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Fleet from Toro brings boost in productivity

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Fleet from Toro brings boost in productivity: Forres Golf Club in Moray, Scotland has gone all-in on Toro with a small fleet to optimise operations and do more with its experienced team of four. 

Before committing to a five-year hire purchase deal with Reesink Turfcare which allows the club to upgrade its machines regularly, Forres was using mowers from two different brands with mixed results across its 18-hole course.

Fleet from Toro brings boost in productivity

Fleet from Toro brings boost in productivity

Now, with the Toro Reelmaster 5010-H, two Greensmaster TriFlex 3400 and Workman MDX, Head Greenkeeper Ross Macleod is seeing improvements in productivity and operations and receiving compliments from members noticing the difference.

One of the reasons for the increase in productivity is how fast and convenient it is to change the cutting units in the Greensmaster TriFlex says Ross: “With the TriFlex, we can easily swap the cutting units without tools, quickly switching from greens to tees units to mow the different areas of the course. Previously, we were experiencing cutting inconsistencies due to using different machines and having to fine-tune the height of cut every time which led to excessive time wasting.

“Since using Toro, we’ve been far more productive. We can consistently mow multiple times without having to adjust the units. The set-up efficiency means we have finally freed up time because the team is spending less time in the sheds setting up the machines and has more time to be outside improving the course. We’re now getting round to doing all those small jobs that always seemed to be delayed, such as tidying up the bunkers and pathways.”

Ross has been at Forres for 29 years and as he and the team undertake a new rough management programme, he’s been particularly happy with the fuel efficiency provided by the Toro Reelmaster 5010-H.

He says: “Before we purchased the Reelmaster 5010-H, we used to cut the grass wall to wall, mowing all the roughs and fairways every week. Now, we are simply thinning out the roughs, allowing for the growth of wildflowers which enables us to cut less often and save manpower, man hours and fuel, which is just better in every way. The fact that the machine is a hybrid brings even more fuel-savings and its quality of cut really is outstanding.”

“All in all, we’re very happy with our new Toro machines,” Ross concludes. “They are elevating the quality of mowing, are incredibly comfortable to use, don’t require much maintenance and are helping us do much more with the same small team. What’s even better is it’s not just us noticing, the members have noticed the difference Toro has brought across the course, too.”

Discover how Toro’s technology could benefit your course by calling distributor Reesink Turfcare at 01480 226800, emailing info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visiting reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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Good GKB deliveries come in three’s

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Good GKB deliveries come in three’s: A trio of GKB Machines have been installed at SCHLOSS Roxburghe Championship Golf Course, as part of major ongoing investment into the club and wider estate.

After being delivered by dealer Thomas Sherriff & Co in the summer of 2024, the SP100, SPM300 and GKB Combiseeder were put straight to task by Golf Course Manager Ross Ovens, as he and his team of 13 completed autumn renovations on greens, tees and approaches.

Good GKB deliveries come in three’s

Good GKB deliveries come in three’s

The Roxburghe is nestled in the heart of the Scottish Borders and is consistently ranked within the Top 10 Inland Courses in Scotland. Designed by the internationally renowned golf course architect Dave Thomas, the Par-72 parkland course and wider complex was sold in 2018 – with the new owners investing heavily in the on-site hotel, spa, lodges and golf course. “The property has changed massively, meaning we needed to invest in our greenkeeping equipment to produce the quality needed” comments Ross.

“In speaking with Dougie Archibald at Thomas Sherriff’s and GKB’s Tom Shinkins we really liked the fact that GKB is a family-owned business, and this feeds down into the level of care and detail put into their robust range of equipment.” Part of the fleet package, and replacing existing topdressers, was an SP100 and SPM300 from the GKB Sandspreader range. “These two machines work hand in hand brilliantly, giving us the versatility to dress greens as well as using the larger machine on the fairways. The SPM300 with material handler we’ve found particularly useful for topping up bunkers or loading material into the SP100 quickly and easily.”

He continues, “Our SP100 is mounted onto our John Deere Gator, and we have retrofitted this with a GPS system which has dramatically improved the accuracy and efficiency of topdressing operations. It gives us both the spread and quality we are looking for.”

Also delivered was a CS160. “With fewer chemicals available, and a desire to improve our sustainability credentials, it is more important than ever that we have a good overseeding programme in place. We didn’t have a seeder previously, so we demonstrated various models and opted for the GKB Combiseeder because – as a dimple seeder – we found it gave us better germination. This will be pivotal in our programme moving forwards as we try to introduce better cultivars into our surfaces, making us more resistant to disease and thereby lowering our reliance on chemicals.”

“The trio have recently played a big part in our autumn renovation works. We put down a good application and even distribution of sand, followed by overseeding as we pursue the ongoing improvement of our sward on the high wear areas of the course.” Ross concludes, “We’ve been delighted with the results we’ve achieved and the support we’ve had from Tom and from Thomas Sherriff’s before, during and after the purchase process.”

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SISGrass invests in Indian cricket

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SISGrass invests in Indian cricket: Hybrid cricket pitches have been installed at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala, the first in what is expected to be a series of major projects across India in 2024 and beyond.

Completed by international sports pitches specialist SISGrass in partnership with Indian fine turf specialist company Greater Ten, the work represents the start of a drive towards improved playing surface quality and consistency at both amateur and professional levels, opening the nation’s most popular sport up to millions more people.

SISGrass invests in Indian cricket

SISGrass invests in Indian cricket

SISGrass’s investment in India follows a decision by the International Cricket Council to permit the use of hybrid surfaces for T20 and 50-over competition. After widespread success installing hybrids across English cricket grounds, the SIS team chose India as its next region of development. Paul Taylor, a former England international and SIS’s International Cricket Director, says the decision made sense for several reasons.

“India is home to millions of cricket fans, players and professionals who play almost all year round,” says Taylor. “This huge demand puts pressure on facilities, which can make it difficult for people to access good quality pitches in their local area. Our hybrid system will create far more opportunities for people to participate in the sport, guaranteeing a higher-quality of play at every level of competition.”

The Universal machine used in Dharamshala to install the hybrid surface was first developed by SISGrass in 2017. It injects a small percentage of polymer fibre with the natural turf found inside cricket stadiums. This composition is more resilient to stresses created during play, helping to prolong the life of pitches, guarantee an even bounce and ease pressure on busy groundspeople. Completed installations are predominantly natural grass, with only 5% of polymer fibre used. This ensures the characteristics of an all-natural pitch are maintained.

Speaking about the installation, Mr. R.P. Singh, Hony. President, HPCA, said, “The HPCA has consistently embraced the latest advances in cricket, and we believe SISGrass’s technology will be game-changing.

“Maintaining top-notch practice pitches is crucial for player development, as traditional surfaces struggle under the demands of rigorous training schedules. SISGrass’s integration of natural grass with synthetic fibres creates a robust and durable playing surface, ensuring players are prepared for competitive play. We are confident the installation will pave the way for a brighter future for Indian cricket, not just in Himachal Pradesh but across the nation.”

Hybrids have already been sanctioned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for T20 and 50-over competitions, and in 2024 they will be used in four-day County Championship matches for the first time. The Universal machine in India will now travel to Ahmedabad and Mumbai, where it will stitch more pitches for practice and match play.

The first machine of its kind, the Universal has already proven effective in the UK, having been used to install SISGrass at almost every major county ground in England. These include Lord’s, The Kia Oval, Edgbaston, Emirates Old Trafford, Trent Bridge, among many others. The machine will remain in India after the first three installations are complete, making it immediately available to other grounds and facilities as projects are approved.

Richard Gould, CEO of ECB, added: “Hybrid pitches have played an important role in enabling some venues to manage an increased amount of cricket during the English summer as the fixture list across men’s and women’s international and domestic cricket has grown.”

The introduction of hybrid pitches represents an important moment for India’s national game, which has championed T20 cricket through the IPL. These shorter formats have been one of the main drivers behind the development of hybrid surfaces, with more intense periods of play making it harder to prepare all-natural surfaces in time for top-level competition.

“Cricket is often associated with tradition but the installation of SISGrass in India is a milestone of progress,” adds Taylor. “Our hybrid pitches will allow for longer periods of play than is possible with all-natural surfaces, helping to maintain a base level of performance for millions of players across the country. But the technology will also potentially transform grassroots-level cricket, giving juniors the chance to play on the same surfaces found in major stadiums. Our expansion in India is an investment in the future of the game at all levels.”

HPCA has already installed SISAir – another specialist technology business that forms part of the wider SIS Pitches portfolio. SISAir is a sports pitch aeration system that optimises root zone growing conditions, creating stronger and more durable grass. During heavy rainfall, SISAir will also remove excess surface water using a series of pipework installed underneath a playing surface. The technology is used widely across major stadia, including Galatasaray’s Rams Park.

For more information on SISGrass, visit: https://www.sispitches.com/sports-pitches/hybrid/installation/cricket

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Origin Amenity Solutions Sponsors Wales in Bloom

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Origin Amenity Solutions Sponsors Wales in Bloom: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) is proud to announce its sponsorship of the City Category Award at the prestigious Wales in Bloom 2024 Award Ceremony, an event dedicated to celebrating bloom group’s achievements across Wales.

Wales in Bloom is a national element of the RHS Britain in Bloom Competition, working in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) to promote environmental stewardship and community engagement through gardening projects whilst supporting and enhancing their local communities, parks, and green spaces.

Origin Amenity Solutions Sponsors Wales in Bloom

Origin Amenity Solutions Sponsors Wales in Bloom

A voluntary organisation, Wales in Bloom, plays a crucial role in encouraging communities to take pride in their surroundings. By supporting the RHS “It’s Your Neighbourhood” campaign, which this year attracted 130 entries from across Wales, Wales in Bloom reinforces its mission to “Help Communities Grow” by inspiring voluntary efforts to improve local environments.

OAS is honoured to support such an important initiative, recognising the significant impact that Wales in Bloom has in fostering community spirit and enhancing the natural environment. The City Category Award, sponsored by OAS, was presented at the Wales in Bloom Annual Award Ceremony 2024, held in Abergavenny on Friday, 13th September. The ceremony was hosted by Abergavenny in Bloom, and OAS co-presented the award alongside Peter Barton-Price, Chairman of Wales in Bloom.

Peter Barton-Price, expressed his gratitude for the support of OAS, stating, “We are delighted that Origin Amenity Solutions sponsored the Wales in Bloom Main City Category Award this year.  Their commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement aligns perfectly with our mission. The support of companies like OAS is invaluable in helping us achieve our goals.”

OAS also supplies Euroflor Flower seed mixes, which have been incorporated into numerous neighbourhood schemes throughout Wales, creating colourful and visually appealing green spaces and promoting biodiversity. This collaboration with Wales in Bloom reflects OAS’s dedication to supporting initiatives that enrich local communities and contribute to the overall well-being of the environment.

Wales in Bloom continues to work in partnership with the RHS, voluntary sectors, bloom and environmental groups, the tourism sector along with industries such as Transport for Wales to promote sustainable practices and community involvement. The City Category Award, sponsored by OAS recognises the outstanding efforts of cities across Wales and highlights the importance of collective action in creating vibrant, biodiverse, and sustainable communities.

For more information on Wales in Bloom and how your group could get involved email campaign@walesinbloom.org for further details.

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Engagement in GMA’s training and qualification increases

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Engagement in GMA’s training and qualification increases: The Grounds Management Association (GMA), the UK’s leading organisation for the grounds management industry, has seen a 43% rise in uptake of its training compared to this time last year.

This follows a challenging season for many sports. Over the past 12 months, the GMA saw enquiries related to flooding surge, coinciding with increased rainfall that was up 147% on the long-term average in some parts of the country.

In the North East of England, football clubs needing support because of water-logged pitches were up 244%. And 80% of rugby union clubs have had drainage issues this year compared to 50% last year.

Jason Booth, chief operating officer of the GMA, says: “We know last year was a tough season for many. More extreme weather means the challenges in our industry are getting greater. It’s time to focus on knowledge and skills to get ahead of the game so it’s essential clubs invest in their pitches and grounds teams.

“The GMA’s unique suite of training and qualifications are designed to help groundspeople advance their knowledge and skills – including courses specifically geared towards the new challenges faced in winter sports, like football, rugby league and rugby union.

“Our training is designed with the help of industry experts and supported by national governing bodies, including The FA, ECB, RFL and Sport England. We’re also the only industry association to be accredited by the Department of Education’s matrix Standard.

“As well as in person training, there are also plenty of online courses, perfect for busy professionals and volunteers who want to enhance their turf maintenance knowledge from anywhere.

“Grow your knowledge today, head over to our website and check out the training and qualifications we’ve got available.”

Discover the wide range of easy-to-access, high-quality training courses on the GMA website: https://thegma.org.uk/learning/training

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