Tag Archive for: golf

Seismic shift in golf entertainment growth

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Seismic shift in golf entertainment growth: Golf clubs and courses can drive new business by learning from the “seismic shift” and growth in the golf entertainment sector, new research from Syngenta and Ipsos has found.

Golf & Social Media: Golf Entertainment, published today, reveals customers new to golf perceive golf entertainment venues to offer “more engaging” and “more welcoming” experiences.

Seismic shift in golf entertainment growth

Seismic shift in golf entertainment growth

Launching the report, which analyzed 16.1 million social media posts, shares and comments in the United States and United Kingdom, Syngenta Global Head of Marketing Mark Birchmore said: “The emergence of golf entertainment has been one of the most seismic shifts we’ve witnessed in the industry in recent years.

“According to the National Golf Foundation (NGF), off-course play has skyrocketed by 55% since 2017, now totalling 32.9m participants, compared with a more modest 8% growth in green grass players.

“It begs the question, have green grass clubs and facilities missed out on new customers by not creating the right offer? Nearly a decade ago we carried out market research to look at youth participation and asked ‘what would encourage young people to start golf?’. This revealed a number of pull factors, including the desire for casual dress, an enjoyable, fun, social environment and golf games and new formats: all areas golf entertainment venues excel at.”

The research found that ranges and putting venues are seen to be more engaging and have a better image and reputation among customers than traditional green grass golf courses. Golf entertainment venues are perceived as open to all, offering informal, inclusive experiences for groups of friends with food and drink on tap.

Social media posts also revealed customers thought golf entertainment venues were more welcoming and less intimidating than green grass clubs and courses, with a relaxed atmosphere and no dress code making it the ideal place to sample golf.

The new report is part of a wider study, Golf & Social Media: The Great Divide, which found that there is a clear division between customers who perceive they are a golfer (Insiders) and those who do not (Outsiders).

Many visitors to entertainment outlets such as Topgolf, where technology, gaming and hospitality combine, fall into the Outsiders camp.

“Golf entertainment venues and their success at attracting a huge, new diverse audience presents a massive opportunity for golf course businesses,” continued Mark Birchmore.

“Creating inclusive, welcoming experiences characterized by fun and informality, promoted online with viral content, is something green grass golf venues can take and adapt. In this way, golf’s image and reputation can also be improved, helping attract and engage new waves of customers.”

The report also shines a light on the people around the world shaping golf entertainment’s growth, such as 3s, the 12-hole floodlit concept backed by Justin Timberlake, and a college student posting viral mini-golf videos on TikTok.

Data for the report was provided by Ipsos, with 16.1 million mentions of golf on social media in the United States and UK analyzed over a three-year period (2019-2022).

To download this report and all previous Syngenta market studies, visit: www.syngentagolf.com/golf-industry-reports

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Advancing Golf Course Management

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Advancing Golf Course Management: An educational event, organised by ICL and Syngenta, brought together over 50 greenkeepers from seven different counties for a day filled with insightful presentations and valuable networking opportunities at Burnham and Berrow Golf Club in Somerset.

Liam Rowlands, the ICL Technical Area Sales Manager in the southwest and the driving force behind the event, emphasised the event’s core objective: to educate greenkeepers, facilitate knowledge sharing, and promote professional growth within the turf industry.

Advancing Golf Course Management

Advancing Golf Course Management

The event featured presentations by Liam, Henry Bechelet, ICL Technical Manager, and Sean Loakes, Technical Manager for Syngenta.

Henry shared his extensive expertise in agronomy, focusing on strategies to improve sward species progression in golf greens through ‘The Disturbance Theory’, alongside the importance of water management techniques.

Sean addressed the challenges of controlling Dollar spot, particularly prevalent in the southwest, and discussed disease management strategies and programmes. He highlighted the importance of understanding regional challenges and tailoring solutions through ongoing trials and development.

Attendees, such as Liam Pigden, Deputy Course Manager at Burnham and Berrow, and Richard Ponsford, Course Manager at Clevedon Golf Club, echoed the sentiment that education is the cornerstone of professional development in turf management. Liam noted, “The water management presentation was very interesting, and it was great to see the data and the trials rather than us just putting products on the course and assuming they are going to work. Education is key.”

Richard added, “I’ve come away with more ideas on how to deal with Dollar Spot, and I’ll be looking at a couple of greens a bit differently in terms of moisture management. No matter what line of work you are in, education is useful because the day you stand still is the day you get left behind. It’s been a fascinating event.”

Eddie Cambell, Head Greenkeeper at Ogbourne Downs Golf Club, found the event an excellent opportunity to stay abreast of industry advancements and connect with fellow greenkeepers facing similar challenges. The discussions on water management and the prevalence of Dollar Spot were particularly beneficial, offering insights into proactive strategies for turf maintenance.

This insightful education day exemplifies a commitment to advancing turf management practices through knowledge sharing, networking, and ongoing research. By providing a forum for industry professionals to exchange ideas and stay informed, events like these play a vital role in shaping the future of turf management, ensuring that the industry continues to evolve and adapt to meet emerging challenges.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-growingsolutions.uk and icl-growingsolutions.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Enhancing Ganton Golf Course

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Enhancing Ganton Golf Course: Simon Olver, Course Manager at Ganton Golf Club in North Yorkshire, and his team, have spent the last few years transforming all areas of the course. He explained how alongside some significant course shaping projects, a range of products, especially Attraxor®, are playing a pivotal role in maintaining the course to the highest standards.

Having started his greenkeeping career at the age of 16, Simon’s commitment to excellence led him to the position of Head Greenkeeper by the age of 19. Two decades later, he embarked on a new challenge at the prestigious Ganton Golf Club, a world-class course, ranked number 8 in England, with a rich history of hosting major competitions.

Enhancing Ganton Golf Course

Enhancing Ganton Golf Course

Ganton’s commitment to sustainability aligns with Simon’s vision, aiming to create a pristine environment which is favourable for traditional golf while minimising their carbon footprint. In the pursuit of this goal, Simon acknowledges the challenges posed by the abundant options and choices available. However, he firmly believes in the principle of ‘less is more,’ advocating for a streamlined approach to product selection.

Enter Agrovista Amenity, a key supplier for Simon’s diverse needs. Their extensive portfolio simplifies the decision-making process and among their standout products, the plant growth regulator, Attraxor® has gained prominence. Attraxor® not only optimises turf quality via excellent turf growth regulation and Poa annua suppression but also promotes root growth and enhances colour.

“Attraxor® has proved to be a fantastic addition,” said Simon. “Our aim is to minimise Poa annua in our surfaces as much as possible, while allowing us to achieve our goals. We apply it to our greens every 29 days, starting with lower application rates in spring and increasing to higher application rates in the main playing season, in line with increasing growth rates.

We then lower application rates as we approach the end of the season with decreasing rates of growth. This provides very good growth control, while allowing us to promote a healthy environment for the finer grasses over any annual meadow grass. It has delivered more consistent results across all the grass species, compared with similar products I have used in the past.”

Enhancing Ganton Golf Course

Enhancing Ganton Golf Course

Simon also explained how wetting agents play an integral role at Ganton.

“For the past three years we have used ICL’s TriSmart on our tees, greens, and approaches. It has been very reliable, and it allows us to deal with dry conditions and hydrophobic areas. We also use Revolution from Aquatrols, at various levels of concentration to improve the soil structure and it helps to utilise the moisture within the soil. The beauty with Revolution is that it allows the moisture to drop very low without areas becoming hydrophobic.”

As well as reporting positive results from the products, Simon praised the support and level of service he receives from Agrovista Amenity.

“We have got a very good relationship with the company, and this has strengthened over recent years working with my Agrovista Amenity specialist, Tom Wood, who is available to provide product support, such as new technologies, application rates, information on product performance in various conditions and any regulatory changes we need to be aware of.”

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

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Support for Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

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Support for Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club: The Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club located in the Highlands of Scotland, unfortunately experienced some of the worst damage in the history of the club at the end of October 2023 brought on by Storm Ciaran.

Of course, Fortrose and Rosemarkie was not alone as Scottish golf clubs up and down the east coast of the Home of Golf nation also suffered damage.

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

Unfortunately, Storm Ciaran flexed its muscles menacingly at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Links, as the accompanying photographs taken of the opening two holes sadly reveal the extent and seriousness of the damage caused.

Of course, it was not the first storm to leave its mark on Scottish golf courses and it certainly will not be the last. It is for this reason the club set up a ‘Coastal Erosion’ sub-committee at the end of 2022.  As well, the club had been in discussion prior to Storm Ciaran with Scottish Water, the local Highland Council and Nature Scotland in seeking to identify ways and finance to protect the course from the likelihood of storm damage.

“Tragically, our worst fears were realised last October where five to six metres to the left side, in part, were lost, down both the opening two fairways,” said Mike MacDonald, General Manager at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club.

“It goes without saying, neither the committee nor the club members and our supporters expected the devastating extent of damage that took place during that time”.

Our sub-committee will strive to seek the much-needed financial support where possible.  However, it is pleasing to single out local MSP Kate Forbes for her support and understanding as Fortrose and Rosemarkie works to seek these funds needed to restore the course to its pre–Storm Ciaran picture postcard outlook.

Of course, the club has not been idle working tirelessly to bring the club to a point whereby it can now commence work from today – Monday, 26th February 2024 – in looking to repair and rebuild the damage caused by the storm and, at least try to restore the proud boasting a recorded history back to 1793 back to near its former picture postcard glory.

This initial work to restore and further protect the opening two tee-off areas with rock armour (around 110 metres to cover both tees and the areas around the tees) is estimated to cost £140,000 plus VAT.

At Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club we also need to be not only be conscious of our proud members, our many visitors who travel to play here from around the world and for future generations to come but we also also are very conscious of  members of the public in being able to gain access to the left side of the 1st and 2nd holes as they walk towards Chanonry Lighthouse to either watch the dolphins, walk their dogs or simply enjoy the stunning scenery this area offers.

From a golfing perspective, access to areas between the 1st and 2nd tees also is a strong priority going forward but without the financial support to carry out the club’s plans, this is proving difficult.  By way of background, the foreshore bordering the course is owned by the Highland Council and it is the Highland Council we must rely to finance that work needed to be undertaken to allow safe and proper access for members of the public. Without their financial guarantee, no work in this regard can proceed.

As well, it is estimated the associated costs to restore and protect this unique area of land will run into tens of thousands of Pounds.

“It is why the club kindly seeks your financial support if you are in a position to do so”, said Mike.  “All monies/donations received will be ring-fenced for carrying out the necessary works to restore these areas to how they once were.

We really hope that as a golfer and/or member of the public that you will be able to support us! Thank you so much for your consideration and donation if you are able to do so where we have set up a ‘Go Fund Me’ page!

https://gofund.me/e82cd493

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Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club

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Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club: Ladbrook Park Golf Club, situated in the Warwickshire countryside near Tanworth-in-Arden, has put its trust in Ventrac and taken delivery of FOUR Ventrac 4520 all-terrain compact tractors and 13 attachments to maintain their prestigious 1908 Colt-designed course.

Kevin Fellows has been the course manager for 38 years, having joined the club in 1985 from nearby Shirley Golf Club. He was appointed to his current position in 1994.

Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club

Ventracs replace ageing fleet at Ladbrook Park Golf Club

Commenting on the club’s decision to take this route, he said,

“With the exception of our fine turf areas, the majority of the course is now maintained with Ventrac equipment. It fits in with our agronomic requirements and does everything apart from fine turf and aeration. For all other areas – approaches, fairways, semi, rough, our ecology areas, transport, ditching, haulage – the Ventrac system fits perfectly. At the moment we have everything we need. It fits our current maintenance plan; tomorrows objectives and our longer-term direction.

“Selling it to the board of directors was not an issue. The initial thinking was to identify machines for replacement on a like-for-like basis and then progressively, over the next few years, replace and update as necessary. The alternative was to take the Ventrac route. Fortunately, the Finance director and board were keen to fund our replacement programme, with the support of the Greens committee, whichever direction we chose.

“When the cost options were put on the table it became a bit of a no-brainer. It is difficult to justify spending close to £100,000, or thereabouts, on a dedicated mower to cut rough, which does nothing else apart from macerate leaves and then put in the shed at the end of October and let it sat there, doing nothing for 3-4 months.

“I spoke with the club’s Finance and Greens directors in conjunction with the greens committee and we arranged a demo with a couple of Ventracs and a selection of implements. After some training and machine familiarisation, Jon Lewis, Price Turfcare’s regional sales manager, who I’ve known for years, left it with us so we could thoroughly evaluate it on our course. When you’re looking at new equipment you need to bring your team with you. You sit back and listen to what they say and sitting there one lunchtime, there was a comment which really sticks in my mind; one of the guys said ‘it’s becoming increasingly difficult to say no to.’ And he was right, because it suited our course. You’ve got invest in machinery that suits your course.”

“It was a big commitment to swap out our existing fleet and go, almost exclusively, with Ventrac. Once we started to look, we became increasingly discontent with some of the market forces; supply lines and cost were major considerations. As a course manager you have to think laterally, so I asked myself is there a better way of doing this? Covid caused a reset in thinking; prior to the pandemic a lot of clubs were committed to one manufacturer or another. We were principally a one manufacturer machinery operation.

“I was looking for something that gave us more versatility and began by looking at compact tractors from various manufacturers. Then, by pure chance Jon Lewis dropped by one afternoon with a trailer of Ventrac equipment. Naturally enough I had a look and next morning Jon gave me a brochure. And the rest is history!

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