Tag Archive for: Standard

Machinery further raises the standard at Royal Aberdeen

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Machinery further raises the standard at Royal Aberdeen: Machinery and management is working in tandem to elevate one of the world’s top 70 courses.

After more than two decades steadily climbing the ranks at Nairn Dunbar Golf Club, Richard Johnstone took on a fresh challenge in 2024—one that placed him at the helm of one of the most historic and revered links courses in the world.

Machinery further raises the standard at Royal Aberdeen

Machinery further raises the standard at Royal Aberdeen

As course manager at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, he is leading an ambitious programme of enhancement and innovation that is both respectful of tradition and responsive to the evolving demands of modern golf.

The move was a natural progression for Richard, who brought with him not only a wealth of greenkeeping experience but also a clear, strategic vision.

During the job application process, he impressed with a detailed redevelopment plan that analysed every aspect of the course, from greens and fairways to tees and approaches – and the machinery used to action this – demonstrating a deep understanding of what it would take to push an already world-class venue to the next level.

Since his arrival, Richard has been implementing that plan with a keen focus on long-term sustainability and high-level presentation.

One of the first major projects was addressing a fleet of ageing machinery that was beginning to show its limitations. After extensive testing and staff consultation, the club committed to a five-year lease on a full suite of John Deere machinery—a decision that has already paid dividends.

The new fleet, which includes walk-behind greens mowers, fairway units, compact tractors, utility vehicles, and a GPS-guided sprayer, represents a significant upgrade in both capability and efficiency. While the kit is relatively new to the team, its reliability and ease of use have already helped instill a renewed sense of pride and professionalism among the greenkeeping staff.

Technology now plays a central role in daily operations. Through the John Deere Operations Center, Richard and his team can monitor performance, track machine usage, and plan maintenance schedules with far greater accuracy than before.

The club’s in-house mechanic oversees this data, ensuring that the equipment is not only used optimally but maintained to the highest standards.

Richard is also a firm believer in empowering his team with knowledge. He places strong emphasis on training and communication, helping staff make the most of modern tools such as soil sensors, moisture meters, and weather apps—resources that are increasingly essential in fine-tuning course conditions.

Part of his passion was fuelled by what he experienced at TPC Sawgrass in 2017 when he was selected to be part of the BIGGA volunteer programme, sponsored by John Deere.

With just 10 full-time greenkeepers responsible for both Royal Aberdeen and the adjacent Aberdeen Ladies Course, staffing has historically been a challenge. But under Richard’s guidance, the team is beginning to grow, with plans to add additional staff each year to meet rising expectations and visitor numbers.

“There’s no off-season here,” says Richard. “From early spring, we welcome golfers from around the world—many of whom have travelled great distances and invested heavily in their visit. The course must reflect that level of commitment.”

Looking ahead, Royal Aberdeen is working with world-renowned golf architects on a five-year improvement plan that will address not only course enhancements but also the ongoing threat of coastal erosion. This environmental challenge is a key consideration in the club’s future strategy, and one that Richard is tackling head-on—with sustainability a core part of the solution.

The new machinery plays a vital role in that commitment. The GPS sprayer helps reduce chemical use through precision targeting, while features like electric reel motors on the greens mowers cut fuel consumption.

Combined with solar power and the club’s existing GEO certification, it’s all part of a broader push to ensure that Royal Aberdeen remains not only a premier golf destination, but a responsible steward of the environment.

Major tournaments are also on the horizon, with the Scottish Amateur Championship set for 2026 and discussions underway for a major event to mark the club’s 250th anniversary in 2030.

For Richard, these milestones are markers on a longer journey—a mission to continually raise standards, invest in people, and evolve a historic course for the demands of tomorrow’s game.

“It’s about elevating everything—our team, our practices, and the course itself,” he says. “With the right tools, and the right mindset, there’s no reason we can’t set a new benchmark for links golf.”

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Redexim Verti-Top® sets the synthetic standard

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Redexim Verti-Top® sets the synthetic standard: A rise in demand for synthetic surface cleaning from schools and sports clubs has triggered the purchase of a Redexim Verti-Top® for contractors Cutting Edge GM.

The adaptability of this award-winning artificial cleaning system has facilitated the diversification of the services offered by the grounds maintenance outfit – with its ability to effectively decompact and clean a range of infill materials to leave a professional, play-ready finish.

Redexim Verti-Top® sets the synthetic standard

Redexim Verti-Top® sets the synthetic standard

The team of eight that make up Cutting Edge pride themselves on being passionate about sports surfaces, providing a range of services to keep natural and artificial turf surfaces around Teesside, North Yorkshire & County Durham in first-rate condition. To cope with an increasing number of enquiries for synthetic pitch cleaning, Director Josh Blackburn decided the time was right to invest in a new solution and quickly decided the Redexim Verti-Top® was the right machine for them. “Not only is the Verti-Top® quicker than our previous cleaner, the build quality is fantastic and the quality of finish is brilliant. This machine sets the standard for this process without a shadow of a doubt.”

Suited to most types of synthetic turf, the Verti-Top® effectively lifts and collects debris, while the oscillating sieve and vacuum system tackle even the tiniest of particles. The cleaned infill is then returned, leaving a safe, contamination and compaction-free surface, that looks good and plays well. Josh opted for the Verti-Top® 1200, with 1.2m working width, delivered in spring 2024 by local dealer Rickerby.

“The purchase and installation process was fantastic! Tom Alexander from Rickerby together with Redexim’s Allen Whellans, conducted full training with the team and demonstrated the various ways to set the unit up to get the very best results. There’s so much flexibility with this machine, including a range of sieve options, which means we can work with all types of infill material, including the newer, organic and natural infill types.”

He continues, “As soon as the cold and frosty conditions pass, we will be out with the Verti-Top® getting surfaces cleaned up and safe for the start of the new playing season. We had outstanding feedback from customers on the process last year and look forward to being able to grow this side of our business further with such a capable and versatile machine at our disposal.”

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GMA Reaccredited to Department for Education’s International Quality Standard

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GMA Reaccredited to Department for Education’s International Quality Standard: The Grounds Management Association has once again been accredited to the matrix Standard, a Department for Education-owned international standard for services delivering high quality information, advice, and guidance.

Reaccreditation to the matrix Standard confirms formal recognition of the GMA’s achievement in delivering industry-wide information, advice, and guidance, and further enhances the GMA’s reputation as a leading provider of education and development within the grounds management industry.

GMA Reaccredited to Department for Education’s International Quality Standard

GMA Reaccredited to Department for Education’s International Quality Standard

Following an assessment of GMA staff and services, the matrix Standard reported that the GMA had ‘excelled in several areas of its delivery of services’.

The matrix Standard ensures that all areas of the GMA hold the skills needed to support members of the grounds management community with their development. Statements from the matrix Standard’s report highlighted that the GMA has developed a strong culture around encouraging continuous professional development (CPD) for all members of staff – this will in turn benefit members, learners and all others who engage with GMA products or services.

The variety of formats for the delivery of information, advice and guidance from the GMA was also commended. Offering education through a wide range of formats ensures that there is a way to learn and develop that suits everyone’s needs – the matrix Standard commented that the combination of formats ‘come together to give an overall and cohesive understanding to the recipient/learner.’

Another highlight was the GMA’s positive impact on providing learners with long-term development of skills which can aid career progression. The report noted that GMA learners reported that their experience helped them to ‘appreciate progression opportunities in line with career aspirations’, showing that the GMA helps learners not just improve their knowledge, but also helps them to understand what opportunities they can pursue throughout their career.

Roger Chapman, Head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company said:

“This is a fantastic achievement for the Grounds Management Association and I would like to congratulate the team on their success. We believe that at the heart of high-quality advice and support services are strong leadership, excellent service and a focus on continuous improvement, all underpinned by effective use of the resources available.

“The matrix Standard is designed to benchmark organisations against best practice in these areas. With their accreditation success, the Grounds Management Association is working to provide the best possible support to their clients.”

Dan Prest, Head of Technical and Learning at the GMA, said following the reaccreditation:

“I’m delighted that the GMA has again been reaccredited to such a well-respected standard. It’s a strong indication that the level of information, advice and guidance offered by the GMA is of a high standard and meets the needs of today’s industry.

“Reaccreditation to a prestigious Department for Education standard, proves that we are continuing to provide top class support for individuals looking to develop their knowledge, as well as other essential skills needed to succeed in the sector, like problem solving, time management and communication.”

Following another successful reaccreditation, CEO of the GMA, Geoff Webb is full of praise for the GMA team

“The matrix Standard recognises the important work that goes into delivering information, advice, and guidance across the whole of the GMA, from the Technical and Learning team to the Pitch Advisory Service, so it really is a testament to the hard work of staff across the whole organisation that the GMA is recognised for the exceptional service offered by all departments.

“With workforce development being a key strategic pillar of GMA activity over the coming years, ensuring that we are continuously meeting high standards in the delivery of services is essential. The Department for Education’s matrix Standard offers a benchmark to measure ourselves against, so to meet the high standards expected in reaccreditation gives us confidence that we’re doing the right things to better support the sector.”

For more information about the GMA’s education and career development opportunities, take a look at the GMA’s Learning Prospectus or contact the Learning team at Learning@thegma.org.uk.

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Updated standard for greenkeeping apprentices

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Updated standard for greenkeeping apprentices: The Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC) has released information about a new qualification that will provide golf greenkeepers and other sports turf apprentices with advanced knowledge as they work to produce exceptional playing surfaces from grassroots through to professional levels.

The Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician apprenticeship has been approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) and is now available for delivery.

Updated standard for greenkeeping apprentices

Updated standard for greenkeeping apprentices

Sponsored by the Department of Education, IfATE is an employer-led organisation that supports employer groups in the development of world-leading apprenticeships and technical education systems. During 2020, IfATE undertook a review of apprenticeship standards within associated industries. The Advanced Golf Greenkeeper Apprenticeship had been approved for delivery in January 2020 but as a result of the review, the Greenkeeper Trailblazer and Sports Turf Trailblazer groups were approached by IfATE to develop a Level 3 Standard and End-point Assessment Plan (EPA) that could sit across both disciplines.

Trailblazer groups are responsible for developing a new apprenticeship for an occupation and then revise the apprenticeship as needed. Both groups understood it would be challenging to develop an apprenticeship that aligns comfortably across greenkeeping and the various other sports turf disciplines, but after many months of discussions between employers, training providers and IfATE, the Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician apprenticeship has been produced and approved.

Improvements to the apprenticeship include more comprehensive assessment of knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs), which are undertaken through a written test, the creation of a project that must then be presented and a professional discussion and facility walk.

The Standard and End-point Assessment Plan can be accessed on the IfATE website.

Les Howkins MG is chairperson of the Golf Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group. He said: “It is great that we have been able to come together and work with the Sports Turf Trailblazer Group to develop a comprehensive Level 3 apprenticeship that we feel works across all disciplines within the sports turf sector and provides a career progression from the well-established Level 2. Following a lot of hard work alongside the Sports Turf group, we believe the Advanced Sports Turf Technician apprenticeship delivers what employers and apprentices in our sector need.”

Delivery director at IfATE, Robert Nitsch, said: “We are pleased to announce that the Advanced Sports Turf Technician Level 3 apprenticeship has been approved for delivery. The Sports Turf and Golf Greenkeeping Trailblazer groups have worked together to develop a standard suitable for sports turf technicians across a wide range of settings. This apprenticeship will form part of a suite of sports turf and golf greenkeeping apprenticeships and will provide a progression route for those previously achieving Level 2 qualifications. The apprenticeship will become the recognised standard for all advanced sports turf technicians.”

The Advanced Golf Greenkeeper apprenticeship will continue to be offered until it is decommissioned in 2023. The latest start date for apprentices will be 31 August 2023. There is no impact on those already registered on that standard.

The following employers all contributed to the creation of the new standard, along with support from training providers and End-point Assessment Organisations: British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), Crosfields School, Edgbaston Stadium, England Golf, Frilford Heath Golf Club, the GTC, Gaudet Luce Golf Club, Grounds Management Association, Highfield Sports Ground, Leicester City FC Sports Turf Academy, Leyland Golf Club, Portmore Golf Centre, The Richmond Golf Club, Trentham Golf Club, Myerscough College, Kings School, Nottingham University, Oaklands College, Whitgift School.

For more information on the Advanced Sports Turf Apprenticeship, contact The GTC’s Fiona Lyttle on (01347) 838 640 or fiona@the-gtc.co.uk

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Gold standard for the white cliffs

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Gold standard for the white cliffs: With a patch that covers 123 square miles, it’s no surprise that Dover District Council opted for Reesink Turfcare’s ReeAssure maintenance scheme for ultimate peace of mind.

Dave Terry, supervisor at Dover District Council, simply couldn’t afford to have his Toro fleet out of action – especially since each mower was required to be in operation for 25-30 hours each week.

Gold standard for the white cliffs

Gold standard for the white cliffs

Having Gold cover meant that Dave could expect routine maintenance and servicing along with unlimited call outs for vehicle breakdowns or repairs.

Dave explains: “When you’re working with machinery it’s inevitable that from time to time you’ll experience glitches or need to make repairs – it happens. Yet whenever I need assistance, I know I’ll have a Reesink representative on the doorstep the next day.

“We probably rely on them a couple of times each month and the security of having dependable, high-quality support more than pays for itself.

“If you don’t opt for cover then you could be subjected to hundreds of pounds of maintenance on a totally ad-hoc basis and we can’t take that risk or threaten having machines out of action for long periods of time.”

This is why the Reesink maintenance plan is so integral to large grounds teams or estate management organisations, as Peter Clarke, service manager at Reesink’s Sheffield Park branch, explains: “A monthly fixed-cost means there’s no hidden extras and with three packages to choose from – gold, silver and bronze – there is something to suit all budgets.”

Dave and his team at Dover District Council opted for the Gold maintenance plan and they continue to value the relationship they have with Reesink more than four years on.

Dave continues: “Reesink is a proper dealer. They don’t cut corners and they’re reliable and professional. When you have lots of public space to take care of, be it green spaces around housing estates or parks in the district, it’s important for us to partner with an operator we can trust.”

Thanks to Dave’s relationship with both Peter Clarke and Peter Biddlecombe, aftersales manager at Reesink’s Sheffield Park, he has peace of mind that his teams are able to do their job as efficiently as possible.

Reesink take care of everything from winter servicing, replacement parts or general upkeep. Knowing that components such as labour and parts to consumables and disposal fees are all covered within the cost of the Gold package provides straightforward cost managing and budget control.

With Reesink’s ReeAssure plans there’s the option for warranty programmes and the guarantee that buying Toro comes with buying into a support network like no other. The parts backup is second-to-none and as a Toro customer you are never more than a maximum 72-hours away from the part you need, for minimum downtime and maximum productivity.

Call 01480 226800 or go online at reesinkturfcare.co.uk to find out more.

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