Tag Archive for: Course

The British greenkeeper building a world-class course

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The British greenkeeper building a world-class course: Jamie Faulkner’s journey from suburban London to the searing heat of Bahrain has been defined by travel and an enduring love of greenkeeping.

He first got on a mower at 16, working at Bletchingley Golf Club in Surrey. “I just liked using the machines,” he says. “It felt like a fun job at first, but once I started playing golf, I was hooked. I’ve never thought about doing anything else.”

The British greenkeeper building a world-class course

The British greenkeeper building a world-class course

That early enthusiasm has taken him across the world. From his roots in Croydon, Jamie has built a career that’s seen him work on courses in Australia, the United States, India and Saudi Arabia before settling in Bahrain as Director of Agronomy at The Royal Golf Club — the only grass course on the island.

The Royal hosted a DP World Tour event this month, so it’s a venue where expectations are high and presentation is everything. The course is also the country’s golfing flagship, setting the standard for two new developments now being planned elsewhere on the island.

“The players love coming here because it’s such a contrast to the rest of the region,” says Jamie. “Presentation and playing consistency are everything. Our goal for the DP World Tour was for the course to be the best it’s ever been.”

Huge investment

The club recently completed a £1.5 million machinery investment, replacing an ageing competitor fleet with a full suite of John Deere equipment supplied by Orient Irrigation Services.

“The guys love the machines, especially the mowers,” says Jamie. “The kit we had before was 15 years old and completely run into the ground, so these are a huge step up. Everyone’s very happy with them.”

The new fleet includes compact tractors, mowers, and two HD200 sprayers on ProGators. While the purchase was driven by the golf course, the machinery will also support the wider operation, which includes maintaining the nearby horse racing track and landscaping around 1,000 villas that neighbour the club.

“I’ve got 85 staff in the landscape business and 45 on the course,” Jamie explains. “It’s quite normal managing big teams here in the Middle East because the conditions are so demanding. The desert environment means there’s a lot of manual labour, from weeding and raking sand dunes to constant irrigation work.”

Away from home, but the weather still dominates

The heat presents relentless challenges. Temperatures can climb to 50 degrees with 90% humidity, making disease and pest prevention a year-round priority. “It’s a brutal climate,” he says. “We have to stay on top of everything, especially pythium root rot, which can take hold fast in the summer.”

Jamie’s journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. After several years working in and around London, first at Chipstead and then at The Addington, he decided to take his greenkeeping skills overseas.

His first stop was Kalgoorlie Golf Club near Perth, Australia, followed by a posting to Fiddlesticks Country Club in south-west Florida through the Ohio State University internship programme.

He spent three years in Bahrain before taking a superintendent’s role at a course in Bangalore, India, before moving to Riyadh to work for Golf Saudi. When travel restrictions hit during the pandemic, he commuted 600 kilometres between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain every two weeks to see his family.

“I’ve been away from the UK for 12 years now,” he says. “I was desperate to see the world, and I wanted to learn something new with every move. You pick up so much experience working in different climates and with different grasses. I think it makes you a better greenkeeper.”

The Royal’s 450 members are mainly ex-pat golfers, but with two new courses planned in Bahrain, there’s optimism that more international visitors will follow. For now, Jamie’s focus is on perfecting the playing surfaces and ensuring the club continues to set the standard for golf in the region.

Dealer support a major factor 

Dealer support plays a big part in that. Jamie works with Orient’s Harry Pattinson, a former outlet manager at John Deere dealer Thomas Sherriff in the UK. Despite being based an hour’s flight away, Harry provides ongoing technical and parts backup.

“We’ve agreed to do an annual expert check of the fleet,” says Harry. “We’ll spend a week going through every machine, checking for any small warranty issues and making sure Jamie’s team gets the most from the investment.”

For Jamie, keeping things simple is key. “We’ve got a huge workforce with people jumping on and off machines all day,” he says. “They need to be easy to use and reliable, which John Deere delivers. Out here, that’s what really matters.”

From his early days cutting greens in Surrey to preparing a DP World Tour venue in Bahrain, Jamie’s story is proof that passion and persistence can take you a long way. Even to the edge of the desert.

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Course quality the most important factor influencing decisions

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Course quality the most important factor influencing decisions: According to a new survey from Carr Golf, 90% of UK golf club members say that year-round course quality will impact their membership decision.

When asked to rank membership factors, course conditioning dominates at 55%, significantly ahead of value for money (39%), tee time availability (39%), and price (22%).

Course quality the most important factor influencing decisions

Course quality the most important factor influencing decisions

The Challenge: High Expectations, Changing Climate

While current satisfaction among club members is high, with 78% of members satisfied or very satisfied with their membership, expectations are even higher. 88% expect good to excellent course conditioning year-round, a standard that’s becoming increasingly difficult to meet for course managers.

The UK experienced its hottest summer on record in 2025, 1.5°C above the long-term average. These volatile conditions, dry summers paired with mild, wet winters, are stretching maintenance operations to their limits.

Ed Pettit, Managing Director of Carr Golf Maintenance, explains: “Many clubs are still grappling with inadequate equipment, resources and practices to deal with the challenges they now face. Clubs must invest in irrigation optimisation and water storage to manage summer stress, while mild and wet winters are increasing pressures on drainage and year-round playability.

“On top of this, the chemistries at the disposal of course managers are limited and less curative, making it extremely difficult to overcome disease outbreaks.”

The Solution: Data-Driven Course Management

With year-round course conditions directly linked to membership growth and retention, golf clubs require a more strategic approach to meet the standards customers expect.

Carr Golf Maintenance uses a data-driven programme based on 13 key performance indicators (KPIs) to track, measure, and optimize course performance, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Recently, in the UK, the company partnered with Burhill Group Limited (BGL) to enhance agronomic standards, elevate playing conditions and maintain sustainability certification at five of its venues across England.

“We consistently see a strong correlation between improved KPI scores and increased golfer satisfaction, membership retention and growth,” says Pettit.

“For clubs to meet member expectations, manage evolving weather, and stay compliant with environmental regulations, a comprehensive agronomic programme isn’t optional, it’s essential.”

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Course Manager

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Job Title: Course Manager
Location: Ingestre Park Golf Club
Salary: Circa £50k depending on experience
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Reports to: Board of Directors
Course Manager

Course Manager

About Us
Ingestre Park Golf Club is a private members’ club with a proud heritage dating back to our relocation to Ingestre in 1977.
Following a major redevelopment, we unveiled our brand-new USGA-spec course in May 2024 — 13 new holes and 5 reconstructed ones. It’s a stunning setting where modern course design meets natural beauty, and we’re seeking an experienced, passionate, and forward-thinking Course Manager to lead our greenkeeping team through this next chapter.
The Role 
The successful candidate will be responsible for the golf course operation, presentation, maintenance, and continuous development of the golf course and practice facilities, while managing and motivating a skilled team of greenkeepers.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a blend of technical knowledge, practical ability, and strong people management skills. The Course Manager will work closely with the Board of Directors, Club Manager and Head Professional to deliver the Club’s long-term vision for excellence in course conditioning and sustainability.
 Key Responsibilities:
  • Produce a maintenance and development plan for the golf course and organising, implementing and participating in the planned programme of maintenance work including greens, tees, fairways, bunkers, rough and all other areas of the course.
  • Lead, train, and develop the greenkeeping team to the highest professional standards
  • Manage course presentation, ensuring consistently high-quality playing surfaces throughout the year
  • Prepare and manage annual budgets for staffing, materials, and machinery
  • Develop and implement sustainable turf management and environmental practices
  • Liaise regularly with the Board of Directors and report on course performance and development
  • Maintain compliance with all Health & Safety, COSHH, and machinery regulations
  • Oversee procurement and maintenance of greenkeeping equipment
  • Plan for adverse weather conditions, tournaments, and special events
Qualifications & Experience
Essential:
  • Minimum Level 3 NVQ / Diploma in Sports Turf Management (or equivalent)
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Course Manager, Head Greenkeeper, or Deputy Course Manager.
  • Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills
  • Demonstrable knowledge of modern turf management practices, irrigation systems, and machinery operation
  • Competence in budgeting, planning, and staff supervision
  • Full UK driving licence and PA1, PA2, and PA6 spraying certificates

Desirable:

  • Experience managing capital projects (e.g. bunker renovation, drainage, irrigation upgrades)
  • IT literacy, including course management software and budgeting tools
  • Understanding of biodiversity, ecology, and sustainable maintenance techniques
  • Evidence of ongoing professional development
Personal Attributes:
  • Passionate about delivering excellence in course presentation
  • Approachable, motivational, and team focused
  • Organised, methodical, and forward-thinking
  • Competent decision making and problem solving skills that are adaptable in changing conditions with pressured time frames
  • Professional communicator with members and committees
What We Offer:
  • Competitive salary
  • Support for ongoing training and professional development
How to Apply: Please send a covering letter and CV outlining your experience and achievements to: Sarah Sharp, Club Manager
Closing Date: Thursday 4th December 2025

Vietnam Golf Coast Doubles Down on Course Improvements

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Vietnam Golf Coast Doubles Down on Course Improvements: Golfers and iconic water buffalo bio mowers alike are about to reap the benefits as Vietnam Golf Coast clubs unveil a wave of upgrades aimed at keeping Central Vietnam at the top of Asia’s golfing leaderboard.

Long recognised for exceptional design and stunning scenery, Ba Na Hills Golf Club and Laguna Golf Lang Co are embracing a philosophy of continual improvement to elevate course conditioning, aesthetics, and the overall player experience. From revamping turf and native landscaping to enhancing visual appeal and drainage, both clubs are investing in upgrades that reflect a deep commitment to excellence.

Vietnam Golf Coast Doubles Down on Course Improvements

Vietnam Golf Coast Doubles Down on Course Improvements

At Laguna Golf Lang Co, where a Sir Nick Faldo Signature layout weaves between jungle-clad mountains and the East Sea, work is underway on several key improvements to help the course thrive through the year, particularly during Vietnam’s more stressful winter months.

A second shelter for the club’s beloved water buffalo, who act as “bio-mowers” tending to the rice paddies integrated into the course, is currently being constructed, providing protection from storms and reinforcing Laguna’s reputation for sustainability and innovation.

“Alongside the new shelter, we’re re-establishing putting surfaces and expanding our turf nurseries as we transition back to Zoysia matrella,” said Jason Blacka, newly appointed Chief Superintendent at Laguna Golf Lang Co. “We’re also adopting enhanced staff training and implementing customised agronomic practices to maintain optimal turf health and playability year-round.”

Other initiatives include revamping native landscape zones to expose more sand and promote resilient indigenous plants. These changes not only support the ecosystem but also add to the visual drama of the layout.

Meanwhile, over in the hills above Da Nang, Ba Na Hills Golf Club is refining both the course and the brand that defines it. In 2025, the club unveiled a sharpened brand philosophy — Crafted by Nature, Perfected by Passion — that reflects a deeper focus on both authenticity and precision.

“This is more than just a slogan, it’s a guiding ethos that informs how we present and care for our course,” said Simon Mees, General Manager at Ba Na Hills Golf Club. “We’ve implemented a more rigorous maintenance regime focused on turf quality and year-round playability, while enhancing facilities to ensure comfort without compromising the tranquillity we’re known for.”

Recent improvements include raising the water level between holes 9 and 18 for better aesthetics and reducing the height of the fairway on hole 11 to reveal water views and boost drainage. At the same time, annual renovation work is being carried out across all playing surfaces to encourage root health and promote long-term grass density.

While technological innovations like SmartScore are helping modernise operations, the emphasis remains firmly on elevating the pure golf experience and letting the landscape take centre stage.

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but the real key is never standing still,” said Simon Mees. “At Ba Na Hills and across the Vietnam Golf Coast, we’re committed to refining every detail so that every visit feels better than the last.”

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Camiral features in new YouTube course walk series

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Camiral features in new YouTube course walk series: Camiral in Spain, venue of The 2031 Ryder Cup, features in a new YouTube course walk series about sustainable golf broadcast today by Syngenta.

The 36-hole resort near Barcelona, which uses 100% recycled water for irrigation, was named International Environmental Golf Club of the Year at the 2025 Golf Environment Awards.

Camiral features in new YouTube course walk series

Camiral features in new YouTube course walk series

Now, in a new episode of The Green Report, Spain’s Number One Golf Resort is showing how its long-term strategic plan for sustainability is paying dividends, including:

  • Using 100% treated wastewater and captured rainwater for irrigation
  • Switching to drought-resistant turf to reduce water consumption by 30%
  • Introducing biodiversity projects to protect 120 bird species, many protected

Among the interviewees are Golf Course Superintendent Alfredo Álvarez and ecologist Dr Jesús Ortiz.

On a course walk of The 2031 Ryder Cup venue, Álvarez reveals how Camiral balances world-class playing conditions with sustainability.

Meanwhile, ecologist Dr Jesús Ortiz describes how he was initially sceptical about working with a golf course, but soon realised Camiral’s strategic approach to sustainability meant business and biodiversity could work together successfully.

Mark Birchmore, Global Head of Marketing, Turf & Landscape for Syngenta, said: “As a future Ryder Cup venue, Camiral is an outstanding example of sustainable golf. Its Green Route strategic plan demonstrates a detailed long-term vision and measurable commitment to sustainability in its full sense: people, planet and profit.

“We hope by telling Camiral’s story, as well as Bethpage State Park, venue of this year’s Ryder Cup, we can inform and inspire all golf courses to put sustainability at the heart of their business planning.”

The new episode of The Green Report follows the launch of Syngenta’s latest feature How Golf Can Become Water Sustainable, including seven solutions and case studies.

To watch all episodes of The Green Report and for more news, features, videos and case studies on sustainable golf, as well as links to the Changing the Business of Golf podcast, visit Syngenta Golf.

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