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The Toro prize that opens global doors

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The Toro prize that opens global doors: The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award is one of the turfcare industry’s most coveted prizes for young professionals. And for the 2024 winner Jack Vowell it’s been more than just a career milestone, it’s opened global doors and unlocked exciting new opportunities. 

Jack completed his 10-week place at the University of Massachusetts’ Winter School for Turf Managers, an internationally recognised turf management course, in March 2025. The fully funded prize, which is sponsored by Reesink Turfcare and Toro, covers a variety of turf sports, not just golf, giving its students a holistic view of the turfcare industry.

The Toro prize that opens global doors

The Toro prize that opens global doors

Students study a carefully curated curriculum of modules, covering everything from the fundamentals of turf management and soil science to turf pathology and weed management.

“It was really interesting learning about different turf conditions around the world,” says Jack. “Since Massachusetts is a cool-season grass area in the US, there was a lot that I learned which I can now use in my current role as Deputy Course Manager at Farrington Park Golf Club.“I particularly enjoyed the turf pathology lessons; they were eye-opening and taught us all about the causes and contributing factors of different diseases. It was great to learn from guest lecturers about how those at the top of their game manage their teams to get the best results.”

The course gave Jack exposure to other up-and-coming greenkeepers as well as top professionals within the field, he says: “Alongside the learning, it was an opportunity to be in the same room and talk with people from all over the world, about their goals and greenkeeping careers. One of the guest lecturers was the Head Superintendent at Oakmont Country Club in America. I never would have had the opportunity to listen to him, learn from his expertise, and ask him questions about greenkeeping.”

Despite being a remote course, UMass encourages a strong sense of community with the students. “The university was really keen to make you feel like the class of ‘25,” explains Jack. “They put a lot of emphasis on us sharing information with our classmates and making sure we were connected.

“I became friendly with a greenkeeper at Fenway Park in the US, which is home to the Boston Red Sox baseball team. He’s left the door open for me to experience the ground there and learn about how they look after their turf. Opening international doors like this is just invaluable.”

For those considering applying to The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award for 2025, Jack highly recommends it: “The opportunities are endless once your name’s out there. Off the back of the award, I’ve joined the BIGGA regional board as vice chair and have attended national board meetings, which is a huge step forward for my career.”

Entries for the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards for 2025 are now open. For more details and how to apply, head to reesinkturfcare.co.uk/students-awards. Entries are open from 1 March to 11 April 2025.

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Wildwood Machinery and Stogger Turf Care lighting the way

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Wildwood Machinery and Stogger Turf Care lighting the way: “We’re excited to announce our UK partnership with Stogger Turf Care,” says Wildwood Machinery managing director James Bastian. “I’m confident that Stogger’s LED light rigs are on the point of revolutionising turf care across the professional football world, and we are fully committed to working alongside them to deliver business growth in the UK.”

Environmental regulations mean that up to 70% of Premiership and – dependent on the final form of the legislation – up to 95% of lower league clubs, who are currently still dependent on High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) light rigs as part of their turfcare regime, will be obliged to transition to more environmentally-friendly LED light rigs.

Wildwood Machinery and Stogger Turf Care lighting the way

Wildwood Machinery and Stogger Turf Care lighting the way

Netherlands-based Stogger Turf Care – whose LED light rigs lead the market in innovation and quality* – is therefore gearing up for significant new business activity. In anticipation of this, Stogger and Wildwood Machinery have signed a partnership agreement. Wildwood will be the first point of contact for existing and potential new clients in the UK.

Stogger Turf Care: delivering tailored solutions for sports field maintenance.

Florian Mans of Stogger Turf Care, comments: “Together, we will ensure that every sales enquiry is handled with precision and dedication. Wildwood Machinery will officially represent our product range across the UK market, and we are confident we’ve found an outstanding ally for regular customer visits, premium aftercare, and the seamless execution of projects.”

“Stogger’s technologically advanced products can bring substantial value to the sports industry,” says Florian Mans of Stogger Turf Care. “Our product range reflects our commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and ease of use. These technologies represent significant improvements in turf health and resource management. By helping organizations meet their sustainability targets, we are driving the future of turf care technology,”

“At Stogger® Turf Care, sustainability is not just a goal—it is the cornerstone of our innovation strategy. We are proud to integrate cutting-edge technologies that not only enhance turf management efficiency but also minimize environmental impact.”

A commitment to exceptional customer service

James Bastian of Wildwood Machinery, says: “Both of our companies have a commitment to exceptional customer service. We’ve found great synergy and shared values from the moment that we started discussing this contract. We have been incredibly impressed with the technological innovations that Stogger have developed in anticipation of this legislation and the evolving needs of professional sports clubs.”

“We’re a young company, but we’ve proved our dynamism and commitment in the groundcare sector over the last three years by securing many prestigious clients and dealerships. We’re very proud that a company with the heritage and reputation of Stogger have entrusted Wildwood with the UK-wide sales, servicing and maintenance of their exceptional lighting solutions, particularly at a time when the prospects for growth are so significant.”

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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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Tveit Park named European Distributor of the Year

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Tveit Park named European Distributor of the Year: Bernhard and Company, the global leader in fine turf sharpening solutions, has named Tveit Park in Norway as its European Distributor of the Year for 2024. The award recognises outstanding commitment to brand development, customer engagement, and driving sales growth in the region.

Since taking over the company in 2023, Frode Tjelta, Managing Director of Tveit Park, has worked tirelessly with his team to re-establish Bernhard and Company’s presence in the Scandinavian market. Their proactive approach has included organising multiple demonstration events, significantly increasing awareness of the Bernhard and Company brand and its industry-leading grinding solutions. This dedication has already translated into impressive sales results, with a surge in machine deliveries across the region.

Tveit Park named European Distributor of the Year

Tveit Park named European Distributor of the Year

Steven Nixon, Managing Director of Bernhard and Company, commented: “Tveit Park has demonstrated exactly what we value in a distribution partner – commitment, energy, and a clear focus on delivering the best for our customers. Under Frode’s leadership, the company has made huge strides in revitalising our presence in Norway, and we’re excited to continue working together to bring even more education and support to turf professionals across Europe.”

Frode Tjelta, Managing Director of Tveit Park, added: “It’s an honour to receive this recognition from Bernhard and Company. We believe in the quality and precision of their products, and we’ve worked hard to showcase their benefits to our customers. This award is testament to our team’s efforts, and we look forward to continuing to grow our partnership and bring even more value to the market.”

Tveit Park has been proactive in showcasing Bernhard and Company’s industry-leading grinding solutions through a series of ‘Sharper Solutions’ demo days. In late 2024, nearly 40 turf professionals gathered to learn about optimal cutting unit setup, maintenance, and sharpening techniques. The session featured hands-on demonstrations of the Anglemaster 4100 bedknife grinder and Express Dual 4300 reel grinding machine, highlighting their efficiency and precision. These days have been instrumental in increasing awareness if Bernhard and Company’s products, reinforcing Tveit Park’s commitment to education and customer support.

With a strong foundation now in place, Bernhard and Company and Tveit Park are set to expand their collaboration further, ensuring that more turf professionals across Europe benefit from industry-leading sharpening solutions and educational opportunities.

For more information on Bernhard and Company’s distributor network, head to: https://bernhard.co.uk/contact/

To find out more about Tveit Park, visit: https://www.tveitpark.no/

You can also find Bernhard and Company on Twitter at @BernhardCompany, on Instagram at @bernhardcompany, and on Facebook and LinkedIn by searching Bernhard Company.

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J 4Turf 50 proves the versatile choice

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J 4Turf 50 proves the versatile choice: One of the UK’s most prominent sports pitch contractors has praised J 4Turf 50 from the Johnsons Sports Seed range for the pivotal role it plays in the renovations of a range of turf surfaces.

White Horse Contractors note the versatility of the 50/50 tetraploid and perennial ryegrass blend, which has delivered reliable results and season-long performance at facilities across the country.

J 4Turf 50 proves the versatile choice

J 4Turf 50 proves the versatile choice

Known for more than six decades of expertise and trusted by venues across the sporting spectrum, White Horse offer the full range of specialist design, construction, drainage and maintenance services. Chris Last joined White Horse as Technical Manager just over a year ago and brought his relationship with Johnsons Sports Seed – and firm belief in the DLF 4turf® tetraploid variety – with him! “I had used J 4Turf in my previous role and had the opportunity to experience the benefits they bring to winter sports pitches first-hand” he explains. “It wasn’t long before the White Horse team saw this for themselves and quickly had the confidence to employ J 4Turf 50 in a number of our projects.”

With the ever-increasing pressure on turf managers to produce top quality surfaces suitable for year-round play, DLF’s unique 4turf® tetraploid ryegrass provides the solution for the sports turf market. With exceptional disease resistance, superior drought tolerance and reduced requirements for water and fertiliser, 4turf® mixtures are the sustainable choice and are available in 25, 50 and 100% formulations within the Johnsons Sports Seed range.

“We have found J 4Turf 50 to be an incredibly versatile seed that we can use across many sports and on sites with different Sport England pitch constructions. It has demonstrated fantastic drought tolerance during challenging periods of weather and has reliably created a strong sward that establishes quickly whether in a stadium environment, training ground, polo field or school sports field.”

Chris adds, “In addition, deep rooting was evident on all of the sites we used the mixture on during the summer of 2024, which is even more important when it comes to establishing a sward on a primary or secondary drainage line.”

With the positive experience of last season under their belt, it’s full steam ahead for Chris and the team as they prepare for another busy year ahead. “As a contractor, working at some of the country’s finest stadia and sports clubs, it’s incredibly important that we use materials that are reliable and are going to perform exactly as they say on the tin. 4turf has always done exactly that for me, and J 4Turf 50 has taken that to the next level in terms of versatility and high performance.”

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