Tag Archive for: Support

Support Greenkeepers tackling driest spring in 70 years

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Support Greenkeepers tackling driest spring in 70 years: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is calling on golf clubs and golfers across the UK to support their members as we face our driest spring for decades.

Following some exceptionally wet recent winters, the spring of 2025 has brought a stark contrast. According to the Met Office, rainfall across many regions has been at historic lows. Wales recorded its driest March since 1944, while East Anglia experienced its second-driest March on record. With May showing little improvement, greenkeepers are under extreme pressure to maintain playing surfaces amid growing turf stress.

Support Greenkeepers tackling driest spring in 70 years

Support Greenkeepers tackling driest spring in 70 years

David Byron, Head Greenkeeper at Thorndon Park Golf Club in Essex, said: “It’s very, very dry. It’s the driest start to spring in nearly 70 years. We’ve had almost no rain, and what we have had has come in just one hit.

“In our fairways, we’re down to about 3–4% moisture content. Normally, you’d want 10 to 15% for the grass species we have.”

These conditions are presenting major challenges for turf recovery and maintenance. Areas without irrigation, such as fairways, are suffering, while teams attempt to preserve greens and tees with limited water resources.

Royal Aberdeen’s Course Manager, Richard Johnstone, said he had recorded just 11mm of rainfall between April and early May: “We’re experiencing extreme weather patterns. There’s no longer a balance. Instead, we’re seeing one extreme or the other – either constant pouring rain or complete drought.

“There doesn’t seem to be much consistency anymore, and that presents some big challenges.”

Paul Woodham, The R&A’s Agronomy Lead for Europe and the UK, noted that warm days combined with cold nights have disrupted seasonal growth, resulting in stressed grass and delayed recovery from winter damage.

Clubs are encouraged to communicate openly with their members, sharing insight into current conditions and course management strategies. Transparent engagement and social media updates are key tools to foster support.

“Our advice to clubs is to engage in professional dialogue with your Course Manager, set agreed objectives and show open support for your team of greenkeepers,” said BIGGA’s CEO Jim Croxton.

“They will be much more motivated and determined to overcome these challenges with strong support from their members.”

“As course managers, it’s our responsibility to communicate and educate,” said Johnstone. “We need to use various channels like social media, blogs, and other platforms to help people understand the current conditions and our management approach.”

For more information about BIGGA and its various activities including how to become a member, visit www.bigga.org.uk

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Reesink Turfcare strengthens dealer support

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Reesink Turfcare strengthens dealer support: Reesink Turfcare is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Dealer Development and Key Account Managers, strengthening its support to dealer partners and improving key customer relationships across the UK.

Robert Hogarth steps into the role for the North – covering territory from Cheshire and Lincolnshire up to Northumberland, across into Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man – and replacing Mike Turnbull, who now leads the Reesink Scotland branch.

Reesink Turfcare strengthens dealer support

Reesink Turfcare strengthens dealer support

Darren Anderson will take responsibility for the South of England, Wales, the Isle of Wight, Jersey and Guernsey.

Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager for Reesink Turfcare, comments: “Our dealer partners are essential to Reesink, and we want them to feel integral to our shared success and to know how much we value their contribution. The added support from these new roles will help us achieve this and further demonstrate our commitment to helping our dealers grow their businesses.”

By dividing Mike Turnbull’s former role into North and South, Reesink aims not only to reinforce the company’s dealer-focused strategy but also to offer an additional layer of support and attention to customers within dealer territories.

With the country now split into two regions, Robert and Darren will each be responsible for managing the dealer network within their designated areas and unlocking new local opportunities.

Their goals include creating strategic call plans for key accounts, supporting dealers in sales and aftersales activities and maintaining high standards of customer service for the Toro and Reesink brands.

With over 40 years of experience in the golf sector, Robert Hogarth brings a wealth of industry knowledge to his new role covering the North territory. His background spans greenkeeping and course management through to sales leadership for turfcare companies such as Hydroturf International and Fairways GM – giving him a well-rounded perspective on both the operational and commercial sides of the business.

Speaking on his new position, he says: “I’m excited to be taking on this role and working closely with our dealer partners in the North. This is a fantastic opportunity to build strong relationships and deliver value to both the dealers and our key account customers.”

Equally thrilled to take the lead for Reesink’s South territory is Darren Anderson MG, who brings 33  years experience in the golf sector gained through course and club management roles at Abergele Golf Club, Bromborough Golf Club and The North Wales Golf Club. Darren joins Reesink as a double national award winning course/club manager, also gaining Master Greenkeeper status in 2007.

He adds: “It’s a real privilege to join Reesink in a role so focused on partnership and performance. I’m looking forward to supporting our dealers and ensuring they have everything they need to succeed with our products and services.”

Both new appointments report directly to Jon Cole and are part of a wider strategy to drive growth and help Reesink provide world-class support through its dealer network.

Robert and Darren are only a phone call away: you can contact Robert at 07780392199 and Darren at 07780392180. To find your nearest Toro dealer or Reesink branch, visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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GMA and ECB Apprenticeship Support Scheme

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GMA and ECB Apprenticeship Support Scheme: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have joined forces to launch the ‘Apprenticeship Support Scheme’, designed to enhance the experience of grounds people apprentices in First Class Counties.

This pilot initiative is designed to strengthen the future of cricket by attracting and supporting more aspiring grounds professionals.

GMA and ECB Apprenticeship Support Scheme

GMA and ECB Apprenticeship Support Scheme

With the demand for skilled grounds managers growing, the scheme aims to provide apprentices with not only the technical knowledge required for cricket-specific turf care but also the essential support they need to develop their careers.

It also aims to address broader industry challenges such as workforce retention and succession planning by making apprenticeships a more structured and attractive career pathway. At the same time, it provides additional support for existing grounds professionals, ensuring they have the resources and expertise to mentor and develop the next generation effectively.

The GMA will provide tailored cricket-specific online courses to supplement apprentices’ learning, as well as bespoke webinars designed to enhance their knowledge and better prepare them for a career in cricket grounds management.

Apprentices will also have access to GMA membership, unlocking a range of benefits including the GMA Member Assistance Programme – a 24-hour confidential counselling and wellbeing service – alongside online technical resources, salary advice and guidance, legal consultation and much more.

The ECB Pitch and Grounds Advisor, Andy Mackay, will play a central role in the pilot, acting as a key point of contact for employers seeking advice on apprenticeship support. Andy will also work with stakeholders to develop an information and support hub, and resources to help promote grounds management as a career, laying the foundation for an all-rounded scheme in the future.

By working closely with First Class Counties, the ECB and GMA are hoping to help modernise grounds management recruitment and improve career progression opportunities to ensure that cricket venues continue to be maintained to the highest standards.

With this announcement coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week, it’s a great opportunity to recognise the important role apprentices play in the industry’s future.

Jason Booth, Chief Operating Officer at the GMA, said: “We are proud to be partnering with the ECB to pilot this initiative which not only opens the door for new talent but also strengthens the long-term sustainability of the profession. Apprentices are the future of the grounds management industry and providing them with the right support is essential to achieving high standards across professional cricket.”

Andy Mackay, ECB Pitch and Grounds Advisor, said: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to develop skills and discover talent, whilst having the potential to set people on the path to a rewarding and enjoyable career. We are excited to bring the GMA and our Counties together in partnership to explore how we can maximise this opportunity to add value to the apprenticeship framework for employers and apprentices alike and create long term solutions to recruitment challenges.”

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Support for Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

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Support for Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club: The Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club located in the Highlands of Scotland, unfortunately experienced some of the worst damage in the history of the club at the end of October 2023 brought on by Storm Ciaran.

Of course, Fortrose and Rosemarkie was not alone as Scottish golf clubs up and down the east coast of the Home of Golf nation also suffered damage.

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

Unfortunately, Storm Ciaran flexed its muscles menacingly at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Links, as the accompanying photographs taken of the opening two holes sadly reveal the extent and seriousness of the damage caused.

Of course, it was not the first storm to leave its mark on Scottish golf courses and it certainly will not be the last. It is for this reason the club set up a ‘Coastal Erosion’ sub-committee at the end of 2022.  As well, the club had been in discussion prior to Storm Ciaran with Scottish Water, the local Highland Council and Nature Scotland in seeking to identify ways and finance to protect the course from the likelihood of storm damage.

“Tragically, our worst fears were realised last October where five to six metres to the left side, in part, were lost, down both the opening two fairways,” said Mike MacDonald, General Manager at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club.

“It goes without saying, neither the committee nor the club members and our supporters expected the devastating extent of damage that took place during that time”.

Our sub-committee will strive to seek the much-needed financial support where possible.  However, it is pleasing to single out local MSP Kate Forbes for her support and understanding as Fortrose and Rosemarkie works to seek these funds needed to restore the course to its pre–Storm Ciaran picture postcard outlook.

Of course, the club has not been idle working tirelessly to bring the club to a point whereby it can now commence work from today – Monday, 26th February 2024 – in looking to repair and rebuild the damage caused by the storm and, at least try to restore the proud boasting a recorded history back to 1793 back to near its former picture postcard glory.

This initial work to restore and further protect the opening two tee-off areas with rock armour (around 110 metres to cover both tees and the areas around the tees) is estimated to cost £140,000 plus VAT.

At Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club we also need to be not only be conscious of our proud members, our many visitors who travel to play here from around the world and for future generations to come but we also also are very conscious of  members of the public in being able to gain access to the left side of the 1st and 2nd holes as they walk towards Chanonry Lighthouse to either watch the dolphins, walk their dogs or simply enjoy the stunning scenery this area offers.

From a golfing perspective, access to areas between the 1st and 2nd tees also is a strong priority going forward but without the financial support to carry out the club’s plans, this is proving difficult.  By way of background, the foreshore bordering the course is owned by the Highland Council and it is the Highland Council we must rely to finance that work needed to be undertaken to allow safe and proper access for members of the public. Without their financial guarantee, no work in this regard can proceed.

As well, it is estimated the associated costs to restore and protect this unique area of land will run into tens of thousands of Pounds.

“It is why the club kindly seeks your financial support if you are in a position to do so”, said Mike.  “All monies/donations received will be ring-fenced for carrying out the necessary works to restore these areas to how they once were.

We really hope that as a golfer and/or member of the public that you will be able to support us! Thank you so much for your consideration and donation if you are able to do so where we have set up a ‘Go Fund Me’ page!

https://gofund.me/e82cd493

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Training to support safe and productive golf

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Training to support safe and productive golf: Lantra will be showcasing the breadth of training options available for safe and productive working in golf greenkeeping and sports turf management at the upcoming leading industry show, BTME on 23-25 January.  

Lantra’s suite of pesticide training is designed for both novices and experienced users, providing the knowledge and skills that are needed for the safe and effective application of pest management measures. The Lantra team will be exhibiting at stand 146 in Hall 1 at Harrogate Convention Centre to provide information on pesticides and other relevant training courses.

Training to support safe and productive golf

Training to support safe and productive golf

The use of equipment for the management of productive golf courses and sports-turf is commonplace, therefore operating them safely and efficiently is vital. Lantra has a range of training courses, ranging between 1-5 days in length, to ensure equipment is used safely and with confidence, which will also be promoted at BTME.

Lantra’s Head of Industry Partnerships (Landscaping & Rural), David Fisher said: ‘’The Lantra team is excited to be at the show to highlight our leading training courses and qualifications in the Landscaping and Sports Turf sectors at BTME’’.

‘’At the show, we will also be actively recruiting for instructors to deliver pesticide training, as we have a lack of them in Northern England. As a Lantra Instructor, you’ll enjoy the freedom and flexibility of working for yourself in the great outdoors, as well as playing a crucial role in delivering essential skills, training and qualifications to a diverse group of learners.’’

Lantra instructor and provider, Ian Sumpter, is also delivering sold out training sessions from the Groundcare Machinery Maintenance suite at the event, as part of the ‘Continue to Learn’ education conference, with Lantra accreditation and CPD points available.

You can find out more about the benefits of being a Lantra instructor here: Become an Instructor – Lantra  

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