Tag Archive for: International

Trump International trust Consolidate Products

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Trump International trust Consolidate Products: Maintaining world-class playing conditions on a rugged coastal Links course is no easy task. At Trump International, Scotland, Course Manager Eddie Irvine and his team face the relentless challenge of keeping their renowned course pristine year-round, all while preparing for the grand opening of the New Course in the Summer
of 2025.

The new New Course joins the existing 18-hole Old Course, which stretches along the dramatic Aberdeenshire coastline. With breathtaking views of the North Sea on nearly every hole, the course demands playing surfaces that match its striking scenery. For over 12 years, Head Greenkeeper of the Old Course Eddie Irvine and his team of 14 have been committed to delivering exceptional Links conditions while preserving the course’s natural beauty.

Trump International trust Consolidate Products

Trump International trust Consolidate Products

Achieving the perfect balance of firmness, speed, and healthy colour is a constant challenge in Links golf. Eddie first explored Consolidate products through the Scottish distributor GroGreen Ltd, working closely with Kenny Liddell to trial Consolidate Links to see how well the product could penetrate the plant during cooler temperatures, which is a vital factor in Scotland’s climate.

“The initial trial was a success,” Eddie explains. “We saw immediate improvements in colour and turf health using Consolidate Links, and from there, we expanded to using Consolidate Plus+ and Fairway. We’ve now integrated them into our annual agronomy programme across the entire Old Course and our grow-in plan for the New Course.

“Getting that colour and the surfaces to still be firm and fast is a great achievement. We were looking for the colour to be right. Obviously, we’re a Links course, but we still want to maintain the healthy colour on the surfaces, and that’s why we spoke with Kenny and trialled Consolidate.

“Our overall experience with GroGreen and Consolidate made using their products on the New Course an easy decision. Construction of the new course started in May last year, and we’ve been using Consolidate products on it since the end of 2024.”

At Trump International, Scotland, the entire course needs to be immaculate all year round, including the walkways. For Eddie, one of the key strengths of working with Consolidate products is the ability to have custom mixes.

To keep their extensive network of ultra-fine rye walkways pristine all year round, Consolidate formulated a bespoke mixture which could help elevate quality despite the harsh conditions and high foot traffic.

“The guys from Consolidate came up with a bespoke mix for our walkways to help us maintain them to the highest standards and keep their colour and the plant growth,” Eddie explains.

“We are impressed with how it’s worked and the speed at which they can provide us with the product. Generally, we’re able to receive new products within a couple of days, and that’s really important for us.”

Head Greenkeeper for the New Course Luke Ebersold and his team plan to continue to use Consolidate’s range of products to uphold their high standards and work to provide what Trump International, Scotland, claims will be ‘the greatest 36 holes in golf’.

Optimising Turf Health with Consolidate at Highwoods Golf Club

With a career spanning 20 years, Jamie Melham, Head Greenkeeper at one of the finest in Sussex, Highwoods Golf Club, brings his experience and collaboration with specialist for Consolidate Turf, Rob Welford, to enhance the health and aesthetics of the golf course. He is keen to understand the science behind turf health and to implement the means to maintain it. e is the fact that the club.

Jamie began his greenkeeping journey two decades ago, accruing experience at Dale Hill Golf Club and Lamberhurst Golf Club before joining Highwoods Golf Club, where he has been for over eight years leading a team of six greens staff. His role involves not just maintaining the course but also continuously experimenting with and refining turf management practices.

Jamie’s partnership with Rob Welford from Consolidate Turf www.consolidateturf.com started 3 years ago and has been instrumental in transforming the nutrient management approach at Highwoods. Rob’s expertise and responsiveness have provided Jamie with confidence and reliable support, and the use of consolidate products played a big part in the presentation of the course, when the club celebrated its centenary year in 2024.

One specific challenge Jamie faced was the inconsistency in fertilizer prill size from a different supplier. Initially, Rob assessed the golf course’s overall plant health, leading to the transition from granular to liquid fertilizers for more consistent results, using Consolidate Plus to kickstart the greens early in the season. This approach has proven successful for three consecutive seasons.

Jamie explains “I began by applying Consolidate products to the approach areas and soon extended their use to the greens. I am now on a full annual package of Consolidate liquids, including seaweed, potassium, magnesium, and other nutrients, which are customised yearly to meet the specific needs for growth, colour and overall turf health.”

“Like all our customers we have a bespoke programme for Jamie,” explains Rob “The use of the Consolidate nitrogen source gives the turf an efficient food source to make the building blocks of proteins and amino acids to deliver healthy results on the greens without any of the associated drawbacks of conventional nitrogen sources. The liquids provide the control needed to deliver the correct dosage. We do leaf analysis to check the plant is receiving everything it needs. This is coupled with a programme for approaches and fairways, tailored for his individual needs and requirements in these different areas.

For the approaches, Jamie maintains a treatment schedule of every three weeks, a practice he also applies during the winter to prevent disease. “The results speak for themselves” said Jamie “With consistent progress across every area treated. Improvements in colour, grass strength and wearability, less disease and faster recovery.” This has led to expanding these practices to the fairways, using Consolidate products across all key areas of the course and making ongoing adjustments based on Rob’s recommendations.

In addition to using Consolidate products, Jamie incorporates feedback from the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) into his maintenance program. STRI provides annual soil analysis, which Jamie, and Rob review to adjust the nutrient program, as necessary. This collaboration ensures that the turf management practices are continuously optimized based on scientific data.

The structured and scientifically backed approach to turf management, combined with Rob’s products and STRI’s analysis, provides reassurance to the club’s board, allowing Jamie to focus on maintaining his own ambitious standards.

For further information visit www.consolidateturf.com

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First Toro international master salesperson award

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First Toro international master salesperson award: Richard Wood from Reesink South East has been named Toro International Master Salesperson by Toro. This is the first time Toro has presented such an award outside the USA and only three are awarded a year globally.

Amy Dahl, Vice President of International Business at The Toro Company, presented the award to Richard under the guise of a launch event at BTME, with the Reesink UK team and an extensive Toro international team present.

First Toro international master salesperson award

First Toro international master salesperson award

She says: “We looked at all salespeople across the international division. Richard’s passion for the Toro products and his customers have seen him achieve over 50 percent market share in his area. With 30 years’ experience in the industry and 12 years at Reesink, he fits all the criteria for this prestigious award.”

The Toro International Master Salesperson of the Year Award is more than just an acknowledgment of high sales; it is a recognition of the ability to understand and anticipate the needs of customers.

Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager at Reesink Turfcare, says: “Richard is consistent with his sales and has grown market share in what is a very competitive area. His customers feel he goes the extra mile for them every day. It probably hasn’t sunk in for him yet how much of a big deal this is globally.”

Richard’s three decades of experience prior to Reesink Turfcare come from dealer JSM, four years selling amenity chemicals and fertilisers for Sheriff Amenity, and before that sales jobs for other competitive turfcare machinery manufacturers.

Richard says winning was a huge surprise: “Winning this award really was totally unexpected – I was shocked! It’s done as part of a team with my depot at Sheffield Park and it’s going to be exciting sharing the news with everyone.”

Amy says: “Richard is so humble. I know he says he just goes out and does his job, but he couldn’t be more deserving.”

The last word goes to Alastair Rowell, Managing Director of Reesink UK, who talks about the pride he and the company have in Richard’s achievement.

“Richard has an obvious passion for the Toro products and his customers and makes a valuable contribution to the industry,” he says. “He goes above and beyond in his job and his work and it’s this commitment that has resulted in sales excellence and customer satisfaction for so many years. He’s done himself and the company incredibly proud, and I am proud to be his boss.”

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BIO-CIRCLE Honoured with International Green Apple Environment Awards

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BIO-CIRCLE Honoured with International Green Apple Environment Awards: BIO-CIRCLE has achieved a significant milestone in environmental excellence by winning three International Green Apple Environment Awards, a prestigious recognition in the global campaign to identify and celebrate the greenest companies.

Selected from over 1,200 nominations worldwide, BIO-CIRCLE received this coveted accolade at a glittering awards ceremony held at Kensington Palace, London, on 18 November. The event celebrated organisations committed to sustainability and innovative environmental practices, reinforcing the palace’s historic reputation. The award was presented by Richard Wilkins – General Manager at Sony UK Technology Centre, Wales, winners of this year’s International Green Apple Awards Champion of Champions.

BIO-CIRCLE Honoured with International Green Apple Environment Awards

BIO-CIRCLE Honoured with International Green Apple Environment Awards

As part of this achievement, BIO-CIRCLE has been invited to further their success as a Green World Ambassador. This honour includes the publication of their award-winning environmental projects in The Green Book, an internationally recognised reference on environmental best practices. Through this publication, BIO-CIRCLE will inspire and guide others worldwide to adopt sustainable solutions.

The Green Apple Awards are organised by The Green Organisation, a respected independent, non-profit environmental group established in 1994. Dedicated to recognising, rewarding, and promoting environmental best practices worldwide, the organisation’s efforts have grown to highlight the critical importance of sustainable action in today’s world. The independent judging panel of The Green Apple Awards commented:

“BIO-CIRCLE has led the way in sustainable cleaning solutions for over 40 years, creating the innovative GT Maxi system. This VOC-free solution recycles cleaning fluids for up to 12 weeks, reducing waste by 1,440 litres per machine annually and enhancing workplace health and safety. In addition, BIO-CIRCLE EKO is an innovative washdown system for Groundcare equipment, cutting water use from 40 litres to just 400 millilitres per minute, saving over 123,500 litres annually and promoting sustainability.”

Kensington Palace served as a fitting backdrop, with its royal history and iconic status as a premier venue for hosting globally important events.

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International Thank A Greenkeeper Day is coming

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International Thank A Greenkeeper Day is coming: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), in conjunction with other global greenkeeping associations, is recognising those who are essential to golf’s success with the return of the popular Thank A Greenkeeper Day.

On Tuesday 10 September, all golfers, those who are in the golf business or anyone who benefits from the game is encouraged to thank greenkeepers and other turf technicians for their hard work and dedication to creating the playing surfaces enjoyed by millions around the globe.

International Thank A Greenkeeper Day is coming

International Thank A Greenkeeper Day is coming

In addition to BIGGA, other groups taking part in the global event include:

  • Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
  • Australian Sports Turf Managers Association
  • Canadian Golf Superintendents Association
  • Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Associations

Together the groups represent more than 31,000 golf course management professionals in 78 countries around the world.

The celebration will include commercials that will appear on the Golf Channel, print advertisements and social media messages, all sharing the many ways that greenkeepers benefit the game and their communities. Golfers and others are encouraged to join in the conversation on social media using the hashtags #ThankAGreenkeeper (in the UK) or #ThankASuper (United States and elsewhere).

Celebrities to already record messages of support include Jimmy Bullard, Peter Crouch and Joe Cole, as well as reality TV star Mark Wright, social media influencers Mia Baker and Gaz Beadle and Sky Sports personalities Kirsty Gallagher and Trey Niven. But it’s not just about celebrities or professional golfers and everyone associated with golf is encouraged to get involved.

Golf courses and other groups are encouraged to provide special recognition for their greenkeeping team. In previous years this has included providing a clubhouse meal or a token of gratitude for the team or just sharing a message of support across club newsletters and websites.

During the 2023 Thank A Greenkeeper Day, social media messages reached more than 14.7 million followers around the world, while broadcast media reached an additional 18 million people.

A social media tool kit will be made available in early August with materials to aid in the celebration and this will be shared on the BIGGA website.

More information about Thank A Greenkeeper Day is available on the BIGGA website, where you can view some of the amazing messages of support that have already been received, as well as reflect on the success of the 2023 instalment.

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GMA Reaccredited to Department for Education’s International Quality Standard

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GMA Reaccredited to Department for Education’s International Quality Standard: The Grounds Management Association has once again been accredited to the matrix Standard, a Department for Education-owned international standard for services delivering high quality information, advice, and guidance.

Reaccreditation to the matrix Standard confirms formal recognition of the GMA’s achievement in delivering industry-wide information, advice, and guidance, and further enhances the GMA’s reputation as a leading provider of education and development within the grounds management industry.

GMA Reaccredited to Department for Education’s International Quality Standard

GMA Reaccredited to Department for Education’s International Quality Standard

Following an assessment of GMA staff and services, the matrix Standard reported that the GMA had ‘excelled in several areas of its delivery of services’.

The matrix Standard ensures that all areas of the GMA hold the skills needed to support members of the grounds management community with their development. Statements from the matrix Standard’s report highlighted that the GMA has developed a strong culture around encouraging continuous professional development (CPD) for all members of staff – this will in turn benefit members, learners and all others who engage with GMA products or services.

The variety of formats for the delivery of information, advice and guidance from the GMA was also commended. Offering education through a wide range of formats ensures that there is a way to learn and develop that suits everyone’s needs – the matrix Standard commented that the combination of formats ‘come together to give an overall and cohesive understanding to the recipient/learner.’

Another highlight was the GMA’s positive impact on providing learners with long-term development of skills which can aid career progression. The report noted that GMA learners reported that their experience helped them to ‘appreciate progression opportunities in line with career aspirations’, showing that the GMA helps learners not just improve their knowledge, but also helps them to understand what opportunities they can pursue throughout their career.

Roger Chapman, Head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company said:

“This is a fantastic achievement for the Grounds Management Association and I would like to congratulate the team on their success. We believe that at the heart of high-quality advice and support services are strong leadership, excellent service and a focus on continuous improvement, all underpinned by effective use of the resources available.

“The matrix Standard is designed to benchmark organisations against best practice in these areas. With their accreditation success, the Grounds Management Association is working to provide the best possible support to their clients.”

Dan Prest, Head of Technical and Learning at the GMA, said following the reaccreditation:

“I’m delighted that the GMA has again been reaccredited to such a well-respected standard. It’s a strong indication that the level of information, advice and guidance offered by the GMA is of a high standard and meets the needs of today’s industry.

“Reaccreditation to a prestigious Department for Education standard, proves that we are continuing to provide top class support for individuals looking to develop their knowledge, as well as other essential skills needed to succeed in the sector, like problem solving, time management and communication.”

Following another successful reaccreditation, CEO of the GMA, Geoff Webb is full of praise for the GMA team

“The matrix Standard recognises the important work that goes into delivering information, advice, and guidance across the whole of the GMA, from the Technical and Learning team to the Pitch Advisory Service, so it really is a testament to the hard work of staff across the whole organisation that the GMA is recognised for the exceptional service offered by all departments.

“With workforce development being a key strategic pillar of GMA activity over the coming years, ensuring that we are continuously meeting high standards in the delivery of services is essential. The Department for Education’s matrix Standard offers a benchmark to measure ourselves against, so to meet the high standards expected in reaccreditation gives us confidence that we’re doing the right things to better support the sector.”

For more information about the GMA’s education and career development opportunities, take a look at the GMA’s Learning Prospectus or contact the Learning team at Learning@thegma.org.uk.

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