Tag Archive for: Royal

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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GreenTek on the ball for Royal Liverpool

GreenTek on the ball for Royal Liverpool: Leading turf care specialist GreenTek Solutions Limited has secured a deal with Royal Liverpool Golf Club to supply equipment to prepare for the 151st Open Championship this summer.

The agreement is the latest endorsement of the quality of GreenTek’s equipment – with 90 out of the UK’s top 100 courses currently using the company’s machines.

GreenTek on the ball for Royal Liverpool

GreenTek on the ball for Royal Liverpool

RLGC has chosen a Dyna-Seeder, Dyna-Corer, and Micro-Groomer from GreenTek’s extensive product range.

The revolutionary Dyna-Seeder allows the whole seeding operation on 18 greens to be completed in hours at any time of the season.

The Dyna-Corer’s rapid action enables you to micro-core a green in minutes – minimising disruption to play.

With the Micro-Groomer, laser-engineered blades with over 2,000 extra fine tungsten tips work in the upper leaf area. Spaced at just 6.55mm apart, they deliver approximately 39,000 surgically precise micro-cuts per square metre. Set by-feel micro-adjusters offer precision control to accurately adjust cutting height by 0.25mm.

Ian Ellis, GreenTek managing director, says: “We’re extremely proud to have been chosen by Royal Liverpool Golf Club in this way. It’s a very important year for the club hosting the Open Championship and the fact that they’ve come to us in preparation for this prestigious and high-profile event is a clear endorsement of the quality of our machinery and the trust they can place in us to deliver.”

James Bledge, course manager at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, adds: “I’ve used GreenTek products over the years and have always been extremely impressed with the results. When looking for a supplier who could help create perfect greens in the run up to such an important and prestigious event as the Open Championship, GreenTek was an obvious choice.”

GreenTek is recognised throughout the UK and around the world for high-quality, innovative turfcare equipment. Still driven by the same family passion that started the horticultural engineering business in 1969, GreenTek continues to innovate and provide solutions that are now established as essential tools by the best in the game.

For more information visit https://www.greentek.uk.com?utm_source=TM&utm_medium=mag_article&utm_campaign=home&utm_id=TM_RLGC+article

Micro-Groomer – https://www.greentek.uk.com/products/thatch-away-supa-system/micro-groomer-cassettes/?utm_source=TM&utm_medium=mag_article&utm_campaign=micro-groomer&utm_id=TM_RLGC+article

Dyna-Seeders – https://www.greentek.uk.com/products/dynamics/dyna-seeder/?utm_source=TM&utm_medium=mag_article&utm_campaign=dyna-seeder&utm_id=TM_RLGC+article

Dyna-Corer – https://www.greentek.uk.com/products/dynamics/dyna-corer/?utm_source=TM&utm_medium=mag_article&utm_campaign=dyna-corer&utm_id=TM_RLGC+article

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SISIS performs at the Royal Wellington

SISIS performs at the Royal Wellington: John Spraggs, Course Manager at the Royal Wellington Golf Club in New Zealand, has reported excellent results from using a range of SISIS equipment to maintain the historic course.

Royal Wellington Golf Club is regarded as one of New Zealand’s finest courses. Situated alongside the Hutt River near Silverstream, the parkland course offers an enjoyable and stimulating golfing challenge in a beautiful setting.

SISIS performs at the Royal Wellington

SISIS performs at the Royal Wellington

A course of this stature deserves to be in good hands and that is where the highly respected and extremely experienced John Spraggs comes in. John, who started work in the turf industry in 1978, has been the Course Manager at Royal Wellington for 17 years. He oversees an impressive team of 11 Greenkeepers, 1 Horticulturist, 1 Equipment Manager and 1 Equipment Serviceman.

Also remarkable is the arsenal of turf maintenance equipment which is used to keep the Royal Wellington in superb condition. John claims that there is one brand which has, and always will, have a place in his equipment shed.

“I have been in the turf industry since 1978 and have used and seen many brands,” he said. “Due to its simplicity and robustness, the SISIS brand is known for its quality and performance, making our work easier.”

John and the Royal Wellington team are currently relying on two SISIS products – the Litamisa 1800 tractor mounted sweeper and collector and the Javelin Aer-Aid tractor mounted aerator.

“In regard to the Javelin Aer-Aid – we use this monthly on our sand constructed greens, tees, and greens approaches – to provide aeration and inject air into the rootzone,” said John.

As John says, not only does the Javelin Aer-Aid aerate with a vertical action but it also injects air into the root zone at a fast-working rate, creating thousands of fissures. The cam trigger mechanism ensures that the air is always expelled at the bottom of the tine penetration, enabling treatment to be targeted precisely and consistently.

10mm diameter ‘tipped’ tines are spaced at 75mm (3ins) with depth of penetration, infinitely variable, to a maximum of 127mm (5ins). These air injection tines are specially designed to use the maximum air available from the compressor and produces clean, fresh, air at a constant rate of 88 litres per minute, while surface disturbance is kept to a minimum.

“The Royal Wellington is a large parkland course with many deciduous trees,” continued John. “Therefore, leaves are an issue, and this is why we use the Litamisa. We also use it to pick up cores and debris following turf renovations.”

The SISIS Litamisa 1800 is ideal for sweeping requirements, from large sports fields to gardens and extensive lawns. It features a spiral design brush for improved collection, a hydraulic tip facility for easy emptying and a large capacity hopper. It follows ground contours and is simple to use and maintain.

John further explained the benefits from using these two machines.

“Gathering leaf litter, and clearing debris from turf renovations are simpler, and more productive,” he said. “Minimising surface disturbance from hole punching is critical to keep our players happy. The Aer-Aid does a fantastic job with the surfaces being playable following a light roll, straight behind the Aer-Aid.

“I would say that the simplicity of the SISIS equipment is the greatest feature; they are very easy to service and adjust.”

The two products were purchased though SISIS dealer Powerturf NZ, but John revealed that he also receives support from SISIS.

“The service from SISIS is absolutely first class – it has exceeded all expectations. I have on occasion gone direct to SISIS asking questions and the responses back have always been fast and informative.”

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

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Royal Burgess commissions Huxley Golf

Royal Burgess commissions Huxley Golf: The Royal Burgess Golfing Society of Edinburgh appointed Huxley Golf to update its practice facilities. The oldest golf society in the world, and one of the finest clubs in Scotland, now has an exceptional practice tee that members and visitors may enjoy all year round.

With more than 280 years of history, The Royal Burgess championship golf course, designed by the legendary Willie Park Jr, is an excellent example of parkland golf, featuring lush, tree-lined fairways, cleverly positioned bunkers and smooth greens. Its well-loved and constantly used practice tee, however, was showing signs of not being able to cope with customer and environmental demands. The Royal Burgess turned to market-leading golf surfaces company

Royal Burgess commissions Huxley Golf

Royal Burgess commissions Huxley Golf

Huxley Golf for assistance. Huxley Golf’s solution was to create a high-quality all-weather surface tee that sits behind and carefully complements the existing natural turf tee. Measuring 12’ (3.6m) x 56’ (17m) and created using Huxley Premier All-weather Tee Turf 2 which is renowned for its realism, the new tee keeps the practice facility in play all winter while enabling the natural grass to regenerate for summer use.

Course Manager, Chris Yeaman, said: “We paid careful consideration to this decision as we have not used artificial golf surfaces previously. It’s incredibly important for us to give our golfers the best experience, no matter how they choose to enjoy The Royal Burgess. “I’m pleased to say that the support and advice we received from the Huxley Golf team from design through to installation has been superb. The playing surface itself is second-to-none and it blends exceptionally well with the natural surroundings. Where natural turf is under extreme pressure, as ours is, I’m confident that we have provided our members and visitors with the best alternative available. Importantly too, it means that our highly regarded coaching service can keep pace with demand, whatever the weather.”

Hugh Fraser, Scotland & North East England Area Manager at Huxley Golf oversaw the project from beginning to end. He commented: “It was a huge privilege to work with Chris and the team at The Royal Burgess. With this new practice tee, they have opted to embrace the new without in any way impacting their impressive heritage and reputation. I’m confident that it will be well received by everyone who plays upon it.”

Huxley Golf has also created practice areas for nearby Gullane Golf Club and The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers Muirfield.

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 Hampshire-based 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

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A pond fit for a Royal

A pond fit for a Royal: Robert Patterson, Course Manager at the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, has explained how a Kasco decorative fountain has improved the health of the water and brought a certain elegance to a picturesque pond on the course.

Founded in 1780, Royal Aberdeen is the sixth oldest golf club in the world. For the first thirty-five years of its existence the club was known as The Society of Golfers at Aberdeen, and it was these very golfers that first introduced the five-minute limit rule on searching for golf balls.

A pond fit for a Royal

A pond fit for a Royal

Fast forward to 2021 and Royal Aberdeen is now regarded as not just one of the best golf courses in Scotland but also the world. It has hosted many professional tournaments including the Scottish Open & the Walker Cup and it boasts two links courses (Balgownie & Silverburn) which run alongside the North Sea offering spectacular views. Furthermore, it is renowned for having the ‘finest front 9 in golf.’

Robert admits that he sometimes has to pinch himself: “Being able to work outside and to look after one of the best courses in the world is incredible. I feel extremely fortunate,” he said.

A greenkeeper for his whole career, Robert joined from Royal Dornoch Golf Club and has been the Course Manager at Royal Aberdeen for 24 years. He now oversees a team of 11 who work hard to maintain the stunning 36 holes.

Always striving for perfection, no stone is ever left unturned, and this was certainly the case when he decided to explore the possibility of aerating a pond in a prominent position on the course.

“The pond is mainly used for irrigation water, but we also draw water out for human consumption,” he said. “There was nothing wrong with the water but in summer, with the sun beating down, there is always a risk of it going stagnant. I also felt that the water could, in the hotter weather, look a little bit discoloured at times.”

To avoid any such problems, Robert identified the Kasco J Series Decorative Fountains as the solution. Ranging from ¾ HP to 7.5 HP, there is a Kasco J Series Fountain perfect for any size pond or lake. The corrosion and clog resistant technology offer reliability that is unparalleled by any other outdoor fountain brand. All J Series Fountains come with multiple nozzles that deliver classy, elegant spray patterns.

In addition to enhancing the class and elegance of your pond or lake these fountains will improve the health of your water with increased oxygen transfer. Kasco’s outdoor fountains are designed and built to deliver reliable and efficient performance, meaning lower long-term operating costs.

The Kasco Fountain was supplied and installed by Turf Irrigation Services, and Robert hasn’t looked back since.

“We also have a lot of fish in the pond and probably about a dozen carp,” he said. “The idea behind the Kasco Fountain was to push more oxygen into the water – just to make it a bit healthier. It is good for the turf as well because we are putting on water which is of a better quality.

“It is in a prominent position, so it is nice to see the fountain when you are playing golf – the members have also commented on it being a nice feature.

“I’ve never had any problems whatsoever with the Kasco Fountain,” continued Robert. “It is doing exactly what we wanted it to do, and I simply cannot ask for more than that.”

Kasco products are distributed in the UK by KAR UK.

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com.

You can also follow KAR UK on Twitter @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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