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TGA bans use of plastic netting in turfgrass production

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TGA bans use of plastic netting in turfgrass production: Following extensive member engagement and feedback, the Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA), the leading body representing the UK turfgrass industry, has announced a bold and progressive step towards environmental sustainability by banning the use of plastic netting in turf production by its members. This decision, supported overwhelmingly by members in a recent vote, will take effect from 31st October 2026.

The decision to ban plastic netting reflects the TGA’s commitment to sustainable practices. From 31st October 2026, grower members must cease using plastic netting to grow turf, in order to retain their membership of the association during the 2026/27 subscription year and beyond.

TGA bans use of plastic netting in turfgrass production

TGA bans use of plastic netting in turfgrass production

Richard Owens, Chair of the TGA, commented: “This is a defining moment, and the decision reflects the growing consensus among our members and the wider industry about the urgent need to prioritise sustainability. By committing to eliminate plastic netting, the TGA is leading the way towards a more environmentally responsible future for turf production in the UK.”

Despite industry efforts to develop alternatives, there are currently no proven, cost-effective bio-degradable netting solutions widely available that meet the practical and economic requirements of turf production. While some options, such as degradable or biobased netting, have shown promise, challenges remain regarding durability, affordability, and large-scale adoption. This underscores the importance of continued research and innovation to find viable, sustainable solutions.

The vote saw overwhelming support from TGA members, with 17 voting in favour of the ban and just 1 against. The TGA is committed to supporting its members during the transition period by providing guidance, resources, and collaborative opportunities to explore and implement alternative practices.

This initiative represents a significant milestone for the turfgrass industry, aligning with broader environmental goals across the agricultural and horticultural sectors. The TGA’s decision sets an important precedent for adopting sustainable practices in industries that impact the environment.

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Foley showcases the benefits of precision grinding

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Foley showcases the benefits of precision grinding: Foley Company’s UK and Ireland distributor, ProSport UK Ltd, will be on stand 550 Hall 5 at BTME 2025, demonstrating the unrivalled benefits of relief grinding and the new floor level Foley 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder.

A selection of Foley automated Accu-Pro cylinder grinders and Accu-Pro bedknife grinders will be on the stand for visitors to see and ask any questions they may have on this important aspect of workshop maintenance techniques.

Foley showcases the benefits of precision grinding

Foley showcases the benefits of precision grinding

The unrivalled automated features on the Accu-Pro 633 provide a step-by-step tutorial for new technicians and a quicker setup and spin grind feature for the more experienced operators. You tell the machine what you’re working on, and it automatically spin or relief grinds to completion. Pre-programmed spin speeds, relief torque, and in-feeds are only a few features in the ACCU-Touch 3 system that ensure efficiency and guarantee a quality grind with every use.

Joining the other machines will be Foley’s new floor level 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder. The new grinder is designed to accommodate the widest of mower cylinders and is a simple roll-on roll-off solution to grinding, with the machine sitting at floor level. The roll-on roll-off solution removes the need for heavy lifting facilities, revolutionizing how equipment managers view touch-up spin grinding.

It offers a fast, easy-operated option for providing a quick touch-up spin between regular relief grinding schedules, and is a solution for sharpening the extra wide, heavy mowers used on sports fields/pitches. The Foley 642 Quick-Spin features simple to use controls, counter balanced spin drive, patented front and rear clamping system for pedestrian mowers, and power rear positioning levers for cylinders. It will accept up to 42-inch reel width and operates on 240v/15a power.

ProSport UK Ltd Managing Director Ian Robson will run demonstrations throughout both days of GroundsFest and be available to discuss any questions or requirements.

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Six Echo TM-2050’s transform the task of winter presentation

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Six Echo TM-2050’s transform the task of winter presentation: It’s not just the greenkeepers that are impressed with the fleet of six Echo TM-2050 robotic mowers installed by GroundTech at Hartsbourne Country Club, the members are too!

Less than a month after their delivery, players and staff alike have recognised the transformation in presentation of some of the club’s perimeter areas which previously proved near-impossible to maintain in challenging winter conditions.

Six Echo TM-2050’s transform the task of winter presentation

Six Echo TM-2050’s transform the task of winter presentation

Like many heavy clay soil courses, this 27-hole club in South Hertfordshire can often lay wet during prolonged periods of rainfall, creating problems in getting machinery out to regularly cut the rough and fairways. General Manager Terry Mulford-Lawlor explains that the knock-on impact extends well beyond the winter, “Both presentation and playability suffers and then, come the spring, the grass is so long and dense that it takes a lot of hard work to get them back to where we want them to be.”

“The proposition that the Echo robotic mowers could be cutting consistently whatever the weather was of great interest.”

Terry was assisted in his search by Marcus Glover and Sam Baker from GroundTech, along with Sam Daybell from Echo who paired the club with six TM-2050 robots with solar array and portable battery chargers. The largest of the Echo range the TM-2050 offers the pinnacle of productivity, capable of mowing areas of up to 75,000m2 while simultaneously providing precise mulching of material for an immaculate finish.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that these mowers have been a gamechanger for us. The intention was that they’d be used only for the rough. However, the GroundTech team mapped all of our fairways and with the results so outstanding we’d be mad not to use them everywhere.” Terry adds, “The work these Robots are doing has already freed up our skilled team of ten greenkeepers to then focus their efforts elsewhere,  hand-cutting areas such as aprons which we’ve not previously had the resources to do and focussing on the technical and agronomic aspects of course management that will take our offering to the next level.”

“Members have been quick to comment that the rough has never looked better, but what’s more they just love watching the robots at work – we’ve even been asked if it’s possible to name and sponsor them!”

Terry concludes, “The process from start to finish has been smooth, personalised and professional. GroundTech supported us and went the extra mile to ensure we had the right set-up and infrastructure to get the most out of our machines. They didn’t over-emphasise what the mowers were capable of, but then they didn’t really need to! We already see this is the future for us.”

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Winners of Women in Golf awards

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Winners of Women in Golf awards: A sparkle of women – and men – came together at Foxhills on Thursday night to celebrate a year of incredible achievements by women in the golf industry at the 2024 Women in Golf Awards. Now in its third year, the awards showcase the work of women from across all sectors of the industry and provide an important platform that inspires more women to consider a career in golf. 

As part of its mission to promote women in golf, the awards organisers announced an exciting  new collaboration with Colt McKenzie McNair and Bernhard Academy.  All of the finalists and sponsors will come together in spring 2025 for a networking and educational day hosted at PING HQ that will elevate and inspire their continued progress in the industry.

Winners of Women in Golf awards

Winners of Women in Golf awards

“Many of the barriers that faced me and my predecessors have been demolished, so now is a great time to start to better understand what our future leaders need,” commented awards founder Nicole Wheatley. “This educational day will work both ways.  We want to provide the 24 finalists with valuable leadership training, but also find out how they think golf can attract more talented women, like them, to work in the industry.”

On the night, BBC sport presented Katherine Downes presented awards in 10 categories, spanning all areas of the industry. The 2024 winners were:

Unsung Hero, sponsored by England Golf – Di Stock, Chief Referee Hampshire Ladies Golf

Di’s selfless commitment to women’s golf within Hampshire over the past 36 years, amassing a conservative estimate of 550 voluntary days refereeing alone is astounding.  She has been County Handicap Advisor since 1988, ran the County Inter-Club knock-out competitions for 5 years; was County President for 3 years and for 27 years she has selflessley given her time to referee at county and other national amateur events, including the Curtis Cup.

Brand of the Year, sponsored by the BGIA – The Grove

The Grove has developed a culture and brand that values women.  Over 49% of its workforce are women, with 75% of the senior leadership team being female.  From hosting the Rose Series to its golf recruitment campaigns, the investment the brand makes in women, both on and off the course, has created an inclusive culture that enables more women and girls to maximise their potential at all levels of the industry and through the sport itself.

International Woman, sponsored by Perry Ellis – Karen Lunn, CEO WPGA Tour Australasia and Chair of Australian Golf Industry Council

From Tour player to CEO of the WPGA – golf around the world owes huge gratitude and respect to Karen.  As CEO of the WPGA Tour of Australasia, Karen has significantly raised the profile of Australasian women’s professional golf, while also fostering golf at every level in the country.  Notable career highlights include steering the then Australian Ladies Professional Golf to a collaborative alliance with the PGA of Australia,  creating the Women’s Professional Golf Tour Australasia which offered more opportunities for fledging and developmental players.  In 2022 Karen became the first woman to chair the Australian Golf Industry Council, a forum to help organisations and businesses throughout the golf industry unite on initiatives, strategy and policy.

Women’s Initiative, sponsored by PING – Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club ‘Blue Course’, Barbara Tucker

When Barbara Tucker was Lady Captain in 2014, she created The ‘Blue Course’ programme as an innovate solution to address the myriad of issues which prevented & discouraged women from learning golf and joining the golf club.  The ‘blue course’ has significantly shorter tees, provides group lessons, gives free use of facilities, and hosts social events as well as rules seminars alongside experienced golfers.  10 years later, Barbara’s Blue Course can be credited with providing an influx of new members which has ensured the ladies section continues to thrive.  The current Ladies section Treasurer, Secretary, Competitions Secretary and Lady Captain are all Blue Course alumni.

Women in Turfcare, sponsored by BIGGA – Anna Nilsson, Deputy Head Greenkeeper of the Brabazon Golf Course at The Belfry

Anna is an extremely talented greenkeeper whose course bears testament to her unwavering dedication, expertise and passion all of which has helped to secure the return of the British Masters to The Belfry in 2025.  Anna is also dedicated to inspiring future greenkeepers, coaching students and visiting schools to talk to children about working in the industry.  Anna’s encouragement is making a huge impact on everyone she meets and her success is inspiring young women to take up a career in Turfcare.

Women PGA Professional, sponsored by TGI Golf Partnership – Sarah Bennett

Sarah Bennett is one of the most recognised figures in women’s golf in the UK.  Sarah has dedicated herself to golf’s growth throughout her 34-year pro career, focusing on inclusion and bringing more women into the game.  Sarah has been Essex Girls Head Coach since 2012, worked in a voluntary capacity for the WPGA and on the PGA Executive Committee and was recently PGA Captain, becoming only the second woman to hold that post.  She is a familiar sight at The Open where she has delivered coaching in the SwingZone for over 10 years.

Women’s Leadership, sponsored by the GCMA – Becca Hembrough, England Golf Performance Manager (Female Golf)

Over the past 10 years, Becca has led England to become the most successful women’s golf team in Europe. In 2022/3 she championed the development of a new strategy for England Golf Performance, which is already bearing fruit.  In 2024 one of her players was ranked World no. 1 – a first for an English amateur golfer, all 3 female teams won a medal in the European Team Championships (gold for U18s) and 4 players were named for the Curtis Cup, who beat the USA.  Becca has also demonstrated leadership through the Project Ukraine programme, which has had a huge impact on the golf world.

Rising Star, sponsored by Club Car – Molly Pavey, Group General Manager Bramshaw Golf Club and Paultons Golf Centre

In 2 years, Molly has quickly risen through the ranks to become General Manager at Bramshaw Golf Club as well as sister venue Paultons Golf.  Molly has been instrumental in bringing Girls Golf Rocks and Golf Rookies to the group and both venues have signed the Women in Golf Charter under her stewardship this year.  Molly was one of only 3 recipients of the ECEF’s Young Managers Bursary in 2024, allowing her to continue to grow and learn.  Molly has also joined the Hampshire Ladies Board as Governance Director demonstrating her ongoing commitment to the game.

Special Award – Trailblazers – Fiona Womack and Sharon Eales

Fiona and Sharon have developed a scientific model that represents a paradigm shift in golf course design.  For so many women (and men) the shortest tees are still too long and often not in a great position.  This means that many women do not enjoy the same experience on the course as men.  Their model creates a scaled version of the courses that the architect wanted every golfer to play, incorporating all of the same experiences, using the same clubs for the same shots, tackling the same hazards, just with fewer yards involved.  This new approach has already attracted interest from leading golf course architects including Tom Mackenzie, the R&A’s Handicap Committee, the WHS Operations Committee and various governing bodies.

Special Award – Inspirational Achievement – Adele McLean, Managing Director TGI Golf

This year, nearly two decades after joining TGI Golf, Adele McLean accepted the role of Managing Director and looks to continue building on the success TGI Golf has enjoyed over the last 40 years.  Her journey from the driving range to heading up the UK  & Ireland’s leading golf retail services business is nothing short of inspirational.  Her appointment was celebrated far and wide by women and men across the industry who recognised the incredible impact she has had on the business and demonstrates to other women what can be achieved when there are no glass ceilings.

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Reaping the rewards of renovations by AMS

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Reaping the rewards of renovations by AMS: AMS Contractors have been praised for their role in a multi-year project to improve the quality of the sports surfaces at St Mary’s University in Twickenham.

The team visited in early 2024 to re-grade and fully renovate the second of three football pitches at their Teddington Lock Sports Campus, where the university are still reaping the rewards of last year’s renovation work with enhanced pitch appearance and performance.

Reaping the rewards of renovations by AMS

Reaping the rewards of renovations by AMS

Overseeing the 30-acre campus, which includes sports pitches, athletics facilities and amenity areas is Grounds Manager David Ember. He explains that a combination of location and high usage is driving the current facility improvement programme. “The three football pitches, rugby pitch and practice facilities operate at over 90% capacity with mid-week games, as well as fixtures at the weekend for commercial and community teams. With a number of local clubs already calling Teddington their home, and other notable venues like The Lensbury nearby, we felt the time was right to invest in our surfaces.”

David spoke with AMS Contractors who undertook the first phase of the works in April 2023. “They did a pitch levelling operation which involved fraise mowing the top of the surface off, power-harrowing, dressing, raking and levelling the surface before re-seeding and beginning the feeding programme. The whole project went swimmingly and, with a little help from mother nature, the results were fantastic!”

“Come the end of the season, the pitch had withstood the pressures of the high wear – even the goal mouths, which tend to be the telltale areas, had retained coverage.”

With one pitch renovated, AMS returned at the end of April 2024 to commence works on the next. “This pitch had always been problematic with significant undulations and steep hollows which risked injury to the players. The process was similar to that conducted previously, with the addition of laser-grading to ensure we achieved optimal, pin-point accuracy with the flattening and finishing.”

Though the weather wasn’t as kind this time around, it didn’t dampen spirits… or results! “AMS had three operatives on site every day, including Myles Strange who was involved in every stage of the project and still checks in regularly to make sure everything is on track.” David adds, “When you see the team arrive on site, with quality equipment that looks well maintained it all helps to instil confidence in what will be achieved. What was really appreciated was AMS’ willingness to juggle their schedule to get our job done at the right time, in the right conditions. This undoubtedly helped the end result, which is fantastic once again.”

“We’re now find ourselves in a position where the quality of the pitches is better than the infrastructure we have to support them, so reviewing things like our irrigation systems is the next step. We’ll then speak with AMS again about bringing similar improvements to the rest of the surfaces on the site.”

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