Tag Archive for: Open

Kubota and Broekman Logistics open new location

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Kubota and Broekman Logistics open new location: Kubota and Broekman Logistics opened a new distribution centre in Weert on Friday 14 April 2023. In the presence of the Japanese ambassador, a delegation from Kubota and Broekman Logistics performed the opening.

In the 62,000 m² state-of-the-art warehouse, Broekman Logistics facilitates storage, final assembly and also outbound logistics for Kubota Baumaschinen GmbH, part of Kubota Construction Machinery Division. Broekman Logistics also handles the Complete Knocked Down (CKD) of production parts from Weert to Kubota’s production plant in Zweibrucken (D).

Kubota and Broekman Logistics open new location

Kubota and Broekman Logistics open new location

Kubota and Broekman Logistics have been working together since 2006, initially from a European Distribution Centre (EDC) in Sittard. The entire operation moved to an existing Broekman location in Born in 2008, where a total of 40,000 m2 of new construction was built for Kubota. In good cooperation with Kubota, Broekman Logistics decided in 2019 to develop the new building location in Weert

Further efficiency
Further efficiency has been achieved in the new warehouse in Weert. The new set-up features an optimised layout of logistics and assembly operations, shortening lead times and facilitating future growth for Kubota. In addition, the building contributes to further sustainability, to which both parties attach great importance. For instance, large buffer tanks have been placed around the building to collect rainwater. Among other things, this is used for the green surroundings and the 100-year-old trees around the property.

Improving customer satisfaction
Toshitaka Matsuo, President of Kubota Baumaschinen GmbH, says: “The move to the new distribution centre in Weert is a big step forward for Kubota and symbolizes our partnership with Broekman Logistics. This expansion represents a significant investment of business activities and will not only help us further improve our current range of services, but also increase the satisfaction of dealers, distributors and ultimately, end customers. ”

Cherishable cooperation
Rik Pek, Managing Director Broekman Logistics: “The relationship with Kubota is very dear to us as a company, but also to me personally. After consecutive years of growth, it was time to further intensify our cooperation and provide Kubota with a state-of-the-art warehouse. I have been experiencing for years how well the values of our companies match. We are both very entrepreneurial, pay attention to people and value long-term relationships. We are very enthusiastic about the current cooperation with Kubota and look forward to continuing this in Weert.”

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BGL apprentice greenkeeper selected to work at The Open

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BGL apprentice greenkeeper selected to work at The Open: BGL (Burhill Group Limited) is delighted to announce that a member of the greenkeeping team from its Abbey Hill Golf Centre in Milton Keynes has been selected to be part of the support team at this year’s Open Championship.

Sam Norman, who joined the BGL group and Abbey Hill in 2018, has been selected as one of just two apprentices who will join the support team at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in the week prior to the 151st Open. At the event, he’ll share responsibilities such as hand-mowing Hoylake’s greens, before joining the famed bunker raking squad that follows each group during The Open Championship tournament days.

BGL apprentice greenkeeper selected to work at The Open

BGL apprentice greenkeeper selected to work at The Open

Norman’s selection further demonstrates BGL’s continued commitment to supporting staff development across the group, by providing its teams with the best opportunities to grow their skillsets and enhance their CVs.

“I’m very excited to head up to Royal Liverpool Golf Club for this summer’s Open Championship,” commented Norman. “To be selected as one of just two apprentices to join the greenkeeping team in July is a great honour, and I’m looking forward to having the chance to represent Abbey Hill and BGL, and hopefully learn a huge amount at such a high-profile event.”

Colin Mayes, CEO of BGL (Burhill Group Limited), added: “Everybody at BGL is extremely proud of Sam for being selected as one of just two apprentices to work at golf’s most historic event. We’re passionate and committed to supporting our staff in their endeavours to develop their careers. Whether it be via our internal learning platform or national programmes, we’re delighted to offer opportunities for personal and professional development and champion the success of our people.”

Since joining in 2018, Norman has grown to become one of Abbey Hill Golf Centre’s most valued employees. He secured a full-time role on the greenkeeping team in 2021, and his stellar efforts saw him recognised as Abbey Hill’s Employee of the Year for 2022.

In early 2023, Norman’s BIGGA membership gave him the chance to apply to be part of the greenkeeping team at The 151st Open. He was one of more than 60 applicants and, following a conversation with Royal Liverpool Golf Club’s Links Manager, James Bledge, he was selected for the role.

The BGL group continues to be an industry-leader in personnel career development. The group offers an Online Training Academy platform, which contains more than one thousand training courses which are accessible to team members throughout the group. It also actively encourages employees to explore external development opportunities that they find interesting and feel will further their careers.

For more information on BGL (Burhill Group Limited), visit www.bglcompany.co.uk

For more information on Abbey Hill Golf Centre, visit www.abbeyhillgc.co.uk

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John Deere Volunteer Programme open for applications

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John Deere Volunteer Programme open for applications: Applications are now open for the 2024 John Deere TPC Sawgrass Volunteer Programme, which will see seven British and Irish greenkeepers travel to Florida to help prepare the world-famous Stadium Course for the best golfers on the planet.

The volunteers are chosen from each of BIGGA’s five regions, in addition to an international member, and one GSCAI member from Ireland. They will join the TPC Sawgrass maintenance and agronomy team in the build-up to The Players Championship from 9-19 March 2024.

John Deere Volunteer Programme open for applications

John Deere Volunteer Programme open for applications

With all travel, accommodation and uniform costs covered by John Deere as part of its BIGGA Premium Partner relationship, volunteers will be fully integrated into the TPC Sawgrass pre-tournament team – an opportunity that may see them mowing the first tee before play starts, preparing the iconic 17th hole, or raking the bunkers as play gets underway.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any greenkeeper,” says Chris Meacock, John Deere’s Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf. “Going to volunteer at TPC Sawgrass presents a fantastic opportunity for you to expand your knowledge and experience, and you’ll meet many like-minded professional greenkeepers from across the globe.”

The 2023 cohort of greenkeeper volunteers included Assistant Course Manager Alex Brougham from Trentham Park Golf Club, Senior Greenkeeper Peter Lewis from Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Deputy Head Greenkeeper Eddie Irvine from Trump International Aberdeen, and Course Manager Mark Tucker from Temple Golf Club.

Each greenkeeper became an integral part of the team, preparing the course well ahead of the practice rounds and working until the tournament concluded, using the huge fleet of John Deere machinery from the Sawgrass maintenance compound.

Eddie Irvine said: “The experience has helped me improve as a person and in my profession, by enabling me to move forwards with my career.

Alex Brougham added: “I learnt a lot from the Sawgrass greenkeeping team, and by networking with the other volunteers. I left with a better understanding of how the team operates at one of the best championship golf courses in the world. I’m now aiming to utilise as much of that knowledge as possible back at Trentham Golf Club.”

Karl Hansell, BIGGA’s Head of Communications and Marketing, accompanied the group to Sawgrass in March 2023.

Karl said: “Having worked at BIGGA promoting this wonderful initiative for seven years, I thought I had some understanding of TPC Sawgrass and what the trip entailed. But nothing could prepare me for the actual experience of being there.

“The TPC Sawgrass agronomy team was so welcoming that the greenkeepers accompanied were made to feel right at home, and several previous John Deere volunteers now return every year at their own expense, such was their enjoyment of the trip.

“I can’t recommend this experience enough.”

The 2023 Championship at TPC Sawgrass saw American Scottie Scheffler win the tournament five shots clear of Englishman Tyrrell Hatton, shooting 17 under par for the tournament.

The application process is open to all full BIGGA members over the age of 21, who have been a full member for at least 12 months. The deadline for applications is 31 May 2023, and you can fill in your application online at the BIGGA website now.

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FairWays Foundation to open grant application

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FairWays Foundation to open grant application: The FairWays Foundation has now awarded over $440,000 worth of grant funds to 29 projects across the USA, Canada and the UK since 2020. This year sees the foundation carry out it’s 4th grant cycle with the application window opening February 1. The submission window will remain open until April 30, 2023 and successful grant recipients will be notified in October 2023.

The FairWays Foundation is a stand-alone 501c3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding our environment, supporting conservation-based projects; big and small by granting funds to successful applicants globally.

FairWays Foundation to open grant application

FairWays Foundation to open grant application

The conservation-focused non-profit encourages all businesses or individuals to apply who are looking for funding assistance for projects pertaining to our environment and natural resources. Find out how to apply.

To view more information about all the projects that have being supported so far, click here.

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Consistency key for the open at St Andrews

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Consistency key for the open at St Andrews: St Andrews trusted Toro maintenance equipment to maintain ‘the home of golf’ for the 150th Open. And ahead of and throughout the week-long tournament in July 2022 distributor Reesink Turfcare was called upon to provide set-up procedure training to ensure consistency in after-cut appearance.  

Reesink provided five days of Cutting Technology training before the tournament as well as specialist technical staff on site throughout the tournament to support the team using a fleet of battery-powered mowers and riding greens mowers.

Consistency key for the open at St Andrews

Consistency key for the open at St Andrews

After-cut appearance training was vital to ensuring the perfect finish across the different courses as Stephen Terreblanche, technical trainer at Reesink Turfcare, explains: “The training was to prepare the team for the Open competition. But more than that, it was to achieve consistency in set-up procedures across all the different courses at St Andrews.

“To get the course ready and keep up with maintenance while the tournament was taking place multiple machines were being operated by different members of the turf professional team at the same time on a single green, and the cut delivered by each machine had to be perfect and consistent across all the machines in the fleet.

“To achieve this the machines had to be set up the same way to avoid different after-cut appearance issues, which would be easily visible if machines with different set-up adjustments were operated side-by-side.”

It was by all accounts a successful investment as the machines proved on the world stage how a golf course can use battery power and riding greens mowers to sustainably achieve ideal playing conditions to test the best golfers in the sport.

Reesink’s range of training courses are designed to be delivered on the customers’ premises and give the team the training it needs to ensure they can operate the chosen machinery safely and efficiently in an environment they are familiar with for the best possible results. (Disclaimer: This isn’t specific to world tournaments!)

For further information on the courses available and to book, visit https://www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk/resources/training-courses

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Applications open for Bernhard BIGGA Delegation experience

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Applications open for Bernhard BIGGA Delegation experience: Industry-leader in sports turf technologies, Bernhard and Company, has today announced that the application process is officially open for the 2023 BIGGA Delegation trip.

Open to all full BIGGA members, the Bernhard and Company BIGGA Delegation is one of the most highly regarded and sought-after personal development opportunities for greenkeepers and turf professionals in the UK.

Applications open for Bernhard BIGGA Delegation experience

Applications open for Bernhard BIGGA Delegation experience

The 10 successful applicants will embark on a week-long trip with BIGGA and Bernhard and Company to the coveted GCSAA Trade Show and Conference in Orlando, USA, in February 2023. During the trip, delegates will participate in numerous specialist educational experiences, and benefit from site visits to leading golf facilities.

In its 20 years of running, the delegation has adapted and evolved to continue offering the very best experience for British greenkeepers. All seminars and educational classes are carefully selected to deliver the very best and most relevant material that will enable delegates to enhance their skillset and elevate their careers.

Whilst on the trip, the chosen BIGGA members will represent the UK’s greenkeeping industry, as they strive to develop their network with likeminded turf professionals from around the globe. They will also have full access to the largest turf management exhibition in the world, where they can navigate the exhibition floor, and enjoy time with the Bernhard and Company team on the stand.

Lucy Sellick, Head Greenkeeper at Wenvoe Castle, and a member of the 2020 delegation party to Orlando, commented: “Whether it is improving yourself, or deepening your knowledge of the turf industry and the people in it, Bernhard and Company has you covered. Take some time to apply for this amazing opportunity – you really won’t regret it.”

Steven Nixon, Managing Director of Bernhard and Company, added: “We are once again excited to take the successful applicants on this incredible educational experience. We are passionate about giving back to the industry we love so much and, in collaboration with BIGGA, we are able to offer 10 of its members a potentially career-defining opportunity.

“You don’t have to be an Assistant or Head Greenkeeper to be accepted onto the trip. Turf professionals with varying levels of experience will benefit hugely from the delegation – it really can offer something for everybody.”

The GCSAA educational conference takes place from the 6th – 9th February 2023, in Orlando, and the deadline for applications is Sunday 18th September 2022 at 5pm BST.

To apply, head online to: https://bernhard.co.uk/delegation/

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Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

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Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries: The search is on to recognise the UK’s most professional sprayer operators in the turf and landscape amenity sector. The Amenity Forum’s Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year (ASOOTY) awards highlight best practice and experience in the challenging role of ensuring accurate application on all amenity surfaces.

Sponsored by Syngenta and ICL, in association with BASIS, the awards seek to share top tips and advice that will raise the standards of spray application across the amenity industry.

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

The winner is presented at the prestigious BIGGA Awards ceremony at BTME, along with a prize of a weekend break for two at a luxury hotel of choice. Two runners-up receive £100 Machine Mart vouchers.

Announcing the opening of the ASOOTY 2022 awards, Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes, said: “Sprayer operation is a key factor in the success of every application, including elements of nozzle choice, water volume and fine tuning the sprayer to more effectively hit the intended target.

“However, for the best possible results, today’s professional sprayer operators must also fully understand the wider aspects of why an application is being made, and what other elements they can also employ for better long-term management of potential problems.”

This year the entry process aims to test sprayer operators’ broader knowledge of issues and solutions faced across the amenity sector. Barry Browne, ICL Landscape & Industrial Sales Manager, explained entrants are not expected to know the answers to all the questions, but will help the judging panel to assess an individual’s experience and approach to dealing with challenges.

“The entry process itself will stimulate thought and understanding of the issues around application, including the need to create integrated solutions using a full range of tools and tactics. We’re looking to find operators that can make those important proactive decisions with every application.”

All entrants will be invited to attend an on-line session to review the entry form with judges and to share and learn from the experiences of others.

Professor John Moverley of the Amenity Forum highlighted the ASOOTY awards exemplified the organisation’s objective to promote best practice across the sector.

“It seeks to do this by advocating a fully integrated approach to weed, pest and disease management, tailoring solutions to meet specific situations and making use of the appropriate approved chemical and non-chemical techniques, to produce the most effective and efficient outcome – whilst seeking to create safe and healthy amenity spaces.

“The Amenity Forum has taken the lead in a major step forward in highlighting the importance of amenity management and the need to use professionally approved operators in any public space.”

Enter the ASOOTY 2022 awards here

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New Campey branch open

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New Campey branch open: Campey Turf Care Systems is one of world’s largest independent sports turf and ground care machinery suppliers, distributing innovative sports turf maintenance equipment. The company has been based in Marton, Cheshire, for over 40 years, earning a reputation for offering practical advice and superb aftercare service.

The company is now delighted to have opened a new branch in Bosley and Chairman Richard Campey extends a warm welcome to everyone to view the latest new and used tractors, machinery, new mowers, strimmer’s, chainsaws, parts, and clothing, from renowned names such as New Holland, Echo, Dennis, Trimax and Granit.

New Campey branch open

New Campey branch open

“This is a new venture for us,” declares Richard “We are expanding into areas of agriculture, horticulture, and professional landscaping with new product ranges to appeal to a wider, more diverse user. Please come along and take a look at what we are offering. If you can make it on our Open Day, the 17th of June from 2pm, you can and enjoy our hospitality too!” To register attendance go to

Richard Campey was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) in 2011. He has spent the past 40 years building a successful company developing and supplying quality machinery for natural turf renovation and maintenance. Equally important is his pro-active approach to educating groundsmen and women in promoting a strategy of best practice. He is a great advocate for promoting the best possible sports surfaces across all walks of life and all levels of sport, collaborating particularly closely with his local clubs and local authorities in the Cheshire and surrounding areas.

The company also has a thriving used machinery business and a subsidiary company, Tines Direct, which supplies replacement tines, blades, and replacement parts for a wide range of turf care machinery.

So come and speak to one of our experienced friendly team who will offer the help and advice on machinery and equipment you need.

More information is available at www.campeyturfcare.com

Find us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/campeys

Follow us on Twitter – @CampeyTurfCare

Follow us on Instagram – @campeyturfcare

Watch us on YouTube www.youtube.com/CampeyMachinery

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SAGE registration now open

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SAGE registration now open: The UK’s largest outdoor sports and grounds maintenance tradeshow, SAGE is taking place on 6th & 7th July at The Three Counties Showground in Malvern. Registration has now opened for visitors, so if you would like to book your free place at this much-anticipated event, register on the website now.

There will be people from a wide range of industries exhibiting products, providing live demonstrations and even the opportunity to take a free training course.

SAGE registration now open

SAGE registration now open

The venue has been selected to provide a safe outdoor environment and The Three Counties Showground has been awarded the VisitEngland ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry charter mark. This means that the showground meets the Government and public health guidance on COVID-19 health and safety processes.

Discover industry trends and top priorities

Due to restrictions over the last two years, everyone is looking forward to the opportunity to network with people from across their industry. As well as being able to build up industry connections, attending the event enables people to find out about new products or trends that can improve the way that they work.

The main priority of SAGE is that visitors get to see the industry products in action, in an environment that has ample space to accommodate the largest kit on sale. Amongst our exhibitors there are businesses who supply turfcare products and equipment, playground equipment and landscaping equipment.

Focus on sustainability

This year, sustainability has become an even more prominent priority across all industries and SAGE is proud to be hosting the first sustainability summit, which will take place on Wednesday 6th July at SAGE 2022, in partnership with Bio-Circle. The summit will be led by experts across the industry, and will provide guidance and support on how sustainable solutions can be achieved by businesses across the sports and grounds maintenance industry. The panel along with their colleagues will be on hand to deliver tailored options for those looking to adopt processes that are more environmentally friendly.

With the Government’s carbon net zero targets to comply with, more businesses have started to explore the different ways that they can reduce carbon emissions. The summit will target this topic head on and help to drive a better understanding of the priorities and solutions for the sports and grounds maintenance industry regarding their responsibilities for reducing carbon emissions.

Other activities to look forward to

There will be taster courses on offer, as well as talks from the leading experts across the industry.

Everyone is welcome to attend SAGE 2022. Visitors from last year included educational institutions, local authorities and councils, contractors, construction managers and estates.

SAGE invites all visitors to join us at the networking event on the Wednesday evening, sponsored by Fleet Line Markers, where everyone will get the opportunity to meet fellow industry professionals at the stunning showground, with a few extras as well.

To register for SAGE 2022. Please visit; www.sportsandgrounds.events.

If you would like to exhibit at SAGE 2022, there is still time to reserve your stand, contact us today; team@sportsandgrounds.co.uk

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Entries open for Toro Student Greenkeeper Awards

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Entries open for Toro Student Greenkeeper Awards: Entries open for the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award 2022 on 14 February.

A highlight in the greenkeeping calendar, the event provides the opportunity for the UK’s course managers and lecturers to recognise their brightest employees or students by nominating them for these prestigious industry awards.

Entries open for Toro Student Greenkeeper Awards

Entries open for Toro Student Greenkeeper Awards

The awards provide fantastic professional experiences including a regional interview with some of the industry’s key figures from award sponsor and Toro distributor Reesink Turfcare and event organiser, the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), while the networking opportunities just attending the finals provide are invaluable.

To win provides educational, international, all-expenses-paid prizes for the winners, runners-up and nominators including, for the first time, a work experience placement at Adare Manor, host of The 2027 Ryder Cup.

David Cole, managing director at Reesink, says: “Running for over three decades, the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award has the enviable reputation of creating a fantastic community for finalists, runners-up and winners. Regardless of winning, the event provides knowledge, experience and networking opportunites that are unlike anything else.

“To nominate a member of staff or student who has demonstrated their skill and talent in the actual or virtual classroom or out on the course gives them access to unmatched opportunities, which bring benefits to the club, college and candidate.”

This year the finals will be held in September at England’s greatest sporting estate, Goodwood in Surrey. For 33 years the awards have enabled BIGGA, the UK’s only membership association for golf greenkeepers, to work alongside turf maintenance equipment manufacturer Toro and distributor Reesink to celebrate the next generation of talented and dedicated greenkeepers.

David continues: “Ours, Toro’s and BIGGA’s long-standing support of this educational award is constantly rewarded by the enthusiasm, career passion and commitment to personal development that we come across every year from all involved, and that is the significant element that sustains this long-standing, career-enhancing award.”

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “The Toro Student Greenkeeper Awards have provided the springboard to success for so many of our members over their 33-year history and the legacy of this competition has been its contribution to elevating standards of golf course presentation all over the United Kingdom.

“Not just the winners, but anyone who participates in the awards process gains a great understanding of the wider sports turf industry beyond the confines of their golf facility or education provider and so often that inspires them to return home and strive even harder for success. As always, we are tremendously grateful to Toro and Reesink Turfcare for facilitating this tremendous and career-defining opportunity for the talented and ambitious members of BIGGA.”

Entries open 14 February and close 31 May 2022 for both the main and young awards. Both employers and lecturers can make nominations.

Visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk/sgoty to find out how to make a nomination for the 2022 awards.

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