Tag Archive for: Turf

Transforming Turf with Origin Amenity Solutions

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Transforming Turf with Origin Amenity Solutions: When Stuart Donald took on the role of Head Greenkeeper at Inverurie Golf Club in April 2024, he faced immediate challenges. “The greens were full of thatch with a shallow black layer,” he recalls. “The course needed remedial work and a clear long-term strategy to improve turf health and playability.”

Stuart was able to draw on a programme he had used successfully at his previous club in Knebworth, Hertfordshire, which relied on advice and products from Headland Amenity. Since Headland’s integration into Origin Amenity Solutions, he has continued that approach, benefiting from the same trusted technical advice and a broader range of science-led products. “The continuity of support and products has made a real difference here too,” he says.

Transforming Turf with Origin Amenity Solutions

Transforming Turf with Origin Amenity Solutions

Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of products and expertise for professional turf management. OAS combines decades of experience with innovative research to deliver healthier, more resilient and sustainable surfaces, providing the technical support and product range that enabled Stuart to implement his programme with confidence.

A Science-Led Approach

Within just a year, progress at Inverurie Golf Club has been remarkable. Stuart has overseen a reduction of around 30mm of thatch, which has reduced the black layer to encourage better rooting. He has successfully implemented a tree management plan that includes gorse reduction to aid better airflow and increase sunlight for the turf, alongside the construction of new ditches to dry out the course more quickly in the winter months.

Stuart’s course maintenance regime relies on a suite of proven OAS products. “We use ProTec Plus and Seamac which really helps the turf recover and stay healthy,” he explains. “Seamac Proturf Fe, Liquid Turf Hardener and Turfite Elite form part of our 20-20-30 tank mix, which we use in conjunction with Mantle and PPT114 to reduce the reliance on fungicides. I am planning for future years when we might not have the option of using fungicides due to ongoing restrictions. Tri-Cure and TeraFirm complete our programme by improving air-to-water ratios in the soil, to improve soil and root health.”

“The results have been very encouraging,” he adds. “Better greens, improved grass coverage and more effective tree management. It’s all starting to show, members have noticed it too, with feedback on truer, smoother putting surfaces.”

Trusted Support

For Stuart, the ongoing support from OAS has been just as important as the products themselves. “The advice and guidance from the advisors have been invaluable. Having worked with Headland Amenity for years, I was happy to continue when they became part of OAS as I could continue the programme, I know works, with the added benefit of a wider range of resources and expertise.”

A Course Transformed

Over the past eighteen months, Inverurie Golf Club has undergone a tangible transformation. Through careful planning, practical interventions and the use of science-led products, Stuart and his team have turned challenging conditions into healthier, more resilient turf. The improvements reflect both the dedication of the greenkeeping team and the trusted partnership with Origin Amenity Solutions.

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SISIS to Showcase Turf Care Reliability at SALTEX

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SISIS to Showcase Turf Care Reliability at SALTEX: SISIS will once again bring a proven lineup of professional turf maintenance machinery to SALTEX 2025, highlighting solutions trusted by grounds teams across sports pitches, golf courses and fine turf venues worldwide. Built for durability and serviceability, every SISIS machine is engineered to deliver consistent results where performance matters most.

Quadraplay

The Quadraplay remains the benchmark for versatility. This compact, multi-task system allows up to four operations in a single pass, aerating, brushing, rolling and surface grooming, saving valuable time while maintaining surface quality. With its easy-change diverse attachments and robust construction, Quadraplay continues to be the professional’s choice for year-round pitch presentation.

SISIS to Showcase Turf Care Reliability at SALTEX

SISIS to Showcase Turf Care Reliability at SALTEX

Auto Rotorake MK5

Designed for effective scarification, the Auto Rotorake MK5 removes thatch, moss and organic matter to keep turf surfaces healthy and resilient. Its range of interchangeable blades, precise depth control and durable build make it an essential machine for improving drainage and reducing disease risks. Professional grounds teams value its reliability and consistently clean finish.

Multitiner

The Multitiner is a trusted aerator for relieving compaction and improving soil and root health. Available with multiple tine options, it delivers effective aeration across a variety of surfaces, from football pitches to golf greens. Compact, manoeuvrable and dependable, the Multitiner delivers repeatable results with minimal surface disruption.

Variseeder

For overseeding and turf recovery, the Variseeder sets the standard in accuracy. Its adjustable seed rate and depth control ensure even distribution and reliable germination, helping to build stronger, denser turf. Designed for efficiency and ease of use, it’s a dependable tool for both renovation work and routine maintenance.

Dart

The Dart aerator offers powerful soil penetration for compacted or high-wear surfaces, including cricket squares, bowling greens, croquet lawns and ornamental turf. With minimal surface disturbance and durable engineering, the Dart provides long-lasting benefits to turf health and playability, even under demanding conditions.

TM1000

The Rotorake TM1000 is a tractor-mounted scarifier and linear aerator, unrivalled in removing and controlling thatch. Its floating unit follows ground contours for consistent results, while the contra-rotating reel throws debris forward for a clean groove and excellent finish. With interchangeable blades, tool-free depth adjustment and an integrated collector box, the TM1000 is built for efficient and effective renovation.

Osca 3

The Osca 3 is a tractor-mounted, powered oscillating brush designed for synthetic turf with sand or rubber infill. Its two oscillating brushes lift fibres upright and redistribute infill evenly, minimising compaction, enhancing surface consistency and preventing fibre damage. With a 1.9m working width, it is an essential tool for maintaining high-performance synthetic pitches.

SSS 1000

The SSS 1000 is a towed sweeper built for simplicity and durability. Its brush height can be adjusted without tools, while the drawbar folds upright for compact storage. An aluminium hopper with stainless steel mesh ensures infill is returned to the surface while debris is collected. The result is a clean, consistent synthetic turf surface free from contamination and ready for play.

Twinplay

The Twinplay single-pass maintenance system combines two implements, such as a Flexicomb and brush, on one robust frame. Each implement can be independently adjusted to achieve the desired effect, making it an efficient, versatile solution for busy grounds teams. Compact, strong and adaptable, Twinplay simplifies daily care tasks for all types of turf, including synthetic.

A popular Twinplay setup for Synthetic, pairs the Flexicomb with a Straight Brush. The Flexicomb lifts the pile and distributes infill evenly, with an adjustable setting that gives the effect of a rake while remaining gentle on fibres. Its replaceable bristles ensure a long service life with minimal maintenance, while combining it with the Straight Brush further evens out rubber crumb for a consistently professional finish.

The SISIS team will be on hand throughout the show to discuss turf care challenges and share their expertise of how SISIS equipment delivers professional results.

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Record-Breaking Turf Science Live 2025

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Record-Breaking Turf Science Live 2025: Turf Science Live 2025 drew record attendance in Ireland and strong engagement in Scotland, underlining the continued demand for practical, research-led learning in turf management.

Organised by ICL and Syngenta, the series brought together turf professionals to explore the latest research and technology. Held at Carton House and Fairmont St Andrews, delegates rotated through technical stations covering precision spray application, precision nutrition, adapting disease control to a changing climate, building fertilisers for the future, and the role of biostimulants in turf management.

Record-Breaking Turf Science Live 2025

Record-Breaking Turf Science Live 2025

Reflecting on this year’s events, Colman Warde, Country Manager for ICL in Ireland, said: “Turf Science Live is about creating a learning environment where turf professionals can see new technologies and innovations in practice and ask questions directly to the people behind them. The feedback has been outstanding again this year, and it is clear that events like these help greenkeepers and grounds teams take away practical knowledge they can apply straight away.”

A highlight of the St Andrews event was a presentation from The R&A on Championship Agronomy, giving attendees a rare insight into how world-class playing surfaces are prepared and maintained for major tournaments.

Delegates represented every level of the industry, from apprentices and assistant greenkeepers through to course managers, superintendents, agronomists, and head grounds staff. The mix of practical experience and perspective added to the open discussion and knowledge-sharing across both events.

Sarah Hughes, Business Manager at Syngenta, noted: “At Turf Science Live we focused on two key areas for turf managers: precision spray application and adapting disease control to a changing climate. From practical sprayer set-up and new nozzle technology to strategies for managing turf health under more unpredictable weather patterns, the sessions showed how Syngenta research is being translated into real-world solutions.”

Neil Holger, Course Manager at Hamilton Golf Club, who attended the St Andrews event, said: “For me, the best thing about Turf Science Live is finding out what’s new and what’s coming, but also the networking. As course managers and greenkeepers we’re always busy, so it’s good to catch up, hear what others are doing, and speak to the experts. It’s always a worthwhile day out.”

With positive feedback from both venues, Turf Science Live will return in 2026, continuing to bring innovation and applied knowledge directly to turf professionals.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

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Registration Now Open for The MENA TURF SHOW 2026

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Registration Now Open for The MENA TURF SHOW 2026: Organisers of The MENA TURF SHOW are delighted to announce that registration is officially open for the 2026 event, scheduled for Friday 17 April 2026, at the prestigious Park Hyatt Dubai.

Celebrating its impact on turf, landscaping, and green space management across the Middle East and North Africa, The MENA TURF SHOW brings together industry leaders, specialists, and decision-makers for a powerful day of innovation, education, and collaboration.

Registration Now Open for The MENA TURF SHOW 2026

Registration Now Open for The MENA TURF SHOW 2026

“We are thrilled to open registration for this year’s MENA TURF SHOW,” said Nick Brown of Campey Turf Care Systems. “The UAE region has lacked a dedicated event where professionals can meet, connect, and exchange knowledge—until now. With a perfect spring date and the iconic Park Hyatt Dubai venue, we’re focused on driving conversations around sustainability, turf science, smart irrigation, and best practices specific to our regional climate.”

2026 MENA TURF SHOW Highlights:

• Expert-led sessions bringing education that can transform how we care for sports surfaces and
landscapes in this unique environment
• Networking with top suppliers, contractors, groundskeepers, and golf/sports turf managers
• Exclusive insights on regional challenges

Secure your place now for an event not to be missed!

Venue: Hall: Creek A, Park Hyatt Dubai, UAE
Date: 17 April 2026

Register or learn more: www.themeanturfshow.com

Stay up to date—follow us on social media with #MENATurfShow2026 for insights, speaker announcements, and exhibitor reveals.

Connect. Discover. Grow. See you at The MENA TURF SHOW in Dubai on 17 April 2026.

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Hunter Irrigation Delivers Turf Excellence for Blackpool FC

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Hunter Irrigation Delivers Turf Excellence for Blackpool FC: Blackpool FC has seen major improvements to both its stadium and training ground facilities following the installation of a new Hunter irrigation system, supplied by KAR UK and installed by Arden Lea Irrigation.

Head Groundsman Paul Flynn, who has been with the club for nearly five years, explained how the Hunter products have transformed operations, saving time, improving turf quality, and supporting player performance.

Hunter Irrigation Delivers Turf Excellence for Blackpool FC

Hunter Irrigation Delivers Turf Excellence for Blackpool FC

Before the installation, Paul and his team relied on standpipes and travelling sprinklers – a process that was time-consuming and inefficient.

“We were wasting 20 to 25 hours a week just watering pitches by hand,” Paul said. “I told the club they’d get that time back within a year if we invested in irrigation – and that’s exactly what has happened.”

The first phase began at the training ground, with irrigation now fully operational across the main pitches and the sports science area. At the stadium, work is ongoing, with Hunter I80-ON sprinklers already replacing older, underperforming units.

Blackpool’s system includes the Hunter ACC2 Controller with Centralus, the Hunter GT-885, and the Hunter I80-ON sprinklers.

The ACC2 Controller with Centralus allows Paul and his deputy to manage irrigation directly from their phones or via a roaming remote, giving them ultimate flexibility.

“We can press a button and water exactly where we want, whenever we want,” Paul explained. “It makes growing, training preparation, and recovery so simple. We’ve now got around 62 heads across the site, so we can literally water every blade of grass.”

The Hunter I80-ON heads, installed at Bloomfield Road Stadium, have already improved coverage and performance compared to the old system. The GT-885 sprinklers at the training ground provide strength, durability, and easy access for maintenance – crucial for a high-use facility.

The improvements in irrigation have gone beyond aesthetics, directly impacting player welfare and training quality.

“Before, some areas were rock hard, which contributed to calf and hamstring injuries,” said Paul. “Now we can keep surfaces consistent, which makes a huge difference for performance and safety.”

Managers have also benefitted, with the ability to prepare pitches to replicate match conditions.

“The current manager says the best thing is that the training pitches now resemble the stadium pitch,” Paul added. “It means we can mirror match situations and even put the sprinklers on during sessions to improve ball speed – something we could never do before.”

Paul credited both KAR UK and Arden Lea Irrigation for their expertise and support throughout the project.

“My relationship with Wes and Lee at KAR UK goes back years, and I know I can always rely on them,” he said. “Arden Lea are also brilliant – I just pick up the phone and they’re here the next day. Between the two of them, the whole process has been faultless.”

The old irrigation kit has even been donated to Blackpool Cricket Club, strengthening community ties and ensuring wider benefit from the project.

With the training ground fully upgraded and stadium improvements ongoing, Paul believes Hunter irrigation will continue to play a vital role in Blackpool FC’s future.

“The health of the pitches has never been better,” he said. “It’s more efficient, saves us time, and helps the players perform. Honestly, I can’t fault the system at all.”

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on X and Instagram @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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