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Gleneagles enhances the King’s course

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Gleneagles enhances the King’s course: Gleneagles, the iconic Scottish hotel and global luxury destination, has completed important enhancements to its world-renowned King’s Course, in preparation for welcoming icons of the game to compete in the Senior Open Presented by Rolex, July 21-24.

The 103-year-old James Braid-designed inland links style course, a regular feature of many Top 100 rankings lists, is critically acclaimed as one of his architectural masterpieces.

Gleneagles enhances the King's course

Gleneagles enhances the King’s course

In 1921 it was also the venue of the first ever match between Britain and USA Professionals, in what has been widely accepted today as a precursor to The Ryder Cup.

The course also famously hosted a match between the ‘Big Three’ of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player in 1966, as well as the popular Bell’s Scottish Open from 1987-1994, the largest spectator event after The Open at the time.

Next month’s Senior Open Presented by Rolex will welcome a host of golfing legends to ‘The Glorious Playground’, including two-time Open Champion and 2022 US Senior Open Champion, Padraig Harrington (playing in his first Senior Open), his fellow double Open Champion Ernie Els, as well as Darren Clarke, Tom Lehman and Scotland’s Sandy Lyle.

The King’s Course underwent extensive restoration in 2016, which included taking the fairway cut lines back to the original James Braid design, alongside a comprehensive bunker refurbishment programme, to further enhance the aesthetic design of all 18 holes.

To coincide with the staging of the Senior Open Presented by Rolex, the following key changes have been made to five holes on The King’s Course:

Hole 7 – Kittle Kink

A new tee has been built at the back of the 6th green that significantly increases the length of the hole. Not only does the length add difficulty but, more importantly, it changes the angle from the tee so that it plays as a more severe dog-leg. It’s now much harder to ‘cut the corner’ off the tee shot, which results in adding length to the approach shot and ultimately making this one the most challenging holes on the course. The hole will change from 444 yards to 468 yards – an increase in length of 24 yards.

Hole 8 – Whaup’s Nest

The existing Championship tee has been extended back and to the left to help open up sight of the right side of the green, allowing a greater variety of teeing positions. Club selection will be key for this narrow green.

Hole 12 – Tappit Hen

A new tee has been built and positioned approximately 30 yards back into an existing copse of trees that provides a wonderfully framed ‘shoot’ for a challenging tee shot that now requires a solid carry over the bunkers that guard the saddle. The hole will change from 442 yards to 475 yards – an increase in length of 33 yards (see attached video flyover).

Hole 14 – Dent Den
A new tee has been built that adds 40 yards to the tee shot, allowing the hole to retain the risk and reward element of a reachable par-4. The added challenge is in the need for a more robust tee shot to carry the ridge of bunkers. The hole will change from 309 yards to 341 yards – an increase in length of 32 yards.

Hole 16 – Wee Bogle
The existing Championship tee has been lowered slightly, extended back and to the left to help open up sight of the entirety of the green, particularly to allow for a back right pin position.

Other notable changes from past championships will be a greater emphasis on tightly mown surfaces around greens complexes and fairway bunkers, to fully embrace the natural contours of the course.

Conor O’Leary, Managing Director of Gleneagles, commented: “Gleneagles’ reputation as a sporting estate has flourished for a century, with golf and The King’s Course at the very heart of that rich history. While our modern classic, The PGA Centenary Course designed by Jack Nicklaus, has hosted iconic Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup matches, we are so proud to welcome legends of the game back to The King’s, where golf started at Gleneagles all those years ago.

“The sympathetic course changes we have made recognise the way the modern game has evolved, but still retain The King’s Course’s numerous strategic challenges that have made this timeless classic so revered the world over.”

Gleneagles remains the only venue in Europe to have staged both The Ryder Cup (2014) and The Solheim Cup (2019). The 850-acre Perthshire estate is also currently ranked #2 in the Top 100

World Golf Resorts ranking, published by Golf World.

Tickets for the 2022 Senior Open Presented by Rolex can be purchased, HERE

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Get ahead of the game at SALTEX

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Get ahead of the game at SALTEX: Visitor registration is now open, the new website is live and Europe’s largest free sports turf show, SALTEX, is introducing a brand-new look for 2022.

Registering for a free ticket has never been easier thanks to the event’s new website ­– saltex.org.uk. Now in its 76th year, Europe’s largest sports turf, amenities and landscaping trade exhibition will host all sectors of the grounds care industry, with over 400 industry brands standing ready to showcase their latest products and innovations.

Get ahead of the game at SALTEX

Get ahead of the game at SALTEX

Sarah Cunningham, GMA director of commercial and events, SALTEX event organisers, says: “As the biggest event covering the supply and management of products and services that help to create high quality leisure, recreation, and sports surfaces, it’s important that the new website is easy to navigate for visitors and exhibitors. I’m confident that the new site will deliver for both.”

Speaking about the rebrand, Andrea McMahon, GMA director of communications says:

“SALTEX represents innovation and progression. Its where the industry comes together to build networks, knowledge and learn about new innovations. It’s forward-looking and the brand needs to reflect this and we hope the new look strikes the balance of being modern and progressive, whilst retaining an element of simplicity connecting it to the previous look.”

The opening of visitor registration coincides with the launch of the 2022 show’s social media campaign, #aheadofthegame. As attending the show guarantees you’ll be ahead of the game, the tag couldn’t be more apt. SALTEX visitors are being encouraged to use the tag, along with #SALTEX2022 on social posts to share what they learnt at the show that puts them ahead of the game. Likewise exhibitors are being encouraged to use the tag to promote what they will be bringing to the show.

At the event, visitors will hear about latest product innovations and find all the machinery and technology needed to make their jobs easier. It gives access to expertise all in one place that they wouldn’t get anywhere else. Visitors will be surrounded by a broad spectrum of exhibitors offering solutions and providing answers – and there’ll be the opportunity to meet and network with others in the same industry for new ideas and fresh insights.

Sarah continues: “With a proven track record spanning eight decades, the SALTEX 2022 show won’t disappoint. Bringing together the best in the business to tackle the trends and issues affecting those working in the industry, the event will host over 400 industry brands in one place – all lining up the best products on offer for today’s growing needs. And, as always, there will be a comprehensive schedule of speakers across three theatres sharing their knowledge and expertise – with sustainability and environmental pressure at the forefront of the 2022 agenda.”

SALTEX will make sure you #getaheadofthegame so be sure to visit saltex.org.uk and

register for your free ticket. The show takes place at the conveniently central Birmingham NEC on 2-3 November. To discuss the option of buying stand space at the 2022 show, email Sarah Cunningham at scunningham@thegma.org.uk.

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Conserving water for the future of turf sports

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Conserving water for the future of turf sports: It’s official – fresh water supplies are dwindling, demand for water is steadily rising, and regulations on how much and for what purpose water can be used are becoming increasingly tightened. Finding ways to use water more efficiently is no longer an environmental nice to have; it’s a fact of life for most turf facilities today and imperative for our industry’s future.

As a turf manager you’ll always need water – it’s a fundamental building block of turf – but there are a number of steps you can take to influence how much water you need.

Conserving water for the future of turf sports

Conserving water for the future of turf sports

One of the biggest potential impacts on your water consumption can be made by redirecting water that already exists.

Plant selection can also play an important role in how much water is needed to keep your property at its visual best. Choose turf varieties such as fine fescues that require less water than others such as perennial ryegrass.

Even with these changes, irrigation is still essential and ongoing maintenance of your irrigation system is an effective way to reduce the amount of water wasted. Moisture sensors, weather monitors and other high-tech tools are also available to help you use your water conservatively.

Even after irrigation, there is still one more hurdle to getting water to your turf as efficiently as possible: your soil. How well your soil performs can have a tremendous impact on how much water you use.

Soil:water repellency interferes with how even the most well-placed water moves, leaving some areas a little too dry while making some a little too wet. This is certainly not a new phenomenon, but research indicates that it is much more common than previously thought.

Water repellency is one of the most pervasive water use issues, and it is also one of the easiest and most cost-effective to fix. Soil surfactants lower the surface tension of water and restore the wettability of effected soils, allowing water to move into and through the profile more efficiently. This reduces the amount of water lost to run-off and preferential flow

“Revolution is one of the very few products that makes a dramatic difference and actually changes the way turf is managed. It affects everything including the turf, the distribution of water, fertilisers, and other materials” – Sam Rhodes, Woodhall Spa GC.

Most courses have best management practices in place for their properties, but not all commit them to paper in a formal document. There are a number of resources available that provide guidance and templates for creating one, but should you bother? Absolutely.

Water conservation is a realistic goal, with both environmental and financial upsides.

Like it or not, the call for sustainability – and the challenges that presents – are going to be big issues for a long time. Doing what you can at your course does more than just protect a diminishing global resource – it protects your course, your job, and the future of the sports turf industry.

EVO woodchippers at the double

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EVO woodchippers at the double: As a longstanding GreenMech customer, Rob Drinkwater of Drinkwater Tree Services is the latest in a growing list of tree surgeons to be seriously impressed by the improvements made with their revolutionary EVO Series… so much so, he bought two!

Delivered in early 2022, the 6” EVO 165P was swiftly joined by an 8” EVO 205D just a few weeks later, both of which are delivering performance on par with the first-class GreenMech service and support.

EVO woodchippers at the double

EVO woodchippers at the double

Rob set up on his own 17 years ago and undertakes all areas of domestic tree and hedge maintenance, alongside his team of four, in and around Weston-Super-Mare. “I have always used GreenMech woodchippers, mostly because the advice and support we’ve had from them and our local dealer – GA Groundcare – over the years has always been second to none” says Rob. “When the time was right to upgrade, we asked GA Groundcare what they had, and they brought along the EVO 165P. My team and I were so impressed by what we saw we didn’t even ask the price!”

The EVO 165P Sub-750 features all the key elements of the EVO series such as a wide infeed chute, horizontal rollers and heavy-duty flywheel in a sub 750kg package – powered by a 37hp Briggs & Stratton Vanguard petrol engine. “The beauty of this machine is the manoeuvrability. It’s light and nimble enough for us to get it right where we want it for domestic jobs. It’s the perfect combination of versatility, performance and power.”

“We then wanted a larger machine for take downs and site clearances so the EVO 205D was the obvious choice. The power from the 50hp engine means we can process large material, really quickly and despite its size, it’s surprisingly quiet. That is great when we’re working in close proximity to buildings.” The backbone of the EVO 205D’s design is a deep beam, high tensile steel chassis providing tremendous strength and robust performance – whilst providing unrivalled protection and noise insulation for the engine.

“Having both a 6” and 8” machine on our fleet means we have the flexibility to choose the best machine to suit the job at hand.” Rob concludes, “The design and developments with the EVO series are evident. It’s great to see GreenMech with a product that’s now on par with competitor offerings, and that matches the other areas of their offering which have always been excellent.”

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Dennis PRO 34R a time saver for The Swans

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Dennis PRO 34R a time saver for The Swans: A fleet of ten Dennis PRO 34R rotary mowers has saved the Swansea City FC groundstaff a huge amount of time and made their working day more manageable according to Head Groundsman, Evan Davies. 

After working at the club for nearly a decade, Evan was appointed as the Head Groundsman in April 2021. He claims that his journey to this point has fully prepared him for the challenge ahead.

“The first 3 or 4 years were tough, especially when Swansea were in the Premier League,” said Evan. “The club has always demanded excellence from everyone, and I like to think this has brought the best out in me.”

Dennis PRO 34R a time saver for The Swans

Dennis PRO 34R a time saver for The Swans

Evan now oversees the maintenance of all three club sites – the Swansea.com Stadium, the first team Fairwood Training Ground and the Swans Academy which is situated at Landore. With a vast number of games and training sessions across all three sites, the grounds staff work around the clock to maintain the pitches.

Evan was keen to stamp his own mark and implement some of his own ideas and he quickly identified that a change in his fleet of rotary mowers could offer a significant benefit.

“It is essential that the cleaning of pitches is completed as quick as possible,” he said. “The only way to achieve this was with a rotary mower with a bigger cutting deck which had the ability to increase the speed. I quickly found that it was only the Dennis PRO 34R that would work in this respect. Therefore, one of my first purchases when I started the role was ten Dennis PRO 34R rotary mowers.”

Designed to help groundsmen achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance and desired playing surface the Dennis PRO 34R is a 34” (860mm) rotary mower ideal for sports pitches and lawns producing the enviable ‘Dennis Stripes’ while a powerful vacuum flow collects debris quickly and efficiently.

The angle of the cutting deck and twin blades can be easily adjusted using a single ‘click adjuster’ ensuring the mower is suitable for changing conditions and meeting groundsmen’s requirements.

“The PRO 34R’s allow us to manage the working day so much better,” said Evan. “At the training ground, for example, three members of staff can clean three pitches in two hours with the Dennis PRO 34R’s. With our previous rotary mowers that would have been a full 8-hour day carried out by 6 members of staff. This has allowed us to focus more on other tasks such as divoting and repairing the pitches, all things which we wouldn’t have had time to do before.

“The presentation it offers is also first-class,” he continued. “Leading up to a matchday we like to give the pitch a rotary cut on the Friday or the Saturday because it helps to make the pattern stand out. The leaf itself seems a bit happier after being cut with a PRO 34. They are so easy to set with just a little pin drop. With other rotary mowers you just can’t get that precise height of cut.

Dennis PRO 34R a time saver for The Swans

Dennis PRO 34R a time saver for The Swans

“For cleaning, you’ve got the brush on it which you can use aggressively or use it lightly on the surface to pick the debris up – it is just a win-win for us. There are not many mowers that give you an outstanding clean, cut and finish.”

Evan is also of the opinion that the Dennis customer service equals the standard of the product.

“The back-up I receive from Jason Briggs at Dennis is quality. He keeps in touch and has been to visit all three sites. He is very comfortable around all the staff, and he provides us with a lot of knowledge on the machines, which is beneficial for the younger members of the team.

“I also like the fact that Dennis is always thinking ahead,” he continued. “Dennis is a company that always listens to customers and then in turn comes up with ideas and technology to make our working lives easier. It certainly takes the pressure off us.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter and Instagram @DennisMowers and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK. You can also view the latest Dennis videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers

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