01 GK Cover November 2019.qxp_Layout 1 28/10/2019 11:45 Page 1 GreenKeeping Keeping the industry on course • November 2019 ISSUE: 163 • £8.00

THIS WOMAN’S WORK The head greenkeeper at Santo da Serra on the island of Madeira, Telma Granja, talks about why, in a profession in which less than two per cent of greenkeepers in the UK are female – and one in which she leads an all-male team of 11 greenkeepers – she has so much passion for her job

I BUNKERS I CLIMATE CHANGE I COURSE DESIGN I xx_gk_Nov_Eagle.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2019 15:44 Page 1 01 contents.qxp_GK template 28/10/2019 13:36 Page 1 GreenKeeping www.greenkeepingeu.com contents

EDITORIAL ADVISORY regulars PANEL DR JOHN DEMPSEY 02 Industry News BSc (Hons), PhD Turfgrass scientist and 16 Seeds and Turf Buyer’s Guide former course manager at Royal Curragh Golf Club 20 Greenkeeper Profile: Telma Granja PETER JONES MSc, MBPR, RIPTA Course Machinery Buyer’s Guide 10 Golf course consultant and 30 former course manager www.pja-golf.co.uk 34 A Day in the Life: Damien Bowe

NOEL MACKENZIE BSc (Hons), MBPR Turf agronomist and former features golf course consultant and greenkeeper 06 Dr Christian Spring: Mitigating the effects of reduced water for golf courses over JONATHAN SMITH the next decade BSc (Hons) MA Chief executive of the Golf 10 How to increase the life expectancy of a 14 Environment Organisation www.golfenvironment.or bunker

DR RUTH MANN 14 Tips on improving your irrigation system BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, MBPR 25 Potential funding opportunity for Head of research environmental work at the STRI 26 The transformation of a golf course – DR KEITH DUFF Advisory member of The because HS2 is running through it R&A’s Golf Course Committee and former chief 28 The redesign of Belvoir Park Golf Club’s scientist with English Nature course 25

LAURENCE PITHIE MG Europe’s first Master Greenkeeper and golf course consultant www.turfmasterone.co.u

DR KATE ENTWISTLE CBiol, MIBiol, MBPR Turfgrass pathologist and head of The Turf Disease Centre www.theturfdiseasecentre.co.uk 34

• Editor: Alistair Dunsmuir • Chief Sub Editor: Tania Longmire • Art Director: Alan MacKenzie-Morris We had an average of 33 • Associate Publisher: Steve Eaves • Production: Tom Burnett-Godfree • Database Manager: Mile Budimir • Publisher: David Rose • Chairman: Anthony Hawser • Email: [email protected] greenkeeping vacancies per day in October. Published by Union Press, 69 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HH Tel: 020 7803 2453 Web: greenkeepingeu.com Visit: jobs.thegolfbusiness.co.uk Social media: @greenkeepingmag (Twitter) www.facebook.com/Greenkeeping www.linkedin.com/company/greenkeeping

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t industry news ‘Horrendous damage’ to two courses

Vandals have carried out © Twitter and vandalise and create damage. Prestwich GC – © Facebook ‘horrendous’ damage to at least “This is about the most severe two golf courses this autumn. I’ve seen in 10 to 11 years. It’s At Prestwich Golf Club in Greater very extreme and premeditated.” Manchester a criminal drove an He added that someone had cut off-road buggy across the course a hole in a fence and taken a and was seen performing spade or shovel and dug up large ‘doughnuts’ on the greens. areas of three greens, at about The course was left badly course, costing just shy of £1m, four to five square metres wide. damaged, with evidence of tyre had been taking place at the club, “They have come equipped to marks and mounds of turf having which meant half the course had do it,” he said. “They have walked been torn up. been closed for over a year. that significant progress had been a considerable distance, almost a The golf club estimates it will Harding said the damaged made at rectifying the vandalism kilometre. cost tens of thousands of pounds section of course had only been within a few days. “It took about 25 hours to get to repair the damage. laid down for three months and is Shortly afterwards, vandals took the surfaces repaired enough to Golf course manager, Chris yet to be played on. a spade to greens at Willingdon play on again. To get it back to the Harding, said: “The damage is Pictures uploaded to the club’s Golf Club in East Sussex. required high standard it will take horrendous, it has been Facebook page showed a great Course manager Luke Turner most of the winter and into the completely shredded. deal of damage had been carried said: “We put in a lot of work and spring.” “It is going to cost a hell of a lot out. time and effort into creating So far it has cost around £1,500 of money to repair.” However course work by the excellent surfaces and some to repair the damage, and has put A major remodelling of the greenkeeping team also showed person decides to come along teams behind schedule. Golf club sees 25% increase in bird species

it is evolving and maturing as a habitat. This continuing development results in changes to the bird species that like being there which is why the number of bird species has increased so significantly in the last eight years.” Hotel boss Tarnia Robertson said as a result of conservation work, the venue was becoming a destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. “Our 4,000 trees, gorse area and ponds are home to all kinds of wildlife and we work tirelessly to protect the species that have made their home here. Over recent years we have worked hard to expand our wildlife programme. Our greenkeepers do a Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf and Spa in Mistle thrushes have been scarcer in south wonderful job of maintaining the ecology of Suffolk has seen a nearly 25 per cent rise in east England because of drier summers in our grounds to not only preserve the habitats bird species that live at the venue in just eight recent years, and sightings of hawfinches – of the existing wildlife but also to make it years, according to a Royal Society for the the UK’s largest finch – are increasingly rare attractive to new species. Protection of Birds (RSPB) survey. The club is because their breeding areas are in decline. “They have introduced a purely sustainable now home to 39 species and new residents Malcom Key, of the RSPB, said: “One of programme of management throughout the include mistle thrushes and hawfinches. the interesting things about Ufford Park is that whole golf course from green to rough areas.”

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Winter improvement work for Bedfordshire club

Essex-based Swan Golf Designs (SGD) is to create a schedule of autumn and winter improvement work at Aspley Guise & Woburn Sands GC, in Bedfordshire. The family-owned practice has undertaken the initial assessment process for changes to the heathland / parkland course designed initially by 1902 Open champion Sandy Herd and then Robert Sandow – the first nine holes of which date from 1914. The original course construction at the Milton Keynes-based club was carried out by Charles Willmott, who, uniquely, remained at Aspley Guise & Woburn Sands as the club professional for a remarkable 42 years. Director and architect William Swan to ‘improve’ a course with such a unique to reaping the benefits over the next few explained: “We’ve been appointed to design history and one which is so highly regarded.” seasons.” golf course improvements, with a view to Aspley Guise & Woburn Sands’ general Borne out of the collaboration between Sir begin implementation in the autumn and manager, Simon Dennis, added: “I am pleased Henry Cotton and Alex Swan, the family- winter. This will likely see changes to tees, to be able to work alongside William and the owned Swan Golf Designs has more than 60 bunkers and green surrounds with additional team at Swan Golf Designs once more. My years of experience of designing and focus on more effective tree and landscape personal experience of the company is wholly renovating golf courses in the UK, throughout management. It’s a great honour to be asked positive and professional and we look forward Europe and beyond.

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t industry news

David Carpenter is Links effect restored at new chair of IOG Nairn Dunbar Golf Club Nairn Dunbar Golf Club has right-hand side of the 10th hole David Carpenter has taken over undergone a series of course that blocked the view of the Moray as chair of the Institute of improvements to restore the links Firth and the natural dunes. With Groundsmanship (IOG) for the effect at the Highland layout. the addition of new teeing next three years. After receiving consistent surfaces, the parkland feel has “I see my role as being one of feedback that holes 9, 10 and 11 been lost. continuity and building on the had a more parkland feel, the club Johnstone has also worked on excellent work of a great board,” put a restoration plan in place to the composition of the grass he said. unveil as much of the natural species on greens, introducing “And one of the ways forward dune systems and undulations as more fine leaved grass into the is by utilising every aspect of possible. Through sustainable surfaces and reducing the amount market intelligence possible so management, Nairn Dunbar has of meadow grass content. that the IOG can continue to also worked hard on producing “We have also firmed up bang the drum for an industry more firm and fast greens for links surfaces by regularly top-dressing that is highly-valued – in both golf and undertaken a rough, with dune sand to dilute organic annual turnover as well as in the gorse and tree management matter with significant changes to worldwide reputations of those programme. firmness on greens and within it.” Under the leadership of course approaches,” he said. With a pedigree of success in manager Richard Johnstone, the The club also implemented a his former roles with the Sports again to the sports industry and club boasts an improved links test. rough management plan to return Council and the Lottery Fund, to the general public. Director of golf Robbie Stewart the links roughs to their natural David – who has been an IOG “One of my main roles will be said: “The course has long condition, allowing fescues to board member for nine years – to champion IOG initiatives like possessed all the essential regenerate to a dominant position is certain he can make a the Pitch Grading Framework ingredients of a thoroughly and leave a long, open and wispy difference. (PGF), the programme that absorbing links layout and Richard rough. “This gives the course a “The ‘Young IOG Board’ has highlights the skills needed to and his team have brought that to better aesthetic effect but allows been a fantastic initiative, but we maintain every level of natural the fore in recent years. members and visitors to find their need to continue to lift the image sports turf surfaces, alongside “With the autumn now here, balls and help speed up play,” and profile of a career in this the appropriate education and we boast a superb all-year round added Johnstone. “We also industry, and work hard to training pathways. I am adamant links test at Nairn Dunbar.” introduced a gorse and tree promote the sector, especially to that this framework needs to be The restoration plan has management plan to return areas the younger generation. actively accepted by our partners, helped achieve the overall links of the course back to its original “It is clear that job satisfaction by sports clubs and especially by experience, as previously there dune landscape, with the removal is high – once people enter this local authorities which in was a band of larch trees, gorse of gorse, broom and other non- sector they tend to stay in it – but particular have been severely hit and broom running down the native species.” we must do more to not only by a skills’ (and manpower) address salaries but, importantly, shortage. to also promote the high skill sets “We have to improve the skills that are required to maintain our and knowledge of everyone sports surfaces,” he said. involved in turf care. And we “Today’s greenkeepers can have to continue to raise the justifiably be called turf scientists profile of the IOG and cement its and their work is essential to the status as the ‘go-to’ organisation success of sport. for everything to do with turf care “That is a message that we and playing surfaces. It will be a must drum home again and five- to 10-year programme.”

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t climate change Time to test the water

Water is essential for maintaining a golf course but our changing human consumption, agriculture, industry and, of course, climate, means water is likely to become more scarce in the next decade. Dr Christian Spring looks at what can be done now in preparation

ne thing is for sure, water is one of effect of water on the playing surface has weather. The most recent predictions from the most important molecules for a been three-fold: the Met Office on the implications of climate Ograss plant. Water has many critical 1. Improved drainage to allow excess change for the UK highlight that weather will roles for life within the plant: water to be removed from the soil as become more changeable and less • Water is the agent of transport of quickly as possible. predictable, and this will occur differentially nutrients into and through the plant 2. Irrigation systems to apply water in a across the country rather than as a uniform • The pressure caused by water in cells, is targeted fashion as and when it is needed. effect everywhere. This will mean that at what gives grass plant tissues their 3. Turf maintenance operations such as times, we will experience significant increases strength and allows leaves to remain aeration, scarification, sand topdressing in rainfall and at other times, a higher risk of upright. When plant water content is low it and use of wetting agents. drought. starts to wilt All these approaches have been shown to To add into the mix, the competition for • Water is the medium in which all of the work and give turf managers a high degree of water supply for human consumption, plant’s biochemistry takes place control over surface water content. However, agriculture and industrial use will increase. • Water is one of the important fuels used there are other issues now coming to the fore This could be partially as a response to in photosynthesis. It is the splitting of water which add another layer of complexity. climate change pressure, but also regional molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, with demographic change across the UK. All this the hydrogen being combined with carbon Climate change and water means the security of water for sports turf dioxide to form carbohydrates, the main availability applications will come under significant building block of most plant tissues. The The R&A has recently published its Golf pressure. oxygen is released, which maintains life on Course 2030 Initiative Water Action Plan for earth as we know it. Great Britain and Ireland. In this document, What does this mean for Water is one of the key molecules to potential risks of water scarcity and water my sports surface? support life. excess have been analysed, as well as The implications for sports surfaces are clear. outlining the next steps on how to tackle this We need to identify the risks at a regional and The turf issue. This is recognition of the critical role that facility level, whether this is how we deal with However, in a sports turf surface context, water plays in managing our turf surfaces and excess water or situations where there is not water also has other roles and impacts. The the pressures we are going to have to enough. There is a need to build resilience amount of water in the soil directly impacts overcome now and in the future. into our sports facilities to account for both on the performance and playability of sports Undoubtedly, climate change will have, too much and too little water all in the same surfaces. and is having, a significant impact on UK year. Wetter surfaces tend to be softer and drier surfaces tend to be firmer. Wetter surfaces tend to become damaged more quickly through usage and can encourage shifts in the turf composition. Drier surfaces increase the risk of plant stress and for contact sports, such as football or rugby, there can be player comfort and safety concerns. Typically, our response to mitigating the

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Sustainable surface solutions

Benefits • Enhances visitor experience • Minimises ongoing maintenance • Enhances on course safety • Anti-Slip surfaces • Prevention of Ice formation in winter • Eliminates standing water • Provides value for money • Minimises risk of third party claims For further information visit www.htncontracting.co.uk Contact by phone 07919565001 Email [email protected] Twitter @ContractingHtn 06-09 water STRI.qxp_GK template 28/10/2019 12:28 Page 8

So, what does this mean? A starter for ten is to think more holistically and likely issues on site. Where is drainage the main issue and where is about the water demands and the needs of our sports facilities. What are water availability most under pressure? Have we optimised our the challenges we face and do we start to implement plans now? We maintenance regimes to help mitigate, as far as possible, these issues? need to look at water use demands, drainage requirements and One case in point that has struck me recently has been the potential storage capacities of our whole sites, and not just focus on the programmed and early use of wetting agents. Again, we seem to have sports surfaces. For example, how do we deal with drainage on wet transitioned straight from winter into summer this year. areas of the golf course and how can we store and reuse that water on A dry April and early May led us to irrigate turf more frequently than course? normal at our research facility in Bingley. However, what was clear was Or how can grey water or rainwater from clubhouses be recycled for that several trial areas where wetting agents had been tested last year use on the course or landscape plantings? (with no additional applications since the end of September 2018) fared We need to make sure that we have audited our water demands much better in terms of drought stress reduction.

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They also recovered more rapidly when rain came as water was able to enter the dry soil more rapidly and evenly. Food for thought! We know how integral plant hydration and surface moisture management are to maintaining a quality playing surface. There are forces already at work that will require us to evaluate water resources and demands of our facilities much more closely. We cannot take water for granted. We must plan our water management now to ensure that when the crunch hits, our facilities are robust and resilient to these issues. Plan for change now to safeguard the future. Dr Christian Spring is the STRI’s research operations manager 10-12 bunkers.qxp_GK template 28/10/2019 12:30 Page 10

bunkers t

Construction of a bunker at Singapore Island Country Club this October. Getting into shape

Bunker renovation can be costly and the design life of a bunker is usually five to seven years. However, according to Richard Allen, the life expectancy can be considerably, and affordably, extended if just a few principles in the design stage are adhered to

passing comment on social media about design, carried out by suitably qualified and client’s brief and budget, then studying the a long-lost treasure that has been experienced professionals is the best insurance constraints and opportunities (for example Asearched for and never found has been policy you can buy. ground conditions). The design process should adopted enthusiastically by a few golf industry Changes at the design stage cost virtually finally produce documents which enable any professionals engaged in the art of bunker nothing to fix. Problems during construction, or competent contractor to deliver a project that construction. The real Holy Grail may never be worse still, after commissioning, are normally matches the client’s wishes, within budget, found, but the elusive solution to low very costly. I got into the golf construction safely, compliant with relevant regulations and maintenance, highly resilient golf bunkers is now industry because of the crossover between my on time. Furthermore, the finished works should available to any golf course. So how do you find profession (a civil engineering designer) and my perform perfectly and be easily maintained the ‘Holy Grail’ of golf bunker construction? passion (all things golf). The classic engineering during the ‘design life’. The search must start with design. Good design process starts by understanding the ‘Design life’ is the key phrase here. I don’t

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Killara Golf Club in Australia, which led to complimentary ‘Holy Grail’ comments about the bunkers on social media. The club wanted high sand faces and exposed deep edges. Capillary Concrete solved the sand faces issue, and the EcoBunker Advanced system provided the desired aesthetics and erosion control qualities

think I’m out of line by suggesting that in general the golf industry accepts that the design life of a golf bunker should be five to seven years) or less on some exposed sites). Why? Is it the historic lack of resilient bunker construction products (see later)? The consequence is usually that after five to seven years the golf club cannot afford a new bunker renovation scheme. Nothing performs well beyond its ‘design life’ and bunker results are predictable: exponential maintenance increases and patch repairs. Bunkers quickly turn from assets into liabilities. So, find a longer design life (within your budget) and you are getting closer to the Holy Grail. It may sound simple to do this, but until relatively recently, very few ‘long term’ bunker products and construction techniques were available to greenkeepers and course managers. Why did advances in bunker construction lag behind major advances in agronomy, irrigation and machinery? Perhaps bunkers were viewed as hazards (a valid viewpoint) that should not routinely present perfect playing conditions. However, bunkers have increasingly been identified as the weakest area of most golf courses, and in response, a diverse range of new ideas and products have entered the market. First came geotextile (commonly referred to as fabric) liners followed soon by bound aggregate (such as Capillary Concrete) and rubberised options led by blinder. Then came improved drainage products such as Aquadyne, and finally attention turned to bunker edging and facing products, including in 2010, the innovation of using recycled artificial grass. The ‘Holy Grail’ of bunker construction combines all these technologies to produce a bunker that drains perfectly, under the most severe rain, retains its shape (because edges resist erosion), preserves sand purity and holds that sand in place, resisting the dreaded washouts. Very often, this form of bunker system is referred to as fully sealed, but is perhaps better described using engineering terminology as ‘tanked systems’. So what are the key drivers, features and benefits of a tanked bunker system? Firstly the bunker edge. Traditionally bunkers have a natural soil edge, either flush with the sand, or exposed to varying height. Extreme examples are revetted (or sod wall) bunkers, although many heathland and parkland courses use a soil edge of four (100mm) to 12 inches (300mm). Soil 10-12 bunkers.qxp_GK template 28/10/2019 12:30 Page 12

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Sand contamination from eroding soil edges

“THE ‘HOLY GRAIL’ OF BUNKER CONSTRUCTION COMBINES TECHNOLOGIES TO PRODUCE A BUNKER THAT edges are highly vulnerable to erosion. Fines design function, although many golf course DRAINS enter the sand, compromising the bunker architects are now becoming more familiar with drainage systems’ aesthetics and playability. the technicalities of bunker lining systems. PERFECTLY, Erosion commonly changes the shape of a Finally, where can the Holy Grail be found? bunker, occasionally exposing the bunker liner, At EcoBunker, we have done multiple fully RETAINS ITS irrigation system or becoming unsafe. A proven tanked systems across the globe, all using our solution to extend the design life of bunker bunker edging system. Successful results have SHAPE, edges is to use stacked synthetic grass. Based been obtained with all kinds of liners; rubber upon evidence gathered over the past five years, crumb, bound aggregate and even geotextile PRESERVES the EcoBunker Advanced system appears to options on courses where bunker design is SAND PURITY perform best, having resisted multiple Category conducive to that approach. However the first 5 hurricanes (the ultimate test) with no damage. bunker project where the Holy Grail comment AND HOLDS Secondly, the bunker liner, or base of the first appeared on social media was Killara Golf tank. There is a bewildering array of bunker liners Club near Sydney, New South Wales, where THAT SAND IN on the market. Only consider bunker liners that EcoBunker edges were combined with Capillary can keep the sand in place and clean, prevent Concrete. The club wanted high sand faces, and PLACE, washouts, protect any underlying drainage and exposed deep edges (resembling the Melbourne allow easy bunker raking without damage. An Sand Belt). RESISTING added benefit would be the ability to condition Capillary Concrete solved the sand faces DREADED sand to the optimum moisture content. issue, and although local soils were unsuitable If we are looking to include all these qualities for a deep bunker edge, the EcoBunker WASHOUTS” and increase the bunker design life to 10 years Advanced system provided the desired or more, that narrows the choice somewhat. The aesthetics and erosion control qualities. design process will help make the correct choice: The path to the Holy Grail starts by budget, construction period, in-house or employing a suitably qualified design contractor install, local ground conditions, the professional, as I’m sure, Harley Kruse, the bunker style and shape, locally available raw designer of the Killara renovation project, would materials, long term maintenance capability, agree. requirement of a warranty and so on. Apart from Richard Allen is an engineer and CEO of style and shape, this is primarily an engineering EcoBunker

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t water management Testing the water

Many golf clubs across the UK have irrigation systems that are just not working to their optimal abilities. This doesn’t necessarily mean the irrigation systems are inadequate; in many instances they may just need some fine-tuning, writes Peter Corbett and Peter Robin

difference. When you install the smaller nozzle you will inadvertently reduce the flow rate; this in turn will often help the irrigation pump deliver a higher pressure, since flow rate and pressure have an inverse relationship for most centrifugal pumps. This increased pressure will often throw the water further across the green; it will help Different nozzles for diverse situations create smaller droplets and will potentially create the ‘rain curtain’ that each sprinkler ne of the cheapest methods to make the green, and are you having problems with should be achieving. your irrigation system work better, dry patch (often occurs about four to six This is because the sprinkler requires a Oand one that’s almost always metres away from a sprinkler incidentally)? good pressure to disperse the water uniformly overlooked, is to check your sprinkler nozzles. Can you see gaps in the ‘rain curtain’; the out of the nozzle. You wouldn’t spray those expensive water falling to the ground from your This is often the cheapest way to make a chemicals onto your turf without making sure sprinkler? If so, it could be that the nozzles in big difference to the effectiveness of your you had fitted the correct spray boom nozzles your sprinklers are too big. To help rectify the irrigation system. A new nozzle might cost a for the job in hand and that they were system and potentially make it more effective, few pounds, so replacing a whole golf course checked for wear, so why ignore the nozzles simply look on the chart and select a nozzle will still add up to a few hundred pounds, but in your irrigation? a couple of sizes smaller. compared with the cost of sprinkler Every pop-up sprinkler on the market has A smaller nozzle can often make a big replacement or upgrading your pump system, a range of nozzles you can install into it. Take the Rainbird Eagle 751 for example. It will arrive with a standard #40 orange nozzle, but there are eight different nozzles to choose from in the standard range, plus a further three wind-tolerant nozzles, so the chances that your standard nozzle is correct for your system are low. Did anybody actually figure out what nozzles you needed in the first place? To find out which sprinkler nozzle you should be using, the best way is to start with a nozzle performance chart. You should be able to download one for your sprinkler model off the web. You will notice on the chart that each nozzle will throw the water a different distance depending on how much pressure it is receiving. Questions to ask. Are your existing sprinklers ‘dumping’ large droplets out onto Nozzle performance chart

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sensor, which has four measuring prongs and does not need calibrating. It has a built-in GPS detector, so it knows where it is anywhere on the course, using a novel app via Bluetooth. This automatically saves the data to a mobile phone to be collected and recorded without the need for pen and paper. • Sample position • Soil moisture • Surface temperature • Soil EC • Soil salinity. A major feature of the POGO system is its Rain Bird ‘rain curtain’ ability to connect to the ‘Cloud’, which becomes your internet-based filing cabinet and we’re talking peanuts. It might just be report writer. something worth thinking about before next The Cloud holds all your data and contains season’s hot weather arrives. the interpretation software so it can be OK, all well and good so far. presented as maps, tables and graphs. Data You’ve checked your nozzles, consulted the collected can be over-laid onto maps and charts, checked pressures and done a visual presented pictorially, like the moisture map, assessment of the quality of your ‘rain curtain’. along with other important information Important yes, but it does not tell the whole including the area of the green. story and that is the primary requirements for The GPS system used by the POGO can the intelligent use of water is knowing how also provide a GPS map of all your course much you require on your turf surfaces to assets; sprinkler pop-ups, irrigation achieve the desired standard. infrastructure, paths, electrics and so on. The Water content in the soil can be measured system can also be used to record any numeric in different ways. A tensiometer sensor value used to measure criteria, for example ball POGO allows you to measure, record measures the matrix water potential, or soil and react to the information provided speed, uniformity, firmness. Also, the system moisture tension in the root zone. However, can record the historical positioning of pins and such equipment is suitable for use on fixed monitor how levels change over time using a produce a pin sheet for tournaments which irrigation monitoring equipment but not for grid system. This all requires calibration to give can either be printed or posted on the club moving around multiple greens on a golf correct readings, requiring time consuming website. course. manual recording of information and manual On an 18-hole golf course, greenkeeping interpretation. Peter Corbett and Peter Robin are Rigby Taylor requires knowledge of, and be able to measure What is the alternative? product management specialists. For more the, volumetric water content (VWC), The POGO uses the unique HydraProbe information, visit www.rigbytaylor.com expressed as a percentage, in many different areas of the course and, on a range of constructions. This can be achieved using equipment that can measure the dielectric impedance of the soil and return a reading in a VWC percentage. There are a number of moisture meters that use this technique but many have to be calibrated in order to give correct readings.

Greens have very variable moisture levels POGO water depending on a range of factors. Traditional management moisture map on methods of moisture measurement, as a golf green indicated above, sample the same area and

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t 16 offered ustheabilitytoirrigatespecifically pealed somuchtoAndy. hence thereasonwhyInfinitysprinklersap- ily damagedwhenduguporwalkedon– ture level–ifitgetsoverlywetordryit’seas- nance andservicing. upthesprinklerbodyformainte- of digging messy, difficult andtime-consumingprocess accessed fromthetopdowntoprevent choose sprinklerssuchasInfinitythatcanbe Lynx system offers,aswelltheoptionto about howeffectiveitwas.” central controlsystem.Everyonewasraving ence usingToro irrigation,mainlytheLynx meant Ipaidcloseattentiontotheirexperi- difficulttoworkwith,which be particularly hereisLondonclayandcan sults. The ground were usingToro re- irrigationandgettinggreat “Some neighbouringclubsintheM25 area difficult decisionstraightforward,saysAndy: of theclubinEssexthatmadeapotentially approaches inparticular.” qualityonthefairwaysand to advancetheturf ofcontrol tives, whichincludedahighdegree who wouldbebesttodeliveronourobjec- be replacedbutithadnotyetbeendecided had beenmadethatthesystemneededto who togowith. gation system,allhehadtodowaschoose was overseeingtheinstallationofanewirri- Club twoyearsago,oneofhisfirstprojects post ascoursemanageratUpminsterGolf Golf CluboptforToro irrigation. from nearbycustomersthatsawUpminster It waswordofmouthandrecommendations Toro guide buyer’s andfertilisers seeds, turf Toro “It was so important tohaveasystemthat “It wassoimportant Clay soilneedstomaintainasteadymois- This isthankstothelevelofcontrol And itwasfellowgolfclubsinthevicinity “By thetimeIcameonboarddecision When AndyCracknellassumedhisnew GreenKeeping ing ‘all things turf’ aftertakingover ashead ing ‘allthingsturf’ Sandford, ajoinerbytrade,heisswiftly learn- fromnewindustrypeers. For Max support it canoftenbemadeeasierwith training and A changeincareerisadauntingprospect,but DLF Seeds Web: reesinkturfcare.co.uk smooth.” hasbeenvery from Reesinkandeverything had fourorfivesitevisitsfromCevanEdwards says “it’sbeenanexcellentexperience.We’ve equipment andirrigationproducts,Andy fields forgolfandsports tributor intheUK ganised byReesinkTurfcare, thesoleToro dis- was installedbyFull CircleIrrigationandor- jects.” gate fromittoo.That’s oneofournextpro- wecanirri- the course,butmoreimportantly turned intoafeatureasanaestheticbenefitto be we candomorewith.Itcertainly irrigation, asAndyexplains:“We haveariver ofself-sufficiencytoits minster hasadegree mains that’ssignificant.” around 30 now. When you’reirrigatingoffthe butwe’reusing water anightonthegreens we’re using.We usedtouseabout70 cubeof nitely makingasavingontheamountofwater tem forsevenmonthsnowandwe’redefi- don’t stopthere:“We’ve beenusingthesys- turf, AndysaysthebenefitsforgoingwithToro Toro”. all says Andy“hewantedtokeepeverything ted tospecificationontheteesandbecause so easytouse.” when itcomestoadjustinginthefield,they’re the fairwaysandthere’sjustnocomparison surrounds,approachesandthreeof greens, tothequalityofsoil. bringing the positivedifferencethislevelofcontrolis tosee andwe’restarting to bereallyfertile the rightwayclay-basedsoilhaspotential get downtothemillimetre.When treatedin irrigating inunitsofminutes,weneededto moved pastthepointwhereitwasokaytobe our soil’suniqueneeds,”hesays.“We had Upminster GolfClub’sirrigationsystem Hopefully thoughitwon’tbelonguntilUp- fromeaseofuseandbetter-quality Apart The clubalsohasT5andT7sprinklersfit- “We have150 Infinitysprinklersonthe what other groundsmen areusing and when what othergroundsmen tures. establishment evenunderlowsoil tempera- ter, todeliverdeeperrootingandrapid sons J4Turf mixture forthefirsttimethiswin- islookingforwardtotryingJohn- advice, Max oftherooting.”strength OnthebackofIan’s Pitch holdsfirmwhichistestamenttothe areas,buttheJPremier the scrummaging erance isamajorfactorforrugby, especiallyin colour weachieveyearonyear. The weartol- tion, thedensityofcoverageandstrong pitch usage.” weeks, dependingonthetimeofyearand and overseedroughlyeverysixtoeight on bothpitcheseachyearafterthefinalgame seven years.“We carryoutafullrenovation have beenusedacrossthesiteforlast ProNitro coatedversion,JNitroPremierPitch, doing afantasticjob!” sight toseethattheJohnsonsmixturesare meenoughofanin- given and hascertainly hasbeeninvaluable derstanding. The support meamuchbetterun- ties whichhasgiven basics, lookingatcultivarsandmixturequali- utor havespentalotoftimegoingbackto nical Manager, togetherwithmylocaldistrib- job inearly2018. DLFTech- “Ian,ourregional explains,whenheacceptedthetop me” Max ties. across theclub’sstadiumandtrainingfacili- withtheJohnsonsJPremierPitch,inuse Max Ian BarnettofDLFSeedswhohassupported months ago.Oneofthosetrustedcontactsis atExeterChiefsRugbyClub18groundsman DLF Seeds Max concludes,“Ienjoyreading about Max “I amveryimpressedwiththegermina- A combinationofJPremierPitchandthe seedwasverynewto “The worldofgrass 16-19 seeds and turf bg.qxp_GK template 28/10/2019 12:32 Page 17

I see Johnson’s mixtures used at leading facil- ities around the country, I feel confident that I’m sourcing the best products I can for the club. Ultimately, I’ve found if you ask the right people the right questions, you will get the right answers!” Web: www.dlf.co.uk

Headland Amenity Headland Amenity When head groundsman Stuart Lambert delivered results that transformed the appear- joined Gloucester Rugby in the summer of ance of the pitch, making it a staple in my 2018, a brand-new hybrid pitch installation had summer feeding programme.” just been completed at the clubs Kingsholm Stuart concluded, “The hybrid pitch has Stadium. Having no prior hybrid experience, given us stability in many ways, but in terms of Stuart turned to his trusted suppliers to help the nutritional inputs required it’s been a bit of him formulate a new maintenance pro- a balancing act. Adi has provided fantastic sup- gramme. Top of the list was scrapping the ex- port, and our combined knowledge and expe- isting nutritional regime and switching over to rience is ensuring we’re achieving the best a full liquid and granular programme from results we can by applying the right nutrients.” Headland Amenity. Web: www.headlandamenity.com Rigby Taylor Stuart has used Headland products for over 10 years, including during his time at Worces- Rigby Taylor tees, greens and bunkers – on a site charac- ter Warriors where he was part of the award- With Royal Norwich Golf Club investing £15 terised by a predominantly sandy-loam profile winning ‘Professional Rugby Grounds Team of million in its newly established 18-hole course, – the result is a stunning 18-hole, 7,239-yards the Year’. “I knew what I wanted to achieve so the cost of its Rigby Taylor POGO Pro soil and course that many will agree justifies Peter’s called on the advice of Headland’s Adi Mas- turf management meter pales into insignifi- views. ters, who helped me formulate a plan that cance. But, says estates manager Peter Todd, The USGA greens are accompanied by a would be able to work on the faster-leaching “the value of the benefits that POGO brings are six-hole academy course, constructed to the hybrid surface. To achieve optimal results, priceless”. same exacting USGA standards, comple- we’re using a combination of liquid and gran- He adds: “POGO has been indispensable mented by a 10-bay practice range, and there ular applications.” in helping us to establish and maintain these are restaurant areas and other ‘customer ex- Because of the free draining nature, one new greens at a level to create a benchmark perience’ facilities that would not be out of issue they worked on was moisture retention. golf facility in the region.” place in a luxury leisure complex. “Adi recommended TriCure Ad™ which we ap- Peter – who joined Royal Norwich in 2017 Course design is very sympathetic to the ex- plied once a month throughout the summer with a course construction pedigree that in- isting landscape with, for example, many of the to hold onto what little rainfall we received - cludes experience at Gleneagles and the Lon- holes being designed around age-old oak trees this worked really well. Coming out of that dry don Golf Club – has an obvious biased opinion and with due consideration to the incumbent summer and into a wetter winter, we then had of the course sited a few miles from the club’s wildlife. a few problem areas retaining water, mostly original home that was established in 1893 by, “While golf is certainly at the heart of the due to compaction from the installation pro- among others, Sir Jeremiah Colman, of Col- club’s new development, we’ve deliberately cess. For this, we applied Terafirm™ soil pene- man’s mustard fame. designed the facility with the aim of attracting trant once every four weeks between October The course has been over two years in con- families to the 330-acre estate,” says Peter. “It and February which effectively moved the struction and aside from Peter’s initial agron- is all about creating the perfect leisure-lifestyle water away.” omy work, for instance, its creation has also experience for everyone.” They were also one of the first customers to involved collaborative discussions, and deci- The complex will be maintained by a team use the 15-5-12 formulation of Headland’s sions, with course architect Ross McMurray of 13 greenkeepers including an in-house new controlled release fertiliser, H-Cote™ Mini. (European Golf Design) as well as course con- workshop technician, with all the team housed “We’d had some games back to back and I struction contractor M J Abbott and irrigation in a modern Turf Care Centre of Excellence was looking for something to give the pitch a specialist Rain Bird. boasting a state-of-the-art mower blade grind- bit of a boost so we applied H-Cote™ and the After their deliberations, and the use of ing/sharpening area and including a training colour response, in particular, was fantastic. It around 11,000 tonnes of sand to construct the room where visitors (even club members) can

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t seeds, turf and fertilisers buyer’s guide

EcoBunker learn about all aspects of the course and its Eagle operation – including the benefits being ob- tained by the POGO Pro turf meter. Peter’s enthusiasm for the potential of the site is also reflected in his views about POGO Pro and how the course – and its players – will benefit from the system’s ability to mea- EcoBunker sure the most influential variables governing One of the largest golf developments in the turf performance; moisture, salinity, canopy world is underway in the Pakistani city of Mul- temperature, nutrition and turf stress / dis- tan. And Welsh-based synthetic bunker edg- ease, for example. fixture and events diary will start to go into ing specialist EcoBunker is playing a key role. “Moisture management is critical on USGA production. The Rumanza course, currently under con- greens so I needed a tool that would give me New for 2020, Eagle has completely re- struction, and designed by the practice unquestionable and ultra-reliable data on the vised and updated the diary template that will headed by six time Major champion Sir Nick greens, which we gather daily. POGO Pro now make it easier than ever for you, the golf Faldo, is part of a 9,000 acre new community gives me exactly that. Importantly, the system club, to complete your all-important fixtures being developed by DHA Multan, an offshoot is not just about enabling us to establish and and events. of the Pakistani Ministry of Defence. maintain consistent playing conditions. It’s Once you are done, simply send it back to Faldo Design lead architect, Andy Haggar, also about helping us to manage our water Eagle, which will do the rest. This will help to said: “This is a vast development on land that usage much more efficiently and we will see get your diaries signed off quicker and into has historically been used for agriculture, and the real rewards from that in the future.” production faster. Its staff are there to help is rather flat. On part of the site, fruits, notably POGO Pro also connects remotely to any and support in any way they can, but this new mangoes and oranges used to be grown, Apple or android device and its integrated template system certainly will help ease the while elsewhere the land was used for cereal GPS features include precise location, geospa- strain in producing the annual diary. crops. The development will be a key centre tial condition analysis, cup placements, sprin- With the new Word document templates, of excellence for golf in Pakistan and a Sir Nick kler positioning and patterns, area you are in control. Faldo Signature project. This is our premium measurement and custom mapping. Maps The benefits include: design service and includes a great deal of can also be created of the dry and wet areas, • Easy to use personal attention from Nick himself, as well and graphs will show the history of each • Detailed instructions and full support as the involvement of our friends at the Golf green (all greens) so that users can make in- • Edit text Environment Organisation, who are working formed decisions on watering and feeding • Colour coding events with us to ensure the project is designed and programmes. The templates can then be used to gener- built to internationally recognised environ- “The system is so user-friendly,” adds ate your diary. There are a variety of options mental and sustainability standards. Peter, “and its data collection ability is a pow- available from wiro bound to staple bound or “Any design has to work with the local en- erful tool and has helped us establish these fixture books branded to your club. vironment and obviously on a flat site that can first-class greens. Additional pages containing variable infor- be difficult to find. From my first visit, I latched “While I fully expect that within a few years, mation can be added, for example: on to the ‘deras’ – vernacular mud brick using cloud-based technology, the data we • Club details / personal data dwellings, surrounded by walls which form a collect will be able to be imported directly into • Club rules / etiquette courtyard. The walls are rendered with the the irrigation system – to enable us to auto- • Committee / members’ list and tele- same mud mix so you don't see the bricks. matically manipulate individual watering phone numbers These were dotted around the site, and I im- heads according to the specific ‘local’ irriga- • Competitions’ summary mediately thought ‘We have to use these’. The tion needs – for the immediate future, I am • Competition rules golf course is mostly cut into the ground, so a totally satisfied that POGO Pro has proved a • Club constitution significant part will provide a quarry-type set- major asset in helping us establish a course • Handicap allowances ting for a number of holes. Elsewhere the golf that sets a new benchmark for golf in the re- • Social events course will further utilise the natural sand to gion.” • Sunrise and sunset times give more of a desert feel, with an area of re- Web: www.rigbytaylor.com • Major events – past winners tained fruit trees providing a third playing en- • Handicap / score record vironment.” Eagle • 2021 calendar. “Once we had scraped off the top surface It is that time of year for many clubs when the Web: www.eagle.uk.com of material we found pure sand that seems

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to go on forever. That's why we chose a linksy shaping theme, and hence the revetted bunkers. “Obviously given the location, it is a warm season turf project, and it’s difficult to revet satisfactorily in warm season grasses, or at least I've never seen it done well, which is S why we got EcoBunker involved. The bunkers will not be wholly revetted – I want a revetted edge in the line of play and grassy edges else- where, and there are also waste areas that are Ecoplugs, offering a wide range of solutions edged with EcoBunker.” to the sector. EcoBunker founder and CEO Richard Allen “Valdor Flex is a residual herbicide offering said: “We are supplying material to contractor four months weed control. It can be applied Desert Group and their subcontractors, and as a pre-emergent herbicide or in post-emer- also providing training. Construction manager gent situations with Roundup®, which pro- Llewelyn Matthews will go out to Pakistan in vides the initial knock down, while Valdor®

November to coincide with Sir Nick’s next Flex offers residual control, preventing subse- Htn Contracting visit, spending a week there building several quent weeds emerging. bunkers of different shapes and sizes, to train “Ecoplugs, which can be inserted into tree H-Flex, course managers can provide all year the team. stumps to avoid re-growth all year round, also round dry pathways for buggies and players “This is a major project, in terms of scale, join the Bayer portfolio,” he says. on foot, in the most difficult of conditions. H- right up there with other EcoBunker projects “At Bayer, we’re continually investing in re- Flex can also be laid over most existing stone like Dumbarnie Links, Secession, The Medal- search and development to ensure we can pathways. ist and Singapore Island Country Club. Only provide our customers with a wide range of H-Flex offers a wide range of unique ben- TPC Sugarloaf was bigger, and that was 27 innovative solutions when it comes to weed efits: holes, so this is a nice logistical challenge for control and recent updates to the product • Eco-friendly 2.5 recycled tyres per m2 our new operations manager, Ryan Jarman!” portfolio will provide many benefits to • Extremely porous and free draining Web: www.ecobunker.co.uk amenity contractors,” concluded Lewis. • Prevents ice formation Web: www.environmentalscience.bayer.co.uk • Durable and hard wearing Bayer • Long life comparable with conventional The recent addition of Roundup® to Bayer’s Htn Contracting surfacing amenity portfolio complements its new resid- Htn Contracting entered the golf maintenance • Quick to install. ual herbicide Valdor® Flex and provides con- industry in 2017 when it launched its innova- John McLoughlin, course manager at War- tractors with the complete package when it tive H-Flex recycled porous surfacing solution rington Golf Club, said: “I have worked with comes to weed control. for golf course pathways. Since then Htn has David at Htn for the last three seasons and Lewis Blois, Bayer national account man- also developed a range of solutions using H- have been delighted with the H-Flex Surfacing ager, said: “We can now offer the whole solu- Flex materials to overcome some long stand- and the all-round service. Using H-Flex we tion when it comes to broad spectrum weed ing maintenance issues. These have included have successfully addressed several long- control and our full treatment programme H-Flex Safe-Step and H-Flex Bunker-Base. standing problematic pathways. We have in- works on a wide range of surfaces from open Over the next few issues, GreenKeeping will stalled H-Flex on significant inclines, soil to gravel, fence lines and railway ballast,” be working with Htn to raise awareness of the overcoming safety concerns for buggies and he adds. benefits of H-Flex solutions to a wider indus- foot traffic. The H-Flex Safe-Step solution has “We’re always working hard to bring new try audience. transformed many of our old timber steps, innovative formulations and sustainable solu- H-Flex Surfacing uses a blend of aggregate, providing dry, non-slip surfaces. Our members tions to the amenity sector, and recent dense recycled rubber and high tensile are extremely pleased with the improve- changes will help contractors to continue to binder. These are blended on site by skilled ments. I am happy to endorse Htn and their successfully manage weeds at a time when teams to meet the specific on-site conditions. H-Flex processes.” many products are being lost from the mar- H-Flex offers many benefits to help course In the next issue we will explain how H- ket.” managers. The durability and porosity of the Flex Safe-Step can transform old timber steps The new product portfolio for the amenity H-Flex material is remarkable especially when with remarkable results. sector includes Valdor® Flex, Roundup® and used with an appropriate stone base. Using Web: www.htncontracting.co.uk

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t Greenkeeper profile

Telma Granja

This woman’s work

Less that two per cent of greenkeepers in the UK are women. However, there is growing female interest in the profession, as was seen at the Solheim Cup in September – and there are women like Telma Granja, who leads an all-male team of 11 greenkeepers at a Portuguese golf course that’s 2,200 feet above sea level, who are inspiring this new trend

hen James Brown opined, in his James Brown, with enough left over to carry a Santo da Serra, on the island of Madeira. inimitable fashion, that ‘This is a brand new bag. It’s impossible to know whether her Wman’s world’, he was talking in But there are some who are leading the obvious passion for the job has been general terms, not, specifically, about way and acting as an inspiration for the next enhanced because she’s a woman greenkeeping. generation of young girls who fancy a career succeeding in a ‘man’s world’ or not – but, But he might well have done, for, let’s be in turfgrass science or management. what is undeniable, is that she can clearly frank, the number of times the average golfer At the vanguard of the movement in inspire young women to follow a similar will meet a female head greenkeeper can Portugal is 39-year-old Telma Granja, who career path. probably be counted on the fingers of one leads an all-male team of 11 greenkeepers at Granja has been head greenkeeper at the

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21 20-24 cover story Telma Granja.qxp_GK template 28/10/2019 12:34 Page 22

t Greenkeeper profile

Santo da Serra

“IT [CAN BE] COLD, HOT, WINDY, DRY OR WET, THE HOURS ARE LONG – YOU COME IN WHEN spectacular Santo da Serra since 2013, and required me to learn a number of skills, display IT’S DARK ... insists she has not experienced any sexism professional competence, dedication and a since she started out in the industry in 2005. willingness to learn. [BUT] I LOVE MY She said: “I do not remember ever feeling “After the internship, I applied to be a difference, not between co-workers nor on assistant to the head greenkeeper at Quinta da WORK AND AM the team I coordinate. It is important we all Marinha, in Cascais. I learned a lot there, also. work with the same focus, to do more and I worked as assistant to Nuno Moura who has DEDICATED TO IT, better work, always learning from each other. extensive knowledge and is a wonderful leader We work equally well and are equal. Although, – he is one of the best head greenkeepers in TRYING EVERY of course, men are stronger! the country, I have no doubt. He was a huge DAY TO IMPROVE. “Although greenkeeper is a position held influence.” mostly by men, there are five or six women In 2013, the opportunity arose to move I DON’T SEE doing it in Portugal. I cannot say that from the mainland to Madeira, a Portuguese something in particular inspired me to do the territory in the Atlantic, a little more than 300 MYSELF BEING job. I felt this was the way to go, a job where I miles from the African coastline. This time the could learn and evolve professionally. And it position was as head greenkeeper at Santo da SO PASSIONATE remains a constant learning experience Serra Golf, and, despite the near 1,000km because we are dealing with a living entity with distance, she admits she “did not hesitate”. ABOUT ANY a level of evolution.” She added: “Santo da Serra Golf is a Having completed her agronomy course in nationally prestigious course, part of the OTHER JOB” 2005, Granja started her career path with an European Tour circuit for many years, and internship at the relatively new, Donald Steel- currently hosts the Madeira Golf Trophy, a very designed Santo Estêvão Golf, near Lisbon. important tournament for tourism in Madeira, “I took an immediate liking to that area of which, consequently, makes it a very the industry and decided to specialise,” she demanding greens’ course. recalled. “I find its unique location and landscape – “I gained a lot of knowledge at Santo with the breathtaking views of Porto Santo and Estêvão through study and working on the the bay of Machico, where Portuguese course. The director there, Luís Catarino, was navigators first landed in 1419 – acts as an one of the biggest influences on my career. He inspiration for me.” was extremely demanding and dynamic, which The course – which dates originally from

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t Greenkeeper profile

The volunteer greenkeeping team at this year’s different. Sometimes, I just worry about Solheim Cup included a record number of women personal and professional growth like everybody does. But they are normal and healthy ambitions,” she smiled. “One of the biggest problems I face is water management. We suffer from a huge water shortage in the summer and our irrigation is quite old. And, like most golf clubs, we have very small teams and very small annual budgets.” The club uses both Toro and Jacobsen equipment, with Stihl blowers and brush- cutters for the smaller work. Having showed she can succeed in a man’s world, Granja has some advice for any young women – or men for that matter – considering following in her footsteps in 1937 – was redesigned in 1991 by Robert in golf among ladies, we’ll greenkeeping. Trent Jones Snr, who created a spectacular 27- see the knock-on effect of She said: “I think hole complex. The Machico and Desertas more women choosing to you have to feel that nines form the 6,825-yard championship pursue a career in greenkeeping. you like it a lot. It is necessary to like it very course, on which the European Tour’s Madeira “Those ladies who are members of the much, because the work is outdoors, whether Islands Open was held on 10 occasions – association invariably tell us that they enjoy the it’s cold, hot, windy, dry or wet, while the hours Mark James winning the inaugural 1993 lifestyle that greenkeeping affords them, both are long – most of the time you come in when tournament. in terms of having a physically-active role and it’s dark. I think it would be unbearable if we The third and fourth on the Machico are working outdoors. They’ll tell you that there’s weren’t really passionate about it. regarded as the signature holes, sitting atop nothing a man can do out on the course that “If you love it and are dedicated to it, then impressive cliffs more than 2,200 feet above they can’t and they are, of course, absolutely that is where you find the satisfaction and the Atlantic, while the 3,193-yard Serras course correct. pleasure. Personally, I love my work and am offers a delightful alternative, with lakes and “At the Women’s British Open in July, I was dedicated to it, trying every day to improve and mountain views along flatter terrain. Small delighted that courses manager John Clarke get better and better. I don’t see myself being wonder Granja finds inspiration in the extended an invitation to every female so passionate about, or doing any other job as environment. member of BIGGA to join the volunteer team, well. The only way to do great work, is to LOVE Female greenkeepers are on the rise across with seven answering the call. These ladies what you do. Europe. The volunteer greenkeeping team at had a fantastic time and in addition to gaining “However, if I had to do something else … the Solheim Cup at Gleneagles in September invaluable tournament experience themselves, I don’t know what it would be, but it certainly included eight women alongside Gleneagles’ they also acted as incredible ambassadors for would have to be outdoors. I find nature own Laura Campbell. the profession and my thanks go out to them extraordinary, inspiring and full of positive “The greenkeeping profession is particularly all.” forces.” male-dominated and the number of ladies in But, as with any job there are pros and Although Granja is wholly dedicated to her the industry is reflected in our membership, cons, and good and bad days … current role at Santo da Serra, she did allow where less than two per cent are female,” said “The best thing about my job is that we can herself a brief pause to contemplate her Jim Croxton, chief executive of BIGGA (the see the result of the hard work we put in out professional ambitions. After some thinking British and International Golf Greenkeeping on the course. It’s as if the grass is appreciating time, she said modestly: “I would find it Association). the special treatment we give it – it’s thanking interesting to be head greenkeeper of the “It’s my belief that as schemes such as us for the special care. I love to tell my team European Tour.” Women & Girls Golf Week, which coincided ‘Well done, our grass is happy’,” says Granja. Now that really would be something for with the British Women’s Open, raise interest “Bad days? We all have bad days, I’m no young women to look up to…

24 GreenKeeping 25 aquatrols.qxp_GK template 28/10/2019 12:35 Page 25

t the environment

he FairWays Foundation, the purpose of meaning it is officially licensed as a agreement with Audubon International that which is to fund local and global standalone non-profit organisation. will help support The FairWays Foundation. Tprojects that advance the conservation, The grant submission process for The There are ways that you can get involved stewardship and education of the challenges FairWays Foundation is being developed to with the foundation. It is currently looking to that we face in our environment, has enable grant applications to be received in interview golf course superintendents and progressed in several areas, including its non- 2020. This process will be communicated to greenkeepers who are implementing profit status. the industry at BTME and GIS trade shows in conservation-focused projects on their As of October 2019, The FairWays 2020. courses. If you are interested, please email Foundation is officially 501 (C)(3) accredited, In addition, Aquatrols has a sponsorship [email protected].

© Tristan Jones

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t HS2 Back on track

Whittington Heath Golf Club is undergoing a redevelopment including the building of new holes and the reworking of existing ones, as the HS2 rail line is due to pass through it. Detailing what’s happened so far this year is course construction specialist John Greasley Ltd

It was a busy and productive first half of 2019 for John Greasley Ltd, starting the new year on a very interesting heathland re- development project at Whittington Heath GC in the West Midlands with golf course designer Jonathan Gaunt. Phase one commenced in early January with the reconfiguration of existing holes involving tee, fairway and green alterations along with the complete reconstruction of all bunkering on the 13 holes that are to remain after the HS2 line is constructed. We managed to bring forward works programmed for this autumn and complete more than anticipated before April, helped by the dry winter. Feedback has been fantastic and both the project team and members were pleased to have all the reconstructed bunkers returned back to play at the start of June. A new and updated irrigation system also formed part of our contract during the same period, designed by Irritech and installed by Irrigation Control. As well as installing part of the system to the new features to enable an efficient and successful establishment, they were tasked with a complete new ring main, new green and tee irrigation, most of which was seamlessly installed between January and the end of March. Top: The reconstructed 11th green at From mid-March works have Whittington Heath Golf Club. Middle: The 4th green. concentrated on the construction of five Here: The reconstructed 15th green. new holes being created within 70 acres of adjacent arable land. One of the key parts of the project is the formation of substantial swathes of new heathland which are being predominantly formed out of the sandy subsoil areas of excavation. Earthworks are nearing completion with the holes at their final stages of preparation for seeding. As is now quite typical, but nevertheless

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enthralling, we utilised Jonathan Gaunt’s New holes during the construction three-dimensional CAD designs in conjunction with GPS surveying and machine control systems during all aspects of the topsoil strip, earthworks and shaping. To have the ability to install the latest 3D model onto suitably equipped dozers and scraper boxes was paramount to the effective implementation of Jonathan’s design, without the need for a team of full time surveyors, assistants, hundreds of pegs, boning rods, tapes, ranging rods and head scratching! We decided to use a number of GPS-controlled, low ground pressure tractors and scraper boxes to excavate, haul and spread material to the design levels. Each machine is able to cut, load and haul significant distances and greens which are then topdressed and discharge fill material in layers as oversown with pure bent. the design model intends. With the This relatively new and pioneering right operatives and methodical technique was specified and orchestrated planning, it has been a deceptively by the club’s agronomist, Bruce Jamieson, efficient and accurate way to carry who’s also overseeing the agronomic out the bulk earthworks, whilst aspects of the project. The new landscape being sympathetic to the ground. conventional seeding or turfing of putting created by Jonathan’s vision and guidance John Greasley has also harvested and surfaces. This has involved hollow coring all is formidable. spread ‘grass cores’ over the new USGA- 18 existing greens every six weeks to For more information, visit style constructed greens instead of the more provide sufficient cores to cover two new www.johngreasleyltd.co.uk Jonathan Gaunt on the Whittington Heath project

In 2010, Whittington Heath Golf Club was Council in September 2016. Construction this project, and specialist consultant, Johns informed by HS2 that the High Speed 2 work finally started two and a half years later, Associates, has worked alongside us every railway line would be routed through the in January 2019 – beginning with significant step of the process. centre of the golf course, car park and modifications to the existing holes. Since While the new golf holes will be clubhouse. The future looked decidedly bleak. starting, John Greasley has barely stopped for constructed to reflect the traditional heathland However, the club took on the challenge breath, and this is partly due to the free- environment, there is also 10 hectares of with determination – members and club draining nature of the site, but more to do heather and acid grassland, four eco-ponds, officials worked together and, through careful with the excellent working relationship and additional hedgerow and native woodland to negotiation and forward-thinking commitment, understanding we’ve established. establish. found a solution to the problem. This exciting Key to the success of the project is the The status of the ecological (mitigation) solution will enable Whittington Heath, development of five new holes and practice land is preserved by a binding agreement and established in 1886, to continue to operate facilities on 25 hectares of undulating the golf club is responsible for maintaining it successfully as a golf club (post railway line farmland adjacent to its existing site, to the as such on behalf of HS2. construction) for, hopefully, another 130 north-east. This land is essentially denatured Construction of the new holes will years. lowland heath, with a sandy subsoil beneath continue through to spring 2020 with a In 2012, Gaunt Golf Design was appointed so, perfect for re-creating a heathland golf tentative opening date being expected in as golf course architect and, after numerous course in the style of the original Harry spring / summer 2021. HS2 railway line masterplan iterations, the final designs were Shapland Colt design. construction is anticipated to begin in granted planning permission by Lichfield Ecology has been an important element in 2022/2023.

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t course design A pinch of Colt

Regarded as one of the best inland golf courses in Northern Ireland and designed by the same man who put Royal Portrush together – Harry Colt, Belvoir Park Golf Club is in the process of having its course updated – and that means shaping modern reconstructions while maintaining Colt’s concepts. Tania Longmire explains how the club is achieving this

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It’s a big year for golf in Northern Ireland, with greenside bunkers. The short 8th is a great seen extensive reconstruction over the winter to the Open Championship returning to the Harry example of this where, despite only measuring a implement Swan’s new design and to allow club Colt designed Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush little over 40 yards, any wayward shot will be professional, Michael McGivern, to make full use Golf Club for the first time in 68 years. Two years quickly gathered into one of the bunkers, swales of his innovative objectively-measured practice before he laid out his plans for Royal Portrush, and hollows that surround the raised green. system. Colt created an inland masterpiece at Belvoir Swan Golf Designs has now been charged The project team is now in the process of Park in South Belfast. with updating the course while maintaining the finalising plans for the 2019/2020 winter works, Belvoir Park Golf Club, founded in 1927, is concepts and spirit of Colt’s original designs, and with a view to completing the renovation of all widely regarded as the finest parkland course in it is this same aim of producing a golfing remaining holes and practice facilities over the Northern Ireland. The course is located just two challenge and an enjoyable game that guides next three to five years. miles from Belfast city centre but situated in the the ongoing work. Since his appointment in early It’s not only at Belvoir Park that Swan Golf tranquility of 163 acres of mature parkland. 2018, William Swan has undertaken renovations Designs has been tasked with updating and On accepting his commission at Belvoir Park, on the 4th, 8th, 11th, 13th and 18th holes, restoring the work of the ‘golden age’ architects. Colt reported: “I consider that it will be possible working in close collaboration with course The company’s work can also be seen at the to make a course affording an excellent test and, manager Aaron Small. These works have likes of Colt designed Barton-on-Sea, James at the same time, one that will give the included new bunkering, reconstructed tees and Braid designs at Thorpeness and Workington, the maximum of pleasure to players.” Golfers at reshaped green surrounds, with the new Old Tom Morris and Henry Cotton layouts at Belvoir Park will recognise many of Colt’s design features all having been brought back into play in Moray Golf Club, as well as the recent restoration traits, such as the small but simply-contoured time for the start of the competitive season in of Herbert Fowler bunkering at Huddersfield Golf putting surfaces closely guarded by deep spring 2019. In addition, the practice ground has Club.

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t 30 ity equipment.When IanandImadethe fore, IknewJohnDeere’sreputation forqual- be- relationship. Havingworkedinhorticulture first class,andwe’veestablished a verygood communication throughouttheprocesswas the clubmade.Their all-roundserviceand Hodgson ofGreenlaywasthebestdecision were lookingfor. stration machines,provedtobejustwhatwe deal basedonamixofnewandex-demon- from Greenlay, whohelpedustoworkoutthe mont. “The equipmentandfinancepackage chairmanJonathanBeau- club,” saysgreens’ would potentiallymakeabetterdealforthe vice andback-upcomingfromonebusiness, stop shopapproach,withallthenewkit,ad- coming toanend,wedecidedthataone- mower, plus ancillaryequipment. surrounds moweranda2500B triplexgreens mowers,a2653Bbehind greens utilitytees& a 4049Rcompacttractor, three220SL walk- amenity sprayer, Gatorutilityvehicle, anHPX low-profile tor utilityvehiclewithHD200 includesaProGa- inNorthumberland lington arranged bylocaldealerGreenlayofCram- Deere toensuretheycanachievethosegoals. fromJohn the latestadvancedtechnology has recentlyinvestedmorethan£200,000 in are keptinthebestcondition,andclub tirelessly toensurethesechampionshiplinks work IanStewart by actingheadgreenkeeper brations. in thebestconditionpossibleforthosecele- land, isdeterminedtomakesureitscourse and theclub,whichis10th oldestinEng- be celebratingits150th anniversaryin2024 will Seaton CarewGolfClubnearHartlepool John Deere guide andequipmentbuyer’s machinery John Deere “Dealing withAlastairBriggsandPaul “With ourpreviousleasearrangement A newJohnDeereFinancialleasepackage staffled A teamofsixwell-trainedgreens GreenKeeping Web: reesinkturfcare.co.uk to sayaboutit.” cellent qualityofcut.I’vegotnothing butgood says. “It’sreliableandprovidesus withanex- Dougie. maintenanceandpeaceofmindfor turf nated, thatwasabletoprovidehigh-quality meaning hydraulicleaksarealmostelimi- Hybrid 3420, withitsadvancedtechnology that wouldbemorereliable.” run offintothesea.We neededsomething so it’spossibleforoilleakedonthecourseto ditches onthecoursethatleadtoocean, damage totheturf, butwehavealotof hydraulic leaks.Notonlywasthiscausing standard wewanted. using weren’tkeepingthecourseupto niversary nextyear. The machineswe’dbeen oldest intheHighlandswithour150th an- mental improvements. tain communityassetsandachieveenviron- projectsthatdevelopormain- which support Beatrice CaithnessWindfarm Fund, bothof SunderlandFund and Caithness andNorth fromthe possible. The clubreceivedgrants tomakethepurchaseofmachine grants sustainability credentialswerekeyinsecuring Thorburn, butits Dougie head greenkeeper prove itscourseandtheenvironment. Greensmaster TriFlex Hybrid3420 tohelpim- in ScotlandhaspurchasedanewToro fromitsmembers,Wick GolfClub ing efforts alongsidefundrais- After receivingtwogrants Web: www.JohnDeere.co.uk proper consensusallround.” thebudget,sotherewasa mittee agreed what theysawaswellandthefinancecom- recommendation tothegolfclub,theyliked Toro “It’s abrilliantmachine,simplyput,”he And itwastheToro GreensmasterTriFlex wassufferingfrom “Our lastgreensmower explains:“Wick GolfClubisthe Dougie And notonlydidtheGR3420 impress

Toro SISIS optimum subsoildisturbance. adeep whilegiving only aslitonthesurface androotzone leaving cut throughtheturf and lowmaintenance.Their thinsharpblades tines. and comescompletewithasetofheavyduty mended tractorpowerrequirementis40hp of thetineshaftassistspenetration.Recom- due totheangleoftinesandspiraldesign cultivation underground achieves maximum deep slitter, featuring32 heavydutytines, depth ofnineor12 inches.The 2.5mwide rugby andcricketpitches.Ithasaworking This machinecanalsobeusedforfootball, penetration –idealforgolfcoursefairways. deep,clean deep slittingaeratorwhichgives 35hp. ommended tractorpowerrequirementis25- complete withasetofheavydutytines.Rec- comes depth of7or9inches.The Maxislit rugby andcricketpitches,withaworking penetration. Itcanalsobeusedforfootball, golf coursemaintenance,withdeep,clean tor mounteddeepslittingaeratorsuitablefor ment is15-25hp. tration. Recommendedtractorpowerrequire- spiral designoftineshaftwhichassistpene- 8 inches)duetotheangleoftinesand cultivation(workingdepthof6or derground tions. This machineproducesexcellentun- condi- slitting tinestosuitdifferentground options featuringachoiceofinterchangeable 1200) and1.5(Multislit1500) metres wide disturbance. deep, cleanpenetrationwithminimalsurface tractor mounteddeepslitterswhichoffer andMegaslitare tions –theMultislit,Maxislit depths tosuitanytractorandmostapplica- ferent workingwidthsandvaryingmaximum range,withdif- With threemodelsintheSISIS compactionandthatchbuildup. reduce turf Aeration isakeyprocesstoimprovedrainage, These machines aresimpleintheirdesign Megaslitisatractormounted The SISIS isa1.8metrewidetrac- Maxislit The SISIS The Multislitisavailablein1.2(Multislit

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Bernhard and Company

Regular slitting encourages strong, healthy Charterhouse Turf Machinery root growth of the grass plants, improving tol- erance to drought conditions and promoting more rapid recovery after damage in play – Charterhouse Turf Machinery that’s why SISIS deep slitters are used on golf Andy Garland, course manager at Hertford- courses around the world including The Belfry. shire’s Centurion Club, is working on improving Web: www.sisis.com course-wide surface drainage with a little help from his new Verti-Drain 7521. Focussing on MTD Bernhard and Company the fairways, his latest bit of kit from Charter- There aren’t many golf clubs that would give house Turf Machinery, will be fundamental as be a key tool as we get ready for our big event their new course manager a ‘war chest’ of club preparations ramp up to host the 2020 next summer.” £200K to spend on new machinery in their UL International Crown event. Web: www.charterhouse-tm.co.uk first 12 months in the role – in addition to pur- Televised to millions, 2020 will be the chasing a set of Bernhard grinders. But this is fourth edition of the tournament and the first MTD exactly what happened to Darrell Crowley time it will be hosted in the UK. Andy and his To support their continued expansion, MTD when he rejoined The Bradford Golf Club a greens team of 12 are already well into prepa- Specialty Turf Products has announced the ap- year ago, thanks to its forward-thinking board rations to ensure the course is fit for a world- pointment of Oliver Hall into the territory sales of directors. wide audience. “When it comes to aeration, we team. Oliver joins as sales manager for the But what clinched the deal was the oppor- have a small machine for use on the greens, Midlands region, a role which will see him pro- tunity to purchase a new Bernhard sharpening but we had been hiring in a unit for work on viding sales support to dealers and a wide va- system on zero per cent finance over five years the fairways” he explains. “The trouble with riety of customers, across both the Cub Cadet – an offer simply too good to refuse. that was, the effectiveness of the work con- INFINICUT® and TMSystem™ product ranges. Machinery-wise the club relies on mostly ducted was very much at the mercy of the Oliver first’s step into the industry was as a Toro for cutting equipment, with a variety of weather and the resulting ground conditions school groundsman, a position he held for six other tractors and implements. on that day.” years, before more recently becoming a sales These days there’s not a lot to choose be- With previous experience of Verti-Drains, manager with a leading line-marking supplier tween mowers and tractors; it largely comes Andy spoke with his local dealer Browns and to the sports turf sector. He joins MTD with a down to what you’re used to as well as the had a demonstration of the 7521 model. “You wealth of industry experience and know-how site-specific purpose of each piece of equip- know what you’re going to get with a Verti- and is well placed to offer technical advice, ment, especially on an undulated course like Drain – the ability to use different tines to work backed up by a number of accreditations in- the one at The Bradford Golf Club. at good depths and build quality that can han- cluding IOG, NPTC and LANTRA certifications. “Having the correct tools for the job helps dle compacted soils.” Having taken delivery of “The opportunity to join MTD was one I just us produce the course to the standard which is his new machine complete with different head couldn’t turn down” Oliver explains. “I have expected,” said Crowley. options in August, the 7521 has been busy on long admired the design and engineering The sales process for a set of grinders nor- the fairways, together with some deep aeration prowess of the INFINICUT® and TMSystem™ mally takes two or three years to go through work on the greens. products, as well as their emphasis on envi- the committee system. Not so with Bradford “We equipped the Verti-Drain with 1” tines ronmentally-friendly technology. The battery- Golf Club where the decision-making was and aerated all of the fairways which instantly powered market is one that is moving forward much smoother and quicker. This was partly improved surface drainage. Water dispersal has pretty quickly and it was something I was keen because the money was already available, but been so much better which is crucial as we to get involved in. The beauty is that while the also because of the board’s forward-thinking head towards the winter period. We hope to brands are making waves worldwide, the com- attitude. After having recently spent £200K on get one more round done on all 18 holes be- pany remains family-orientated at its core mak- new mowers that need looking after, it recog- fore the tractor gets put onto renovation pro- ing it a pleasure to work for.” nised that it would be protecting that invest- jects over the winter. This should help us Outside of work, Oliver enjoys sports and ment while improving the course. emerge in spring ready for full tournament the great outdoors, and can often be found Nor is this the first time that the club has preparation.” Andy concludes, “By having our walking and cycling around his local area with invested heavily, as this is its third machinery own Verti-Drain we can be flexible around the his family. He is also a volunteer at the Nene replacement programme since 2005. weather conditions and the maintenance Valley Heritage Railway. Web: www.bernhard.co.uk schedule to maximise its effectiveness. It will Web: www.advancedtt.com

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t machinery and equipment buyer’s guide

Durabunker GripClad Toro

Durabunker whelmingly in favour of the project. Through 6796 or 07803 848819, and see the advert Waterlooville Golf Club, an England Golf a combination of appropriate product, good in this magazine Championship Venue in Hampshire, recently design, an exceptional team and a supportive became the latest course to commission client, we have achieved the objectives we set Toro Durabunker to carry out a complete renova- out pre-commencement, despite all that na- Versatility is a long-cited reason for many Toro tion of all it’s bunkers. A Henry Cotton design, ture threw at us over the course of the pro- machinery purchases, and that’s certainly the the club has entrusted a full ‘design and build’ ject.” reason for The Mere Golf Resort’s decision to into the hands of Durabunker as principle Web: www.durabunker.com opt for the ProLine H800 in its latest Toro fleet contractor for the project. deal which sees the brand’s relationship with All bunkers have been remodelled, some GripClad the club reach 30 years. filled in, others re-positioned and some new “Here at Oake Manor Golf Club we last used Course manager John Quinn explains: bunkers also added to enhance the strategic the GripClad flat sheets back in 2014 to pre- “We’ve stayed with Toro for so long because element of the golf course. vent slip trips and falls on slippery sleeper they provide the most versatile and robust Chris Marker, course manager said: “Our steps around the golf course,” said James machines on the market, and whatever the bunkers were a disaster really. Almost every Williams from Oake Manor in Somerset. terrain, the performance is always excellent. one would flood and hold water for days. “One bridge in particular which had a That’s why we decided to look at the ProLine Washout and sand contamination was a huge slope up and slope down needed attention H800 to help tackle leaf collection across our problem for us and the bunkers had lost their and GripClad’s flat sheets were chosen as an busy parkland course.” shape and just looked ugly. They needed a ideal product to help prevent this. Back in The 18-hole, 6,882-yard, par 71 Champi- complete refurbishment and despite the atro- 2014 we initially installed the 3000x1220mm onship course was created out of 150 acres cious weather conditions and the challenges flat sheets through the middle of the bridge as of Cheshire parkland by James Braid in 1934. that brings, Durabunker have done a fantastic we thought that golfers would use the bridge Now the surrounding mature trees provide job. New drainage has been built into every one at a time, but as the years went on it was not only considerable charm but a consider- bunker, Durabunker’s rubber crumb liner in- noticeable that they were using the bridge able amount of leaves to clear up! stalled and their synthetic bunker edging has walking side by side and practically missing Having been recommended the ProLine sealed the entire system. We experienced the GripClad anti-slip surface altogether. H800 and then seeing it in action, John re- huge amounts of rainfall during the project “Because of the longevity of the product quested a demonstration of the high-volume and the difference in performance between we were able to reuse the original GripClad collector, which was organised by Cheshire old and new bunkers was staggering.” flat sheet strips and purchase more from Barry Turf Machinery, and where the ProLine H800 Rhydian Lewis, co-inventor of the design at GripClad to relay and cover the whole of certainly impressed. patent associated with synthetic bunker edge the sleeper thus eliminating the risk of slips. “We have a tree lined course here, and as technology, commented: “The objectives of “The GripClad flat sheet strips are so easy such we get a lot of leaves that need collect- the project were clearly defined before com- to put down with glue or screws and the strips ing. Particularly in winter when it’s wet, it can mencement, reducing sand areas significantly, that we put down five years ago still look like be a lot of work to clear up everything by providing fast draining and low maintenance new. hand,” says John. “We gave the ProLine the bunkers, enhancing aesthetics and playability “We will definitely be using GripClad on all toughest test it will have here and organised and safeguarding designs over the long term. our problem areas and on and new projects the demo to take place in winter to see how “We set out some design ideas and pre- that we build. it would cope in difficult conditions, and it re- sented these to a members’ forum prior to “Barry is great to deal with, he knows his ally impressed us all. contracts being agreed, the benefits of our product and gives help and advice when “I’ve used a cut and collect machine be- synthetic bunker edge system combined with needed; delivery of the order was very fast fore, but not one with enough capacity and a seamless liner, to produce a fully sealed which enabled us to get the problem areas power to pick up large piles of leaves, which bunker system, was clearly explained to the fixed fast. was no issue for the ProLine. Plus, it will serve membership, who subsequently voted over- Contact Barry and the team on 023 8040 us well for core collecting after aerating and

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is agile enough to easily manoeuvre while cut- GreenMech ting in and around the trees.” Agri Market Insight & Access The ProLine H800 is in good company in the club’s new fleet which includes five Work- demonstration and – after ruling out any alter- front roller which ensures an easier lift. man GTX utility vehicles, three Reelmaster natives – took delivery of one roughly three AMIA Selvatici product specialist Beth 3575-D mowers, and Greensmaster TriFlex Hy- years ago.” Williams-Nichols says: “Selvatici’s range of aer- brid 3420. And the new fleet couldn’t have With the CS100 at their disposal, Mat has ators can be seen working at the majority of come at a better time with the club turning its also increased the amount of routine wood- Serie A football clubs in Italy due to their ex- focus this year to improving the playing surface land maintenance they conduct. “Once the cellent performance and reliability’. and plant health. leaves have fallen and the birds have finished Selvatici manufactures nine different mod- “Last year was particularly trying with the nesting, we’ll be out with the CS100 on a els of the Aeroking vertical drainage aerator weather,” says John. “This year we’re going to weekly basis, between November and Febru- ranging in sizes from a working width of 1.2m be doing everything we can to ensure the ulti- ary – removing any low hanging branches up to 2.5m with a good variety of additional mate health and condition of the turf so no which helps to reduce shade problems on the extras such as self-levelling conveyors for cores matter what conditions the weather throws at greens. The chip we produce is then redis- when having used a hollow tine option. us, the turf is in the best position to cope and tributed around the trees and shrubs which Giulia Dal Fiume from Selvatici says: “We deliver the best play possible for our members. has helped to tidy the appearance of these are delighted to be re-entering the UK and Irish There was no doubt that in helping us do that areas.” markets as we believe our machines are a would be Toro.” Offering a 100mm chipping capacity, but great option for groundcare professionals.” And it’s not just versatility that appeals to with a working width of just 760mm, the ma- The Selvatici Aeroking 300.50 features: The Mere in its enduring relationship with Toro, noeuvrability of the CS100 has proven ideal for • A lever-shift three speed gearbox longevity of the machines is an attributing fac- on-the-spot chipping. “It is really convenient for • Front roller with water ballast for depth ad- tor too. “We have some of our machines from us to hitch up to our 4x4 and you can take it justment the last fleet that we’re keeping,” says John. wherever you need to go. It’s simple to use • Patented toolpath guiding system that lim- “They’re still in mint condition and working ex- and everything is accessible, including the its the thrust on the edges of the holes cellently, as a result we haven’t had to upgrade blades which can be easily sharpened. Three • A working width of 1.2m them which shows the value that Toro pro- years on, we’re still using the original set of • Two different tine options (golf green and vides.” blades and these are still going strong.” golf fairways) Tel: 01480 226800 Powered by an 18hp petrol engine, it can • Weight 510kg (approximately). process large volumes of brashy material with As well as the Aeroking aerators, Selvatici GreenMech minimal shredding / reducing. manufactures the professional trailed and self- Constructed around one of the highest points Web: www.greenmech.co.uk propelled Sandqueen Sandspreader range. in the area, Cornwall’s Looe Golf Club enjoys The Sandqueen spreaders come in four differ- panoramic views across the peaks of Dartmoor Agri Market Insight & Access ent sizes and come with a number of attrac- and the English Channel. Because of its loca- Agri Market Insight & Access (AMIA) based in tive features and benefits. Selvatici also tion, the part heathland / part parkland course Devon, is the exclusive distributor for the UK manufactures hydraulically and PTO driven often falls victim to strong winds leaving head and Ireland of Selvatici Amenity Machinery. The ‘Post Hole Augers’. greenkeeper Mat Edwards to clear up any de- range of machinery offered by the Italian man- AMIA is also the exclusive UK and Ireland struction in its wake – a much easier task now ufacturer includes the Aeroking vertical distributor of the GL&D range of professional thanks to his CS100 woodchipper from Green- drainage aerators and the Sandqueen sand woodchippers. The range includes trailed Mech. dispensers. woodchippers which feature a unique “Because of the number of trees around Selvatici has been manufacturing in Italy for turntable design to allow for easy use without our course and the vulnerability of our high po- over 100 years. It has been manufacturing pro- having to get into difficult positions. There are sition, it was becoming quite costly calling firms fessional vertical drainage aerators for several also 3pt linkage models to suit all require- in to deal with storm damage,” he explains. So, decades which are now re-entering the UK and ments as well as a range of self propelled assisted by his team of three greens staff, Mat Irish markets after originally selling a number woodchippers which feature two engines with decided to invest in the necessary equipment of units during the 1990s and early 2000s. the first engine being to drive the machine and to tackle the clear-up themselves. “Our local Since then there have been a lot of innova- the second one to power the actual wood- dealer Vincent Tractors & Plant recommended tions and improvements to the machines such chipper. the GreenMech CS100 as its size and usabil- as a new and more robust gearbox, completely Web: www.agrimarketia.com. Tel: 01363 ity would meet our requirements, so we had a renewed bodywork and a double lever for the 82928. Email: [email protected]

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t A day in the life

improvement to the current way things are done. We have improved Damien Bowe the quality of the course steadily in the past few years with each member of the team contributing. Rightly so, they have enjoyed the is the course manager at Canons Brook Golf Club. The Essex venue, accolades received from members and guests alike. designed by Sir Henry Cotton, features little rough, but many bunkers • What’s your favourite season of the year and why? Since I have been managing clay greens with very little drainage, I’d say that spring is now my favourite as it is the time we can start to dry the greens out and produce some quality surfaces after a long, hard winter. Before I came to Canons Brook, I would have said winter as that was always when we would get stuck into various course projects to improve the course for years to come. • What aspects / functions of your job gives you the greatest satisfaction? I think that, as greenkeepers, we always love to see our course looking great and playing well, with golfers enjoying the efforts we put into producing the course to a high standard. But I do also take a great deal of pleasure from seeing a team of greenkeepers enjoying and taking pride in their work, as no one wants to work hard in a place they don’t like. • And what part of it gives you the least satisfaction? That’s easy… autumn - leaves, leaves, leaves everywhere! You spend all day clearing them up then one gust of wind and it’s like you’ve done nothing for the past few hours. • Have you attended any courses recently? My deputy Petr and I re-took our first-aid qualification earlier in the year. We also always attend the London and Essex BIGGA seminars as a team, as I think you always come away from them with something • What time do you arrive at the club? which makes you think. The event at Gerrards Cross Golf Club this year In summer our day starts at 6am and during winter we start at 7am. I had an excellent presentation on mental health amongst greenkeepers, always try to get in half an hour earlier than the rest of the team to something which I believe is a big issue in our industry due to the make any changes to our plans, if needed. amount of time we can spend working alone. • Can you describe your morning routine? • Do you have a feeding programme for your fairways? My morning routine starts with me giving the three Arsenal fans in our The fairways recovered nicely from the tough summer of 2018, so we team a bit of grief (especially on a Friday!) Then we’ll see if any changes proceeded with a granular feed in April and overseeded the worst are needed to be made to the day’s schedule – this is always an affected areas. I used to then apply a granular fertiliser again in the important time as the lads can add their input to the day ahead. autumn but this year we decided to try something different. In June, • How many people are there in your team and is it a after we had a couple of wet weeks, I decided that we would look to fair number for your collective workload? apply a liquid fertiliser / iron mix to try to keep the fairways strong and We recently increased to five full-time members of staff with the healthy as we approached late summer. addition of an outstanding young apprentice to our team. The We achieved fantastic results using Headland Amenity’s Xtend 21- difference in attention to detail we have now is superb with the 0-0 and Elevate Fe, and with some advice from Headland’s Peter members very happy with the team’s efforts. I would still love to have Blackaby, we added some Clipless NT growth regulator to this tank mix. an extra person though, so we could really push the presentation of the We have achieved fantastic results on the fairways this year, especially course on to another level. on some of our problem areas that have a history of drying out, with • Do you share tasks? TriCure AD. We applied this at a rate of 2.5L per hectare, which seemed Yes we do, that way the quality of their work is always to a high to enhance the germination we achieved from the overseeding carried standard. out earlier in the year. • How do you motivate your colleagues? • How would you improve the greenkeeping industry? A truly motivated team is the best way to get the results you want out If I had a magic wand, I would make everyone appreciate the time and on the course. I always welcome ideas and give the lads the freedom effort that greenkeepers put into their job. I would also love to see the to express themselves when they work – especially if it’s an pay reflect the hard work and diversity of the job we all do. I have seen

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so many excellent greenkeepers leave the industry due to poor pay, After we lost a lot of turf coverage on our fairways in 2018 the which is not only heart-breaking but it also weakens our industry. autumn didn’t provide any recovery and we went into November in a • Has a golfer ever deliberately directed a ball at you? poor way. Surprisingly though by the time we got into January, they had No, but to be honest most of the golfers I know struggle to hit a bit of about 75 per cent recovery. turf 500m2 so hopefully I’m safe! With more and more chemicals being removed and the possibility of • Have you ever had any mishaps with lakes on the golf courses having to use less water in the future, I believe we will have course or had to undertake a rescue of a daft golfer? no choice but to look at encouraging bents or even fine ryes into our We regularly have to pull out trolleys or buggies from the brook, but in greens to make them more sustainable. the past we have had a sofa and a garden shed flow past the 18th • What advice would you give to a young greenkeeper green following a heavy spell of rain! starting out today? • What is the most interesting animal you have seen on Don’t be afraid to ask questions, nobody knows everything. Try to visit your course and how do you do support wildlife? other courses and speak to other greenkeepers, there are many ways Around the 13th hole we always see a buzzard flying around early to run a golf course. morning, though he never lets us get close enough for a good photo. Take pride in what you do and enjoy the job. We also have a beautiful egret which can be seen around the brook on Attend as many courses as you can and listen during the seminars the 17th hole. as there is always something to take away that will help you out in the • Are you seeing any evidence of climate change? future. I don’t think anyone except for President Trump can question if climate • How do you spend your leisure time? change is real! I have been in the industry for 27 years and I can say I’ve Greenkeeping is a job which tends to involve some long hours so when noticed the winters being warmer and the summers also getting both I get some spare time, I spend it with my family to remind them of who warmer and drier – we have only recorded 270mm up to September I am! I try to play five-a-side once a week and spend most weekends this year. during the football season moaning about Spurs. 39_gk_Nov_TGB Recruitment House Ad_Layout 1 26/10/2018 14:25 Page 1

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