Tag Archive for: Major

Major coup for JCB Golf Course

Major coup for JCB Golf Course: A major tour event is set to make a welcome return to the prestigious JCB Golf and Country Club after the resounding success of its inaugural visit.

The first JCB Championship was staged at the Club this year as part of the Legends Tour’s international schedule, and some of the best-known names in golf competed for £600,000 in prize money. Today organisers confirmed that the event would be returning to the Rocester course in 2023 with a prize fund of £750,000 – the largest on the Legends Tour schedule outside of the Senior Open Championship. The JCB Championship is due to place from August 3rd to 5th 2023.

Major coup for JCB Golf Course

Major coup for JCB Golf Course

2022 Senior Open Champion Darren Clarke will once again host the event, with the Club bidding to attract a star-studded field. Among other big names already signed up to play are Alex Cejka, who won the 2022 Championship, Retief Goosen, Thongchai Jaidee, John Daly and Colin Montgomerie .

JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald: “We are thrilled to be hosting the JCB Championship for the second consecutive year. Last year’s event was a resounding success and with Darren Clarke hosting the occasion again, we aim to make the 2023 JCB Championship even bigger and better.”

Legends Tour Chief Executive Officer Phil Harrison said: “We are delighted to be returning to the JCB Golf & Country Club in 2023. The JCB Championship will undoubtedly attract some of the game’s biggest stars including Tour winners, Major winners, Ryder Cup stars and Hall of Famers.”

Darren Clarke said: “I was extremely proud to host The JCB Championship last year for what was a truly fantastic event. The JCB Golf & Country Club is a great venue, and we had such a great field in 2022 with so many former Major champions and legends of the game taking part.    I am really looking forward to returning in 2023 as host.”

More than 8,000 spectators attended the JCB Championship over three days, enjoying the action on a stunning course which is set in some of Staffordshire’s most beautiful countryside.  The prestigious Staffordshire club – the brainchild of JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford – has also successfully been a host venue for the Rose Ladies Series in both 2020 and 2021

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Child safety on farms a major priority

Child safety on farms a major priority: A FREE course, launched by Lantra to help protect the safety of children on farms, has received an encouraging response from Learners.

Since the October school holidays, Lantra has already received more than 70 enrolments on its Child Safety on Farms Course and, of those, around a third have already passed the certificate.

Child safety on farms a major priority

Child safety on farms a major priority

The course covers a wide range of areas including children on the farm and the law, children and tractors, children and ATVs and children and falls.

It also covers child safety around equipment, and harmful substances, and the importance of having a farm safety checklist.

On completion of the free course, participants can download their Lantra Child Safety on Farms Course certificate.

Paula Smyth, Director of Lantra Ireland, said: “Part of the Farm Safety Partnership (FSP) Action Plan Targets involves promoting child safety on farms.

“Lantra, who are an FSP farm safety affiliate, has developed this bespoke training course specifically for people with children who live or work on farms.

“This is a unique and hugely important course which will contribute towards the FSP Action Plan targets which we are proud to support.

“The uptake of this course is very encouraging as it is a tragic fact that there are various dangers on farms that sadly claim lives and cause injuries each year.

“Farming is a wonderful but also hazardous occupation – and it is the only high-risk industry that deals with the presence of children.

“Their health, and indeed everyone’s health, should be of paramount importance and concern and through courses and initiatives, like our free Child Safety on Farms Course, we hope people can better recognise and avoid potential dangers on farmland.”

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Jebsen & Jessen major projects

Jebsen & Jessen major projects: Jebsen & Jessen Technology – Turf & Irrigation (JJ T&I), a division of the Technology business unit of diversified industrial conglomerate Jebsen & Jessen Group, has further cemented its presence in the region through major collaborations and partnerships with leading golf clubs in Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

In Singapore, JJ T&I gained a major vote of confidence from the world-renowned Sentosa Golf Club, as their long-standing relationship was marked by a new 10-year partnership in March 2022 – the first partnership in South East Asia of such scale. JJ T&I, as the official distributor of The Toro Company, will support Sentosa Golf Club’s mission to provide a world-class playing experience, through the supply of hybrid and electric equipment and water-saving irrigation systems. These will also complement the club’s commitment to its sustainability goals, with a pledge to be the world’s first carbon-neutral golf club by 2022.

In Ha Nam, Vietnam, JJ T&I will be supplying and installing the irrigation systems for the new 36-hole Rose Canyon Resort, designed by Nicklaus Design and developed by BRG Group. Alongside Toro, JJ T&I will be supplying the irrigation systems and providing irrigation installation services for the South course, which is expected to be completed in late 2022. Work on the North course will begin as soon as the South course has been completed.

Other new projects awarded to JJ T&I in Vietnam include the Golden Sands Golf Resort in Hue. The turnkey project is estimated to be completed within the second quarter of 2023, and JJ T&I will be handling all stages of the project, from supplying irrigation systems and materials to providing installation services.

JJ T&I was also awarded a contract in February 2022 by PT. Bogor Raya Development’s Klub Golf Bogor Raya, one of the most prestigious golf courses in Bogor, Indonesia, for the supply of golf course equipment. JJ T&I provided steadfast support for Klub Golf Bogor Raya in times of need, providing much-needed turf maintenance units after a fire damaged the premises. Klub Golf Bogor Raya was hosting a golf tournament the same day and the maintenance units supplied, which included lawn mower units, allowed them to maintain the golf courses and ensure the highest quality of standards for gameplay.

JJ T&I is dedicated to providing high-quality expertise and end-to-end solutions to meet all turf care and landscaping needs. We are proud that these golf clubs have put their trust in us and recognise the value that we provide, furthering our position as a leading full-service solution provider in the Southeast Asia region,” said Philipp Hoffmann, Regional Director of JJ T&I.

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A Major Step Forward

A Major Step Forward: James Bonfield, the Course Manager at Hertfordshire Golf and Country Club, has revealed how utilising ICL’s range of ProSelect grass seed has resulted in vastly improved fairways and greens. 

James has been at the Hertfordshire Golf and Country Club for just over 12 years and claims that the new owners, Elysium Golf Limited, have signalled exciting times.

A Major Step Forward

A Major Step Forward

“We have new fleets of equipment, new budgets, new ways of working, new holes to build and it is a fascinating time to be here. The owners have really backed us and now the course is reaping the rewards.”

The 18-hole parkland course was designed by renowned course designer Jack Nicklaus II and has been in play since 1995. Membership has steadily risen over the years but has nearly doubled since the new owners came in.

“Our main goal is to give members great value for money,” said James. “Our targets have changed rapidly under the new management – we want to break into the top 10 clubs in Hertfordshire and then, in time, make it into the top 100 in the UK.”

With more resources at his disposal James was insistent on first targeting the fairways: “The fairways were always lacking behind everything else, so that was our main priority. Choosing the correct seed was imperative,” he said.

Working alongside Matt Nutter from ICL, James decided on the ProSelect Classic – a multi-purpose seed blend which contains Torsion TRT Perennial ryegrass offering the unique Turf Repairing Tiller growth habit.

He overseeded the fairways with this mixture in late April and explained that the sowing rate was adjusted dependent on the condition: “Some areas were weaker than others, so they needed more seed; others were stronger so needed less – each fairway got exactly what I thought was required,” he said.

Once the overseeding had been completed, James maximised the results of the seed by applying a granular feed to the fairways. The fertiliser he used, ICL’s Sierrablen Plus Spring & Summer CalMag 23-0-5, has proven to be extremely popular with many greenkeepers and course managers this year.

“The seed and the granular feed went hand in hand to give the full effect,” he said. “Sierrablen Plus allowed us to get nutrient into the soil to give the seed something to kick off and it came through beautifully. We now have a nice, uniformed consistent growth whereas before we had a lot of patches.

“This approach has resulted in much improved fairways that are far more tolerant to heat, stress and disease. The combination of the seed working with the granular nutrition has seen the fairways holding the colour a lot better, and they have great definition.

“In the space of six months we have gone from fairways that were really struggling to some of the most envied in Hertfordshire. That is a major step forward.”

Following his work on the fairways, James’ attention turned to the greens and alongside Matt, the two of them worked together to identify the most suitable seed.

“Based on the pH levels we have round here, which are between 6.5 and 7.5, we felt that creeping bent was going to be the best for the greens. Anthracnose is also an issue, and with this in mind, we felt that the ProSelect Piranha creeping bent would be the best option.”

A Major Step Forward

A Major Step Forward

As James says, due to the genetics of the seed, Piranha has been proven to be excellent in combatting the likes of Anthracnose, Dollar spot and Brown patch disease. It is the latest creeping bent grass mixture to be added to the ICL seed portfolio and recently gained EU registration.

“The plan was to move away from fungicides where possible and to instead try and get more creeping bents into the greens because they will help with playability and ease the stresses that Poa can cause,” said James.

“We’ve seen great results from the Piranha already, but it is going to be a long-term commitment in which we overseed the greens twice a year. Matt and I have already discussed the possibility of sowing ProSelect Riptide creeping bent, at the start of the year and then continuing with ProSelect Piranha in September. The two of us will monitor the situation and will fine tune where needed.”

“That is the beauty of working with ICL – you get the whole package,” continued James. “Everything Matt and I have discussed and have applied has worked. His recommendations have always been spot-on, and his on-going advice has always helped to get the best out of the products.”

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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BIGGA & Syngenta to host major industry event

BIGGA & Syngenta to host major industry event: This summer will see the return of BIGGA’s popular Continue to Learn Extra webinar series and kicking off the programme of learning is a talk with industry expert Glenn Kirby about the high levels of leatherjackets and chafer grubs that have caused tremendous damage to many courses during the early part of 2021.

A recent social media survey by BIGGA Partner Syngenta found that during 2020 just 1% of UK golf courses reported no damage due to these insects. Hidden below the surface of the nation’s golf courses, leatherjackets are threatening the enjoyment and economic viability of the sport. Of the 400 course managers who responded to the survey, almost all reported that their course was negatively impacted by an infestation of the larvae of craneflies – also known as leatherjackets – and chafer grubs.

BIGGA & Syngenta to host major industry event

BIGGA & Syngenta to host major industry event

On 13 May BIGGA will be hosting an important industry event, when Syngenta Technical Manager Glenn Kirby will explain the reasons behind the damage and why it is important for the golfing industry to unite to support golf club teams during this distressing time.

Extensive damage to sports turf is caused by the larvae feeding on the turfgrass, while predators can also cause significant and widespread damage as they hunt for these larvae. The impact on a golf course can be serious, with increased costs as greenkeeping teams battle against the damage and the potential for large losses in revenue as golfers choose to play at courses that have been unaffected by the pests. However, unaffected courses are increasingly in the minority.

Alongside the webinar, BIGGA and Syngenta will be distributing a white paper to the golf industry that will provide an in-depth study of the situation including its causes, impact and potential solutions and will also be encouraging golf’s leading bodies to share this information to a wide audience.

This Continue to Learn Extra webinar is free to attend for anyone involved in golf club our course management. You can register for this vital industry event online now on the BIGGA website.

Syngenta’s Glenn Kirby said: “My goal when I started investigating the problem of leatherjackets was to get all golf courses to zero damage, as that’s what is being expected of course managers. But it has become increasingly clear to me that we are going to have to adjust our expectations. We all want perfect surfaces year-round, but without additional tools in our armoury I suspect that may not be a realistic goal.”

The ‘Managing the Leatherjacket Challenge’ webinar kicks off a summer of online learning for BIGGA members, with other webinars being hosted from May until September 2021. Taking a leading role will be management expert Tyler Bloom, while other topics for discussion will include golf course ecology, Women and Girls’ Golf Week and representatives of the European Institute for Golf Course Architects discussing ways of making golf courses more appealing to a wider audience. Head to the BIGGA website for more information.

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Major Rollermower To Debut At SALTEX

Major Rollermower To Debut At SALTEX: Phil Cole at Cotswold Turf Care knows a good mower when he sees one.

“The MAJOR Swift is a great performer and always leaves an excellent finish,” Phil nods approvingly. He’s been maintaining the grounds at Cirencester Park Polo Club for nearly 30 years so is particular that the turf provides a safe yet fast playing surface.

Major Rollermower To Debut At SALTEX

The exceptional double-wing design of the new MJ71-730T increases productivity and efficiency without compromising on the quality of cut. “The front and rear rollers ensure we leave a level and striped finish at precisely the right height of cut, every time. It levels the ground back down to its original condition after we’ve had eight or ten horses running over it.”

“Because it’s made of high-strength Strenx® steel, it’s lightweight and avoids compaction, which is beneficial to maintain the best ground condition,” Phil continues. “For a big machine, it is far more manoeuvrable than I expected – it can turn on a sixpence! It is also a very low consumer of power, therefore more economical with fuel.”

“We have a small team, so a reliable wide area mower is essential to alleviate time pressures and reduce costs,” continues Phil. He and his team at Cotswold Turf Care manage equestrian grounds, football and rugby pitches and golf courses, as well as parks across Gloucestershire. The team cuts a minimum of 6000 acres throughout the year. “The 7.3m Swift wings fold to 2.60m, making it great for safe road transportation between multiple sites. It’s about the largest make available that can be safely transported on the road.”

The trailed versions display the MAJOR qualities of durability and low maintenance. “There are no belts – just a strong and simple, heavy-duty driveline with a shear-bolt in the PTO drive,” Phil continues. “The MAJOR Swift is galvanised so it’s going to last us a long time!”

The larger units also have rubber encasing the hinges of each arm. This protects the joints while adding mobility for each wing over uneven ground for a more consistent cut.

Looking the part is just as important as playing the part. “Players and spectators have commented on how good the grounds look,” concludes Phil. “At a recent board meeting, the committee members commented very favourably about our grass cutting and the playing surface.”

See the new 7.3m Swift roller mower at the MAJOR stand (J112) at Saltex 2019 from Oct 30-31 at the NEC Birmingham.

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Major Upgrades For Swift Roller Mowers

Major Upgrades For Swift Roller Mowers: Already renowned for their low maintenance and durable machinery, Major Equipment has announced a series of upgrades to their tractor mounted Swift Roller Mowers. These mowers are available in working widths from 1.9m to 5.4m.

Built light to allow them to be used on smaller compact tractors, there is no compromise on strength with the use of Strenx™ 700 MC high-yield steel, which is stronger than steel traditionally used in machinery.

Major Upgrades For Swift Roller Mowers

Now the mower bodies are galvanised using zinc hot-dip galvanisation for added protection from harsh exterior conditions. Hot-dip coating of the metal doubles the life span compared with painting and, Major say, it will protect steel from corrosion in most atmospheric conditions for 25 to 30 years.

It’s no wonder then that Major has also introduced a three-year professional warranty for all models in their Swift Roller Mower range but they haven’t stopped there. The roller mowers’ custom designed gearbox has been upgraded for improved and consistent mowing, even in the toughest conditions. High speed blade tips on the Major roller mowers offer higher output with an enviably professional cylinder mower finish every time you cut.

Major Upgrades For Swift Roller Mowers

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New Major Equipment Appointment

New Major Equipment Appointment: Major Equipment has announced the appointment of Keith McCormick as their new Scottish and North of England sales representative, replacing Ivor Dobson who is retiring from the company after 14 years of service.

Keith joins Major Equipment from Walter Watson where he was responsible for sales throughout Ireland and the UK. With an eight-year tenure at Walter Watson, Keith is already a familiar face to the Scottish dealer network.

New Major Equipment Appointment

“We’re delighted Keith has joined the Major team,” says Eoin Murphy, Major UK General Manager, “he brings a wealth of technical and industry knowledge and we’re very much looking forward to working with him.”

“The Major product range is impressive with a great reputation for clever design and product reliability,” says Keith. “I’m really excited to be a part of the Major team.”

Major Equipment Ltd is a designer and manufacturer of a comprehensive range of tractor mounted park and turf mowers for the UK municipal market.

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