Tag Archive for: golf

Tobermory Golf Club invests in new Jacobsen equipment

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Tobermory Golf Club invests in new Jacobsen equipment:  An island golf club with just 70 members has made a major investment to safeguard the condition of its much-loved nine-hole course. Tobermory Golf Club, a longstanding community hub on Mull, has purchased a new Jacobsen PGM 22 pedestrian greens mower and a caddy trailer to help its small volunteer-led team manage the steep hilltop layout.

The machines were sourced through Jacobsen’s Scottish dealer, Fairways GM at Inchinnan.

Tobermory Golf Club invests in new Jacobsen equipment

Tobermory Golf Club invests in new Jacobsen equipment

The investment comes as Greens Convener John Wilshire approaches a remarkable milestone — next May marks 50 years of working association with the club. Now semi-retired and working around 15 hours a week, he coordinates a small multi-skilled team who each contribute part-time hours to course upkeep.

“Our course sits on a hilltop and drains incredibly quickly, even after really heavy rain,” John Wilshire said. “Now we’re in mid-November, we’re cutting maybe twice a week at most, but in summer the workload is much higher.”

Multiple jobs are a way of life in Tobermory, and the greens team reflects that.

“Most of our greens mowing is done by one of our team who is also the local baker,” he added. “He’s in the bakery from 4.30am to 8.30am, then comes up to cut the greens. In summer that can be four or five times a week; at this time of year it’s about twice as the growth tails off.”

The PGM 22 will be used exclusively on the greens and supported by the club’s existing tees mower. The older greens mower remains as a backup, while a 20-year-old Jacobsen is still used after sanding to protect newer kit from abrasive conditions.

Fairways GM’s Area Sales Manager, Stuart Cameron demonstrated and delivered the new PGM 22 and caddy trailer, ensuring the team were confident with the setup ahead of next season.

The Jacobsen combination is expected to make day-to-day work on the slopes much easier when the 2026 cutting season begins.

“The new trailer makes it much simpler for anyone cutting the greens to load and unload the mower,” said John Wilshire. “Our previous trailer was higher and far less convenient — this one is like a little caddy.”

When the club later needed help, Service Manager Stewart Mulholland stepped in without delay.

“Service Manager Stewart Mulholland came over to the island to assist us,” John Wilshire said. “He cleared up a bit of confusion with the bottom blade and took us through the correct procedures.”

Still serving as Greens Convener, Club President and clubhouse caretaker, John has now stepped back from full-time duties. “I used to look after the whole course myself, but after reaching retirement age I now just do bits and pieces.”

Tobermory Golf Club continues to welcome members, visitors and golfers from around the world, drawn by its dramatic views over the Sound of Mull and its friendly welcome.

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Origin hosts successful golf irrigation training days

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Origin hosts successful golf irrigation training days: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS), the exclusive Rain Bird Golf distributor for the UK, recently hosted two successful golf irrigation training days, providing delegates with a comprehensive understanding of their irrigation systems and how to optimise their performance.

The first session took place at Luffenham Heath Golf Club, Stamford, on Thursday 30 October, where a new Rain Bird irrigation system has recently been installed. The second event was held at Ashby Decoy Golf Club, Scunthorpe, on Wednesday 5 November.

Origin hosts successful golf irrigation training days

Origin hosts successful golf irrigation training days

Both events were well attended, attracting course managers, greenkeepers and irrigation technicians keen to enhance their technical knowledge. BIGGA CPD points were available to attendees, reinforcing the educational value of the sessions.

The training gave delegates an in-depth understanding of irrigation hydraulics on their own courses, exploring how to make existing irrigation systems operate more uniformly and how to combat dry patch to achieve better results without significant capital investment. The sessions also included an introduction to Rain Bird’s CirrusPRO™ control system, with discussion around how central control technology can help make irrigation more uniform and effective.

The days were hosted by Peter Robin, OAS Irrigation Product Manager, and Angus Finlayson, OAS Irrigation & Digital Solutions Lead, who shared their expertise and practical experience throughout.

Peter Robin commented, “It was fantastic to see so many enthusiastic delegates keen to deepen their understanding of irrigation technology. We aimed to help them get the best out of their systems, and the feedback has been really positive. The engagement and questions throughout both days showed a genuine interest in making irrigation more efficient and effective on the golf course.”

Angus Finlayson added, “Both events were a great success. We focused on broader irrigation principles rather than system-specific demonstrations and the level of participation was excellent. It was rewarding to see delegates leave with more confidence in operating and improving their irrigation systems, regardless of the brand.”

For information on upcoming events and training opportunities, visit www.originamenity.com.

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Championship-Quality Golf All Year Round

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Championship-Quality Golf All Year Round: West Lothian’s premier golf and leisure destination, Deer Park Golf & Country Club, is proving that championship golf doesn’t stop when the clocks go back. With a significant investment in winter course care and maintenance, Deer Park is offering golfers the chance to enjoy superb playing conditions 365 days a year, ensuring the course remains in peak form, whatever the weather.

The club’s recent programme of works includes extensive micro-coring, verti-draining, and topdressing of greens and pitching areas, along with re-shaped bunkers, tree maintenance and improved course drainage. These investments are part of a long-term commitment to enhance playability, presentation, and sustainability, creating a course that performs beautifully through all seasons.

Championship-Quality Golf All Year Round

Championship-Quality Golf All Year Round

With fewer crowds, crisp air, and the unique lighting of the winter months, Deer Park offers a distinctive playing experience that appeals to flexible workers, retired golfers, and visiting players alike. The prestigious clubhouse is open seven days a week and ready to welcome members and guests for pre- or post-round refreshments. Golfers can enjoy 18 holes on the championship course for just £25 until March 2026, providing superb value and an opportunity to enjoy the full greens experience and keep the game sharp all year round.

Iain Stoddard, PGA leading professional at Deer Park, said: “Thanks to significant investment and the team’s hard work, the course is in excellent condition. The putting greens are rolling beautifully and the fairways are firm and consistent, ideal for anyone that wants to keep their game strong over the winter months. It’s great to see so many golfers making the most of the fantastic value and year-round play available here at Deer Park.”

Mark Campbell, Head Greenkeeper at Deer Park, said: “This winter’s programme is all about elevating the course’s condition and playability. Our team is fully committed to ensuring Deer Park remains in perfect shape throughout the year, with much of the work already underway. We appreciate the continued support of our members and visitors, and look forward to delivering a course we can all continue to be proud of.”

With Christmas just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to give the gift of golf and Deer Park memberships, including junior, senior and full options, provide year-round access to championship-standard play with a welcoming club community and a host of leisure and dining facilities.

Advance booking advised, for more information please call 01506 446699 or visit www.deer-park.co.uk.

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Committee for Golf Club Salaries – Statement for 2026

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Committee for Golf Club Salaries – Statement for 2026: Following yesterday’s announcement on our social media channels, the CGCS is pleased to share the full details of its latest recommendations on remuneration for key roles in golf.

Whilst our sport continues to thrive it is clear that challenges remain in finding and retaining the right people to maintain this momentum. There are also pressures on employers to meet increased overheads in the same way that employees are facing a continued squeeze on household finances. The CGCS takes both of these factors into account when arriving at a recommendation.

Committee for Golf Club Salaries – Statement for 2026

Committee for Golf Club Salaries – Statement for 2026

Inflationary measures since the last recommendations were published have been almost the inverse of the previous twelve months. Whilst not quite reaching the highs of September 2023, inflation has risen steadily with some signs that we may have reached a plateau. At the same time Regular Pay inflation is currently at its lowest for 24 months.

The Committee believes that the issue of highly qualified and experienced staff being caught up in terms of salary by those enjoying the rise in the NLW still remains a significant problem.

With these factors in mind the Committee is recommending an overall wage increase of 4.8% from January 1st, 2026. Employers will continue to take an approach to remuneration decisions that reflects their own business environment and we hope that this recommendation is given commensurate consideration at this point.

Further to this our deliberations have considered the value of factors in addition to pay awards. A growing number of employers are looking at how they can reward and motivate employees through a package of measures that include private health insurance, a defined proportion of budget ringfenced for professional development and also demonstrating a commitment to a robust governance structure. These factors all contribute to giving employees the sense that the business in which they work is genuinely committed to staff well-being.

With this in mind the CGCS is also recommending employers consider adding a further 2% to the overall package of key staff from January 1st, 2026. We believe that this reflects the growing practice amongst employers of considering staff remuneration in this way and will have a positive impact on staff retention.

Should any employer wish to seek advice on these or any other issues relating to staff development please feel free to contact the GCMA or BIGGA who are well-placed to provide advice and support.

Head to the CGCS website for more information and to explore the salary calculators, guidelines and principles of good pay.

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BGL partners with Carr Golf to elevate agronomic standards

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BGL partners with Carr Golf to elevate agronomic standards: BGL (Burhill Group Limited), one of the UK’s largest multi-club operating groups, has announced a new partnership with Carr Golf, a leading golf service provider, to deliver agronomic consultancy and greenkeeping support across its golf venues in England.

The collaboration brings together two family-owned businesses with deep roots in golf, combining BGL’s long-standing commitment to exceptional customer experiences with Carr Golf’s proven expertise in course maintenance, technical support, and data-driven agronomy.

BGL partners with Carr Golf to elevate agronomic standards

BGL partners with Carr Golf to elevate agronomic standards

“Partnering with Carr Golf represents a major step forward for BGL as we continue to raise the standard of our golf courses and invest in our people,” said Guy Riggott, Chief Operating Officer of BGL’s Golf Division. “As environmental, technological, and financial pressures grow, we believe that working collaboratively with experts who share our values will help us meet these challenges head on and deliver an even better experience for our growing number of members and guests.”

Carr Golf will work closely with BGL’s course managers and greenkeeping teams to provide technical guidance, mechanical support, and detailed agronomic planning. The consultancy will also help BGL enhance sustainability reporting, leveraging data to track resource efficiency, support GEO recertifications, and inform long-term investment decisions.

“This partnership is not about wholesale change,” added Riggott. “It’s about applying best practice, mentoring and developing our talented teams, and embracing new ways of working that will ensure our venues continue to lead in course presentation and conditioning.”

Ed Pettit, Managing Director of Carr Golf’s Maintenance Division, said: “We’re delighted to partner with BGL and bring our agronomic expertise, technical support, and data-driven approach to their outstanding portfolio of venues. Our focus is on working hand-in-hand with course managers and greenkeeping teams. Supporting them with the tools, insight, and training they need to help raise standards, improve sustainability, and deliver an even better experience for golfers. This collaboration is built on shared values and a passion for continuous improvement, and we’re excited to see what we can achieve together.”

Carr Golf has already begun integrating with clubs across the BGL portfolio, working closely with maintenance teams to implement best practices and develop new agronomic programmes. This process will continue throughout the remainder of the year and beyond, ensuring every venue is equipped to meet future challenges while consistently progressing in course quality and playing conditions.

To find out more about BGL Golf and all 10 venues located around the UK, visit: https://bglcompany.co.uk/golf/

To find out more about Carr Golf, visit: www.carrgolfmaintenance.com 

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