Tag Archive for: scale

Greenkeepers to represent industry on a global scale

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Greenkeepers to represent industry on a global scale: British greenkeepers selected to represent their industry on a global scale as BIGGA and Bernhard and Company unveil the delegation to the GCSAA’s Conference and Trade Show

Following a record-breaking number of applicants, the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Bernhard and Company are proud to reveal the 10 association members who have been selected to represent the best of British greenkeeping at the world’s largest gathering of sports turf professionals in Orlando, Florida next February.

Greenkeepers to represent industry on a global scale

Greenkeepers to represent industry on a global scale

A BIGGA Premium Partner, each year Bernhard and Company invites 10 BIGGA members to attend the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America’s (GCSAA) Conference and Trade Show. The BIGGA delegation sponsored by Bernhard and Company is one of the most respected and revered educational opportunities for BIGGA members.

With experiences designed to elevate the careers of those in attendance, the delegation is a week-long educational trip to the coveted GCSAA Trade Show and Conference. The week features site visits to leading golf courses in the region, as well as seminars, networking events and educational demonstrations.

The members selected for the 2023 BIGGA Delegation to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show are:

  • Alex Brougham, assistant course manager, Trentham Golf Club
  • James Bruder, head greenkeeper, Old Course, Walton Heath Golf Club
  • Michael Budd, course manager, Shirley Park Golf Club
  • Scott Corrigan, deputy course manager, R&A Lethamhill
  • David Edmondson, head greenkeeper, Prestwick Golf Club
  • Andrew Kerr MG, course manager, Surbiton Golf Club
  • Steven Thomas, deputy head greenkeeper, Prestonfield Golf Club
  • Brian Toall, course manager, Baberton Golf Club
  • Jeremy Ward, course manager, Renishaw Park Golf Club
  • Bradley White, senior greenkeeper, Wentworth Club

The BIGGA Delegation with Bernhard and Company has helped define the careers of some of the most ambitious names within the greenkeeping industry. The delegation is known throughout the industry for building business and social relationships that last a lifetime.

Stefan Carter is head greenkeeper on the West Course at Wentworth Club. He said: “I went to San Diego in 2019 and it was a fantastic opportunity. The delegation really helped me expand my horizons and increase my network. You’re with nine other greenkeepers who you can bounce ideas off and share situations.

“At the show you experience the education and you get to look around the show, where they have technology that is unheard of in the UK. You pick up tips and techniques that you bring back home to push the boundaries of what you can achieve.”

Steven Nixon, Managing Director of Bernhard and Company, said: “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 this potentially career-defining opportunity.”

The BIGGA Delegation with Bernhard and Company is just one of countless exclusive opportunities that have been specifically tailored to help BIGGA members achieve their professional ambitions and fulfil the association’s overarching ambition of elevating the reputation of greenkeeping in the UK and creating a stronger and more dynamic golfing industry. For more information about BIGGA, head to www.bigga.org.uk

For more information about Bernhard and Company and its products and services, visit www.bernhard.co.uk

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Toro fleet matches scale

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Toro fleet matches scale: With two 18-hole championship golf courses set in 500 acres of beautiful Northumberland countryside, Longhirst Hall Golf Club, near Newcastle, required a robust fleet of greenkeeping machinery which was powerful enough to maintain the entire site.

The club was keen to find a market-leading manufacturer which could offer local support and reliable back-up care, and after test-driving a number of machines the decision was made to invest in a nine-strong fleet from Toro.

Toro fleet matches scale

Toro fleet matches scale

Graham Chambers, director of golf at Longhirst Hall Golf Club, comments: “I had spoken to a number of industry friends who were dedicated Toro customers and once we had a chance to trial the products ourselves, it was obvious why that was; the machines were second to none.

“The machines function as an extension of our greenkeeping team and we like the fact that they are easy to operate, robust and produce an impeccable quality of cut. Plus, with our guys operating these machines for up to eight hours a day, we need them to offer comfort too.”

With an experienced full-time mechanic on site, the club knew that working with a dependable brand like Toro would bring about less repairs, breakdowns and complications. Not only does it save money for the club, but it enables the mechanic to focus on bringing out the best in the machines by servicing them regularly and keeping on top of routine maintenance such as sharpening blades.

Having purchased the machines from approved Toro dealer, Lloyd Ltd, based in Newcastle, the club and its mechanic also have access to high-level back-up care and support, whether it’s to troubleshoot an issue or discuss ways to enhance the fleet.

Graham continues: “The Toro machines suit us so well. We are a club which offers a Florida lakeland feel across two different courses. Our Lakes Course challenges players with lots of water, while the Dawson Course has wider fairways and large greens. We need adaptable machinery that will not only work with our varying landscapes, but most importantly keep up with the sheer size of the club. It’s vast and working with Toro gives us enormous peace of mind.”

As part of the deal, Longhirst Hall Golf Club welcomed two Toro Greensmaster Triflex 3400 ride-on greensmowers, two Groundsmaster 4500-D mowers with free-floating Contour Plus cutting decks, two Reelmaster 5610-D mowers, which are powered by four-cylinder Kubota turbo diesel engines, and one Groundsmaster 360, famed for its unmatched manoeuvrability.

Graham concludes: “We are a busy club with over 1,300 members and a full schedule of hosting big events from the PGA Europro Tour to prestigious corporate away-days.

“Add to that the renewed interest in golf due to the pandemic and we need the club to look in fantastic condition all-year round. We know we can rely on our Toro fleet to deliver great results every day, maintaining the high standards that our club and members expect.”

To find out more about the Toro range or the finance options available, call Reesink Turfcare on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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

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