Tag Archive for: Results

Toro irrigation delivers immediate results

/in , /by

Toro irrigation delivers immediate results: The new Toro irrigation system at Royal St David’s has brought almost immediate changes and noticeable results to the traditional links course on the west coast of North Wales.

The project involving Toro, Reesink Hydro-Scapes, Adrian Mortram Associates and Green Irrigation has increased membership, income and ranking for the club.

Toro irrigation delivers immediate results

Toro irrigation delivers immediate results

Links Manager Rhys Butler says: “The goal was to irrigate just the right amount to keep the grass alive, we wanted to promote the fast-running links game, without overwatering and having soft surfaces.

“We suffered a series of dry springs and droughts, and the fairways especially were struggling for recovery. We needed a system that could give us control of the moisture on all areas to keep good grass coverage and consistency of playing surfaces even in times of drought.”

With an incredible 46 years of service from the club’s previous Toro system, Rhys was impressed with Toro’s performance and longevity and how it had met the course’s needs. He was also impressed with the service from Reesink Hydro-Scapes, which meant he didn’t look anywhere else when the time came to proceed with the full upgrade.

The project commenced in the spring of 2022 and completed in early November of the same year. All new mains and controls were required as was full fairway irrigation for the first time. The club chose the Flex series of sprinklers on greens and fairways, T5 Rapidsets sprinklers on all tee surfaces and 590GF sprinklers for newly installed walkways and the entire system is controlled using Toro’s Lynx Control System with LSM technology.

Robert Jackson, Division Manager for Reesink Hydro-Scapes, explains how the system has provided Rhys and his team with to-the-second runtime accuracy across all newly installed stations via either the central controller or remotely using Toro’s smart app.

He says, “Using the app in the field gave a level of flexibility and control to be able to water dry spots, water in wetting agents and be minimalistic with water application as is natural for a links course. Water is now used wisely, as and when it is needed.”

At conception of the installation the grass was visibly starting to strain and as each hole was turned on the difference was almost immediately noticeable to members thanks to the new irrigation system accuracy and targeted watering.

The result is healthy turfgrasses and maximised efficiency of resources, to which Rhys adds: “The project was a resounding success and has transformed Royal St David’s Golf Club: membership has increased, visitor income has doubled, and our rankings have improved. This is because the irrigation system has given us moisture control on the golf course to produce great playing surfaces.”

Further details on the project can be found at reesink-hydroscapes.co.uk.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

DSV’s PRO Bent Delivers Exceptional Results at Millbrook Golf Club

/in , /by

DSV’s PRO Bent Delivers Exceptional Results at Millbrook Golf Club: Millbrook Golf Club’s greens are thriving thanks to the use of DSV’s PRO Bent grass seed, which has aligned perfectly with the greenkeeping team’s ethos of continuous improvement.

Chris Jones, Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Millbrook, reflects on the transformation since incorporating the PRO Bent seed, working closely with Craig Rodwell from Soil Biology Ltd – a DSV distributor, to ensure the best results for the course.

DSV's PRO Bent Delivers Exceptional Results at Millbrook Golf Club

DSV’s PRO Bent Delivers Exceptional Results at Millbrook Golf Club

Located in the scenic Bedfordshire countryside, Millbrook Golf Club is a course rich in history and renowned for its beautifully maintained greens. The club, nestled between the village of Millbrook and Woburn Forest, boasts year-round playability due to its elevated position on the Greensand Ridge and its free-draining sandy soil. The course is a mix of heathland and links-style features, with indigenous pine and silver birch lining many of the holes, creating a challenging yet enjoyable environment for golfers.

Chris Jones has been with the club for 18 years and shares a deep connection with it. “The majority of the people who work here tend to stay here. We’re always trying to improve and push the course forward. The course is unrecognisable from what it was when I started; literally, every hole has had some improvement, whether it’s the putting surface, bunkers, or new tees. We’re not just maintaining – we’re here to improve and push it further and further,” he said.

When their previous seed supplier underwent changes, Chris and the team began looking for alternatives. It was then that Craig Rodwell, a consultant from Soil Biology Ltd, introduced them to a range of nutritional products and DSV’s PRO Bent grass seed. From the start, the results were impressive. “By the end of the summer, we noticed remarkable improvements in the greens, including better root systems, healthier plants, and a reduction in thatch. We even went through the winter virtually disease-free,” Chris explained.

PRO Bent is part of DSV’s EuroGrass range, a collection of high-performing seed mixtures developed to meet the specific needs of golf courses and sports pitches. PRO Bent, made up of 100% Browntop bentgrass, is particularly suited for summer and autumn overseeding, as well as species exchange operations. It offers excellent density, drought tolerance, and is ideal for close mowing—making it perfect for maintaining high-quality greens.

Chris highlighted how they overseeded all 18 greens at Millbrook. “We got very quick germination—almost 100%—in just six days, even while people were still playing on the course. By the weekend, the greens were already a good putting surface.”

The positive feedback from both members and visitors has been overwhelming. “We’ve had a lot of compliments about the greens not just from members but also from visitors. It’s great to be recognised, especially since there are so many good golf courses around us. The hard work is really paying off,” Chris said.

The results have been so impressive that Millbrook has expanded its use of DSV products beyond the greens, applying them to the tees and fairways as well. “Once we saw the germination, we quickly realised this was money well spent. The most important thing is getting good seed strike, and that it’s surviving the winters. It’s been progressing each year, and that’s the hardest part with overseeding—getting the cultivars to thrive,” Chris added.

DSV's PRO Bent Delivers Exceptional Results at Millbrook Golf Club

DSV’s PRO Bent Delivers Exceptional Results at Millbrook Golf Club

The success at Millbrook has also been bolstered by the guidance and expertise of Craig Rodwell, who has provided invaluable support throughout the process. “Craig has been fantastic. He has a lot of knowledge and is always there to offer advice,” Chris said.

Craig also praised the EuroGrass range for its suitability to Millbrook’s conditions: “DSV has some excellent cultivars that are healthy and wear tolerant. They’ve really fitted the bill for this type of course.”

Thanks to DSV’s PRO Bent and the ongoing collaboration with Soil Biology, Millbrook Golf Club’s greens are in top condition, demonstrating that continuous improvement and the right products can truly elevate the quality of a golf course.

Chris concludes, “From the results we’ve had, I’d recommend DSV’s PRO Bent to anyone. It’s been a game-changer for us, and we’re excited to see how it continues to improve the course year after year.”

Please visit www.dsv-uk.co.uk for more information.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Aberdovey’s impressive results with Maxtima

/in , /by

Aberdovey’s impressive results with Maxtima: Following the launch of Maxtima fungicide, which provides turf-safe broad-spectrum disease control of microdochium patch and dollar spot, Nigel Green, Course Manager at Aberdovey Golf Club set within the Snowdonia National Park, has reported fantastic results incorporating it into his programme to control dollar spot this summer.

Founded in 1892, Aberdovey is one of the oldest golf courses in Wales and the home of the Welsh Golfing Union. It regularly features in the Top 100 golf courses in the UK and Ireland and was recently ranked as the 3rd best course in Wales by National Club Golfer.

Aberdovey's impressive results with Maxtima

Aberdovey’s impressive results with Maxtima

“At Aberdovey Golf Club, maintaining the health and playability of our greens is always a top priority, so when signs of Dollar Spot began appearing on the greens and aprons, I knew immediate action was needed. That’s when Maxtima came into play, and I have to say, it has truly delivered,” says Nigel.

“I first used Maxtima when I was given some to trial by BASF. I closely monitored the timing, weather conditions, and every detail of the application process. I applied it at a rate of 1.5 litres per hectare, and within just three to four days, I started noticing the results. The Dollar Spot, which had been a growing concern, was effectively stopped in its tracks. The product’s rapid action and efficacy were evident almost immediately, which was incredibly reassuring.

The mild and dewy mornings we’ve experienced recently have certainly not been ideal for managing turf disease, yet even under these challenging conditions, Maxtima has proven its worth. After seeing the quick impact on the initial areas, I decided to extend the application to two additional greens. The results were so impressive that I ultimately treated all of our greens, and I’m pleased to report that Maxtima has successfully stemmed the Dollar Spot across the board.

Maxtima is absorbed into the leaf really effectively even at low temperatures and continues to work for a long time after application. This means that in addition to its use against dollar spot in the summer months, it should be a really effective addition to the tools we use to control microdochium patch.

Given its performance, Maxtima is now a staple in our turf management arsenal. I’ll be applying it as needed, and I’ll always make sure to have some in stock to ensure we’re ready to tackle any future outbreaks. The peace of mind that comes from knowing we have a reliable, fast-acting solution like Maxtima on hand is invaluable. I would highly recommend it to any course manager looking for an effective and trustworthy product to keep their greens in top condition.”

For more information on Maxtima visit agrovista.co.uk/maxtima or contact your local amenity specialist.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

SISIS signals results for Worcestershire FA

/in , /by

SISIS signals results for Worcestershire FA: Two SISIS machines have led to impressive pitch improvements at Worcestershire FA’s headquarters at Claines Lane, Worcester.

Worcestershire FA’s new state-of-the-art headquarters has been designed to provide a positive football hub for the community for years to come. The impressive facilities includes both a full-size natural pitch and a 3G pitch, as well as floodlights, a covered seating area, modern changing rooms, community areas, office areas, and training facilities.

SISIS signals results for Worcestershire FA

SISIS signals results for Worcestershire FA

Paul Loader, Site Co-ordinator for Worcestershire FA, is the man responsible for maintaining the site and it’s not a job he takes lightly. “This pitch is my life – it’s my little baby,” he said. “My main role is to make sure that the 3G pitch is maintained correctly and that the grass pitch is in the best condition it possibly can be for games.”

Paul’s job was made that little easier after Worcestershire FA received funding which enabled them to invest in some new turf maintenance equipment. Included within the new fleet of machinery was a tractor, a SISIS Quadraplay and SISIS Multitiner.

The multi-functional SISIS Quadraplay single pass maintenance system is perfect for busy groundspersons as it incorporates a mounted frame for up to four implements such as grooming rakes, spikers, slitters, rollers and brushes. The implements can be fitted to the mainframe in any order and can be independently adjusted to achieve the desired effect.

Compact, robust, versatile and with the ability to carry out up to four operations simultaneously – the Quadraplay makes life a lot easier for many groundspersons.

For further aeration requirements Paul relies on the SISIS Multitiner 1.8m – a tractor mounted drum-type aerator. It has three drums with independent rotation and its interchangeable tines with a maximum depth of 100mm ensure excellent turf care when the time comes to aerate.

“Since we’ve invested in new kit, the pitch has improved massively,” said Paul. The SISIS Multitiner and the Quadraplay work brilliantly together.

“On the Quadraplay I mainly use the slitter and the brush which is great for matchday presentation. The brush leaves a lovely stripe and is particularly helpful if I haven’t been able to cut the pitch for a few days. I’ll also be using the rake to bring some of the debris out of the pitch.

“At least once or twice a month between cuts I will use the Multitiner to get some holes on to the surface of the pitch – it is excellent at getting air in to the ground.

“The pitch used to be quite uneven, but these machines have helped to level it all off. We’ve noticed a big difference in this respect and when I go over the pitch, I can no longer feel any bumps.

“Both of these SISIS machines have been fantastic and I can easily understand why they are being recommended to FA counties across the whole of the UK.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow SISIS on Twitter or Instagram @SISISMachinery and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery. You can also view the latest SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Cranfield study results

/in , /by

Cranfield study results: A year-long scientific study into the amount of soil microbiology in TOPSOIL products has resulted in data that will assist product development and help customers to understand more about the health of the soils they specify or use.

The study, which was overseen by Senior Research Fellow of Soil Biology at Cranfield University Dr Mark Pawlett, commenced in November 2021 and statistically analysed four samples each of TOPSOIL’s Sports&Turf topdressing, Landscape20 general purpose topsoil, and HortLoam planting soil, taken at three-monthly intervals.

Cranfield study results

Cranfield study results

At each sampling, the total microbial biomass of each product was measured to assess whether the processes critical for nutrient cycling and resilience are supported by active soil microorganisms. In other words, is the topsoil component in TOPSOIL products a healthy, living organism making an entirely positive contribution to plant and turf establishment and growth?

Commenting on the data and final report, National TOPSOIL Manager Andy Spetch said:

“This Cranfield study, together with our ongoing carbon monitoring work and trials with the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI), helps us provide our customers with as full a picture of each of our products as possible. This, in turn, allows landscape, grounds management, and sports turf professionals to make informed buying decisions based on objective, independent, scientific data and analysis. This data will also help us to develop and refine our products.”

The Cranfield study concluded that HortLoam planting soil has the greatest microbial biomass overall, reflecting the PAS 100 greenwaste compost component of the product. The microbial biomass of Landscape20 general purpose topsoil is slightly reduced compared to Hortloam, and both have significantly higher microbial biomass than Sports&Turf, a sand-based topdressing with only 10 percent soil component.

The study data and report can be freely accessed on the TOPSOIL website. www.bstopsoil.co.uk

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.