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Vietnam Golf Coast Doubles Down on Course Improvements

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Vietnam Golf Coast Doubles Down on Course Improvements: Golfers and iconic water buffalo bio mowers alike are about to reap the benefits as Vietnam Golf Coast clubs unveil a wave of upgrades aimed at keeping Central Vietnam at the top of Asia’s golfing leaderboard.

Long recognised for exceptional design and stunning scenery, Ba Na Hills Golf Club and Laguna Golf Lang Co are embracing a philosophy of continual improvement to elevate course conditioning, aesthetics, and the overall player experience. From revamping turf and native landscaping to enhancing visual appeal and drainage, both clubs are investing in upgrades that reflect a deep commitment to excellence.

Vietnam Golf Coast Doubles Down on Course Improvements

Vietnam Golf Coast Doubles Down on Course Improvements

At Laguna Golf Lang Co, where a Sir Nick Faldo Signature layout weaves between jungle-clad mountains and the East Sea, work is underway on several key improvements to help the course thrive through the year, particularly during Vietnam’s more stressful winter months.

A second shelter for the club’s beloved water buffalo, who act as “bio-mowers” tending to the rice paddies integrated into the course, is currently being constructed, providing protection from storms and reinforcing Laguna’s reputation for sustainability and innovation.

“Alongside the new shelter, we’re re-establishing putting surfaces and expanding our turf nurseries as we transition back to Zoysia matrella,” said Jason Blacka, newly appointed Chief Superintendent at Laguna Golf Lang Co. “We’re also adopting enhanced staff training and implementing customised agronomic practices to maintain optimal turf health and playability year-round.”

Other initiatives include revamping native landscape zones to expose more sand and promote resilient indigenous plants. These changes not only support the ecosystem but also add to the visual drama of the layout.

Meanwhile, over in the hills above Da Nang, Ba Na Hills Golf Club is refining both the course and the brand that defines it. In 2025, the club unveiled a sharpened brand philosophy — Crafted by Nature, Perfected by Passion — that reflects a deeper focus on both authenticity and precision.

“This is more than just a slogan, it’s a guiding ethos that informs how we present and care for our course,” said Simon Mees, General Manager at Ba Na Hills Golf Club. “We’ve implemented a more rigorous maintenance regime focused on turf quality and year-round playability, while enhancing facilities to ensure comfort without compromising the tranquillity we’re known for.”

Recent improvements include raising the water level between holes 9 and 18 for better aesthetics and reducing the height of the fairway on hole 11 to reveal water views and boost drainage. At the same time, annual renovation work is being carried out across all playing surfaces to encourage root health and promote long-term grass density.

While technological innovations like SmartScore are helping modernise operations, the emphasis remains firmly on elevating the pure golf experience and letting the landscape take centre stage.

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but the real key is never standing still,” said Simon Mees. “At Ba Na Hills and across the Vietnam Golf Coast, we’re committed to refining every detail so that every visit feels better than the last.”

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Broomieknowe gets instant drainage improvements

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Broomieknowe gets instant drainage improvements: Following a successful year-long trial, Broomieknowe Golf Club in Scotland made the decision to permanently add the Air2G2 336 from Campey Turf Care Systems to its turf maintenance fleet, after seeing significant improvements in drainage and root development across its greens.

Broomieknowe Golf Club, located in Bonnyrigg, just outside Edinburgh, is a picturesque parkland course that has been a staple of the Midlothian golfing scene since its establishment in 1905. With its mature tree-lined fairways and testing greens, the course presents a fine balance of challenge and playability for its members and visitors.

Broomieknowe gets instant drainage improvements

Broomieknowe gets instant drainage improvements

Whilst, under the care of Head Greenkeeper Billy Hudson, who joined the club just under a year ago, the challenge has been slow drainage in the 18 greens. Billy knew the half-sand, half-soil composition needed to be addressed to make progress, and he turned to STRI consultant Gary Smith during the club’s annual agronomy visit for advice.

Gary suggested a trial programme using the Air2G2, a machine Billy was already familiar with from his time at Ratho Park Golf Club, where he first purchased one in 2017.

“When Gary came to the club in June 2024, he suggested we use the Air2G2 once a month on the greens over five months to improve the rooting and drainage, and we noticed significant improvements,’ Billy explains.

“It was clear the greens needed attention, but after speaking with Gary, we agreed that simply applying more sand wasn’t the answer. Instead, we needed to explore alternative forms of aeration, and that’s when Gary suggested the Air2G2.

“For the trial, we got someone in to do the work for us, but the results were so impressive that we knew we needed to get a machine of our own to continue the progress.”

The impressive results observed at Broomieknowe are largely due to the innovative design of the Air2G2. The machine works by laterally injecting air into the root zone at three different depths using probes that penetrate the soil without surface disruption. This fractures compacted layers and increases pore space, promoting better water infiltration and oxygen flow to roots. It’s particularly effective on fine soil profiles, where traditional aeration might be less effective or more disruptive.

The club now uses the machine early in the mornings, rotating across six greens per week, allowing them to cover all 18 in three weeks. Because of the minimal impact on the surface, this is done without causing any disruption to golfers.

The relationship with Campey Turf Care Systems has also played a key role in the decision. Billy originally dealt with Campey’s Richard Heywood when buying the Air2G2 at Ratho Park and says the backup service has always been spot on, with support always there when it’s needed.

With the Air2G2 now an integral part of their maintenance programme, Billy is confident Broomieknowe’s greens will continue to thrive, especially during the wetter months, when drainage performance becomes critical.

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Newark GC note improvements in reliability

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Newark GC note improvements in reliability: Newark Golf Club are one of a growing list of UK courses discovering the many benefits that Aspen Fuel brings to the operation of their petrol-powered equipment.

It’s been three years since Course Manager Alex Clarricoates made the switch to Aspen 2 and Aspen 4 for a selection of their machinery and hand tools – including seasonal equipment which now starts first time, every time, even after significant periods in storage.

Newark GC note improvements in reliability

Newark GC note improvements in reliability

“We were familiar with Aspen and decided to give it a try during COVID, when we started to encounter difficulties in accessing pump fuel” explains Alex, who has been at the 18-hole parkland course for 15 years. “It’s not until you incorporate it into the day to day operations that you really begin to appreciate the improvements that an ethanol-free alkylate fuel can have for both the operators and the equipment. The biggest benefit for me is the shelf-life of Aspen, which has seen us get equipment out of the shed which has been dormant for a year and starts again with no trouble at all.”

Together with damaging plastic and rubber components, ethanol binds moisture which then acidifies, causing the issues commonly experienced with ‘gummy deposits’, reliability issues and reduced storage life. Being free from ethanol as well as benzene, sulphur and many other harmful substances, Aspen Alkylate petrol offers a clean alternative for both 2 and 4-stroke engines – available in a range of pack sizes and bulk ordering available, which includes safe and convenient delivery to site.

“We use roughly 400 litres of the 4-stroke Aspen, and 200 litres of the 2-stroke each year, both delivered in 200 litre barrels and stored exactly where we need it. Another benefit we’ve found is the Aspen 2 being pre-mixed which has eliminated issues we’ve experienced in the past where incorrect fuel to oil ratios have resulted in faults with some of our 2-stroke engines.”

Along with reduction in service time and the associated costs, Alex notes that improvements have also been observed to the operator working environment. “The cleaner burn results in a big reduction in noxious fumes so, when you’re working with a chainsaw in dense woodland for example, you’ll notice that come the end of the day you don’t have headaches.” These qualities have also been well received by the club. “Like a lot of venues we’re looking at sustainability and ways of reducing the impact we make on our surroundings. Aspen Alkylate powering our petrol equipment is a great step forward in us being more environmentally friendly.”

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MM the key to course improvements

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MM the key to course improvements: Visitors to the Limagrain UK stand (162), located in the Blue Zone at BTME 2020, can expect a range of market leading products that can significantly improve both the quality and aesthetics of a golf course.

For 2020 there will be two new exciting MM mixtures which will offer turf managers new grass seed solutions for golf and general sports turf.

MM the key to course improvements

As the demand and pressure placed on the modern-day greenkeeper to produce a consistent playing surface continually grows, seed quality, purity and vigour are the essential ingredients for a first-class golf course and Limagrain’s MM range of seed mixture provides exactly these.

For over 30 years, greenkeepers and course managers have been enjoying the benefits by choosing the MM brand and the high-quality varieties used in MM mixtures. All varieties are thoroughly tested at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) – ensuring that the finished product will meet your requirements for play, appearance and maintenance.

For golf greens MM9 – a three-way Browntop bent mixture continues to be a leading mixture for renovations and species exchange. For links style courses and sustainable golf, MM8 offers a great option – a three-way fescue mix with excellent disease resistance, drought tolerance and minimal fertiliser requirements gives course managers a fine, dense sward. MM8 contains varieties such as Nikky and Aporina which have proved to be successful in coastal conditions.

If you are looking for a mixture ideal for tees and fairways, then the 100% ryegrass MM50 should be considered. It is capable of rapid establishment and fast recovery from divot scarring plus high wear tolerance and has extremely fine appearance

For links style golf where damage and wear are lower, MM12 or MM13, are both well suited to this challenging environment as they are drought tolerant and have low maintenance requirements.

Visitors to the stand can also find out how Limagrain’s Wildflower and Colour Splash mixtures have been benefiting countless golf courses throughout the UK and beyond. The mixtures are ideal for those wanting to bring a splash of colour to their golf course as well as attracting some fantastic wildlife.

With a wide range of mixtures available, both the Wildflower and Colour Splash mixtures are extremely easy to sow and the resulting flowers are vigorous plants which are more than capable of competing with weeds. Their vigour is equally matched by robustness; resisting long periods of drought. They are also fast flowering and cost effective.

Limagrain’s amenity seed specialists will all be on hand at BTME to discuss the products in more detail and will also be available to offer their expertise on any queries you may have.

For further information, please contact Limagrain UK on 01472 371471 or visit the company’s website www.lgseeds.co.uk/amenity – you can also follow the company on Twitter: @MM_Seed

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Quadraplay signals improvements at Wolverhampton

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Quadraplay signals improvements at Wolverhampton: Andrew Brough, head groundsman at Wolverhampton Rugby Union Football Club, claims that the SISIS Quadraplay single pass maintenance system, has helped him in his personal quest to improve the standard of pitches.

It is safe to say that Andrew is Wolverhampton Rugby Union Football Club through and through. He has played for the club since he was a child and his own children have followed in his footsteps and currently represent the junior teams. He also runs the bar in the club house and when he is not pulling pints or ordering more stock he is tending to the pitches.

Quadraplay signals improvements at Wolverhampton

Andrew admits that his role of head groundsman is his greatest responsibility and it is certainly not a role he has taken lightly since his appointment two years ago.

“Quite simply, my aim here is to improve the standard of the pitches and make sure they are as playable as possible,” he said. “In the past we have had to cancel a lot of games because the pitches haven’t been draining very well and we just never used to have the equipment – but now we have.”

One of Andrew’s first tasks as head groundsmen was to sign-up to the RFU’s Groundsmen Connected initiative which is an easy access, two-way communication network between the RFU and rugby union groundsmen. It is the main communication channel for the RFU to provide information and advice to groundsmen and also has special offers and exclusive benefits for members.

Members have a direct communication channel on pitch maintenance issues with Twickenham’s head groundsman Keith Kent, and it was Keith’s advice which prompted Andrew to purchase the SISIS Quadraplay.

“I went to a seminar through the Groundsmen Connected scheme and I saw Keith who stressed the importance of aeration. Keith told me a lot about his thoughts on basic pitch requirements, what he felt was the best approach and also the best equipment to use. He told me that in his opinion he thought that the SISIS Quadraplay was the best way forward for us.”

The SISIS Quadraplay multiple-purpose, single-pass maintenance incorporates a mounted frame for up to four implements such as grooming rakes, spikers, slitters, rollers and brushes. The implements can be fitted to the mainframe in any order and can be independently adjusted to achieve the desired effect. Compact, robust, versatile and with the ability to carry out up to four operations simultaneously – the Quadraplay makes life a lot easier for many groundsmen.

“It’s a brilliant piece of kit – we’ve got a cutting deck on our tractor which came with the deal that allows us to basically cut the pitch and then we use the Quadraplay to finish off the pitch. It has made a huge difference to our aeration.

“I also really like the roller which is great for presentation. It does everything I need it to do and I’m really pleased with it. I actually think that most rugby clubs could do with a Quadraplay because it would make their pitches a lot better. We haven’t had to cancel any games since we’ve been using it.”

As part of the package, Andrew also purchased the SISIS Multitiner – a tractor mounted aerator. Based on his experience of using the two new machines he later purchased a SISIS Variseeder – a tractor mounted overseeder; and he revealed his plans for using them.

“I’ll be using the Multitiner to spike the pitches and obviously by doing that we will be able to go into the holes with sand. We will then go along the pitches and sweep all that nice sand into the ground and give it a bit more drainage and help to get rid of some of those holes and ditches.”

“The pitches are a bit patchy at the moment and I want to reseed the pitches so I’ll use the Variseeder to make sure we get more seed into the ground. Hopefully with more grass in the ground the pitches will repair a bit quicker and they will be nice and lush in time for the new season.”

“Ultimately, with the SISIS machinery I feel confident that I’ve got some really great equipment in place now which will absolutely improve the pitches.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow SISIS on Twitter @SISISMachinery and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery. You can also view the latest SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

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