Tag Archive for: sustainable

Syngenta Showcases Sustainable Golf at Top French Destination

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Syngenta Showcases Sustainable Golf at Top French Destination: Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort in France is the latest destination to feature in Syngenta Golf’s YouTube course walk series on golf and environmental stewardship.

The award-winning 36-hole resort in Provence – one of only three golf venues in France to receive the Gold Certificate for Biodiversity from the French Golf Federation and the National Museum of Natural History – has embedded sustainability into its vision and business planning since opening 20 years ago.

Syngenta Showcases Sustainable Golf at Top French Destination

Syngenta Showcases Sustainable Golf at Top French Destination

Now, in a new episode of The Green Report, Syngenta Golf’s flagship docuseries on sustainable course management, Terre Blanche demonstrates how its long-term sustainability philosophy is delivering measurable environmental benefits across the resort, including:

  • Transforming out-of-play areas into thriving ecosystems rich in native plant and wildlife species
  • Using 100% non-potable water for irrigation, ensuring responsible resource management across the estate
  • Empowering staff to become active ambassadors for environmental sustainability.

Among the interviewees are President Marc Delauné, Course Manager Philippe Burgeat, and HR Director Anca Gherman, who each explain how Terre Blanche’s holistic approach – integrating land, water and people – is helping to inspire guests and benefit the local community.

Marc Delauné, President of Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort said: “Our commitment from the outset has been to manage this property responsibly. We have seen firsthand that golf courses not only protect fauna and flora, but often play a vital role in improving them.”

Mark Birchmore, Global Head of Marketing, Turf & Landscape for Syngenta, said: “Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort is a leading example of how environmental sustainability can sit at the very heart of a golf business. From the beginning, the business has shown how a long-term vision and genuine commitment deliver benefits for people, planet and profit.

“We hope this latest episode of The Green Report will inform and inspire other golf courses to share their own sustainability journeys.”

The new episode will be released at 9AM ET / 3PM CET today, and will be free-to-watch for all golf industry professionals and stakeholders on YouTube.

To watch all episodes of The Green Report and for more news, features, videos and case studies on sustainable golf, as well as links to the Changing the Business of Golf podcast, visit Syngenta Golf.

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Sustainable relationship and machinery for Gullane

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Sustainable relationship and machinery for Gullane: A sustainable relationship is one that is easy to maintain and doesn’t feel like hard work – and that’s certainly something Gullane Golf Club, one of Scotland’s most prestigious members clubs, and Toro know something about as their relationship nears its third decade. 

The reason for this enduring and continued success is, according to the club, down to the attention to detail the machinery provides in creating the best possible conditions for the fast-draining Scottish links microclimate.

Sustainable relationship and machinery for Gullane

Sustainable relationship and machinery for Gullane

Course Manager Paul Armour, who has been at the club for 20 months but is aware of the ‘Toro effect’ from his time as Supervisor on the Old Course at St Andrews, explains why the relationship has stood the test of time: “The quality of product and the brand’s obvious role as the market leader are instrumental. But it’s as much the relationship with Reesink Scotland too which has been built up over time and works well for both Toro and Gullane.”

As the club receives its latest fleet order there’s an obvious focus on sustainable machinery to align with the club’s overall ethos says Paul: “Gullane as a club strives to be as sustainable as possible, whether that is reducing diesel use or recycling materials onsite. The plan is to have as many electric machines as possible and for all our hand mowers, utility vehicles and triplexes to be electric in the next couple of years.”

It’s a plan already well in play. Three years ago, the club invested in five Toro Workman GTX Lithium utility vehicles and has been so impressed with their performance it has invested in another four bringing it to a total of nine.

Paul explains how they have proved themselves so thoroughly in that time: “The GTX machines have been a massive success here at Gullane. They have coped well with the terrain, and we have found them useful for most tasks thanks to being able to load the back and tow. That covers most jobs we throw at them such as transporting raking bunkers, changing holes, pulling greens and tees mower trailers, divoting fairways and building bunkers – and they have an impressive longevity of charge.”

Similarly, the club’s five all-electric Toro Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 greensmowers collection is about to become eight. Paul says the obvious answer as to why he’s almost doubling the numbers of this machine is the minimal noise.

“With the golf course bordering the village these machines have meant we can be more efficient earlier in the morning,” he says. “Plus, we save on fuel, but still get the same quality of cut as a diesel mower.”

Neil Mackenzie from Toro distributor Reesink Scotland says: “The Toro’s Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 with its lithium-ion battery was first to market and we’re seeing its popularity increasing year on year as clubs embrace the benefits of running a much quieter greens mower with zero exhaust emissions and no hydraulic fluid. With these mowers a burst hose is a thing of the past and lower maintenance costs come as standard.”

Despite the increase in fleet numbers of battery powered equipment, there’s little infrastructure accommodations that have had to be made confirms Paul: “We haven’t had to change too much in the shed. We’ve added individual charging points for each machine just in case we have any points trip, but that’s just a contingency.”

These sustainable machinery choices form part of a bigger sustainability plan as Paul explains: “The long-term plan is to cover as much of our electric costs as possible with the installation of solar panels on the equipment shed. We’re in discussions about that now.”

It appears the long-term plan is to continue sustaining its relationship with Reesink too, as Paul concludes: “I’ve really enjoyed building a relationship with Reesink. Our sales representative Neil Mackenzie has been great to deal with, he keeps in touch with any queries or issues that may arise, and the servicing and parts teams are great too, always available when I need them and on the other end of the phone.”

That certainly defines a sustainable relationship!

Discover how choosing Toro could benefit your course by calling distributor Reesink Turfcare at 01480 226800, emailing info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visiting reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service partnership

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The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service partnership: Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort, a flagship of Portuguese golf and a long-standing favourite among international players, has joined forces with The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service to further strengthen its commitment to deliver performance and conditioning in a sustainable way.

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and protected natural landscapes, Praia D’El Rey is uniquely positioned to champion the production of high-quality playing surfaces in an environmentally sustainably way. This forward-thinking partnership will bring The R&A’s renowned expertise and innovation in performance agronomy directly to Praia D’El Rey, with a tailored programme designed to enhance playing performance across all areas of course maintenance whilst protecting and enhancing the wider environment.

The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service partnership

The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service partnership

Key objectives of the partnership include improving turf health through soil science, data-driven agronomy to inform maintenance operations, implementing effective water conservation practices and efficient water use, and advising on strategic investments in both machinery and infrastructure – all while maintaining the high-performance turf conditions the resort is renowned for in an environmentally responsible way.

António Ferreira da Silva, Golf Director at Praia D’El Rey, explained: “The guidance from The R&A on how to manage soil infiltration and physical conditioning on our greens is helping us improve year-round performance. Performance measurement, combined with lab analysis of organic matter and physical properties, have been extremely valuable in guiding our decision-making. The R&A has provided a structured and science-led approach that’s elevating the quality of our maintenance while optimizing environmental sustainability.”

Paul Woodham, Head of Agronomy Europe at The R&A, added: “The investments being made – particularly within the maintenance workshop, such as the new grinder, the Vibramaster for improved fairway infiltration, and the autonomous Husqvarna fairway mowers – represent a major step forward. These are the kinds of innovations that embody a sustainable and forward-thinking agronomic strategy.”

“By working with The R&A, we’re not only investing in the long-term health of our course, but also leading the way for what the future of golf in Portugal should look like”, added António Ferreira da Silva. Praia D’El Rey hopes this initiative will inspire clubs across Portugal and beyond to embrace innovation and responsibility in equal measure,  while raising standards in turf performance and environmental care.

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EcoBunker Synthetic Revetting More Sustainable than Natural Turf*

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EcoBunker Synthetic Revetting More Sustainable than Natural Turf*: *A recent report by the Welsh government has found that EcoBunker synthetically revetted bunkers have a significantly lower environmental impact than naturally turfed revetted bunkers.

The report specifically cites EcoBunker’s promotion of a circular economy alongside the consumption of vast resources including water, chemicals, fertilisers, and energy associated with turf farming.

EcoBunker Synthetic Revetting More Sustainable than Natural Turf*

EcoBunker Synthetic Revetting More Sustainable than Natural Turf*

“People often ask what is ‘Eco’ about synthetic revetting,” said EcoBunker founder Richard Allen upon the release of the report by the Welsh government. “We start with the fact that an average EcoBunker saves two tons of waste astroturf from landfill. All our turf is recycled so nothing new is created. Then there’s virtually zero maintenance in comparison with natural turf revetting, so no emissions or chemicals needed for upkeep. We eliminate contamination from bunker wall erosion, reducing the need for replacement sand which brings its own environmental impact, and this is all before you consider the negative impact of turf farming.”

The report measured the use of fertilisers, pesticides, weed-killers and disease-controlling chemicals[1] in the production of farmed turf. One Hectare typically (depending on geography, soil and climate) requires 89kg Nitrogen, 12kg Phosphorous, 40kg Potassium[2] and 92kg Lime[3]. This often washes off into nearby water courses contributing to “algal blooms” and a reduction in marine bio-diversity.

The report goes on to show that intensive farming of turf removes the nutritional layer of topsoil and the soil organisms (fungi, earthworms, bacteria) leaving it largely barren. Repeated use of the land this way necessitates intensive artificial fertilising.

The various advantages of EcoBunker synthetic revetting detailed in the report align with the most recent advice from golf’s governing bodies and environmental experts. Golf Wales, England Golf and the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf all highlight recycling, reducing waste and reducing the use of chemicals as key targets to help bring down emissions[4].

“Turf farming does provide a vital resource to the landscaping industry, and not all natural revetted turf is intensively farmed. Where large areas of turf coverage is needed there are some superb examples of turf suppliers using sustainable practices, and quickly solving urgent landscaping challenges,” added Richard. “But with thick cut revetting turf, the evidence is clear. Not only do EcoBunkers use 100% recycled materials, the ongoing maintenance burden with the associated cost and resources, are slashed. Finally, all but the top layer of naturally turfed revetted bunkers just don’t have enough access to light and soil to maintain a root structure. So, they gradually disintegrate and, on average, have to be replaced every 5 years. The evidence for the sustainability of one EcoBunker is convincing. When you have to re-build a natural turf bunker four times in our minimum guaranteed 20 year lifespan, it really is overwhelming.”

The sustainability credentials of EcoBunker were recently highlighted when the company completed a project at Royal Ostend Golf Club. With stringent environmental regulations in place designed to protect the natural environment in coastal areas, EcoBunker was chosen as the most sustainable solution, preferred to natural revetting and surpassing all standards for use of new resources and harmful chemicals.

For more information on EcoBunker please visit www.ecobunker.co.uk

[1] Cornell University Turfgrass Program, study on cool climate turf management practices, https://turf.cals.cornell.edu/environment/
[2] Energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from turf management of two Swedish golf courses, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2016.11.009
[3] https://www.horticulture.com.au/globalassets/hort-innovation/resource-assets/tu16000-lifecycle-assessment—goal-and-scope.pdf
[4] https://www.walesgolf.org/sustainability, https://www.englandgolf.org/sustainability, https://sustainable.golf/developments/

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Al Zorah Invests in Sustainable Toro Technology

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Al Zorah Invests in Sustainable Toro Technology: Al Zorah Golf Club, a Troon-managed facility, has made a significant advancement in its sustainability efforts with the acquisition of cutting-edge Toro battery-powered equipment, as part of an extensive three-year replacement initiative.

This strategic investment highlights the club’s commitment to upholding world-class playing conditions while prioritizing environmentally responsible practices.

Al Zorah Invests in Sustainable Toro Technology

Al Zorah Invests in Sustainable Toro Technology

The newly acquired equipment includes the Toro Greensmaster eTriflex 3370 and the Toro Workman GTX Lithium, both designed with the latest advancements in eco-friendly and efficient technology. These state-of-the-art machines will play a pivotal role in elevating the maintenance standards of Al Zorah Golf Club, ensuring superior turf quality with minimal environmental impact. Additionally, the order from Toro distributor Delta Turf Care encompasses fairway mowers, rough mowers, heavy-duty utility vehicles, and the Toro ProCore, further enhancing the club’s capabilities.

Al Zorah Golf Club leads the charge in sustainability, becoming the first golf course in this region to utilize the fully electric Toro Greensmaster eTriflex 3370 for mowing greens, setting a new benchmark in eco-friendly golf course management.

“At Al Zorah Golf Club, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Our investment in Toro’s advanced, energy-efficient technology reflects our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint while maintaining the highest standards of course conditioning,” said Terrance Mohamed, Golf Course Superintendent at Al Zorah Golf Club. “We are thrilled that Delta Turf Care and The Toro Company have not only provided us with world-class equipment but also exceeded our expectations by delivering the equipment ahead of schedule.”

The Toro Workman GTX Lithium and Toro Greensmaster eTriflex 3370, powered by lithium-ion battery technology, embody Al Zorah Golf Club’s vision for reducing emissions. Meanwhile, the precision-engineered Toro Reelmaster 3575 ensures exceptional playing surfaces while minimizing environmental impact.

“Delta Turf Care is proud to support Al Zorah Golf Club in its pursuit of sustainability,” said Marinus Koekemoer, Regional Manager at Delta Turf Care. “Our team worked diligently to deliver this fleet ahead of schedule, allowing Al Zorah to enhance its operations and reinforce its position as a leader in eco-conscious golf course management.”

This collaboration highlights the shared vision of Delta Turf Care and Al Zorah Golf Club—a future where innovation and sustainability drive success in the golf industry.

For more information about Delta Turf Care’s range of Toro machinery, please visit www.DeltaTurfCare.com.

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