Tag Archive for: Success

Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success

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Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success: Ten members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) have been selected for the Bernhard Academy Links to Success United Kingdom 2025, and they will attend the 2025 BTME conference in Harrogate, England, in January.

For more than two decades, Bernhard has selected 10 members of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) to attend the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in the U.S. to experience the show, and through this programme, North American superintendents will now have the opportunity for a similar experience in the UK.

Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success

Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success

“We are very proud to introduce this initiative to GCSAA members.” Sami Strutt says, “we look forward to welcoming the selected ten to the UK to visit BTME, the largest turf exhibition outside the US and to take part in the Continue to Learn education programme in Harrogate. We’re excited to get them to explore British turf practices and discover iconic golf courses.“

While in the UK, the GCSAA delegation will experience traditional Links golf courses, get an inside look of an Open Championship golf course, discover the heritage of the first Ryder Cup venue, attend the BTME annual conference, have global networking opportunities and more.

The members of the Bernhard Academy Links to Success United Kingdom 2025 class are:

  • Brent Downs, CGCS, MG, director of agronomy at Otter Creek Golf Course in Seymour, (Ind.)
  • Tyler Miget, equipment manager at Harmony Golf Club (Colo.)
  • Matt Gourlay, CGCS, MG, AGS superintendent at Hillcrest Country Club in Boise, (Idaho)
  • Cole Miedema, assistant superintendent at Overlake Golf & Country Club in Medina, (Wash.)
  • Matthew Overton, superintendent at Buffalo (Wyo.) Golf
  • Emily Casey, assistant superintendent at Seven Canyons in Flagstaff, (Ariz.)
  • Matt Earhart, superintendent at Chartwell Golf & Country Club in Severna Park, (Md.)
  • Clay Payne, superintendent at Buffalo Dunes Golf Course in Garden City, (Kan.)
  • Ryan Franklin, superintendent at Brickyard Crossing Golf Course in Indianapolis, (Ind.)
  • Carol Turner, superintendent at Bigwin Island Golf Club in Huntsville, (Ontario)

“The Links to Success programme will no doubt strengthen international relationships within the industry,” Kevin Sunderman, CGCS, GCSAA chief operating officer, said. “This opportunity will benefit not only the GCSAA members involved but will enhance the future of the game of golf.”

To learn more, visit www.gcsaa.org/foundation/education/links-to-success

To find out more about the Bernhard Academy, visit www.bernhardacademy.co.uk

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Danny Negus Courts Success with MM50

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Danny Negus Courts Success with MM50: Danny Negus has been spearheading the grounds maintenance efforts at Devonshire Park in Eastbourne since 2016.

His journey to becoming Grounds Manager reflects a dedication to his craft that spans three decades, starting as a Greenkeeper in 1994 and transitioning into Groundsmanship in 2006 and steadily climbing the ranks.

Danny Negus Courts Success with MM50

Danny Negus Courts Success with MM50

“Every year is filled with challenges,” Danny reflects. ” Eastbourne Borough Council owns and operates Devonshire Park, so as a local authority, financial constraints are a reality. But with this monumental year ahead, it’s an exciting challenge—a chance to showcase our capabilities.”

Devonshire Park, a historic venue marking its 150th anniversary alongside the 50th year of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Rothesay International Eastbourne tournament, holds a special place in the world of tennis.

For Danny, one of the first significant changes upon assuming his role in 2016 was switching his grass seed to MM50.

“One of the first things I did when I took my role here in 2016 was that I gave MM50 one year of trial,” Danny explains. “Because of the success we had with it, we have used the seed ever since. Even when we had a golf course that came under my remit, we used MM and that is because I believe in the MM products.”

MM is one of the most respected brands in the UK amenity industry, with over 40 years of experience and knowledge. The extensive product portfolio is second to none with performance proven mixtures that are used at many leading venues in the UK and Europe.

MM50, in particular, is one of the UK’s biggest selling grass mixtures. The hard-wearing ryegrass mix is very fine leaved, has high shoot density, is tolerant to close mowing down to 4-5mm and produces a great colour all year round. It also has quick recovery from damage and play.

At Devonshire Park, where nearly all maintenance operations are liquid-based, the compatibility of MM50 with their approach is evident. “We are about 95% liquid only and rely on granulars solely during our renovation period,” Danny elaborates. “I find that the MM50 responds fantastically to what we do, just real good synergy between the plant and the nutrition delivery—it works.”

Danny emphasises the importance of creating a surface that not only meets the demands of the sport but also aligns with the venue’s aesthetic standards. “One of the biggest challenges you always have is to create a surface that is fit for the sport that is being played,” he notes.

“The main characteristic of MM50 is that it actually does both. It creates an exceptional performance surface while responding in such a way that, for the sake of the venue and the event, it looks as it should. There is no reason whatsoever to change from MM50.”

Reflecting on his partnership with MM, Danny highlights the invaluable support provided by Matt Gresty, MM and Designer Sales and Brand Manager for DLF UK. “Matt is brilliant,” Danny praises. “We have way too many nerd-offs together! He has the right outlook and a great understanding of the pressures of delivering a global event and the environmental pressures. He is an exceptional part of why you would choose MM Seed—he is Mr. MM in my view.”

With MM50 as his trusted ally, Danny continues to elevate the grounds at Devonshire Park, ensuring world-class tennis courts, especially as the venue embarks on its monumental year ahead. The proven performance and reliability of MM50 will undoubtedly play a crucial role in meeting the heightened expectations during this significant milestone, reaffirming Danny’s commitment to excellence in sports turf management.

For further information, please contact MM Sports Seed on 01386 791102 or visit the company’s website www.mm-seeds.co.uk.

You can also follow the company on Twitter: @MM_Seed.

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Powering Success for Whitby Town FC and JC Gardening

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Powering Success for Whitby Town FC and JC Gardening: In the coastal town of Whitby, Joe Cook wears many hats. Not only is he the Head Groundsman for Whitby Town FC, overseeing the maintenance of their pitch, but he also runs his own gardening business, JC Gardening. In both of his roles, one tool stands out as indispensable: the Avant compact loader.

“Whitby is a very close community, and the football club is at the heart of the town,” says Joe. However, maintaining the pitch hasn’t always been easy. “Over the years it has been fair to say that no real renovations have been carried out, and no programme set in place. I’m starting to change that now.”

Powering Success for Whitby Town FC and JC Gardening

Powering Success for Whitby Town FC and JC Gardening

Enter the Avant compact loader, a versatile workhorse that has become Joe’s go-to solution for pitch renovations and maintenance tasks. “For the renovations, we put the bucket on to fill the contractor’s trailer up when they are spreading the sand. It is very useful,” he remarks.

Additionally, the Avant aids in accessing hard-to-reach areas of the football ground. “At the football ground, I use it to carry people up to the floodlights where they can receive maintenance or be readjusted where needed.” The Avant’s versatility shines through as it also occasionally transitions to cutting the pitch with the mower attachment.

Joe relies on loaders from the Avant 500 series, sourced through APSV, the main dealers for Avant compact loaders in North Yorkshire, Co. Durham, and Northumberland. “The relationship with APSV is brilliant,” Joe praises. “They are always on the other end of the phone if I need them and will always accommodate the best they can.”

The Avant 500 series, known for its power and manoeuvrability, has become a reliable partner for Joe’s diverse needs. With over 200 attachments available, the Avant offers a solution for every task, from plowing and sanding to lawn care and brush clearance. “I use it a lot for my own business too, particularly for clearing brush land with the flail mower attachment,” Joe adds. “It excels on a brush land area which is a couple of acres, all of different levels. It cuts through the brush in no time at all.”

Describing the Avant as a “Swiss army knife,” Joe highlights its versatility and adaptability. “Whether you want a snow blower or a rake for clearing out stalls on farms, it can do anything. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Avant – I have already passed on APSV’s number to lots of other people who the machine would benefit.”

As Joe continues to juggle his responsibilities at Whitby Town FC and JC Gardening, the Avant compact loader remains an essential machine which enables him to tackle any challenge with ease and efficiency.

For more information, please visit www.avanttecno.com/uk

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Sweeping Success with SISIS at Merchiston Castle School

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Sweeping Success with SISIS at Merchiston Castle School: Stuart Chalmers, Head Groundsman at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, has recently elevated his maintenance procedures with the addition of the SISIS Litamina 1200.

This innovative tractor-mounted sweeper is helping to enhance the upkeep of Scotland’s only all-boys independent boarding school.

Sweeping Success with SISIS at Merchiston Castle School

Sweeping Success with SISIS at Merchiston Castle School

Merchiston Castle School boasts a rich tapestry of sporting facilities, including rugby, football, hockey, cricket, tennis, and a golf academy. Spanning just under 100 acres, the school’s grounds present a diverse array of maintenance challenges throughout the year. Stuart, who has climbed the ranks since joining the school in 2012, understands the importance of using robust equipment to meet these challenges.

“As a school, we’ve long relied on SISIS equipment,” remarks Stuart. “Their machines were here when I first started, and they’ve proven their longevity over the years. We’re constantly striving to make improvements, and SISIS equipment aligns perfectly with our ethos.”

The Litamina 1200, a highly popular model in the SISIS range, has earned Stuart’s praise. “We had an older Litamina 1200 that served us well for over 10 years,” he explains. “When the time came to replace it, there was no question—we opted for the same machine. It’s simply that good.”

With its spiral-designed brush and galvanised collection hopper, the Litamina 1200 excels in collecting a wide range of debris while delicately following ground contours. Stuart highlights the modernised features of the new model, including stands for convenient storage and enhanced practicality and ease of use.

“The Litamina 1200 has become indispensable in our maintenance routine,” says Stuart. “Primarily used on our rugby and football pitches, it not only cleans the surface but also helps rejuvenate the grass, allowing for better air circulation and preparing the turf for our mowing programme.”

Stuart outlines the meticulous scheduling of maintenance tasks, which often includes alternating the use of the Litamina 1200 with other SISIS equipment such as the Maxislit, a tractor-mounted deep slitting lawn aerator. “We utilise the Litamina for leaf collection as well, demonstrating its versatility and efficiency,” he adds.

Ewen Wilson, Sales Manager for Scotland at SISIS, also receives praise from Stuart for his excellent service. “The support we receive from Ewen is first-class. It’s reassuring to know that we have a reliable partner in SISIS.”

As Merchiston Castle School prepares for exciting expansions, including a new nursery school and junior school, Stuart remains committed to maintaining pristine grounds. With the SISIS Litamina 1200 at his disposal, Stuart and his team continue to raise the bar, ensuring that the school’s sporting facilities remain a source of pride for years to come.

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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Kilworth Springs’ Success with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair

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Kilworth Springs’ Success with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair: Nestled in the picturesque Avon Valley of South Leicestershire lies Kilworth Springs Golf Club, a renowned destination for golf enthusiasts seeking both challenge and beauty.

Maintaining a lush green course amidst heavy traffic has often posed a significant challenge for Head Greenkeeper Joel Chappell. After a thorough search for the ideal seed, Joel discovered EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair by DSV, a breakthrough solution that has transformed the course’s resilience and aesthetics.

Kilworth Springs' Success with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair

Kilworth Springs’ Success with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair

EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair from DSV emerges as a game-changer in turf management, boasting rapid germination and establishment. Specifically designed for cool-season over-sowing and surface repairs, this innovative seed blend incorporates Tetraploid Ryegrasses renowned for their vigour and adaptability. With attributes like fast germination, strong colour retention, and resistance to diseases and drought, Pro Rapid Repair emerges as the go-to choice for demanding environments like Kilworth Springs Golf Club.

Joel shares insights into the unique challenges posed by Kilworth Springs Golf Club and the transformative impact of EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair. “Maintaining grass here is no easy feat,” he remarks, referring to the club’s sandy and gravely, free-draining terrain. The course’s popularity, coupled with its inland links layout, subjects it to heavy wear and tear, especially around high-traffic areas like tees and approaches.

Joel’s quest for a resilient seed led him to EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair. “We tried many different seeds,” he says. “We were looking for a seed which was hard-wearing, could establish quickly and could withstand low mowing heights. The EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair stood out by far and ticks every box for us. In the growing season it is establishing within 3 or 4 days.”

Joel also highlights the critical role played by Pro Rapid Repair in rejuvenating damaged areas with remarkable speed and durability. “Last summer we had irrigation issues and had to dig up parts of the course. We overseeded with Pro Rapid Repair and within two weeks we were able to take those areas out of Ground Under Repair (GUR). That shows you just how well the seed works.”

Kilworth Springs' Success with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair

Kilworth Springs’ Success with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair

According to Joel, the success story of EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the exceptional customer support provided by his DSV representative Hamish Crichton and Rhys Norville from Regen Amenity, a DSV distributor. “Their expertise and support have been invaluable,” he adds. “As a Head Greenkeeper, you are so focussed on what you are doing and trying to achieve.

Therefore, it can be beneficial to listen to other opinions and fresh perspectives.”

Kilworth Springs Golf Club’s transformation with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair sheds light on the rising prominence of the EuroGrass Pro Mixtures in the UK sports turf market.

With solutions tailored for various sports including golf, cricket, horseracing, and winter sports, the EuroGrass Pro range from DSV exemplifies versatility and effectiveness. As Joel summarises – “For us, EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair is a winning solution.”

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