Tag Archive for: Helps

Relationship with George Browns Ltd helps Risebridge

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Relationship with George Browns Ltd helps Risebridge: Continued investment and the hard work of the greenkeeping team has seen the 18-hole pay and play facilities at Risebridge Golf Centre in Romford go from strength to strength – as has the club’s relationship with dealers George Browns Ltd, who have recently installed another batch of maintenance equipment, adding to an already sizeable fleet from brands including Baroness and Kubota. 

Spearheading the full-time team of four is Head Greenkeeper Doug Mackison, who explains how George Browns Ltd have played a supporting role in operations across the parkland course for the last four years. “We struck up a relationship with Tim Mason initially, who helped us out with some hire equipment before the funding became available to invest. By this point I’d been in the industry for over 40 years and in that time there weren’t many brands of mower I hadn’t tried. Baroness, however, was one of them but Tim demonstrated how good the cut performance and build quality was and it was on the back of this that we purchased a fleet of fairway mowers, greens and tees mowers and a bunker rake. We’ve not looked back since!”

Relationship with George Browns Ltd helps Risebridge

Relationship with George Browns Ltd helps Risebridge

An L1-382 compact tractor, Z122R zero-turn mower and RTVX-1440 from Kubota quickly followed, with a Baroness GM2810 rough mower, LM531 fairway mower and SP05 bunker rake the most recent additions, delivered in October 2023. “What I like about all of the Kubota and Baroness equipment is that they’re not all computerised, it’s very intuitive to operate and you still feel in control of the job at hand.” Doug continues, “Luke Farrow installed the recent trio, he was very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the procurement process and continues to support us as we get to grips with our new machines.”

“Actually, the support we’ve had from George Browns Ltd has always been excellent! We go to them for some of the annual servicing requirements and the rest of the time they’re always on hand to answer questions from our mechanic. On the odd occasion we’ve needed a spare part, these have always been supplied quickly.” He adds, “It’s the whole package which keeps us loyal. The top service and the 13 machines that George Browns Ltd have supplied are a real asset to us and our course.”

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Toro helps Lewes Golf Club

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Toro helps Lewes Golf Club: East Sussex-based Lewes Golf Club has brought in a small but mighty fleet of Toro machinery to help with its winter development project, the first goal of which will be to recondition eight of the club’s 11 bunkers.

When it comes to turfcare machinery, course manager Tim Brewster, knows he can rely on Toro’s extensive range of mowers and utility vehicles. He’s of the view that it’s important to work with the best when looking after a course steeped in history: the work never stops.

Toro helps Lewes Golf Club

Toro helps Lewes Golf Club

Although Tim’s relatively new to the club, having joined just before the pandemic, he has big plans to execute this winter. Fortunately, Lewes recently brought in a small but robust Toro fleet – Groundsmaster 3500 and 4500, Reelmaster 3575, TriFlex 3420, and Workman HDX – with the assistance of Reesink.

Tim’s a career-long Toro user. Since 2005, he’s relied on the brand to deliver a consistent and professional cut. On top of the club’s new fleet, Tim also runs a 12-year-old Toro tees mower, which he argues still performs like it did on day one. For his latest project, though, the star of the show won’t be a mower.

“In total, we have 11 bunkers,” says Tim. “Last year, we revamped three, so that means eight more to do this winter. While we’re a relatively small team, it’s a fairly big job. However, with the new Workman HDX, we’re now best placed to complete it.

“As the name suggests, it’s a total workhorse,” he adds. “We can put a top dresser on it, load it up with sand and top-up bunkers with ease. It’s going to be a huge help when we begin the bunker revamp project this winter.”

Tim’s also quick to praise Reesink’s help with finding the right machinery for the club. Over 125 years old, Lewes Golf Club is a varied, downland course; players need to think their way through each tee. “Every green is different,” Tim reveals. “Some are built on clay; others have four inches of root zone and chalk or a ballast mix of soil and sand.

“The diversity makes it interesting for golfers,” he continues. “But it also affects how we look after the course. Each green dries and drains at different rates, so we have to treat each on an individual basis. It’s a unique groundskeeping experience.

“Reesink’s advice and customer service throughout the process was fantastic. When we started looking for a new fleet, we came up with a checklist that covered various factors (quality, fuel consumption, and comfortability, for instance) and we sampled lots of brands from various retailers. Needless to say, Reesink and Toro came out on top!”

To learn more about Toro’s package deals, call 01480 226800 or visit https://www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Riptide helps to transform the greens at Dudsbury

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Riptide helps to transform the greens at Dudsbury: Five years ago, Dudsbury Golf Club embarked on an ambitious project to revolutionise the composition of their greens.

The decision to introduce ProSelect Riptide, a creeping bentgrass exclusive to ICL, was met with both anticipation and trepidation. Fast forward to today, and the results speak for themselves. The greens at Dudsbury Golf Club have undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the successful sward composition change.

Riptide helps to transform the greens at Dudsbury

Riptide helps to transform the greens at Dudsbury

ProSelect Riptide has proven to be a game-changer in the golf course management industry. Its unique characteristics and superior performance have made it an ideal choice for Dudsbury Golf Club. We spoke to the course manager, Warren Moss, to get his insights on the impact of ProSelect Riptide on the greens.

“The change to ProSelect Riptide has been truly remarkable,” Warren shared enthusiastically. “The greens are now in pristine condition year-round. The grass has a vibrant green colour, excellent ball roll, and exceptional disease resistance. It has significantly improved the playability of the course, making it a delight for golfers of all levels.”

The benefits of ProSelect Riptide extend beyond aesthetics and playability. Its deep rooting system ensures better drought tolerance and reduced water consumption, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Additionally, the grass recovers quickly from pitch marks and other forms of damage, resulting in quicker healing times and improved overall turf health.

Members of Dudsbury Golf Club have been quick to note the positive impact brought about by ProSelect Riptide. One regular shared that the greens used to be inconsistent, but since the switch, the course feels akin to a professional tour circuit. The ball now rolls smoothly, providing an exceptional putting experience. They were full of praise for the club’s management for this outstanding improvement.

An equally appreciative voice highlighted the visual appeal of the course since the change. They noted that ProSelect Riptide has been a game-changer, leading to smooth and uniform greens that provide Dudsbury Golf Club with a distinct edge. Being part of a club that prioritizes quality and constantly strives to enhance the golfing experience was described as a true pleasure.

The success of the sward composition change at Dudsbury Golf Club with ProSelect Riptide is a testament to the importance of innovative turf management practices. By embracing cutting-edge solutions, golf courses can elevate the quality of their greens, improve player satisfaction, and ensure environmental sustainability.

The collaboration between Dudsbury Golf Club and ICL, serves as a shining example of how investing in advanced turf technologies can pay off in the long run. It not only enhances the reputation of the golf club but also attracts new members and visitors who appreciate the value of exceptional playing conditions.

As the golf industry continues to evolve, it is imperative for golf course managers to stay ahead of the curve. The success story of Dudsbury Golf Club should inspire other clubs to explore innovative turfgrass solutions and embrace positive change. ProSelect Riptide has undeniably left its mark on the greens at Dudsbury Golf Club, and it will continue to do so for years to come, ensuring a superior golfing experience for all.

For more information, please visit www.icl-growingsolutions.uk

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

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New Verti-Drain® 2519 helps PNE

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New Verti-Drain® 2519 helps PNE: A high speed Redexim Verti-Drain® 2519 is delivering outstanding results for the team at Preston North End Football Club, as the team work to complete regular aeration in ever-tighter schedule windows.

Currently in use at the club’s new first team training complex at Euxton, Head Groundsman Peter Ashworth says the ability to verti-drain two or three pitches in one day enables them to meet other maintenance deadlines whilst bringing multiple benefits to overall surface condition.

New Verti-Drain® 2519 helps PNE

New Verti-Drain® 2519 helps PNE

Peter and his team of six look after a total of nine pitches across two training ground sites and the Deepdale Stadium, who now all have the use of the new 2519 alongside their existing Redexim 7316 Verti-Drain®. “With one machine to operate across all three facilities, we we’re increasingly finding that everybody always needed to use it at the same time!” Peter explains. “I spoke to Greg Cain at Cheshire Turf Machinery and asked to see the new Redexim machine and were instantly impressed with how quick it was. You could tell from that demonstration, and subsequent periods where we had the opportunity to use the 2519, how much of a difference it would make to the speed of our aeration work.”

The 2519 offers a PTO speed of up to 540rpm which allows it to cover almost 9000m2 per hour when spaced at 165mm. Not just offering high-productivity, the Verti-Drain® 2519 encompasses the very best in Redexim precision engineering to deliver durability and versatility – with a range of tine options capable of delivering effective aeration around the maintenance calendar.

“The first team will be using two or three of the pitches at the Euxton ground every day, so to keep them fit for play we’re mowing them before and after training which leaves little time for anything else. Since we took delivery of the 2519 in January 2023, we’ve been able to factor in aerating a pitch or two amongst our other tasks, which keeps us in control of any compaction and ensures everything stays free draining, particularly during the wetter winter months.”

“Everything is nice and easy to set up and adjust, and my team are enjoying how smooth and quiet it is to operate.” Peter adds, “For me personally, the whole process has been really straight-forward. Like many manufacturers, there were a few hold-ups caused by COVID, but we had brilliant support throughout from both Cheshire Turf Machinery and Redexim, who went the extra mile to help us with a loan machine to get us through a particularly challenging few weeks weather-wise whilst we waited. Now that our 2519 is here, life looks as though it will be much easier!”

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ICL helps Rhinos through busiest year

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ICL helps Rhinos through busiest year: Ryan Golding, Head Groundsperson for Leeds Rhinos, claims that a range of ICL products has helped the club to successfully navigate the busiest year on record.

He may have been at the club for nearly two decades, but Ryan has just witnessed the busiest ever year, in terms of pitch usage, at Headingley Stadium. In addition to the multitude of standard games and events, Headingley was also the most used pitch at the Rugby League World Cup last year.

ICL helps Rhinos through busiest year

ICL helps Rhinos through busiest year

With such heavy usage, Ryan explained how he and his three members of staff quite often have to go against the agronomical rule book and push the boundaries.

“We are one of the most highly used surfaces in professional sport and so we have to do things a little differently at times,” he said. “For example, we may need to apply a conventional fertiliser just before the snow comes because we need cover. There will also be times when we need to apply products in what might normally be considered to be less than ideal conditions. Unfortunately, with the time scales involved, we have to complete tasks whenever we can.”

Ryan knows that using the correct products is key to success.

“The response, quality, longevity, and variety of ICL products has allowed us to push our usage and quality of surface, as well as allowing us flexibility in the types of events that we can host.”

Ryan loosely follows an ICL integrated turf management programme but due to the unique situation at Headingley, he takes a somewhat relative approach as to when he applies products.

He pin-pointed three ICL products which have made a significant impact in the past year.

“ProTurf 15-5-15 (a controlled release fertiliser) always provides us with a good base. The longevity we get from the feed, and the colour and the response are first-class. It also gives us the room to apply a conventional whenever we need it.

“That’s where the Sportsmaster NK 12.0.9+Fe (a phosphate free compound fertiliser) comes in. It’s an old-school product, which I like, and the response we get from it is rapid. The colour it provides is fantastic and it is an ideal product for match preparation or recovery. How often we apply it really depends on the pitch, but I like to think of it as giving an athlete who is very tired a can of Red Bull.

“We’ve also used H2Pro TriSmart wetting agent,” continued Ryan. “We’ve seen great results from it retaining the moisture and it has had a good effect on our root depth, especially in being able to manage movement of the moisture throughout the profile.”

In addition to the good results he has reported from using the ICL products, Ryan was also keen to emphasise the importance of receiving excellent customer service.

“I’m given extra confidence by the support ICL show to both me and the club. I’ve been using ICL products ever since I took over as the Head Groundsperson and the communication from them has always been fantastic. That is throughout the whole organisation – whether it is the man on the ground like Craig Lalley who comes in and sees me, through to Ed Carter, Andy Owen, or Henry Bechelet – it is all of them that go above and beyond.”

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

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

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