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Somerset FA agrees partnership to improve county’s football facilities

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Somerset FA agrees partnership to improve county’s football facilities: Somerset FA has agreed a new partnership which will see Masons Kings become the organisation’s new trusted machinery partner.

Masons Kings is one of the south west’s leading suppliers of groundscare equipment and is renowned for its extensive experience and knowledge of professional turf maintenance.

Somerset FA agrees partnership to improve county’s football facilities

Somerset FA agrees partnership to improve county’s football facilities

The partnership will see the company support improvements to football facilities across the county. Alongside clubs being able to select the right equipment for their pitches, all machines will be security-protected by tagging, or by fitting Thatcham-approved devices.

Clubs will also benefit from site surveys and recommendations, as well as workshops and demonstrations from Masons Kings. Support will be provided for grant applications and aftercare services to get the most out of their machinery.

Dan Eustice, Marketing and Commercial Lead at Somerset FA, said: “We are excited about our new partnership with Masons Kings and are confident that it will deliver real value to clubs, ensuring their grounds are well-maintained, their investment protected, and their teams fully supported. Masons Kings is already working with several clubs, including Taunton Town.”

Jon Funnell, Area Sales Consultant for Masons Kings, said: “We are delighted to be part of this flourishing partnership. We are both committed to providing high-quality, safe, and sustainable playing surfaces across the county. We are excited for the future of this partnership and to work with more clubs across Somerset.”

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BIGGA Professional Leadership Programme to Launch

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BIGGA Professional Leadership Programme to Launch: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has announced that its new Professional Leadership Programme will be ready for delivery from September 2026, marking a significant step forward in the association’s commitment to developing confident, capable leaders across the golf and turf management sector.

Mapped at Level 4, the Professional Leadership Programme has been specifically designed to bridge the gap between Level 3 supervisory and technical, and Level 5 management and agronomic qualifications . It provides a vital progression route for those who have moved beyond technical competence and are beginning to take on leadership, supervisory and management responsibilities, but who may not yet be ready for, or yet suited to, a full Level 5 apprenticeship or equivalent.

BIGGA Professional Leadership Programme to Launch

BIGGA Professional Leadership Programme to Launch

Developed in collaboration with St Andrews Management Centre and Epic Ltd, the programme is tailored to the realities of golf course and club operations. Rather than traditional classroom-based learning, it focuses on applied leadership, real-world management scenarios, reflective practice and practical activities that are directly relevant to participants’ day-to-day roles.

The programme is recognised by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), ensuring it meets nationally recognised standards for leadership and management excellence. On successful completion, graduates will achieve Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status, providing formal professional recognition and a strong platform for future progression to higher-level study or apprenticeships.

The Professional Leadership Programme is pitched at current and aspiring supervisors, team leaders, deputy head greenkeepers, first assistants and those transitioning into management roles, as well as experienced practitioners who have developed leadership responsibility organically but are seeking structured development and professional recognition.

Commenting on the announcement, Rob Phillips, BIGGA’s Learning & Development Manager (Technical), said:
“The Professional Leadership Programme represents a significant step forward in how we support the development of leaders within greenkeeping and golf club operations. By working closely with St Andrews Management Centre and Epic Ltd, and securing recognition from the Chartered Management Institute, we have created a programme that is practical, credible, and genuinely relevant to the realities of our industry. This is about equipping people with the confidence, skills, and professional recognition they need to lead teams, manage change, and shape the future of golf.”

Rick Bond, Director of St Andrews Management Centre said:

“The St Andrews Management Centre is delighted to be working with BIGGA and Epic Ltd in delivering the Professional Leadership Programme which is recognised by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).  The skills and knowledge that the programme modules bring to the greenkeeping sector, will be immensely valuable to the individuals, and will allow the post nominal of Foundation Charter Manager (fCMgr) to be awarded on completion of the programme. This is a key milestone on the journey to full Chartered Manager (CMgr) status.”

Peter Deakin, Associate Head of Partnerships at The Chartered Management Institute, added:

“The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) is proud to support BIGGA’s Professional Leadership Programme, appreciating it as a vital step in the continued professionalisation of the golf greenkeeping sector. By benchmarking the programme to CMI’s professional standards framework in conjunction with the St Andrews Management Centre, BIGGA demonstrates its commitment to management, essential leadership and strategic skills for greenkeepers and the importance of treating leadership as a core professional standard within greenkeeping. Programme delegates will receive access to resources, tools and services and become part of the 240,000-pan sector community of managers and leaders and we hope many will have ambition to become a Chartered Manager in the future.”

The launch of the Professional Leadership Programme reinforces BIGGA’s wider ambition to provide clear, high-quality education and development pathways for its members, supporting both individual career progression and the long-term sustainability of golf clubs and facilities across the UK and internationally.

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Efficiency and safety gains with switch to Aspen Fuel

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Efficiency and safety gains with switch to Aspen Fuel: Having read about the positive experiences of other clubs making the switch, the team at Gloucestershire’s Minchinhampton Golf Club are themselves now discovering the efficiency and safety benefits of Aspen alkylate petrol.

Used across a suite of 2-stroke equipment, club Mechanic Tom Dorey notes the significant reduction in costly faults and breakdowns, while its delivery by the barrel has reduced the time and risks associated with transporting fuel from the forecourt.

Efficiency and safety gains with switch to Aspen Fuel

Efficiency and safety gains with switch to Aspen Fuel

Minchinhampton comprises of 36-holes at the New Course site along with a further 18-holes at the historic Old Course – established in 1889 and situated 4 miles away on SSSI common land, managed in partnership with the National Trust. The third, the parkland Avening Course, has been used on multiple occasions as an Open Qualifying venue. Looking after the maintenance is a team of 17 greenkeepers who, alongside Mechanic Tom, keep the large machinery fleet and busy courses in tip-top condition.

“I was familiar with Aspen Fuel from personal experience but was seeing more articles in the press about facilities switching over and felt it was worth exploring” explains Tom. “We spoke with some other golf clubs and then met with Aspen’s Roy Narbey at BTME in 2025 who arranged a trial of Aspen-2 for us. The rest, as they say, is history and we’ve recently just taken delivery of our second barrel.”

Being virtually free from ethanol, aromatics and benzene Aspen alkylate petrol presents a 99% cleaner fuel when compared with traditional pump fuel. The significantly reduced emissions not only benefit the health and safety of the operator but also contributes to increased sustainability standards, helping the team to meet the courses environmental responsibilities.

Like other Aspen users, Minchinhampton quickly discovered the immediate benefits but were pleasantly surprised by the further ‘wins’ that came from the switch. “The difference was notable almost immediately. The team all commented on the better working environment when using tools such as backpack blowers and hedgecutters and reported the reduction in fumes and headaches as soon as we switched.” Tom adds, “In the workshop, servicing of the equipment is now much simpler. I haven’t had to spend time repairing or replacing gummed up carburettors, saving us money and enhancing the overall lifespan of the engines and the equipment.”

Aspen-2’s pre-mixed formula has also eliminated issues with incorrect mixture ratios. “Convenience has been another big plus point, with the fuel readily available on site, pre-mixed so there’s no risk of issues associated with incorrect fuel and oil ratios.”

“The support from Roy throughout the trial and in getting us up and running has also been brilliant. He gave us lots of hints and tips for correct pump operation and getting the most from our equipment.” He concludes, “The experience has been incredibly positive and eventually we hope to extend our use to Aspen-4 for the cleaner running of some of our larger equipment.”

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Royal Ascot Golf Club commits £1m to greenkeeping upgrades

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Royal Ascot Golf Club commits £1m to greenkeeping upgrades: Royal Ascot Golf Club has invested significantly into its greenkeeping machinery and grounds team, weeks after scooping its first national award at a black tie ceremony in Leicester. 

The club – which won Golf Club of the Year at the annual Club Awards in November – has committed more than £1m to upgrade its course, mower fleet, cutters and maintenance equipment so its eight strong greenkeeping team can deliver a quality playing surface 364 days each year.

Royal Ascot Golf Club commits £1m to greenkeeping upgrades

Royal Ascot Golf Club commits £1m to greenkeeping upgrades

Mowers used to cut tees, fairways, approaches and greens have been replaced and new turf sprayers and turbines have been added to ensure the course and its surrounds are kept in pristine condition in all seasons.

The club has also invested in new monitoring technology, so its greenkeepers can digitally assess the performance of its mowers and their effectiveness to maximise performance.

Ian Hockley, Course Manager at Royal Ascot Golf Club, said the investment will help his team realise the course’s true playing potential regardless of weather extremities.

“We’re increasingly seeing extreme stretches of dry and wet weather, which naturally makes our job as greenkeepers more challenging,” said Ian.

“This is a significant and necessary investment as golf clubs across the UK seek to deliver year-round quality playing experiences to members and guests alike.

“Having access to the latest machinery and technology is a huge advantage in our ability to achieve this, and aligns with the club’s ambitious growth plans which led to our Club of the Year award which everyone is extremely proud of.

“We’ve just completed the club’s biggest course upgrade since our relocation from the racecourse in 2005. To be in a position where we’re continuing to be at the forefront of greenkeeping improvements is a really pleasing way to start 2026.”

The investment includes the completion of the club’s major course regeneration project costing £500,000 to transform each of its 18 holes.

Each hole is now subject to enhanced drainage and irrigation provisions, while all bunkers have been renovated and new treelines created – including the opening of the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Wood by Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

Stephen Nicholson, General Manager at Royal Ascot Golf Club, added: “We pride ourselves on delivering a welcoming, sociable, inclusive and quality experience to those who visit the club.

“Investing in the quality of our course is essential to achieving the above and we are thrilled with the outcomes of our course regeneration which has delivered outstanding results even for our holes that are most susceptible to the weather.

“We’ve experienced a breakthrough period on all levels which everyone at the club is extremely proud of and bodes well for another year of positive growth in 2026.”

Founded in 1887, Royal Ascot Golf Club was granted Royal status by Queen Victoria and is set in 150 acres of the woodland of Windsor Great Park off Winkfield Road and adjacent to the world-famous racecourse.

Further information about the club is available via www.royalascotgolfclub.co.uk.

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Husqvarna partners with Relox Robotics to expand golf solutions

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Husqvarna partners with Relox Robotics to expand golf solutions: Husqvarna Group has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Relox Robotics to add an autonomous golf range ball picking solution to its portfolio across European markets.

The partnership marks a further step in Husqvarna’s commitment to advancing automation and efficiency within professional golf environments, as demand grows for smarter operational solutions.

Husqvarna partners with Relox Robotics to expand golf solutions

Husqvarna partners with Relox Robotics to expand golf solutions

Under the terms of the agreement, Husqvarna will become the sole distributor of Relox Robotics’ Range Picker™ across Europe. The autonomous solution is designed to operate fully unattended on golf driving ranges, supporting increased uptime, reduced manual handling and more efficient daily operations for range operators.

The Range Picker™ features autonomous navigation, self-charging, and automated ball dumping, enabling continuous ball collection without the need for manual intervention. Under the partnership, deployments are planned for Q1 2026, supporting early spring installations at selected driving ranges.

“Robotics is reshaping how golf facilities operate, from course maintenance to range management,” said Olle Markusson, Senior Director Robotics at Husqvarna Group. “By partnering with Relox Robotics, we are able to offer a proven autonomous ball picking solution that complements our market-leading robotic mowing platforms for golf courses and supports a more automated, efficient driving range environment.”

Automation is increasingly becoming a priority for driving range operators looking to improve productivity, reduce labour dependency, and enhance the customer experience. This partnership brings together Husqvarna’s long-standing expertise in robotic turf maintenance with Relox Robotics’ specialist knowledge in autonomous range operations, to deliver a comprehensive robotics ecosystem for driving ranges.

Husqvarna continues to expand its presence in professional golf across Europe and will provide robotic mowing solutions at the 2026 Husqvarna British Masters. This follows a successful deployment at last year’s AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl, where Husqvarna’s autonomous mowers maintained all 18 fairways during the tournament, marking the first time robotic mowers have maintained fairways live on the world golf stage.

First deliveries under the Husqvarna–Relox partnership are scheduled for Q1 2026 through Husqvarna’s network of professional partners across Europe. The autonomous Range Picker™ will have a recommended retail price of €39,500 (excluding VAT), subject to final confirmation.

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