Tag Archive for: golf

Golf Greens Damaged

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Golf Greens Damaged: Two greens at the Beverley Park Golf Course suffered from a case of vandalism over the Easter weekend.

Between the close of play on Easter Saturday evening and Easter Sunday morning vandals  damaged the 5th and 12th greens near the Targo Road boundary.

“It looks like the greens have been raked with a metal or wooden stake,” Mr Bates said.

The damage has been estimated at around $1800. St George Police have been informed.

“The additional repair work is yet another burden for the overworked five-member course staff, their budget and hectic work schedule,” Mr Bates said.

The club has lodged a development application to erect a 2.1-metre railing fence around the perimeter of the golf course which is being opposed by Beverley Park residents.

The club has said the fence is necessary to stop vandalism, anti-social behaviour and golfers using the course without paying which has caused the club to lose $55,000 a year in green fees.

The residents say the fence will see the removal of about 156 trees and bar access to the golf course which as Crown Land should be accessible to the public.

They say CCTV and extra security could be used to stop any vandalism.

The club said there is a small parcel of land that is Crown Land and the council owns the rest with the lease saying the club will not give right of way across the premises.

The development application is before Georges River Council for a decision.

“The club has had enough of the ongoing damage to the course, losing over $100,000 per annum due to people hopping over the old dilapidated wooden logs at the back end of the course and playing for nothing, as well as the ongoing damage and anti-social behaviour,” Mr Bates said.

“All other courses in the St George district and the shire have security fences erected for obvious reasons and we want to bring Beverley Park into line with them.

“Like any business which services more than 50,000 games a year and costs more than $900,000 to maintain, we need to ensure it is locked up and kept safe during the night.”

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Battle Of The Golf Car Batteries

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Battle Of The Golf Car Batteries: The discussion about golf car batteries and the benefits of the different types has been taking place for some time now. E-Z-GO is the first major golf car manufacturer to introduce a lithium-ion (li-ion) golf car and experts in the field of battery power share the consensus that li-ion batteries improve the performance and longevity of golf cars compared to traditional lead acid batteries. Consumers have also been quick to adopt the new technology with golf club managers and purse string holders realising that the benefits of li-ion golf cars ultimately outweigh the initial up-front costs.

A recent report by Technavio forecasts that the global golf cart battery market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 5% between 2017-2021. Another report by the market research firm Genpact said the global golf car demand will reach 214,000 units this year and that their installation rate for li-ion batteries will jump drastically from 1 percent last year to 14 percent this year. The li-ion battery installation rate on Korean golf cars has already surpassed 90 percent, according to the same report.

Battle Of The Golf Car Batteries

As aforementioned, E-Z-GO has capitalised on the trend in the market and has taken the lead in this field: “Vendors are expanding their current production capacities for lead-acid batteries. Samsung SDI has a contract with golf car manufacturer, E-Z-GO to supply its cylindrical battery, which is based on the li-ion battery technology.” says Thanikachalam Chandrasekaran, a lead analyst at Technavio for energy storage research.

This collaboration has resulted in the E-Z-GO ELiTE golf car series where the vehicles are powered by hundreds of Samsung SDI lithium cells that are loaded into a single battery pack. The battery pack is controlled by an advanced Battery Management System that monitors efficiency, temperature, state of charge and the health of the batteries.

“The golf course industry is witnessing a transformation, owing to the use of latest technologies. To enhance a golfer’s experience and attract new customers, golf clubs are integrating the latest models of golf cars…” Chandrasekaran says. It is no surprise that clubs are looking to enhance the golfing experience, given the competitive nature of the industry. A golfer will spend approximately 85-90 percent of their time in a golf car in many cases, so it seems that investing in golf cars is key.

Since the introduction of the ELiTE Series in 2017, it has been widely adopted by a range of clubs with vastly differing budgets including Princes Golf Club in Kent, U.K., and Real Club Valderrama in Spain, to name but a few. While clubs are realising the benefits of li-ion technology, there are still obstacles to overcome, and a big one is budget.

The cost of an E-Z-GO ELiTE golf car is approximately 20% dearer than the cost of an equivalent vehicle with a lead acid battery. This may seem like a hefty difference in price, but if you study the long-term financial savings as well as the time saved on maintenance and charging, the former soon becomes the more appealing option.

The benefits of li-ion technology have been broken down in the categories below to fully understand the myriad of benefits and the areas that have the most potential for making significant cost savings.

Weight

A golf car with a li-ion battery has a significantly enhanced power-to-weight ratio. Li-ion batteries are half the size of lead acid batteries and a fraction of the weight. To put a figure on this, a standard li-ion battery in an E-Z-GO ELiTE golf car weighs 23kg, compared to a standard lead-acid battery which weighs around 150kg. This dramatic reduction in weight and size of the battery means that the golf car can reach higher speeds with less effort and carry more weight without the power fading and the performance diminishing.

This huge weight saving allows the lithium-powered car to carry the equivalent of an additional two average-sized adults and their equipment before reaching capacity. This is made possible because lithium batteries maintain the same voltage outputs regardless of the battery’s charge. As a result, the golf car continues to perform after its lead-acid counterpart has shown signs of fatigue. In comparison, lead acid batteries lose voltage output and performance after 70-75 percent of the rated battery capacity is used, which has a negative impact on carrying capacity and the issue is highlighted as the day progresses.

Maintenance

One of the major benefits of li-ion batteries is that they require no maintenance whatsoever as opposed to lead-acid batteries which need regular checks and maintenance. This ultimately results in saved man hours and the extra costs of maintenance tools and products. The lack of lead-acid means that chemical spills are avoided and the chance of downtime on your golf cars is drastically reduced.

However, it is still important to take care of any vehicle or machinery to protect it for years of use. One of the biggest factors when it comes to the wear and tear of golf cars is the weight of them; a heavy vehicle is more of a challenge to drive uphill or on uneven terrain, and can damage turf especially in wet conditions. The reduction in weight when using li-ion batteries protects turf and removes unnecessary stress on brakes and other components on the golf car.

Charging

This is an inevitable part of owning any vehicle powered by electricity. Regardless of the type of battery, electric vehicles still need to be charged. This can be an inconvenience if you do not have a fleet of golf cars or a schedule that allows time for charging in between uses.

Golf cars need to be able to maintain consistent power and speed on a range of terrains. Studies have proven that li-ion batteries are able to provide this consistency, but lead-acid batteries will have a negative impact on the performance of the golf car as the voltage dips.

On average, it takes eight hours to fully recharge a lead-acid battery. However, a li-ion battery can be recharged up to 80 percent its capacity in just one hour, and 100 percent in less than four hours. Another contrast between the two types of battery is that partially charge lead-acid batteries are susceptible to sulfation damage, meaning that if the golf car is charged to less than 100 percent, the life of the battery is significantly reduced. Conversely, li-ion batteries show no adverse effects of being charged less than capacity, meaning that users can “opportunity charge,” plugging vehicles in for quick charging sessions that can rapidly restore significant levels of energy to the battery system, as opposed to the lengthy recharge cycles required by lead-acid batteries.

Golfers will often pay good money to enjoy a round of golf, and in this day and age, it is unacceptable for a golf car to run out of juice half way through a round. Not only can it potentially ruin the golfer’s overall experience, but it drives much needed business away. For this reason, the importance of efficient and long-lasting battery life in golf cars cannot be understated.

Eco-Friendly

The E-Z-GO website states, “Driven by a zero-emissions, greener battery technology, ELiTE vehicles protect the Earth by using less energy.” This statement is supported by the fact that li-ion batteries take significantly less time to fully charge, and the life span of lithium-powered batteries is longer than lead-acid counterparts.

Li-ion batteries do not contain hazardous material, whereas lead-acid batteries, as the name suggests, contain lead which is harmful to the environment. However, both are recyclable which is only a positive thing for the environment.

Many golf clubs now have environmental policies in place, some of which are overseen by the Golf Environment Organisation (GEO) and other official bodies. The introduction of li-ion golf cars has given clubs another avenue to enhance environmental sustainability on the golf course in an industry that is always striving to reduce its carbon footprint.

To Conclude…

The longevity and performance enhancing capabilities of li-ion batteries somewhat outweighs the initial up-front cost that consumers are faced with. If golf clubs and private users can see beyond this, not only does the investment pay for itself over time, but big savings can be made in the way of reduced energy bills, maintenance costs, and possible repairs that would otherwise need to be made to heavy lead-acid golf cars and any damage to turf that they cause.

Furthermore, in a spate of recent lead-acid battery thefts at a number of golf clubs in the U.K., a li-ion battery is not valuable to thieves in terms of its content or the material it is made from. While it does not combat the underlying issue of criminal activity, it does at least reduce the chances of theft and the financial and legal impact associated with it.

In a market where the trend leans towards lithium technology being the way forward, there will no doubt be more and more manufacturers following in the footsteps of E-Z-GO and its introduction of the ELiTE series.

For more information, visit: ezgo.txtsv.com

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Golf Club’s New Wiedenmann XF

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Golf Club’s New Wiedenmann XF: A golf club based in Hertfordshire has replaced its existing Wiedenmann Terra Spike XF with a newer version after 14 years of success.

Craig Betts, Course Manager of Aldwickbury Park GC, Harpenden, said he had no hesitation in making a repeat selection: “Our original machine never let us down. Knowing the machine could deliver all we wanted made it a straight forward update.”

Golf Club's New Wiedenmann XF

“Aside from additional tines, we’ve only needed to replace the bearings on the rollers. Running costs matter so I know first-hand we’ve had versatility and value.   Mark House at our dealer Ernest Doe in Benington sorted the switch, so here’s to another 14 years.”

Changes to the XF in the interim include hydraulic depth control giving infinite depth adjustment from the cab as well as a two piece heave bar system bringing additional shock absorbers.

With vistas across the Lea Valley, Aldwickbury Park’s two busy courses – the 18 hole ‘Manor’ and the par 3 ‘Park’ – both open 365 days a year. Craig Betts and his team don’t leave aeration to chance.   Slots to deep tine all tees, greens and approaches are timetabled to cause least disruption.

“We start early and keep our heads down.  We know the XF to be quick and that’s what we need.  This past month we’ve gone to 275 mm deep but we vary it according to the time and conditions.”

Aldwickbury Park shares its Terra Spike XF with fellow Burhill Golf & Leisure Group club, Redbourn GC, also Harpenden.

For more information, visit: www.wiedenmann.co.uk

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Golf For National Heroes

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Golf For National Heroes: Huxley Golf has completed its third project for Help for Heroes: a large putting green at the charity’s Northern Recovery Centre at Phoenix House in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire. The project comes after two similar successful projects which were conducted for the charity’s Recovery Centres at Tedworth House, Wiltshire and at Chavasse VC House, Essex.

The new facility will be used by short stay, day visitors and guests to Phoenix House who take part in activities and courses to help them get back out doing what they enjoy most. Beneficiaries are encouraged to develop their own recovery programme under the guidance of specialist staff and may involve participation in sporting activities and guidance on health and wellbeing.

Golf For National Heroes

The putting green was officially opened at a ceremony on 18 January 2018 by Bernie Broad (left), Invictus Team GB Captain, and Peter Scrivener (right), Wasps Legends Trustee of Wasps Legends Charitable Foundation which kindly funded the project.

In extremely wintry conditions, the all-weather course was certainly put to the test on the day and proved that nothing can stand in the way of a good game of golf!

Speaking at the event, Bernie Broad said that sport and activities outdoors were vital to a healthy life style. He said: “I was introduced to golf whilst going through my recovery and it was such an enabler for me. It gave me such a challenge and reason to get out of bed some mornings. The putting green in Catterick, kindly funded by the Wasps Legends Charitable Foundation, will enable individuals to get outside and do something out of the ordinary, clear their minds and just breathe in the fresh air. Good putting is also key to good golf and a low handicap!”

The new putting green has pride of place at the entrance to the Recovery Centre, providing an aesthetically pleasing and welcoming – yet low maintenance – focal point on arrival at Phoenix House. The kidney-shaped six-hole green, created using the market-leading Huxley Golf Premier Nylon Putting Turf, measures approximately 76 sq. yards in total. To complete the project, a 35mm fringe surround was laid using Huxley Golf Leisure Turf.

Paul Chester, General Manager at Huxley Golf said: “This was an interesting project in terms of its design. The original idea was to position the new putting green on a hilly grassed area but, working in partnership with the management team, we concluded that the site was too steep. Our solution was to convert a disused bowls court. The result not only looks fantastic but importantly, it is easy for all visitors to access, regardless of injury. We’re extremely proud to have created a golf facility at three out of four Help for Heroes Recovery Centres.”

Help for Heroes Head of Recovery North, David McNeill, said the new creation would improve golfing skills and help the beneficiaries in other areas. He said: “The putting green is brilliant and a fantastic resource. It will encourage people to challenge themselves through golf, whether as an individual or in a group. I look forward to seeing those we support staying out late into the summer nights, enjoying themselves and improving their golfing skills.”

Peter Scrivener, Trustee of Wasps Legends Charitable Foundation, added that he hoped the new addition to the Recovery Centre would allow past and present servicemen and women to take their minds off their injuries. He added: “The putting green is a space where they can have some time alone and develop a new skill. When they come here they might be completely new to the experience, but it just gives them somewhere to go, give themselves peace and just enjoy themselves. We are delighted to support this, it is very humbling.”

For more information, visit: www.huxleygolf.com

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Golf Club Vandalised

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Golf Club Vandalised: A North-East golf club has hit out at individuals who stole two buggies and caused thousands of pounds of damage.

Vandals struck at Insch Golf Club leaving tyre marks on a green, pulling up posts and driving over signs.

Club manager Jayne Farquhar said she and her staff were “really upset” after the incident on Tuesday.

She said: “It’s disheartening because everyone works so hard to keep the greens looking good, and this comes at a time when golf clubs are struggling.

“It would be horrible if this turns out to have been someone local.

“This is a members-only club and they pay a lot to play here so for someone to have done this shows total disregard and disrespect for the work put in.”

It is thought that the damage to the green alone could be between £2,000 and £3,000 – and that doesn’t include the cost of repairing the golf buggies.

One of the buggies was recovered more than a mile away on Western Road in Insch at around 8.40pm on Tuesday with the second recovered a short time later.

Vice captain of the club Colin Campbell was hopeful that repairs could be made to the green.

He said: “We are all disappointed.

“This has happened before but never as bad as this – this is substantial damage.

“Our head groundsman is confident that he can re-cover the green, but because the grass isn’t growing now the scars will be visible for a while.

“The mechanic will be looking at the buggies because the windscreens were smashed and there may be also be damage to the underside as the vandals drove over signs.”

Investigating officer Pc Mark Hammond said: “The buggies had been parked at Insch Golf Club at 3.30pm that day but a member of the public called in about the buggy at Western Road in the evening.

“Anyone who either saw any of the buggies being moved later in the afternoon or in the evening or who knows anything about this incident is asked to contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 3594 of 30 January.

“Information can also be provided anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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