Tag Archive for: Royal

Royal Mid-Surrey ‘Take Ten’ with Kubota

Royal Mid-Surrey ‘Take Ten’ with Kubota: A fleet of five RTV’s and five tractors from Kubota are supporting operations across the busy 36-hole complex at Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club. Some of the vehicles have delivered close to 20 years of reliable service and it’s this dependability that’s keeps Golf Course Manager, Gavin Kinsella, loyal to the brand for some of their most vital and well-used pieces of equipment.

Founded in 1892, and set on a stretch of royal parkland, Royal Mid-Surrey today comprises of two 18-hole courses – a shorter, more tactical round lays ahead on the Pam Barton course, while the longer, championship JH Taylor course poses a test to players of all abilities, regularly playing host to county and England Golf tournaments. “Keeping on top of condition and delivering the standards that players expect with a team of 20 is a challenge, particularly when you factor in holidays and staff absence” explains Gavin, “but it helps when you can rely on the equipment you have in the shed.”

Royal Mid-Surrey ‘Take Ten’ with Kubota

Royal Mid-Surrey ‘Take Ten’ with Kubota

“We purchased our first Kubota RTV and compact tractor based on the great working relationship the club developed with local dealers Lister Wilder. Since then, the outstanding reliability we’ve had combined with the operator experience and suitability of these vehicles on our site means we’ve never looked at anything else.” He adds, “40% of our land is floodplain which can lay very wet over winter, and these all-rounders keep us mobile and never fail to get us and our attachments out on the course even in very inclement weather.”

One of the clubs original RTV-900’s, purchased in 2005, remains on the fleet joined by two RTV-X900’s and two RTV-X1110’s in more recent years. “These vehicles are the first out of the shed every morning and often the last to return. They’re our go-to for towing trailers, moving greens machines, and transporting tools and the team around the site for course set up. All the controls on the RTV’s are where you want them, and the suspension makes for a smooth and comfortable drive experience.”

Alongside RTV’s, and proving to be the workhorses for the majority of autumn, winter and spring maintenance and renovations are an L2602, L3830 and L5040 from Kubota’s popular L tractor series, a B2710 and a larger, M6060 with loader.

“The versatility we have in our tractor fleet means that no matter the operation or implement required, we can get the job done with efficiency.” With the smaller implements catered for by the lower hp compact tractors, the larger L2602 and M6060 will be taking the strain for larger-scale groundworks and heavier machinery, such as the clubs high-capacity vacuum collector.

Gavin concludes, “Our loyalty to Kubota is entrenched in our confidence in them. They’re machines we know, machines we trust and over several years have proven to be the most robust and reliable vehicles for our situation.”

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OAS supports the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal

OAS supports the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) has joined forces with photographer Richard Pinches and Grounds Maintenance contractor Groundtel Ltd to create a giant poppy in support of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

The giant poppy has been painted on Mills Meadow in Henley-on-Thames to launch the 2023 Poppy Appeal. It has been drawn by OAS’s robotic line-marking machine and then filled in by hand using a backpack sprayer using IMPACT paint.

OAS supports the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal

OAS supports the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal

The idea came from drone operator, Richard Pinches, who was commissioned by Henley Town Council to photograph a King’s Cypher that was painted in the same location for the King’s Coronation in May.  Richard has been a keen supporter of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal and poppy collector ever since the death of his father in 2016.

Simon Hughes, Line Marking Sales Manager for Origin Amenity Solutions explains, “Richard approached me for help, and we were only too delighted to donate the necessary machinery, paint, and time needed. I programmed the GPS-guided robotic line marker to paint the poppy outline and then Danny Perkins from Groundtel Ltd. infilled using our IMPACT paint in white, red, and black.

The ability to mark out custom logos and designs is the latest feature on the TinyLineMarker Pro X robotic line marker distributed exclusively in the UK by Origin Amenity Solutions.

The robots are designed to spray ready-to-use paint technology such as the IMPACT range. To give an idea of the efficiencies, the machines use as little as 1.1 litres of paint per standard-sized football pitch and eliminate the messy, time-consuming inconsistencies associated with dilutable concentrate paints. With significant time and money-saving benefits robotic line markers are increasingly valued as a smart investment.

Simon Hughes adds, “This revolutionary feature has been heavily requested, and we are delighted with how well received it has been. It is fantastic to see how our customers are using it and I’m delighted with how well the poppy has turned out. It looks stunning.”

Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day as it’s best known, marks the day that World War One ended in 1918. A two-minute silence is held across the country at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month to remember those who have died in any conflict.

Book a free demonstration of the TinyMobileRobot Pro X by visiting www.tinymobilerobots.com/field-marking-robot/tinymobilerobots-uk/

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Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy

Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy: Royal Norwich has introduced a new international sports turf qualification for students who want to specialise in golf.

The golf and country club has launched the two-year full-time programme of study which will run in conjunction with the Performance Golf Programme.

Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy

Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy

“We’re proud to announce the introduction of our Turfcare Academy and Business Management qualification for students looking to specialise in a golfing background,” says John Kerr, CEO of Royal Norwich.

Upon completion students will receive an internationally recognised certificate in Sports Turf from SRUC Elmwood, St Andrews, Scotland, plus an ILM Level 2 and 3 in Business Supervision and Management.

Support will be provided by industry leading partners – including machinery manufacturer John Deere – delivering extensive additional training and support for students. This will give students access to the next generation of systems, services and skills to manage the golf course of the future.

“This innovative programme combines comprehensive turf management education with specialised business skills, providing a well-rounded foundation for success in this thriving field,” Mr Kerr said.

“The Turfcare Academy and Business Qualification is designed to equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to excel in sports turf maintenance and management.”

From maintaining lush greens to utilising leading-edge technology, students will gain a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in creating exceptional golf course conditions.

In addition to these qualifications the Royal Norwich will offer its Performance Golf Programme; an exclusive opportunity for students to further enhance their golfing skills. This programme provides a range of exceptional benefits including mid-week unlimited access to the golf course, state-of-the-art swing analysis, 3 x 60-minute coaching sessions delivered by highly skilled instructors, and much more.

Mr Kerr said: “At Royal Norwich we are committed to nurturing the next generation of golf industry professionals.”

There are two programmes, the Full Player Programme at £4,750 per annum, and the Education Only Programme at £3,950 per annum, which does not include the Performance Golf Programme.

On-site accommodation is available for students, and interested parties can contact mail@royalnorwich.co.uk to discuss the options available to support their personal career goals.

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Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy

Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy: Royal Norwich has introduced a new international sports turf qualification for students who want to specialise in golf.

The golf and country club has launched the two-year full-time programme of study which will run in conjunction with the Performance Golf Programme.

Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy

Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy

“We’re proud to announce the introduction of our Turfcare Academy and Business Management qualification for students looking to specialise in a golfing background,” says John Kerr, CEO of Royal Norwich.

Upon completion students will receive an internationally recognised certificate in Sports Turf from SRUC Elmwood, St Andrews, Scotland, plus an ILM Level 2 and 3 in Business Supervision and Management.

Support will be provided by industry leading partners – including machinery manufacturer John Deere – delivering extensive additional training and support for students. This will give students access to the next generation of systems, services and skills to manage the golf course of the future.

“This innovative programme combines comprehensive turf management education with specialised business skills, providing a well-rounded foundation for success in this thriving field,” Mr Kerr said.

“The Turfcare Academy and Business Qualification is designed to equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to excel in sports turf maintenance and management.”

From maintaining lush greens to utilising leading-edge technology, students will gain a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in creating exceptional golf course conditions.

In addition to these qualifications the Royal Norwich will offer its Performance Golf Programme; an exclusive opportunity for students to further enhance their golfing skills. This programme provides a range of exceptional benefits including mid-week unlimited access to the golf course, state-of-the-art swing analysis, 3 x 60-minute coaching sessions delivered by highly skilled instructors, and much more.

Mr Kerr said: “At Royal Norwich we are committed to nurturing the next generation of golf industry professionals.”

There are two programmes, the Full Player Programme at £4,750 per annum, and the Education Only Programme at £3,950 per annum, which does not include the Performance Golf Programme.

On-site accommodation is available for students, and interested parties can contact mail@royalnorwich.co.uk to discuss the options available to support their personal career goals.

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

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Royal Norwich looks to the future

Royal Norwich looks to the future: Royal Norwich’s 2019 reincarnation has created a golfing environment like no other. Born out of a 350 acre, 400 year old parkland course, its clever new course designs and outstanding facilities are providing an inclusive, progressive place for the whole community to relish well into the future. Huxley Golf is proud to have been involved in its transformation. 

Neil Lythgoe, Director of Golf at Royal Norwich, explains: “We’re working to create a completely different experience here at Royal Norwich, one which is welcoming to established golfers, new golfers and non-golfers alike. Central to this ethos is embracing inventiveness but with an absolute focus on quality. To my mind, Huxley Golf surfaces embody this approach.”

Royal Norwich looks to the future

Royal Norwich looks to the future

In 2021, Royal Norwich asked Huxley Golf to supply 6ft x 6ft (1.8m x 1.8m) tees for its par 3, 6- hole course to make the most of a short course’s enormous potential to attract newcomers and juniors to the game. Recognising the need to offer year-round play and the impact that this would have in terms of wear and tear in a small, frequently-used space, Huxley Golf’s premium all-weather surface was the optimal solution. Critically, specifying Huxley surfaces also supported the Club’s direction to construct its short course to the same high standard as its 18-hole championship course.

Neil Lythgoe commented: “Managing environmental challenges and the customer experience is a hard balance to strike. When you’re working to maintain playability and quality and there’s no room for alternative tees, you need to consider all-weather surfaces to spread the wear – they’re clearly the future.

However, if you’re going to use artificial surfaces, the quality needs to be outstanding. If you lay a surface that you can’t get a tee peg into, players feel that it’s a poor alternative. You certainly don’t get that with Huxley Golf Premier Tee Turf: it’s great to play off and gives good feedback when you hit the shots. Honestly, it’s an amazing surface which members are more than happy to use. In fact, one member, a three-time Club Champion, recently told me how much he loved it. The greenkeeping team appreciate its benefits too. My view is that all-weather surfaces have a definite role in the future of golf in this country and that Huxley Golf is the only option worth considering.”

Building on the hugely positive reception to the short course (the Royal Norwich Junior Academy now has over 100 students), the Club returned to Huxley Golf for its practice area. Working with Premier Tee Turf once more, the new 56ft x 6ft (17m x 1.8m) practice tee was installed locally by members Mark Burton and Julian Poole, with expert guidance from Huxley to guarantee the end result.

Will Alsop, PGA Professional and Area Sales Manager for Huxley Golf, said: “From the moment you walk into the clubhouse at Royal Norwich, you notice that it’s clearly quite different. The place is full of character, comfortable and welcoming without compromising in any way on the quality of its provision. As a player, the Royal Norwich courses are young but outstanding in design and they’re really coming into their own. This progressive club is a perfect blend of new ideas and traditional quality, which we at Huxley pride ourselves on too. We have been delighted
to be a part of Royal Norwich’s future-focused plans.”

The Huxley name has been synonymous with premium all-weather golf surfaces and products. Endorsed by the UK’s leading golf organisations as well as many legendary golfers and celebrities and their coaching teams, the company’s artificial golf surfaces are in use all around the world at top-flight courses, resorts, and training academies. For more information visit www.huxleygolf.com or call 01730 829608. For more information about Royal Norwich, visit www.royalnorwich.co.uk

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