Tag Archive for: Event

Hayling Golf Club Practice Area Survives Rare Tidal Event

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Hayling Golf Club Practice Area Survives Rare Tidal Event: Just two weeks after the installation of a high walled, revetted practice bunker by synthetic bunker experts EcoBunker, renowned south coast links course Hayling Golf Club suffered an unprecedented tidal event that put their investment at immediate risk.

“Water resources are very limited on Hayling Island and we don’t have any irrigation on the practice ground,” explained Graeme Roberts, course manager at Hayling Golf Club. “That made EcoBunker the obvious choice for our practice bunker as it would maintain its visual appeal and playability with very limited maintenance.”

Hayling Golf Club Practice Area Survives Rare Tidal Event

Hayling Golf Club Practice Area Survives Rare Tidal Event

However, in early December, just two weeks after the practice bunker was completed, Hayling experienced spring tides and off-shore winds that led to the highest sea levels seen in many years. The unprecedented tides pushed 20 to 30 tonnes of shingle against, and through, the boundary fence, creating a slipway for sea water to run straight into the practice area.

“Over two consecutive nights the teeing and bunker practice area was completely underwater. Sediment was spread across the whole area and our new practice bunker filled up with sea water. By the time the tide had receded on the second morning, we had significant damage across the area from the sea water, including damage to the new turf that had been laid around the bunker,” continued Graeme.

“Remarkably, despite such a significant event, the only evidence that sea water had been in the bunker was the silt deposited on the liner and a sediment line where the water had reached. With a quick brush of the face and a clean of the liner, the bunker was as good as the day it went in.”

EcoBunker CEO and inventor of synthetic bunker technology, Richard Allen commented, “We have lots of evidence from our Floridian customers that EcoBunkers have stood the test of hurricanes, storms and weather events. But I’m not sure we’ve ever heard of a bunker being completely under water for two nights! This was a huge challenge for Graeme and his team, so I’m delighted that our EcoBunker technology withstood the test and was one less thing for Graeme and his team to worry about.”

Less than two weeks after the tidal event, with a quick refresh of their EcoBunker and a significant clear up of the practice area, Graeme and his team are making great progress towards providing members and visitors with the practice experience that they have invested in.

For more information on EcoBunker please visit www.ecobunker.co.uk

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Greenkeepers selected to support PGA Tour’s flagship event

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Greenkeepers selected to support PGA Tour’s flagship event: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Premium Partner John Deere have revealed the five greenkeepers who will head to TPC Sawgrass to join the agronomy team for The Players Championship 2026.

With its famous island green and stunning Florida setting, the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass is considered among the most spectacular golfing challenges in the world, and the chosen BIGGA members will be completely immersed in the hosting of the PGA Tour’s flagship event, with flights, accommodation and other costs included.

Greenkeepers selected to support PGA Tour's flagship event

Greenkeepers selected to support PGA Tour’s flagship event

While there, the greenkeepers will work alongside more than 100 turf professionals from across the globe and gain experience of elite championship agronomy, which they can bring back to their home venues.

The scheme is open to full BIGGA members over the age of 21 and the trip takes place from 6-16 March 2026.

Chris Meacock, Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf at John Deere, said: “We always receive a large number of quality applications from greenkeepers who want to invest in their own personal development by being part of the tournament preparation for such a prestigious event. This year was no different, and we are delighted to have selected individuals who are so enthusiastic about being part of the TPC Sawgrass volunteering team.

“I’m very proud of the long-standing partnership John Deere has with BIGGA to make this happen. Over the past decade we have been able to support the progression of more than 60 greenkeepers, and we know the experience forms a valuable part of their future careers.”

BIGGA CEO, Jim Croxton said: “The TPC Sawgrass Volunteer Initiative is one of greenkeeping’s most exciting opportunities and we are incredibly grateful to John Deere for making it possible. Every year the members who earn the right to take part grow their networks, make friends for life and get an insight into the stating of one of golf’s most exciting and high-profile events.”

The 2026 BIGGA volunteers are:

  • Tiffany Mills, Ryston Park Golf Club
  • Stephen van Rhyn, Beaverbrook Golf Club
  • Andrea Sozio, Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle
  • Paul Gater, Caldy Golf Club
  • Adam Matthews, Minchinhampton Golf Club

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John Deere to host Military Hiring Programme careers event

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John Deere to host Military Hiring Programme careers event: John Deere will run a free online Military Hiring Programme event on Wednesday 3 December to help service leavers understand how their skills transfer into careers working with advanced agricultural and turf machinery.

The virtual session will give attendees a clear view of the roles available across the UK and Ireland dealer network, the training pathway, and the support on offer to those leaving the forces.

John Deere to host Military Hiring Programme careers event

John Deere to host Military Hiring Programme careers event

It follows strong interest in John Deere’s resettlement pathway – launched in the UK in 2023 – which continues to bring ex-military talent into its dealership teams.

Allan Cochran, Training Centre Manager at John Deere, will outline how the programme works and what candidates can expect once they start their transition into civilian employment.

“We know the skills, discipline and problem-solving experience found in the armed forces match perfectly with our technician and support roles,” said Allan. “This is a chance to hear directly from our team and speak with people who have already made the move. Service leavers bring huge value to our dealers and we will continue to invest in pathways that help them succeed.”

Former Royal Navy engineer Graham Walker will share his journey. His 24 years in service were mostly spent aboard nuclear submarines. Graham then used his background, technical versatility, and leadership experience to move into a senior role at John Deere dealer Smallridge Bros.

On board the submarine, with no access to spare parts, Graham and his team often had to manufacture components from raw materials to keep critical systems running. He became skilled in hydraulics, gas and atmosphere management, propulsion, and nuclear engineering — all under pressure and in confined conditions.

Since following the Military Hiring Programme pathway, Graham has now taken the role of Service Manager at Smallridge’s Callington depot in Cornwall.

“Attending an event like this is online introduction to the programme is thoroughly worthwhile,” said Graham. “You understand the scale of the opportunity and hear first-hand from people who have already made the move. The support is there from day one and the programme helps you map out your next steps.”

The online event will also feature Chris Giles from Tallis Amos Group’s Leominster depot, who previously served in the forces and has since built a successful career in the dealership network.

James Evans, Division Customer Support Manager for John Deere, will explain how the business supports ex-forces staff as they move into the workshop and wider dealership environment.

Earlier this year, John Deere was named in the 50 Great British Employers of Veterans 2025 list, and has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

The Military Hiring Programme connects service leavers with a dedicated mentor, provides free training and supports the transition into full-time roles with John Deere dealers.

The online event starts at 7pm on 3 December. Registration is open now at https://JDMHP.eventbrite.co.uk.

Those unable to attend will have the chance to watch a recording afterwards, and can apply to the Military Hiring Programme at any time by visiting www.deere.com/JDMHP.

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GroundsFest Academy Launches with Successful First Event

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GroundsFest Academy Launches with Successful First Event: The first ever GroundsFest Academy event has been hailed a huge success, as delegates from across the industry gathered for a free day of hands-on education at DLF UK’s state-of-the-art facility. With a packed schedule of insightful sessions and interactive learning, the event marked the beginning of a new era in accessible, high-quality training for the grounds care and landscaping sectors.

The day kicked off with a welcome reception and a full introduction to DLF and the hosts for the day, followed by a series of educational activities including seed and grass plant identification, germination tests, and a pre-germination session. After a tour of the DLF site, the afternoon was dedicated to sowing, aftercare and maintenance techniques, rounded off with a recap and open Q&A.

GroundsFest Academy Launches with Successful First Event

GroundsFest Academy Launches with Successful First Event

Each session was designed to give attendees practical skills and a deeper understanding of seed science – knowledge they could take away and apply immediately in their work. From seasoned professionals to volunteers and educators, the event offered something for everyone.

David Newell, Deputy Head Groundsman at Reading FC, praised the event’s unique approach:

“You never know what to expect from a new event but it has been really educational. It’s different to anything you get anywhere else – learning all about the different varieties of seed, what they do and why they do it, has been fantastic. The wildflower seeding talk was very educational too. Our football club wants to start doing that, so hopefully I can take that back and give something back to Reading FC.”

For Jo Shepherd, Horticulture Apprenticeship Skills Coach at Windsor College, the day was a valuable upskilling opportunity:

“I teach horticulture apprentices – many of them love turf – and my background is more in garden design and maintenance, so I wanted to upskill myself to better support them.

Identifying grasses was a great experience; it’s much harder than plant ID. Seeing the site and understanding the production side was really helpful too.”

The event also attracted professionals from outside of traditional turf roles. Rich Young, Product Director at Mowd, highlighted the networking and CPD value:

“DLF are one of our seed suppliers, so seeing their operation and the science behind it was eye-opening. It’s reassuring to know our customers are getting the best. But for me, the value came from networking and learning – that’s going to benefit me and the business throughout the year.”

Mike Green, a volunteer groundsman at Winterborne Cricket Club, represented the grassroots level of the industry and found the day equally rewarding:

“Free educational days like this are a massive help for volunteers like me. I picked up loads of useful info, spoke to people working in sports turf, and just found the day incredibly beneficial. It’s been a really successful day for me.”

The GroundsFest Academy is the latest initiative from the team behind GroundsFest, made possible through reinvestment of profits from the show directly back into the industry.

Bradley Tennant, Director of Education for GroundsFest Academy, said:

“There’s a big skills gap in the industry, and the GroundsFest Academy has been created to help address that. Whether someone is new to the sector or has decades of experience, these events are designed to support ongoing development. Seeing everyone smiling, learning and sharing knowledge today has been incredible – and it’s just the beginning.”

Matt Gresty, MM and Designer Sales and Brand Manager at DLF UK, added:

“We felt honoured to be asked to host the first event. It’s great to show what we do, but even better to contribute to education and understanding in the industry. It is good to give something back to the industry. From wildflower seeds to sports turf, we want to help people improve their work through better knowledge.”

This is just the first of many free educational events from the GroundsFest Academy, with future events already planned.

Keep an eye out for announcements on upcoming GroundsFest Academy events – and take your place at the forefront of industry education.

Registration to GroundsFest 2025 is now open. Please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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

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PSD Groundscare celebrate exclusive dealer event

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PSD Groundscare celebrate exclusive dealer event: PSD Groundscare are celebrating a highly successful Exclusive Dealer Training Event at Meriden, Birmingham. The two-day event (18th & 19th March) saw PSD presenting, to their dealer network, new innovations to complement their existing portfolio.

The event was led by the PSD team and included a mix of supplier presentations featuring company histories and product training, which was followed by a hands-on opportunity to try the machinery for themselves.

PSD Groundscare celebrate exclusive dealer event

PSD Groundscare celebrate exclusive dealer event

The dealer partners had the ability to see PSD’s extensive professional product range, plus new innovations, including the expanded range of SABO Equipment, the all-new Hornet RC Flail Mower from EcoTech, Eliet’s new Ecocure Pedestrian Top-dresser, Honda engine Options for Grin Mowers, Koeppl’s unique range of Battery Two Wheeled Tractors and much more.

PSD specialise in various market sectors including long grass and steep slope mowing, turf renovation, green waste shredding and weed removal. The extensive product range includes various petrol engine and battery products.

Training was a key focus of the event, in keeping with PSD’s philosophy that through such training, partners obtain the knowledge and confidence to discuss the equipment in detail with their customers and to offer the best solutions for their individual requirements.

The event was supported in attendance by manufacturers including SABO, represented by Managing Director, Lars Daniel & Pierre Janotta, ELIET, represented by CEO Frederic Lietaer & Gracienne Geenens, EcoTech, represented by Giacomo Facaccia & Michela Tranquillo and GRIN, represented by Stefano Corti.

The day took place at the Forest of Arden Hotel, with sessions both indoors and outdoors with some fantastic weather, making for a highly successful event with an impressive turnout.

Stuart Mercer, Sales Director for PSD said:

“The aim of the event was to bring our dealers partners fully up to speed with what’s new and to ensure that they are well prepared for the season and to provide them with the opportunity to interact directly with our suppliers.”

“At PSD, we always pride ourselves on offering our customers a wide range of events and we were excited again to be able to showcase our range of equipment.”

“We’re absolutely delighted with how well the dealer event went. We not only had a great turn out from Dealers who were very keen to see what’s new, we had some amazing feedback, and it was wonderful to catch up with everyone.”

PSD offers BAGMA dealer staff training, and LANTRA training for their end user customers.

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