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Record deal for Keys brothers in Northern Ireland

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Record deal for Keys brothers in Northern Ireland: The Kingfisher Country Estate in Northern Ireland has signed a five-year deal for a comprehensive 25-machine Toro fleet in what is Keys Brothers’ biggest agreement since becoming a Toro dealer.

Set on 220 acres of parkland just 20 minutes from Belfast, the only David Feherty and David Jones designed golf course in Ireland offers 18 holes over 7,000 yards of Championship USGA specification greens, tees and challenging fairways and is looked after by Head Greenkeeper Michael Loughran and his team of 12 staff.

Record deal for Keys brothers in Northern Ireland

Record deal for Keys brothers in Northern Ireland

“We’ve had lease deals with Toro before but usually for six or seven key pieces of machinery; this is the first time we’ve gone all-in on a full fleet,” says Michael.

So why now? “A couple of reasons,” Michael explains. “The Estate has recently been given the go ahead on a significant upgrade to the resort and it was important the course kept up with site improvements. There will be major developments on bunkers, a lot of tree work, and consistently maintaining the quality of the course is a big job as it’s fully playable all year round.”

The second reason comes down to the introduction of Keys Brothers as the country’s Toro dealer. “This was our first time working with Keys Brothers since the change in dealership and the support has been outstanding. It was evident early in the process that nothing would beat it especially as I fired over questions and issues and got solutions every time. This indication of the level of service and support we’d get was reassuring and sealed the deal especially as we were going with a full maintenance package too.”

Also contributing to the decision was having access to Toro distributor Reesink Turfcare’s National Accounts Manager David Timms: “David came to the venue a couple of times and his input was really valuable; we felt we had direct access to and the full support of Reesink and Toro.”

The deal includes pedestrian and riding mowers for all areas, five Workman utility vehicles, the ProPass topdresser, two ProForce blowers, the new TransPro for transporting the club’s existing ProCore 648 aerator, plus the installation of Toro’s myTurf Pro to optimise operation of the fleet. But are there any standout machines for Michael and the team?

“On the advice of Keys Brothers, we switched out the Reelmaster 5610-D for the Reelmaster 3575-D for the fairways. It was a simple tweak but suits the site much better. The topography of the site doesn’t have great elevation and we didn’t need all that power; in fact, what we needed is a lighter footprint and a mower that uses less fuel. The 3575 delivers us both of those things.”

The club chose four Greensmaster 1021 pedestrian mowers praised by Michael for being easy to demonstrate and use which is especially helpful when increasing staffing on projects: “It takes just half a green to master these machines” he says.

Andy Keys, Company Director at Keys Brothers, says: “While we believe this to be one of the biggest golf deals in Northern Ireland in 2024, the issues and requirements for Michael and the team were like many: they knew there were machinery tweaks they could make to address specific issues and be more efficient. This is applicable whether you’re buying one machine or a fleet.

“To bring the customer on board with maintenance too is testament to the team we’ve built which has doubled in size since last year such is the level of business we’re doing.”

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The MENA Turf Show to Launch in Dubai

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The MENA Turf Show to Launch in Dubai: The turf industry is set to converge in the Middle East as The MENA TURF SHOW launches on 17th April 2026 at the prestigious Park Hyatt Dubai. Supported by VIYA GOLF, and as the region’s first dedicated event for golf, sports turf, and landscaping innovation, the show will provide a vital platform for professionals to connect, discover new technologies, and share expertise. 

From golf course superintendents to sports venue managers and golf course architects, THE MENA TURF SHOW promises insights and solutions tailored to the unique challenges of the Middle East’s climate. Attendees can look forward to expert-led sessions covering topics such as sustainable turf practices, sports field construction and maintenance, R&D agronomy insights and golf industry future trends.

The MENA Turf Show to Launch in Dubai

The MENA Turf Show to Launch in Dubai

“The Middle East is investing heavily in world-class golf courses, sports facilities, and green spaces,” said Nick Brown, Export Sales Manager at Campey Turf Care Systems. “The MENA TURF SHOW will serve as a vital hub for innovation and collaboration, helping industry leaders shape the future of turf management across the region.”

“Sustainability and innovation are key to managing turf in extreme climates,” said Babiker Khateeb – Commercial Director Polyclean Turf Division UAE. “The MENA TURF SHOW is the perfect platform to bring education that can transform how we care for sports surfaces and landscapes in this unique environment.”

THE MENA TURF SHOW has been made possible by the sponsorship of Campey Turf Care Systems and Polyclean Turf Division UAE, whose support underscores the importance of bringing cutting-edge turf solutions to the region.

Held at the scenic Park Hyatt Dubai at Dubai Creek Golf & Yachet Club, the event will blend cutting-edge technology with practical insights for maintaining high-quality turf and landscapes in extreme conditions. Further details on registration will be announced soon.

For updates,

• visit www.themenaturfshow.com or follow:
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/MiddleEastNorthAfricaTurfShow
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/themenaturfshow
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-mena-turf-show
• X (Twitter): www.twitter.com/themenaturfshow

Connect. Discover. Grow. See you at The MENA Turf Show in Dubai on 17 April 2026.

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Camiral features in new YouTube course walk series

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Camiral features in new YouTube course walk series: Camiral in Spain, venue of The 2031 Ryder Cup, features in a new YouTube course walk series about sustainable golf broadcast today by Syngenta.

The 36-hole resort near Barcelona, which uses 100% recycled water for irrigation, was named International Environmental Golf Club of the Year at the 2025 Golf Environment Awards.

Camiral features in new YouTube course walk series

Camiral features in new YouTube course walk series

Now, in a new episode of The Green Report, Spain’s Number One Golf Resort is showing how its long-term strategic plan for sustainability is paying dividends, including:

  • Using 100% treated wastewater and captured rainwater for irrigation
  • Switching to drought-resistant turf to reduce water consumption by 30%
  • Introducing biodiversity projects to protect 120 bird species, many protected

Among the interviewees are Golf Course Superintendent Alfredo Álvarez and ecologist Dr Jesús Ortiz.

On a course walk of The 2031 Ryder Cup venue, Álvarez reveals how Camiral balances world-class playing conditions with sustainability.

Meanwhile, ecologist Dr Jesús Ortiz describes how he was initially sceptical about working with a golf course, but soon realised Camiral’s strategic approach to sustainability meant business and biodiversity could work together successfully.

Mark Birchmore, Global Head of Marketing, Turf & Landscape for Syngenta, said: “As a future Ryder Cup venue, Camiral is an outstanding example of sustainable golf. Its Green Route strategic plan demonstrates a detailed long-term vision and measurable commitment to sustainability in its full sense: people, planet and profit.

“We hope by telling Camiral’s story, as well as Bethpage State Park, venue of this year’s Ryder Cup, we can inform and inspire all golf courses to put sustainability at the heart of their business planning.”

The new episode of The Green Report follows the launch of Syngenta’s latest feature How Golf Can Become Water Sustainable, including seven solutions and case studies.

To watch all episodes of The Green Report and for more news, features, videos and case studies on sustainable golf, as well as links to the Changing the Business of Golf podcast, visit Syngenta Golf.

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Transforming Grassroots Football Pitches In Wales

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Transforming Grassroots Football Pitches In Wales: Since its launch in September 2024, the Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) Pitch Advisory Service Wales is already reshaping the landscape of grassroots football, one pitch at a time.

Backed by the Cymru Football Foundation and funded by the Football Association of Wales, this game-changing initiative is delivering expert pitch advice and hands-on support to clubs across the country.

Transforming Grassroots Football Pitches In Wales

Transforming Grassroots Football Pitches In Wales

With over 200 playing surfaces supported already, and growing engagement from clubs, the initiative is helping to enhance facilities and improve playing conditions. Since its launch, the programme has already facilitated over 145 individual site visits from GMA pitch experts, with over 70 Equipment Fund Grants allocated, amounting to more than £1.2m in funding.

Building on a decade of success in England, where the service has transformed over 12,500 clubs and assessed nearly 50,000 pitches, the GMA is now bringing its proven expertise to Welsh football.

The programme’s impact has been wide-reaching, not just in the number of clubs engaged, but also in the potential improvement of overall pitch quality across the region. One club already seeing a significant impact is Cardiff Corinthians AFC, a grassroots football club near the River Taff that faced severe flooding after Storm Bert in November 2024. With matches frequently called off due to waterlogging, the club struggled to maintain its pitch.

A site visit from the Pitch Advisory Service team identified key areas for improvement, leading to a better understanding and adoption of an enhanced annual maintenance plan, and the club securing over £18,000 in funding for essential maintenance equipment, including a tractor, finishing mower and a turf groomer. With expert advice from the GMA, the club can now maintain its pitch effectively, reducing cancellations and improving the playing experience for the community.

Fiona Boyle, Juniors Secretary at Cardiff Corinthians AFC, said: “Before the Pitch Advisory Service Wales, we were constantly battling against the weather, and it felt like an impossible task to maintain a pitch that could withstand the elements. The support from PAS Wales has helped us to transform our approach to pitch management.

“Thanks to the advice and funding we received, we now have the right tools and the knowledge to keep our pitch in top condition. This has not only improved the quality of the pitch but also ensured that our teams can play consistently without disruptions. It’s made a massive difference to both our players and the local community, who rely on us to provide a safe, well-maintained facility.”

The work of PAS Wales is also to support the creating of a longer-term sustainability culture within Welsh grassroots football. Clubs are encouraged to think about the future of their facilities and how to plan for ongoing maintenance. The expert support provided helps clubs develop skills and knowledge that will have a lasting impact.

Dan Bradley, GMA’s Key Account Manager for Football in South Wales, added: “With football participation in Wales on the up, particularly among women, girls, and youth, too many community clubs are still having to cancel games due to poor pitch conditions. This is a huge frustration for players, coaches, and communities.

“Cancellations result in lost opportunities to play, wasted resources, and missed moments that are integral to grassroots football. The good news is that with the right support and guidance, the issues faced by clubs can be addressed and improved upon.

“We’ve already seen first-hand how small, strategic improvements can have a significant impact. Our goal is to empower these clubs with the knowledge and skillsets they need to deliver quality fit-for-purpose pitches that not only meet today’s demands but also support the long-term growth of football and create more opportunities for players to flourish.”

Currently, only 20% of grass pitches in Wales are rated as “good” or above, against the GMA’s Grounds Management Framework. With the Pitch Advisory Service now in place, the GMA aims to raise that standard significantly.

There are free toolkits available to help volunteer grounds managers optimise their playing surface throughout the season: thegma.org.uk/toolkit.

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Stopping Dollar Spot in Its Tracks

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Stopping Dollar Spot in Its Tracks: With disease pressure on the rise and traditional turf strategies being tested by unpredictable weather patterns, Southerndown Golf Club has found a reliable solution in Maxtima fungicide – introduced and supported by Agrovista Amenity.

Under the guidance of Agrovista Amenity’s Ray Hunt, Course Manager Andrew Mannion has successfully brought a persistent Dollar Spot issue under control, safeguarding turf health and playability at one of Wales’s most renowned golf courses.

Stopping Dollar Spot in Its Tracks

Stopping Dollar Spot in Its Tracks

Southerndown Golf Club, perched high above the South Wales coast, is celebrated for its natural beauty and challenging links-style layout. The course sits on free-draining limestone, exposed to persistent coastal winds, and is managed using a lean nutrient input strategy. These conditions have historically made disease a minor concern – until recently.

However, like many course managers across the UK, Andrew has seen Dollar Spot increase year on year – something he attributes to climatic changes. “Warmer, wetter conditions seem to be the trigger,” he says. “It started with small flare-ups, but built momentum quickly. Once it was in, it kept coming back.”

In search of an effective solution, Andrew turned to Agrovista Amenity, a longstanding agronomy partner to Southerndown. “We looked at a few products, but Ray recommended Maxtima straight away. He’s very knowledgeable, and I trust his judgement. We initially trialled it on just two or three affected greens – and it worked.”

Developed by BASF and supplied exclusively through Agrovista Amenity, Maxtima is a next-generation DMI fungicide that offers outstanding control of Dollar Spot and other key turfgrass diseases. What sets Maxtima apart is its targeted performance and ability to integrate seamlessly into a regular maintenance programme.

“We were impressed straight away,” says Andrew. “You can actually see it stop disease development within 24 hours. Last year, because it was during the growing season, we even saw full recovery on affected areas. Lesions healed over and with some overseeding, it disappeared completely.”

Since that initial success, Andrew and the team have incorporated Maxtima into their preventative strategy. “We now use it at specific times of year based on weather trends. Last season, we did two applications—up from one—because the Dollar Spot flared up earlier. It was the second wettest year we’ve recorded in over two decades, so we knew we needed to act.”

Andrew emphasises the importance of accurate timing and close monitoring, because Maxtima is most effective when applied preventatively. “We’ve got a couple of ‘indicator greens’ that show signs first. Once we spot the tiniest speck, we get Maxtima on straight away. That’s when it does its best work.”

Stopping Dollar Spot in Its Tracks

Stopping Dollar Spot in Its Tracks

He adds, “Agrovista Amenity’s support is always there in the background. Whether it’s product knowledge, application guidance or adjusting strategies as conditions change – they’ve been really helpful.”

Looking back, Andrew sees the adoption of Maxtima – and the advice from Agrovista Amenity – as a turning point in how the club manages disease.

“We’re definitely more in control now,” he says. “Maxtima is a great product and I’d absolutely recommend it to other course managers. If you catch Dollar Spot early, it’ll stop it in its tracks.”

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

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