista UK, Chris Clayton said, “AGS is a business that we have long admired and one that has delivered sustainable growth with an expanding customer base. The acquisition will allow Agrovista Amenity to extend its reach into customer channels in which it is currently underrepresented and better leverage the combined offer to our current and future customers. Growth of Agrovista Amenity remains core to the overall Agrovista strategy and the AGS acquisition demonstrates once again our commitment to the strategy.’’

Jamie Bennett, Chairman and CEO of AGS said “We are delighted about this exciting news. This acquisition will combine the strengths of both companies, enhance the product portfolio and increase the technical knowledge of both teams. I am very confident that all customers can expect a smooth transition, a data driven commitment to support and a market leading level of customer service without compromise.”

Existing customers are encouraged to continue working with their current account manager and service provider as usual, until further information is provided.
Sam Honeyborne, Managing Director of AGS added “We look forward to discussing the news and welcoming all customers, clients and suppliers to the Agrovista Amenity stand at BTME hall 1 stand 120/124.”

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

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Redexim fleet completes year-round maintenance

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Redexim fleet completes year-round maintenance: Frequently ranked among the top 20 courses in England, Royal West Norfolk sets the bar high when it comes to the play and presentation characteristics of links golf.

Maintaining the 18-holes for the last 37 years is Gavin Playford, who is supported by a team of five and a fleet of Redexim equipment which, he says, gives them complete control over tasks around the site and throughout the maintenance calendar.

Redexim fleet completes year-round maintenance

Redexim fleet completes year-round maintenance

The unique location of Royal West Norfolk Golf Club, along the picturesque Brancaster coastline, means that access to the private members course is off-limits during certain times of the day due to hightide. While this creates a headache for delivery drivers, the biggest challenge for Head Greenkeeper Gavin and the team is the exposed location and sandy soil profile. “The warm, drought-like conditions over the last few years has driven a big increase in the amount of overseeding we’ve been doing as we undertake recovery work, and attempt to increase fescue populations around the site” explains Gavin.

A pair of Redexim overseeders have been helping with the project – a Double Disc 1430 and a Speedseed 1500. “The DD 1430 we’ve had for roughly five years now and is our go-to for work on the fairways and the greens. We like the weight of this machine and the small spacing between the discs which has been critical to regaining coverage on our fairways and some of the greens following the severe drought of 2018.”

“For smaller, more targeted overseeding we’ll then switch to the Speedseed dimple seeder, which we purchased though Ben Burgess Groundcare last year.” The individual conical ring sections of the Speedseed create pockets in the soil into which seed is accurately delivered. The holes are then closed with a rear roller, safely concealing the seed and creating the optimal conditions for germination. “This machine complements what we’re doing with the disc seeder, allowing us to focus on particularly problematic areas such as perimeters, where we can incorporate finer seed varieties.”

With overseeding work complete, come the Autumn the team will then switch their attention to an intensive aeration programme, delivered by their Redexim Level Spike and trusty Verti-Drain® 7416. “From October, we’ll be conducting frequent slitting and verti-draining on greens, tees and fairways. This will continue until the New Year when preparations are then put into place for renovations.”

“On top of that, we also have a Redexim Turf Tidy which we purchased two years ago, again from Ben Burgess” Gavin adds. “This has been brilliant in helping us to thin out some of our roughs in an attempt to encourage finer grasses.” In its cut and collect set-up, the Turf Tidy features a powerful flail rotor. Alternative rotors for fast, effective leaf collection or scarification are also available.

Gavin concludes, “We like the Redexim kit, we’re familiar with it, the build quality is great and we can trust that it’s going to do the job. We also like the brilliant back up from Ben Burgess, particularly our local area Sales Manager Stuart Edge, whose advice and support is second to none.”

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