Tag Archive for: Quality

Course quality the most important factor influencing decisions

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Course quality the most important factor influencing decisions: According to a new survey from Carr Golf, 90% of UK golf club members say that year-round course quality will impact their membership decision.

When asked to rank membership factors, course conditioning dominates at 55%, significantly ahead of value for money (39%), tee time availability (39%), and price (22%).

Course quality the most important factor influencing decisions

Course quality the most important factor influencing decisions

The Challenge: High Expectations, Changing Climate

While current satisfaction among club members is high, with 78% of members satisfied or very satisfied with their membership, expectations are even higher. 88% expect good to excellent course conditioning year-round, a standard that’s becoming increasingly difficult to meet for course managers.

The UK experienced its hottest summer on record in 2025, 1.5°C above the long-term average. These volatile conditions, dry summers paired with mild, wet winters, are stretching maintenance operations to their limits.

Ed Pettit, Managing Director of Carr Golf Maintenance, explains: “Many clubs are still grappling with inadequate equipment, resources and practices to deal with the challenges they now face. Clubs must invest in irrigation optimisation and water storage to manage summer stress, while mild and wet winters are increasing pressures on drainage and year-round playability.

“On top of this, the chemistries at the disposal of course managers are limited and less curative, making it extremely difficult to overcome disease outbreaks.”

The Solution: Data-Driven Course Management

With year-round course conditions directly linked to membership growth and retention, golf clubs require a more strategic approach to meet the standards customers expect.

Carr Golf Maintenance uses a data-driven programme based on 13 key performance indicators (KPIs) to track, measure, and optimize course performance, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Recently, in the UK, the company partnered with Burhill Group Limited (BGL) to enhance agronomic standards, elevate playing conditions and maintain sustainability certification at five of its venues across England.

“We consistently see a strong correlation between improved KPI scores and increased golfer satisfaction, membership retention and growth,” says Pettit.

“For clubs to meet member expectations, manage evolving weather, and stay compliant with environmental regulations, a comprehensive agronomic programme isn’t optional, it’s essential.”

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The day I sampled a commitment to quality forged in STIHL

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The day I sampled a commitment to quality forged in STIHL: It’s 22 May and Scott MacCallum has left me a voice mail asking me to give him a ring… I’m out at the RSPB reserve in Loch Leven, just having had a lovely bowl of soup and I head out to phone Scott with a curious mind.

He asks me if I would attend a press day at STIHL and without a pause, I jump at the chance. He then goes on to tell me it’s in Germany and my excitement grows. I only hesitate to tell him my passport expired a few months ago… but hey, a mere detail!

The day I sampled a commitment to quality forged in STIHL

The day I sampled a commitment to quality forged in STIHL

The event is in September, so I have plenty of time to plan.

A new passport and four failed photographs attempts later, I’m off to STIHL!

Arriving at the hotel in Waiblingen, heralds the start of a great adventure as STIHL have even provided chocolates in the shape of chainsaws, dressed in a smart orange ribbon. I demolish the chocolates as the first task on my to-do list.

At the amazing STIHL brand museum, we are introduced to products, personalities and the incredible world of timber sport.

The press gathered today will get to experience several product demonstrations throughout the programme of events.

My particular interest is with the new battery mowers from series 7 and the new FSA70 R battery brush cutter, making lawn trimming easy. Well, I say to myself, I’ll be the judge of that!

We are offered the chance to don the PPE and get cutting and so off I go!

The battery mowers offer low-noise and emission-free power for noisesensitive areas. As a former gardener within a hospital setting, these lownoise options would have been perfect.

The mowers from the 7-series have a power of up to 2.9 kW. They are also equipped with an 8-litre grass catcher box, minimising the need of the operator to stop and empty the catcher as frequently as other mower options demand. On the heavy, wet grass that they are being demonstrated on to today, the RMA 750 and RMA 756 make easy work of the task.

The new backpack BRA 500 and BRA 600, also offer a noise reduction system and a blowing force of up to 32 or 35 newtons, constantly available for the entire battery operating time.

Disruptive frequencies and noise peaks are specifically eliminated, and these powerful battery blowers can tackle heavy, autumn leaves effortlessly.

The BRA 280 B has a blowing force of up to 26 Newtons and a maximum speed of 86 m/s. it is light weight and compact and reduces the strain on the operator. It also has a quick adjustment design of the blowing tube length to allow for varying requirements. Ideal for green cuttings, wet leaves and dirt.

The other item of interest to me is the STIHL FSA70 R battery brushcutter. As someone of a grand height of 5 foot 2 (and a half) inches tall, I am eager to see if this product works well with a smaller operator.

I put on the PPE and harness etc and clip on the strimmer. I’m merrily trimming the lawn for a while when I’m stopped and told it’s time to move on to the next demonstration. I can honestly say, that using that piece of kit was the most enjoyable trimming experience I have had and that it was indeed genuinely ergonomically superior to any other option I have tried.

Don’t get me started on the rapidquick system that allows mowing heads to be replace easily at the touch of a button…I’d be here all day singing its praise. The advanced EasySpool winding mechanism is simply a gamechanger and this piece of equipment is now firmly on my Christmas present wish list.

It is now time for us to head inside the factory where we are told no photographs are allowed. I suddenly feel as giddy as Charlie did when he won the Golden ticket and was about to meet Mr Wonka inside the chocolate factory. Indeed, with the brand’s trademark orange, I wonder for a moment if we will encounter Oompa Loompas…?!?

We head in and there are only professional, highly skilled and passionate employees.

In the “drum testing” room, batteries are placed in a cement mixing drum and left to withstand what damage they can…. We are given a battery to inspect that has endured such an experience. With only a few scuffmarks on its exterior, the batter has survived with operational abilities intact.

The day I sampled a commitment to quality forged in STIHL

The day I sampled a commitment to quality forged in STIHL

This level of testing to ensure the consumer and prosumer, have only the very best quality of product, is awe-inspiring and the commitment to the buyer is in a class of its own. Batteries with long life and durability are certainly on show today.

One of my favourite parts of the STIHL factory must be the sound room. My imagination is running away with me as we enter the sound room, and I am anticipating Gene Wilder stepping out and singing “Pure Imagination”. They really shouldn’t have given me those chocolates; I think the sugar has gone to my head!

Anyway, in this room the decibels of each machine are measured, and tests are carried out to make noise reduction possible.

Other products that cannot be left without commenting on is the vast range of chainsaws and I was given the opportunity to use a chainsaw for the very first time during the workshop outside. The power is impressive and so is the effort gone in by STIHL to ensure safety is paramount.

A few weeks ago, I had a conversation with a couple of groundsmen, and one asked the other why is a STIHL saw called a STIHL saw, the answer was simply “because the best made saws are arguably made by STIHL”. It is engrained on our mind that STIHL make saws and with the emergency services opting for STHIL over other manufactures, that is truly a testimonial. The STIHL MSA 300 Rescue and STIHL TSA 300 Rescue are ideal for fire brigade and disaster relief teams and are available on the market now.

When I left Wonka-world, sorry I mean STIHL world and got back to the UK, I made a trip to an event called “Farming of yesteryear”. Among all the tractors, old ambulances and antique fire engines, was an old STIHL chainsaw… this is truly a brand that has withstood the test of time and has a well-deserved place in the hearts of those who are dependent on its power and performance to get the job done well and safely.

STIHL understand the people they create their products for, and every effort goes in from start to finish, to ensuring that the quality of manufacturing is unsurpassable.

Sankt JörgenPark reduce disease and increase quality

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Sankt JörgenPark reduce disease and increase quality: Life is all about balance, but for the greens team at Sweden’s Sankt Jörgen Park, achieving the balance of Nitrogen in the greens profile became critical as the club battled extensive annual outbreaks of Snow Mold (Fusarium Patch).

Helping them lower the Nitrogen content without detriment to plant health or play quality is 6-2-4 Turf Revival from Suståne which, after just three years, has significantly reduced the severity of the fungal disease.

Sankt JörgenPark reduce disease and increase quality

Sankt JörgenPark reduce disease and increase quality

Part of a wider resort and business park, the unique Sankt Jörgen course blends testing parkland and classic heathland holes – all under the stewardship of Head Greenkeeper Andreas Flodman, three full time greenkeepers and a team of summer and seasonal helpers. “In recent years we started noticing that the warmer, wetter winters were contributing to issues with Snow Mold which meant that we were not in good condition going into spring” Andreas explains. “I spoke to our distributor Crophealth who identified with soil samples that we had high levels of Nitrogen in the ground over winter which is not ideal when disease pressure is high and plant growth is low.”

Crophealth suggested the club look at the more gradual nutrient release of the Naturel base Suståne range – a product Andreas used previously and was pleased to be re-introduced to. “I think previously the cost of pursuing an organic strategy was too high however, now, it’s on par with synthetic products we’ve used previously and obviously brings with it many benefits from a plant health and sustainability point of view.”

Andreas has been conducting two to four applications of Suståne 6-2-4 Turf Revival per season for the last three seasons, together with supplementary applications of Suståne 5-2-4+Fe all-purpose fertiliser for an additional boost in the early autumn when required.

Suståne Turf Revival® 6-2-4 is designed to replenish the soil with a rich supply of humus and mycorrhizal fungi, to improve the uptake of nutrients and boost overall plant health without causing a spike in growth. “It provides a reliable and consistent source of Nitrogen and other nutrients, without excess growth or creating issues with thatch and organic matter. This means our greens look healthy and play true as we’re not having to cut them as frequently to retain the same quality.” He continues, “Every winter we are seeing less disease and we hope that soon we’ll be able to get through to spring without any disease impact at all.”

The success of Suståne is not limited to it’s work on the golf course – 6-2-4 Turf Revival is also contributing to an naturel base approach at the resorts vineyard! “Crophealth have been great at helping the vineyard manager covert over to organics, this is incredibly important to them.”

For more information on Suståne 6-2-4 Turf Revival or other products from either Sustane’s professional-grade all-organic or naturel base ranges visit www.sustane.com

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Course investment enhances year-round championship quality

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Course investment enhances year-round championship quality: The Buckinghamshire is investing £3 million to upgrade its major championship qualifying course and enhance year-round playing conditions.

The private members’ club, home to the Ladies European Tour and which has previously hosted qualifying for The Open and US Women’s Open, completed a renovation of all its 68 rivetted bunkers this spring. The Club is now adding more than 100,000 linear metres of piped and secondary drainage, and looking to increase its water capture capabilities.

Course investment enhances year-round championship quality

Course investment enhances year-round championship quality

A new championship tee has just been built for the picturesque par-three finishing hole, which runs alongside the River Colne, with a complete upgrade of the practice range now planned.

The investment by owners Arora Group follows a £10 million 2024 renovation of the historic 17th century clubhouse, which now offers seven luxury bedroom suites for use by London based and international members. The club is just 10 miles from London Heathrow Airport.

Gerry Ivers, Managing Director of The Buckinghamshire said, “Our members’ playing experience is paramount, which is why this is an important investment. The frequency of wetter winters is increasing due to climate change, so we are taking steps to ensure playing conditions remain at a very high standard all year round.

“With the wonderful support from our owners, the Arora Group, there is complete focus on facilities at The Buckinghamshire for our members and their guests, both on and off the golf course.”

The Buckinghamshire opened in 1992 and was designed by the late John Jacobs who, although renowned as a PGA Professional and coach, was also a highly regarded golf course designer.

Gerry Ivers added, “The renovation of the bunkers and the return to shorter, native rye caps around their edges, replacing longer fescues, is something we are especially pleased with. Our greenkeeping team played an important role in this work and it has significantly improved definition and playability.”

The full schedule of course works includes:

  • Bunkers: full renovation of 68 rivetted bunkers; sand exchange, with 750 tonnes of new China clay sand added by hand (jagged sand particles to better hold bunker faces); longer fescue grasses replaced by native rye caps around bunker edges
  • Drainage: Upgrading of piped drainage to over 20,000 linear metres and 91,000 linear metres of secondary drainage; enhanced water capture capabilities, increasing sustainability
  • 1st tee: Repurposing of the 1st Tee environs to now include a compact warm-up putting green allowing space for a fourball to practice putting before teeing off
  • 18th tee: Back Tees (Black) now extending to 220 yards on this great par-three finishing hole running alongside the River Colne
  • Practice range: a full upgrade to the range is planned, with the introduction of new state-of-the-art performance technology, reshaped target areas and great new hitting surfaces.

Within easy reach of central London, The Buckinghamshire is a private members’ club for discerning golfers and their families.

To find out more about membership of The Buckinghamshire, please click HERE.

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Premier League and STRI Group document benchmark for pitch quality

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Premier League and STRI Group document benchmark for pitch quality: The Premier League, widely considered the world’s most competitive football league, understandably put the playing surface at the heart of everything they do. The recently launched Premier League Pitch Standards Framework is a resource that documents the requirements of establishing and maintaining an elite surface, that performs to the highest standards and keeps players safe.

Serving as a reference for stakeholders involved in pitch management, club management and league organisers, it outlines the Premier League’s rules and expectations. It’s packed with guidance on everything from pitch construction profiles, drainage and irrigation to hosting concerts and managing pitches in winter weather, alongside a raft of informative case studies.

Premier League and STRI Group document benchmark for pitch quality

Premier League and STRI Group document benchmark for pitch quality

This is the first official document of its kind published by the Premier League and has been a truly collaborative effort – a key factor in its depth and quality. Authored by highly experienced consultants at STRI Group, the process involved consultation with senior grounds people from all Premier League clubs and the Grounds Management Association.

Adam Kaliniecki, Football Operations Manager for the Premier League, commented, “This is a fantastic document which reflects the hard work and professionalism of grounds teams in the Premier League who work tirelessly to ensure our pitches are the best in the world.

“The expertise and knowledge of the consultants from STRI was invaluable in leading the project. The data they gathered and interpreted was a vital part of the process, and the ongoing collaboration with grounds teams resulted in a resource that effectively benchmarks best practice in the industry.”

The document is available online here: https://www.premierleague.com/about/publications 

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