• Course Feature: Hesketh Golf Club • BIGGA Outstanding Achievement Award Winner: George Brown • Zero Turn Mowers £5.20 • Harrogate Week: What Goes On Behind The Scenes JANUARY | 2009 TheThe TotalTotal SolutionSolution –– ourour versionversion ofof aa holehole inin one.one.
Machinery
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Sales support
Toro’s Total Solution ensures that you acquire your turfcare machinery and irrigation equipment simply, quickly and affordably.
Just select from Toro’s unrivalled range of robust mowing, utility, aeration and bunker maintenance machinery or our irrigation sprinklers and control systems. Fund your purchases courtesy of our flexible finance service, utilise Toro Protection Plus to guard against unexpected machinery repair bills and you have the complete deal in one neat package. You get precision-engineered turfcare machinery, irrigation equipment that includes features based on aerospace technology and affordable finance that squeezes out maximum value from your budget. And all this comes with the reassurance that your turfcare machinery enjoys the benefits of Toro Protection Plus and the best technical support in the industry. So, for the total solution – call 01480 226800 today. After sales care
TORO Commercial, Irrigation and Consumer Products are distributed by Lely (UK) Limited St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 1QH. Tel: 01480 226800 Email: [email protected] TORO Commercial and Irrigation Products are distributed by Lely Ireland Limited, Kilboggin Nurney, Co. Kildare. Tel: 00 353 (0)45 526170 Email: [email protected] www.lely.com www.toro.com BIGGA President Sir Michael Bonallack, OBE Board of Management Welcome TheThe TotalTotal SolutionSolution –– Chairman – Kenny Mackay Vice Chairman – Peter Todd Past Chairman – Billy McMillan ourour versionversion ofof aa holehole inin one.one. Board Members Jeff Mills, Gavin Robson, Archie Dunn, Ian Willett, Tony Golf’s Time Bomb Smith, Elliott Small, Mark Dobell
Chief Executive – John Pemberton An excellent three part report in Scotland’s Herald Email – [email protected] Machinery newspaper, written by Douglas Lowe, highlights a Sales Manager – Rosie McGilvray growing problem in Scottish golf clubs, which is just [email protected] Email – as pertinent to the rest of the country. Head of Learning & Development – Sami Collins Headlined “Time bomb” the piece examines the Email – [email protected] long established culture of 65 and overs receiving
Head of Membership Department – Tracey Maddison subsidised golf, or free, golf. Email – [email protected] Douglas admitted that until recently it was a set- up that worked reasonably well with few objecting to Contact Us supporting the poor pensioners, but that the dynamics Post – BIGGA House, Aldwark, Alne, York, YO61 1UF Email – [email protected] were changing fast. Website – www.bigga.org.uk “The baby-boomers, the ones born in immediate Tel – 01347 833800 | Fax – 01347 833801 post World War II, are due to hit 65 in unprecedented numbers. Anecdotally it is reckoned that this tsunami of seniors could form as much as a third of golf club membership in five years time. It is a
The official monthly magazine of the British demographic time bomb.” & International Golf Greenkeepers Association Douglas goes on. Irrigation “The trouble is that the system is self-perpetuating. At annual or extraordinary general Editorial Communications Manager / Editor – Scott MacCallum meetings, where subscriptions and membership policies can be altered, seniors aren’t likely Tel – 01347 833800 Fax – 01347 833801 to vote to increase their own subscriptions. Moreover, they are the ones with time of their Email – [email protected] hands to turn up at such meetings en masse to preserve the status quo. Assistant Editor – Melissa Jones “Beleaguered committees will find it increasingly difficult to balance the books and the Tel – 01347 833800 first casualties will be the course and the clubhouse – the very assets that need to be in tip- Fax – 01347 833801 Email – [email protected] top order to attract new members.” Douglas added that seniors justified their right for subsidised golf because they have supported the club by paying full subscriptions while they were working and unable to play golf much more than once a week and view subsidies as “payback time”. Design However, from the perspective of the younger working man or woman “the idea of playing Design and Production Editor - Tom Campbell an entry fee and a full subscription to subsidise the ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ brigade is Tel – 01347 833800 abhorrent. The sums don’t make sense to them especially when the seniors are the ones Fax – 01347 833801 Email – [email protected] who are playing the most golf by far.” Those of you at members’ clubs will probably recognise the above and have similar fears,
Advertising particularly for the impact it will have on the golf course. Sales support Sales Executive – Kirstin Smith One of the answers is to run clubs on much more business grounds with management Tel – 01347 833800 teams rather than committees taking decisions for the good of the business rather than Fax – 01347 833802 Email – [email protected] self-interest. Many clubs have already gone down this route but there are still many stuck in Toro’s Total Solution ensures that you acquire your turfcare machinery and irrigation equipment the old fashioned one member one vote systems. simply, quickly and affordably. Another answer would be for members to be issued with tokens at the start of each season and use them to “pay” for each round – 10 tokens for a Saturday morning and seven for a mid Just select from Toro’s unrivalled range of robust mowing, utility, aeration and bunker maintenance Printing week game, for example. If vouchers run out – by seniors playing four times a week - more machinery or our irrigation sprinklers and control systems. Warners Midlands Plc, The Maltings, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH can purchased from the club, perhaps at a subsidised rate, while if they are not all used up Fund your purchases courtesy of our flexible finance service, utilise Toro Protection Plus to guard against Tel – 01778 391000 | Fax – 01778 394269 they can be exchanged for goods in the Pro Shop. unexpected machinery repair bills and you have the complete deal in one neat package. It’s an idea which I know works at some clubs in the country and which may help to resolve Contents may not be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written a problem which is weighting golf very heavily in favour of the elderly and, more worryingly, You get precision-engineered turfcare machinery, irrigation equipment that includes features based permission. Return postage must accompany all materials submitted if return is requested. against the younger golfer coming through. on aerospace technology and affordable finance that squeezes out maximum value from your budget. No responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. The right is It is potentially a huge problem for the game and it is well for golf clubs to take action And all this comes with the reassurance that your turfcare machinery enjoys the benefits of Toro reserved to edit submissions before publication. even if that action is not to everyone’s taste. Protection Plus and the best technical support in the industry. Although every care will be taken, no responsibility is accepted for loss of manuscripts, photographs or artwork.
So, for the total solution – call 01480 226800 today. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Association, and After sales care no responsibility is accepted for such content, advertising or product information that may appear.
Circulation is by subscription. Subscription rate: UK £47 per year, Europe and Eire £60. The magazine is also distributed to BIGGA members, golf clubs, local authorities, the turf industry, libraries and central government.
ISSN: 0961– 6977 Scott MacCallum © 2008 British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association Editor TORO Commercial, Irrigation and Consumer Products are distributed by Lely (UK) Limited St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 1QH. Tel: 01480 226800 Email: [email protected] TORO Commercial and Irrigation Products are distributed by Lely Ireland Limited, Kilboggin Nurney, Co. Kildare. Tel: 00 353 (0)45 526170 Email: [email protected] www.lely.com www.toro.com Greenkeeper International 3 24-25 European Tour Golden Key Supporters 20-22 Zero-Turn Mowers: Are They All The Same? 27-29 Harrogate Week: A Behind The Scenes Look Contents International 4 Greenkeeper 6-10 News 70 As I See It… monthly Mackay’s Kenny Chairman National column 56-63 Around the Green 56 News from the Chief Executive Human Resources Tip Tip Resources Human 55 53 What’s Your Number 50-51 New Products 49 The Open Support Team 2009 Application form 47 In the Shed Greenkeeper International’s Puzzle Page 15 Education and Learning on us updates Collins Sami Development matters 14 Membership An update us on Membership matters 12-13 Industry Update 11 GTC 6-10 News REGULARS
CONTENTS CONTENTS 32 The Delegation Greenkeeper International 5 International Greenkeeper January 2009 39 Managing A Golf Course 40-42 BIGGA Lifetime Achievement Award
FEATURE Greenkeeper International 17 “It was basically me sitting in the clubhouse Around 200 members attended and Peter “I make a point of coming into the clubhouse “We do monthly reports for the members “We’ve removed the ‘Not beyond this point’ white visible to the membershipinitiatives and another was to have aof “Meet the the Greenkeeper” early session. - with my kilt on - cameanswering up.” whatever questions tackled all issues whether they be agronomic or, more specifically, what he had under his kilt! on a Saturday afternoon to chat with members and explain what we are trying to do. The best thing we get though is when one of our memberscalls us over and points out some fescue that they’ve found. It’s obvious thenthrough tothat them. we are getting we’ve but points bullet with out started and moved on to bullet points plus a bit added on for those who wish to know more. It’s a great club for passion. lines for trolleys and the members comply while the juniors are great at repairingPeter, who also has pitchmarks,”24 artisans to assist him. said As part of preparations for the Amateur the Hesketh will host two days of The Amateur came “Padraig Harrington along and was “At the moment we have a field with a green Peter is very keen to be approachable and Championship in 2011, while the club also also club the while 2011, in Championship hosted The Junior Open in the week of the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale last year. lot a spending kids the with great absolutely for publicity superb It was them. with of time the club.” club has plans to improve its practice facilities, which will be of long term benefit to the club. and a bunker but, in three phases over the nextthree years, we will build aand raised half tee turf half with Astroturf some targets is better bunkering to withhit another to. chipping Phase green Two while Phase Three will involved putting up some fences and fine tuning what we’ve done.” then cut it, then top dressed it, overseeded it overseeded it, dressed top then it, cut then and rolled it again, all in the space of 10 minutesand that sold it to the committee. We got the Cyclone spreader, from Tycrop, and we can do all 18 greens in an hour and a half, whichsave means a lot of wetime.” 16-18 Course Feature: Hesketh Golf Club Peter involves his team – Deputy, Ken Critchley; “We talk a lot at regular team meetings and Having made an immediate impression Peter more some introducing of aim the With “Previously it used to take a day to top dress Since then the greens have all been hand and approaches. David Weir; David Williams, Phil Alvey and Alex Mason – in the decision making processes that have resulted in moving the course on. have a lot of brain storming sessions in which everyone has an equal say.” and the team moved on to some medium and long term goals. quality grasses to the course Peter and his team did a few demos of top dressers for the benefit of the committee. 18 greens with a Cushman, shovels and a little drop We spreader. brushed the putting green, I think it’s worth it. The golfers appreciate it it appreciate golfers The it. worth it’s think I because it shows that we’re putting in the effort and working with dedication and passion,” said Peter, whose first request to the club was forhand new mowers. cut and this has since been extended to the tees e nd nd R A He was greatly impressed with the team he “They had had a great time and they asked The job clinched, and having “Talked the Talk”, “We started with the general untidiness of He also picked up a tip from architect, David “David suggested that I cross cut at Machrihanish y Peter set about “Walking the Walk”. inherited describing them as “awesome”,the with skills all required, but perhapsin the past to show not just howthe talented opportunity they were. the course then worked on the shaping of the fairways. I don’t like fairways that are straight andup down. I like to get a bit of definition in. McLay Kidd, who was a near neighbour of his in Machrihanish and which he introduced at the earliest opportunity. as it lets youI’ve brought thatsee in here and while itevery addsholes 18 all about for time cutting to half and hour an undulation of the fairway. played Machrihanish the previous summer. me why wanted to come from HeavenI told them thatto IHesketh? thought I’d taken Machrihanish as far as I could and that I wanted a challenge. I told them that I felt I could return Hesketh to its former glory.” Photograph by Alan Birch R isto Fate was actually working in Peter’s favour “I spotted the advert for Hesketh in Greenkeeper Granted an interview, Peter arrived on the “I got stuck in the car park on the Monday It could have been taken as a bad omen but, “The interview was at 10am but I got here at h holes around the clubhouse. They are amazing an make definitely I could that I thought and impression at Hesketh.” when he learned that some Hesketh members had been Course Manager at the renowned Scottish links of Machrihanish. International and looked the club up on the net. I also spoke to some people who had played the course and, having discussed it with my family, decided to apply.” Monday evening for a Tuesday appointment and decided to take a quick look around the course at the earliest opportunity. evening because the barrier came down and I couldn’t get out,” recalled Peter with a smile. meant wasn’t he perhaps hand, other the on to leave. 5.30am, went out onto the course, chatted with the boys at work and had a proper look at the and his team are working hard to return the course to former glories. ptimistic Futu o
Scott MacCallum visited Hesketh Golf Club where the recently appointed Course Manager While the history of Hesketh is on a par with Course new of shape the in arrived That Arnold won a rare golfing Olympic Gold Gold Olympic golfing rare a won Arnold A fir tree, presented to Arnold at the time, and
A Rich 16 Greenkeeper International Hesketh clubhouse whereoverdoses it still of a sits, certain despiteapplied naturally by members inregular its early yearsproduced chemical, any club in the country, in recent years, the coursegolf itself had slipped slightly fromit had the reached heights and was in need of a boost. Manager, Peter McVicar, who tookJuly 2007 over and who the has sincereins made ain big impact. Prior to his arrival in the North West Peter had Medal at the Berlin Olympics in 1936 in front of Adolf Hitler. known as Hitler’s Tree, was planted outside the Hesketh Golf Club, in Southport, has a has Southport, in Club, Golf Hesketh birth the as regarded is It history. rich the Union, Golf English the of place Club Hesketh a from coming initiative the become to on went who Captain Bentley the while President, first EGU’s among were Arnold, and Harry brothers, ever brothers of pair illustrious most the to play the amateur game.
FEATURE By David Mears 52 Is My Diesel Safe? 44-45 French Students Help with English Diploma Scott MacCallum speaks to this year’s recipient, George Brown BIGGA Lifetime Achievement Award Award Achievement Lifetime BIGGA 40-42 By Ronnie Bunting 39 Managing A Golf Course year’s GCSAA Golf Industry Show Melissa Jones reveals the lucky candidates picked to attend this 32 The Delegation Storing Oils – Are You Up To Date With The Latest Regulations? 30 A Quick Guide To… a look at the hard work that goes into organising this prestigious annual event. Melissa Jones makes the most of her ‘access all areas’ pass and takes and pass areas’ all ‘access her of most the makes Jones Melissa 27-29 Harrogate Week: A Behind The Scenes Look 24-25 European Tour Profile By James de Havilland Zero-Turn Mowers: Are They All The Same? 20-22 Zero-Turn Mowers: Are They By Scott MacCallum Course Feature: Hesketh Golf Club 16-18 Course Feature: Hesketh Golf FEATURES
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clubhouse management, in the Queen’s Suite on Suite Queen’s the in management, clubhouse at 5.15pm. January 21 Wednesday, received have should you now By enough. voiced a containing letter the Agenda for the andAGM Association’sthe to change a regarding information you letter your received haven’t you If constitution. can www.bigga.org.uk visit the BIGGA Website to all members in Scotland and further forms can forms further and Scotland in members all to Regional J.Boyd, Peter contacting by obtained be Administrator btinternet.com. UK DISTRIBUTOR sole Walkover as known formerly sprayers The sprayers. pesticides,fertilisers, liquid apply to designed are weed killers and fungicides cleanly easily, and accurately. principle. the same on operating width, Rambler a features also model Greenkeeper The (60cm). agreement distribution The lance. spray held hand effect. immediate with is MEMBERS! UP LISTEN Harrogate Week, Europe’s largest indoor turf event that combines both elements of turf and SCOTTISH REGION REGION SCOTTISH CONFERENCE Centre, Conference Carnegie the at place take will Carnegie 2009. March, Director Golf Course Management, R&A; Mark Headland Amenity; Director, Hunt, Technical G&FC, Killarney Manager, Course MacIndoe, David Pithie, Laurence include speakers Other Ireland. StuartGolf; Crown Manager, Courses Golf Group Scotts Manager, Technical International Staples, International, Loch Lomond. Manager, Estate break morning mid the at coffee/pastry arrival, on buffetand lunch.
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Chris York joins the Japanese manufacturer manufacturer Japanese the joins York Chris Based Based in Northampton, Chris knows the than more industryfor the in worked Having Kawasaki has Kawasaki strengthened its UK power mobile: or
relationships and building new areas of growth. areas new building and relationships a practical from both well industry groundscare son the up grew He perspective. professional and has and club cricket local a at groundsman a of been today. cricketer ardent an remains and in well sector turfcare the knows Chris years, 20 every capacity from assembly through to sales and after sales. It’s this breadth of experience in the sector and a passion for the business that he intends to bring to Kawasaki’s power range. products NEW FACE AT KAWASAKI KAWASAKI AT FACE NEW products operation with the appointment of a new manager to co-ordinate business growth the country. throughout as Products Power Product UK Manager, and dealer existing developing for responsible be will enabling
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We Covering an area that extends from Landini Landini from extends that area an Covering For For more information and entry forms please contact your Section Secretary or Clive Osgood, Entertainment has already been booked for the after dinner spot. This combined with a superb test superb a with combined This spot. dinner after the for booked been already has Entertainment This event played at a Club that has been the venue of many major championships including the including championships major many of venue the been has that Club a at played event This The South East Golf Regions and Gentleman’s Dinner will be Heath held Golf at Clubthe Walton “His energetic and enthusiastic approach will approach enthusiastic and energetic “His “David “David brings a wealth of experience to Landini Landini has appointed David Parsons to
before the evening meal. the evening before yahoo.co.uk. South of golf and the wonderful hospitality of Walton Heath Golf Club should ensure a splendid day. splendid a ensure should Golf Club Heath the wonderfulof golf and of Walton hospitality
Ryder European SOUTH EAST REGION ANNUAL GENTLEMAN’S DINNER DINNER GENTLEMAN’S ANNUAL REGION EAST SOUTH stand him in good stead as Landini’s sales and grow.” to continue presence market Sales Manager, Adrian Winnett. Winnett. Adrian Manager, Sales machinery all his working life,” said Landini UK the post, having been in involved agricultural and agricultural machinery from a number of Europe. in countries joins the business from BSG Supplies, where he for worked many years importing tractors UK’s UK’s Doncaster base to the south coast, David groundscare and landscaping industries. landscaping and groundscare support its retail sales and service dealer network network dealer service and sales retail its support the to tractors Valpadana and Landini supplying
MANAGER MANAGER NEW SOUTHERN AREA AREA SOUTHERN NEW on Friday, March 6. March Friday, on News
THE DISTURBANCE THEORY & MEASURING SUCCESS SOUTH EAST REGION SEMINAR BIGGA South West Region invited a team from STRI to deliver a seminar day entitled ‘The Disturbance Theory & Measuring Success’. The day was held at Cannington College on 20 November The South East Regional Seminar was hosted 2008. Attendance was very high with 187 delegates down to attend, with approximately 170 attending
NEWS by the London Section recently at the Sandy on the day. This was the most attended seminar in the South West so far. Lodge Golf Club. Henry Bechelet introduced the day and Richard Windows delivered ‘The Thrill of Real Golf’, which Section Chairman, Rob Phillips, introduced described the history of golf and greenkeeping over the past century and how influence from America the excellent speakers who covered a varied changed the character and golfing strategy of our courses. Henry then gave ‘The Fundamentals of range of subjects on what proved an interesting the Disturbance Theory’ in which the science of plant growth strategies was described and how this and informative day, with some wide ranging and understanding can be used to favour the development of the finer grasses. valid points being made during question time at The morning session then concluded with Henry and Richard delivering ‘Greenkeeping Through the end of the day’s proceedings. the Phases’, which described how the Disturbance Theory can be used in a practical way to favour John Pemberton and Tracey Maddison started the development of the finer grasses without compromising on playing quality. There was plenty to the day with their presentation on current BIGGA ponder over lunch. affairs and the recent proposals, for consultation, Peter Hickling the General Manager of High Post Golf Club then started proceedings in the on changes to the Constitution. afternoon with a presentation on the economic, environmental and playing quality benefits of going Andy Wight’s subject, Pathway leader for through a sward species transition. John Lockyer followed with a presentation on ‘Managing Organic Greenkeeping and Horticulture at Oaklands Matter’, which centred on the need to implement regular laboratory testing to accurately monitor College, was Current Funding for Greenkeeper organic matter accumulations. Andy Cole then delivered the progressive and exciting ‘Measuring Training and the proposed changes to education Success’, which described the use of objective tools to measure the improvement in performance that are planned for the next few years. and quality of the greens. The day finished off with a Case Study on Eastwell Manor ,by Steve Gingell, Courageously battling with a slight technical where the Disturbance Theory was used to establish a dominance of the finer grasses in new sand hitch with the projector, Tom Malehorn, from based constructions. Aquatrols, then discussed with us the role of The feedback was overwhelmingly positive with the delegates finding the day very enjoyable and “Surfactants in Turf Management”. interesting. The Four Phases of greenkeeping received the most praise. To find our more on this subject, Ian McMillan, Course Manager at Walton check out the article Pride & Joy on www.stri.co.uk. Heath Golf Club, guided the delegates through The STRI are staging a workshop at Harrogate Week on the subject of Measuring Success on some of the many challenges he has encountered, Sunday, January 18, 2009. with great success, in his career in Golf Course Management. http://www.harrogateweek.org.uk/education/seminars/60/measuring-success.html After lunch Nigel Church, from Ransomes Jacobsen, described the background and research Due to the positive feedback and the ongoing demand for these presentations, STRI hope to that goes into the development of machinery for organise more events in conjunction with BIGGA through 2009. If you would like one in your area his subject of “Health and Safety Built In”. please contact Richard, Henry or Andy at [email protected] The last speaker for the afternoon session was Peter Jones, from PJ Associates Ltd, who talked about Bunker Renovation. It was demonstrated that with good planning and work practices, bunkers could be greatly improved during the renovation process. In conclusion, after question time, the Chairman thanked all the Speakers for their presentations. He also thanked members of the Trade who had supported this and many other events in the Region and Sections, and the Sandy Lodge Golf Club for looking after us so well on the day.
Clive Osgood South East Regional Administrator
Why not drop us an email with any news, press releases or new product updates you have...
– Send them to Melissa ([email protected])
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Old A prestigious accolade that acknowledges receive to personfourth the only be will George See profile on George elsewhere in this a undergoing currently is Hotel Turnberry The The George Brown, Golf Courses & Estates Manager Estates & Courses Golf Brown, George November in team Turnberry the joined Euan dedicationand work hard George’s Recognising years The to to the Greenkeeping profession, the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has recently George bestowed with a Award. Achievement Lifetime an individual for their lifetime of service and of golf, the game in achievement Walter OBE, Bonallack Michael Sir after award this Jack BEM and MBE. McMillan Woods issue. following project renovation pound million multi Leisurecorp. to sale recent its renowned by Miller, James architect original of vision will and Linton, Fox Mary designer, interior British join Starwood’s prestigious Luxury Collection of advance in reopens it when hotels of portfolio 2009. July in Championship the Open BROWN’S LAST LAST BROWN’S TO YEAR LANDMARK 138TH THE INCLUDE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP is at to retire Turnberry, from his role following than more after Championship Open year’s next 23 will 2009, July of end the at down step will who remain at in Turnberry a consultative role after as Grant Euan appointed has and retirement his his successor. after previous roles as Golf Course Manager at Greenkeeper Head former and Dunes Machrihanish of 2005). in recently most Championship, Open
quality
making
significant ingredient fludioxonil
a
high and • Up to the minute weather forecasting • Advance warning of turf diseases • Integrated turf management plans advice tailored for you • Topical
as New
active efficacy Instrata maintain
contact managers. and
new
turf Try it FREE today!
recognised to first outstanding
diseases
the - value giving product, turf
Receiving the Award from IOG Chairman, Alex Chairman, IOG from Award the Receiving Syngenta’s new turf fungicide, Instrata, has has Instrata, fungicide, turf new Syngenta’s The for Award, the best new fertiliser and Millar, Syngenta Professional Products Manager, Manager, Products Professional Syngenta Millar, Simon Elsworth, said: “Instrata is a genuinely new fungicide, innovative with properties of immense soil the at and thatch the in leaf, the on protects surface, it especially useful in high disease pressure time of the year.” any at situations Alex Millar (left) presents Simon Elsworth (right) with Syngenta’s award. pesticide step forward in helping groundsmen tackle difficult contains Instrata round. year all surfaces playing the long-lasting exceptional residual control of fludioxonil years. 20 over for control diseases turf for NEW INSTRATA WINS NEW INSTRATA AWARD INNOVATION won the IOG Innovation Award. Innovation the IOG won
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Sherriff Amenity has announced the opening opening the announced has Amenity Sherriff ManagingUK Agrovista move, the on Commenting Details of all affected products, together with together products, affected all of Details The Scotts products affected are: Casoron from removed be can products these that So Scotts 0871
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International Greenkeeper 10 Micro and Scotts Dichlo Scotts G Macro. and Micro trading under the Sherriff Amenity brand. This is this goal.” achieving towards step another Director, businessamenity national a have to is plan strategic of a new depot in Scotland and Archibald Kenny Sales Scottish as month last company the joined Manager. OPENING OF NEW DEPOT DEPOT NEW OF OPENING on: information. on on the Scotts Professional website at www. scottsprofessional.co.uk. Please contact your DepartmentServices Customer Scotts’ or distributor by 18,March 2010. the technical relevant information is available the market in an orderly fashion, there is now a period of six months to move existing stocks of product into the market place followed by a further G, of of dichlobenil resulting in the of withdrawal authorisations for plant products protection dichlobenil.containing that that the EU Standing Committee on the Food non-inclusion for voted Health Animal and Chain UK WITHDRAWAL OF OF WITHDRAWAL UK PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS
NEWS GTC
qualifications, 11 International
of terms Greenkeeper in can take a little while! can take Replies to text messages messages text to Replies something Email the GTC at: [email protected] at: the GTC Email 838640 01347 Telephone: 222659 07831 Text: NOTE: It will take a team effort and while strong “S” the is sector our within example topical A The Centres Approved GTC and training I am optimistic for the future of our sector leadership is a quality and skill that people admire, all the best leaders tremendous have communication skills and the team ethic has success. their to ingredient the vital proved and maintenance) course golf (sustainable Factor we will be addressing this early in 2009 when we will be hosting, with The R&A, a number of workshops for turf staff working within our those with together come will Centres Approved within working are who guys “Gingerbread” brave to ground, the on practices best sustainable the share can we best how of aspect whole the discuss and employers to experience and knowledge the Course Managers. tomorrows and today’s learnersand employers help to there are providers are as courses, and needs training individual with open an offer always GTC the at we and BIGGA are we feel you if us contact to you for invitation missing us! talk to - so please etc manuals training despite the current economic situation but we must we but situation economic current the despite and other eachsupporting keep talking, keep all best faired who companies the forget, not us let those were recession, last the after and through staff their in development. invested that
and qualifications News of AHEAD optimism as we move into 2009... into move as we optimism levels all in OPTIMISM OPTIMISM David Golding, GTC Education Director, gives us gives Education Director, Golding, GTC David included
are Why not pick up the phone, ring the person person the ring phone, the up pick not Why There can be little doubt we have travelled a is shared problem a that believe honestly I Come on, admit it, we’ve all been there…somebeen all we’ve it, admit on, Come this in friends many too and killer a is Stress communication ensure to continue will GTC The So what has changed from those halcyon The internet is now such a major in player forums website fast, and thick in come Emails FOR THE YEAR YEAR THE FOR that you feel might be a “problem” whether it is is it whether “problem” a be might feel you that skills all. help us coursestraining to must continue a long in way the last 20 years in greenkeeper be complacent. must not but we education thanworse nothing is there and solved problem feeling alone in trying to deal with a problem or not. making own of your it be whether of us having to put our glasses on to either read read either to on glasses our put to having us of a text or spend ages writing a text, even worse text! predictive trying master to the Bank mortgageManager, company or the Chairman of Green, owner Green or Convenor, them face distance within are they if still better on? head pressures the to victim fallen have alone sector of life. I believe, certainly improved many of us, but we we but us, of many improved certainly believe, I slip back! must not the Manor? at days must a is phone mobile the lives, day to day our have tool and this you think should have made effective better. communication me call but vogue is texting many, for popular are old fashioned I still believe in the values of “it’s talk”. to good
bring
I
can but us, of
GTC is supported by: GTC all
for times I know I have written many an article on the the on article an many written have I know I As the years have pasted our sector has I have fallen victim of this recently and should and recently this of victim fallen have I Difficult I guess most of us are counting the days until days the counting are us of most guess I Yes, as I mentioned in last months article wearticle months last in mentioned I as Yes, It would be so easy for all of us to feel a to improve staff communication skills and it has, it and skills communication staff improve to invested heavily in the specialist training coursestraining specialist the in heavily invested the delegates. at at Aldwark Manor with Communication Skills the always number one subject requested by ago ago since, during my early days at BIGGA, we introduced the infamous Management Courses importance of communication and it is 20 years 20 is it and communication of importance later or it will sort or later itself out. have have known better at my age and addressed matters head on rather than thinking I’ll sort it issues by better communication! better issues by your attention back to one key element I believe believe I element key one to back attention your today’s of all addressing consider to is that and in subscriptions subscriptions for the and New I Year am sure the majority. at least retain can they hoping especially traditional golf clubs, will be waiting to see how many of the members renew their the end of the month - payday - which always seems always which - payday - month the of end the Businesses, months. other all than longer take to lives as well as the business we work in. work we the business as well as lives are all now having to take stock of our personal personal our of stock take to having now all are recession. empty at best, if we let it! little worried as we all feel the impact of the the glass can be well and truly half the festive season well and truly over, over, truly and well season festive the As we move into a new year and with with and year new a into move we As
off the
the and
blows, in laid
over of office am
been
have, new series a a 10.15 have and
at
staff
1986 20 suffered of
in has accommodate BLEC to January members
company
35 started
the expanded Echo UK are sponsoring a free seminar on and with issued being regularly are Employees The BLEC BLEC Landscaping Equipment Company Gary and Sue would like to thank all of their their of all thank to like would Sue and Gary Tuesday, Echo on all tools and equipment in actual working actual in equipment and tools all on Echo conditions, data providing that can be used as further For process. assessment risk the of part information regarding the Vibration seminar at contact attendance, register to or Week, Harrogate 750111. on: 01226 Fivesquared HAND ARM VIBRATION VIBRATION ARM HAND SEMINAR the subject of Hand Arm Vibration at Harrogate Week 2009. The which Seminar, is planned for Queen’s suite, will be delivered by Fivesquared (a division of Earlsmere ID Systems), the UK’s Statistics assessor. vibration independent leading still are people million one than more that show the above are that vibration of levels to subjected level. limit exposure excessive offer that equipment and tools using are vibration and basis daily a on vibration of levels information presented by some manufacturers been not has it as assessment risk for used be can’t conditions. working in indeed or load under tested for projects testing major out carry Fivesquared distributors, distributors, customers and suppliers who have products BLEC for support continued their shown a brings future the that hope and years the over in struggling everyone for outcome positive more climate. difficult today’s BLEC IS NOW IN IN NOW IS BLEC THE HANDS OF THE ADMINISTRATOR Ltd has gone into administration. Gary and Sue Mumby worldwide a into company the built years, 22 last At globe. the across machines supplying enterprise, the and people 50 employed company the peak, its Peterborough, nr James, St. Deeping at premises were since early manufacturing facilities. However, 2008, Europe from orders in downturn severe a including and particularly the United States, coupled with their of sales UK effecting weather appalling the equipment. of landscaping range large and the premises are now closed. now the premises are and
not – official
year the the and of day STRI
the every
with can we
Biology condition Turfgrass best of the
in Head courses IndustryUpdate Newell, the Andy by present we guests followed that International was therefore, “Many golfers view their trip to St Andrews as a pilgrimage and have very high expectations. It is is It expectations. high very have and pilgrimage a as Andrews St to trip their view golfers “Many Comprising seven courses, the world-famous St Andrews Links in Fife sustains more than 200,000 than more sustains Fife in Links Andrews St world-famous the courses, seven Comprising St St Andrews Links has recently renewed agreement, its with Toro Links Superintendent, Gordon After a short break Simon Barnaby, Technical Manager Syngenta UK & Eire, explained the merits the explained Eire, & UK Syngenta Manager Technical Barnaby, Simon short break a After Simon After lunch the guests were treated to a tour around the Club where they were able to see the He stated that the four point combination for a success was Right Product; Right Rate; Right Time Right Rate; Right Product; Right was success a for combination point four the that stated He A Scotts Seminar, held at The All England Club, Wimbledon, proved to be a very successful event veryevent a successful be to proved Wimbledon, Club, England All The at held Seminar, Scotts A Speakers included Eddie Seaward MBE, Head Groundsman at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Club, Tennis Lawn England All the at Groundsman Head MBE, Seaward Eddie included Speakers the 150 invited 12 Greenkeeper St Andrews Links Superintendent Gordon Moir, left, and Lely’s Jeff Anguige, with, with, Jeff Anguige, Lely’s and left, Moir, Gordon Superintendent Links Andrews St standing, Links General Manager Alan McGregor. standard golfers expect.” standard maintained. the courses that so it is crucial and immaculately are year a of golf rounds Moir, saying that Moir, equipment the the Toro ‘Home of Golf’ uses exclusively to maintain its greens and tees has “proved extremely reliable and allowed the to Links present Trust the golf courses to the vital, HIGH PRAISE FROM THE ‘HOME OF GOLF’ HIGH PRAISE just for The Open or the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.” Links Dunhill the Alfred or The Open just for agronomist to the All England Club who talked of Testing Grasses for Sport. for Grasses of Testing Club who talked the All England to agronomist Championshipsthe for ready be will whichcourt 2 Number new the and roof CourtCentre the on progress this year. later of Plant Growth Regulators in Turf Management featuring the qualities of Primo Maxx. the qualities featuring Management Turf in Regulators Growth of Plant and Right Place, while performance usually was in direct relation to price. to relation direct in while performance Place, Right and was usually Wimbledon Welcomes Scotts for who gave an entertaining talk on the Wimbledon Year. He was followed by Leon Terlingen, the Global Global the Terlingen, Leon by followed was He Year. Wimbledon the on talk entertaining an gave who fertiliser in technology. advances the who discussed Europe, Scotts for Director R&D Professionl
INDUSTRY UPDATE INDUSTRY UPDATE
in colleges Diploma
2013. 13 International the schools, of olds, year Greenkeeper 14-19 partnerships
at 51
or 8007 0845 707 tel: www.diplomaelbs.co.uk www.diplomaelbs.co.uk Connect Lantra contact or on [email protected] email: Some involved get can you how on information For Now Now is the time for businesses to sign-up Aimed The content gives learners an opportunity at three levels. at and across employers England have already to government the by light green the given been start teaching the new Diploma in 2009, with a in England across roll-out complete local consortia, visit:with your please BUSINESSES NEEDED TO TO NEEDED BUSINESSES A DIPLOMA NEW MAKE SUCCESS and help shape the country’s future workforce. England’s next generation of and employees choose to opportunity the have will professionals Land-based and Environmental in Diploma new the Studies, which enables students to learn about industry employers. from Environmental and Land-based Studies is an industry-led Diploma that becomes available in 2009. from colleges and schools to required knowledge and skills the develop to progress into further learning or employment within Thethe Diplomasector. can be studied alongside GCSEs and A Levels and is available
of
it!”
have more is love Director which staff there My “They “They worked between the drip lines of the trees and needed to use Hough, TN60DA, three days injecting compressed air, via a probe, one metre below the surfacethe below metre one probe, a via air, compressed injecting days three soil. compacted the up break and fracturing underground create to ground the because time the of most probe the insert to hammer JCB the was so hard,” Keith explained. “Conditions in the walled garden, some of which is used as a car park but most of which is dedicated to community much softer.” were allotments volunteer and a morning!
comfortable, and
Anthony 12
by
least
every more range at century
annually open
TC
are shed
much are 18th
purchased so the
people Blundell. trees
is
of it Holland’s been the
Switzer out
Keith famous
New a has
115,000 means 1760 Anthony. old,” said years of
to tractor
from and Stephen
part tractor Gardener
which
first by
30,000 cab 1722 tractors
the series
forming fitted Landscape
designed
between includes
normally Boomer trees,
is factory
fleet it a approximately Gibside’s
originally Holland
designed has ancient
from result said
existing a New 130 were four all under tractors of four fleet
as old,”
Boomer gardens, first and
increased
small. comparatively are they that he comments and fitted cabs market years Specialist aeration contractors, Terrain Aeration worked at Gibside for worked Aeration Specialist aeration Terrain contractors, The Gibside, near Newcastle upon Tyne, formerly owned by the Bowes-Lyons Bowes-Lyons the by owned formerly Tyne, upon Newcastle near Gibside, Around “The Anthony’s The
gardens
150 Keith continued. Keith which is one of the main attractions of the property. “Some of the trees problems,” nutritional and die-back crown with stress from suffering were have in the past eight years, and this has put more pressure on the long walk, months of the year. Due to the popularity of the attraction, visitor numbers numbers visitor attraction, the of popularity the to Due year. the of months the Walk’, an avenue half a mile long lined with Oak, Sycamore and Lime. “As “As Lime. and Sycamore Oak, with lined long mile a half avenue an Walk’, ON-GOING RESTORATION Long ‘The boasts Trust, National the of protection the under now but family landscape have been treated to one-metre deep aeration treatment as partas treatment aeration deep one-metre to treated been have landscape restoration. of ongoing 18TH CENTURY AVENUE PART OF OF PART AVENUE CENTURY 18TH Director of Grass for Shrewsbury Hough, with the new boomer School, Anthony he said. space after a I have that back up is my priority. I have always bought New Holland, and the addition of the Boomer now means means now I get Boomer great peace of the mind! Buying of from a large company which offersaddition such the fantastic manufacturer and Holland, New bought always have I priority. my is up back Grass for Shrewsbury School. A longstanding New Holland customer, “I always buy New Holland because Holland New buy always “I customer, Holland New longstanding A School. Shrewsbury for Grass CRICKET BOOM FOR SHREWSBURY SCHOOL FOR SHREWSBURY CRICKET BOOM Learning Development &
Oxon
&
Ireland
This month
members...
BIGGA welcomes
the following new Sheffield
Berks/Bucks
Burkinshaw, Fiztpatrick, Northern
Mackenzie,
N IRELAND Martin Northern Ireland Larmour, Christopher SOUTH EAST London Beck, Dave Kent Corder, Andy LondonMartin Dearlove, Surrey Floyd, Danny Anglia East Halil, Joshua Kent James, Martin Kent Joyce, Alan Kent Leach, Nicholas London Thompson, Peter Surrey Wicks, Adam SOUTH WEST & WALES Coast South Cooper, James West South Howe, Nigel Devon&Cornwall Palmer, James South Coast Stewart, James Robert Wills, South Coast SCOTTISH North Borthwick, Rory Gammack,John North Central McKenna, Connel East Paterson, Gordon Central Peters, Grant West Simpson, Gordon NORTHERN Robert Sheffield Acheson, James North Gattens, Sam East West North McGrath, James West North Peters, Daniel West North Pogson, Ian MIDLAND Midland East Brampton, Clive & Oxon Berks/Bucks Campbell, Edward Midland Corbett, John Curtis,Paul Berks/Bucks & Oxon Oxon & Berks/Bucks Francis, Antony Gee, Midland Alan Oxon & Berks/Bucks Goy, Ashley Robert & Oxon Berks/Bucks Jones, Noel Malcolm O’Brien, Midland O’Brien, Malcolm Midland Pitts, Steven Berks/Bucks & Oxon Skelton, Mark Oxon & Berks/Bucks Taylor, Luke Midland Wale, Andrew Midland Walton, Alexander
make BIGGA and the on eye benefits
an the of keep Brad Anderson Email: [email protected] yourself efficiently, remind more to
job When you get a quiet moment sit down and and down sit moment quiet a get you When (Anon) you? are one Which A pessimist sees the difficulty in every An optimist sees the opportunity in every not why quote to like you sayings any have you If I I will leave you with this thought, I saw it Why not explore the opportunities membershipopportunities the explore not Why and Development article in this month’s month’s this in article Development and Membership The International. Greenkeeper Stand BIGGA the at hand on be will Team about you with chat to Week Harrogate during check also can we issues, membership any can we or details personal your change and that renewals membership for payment take applications new take also can we due, are may who colleagues and friends your from BIGGA. join wish to opportunity. difficulty. at [email protected] know me let your Section and Region events, all the dates of of dates the all events, Region and Section your Section events are from available contacting the in Pages’ ‘Your visit or Secretary Section your website. BIGGA the of area members outcarry you help will that courses useful identify your Committee Section your from notices and website Many year. next throughout available courses on Come rate. subsidised a at available are courses 2009. in happen things make let’s on me made it and London in a pub in a poster on smile… New Year Resolutions New Year the of area members the Visit you. gives BIGGA of website support and attend to resolution Years New your it
on Does go
FREE
always the
thinking Justine De Taure Email: [email protected] 30 of
of itself! could and
the lot –
one
a it of task
for
Personal Accident Helpline 02075 603013 one the up
doing Greenkeepers Legal Assistance 0800 177 7891 about
efficiently…I
sign
begin attend
yourself to and Other useful telephone numbers (for greenkeeper members only)
or
people more
to not find
job 2009
talk my may
reason workshops out
you
a If If you’re anything like me, at this time of lists,
January
Email: [email protected] Tracey Maddison Tracey CONTACT US CONTACT By telephone - 01347 833800 (option 1 for Membership.) International Greenkeeper 14 many seminars available to you - places are limited limited - places are you to seminars available chosen your at early arrive you sure make so see the Learning full information For seminar. Why not join me in making 2009 a year for for year a 2009 making in me join not Why Week, Harrogate to Come happen. it making Sunday, on Learn to Continue with starting 18 Make it Happen in 2009 starting with Harrogate Week to turn my thoughts into goals and my goals into into goals my and goals into thoughts my turn to posted! you I’ll keep action. the find this sound familiar? I not Well next am year, 2009 determined will be different; I am going carry things the towards move a Making won’t! I but - I want is something else. I buy the books, write just go the to gym would do! Practice more and opportunitiesthe explore handicap, golf my reduce offersbody professional my of membership that me, identify useful courses that would help me about what lies in store for you in the New Year. Year. New the in you for store in lies what about may be thinking You about making New Year resolutions, in my case go to the gym more, or year, What does 2009 have in storeWhat does 2009 have for you? TRACEY MADDISON, HEAD OFTRACEY MADDISON, A MEMBERSHIP SERVICES, TAKES THE YEAR AHEAD LOOK AT Membership
MEMBERSHIP Learning & Development
Key Sponsorship: Unlock the potential of Greenkeepers Sami Collins, Head Thursday 22 January of Learning & • Introducing Velvet Bents to The funding provided by Gold and Silver Development, provides Your Course - British Seed Key Sponsors is used to produce training and career aids, DVDs, CD Roms, a departmental Houses field guides and provide refunds update… • From Coal to 36 Holes - for training fees and subsidised learning Bellwood Trees LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT and development courses. The Rachael and I hope that you • Environmental Issues in funding also helps support seminars, had a great Christmas and Canadian Golf - Bob Burrows, workshops, courses, the lending New Year, are fighting fit and CGSA library, careers advice, posters and looking forward to everything • Managing in a Changing manuals. that 2009 has to offer. Financial Climate - Enviropro H2O Many young greenkeepers owe their Continue To Learn at • Online Learning - Myerscough career progression to the assistance they’ve had from the Learning and Harrogate Week College Development Fund. An equal number of Harrogate Week is approaching • Increasing Fertiliser Use – established greenkeepers have also been fast and the Continue to Learn Efficiency Through Improved able to access the fund to continue Education Programme is proving to be very popular Biological Strategies - their professional development thanks to with many of the workshops sold out. Novozymes Biologicals the donations of the Gold and This year we have over 30 Free Seminars presented • You Won’t Believe It - Sharp Cylinders Allowed Silver Key Sponsors. by many of the exhibiting companies. Places will Me to Raise my Height of Cut and Increase my be limited, to ensure you get into your chosen Greenspeed! - Bernhards THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING sessions arrive early! • Setting the Sprayer to Hit the Target - Tom KEY SPONSORS Robinson Tuesday 20 January • The Future of Spraying - R & K Kensett • Getting to Grips with Hand Arm Vibration - • Compost Teas Help Cut Costs and Chemical Countax Use - Symbio • Benchmarking for a More Sustainable Future • Using Latest Weather Information to Assist - The R&A Course Management - Met Office Golden Key • Stress Relief at a US Open Course - Vitax • The Science and Nanotechnological Advantages • EU and UK Pesticide Policy Developments - of MEGALEX® and UPPLAUSE® - The Green Grant Stark & Jon Allbutt Solution Ltd • Turf Nutrition – Getting the Balance Right - Headland Amenity BIGGA CPD Credits are available for all of • Turf for a Changing Climate - Lindum the Continue to Learn Seminar Sessions and • Travels With Terry – Machinery/Maintenance Workshops. Equipment Ideas - Terry Buchen MG Golden Key Individual Members JH Greasley; WJ Rogers; Andy Campbell MG, CGCS; • Eco-Concept in Golf Course Maintenance - Careers Advice Iain A Macleod; Tom Smith; Frank Newberry; Actioneco Do you need careers advice, help writing or Christopher Lomas MG, Lee Strutt MG. • Balanced Programmes – From Organics To updating your CV, writing a letter of application or Water Management, Farmura negotiating a contract? Why not book a session at the Careers Clinic being held at Harrogate Week. Wednesday 21 January Sessions are available on Tuesday, Wednesday and • 20 Years of Top Flight Winter Sports Maintenance Thursday with morning sessions available to pre- Silver Key - Dave Saltman, Pitchcare.com book by contacting the Learning and Development • One Metre Deep Aeration – When, Where and Department on 01347 833800 option 3. Why? - Terrain Aeration A careers advice service is also available from a • Finding Askernish - Gordon Irvine MG, Golf government website www.careersadvice.direct.gov. Course Consultant uk or by telephoning 08080 100333. This weblink • Integrated Turf Management Principles and will be added to the ‘Useful Website Links’ page in Practice - Ruth Mann the Members Area of the BIGGA website. • New Chemistries to Combat Water Quality - Tower Sport Europe Master Greenkeeper Certificate • A Starter Guide to Tournament Preparation - Congratulations go to Dan Lightfoot, from Bearwood Murray Long, Course Manager, Sunningdale Lakes Golf Club, who achieved Master Greenkeeper Golf Club status by passing his Stage Three Examinations Silver Key Individual Members Ade Archer; Steven Tierney; Paul Jenkins; Iain Barr; Richard • Using Integrated Management to Improve Turf in October 2008. Dan will be presented with his McGlynn; Steve Dixon; Sam Langrick. Quality – Scotts Master Greenkeeper Certificate at Harrogate Week • Primo MAXX - Latest Research and Developments during the Opening Session to held on Tuesday - Syngenta 20 January at 10.00am.
Greenkeeper International 15 A Rich History and Optimistic Future Scott MacCallum visited Hesketh Golf Club where the recently appointed Course Manager and his team are working hard to return the course to former glories. Photograph by Alan Birch FEATURE
Hesketh Golf Club, in Southport, has a been Course Manager at the renowned Scottish played Machrihanish the previous summer. rich history. It is regarded as the birth links of Machrihanish. “They had had a great time and they asked place of the English Golf Union, the “I spotted the advert for Hesketh in Greenkeeper me why wanted to come from Heaven to Hesketh? initiative coming from a Hesketh Club International and looked the club up on the net. I told them that I thought I’d taken Machrihanish Captain who went on to become the I also spoke to some people who had played the as far as I could and that I wanted a challenge. EGU’s first President, while the Bentley course and, having discussed it with my family, I told them that I felt I could return Hesketh to brothers, Harry and Arnold, were among decided to apply.” its former glory.” the most illustrious pair of brothers ever Granted an interview, Peter arrived on the The job clinched, and having “Talked the Talk”, to play the amateur game. Monday evening for a Tuesday appointment and Peter set about “Walking the Walk”. Arnold won a rare golfing Olympic Gold decided to take a quick look around the course He was greatly impressed with the team he Medal at the Berlin Olympics in 1936 in front at the earliest opportunity. inherited describing them as “awesome”, with all of Adolf Hitler. “I got stuck in the car park on the Monday the skills required, but perhaps not the opportunity A fir tree, presented to Arnold at the time, and evening because the barrier came down and I in the past to show just how talented they were. known as Hitler’s Tree, was planted outside the couldn’t get out,” recalled Peter with a smile. “We started with the general untidiness of Hesketh clubhouse where it still sits, despite regular It could have been taken as a bad omen but, the course then worked on the shaping of the overdoses of a certain naturally produced chemical, on the other hand, perhaps he wasn’t meant fairways. I don’t like fairways that are straight up applied by members in its early years to leave. and down. I like to get a bit of definition in. While the history of Hesketh is on a par with “The interview was at 10am but I got here at He also picked up a tip from architect, David any club in the country, in recent years, the golf 5.30am, went out onto the course, chatted with McLay Kidd, who was a near neighbour of his in course itself had slipped slightly from the heights the boys at work and had a proper look at the Machrihanish and which he introduced at the it had reached and was in need of a boost. holes around the clubhouse. They are amazing earliest opportunity. That arrived in the shape of new Course and I thought that I could definitely make an “David suggested that I cross cut at Machrihanish Manager, Peter McVicar, who took over the reins in impression at Hesketh.” as it lets you see every undulation of the fairway. July 2007 and who has since made a big impact. Fate was actually working in Peter’s favour I’ve brought that in here and while it adds about Prior to his arrival in the North West Peter had when he learned that some Hesketh members had an hour and half to cutting time for all 18 holes
16 Greenkeeper International FEATURE
I think it’s worth it. The golfers appreciate it then cut it, then top dressed it, overseeded it visible to the membership and another of the early because it shows that we’re putting in the effort and rolled it again, all in the space of 10 minutes initiatives was to have a “Meet the Greenkeeper” and working with dedication and passion,” said and that sold it to the committee. We got the session. Peter, whose first request to the club was for new Cyclone spreader, from Tycrop, and we can do all “It was basically me sitting in the clubhouse hand mowers. 18 greens in an hour and a half, which means we - with my kilt on - answering whatever questions Since then the greens have all been hand save a lot of time.” came up.” cut and this has since been extended to the tees Hesketh will host two days of The Amateur Around 200 members attended and Peter and approaches. Championship in 2011, while the club also tackled all issues whether they be agronomic or, Peter involves his team – Deputy, Ken Critchley; hosted The Junior Open in the week of the Open more specifically, what he had under his kilt! David Weir; David Williams, Phil Alvey and Alex Championship at Royal Birkdale last year. “I make a point of coming into the clubhouse Mason – in the decision making processes that “Padraig Harrington came along and was on a Saturday afternoon to chat with members have resulted in moving the course on. absolutely great with the kids spending a lot and explain what we are trying to do. The best “We talk a lot at regular team meetings and of time with them. It was superb publicity for thing we get though is when one of our members have a lot of brain storming sessions in which the club.” calls us over and points out some fescue that everyone has an equal say.” As part of preparations for the Amateur the they’ve found. It’s obvious then that we are getting Having made an immediate impression Peter club has plans to improve its practice facilities, through to them. and the team moved on to some medium and which will be of long term benefit to the club. “We do monthly reports for the members long term goals. “At the moment we have a field with a green and started out with bullet points but we’ve With the aim of introducing some more and a bunker but, in three phases over the next moved on to bullet points plus a bit added on for quality grasses to the course Peter and his team three years, we will build a raised tee half Astroturf those who wish to know more. It’s a great club did a few demos of top dressers for the benefit and half turf with some targets to hit to. Phase Two for passion. of the committee. is better bunkering with another chipping green “We’ve removed the ‘Not beyond this point’ white “Previously it used to take a day to top dress while Phase Three will involved putting up some lines for trolleys and the members comply while 18 greens with a Cushman, shovels and a little fences and fine tuning what we’ve done.” the juniors are great at repairing pitchmarks,” said drop spreader. We brushed the putting green, Peter is very keen to be approachable and Peter, who also has 24 artisans to assist him.
Greenkeeper International 17 FEATURE
The Hesketh team with Peter, third from left
A bunker renovation programme has been “We have bunkers that the good golfers fly well to the change from the isolated Machrihanish put in place, which will see around 25 bunkers over but catch the regular handicapper. area, where the nearest population centre was tackled each winter for the next four years and “There are three pros in the shop and they Glasgow. a rolling programme thereafter. are happy to hit as many balls off as many tees, “I was asked about this at the interview and I “Previously bunkers were built into the existing or would-be tees, as I want, to see where they are said that the nearest MacDonald’s was 130 miles contouring which meant that some face into the landing. From one new tee 12 balls were hit and away but that there here were three within a mile rough and others out to sea. We will be building eight of them went in bunkers,” he revealed. so we’d be alright,” said Peter, who has ensured the bunkers and then shaping around them so “It has been agreed that any major changes that his two children are brought up as Aberdeen that they face the hole.” we must consult a designer. With smaller tweaks fans, although, as a special dispensation, they are Peter was instrumental in the setting up we will do them in-house or with the assistance allowed an English team as well. of a Course Development Committee when he of Stuart Ormondroyd, of the STRI. With such a fair minded guy in charge Hesketh arrived involving Secretary Manager, Marytn While Peter has taken to working in the North Golf Club can expect to have as glittering a future Senior; Professional, Scott Astin; Club Chairman, West with aplomb his family have adapted just as as it has a past. Alan Tillbrook, and the Chairman of Green, one of the rare female Chairs in the country, Meegan Switzer, who was instrumental in bringing Peter to the Club. “Meegan leaves the post at the end of this year (2008) but the job descriptions we wrote for the various positions includes an overlap for Chairmen of Green on the Course Development Committee of a year to improve continuity. They are all good golfers so we are also looking at bringing in a not so good golfer for another opinion,” said Peter, adding that the new Course Policy Document was written with advice gleaned from the BIGGA Website, the EGU and St Andrews Links Trust. “The first policy document I looked at was St Andrews’. It’s good to start at the top and that’s where I learned of a Course Development Committee.” The Committee has already had a couple of course walks to assess the course and agree on potential changes. Among those is to push some tees back, not for the regular members events but for the larger competitions. Peter with Club Chairman Alan Tillbrook and Pro Scott Astin, part of the course development committee
18 Greenkeeper International
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Kubota zero-turn mowers are all diesel powered, the pictured ZD28 topping the four-model line-up. Powered by a 28hp engine it can be specified with a choice of 1.52m side- or rear-discharge deck.
By James de Havilland
In the USA, the way in which grass heavy duty zero-turn models on the market. Think and one that just shows how the term zero-turn is mown differs from the approach in Ariens, Ferris, Iseki, Kubota, Scag, Great Dane and should not be used to group all mowers of this the UK and Europe. These differences, Grasshopper for starters. In fact there is what now type under the same headings. however, go beyond accounting for seems to be an ever-growing range of commercial So how much will a zero-turn cost to run? climate, grass types, cut and collect quality zero-turn models offered in the UK. Costing a mower of any description will always systems and a host of other practical In the golf sector, it is natural to perhaps be complicated by the amount of work done, constraints. think first of the models offered by the ‘big three’, purchase price of the machine and how long it is In the US, they prefer to ride on a mower than John Deere, Ransomes-Jacobsen and Toro. And kept in service. With a zero-turn, it perhaps helps to walk behind it. Consider the heat of a typical US with good reason. These manufacturers know also look at how the unit could be used to reduce summer and this approach makes a great deal the UK market, and the key models offered by another cost, such as using a brushcutter. of sense. It is also a key to the popularity of the the companies in the UK are well suited to golf If the zero-turn shows potential to save costs, zero-turn. These mowers can be used in restricted course users. these need to be considered. As to costs of running areas that in Europe would typically be mown by So is it fair to say all zero-turn mowers are the a zero turn, you can do some basics by taking pedestrian kit. same? Well no. For starters, there are models, that the purchase price and writing it down over a When zero-turn mowers first made their way include the Gizmow, that have a steering wheel period of five years. Assume the money to buy from the US to Europe, however, these mowers as opposed to steering levers. Ferris units have the machine has to be financed at a rate of say received a fairly mixed reception from professional a front suspension system. Grasshopper models 6% per annum. Then factor in service, insurance operators. With a degree of generalisation, some have a four-wheel chassis, with rear castor wheels and maintenance, this typically weighing in at 5% of the early imports were not built for intensive enabling the mower skid to operate a range of or so of the purchase price. commercial applications, while those that were attachments and not just a deck. Next you need to work out typical annual included were designs with too shallow a deck to A particularly interesting departure from usage and labour plus fuel costs. If this seems cope with long, wet grass. Almost universal use the ‘norm’ is the Convertible Mower. This model a bit tiresome, an all-in guide cost per hour will of petrol engines did not help either. can be operated both as a ride-on or pedestrian range from £16.50 to £22.00. This is based upon Despite the fact that the zero-turn market zero-turn. The idea is that in applications where an labour at £10 and fuel at £1.40 per hour and a has now matured in the UK, there remain some operator may have reservations about sitting on the 500 hour annual workload. If the latter seems entrenched views that a zero-turn is not as suitable machine, such as a steep bank, he can switch to high, consider how these mowers can be used in as a similar capacity out-front rotary for heavy use. pedestrian mode. On the level, he can then switch place of a brushcutter. Most users find a zero-turn The reality is that there are some pretty serious, back to ride-on mode. This is an interesting idea, is worked harder than initially anticipated.
20 Greenkeeper International The John Deere Z Trak 997 can be fitted with a side or rear discharge deck, tough units made from heavy 4.5 mm thick steel. The 44 litre fuel tank should be enough to keep the 31hp diesel engine fed for a full day of mowing. FEATURE
Pro-Stance 1934 and Pro-Stance 1948 ‘stand-on’ zero turn mowers are powered by a Kawasaki 19hp V-twin petrol engines and have respective deck widths of 0.86 and 1.22m with mulch kit option. Narrow width is a key to these machines appeal, particularly where access is restricted by pedestrian gates.
Powered by a 24hp Kawasaki V-twin petrol engine, the LP25KAW Convertible mower can be specified with a choice of 1.21m, 1.32m or 1.55m deck. Show working in pedestrian mode, the same mower can be converted to a ride-on, without any tools, in a couple of minutes.
Greenkeeper International 21 FEATURE
Toro Groundsmaster 7200 series 28hp zero-turn Grasshopper zero-turn models have a four-wheel chassis, mowers can be fitted with a choice of decks, including this enabling the mower to work with a range of attachments 1.58 and 1.83 Guardian recycler units. Made from that can include a debris blower or brush. Pictures unit is heavy steel, the decks are claimed to be extremely fitted with a collection system. This is the sort of zero-turn tough and leave a really good finish. that could well convert existing out-front rotary users.
The 33 hp Iseki SZ330 is among the most power Powered by a 20hp Yanmar diesel, the Ransomes zero-turn models, its large 1.83m deck enabling it to ZT220D has a 1.50m deck. Small and nippy, this match tight turning with a high level of productivity. mower is ideally suited to working in and around Large driving and biog front castor wheels useful trees, flower borders and other obstacles. for work on rougher ground.
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Photograph by Mike Beardall EUROPEAN TOUR
The European Tour has been a BIGGA Golden Key supporter since 1997 and since then through the Main Tour, the Challenge Tour and the Seniors’ has visited over 1000 golf courses. Scott MacCallum met with David Garland to talk about the issues of the day.
It’s not often you could look back at a Dubai, which will culminate in the top 60 players the course made it playable when all the other European golf season, during which a on the Money List competing for a $10 million courses around were closed. That is testimony to Ryder Cup was lost, and still see it as a purse and $10 million bonus pool in the Dubai what a wonderful venue it has been for us over good year. But that’s exactly how 2008 World Championship. Makes your eyes water a the years,” said David. should be written up in the history little doesn’t it? The 1997 Ryder Cup at Valderrama was another books. “It is exciting. But it has always been exciting example of when poor weather nearly disrupted Sure, Nick Faldo’s team lost out in Valhalla, to work here,” said David Garland, the Director the event and it was only thanks to the wonderful but it came at the end of an unprecedented run of Tour Operations, as we sat in his office in the construction and great work by owner Jimmy of European success in the Ryder Cup and, much Wentworth-based Tour Headquarters. Patino and his team that allowed Seve Ballesteros as it did with the European revival in the 80s, an “The awards for the players at the top end are to lead his team to a famous victory. American win should do much to reinvigorate fantastic and it’s a wonderful contract we have For many years the Sotogrande-based course the event. with Leisurecorp,” said David, adding that the first has been the benchmark for conditioning on the But Padraig Harrington’s emergence as a of the World Championships will be played over European Tour and David believes that the quality true Champion in Majors with back-to-back wins the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates - a of Valderrama quickened the rate of improvement in The Open and USPGA Championships marked new Norman design. in the condition of other Tour venues. the year out as something special. The Race to Dubai has caused such a stir David joined the Tour in 1988 and has It’s easy to forget that Harrington teed off among the world’s top players that many of them, witnessed first hand the strides that have been at Royal Birkdale not knowing if his injured wrist including Camilo Villegas, Anthony Kim, Jeff made since then. would carry him more than a few holes and to win Ogilvy and Mike Weir among others have joined “That was the first year of the Volvo Masters in such majestic style, overhauling the amazing the Tour, while other big names are considering and Valderrama was by far the best conditioned Greg Norman, was a wonderful achievement. joining them. course in Europe and it has pulled the rest of the Then to stare down Sergio Garcia over the back It marks an end to the traditional season courses up to the standards they are now. That gap nine of the USPGA Championship to become the finale when the Volvo Masters visited southern has now closed and other tournament venues are first European winner of the modern age took Spain, usually Valderrama, with weather often similar to the quality that Valderrama produces. All Harrington to another level. being a headache. are of a high standard now but then generally the On the European Tour itself, 2008 saw one of “We’re an outdoor sport and weather is an standard of regular golf clubs has risen enormously the most remarkable chapters in its history with issue. We’ve just played the Volvo Masters, for over the past 20 years,” he said. the signing of the agreement with Leisurecorp the 21st and last time at Valderrama, and we “At the end of the day it is still about golf – new owners of Turnberry – for the Race to had very poor weather but the construction of tournaments but the biggest advances have been
24 Greenkeeper International in players services as well as the extent to which Every course gets at least one visit but more that we advocate. It’s aeration, aeration and a European Tour event is marketed by the tourist are made if considered necessary, while, on more aeration.” authorities in the region or country. They are not occasion, someone can be put into a venue for a The Tour has been a Golden Key of BIGGA stand alone golf tournaments anymore but part few weeks in advance and during the tournament since 1997 and David is delighted to be able to of a much bigger picture.” itself to offer advice and support. provide educational support to the Association’s David is well aware of the fact that the Tour “Really, we’re there to advise, our team are members. causes expectation levels to rise among golf club experts in Tournament preparation and for the “We have a good relationship with BIGGA members and he sympathises with the pressure ‘final tweaking’ – the putting on of the lipstick and would like that to be as strong as possible. that results from that. if you like. The event is on television and we We are particularly close to some of the Course “People are expecting fasts greens all the want to show the golf course off to its best. It’s Managers, including current BIGGA Chairman time and this can’t happen. Those clubs who cutting lines to television cameras, raking bunkers Kenny Mackay, since his time at Hanbury Manor, try to achieve tournament speeds all year round towards the direction of play so we don’t get ridges and incoming Chairman, Peter Todd.” can have it backfire and stress out their greens,” behind the ball.” David is also a regular visitor at Harrogate said David. (The support that comes from the Tour Week.
“The biggest thing we strive for is not speed Greenkeeping Department can also help with “I really enjoy going to Harrogate for a couple FEATURE but consistency.” the amount of cutting that goes on during an of days. It really is a wonderful meeting place With Tour players and officials having their event.) and I can catch up with a number of people at passports stamped in countries their predecessors “Generally speaking we have 156 players in the same time.” had only ever read about in books, it means a huge the field on a weekly basis and wherever possible The Tour has grown amazingly over the last range of golf course and maintenance regimes. we have a two tee start – that gets more people two decades. It has produced a string of golfing They play on true links like St Andrews, without on the golf courses at the same time and makes superstars and showcased some of the finest much rough; tree lined courses like Wentworth; it a slightly shorter day than a one tee start – but established and new courses in the UK, mainland modern courses like the K Club, while they are it does put pressure on the greenkeeping team Europe and beyond. now in Asia and South Africawhere the grasses to have the course prepared in time. “We are here for the long term and we can are different. “We also get support from Toro who bring all learn from each other.” “We have been very pleasantly surprised by in a tournament fleet if extra machines are As we reached the tail end of the interview, China because the golf courses we play there are required.” I still had a bone to pick with David. It was a all modern and built to a high specification and With the three main Tours – the Challenge, personal beef regarding something the Tour has they have experienced Course Managers, usually the European Tour and the Seniors’ Tour – the done absolutely nothing to halt and which has American, European or Australian.” European Tour goes to over 100 venues each year merely reinforced one of the negative images The Tour has six greenkeepers/agronomists and in his 20 years on Tour David has some good golf has among non-golfers – fashion! who provide support to the venues. news for all Tour, or potential Tour, venues. Why is it, I asked, that we are seeing so “Richard Stillwell runs the department, while “I’ve never known a situation where greens many gaudy trousers, garish shirts and white we still use Jack McMillan as well as some very have died off a short time after the Tour has belts on Tour? good guys in Eddie Adams, Graham McNiven, Alan visited. It’s an Old Wives’ Tale that we’d have “Scott, perhaps you’re just middle aged!” Purdie and Scott McLean. There are five Scots in crazy procedures and practices that affect the After an enjoyable interview it was, I think there just to keep Richard on his toes,” laughed long term health of the greens. That is certainly you’ll agree, a very low blow to a legitimate fellow Scot, David. not true. It’s basic, commonsense greenkeeping question.
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C_688_1_E_GTUK_220x280.indd 1 12.12.2008 7:59:41 Uhr Education 18 - 22 January 2009 Exhibition 20 - 22 January 2009 HARROGATE WEEK A BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK FEATURE
Melissa Jones makes the most of her people visiting last year’s show, 2009s event is like to see next year and how they might like to ‘access all areas’ pass and takes a not to be missed. change their stand space. look at the hard work that goes into So that’s how prestigious the annual show has Come March the hall space is opened up to organising this prestigious annual become but what exactly has it taken to achieve everyone, and that’s when the game of fitting event. this? What goes on behind the scenes? stands around each other while ensuring exhibitors Visitors from around the world will be gathering A lot of planning, preparation and general are happy, begins. in Harrogate, England, later this month for the hard work takes place at BIGGA HQ prior to the “Much of my job is customer service based,” well-established, premier event in the golf and annual event. Each department plays their part in said Sue. turf industry – Harrogate Week. making Harrogate Week a success and ensuring “It’s important that we look after our existing Harrogate Week, Europe’s largest indoor turf the show grows in status year-on-year… exhibitors while also trying to develop the show event that combines both elements of turf and by introducing new stands and clients.” clubhouse management, has become a truly SALES/EXHIBITION There are many areas of Harrogate Week international event with 357 visitors travelling from that also need organising such as: Where the 30 overseas countries as far a field as Australia, The biggest department at BIGGA HOUSE, BIGGA stand will be situated, where the eateries South Africa, the USA and Japan. Sales, has the following staff: Rosie McGilvray, and café’s will be positioned and how they will Harrogate Week’s diversity is growing and Sales Manager; Pauline Thompson, Exhibition be promoted, and also what form the new ‘Social visitors from all areas of the sportsturf industry - Officer; Sue McDonough, Exhibition Sales; Kirstin Night’ will take around the show. as well as from farms & estates, local authorities Smith, Advertising Executive and Sharon Price, Sharon’s role is to help promote businesses and theme parks – will be attending the three Sales Executive. by giving them as many options and opportunities day exhibition and the five day world-renowned Sue McDonough works on the show all year as possible, be it website advertisements, show ‘Continue to Learn’ education programme. and her job takes on a cycle: “After each January leaflets or information around the halls. With 5500 buyers and over 150 exhibitors, show exhibitors are given until the end of February Kirstin works mainly on generating sales for attending every year. Harrogate Week’s strong to rebook their stand slot,” explained Sue, who this monthly publication, Greenkeeper International, brand provides a platform to build relationships spends much of her time during Harrogate Week, and advertisements pushing Harrogate Week and between exhibitors and visitors. With 5495 speaking to exhibitors about what they would exhibiting companies generally come in to play
Greenkeeper International 27 is also uploaded to the Harrogate Week website – www.harrogateweek.org.uk “We are also responsible for the coordination of the required audio visual during workshops and in the auditorium,” explained Sami. “We also make decisions regarding the catering arrangements, take bookings via post, phone and internet and produce marketing mail outs promoting the various courses.” Learning & Development also organise the Master Greenkeepers AGM and presentations for events such as: the Environment Competition, Toro Student of the Year, and to those who have Pauline Thompson, Exhibition Officer Sami Collins, Head of Learning & Development acquired new Master Greenkeepers status or
FEATURE achieved a CPD Diploma. in the December and January issues. “Once Harrogate Week is over, the Thursday “Badging for delegates and speakers is also Probably the biggest and most complicated evening and Friday morning take the same form a necessity which we organise, as well as sending role is that of Exhibition Officer, taken on by as build-up but in reverse,” explained Pauline, who the ‘Continue to Learn’ programme to America Pauline Thompson. is always keen to ensure that each show is more to have GCSAA credits assigned to courses, and Pauline is responsible for all the organisation, successful than the last. ensuring BASIS credits are also organised,” said contracts and bookings for the show. Back in the office Pauline starts the whole cycle Rachael. Her long annual ‘to do’ list includes organising again, and begins by collating attendance figures Sami and Rachael start work at 8am on security, temporary staff, first aid, the exhibitors and passing these onto the Sales team so they Sunday, January 18, and control and run the lounge, catering points and menu’s, internal and can, once again, begin selling stand space. entire ‘Continue to Learn’ programme throughout external signage, the park & ride, insurance, the Harrogate Week. Internet Café, marketing, registration, the show LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT guide, welcome packs…the list goes on and on! COMMUNICATIONS The Harrogate Week website also plays an The Learning & Development department important part in promoting the show, and Pauline consists of Sami Collins, Head of Learning & BIGGA’s Communications department, which is responsible for keeping this updated with the Development and Rachael Duffy, Learning & consists of Scott MacCallum, Communications latest show news. Development Administrator. Manager/Editor; Melissa Jones, Assistant Editor and Another form of show promotion are Sami and Rachael are responsible for Tom Campbell, Design and Production Editor, put advertisements within various publications. Harrogate Week’s ‘Continue to Learn’ education together articles, press releases and promotional “I work with our Designer, Tom, to ensure our programme. material to do with Harrogate Week. Harrogate Week adverts are eye-catching and the The department coordinate approximately Tom designs ‘The Definitive Guide to readers attention are drawn to them,” explained 65 speakers who run various workshops and Harrogate Week’, the ‘Show Guide’ and various Pauline. seminars. Around 24 of these people will be fringe advertisements/publicity material and signage Once Harrogate Week is upon us, Pauline has speakers – exhibitors given the opportunity to to promote the event. an early start on Saturday morning. “The first jobs run a free session. Scott and I write various articles, which for the contractors are to lay the carpets, measure Work starts 15-16 months prior to the show, feature within this publication, about the show. out floor space, build the stand shells, and then I “an outline for the 2009 education programme was And as well as this, it is our job to email out press begin to schedule the lorries in,” said Pauline. drawn up in October 2007,” said Sami. “Ideas were releases, help put together the Harrogate Week The Sunday sees the middle of each hall finalised in March 2008, they would normally be newsletters, and organise the set up of the Media filled, with the space and removal lorries being shown to the education sub-committee, before we Centre, taking bookings for press conferences, coordinated by Pauline and Mike Coleman, Floor go full steam ahead and invite the speakers.” compiling media packs and ensuring the smooth Manager. Monday morning is generally when the ‘The Definitive Guide to Harrogate Week 2009’ running of the media centre. smaller stands begin to arrive and by the Monday brochure, which details the full ‘Continue to Learn’ After each show we have a departmental evening everything is set up and ready. education programme and any fringe seminars de-brief to discuss ways in which we can keep Once the show is underway, Pauline spends booked before it is published, was written in June on improving the facilities. much of her time coordinating the main office, ’08, designed August ’08 and went out with the inspecting areas from a health & safety perspective October edition of Greenkeeper International – it ACCOUNTS and dealing with any queries. BIGGA’s accounts department, which consists of Stephen Coates, Accountant and Tracey Tyerman, Assistant Accountant, are responsible for organising the BIGGA stand as well as collecting and paying out money. “Our role doesn’t just involve dealing with money,” said Steve. “We organise the BIGGA stand design and arrange what equipment needs to be hired, ensuring tills/PDQ machines are also ordered.” Steve attends planning meetings at BIGGA HQ, and Tracey and he arrange all the invoicing for the seminars/workshops, advertising/sponsorship and stand space. The hire of Harrogate International Sue McDonough, Rachael Duffy, Exhibition Sales Learning & Development Administrator Centre is also paid for prior to the show.
28 Greenkeeper International HARROGATE WEEK CHECKLIST PA/SECRETARY
Just incase your mind is still crammed with Christmas memories and aching from New Year This year Sandra Raper has been responsible Celebrations, we thought we’d offer you a helping hand by putting together a checklist to ensure for organising an event which is new to Harrogate you make the most of Europe’s largest indoor turf event, Harrogate Week: Week - BIGGA Social Night. Taking place on Tuesday, January 20, from 7pm until 10.30pm, the Social Night replaces the q Invite Chairman of Green and Secretary banquet that used to take place on the Thursday q Book Seminar and Workshop places through BIGGA HQ evening after the show. q Sandra sourced the entertainment – casino Plan which Fringe Seminars to attend tables, arcade games etc, and also picked the q Book Social Night tickets through BIGGA HQ menu for the social night. q Sandra compiles agendas and takes minutes Confirm travel arrangements for Board meetings and AGM’s prior to, and during, q Have blazer dry cleaned the show and helps out with various pieces of FEATURE q Log on to www.harrogateweek.org.uk for the latest Exhibition news admin such as sending out invitations for the Past Chairman’s reception and the Bernhard’s q Email friends and arrange to meet & Co reception. q Check hotel reservation MEMBERSHIP q Create a wish list of the new course equipment and services q Confirm with Treasurer how much money you have in the budget The membership department, which consists of Tracey Maddison, Head of Membership Services; q Decide which companies you must see during the Exhibition and plan itinerary Justine De Taure, Membership Services Officer, and q Do some homework to ensure you get maximum benefit from your chosen workshops Brad Anderson, Membership Services Administrator, q play a part in the annual show coming to fruition, Buy a winter coat, scarf and gloves (it’s cold in Yorkshire!) by sitting on various panels and helping to decide q Check how many CPD points you need to remain on schedule how the BIGGA stand will look. q However, the membership departments work Prepare your palate for the taste of Black Sheep and Theakston’s Old Peculiar really begins once the show is underway. The staff q Ask your neighbour to look after any pets are on hand to help with membership renewals, to q Put out the rubbish generate new members, and discuss any issues or queries members may have.
Greenkeeper International 29 A QUICK GUIDE TO… STORING OILS ARE YOU UP TO DATE WITH
FEATURE THE LATEST REGULATIONS?
The problem with regulations is that the way in which they are explained can make them appear far more onerous than is actually the case. This, however, is no excuse for quietly ignoring them. Golf courses with an ageing diesel storage tank should have been made aware of changes made in the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001 by their fuel supplier. In outline, a diesel storage tank that does not meet current requirements should not be filled with fuel by the supplier’s tanker driver. The nature of customer relations, however, Storage of petrol is covered by a completely different A self-contained bunded diesel tank can be purchased can lead to a blind eye being turned, with some set of regulations than diesel. Anyone looking into off-the-peg, with designs including units from 1,000 courses possibly ‘getting away’ with a tank that petrol storage needs to take specialist advice. litres capacity. Steel or plastic tanks are readily does not meet more recent regulations. The available, with a choice of filling systems that will fact that a farmer may still use a pier mounted include those with metering units and automatic single skin diesel storage tank with a gravity nozzles. Pictured steel unit comes with integral mounting skids. filler hose system and no bund is not a relevant argument either; different regulations apply to agriculture. Containers, bunds and drip trays and other equipment, other than fill pipes or There are more general oil storage regulations draw-off pipes or pumps, within the SCS. Where that will also apply to lubricating and hydraulic You must use oil containers, and this relates to a fill pipe is not within the SCS, a drip tray must be oils. All aim to ensure that oil is safely stored diesel and other oils, that are strong enough and used to catch any oil spilled when the container is and the risk of pollution is minimised. These that are unlikely to burst or leak during ordinary being filled. You should make sure this drip tray is regulations will apply to essentially any type of use. Leaky fuel cans break the rules in other clean and empty before each delivery. oil stored in: words. In Scotland this is the key requirement for Explained like this, it all sounds very • tanks portable oil containers with a capacity less than complicated. In practice, it is not that difficult to • intermediate bulk containers 200 litres. In England, you must store containers meet all the requirements, but it could involve • oil drums within a drip tray, bund or any other suitable buying a new fuel storage tanks and investing • mobile fuel bowsers secondary containment system or SCS for short. in a system in which drums of oil can be safely In England, the Oil Storage Regulations may Any SCS should contain any oil that escapes from stored. For the latter, your local oil supplier or apply to oils stored above ground outside in its container. equipment dealer should be able to help out with containers with a capacity exceeding 200 litres. For oil tanks, intermediate bulk containers and affordable systems. In Scotland the regulations will affect you if you mobile bowsers, your SCS must be able to hold: With regard to diesel storage tanks, self- store oil of any kind at your premises, regardless • at least 110% of the volume of any single contained bunded tanks, made from steel or of the volume. container in the storage area, or plastic, are readily available in capacities from The Oil Storage Regulations do not apply in • if there is more than one container, at least around 1,000 litres. A critical design aspect of the same way in Northern Ireland and Wales, but it 110% of the largest container’s storage volume, these modern units is that the delivery hose and remains best practice to meet the requirements of or at least 25% of their total volume (whichever nozzle, along with any metering device, are all the regulations to prevent pollution. As an incentive, is greater). stored within the tank bund and can typically be remember you are committing an offence if you For drum storage your drip tray must be able locked away to help prevent unauthorised use cause pollution, either deliberately or accidentally. to hold at least 25% of the total storage capacity or vandal attack. If oil from your site, or under your care, causes of the drums. For fuel oil, you must ensure that the You will have a choice of hand pump or pumped pollution, you may be prosecuted and fined. base and walls of your bunds are impermeable system, the latter coming with a choice of mains Bear in mind that any oil storage tanks to water and oil. The base and walls must not or battery power. A self-pumping system with are considered a significant risk if they are less be penetrated by any opening that is used for automatic nozzle is recommended as it will help than: draining the system either. The aim is to make reduce the chance of fuel spills. It is well worth • 10 metres away from any surface water or sure they really are sealed. specifying a tank with an integral fuel delivery wetlands What is often not considered is the need to meter fitted. This will enable you to monitor fuel • 50 metres away from any well or borehole. locate all valves, filters, sight gauges, vent pipes use more accurately.
30 Greenkeeper International Experience the Real thing!
Win a fantastic weekend courtesy of Rigby Taylor Every visitor* to the Rigby Taylor stand during Harrogate The winner will have category one seats in the middle Week will have the opportunity of entering a free competition section of the fantastic Santiago Bernabéu stadium, enjoying to win a weekend in Spain’s capital city, Madrid. one of the best views of the pitch at what is hoped to be one of the games of the season. But this is not just any weekend, as the winner will receive a pair of tickets for the top ‘La To take the opportunity of winning this Liga’ match played on Sunday 3rd May fabulous prize, just visit the Rigby Taylor between two of the worlds most exciting Stand C23 where staff will be on hand teams, Real Madrid and Barcelona! to explain how to enter. This fantastic prize includes tickets for the The competition will be held on the first match, scheduled flights with British two days of the exhibition (20/21 Airways, two nights in single rooms in one Stand C23 January) and the prize-winner will be of Madrid’s top hotels, breakfast and Rigby Taylor Ltd announced at 4.45pm on the transfers to and from the airport. Wednesday. www.rigbytaylor.com
* Only bona fida, practicing greenkeepers, groundsmen, landscapers and local authority amenity employees will be eligible to enter. FEATURE
THE DELEGATION 10 BIGGA members will be travelling to this year’s GCSAA Golf Industry Show in New Orleans, as part of a Delegation thanks to Bernhard & Co. Melissa Jones reveals the lucky candidates…
Once again 10 BIGGA members will About the Golf Industry Show be flown to the United States for the Several special features will spice up the floor experience of a lifetime, thanks to the The Golf Industry Show is an innovative trade in 2009: three networking parks, an interactive sponsorship of Bernhard & Co. While show designed for the owners/operators of golf construction project and an indoor range. in New Orleans, they will visit local facilities, and the professional members of the GIS is presented by the Golf Course golf courses, attend seminars, meet golf course and club management industries. Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), with Superintendents to discuss how Like our very own Harrogate Week, the event the National Golf Course Owners Association greenkeepers operate on the other combines education, networking and solutions (NGCOA) and the Club Managers Association of side of the pond, attend functions and, for Golf Course Superintendents, Owners/ America (CMAA), along with other supporting of course, be able to take in the GIS Operators, General Managers, Chief Operating organisations. (Golf Industry Show) Conference and Officers, Architects and Builders. The 2009 event will take place from February Exhibition. The 2009 trade show floor layout is designed 5-7 and is to be held at New Orleans Morial to benefit every member of the golf facility team, Convention Center. More than 25,000 golf industry and is segmented by products and services professionals are expected to attend this year’s show, into three distinct areas: golf course solutions, which will feature more than 900 exhibitors. clubhouse solutions, and range and outdoor Conferences. GCSAA’s conference will take facility solutions. place from February 2 to 7.
32 Greenkeeper International The Delegation Deputy Head Greenkeeper in 2003, and in 2006 he was promoted to Head Greenkeeper. Name: Stephen Chappell “I will use this experience to speak to as many Club: Neath Name: Graham Pickin people as possible, listen and learn, so that I may Position: Club: Thornhurst Park bring back any knowledge and ideas, and implement Head Greenkeeper Position: Course Manager them on my golf course,” said John. Stephen briefly worked as a groundsman Graham has a HNC in Golf Course Management before commencing his greenkeeping career in and has been at Thornhurst Park Golf Club for Name: Jim Brown 1988 at Bath Golf Club. the last eight years, where he is responsible for Club: De Vere Oulton Hall “I would like to be selected as part of the managing a team of six greenkeepers, plus one Position: Golf Courses BIGGA delegation because I feel I would be able gardener, and maintaining an 18 hole course. & Estate Manager to represent our Association in an honest, friendly “The trip will undoubtedly open my mind to and professional manner. new techniques and thinking, and I would pass this Jim is a qualified D32-D33 NVQ assessor and “I will share my experience by giving a talk information on to my staff,” said Graham. L12 trainer with the GTC. He was also nominated at the South Wales education seminar which FEATURE “It will revitalise me as a greenkeeper – to represent Askham Bryan College in the 1992 we hold annually, each spring. I will also use the every time I go to a show or demonstration, my Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year awards. experience to try to inspire and develop other enthusiasm levels go through the roof.” “Obviously the BIGGA delegation members greenkeepers, young and old, to get involved in are encouraged to participate in full interaction the Association and to better their own careers,” with our US colleagues, that experience will not be said Stephen. wasted – benefiting not only myself, Oulton Hall Name: Andrew Boyce and hopefully the American greenkeepers I meet. Club: Bath Also with my willingness to harness the new ideas Position: Course Manager and knowledge I pick up from the visit, then use Name: Robert Sandilands them in my environment, I will share them with Club: Elsham Andrew began his career as a trainee at my colleagues back home,” enthused Jim. Position: Bath Golf Club, at the age of 16. He then went Deputy Head Greenkeeper into full time greenkeeper training at Sparsholt College, with a year placement at Salisbury and Robert has a BTEC National Diploma in South Wilts Golf Club. Before returning to Bath Name: Nicholas Miles Forestry and Environmental Studies, and a BSc Golf Club as a Deputy Course Manager, Andrew Club: Market Harborough in Rural Resource Management. worked as an Assistant at Lansdowne and a First Position: Course Manager “I am a forward thinking young Deputy, eager Assistant at Castle Combe. Six years ago he was to learn and pick up new ideas and techniques promoted to Course Manager. Nicholas, who began his greenkeeping career to aid and improve our course and my skills in “The opportunity to mix, not only with BIGGA at Hellidon Lakes, has a HND in Golf Course general,” said Robert. delegates, but also Superintendents state side, Management from Reaseheath College. “This trip will be a unique opportunity to boost will not be wasted on me, and I could bring much “I am looking forward to experiencing the my skills and experience, and will be invaluable to the group while away and also to others on my golf show State side, and seeing how education to someone of my age and current experience. I return,” said Andrew. is taught over there. I would also like to see how will share my new ideas with current and future a golf course is managed and the facilities made workmates for the benefit of the course and golf available to the greenkeepers,” said Nicholas. club as a whole.” “I believe the whole trip will be invaluable in Name: Richard Cutler terms of experience gained – learning how a golf Club: La Moye course is maintained on differing budgets would Position: Course Manager be an eye opening experience.” Name: Chris Haspell Club: Castle Stuart Richard has an ILM SVQ Level IV in Management, Golf Links gained at Elmwood College and before joining La Name: Derek Robson Position: Course Manager Moye last year, held the role of Course Manager Club: The Dukes, at Montrose Links for five years. St Andrews Chris, who has designed and constructed six “I will use this experience to broaden my Position: golf courses in Denmark, moved to Scotland in knowledge of turfgrass management and industry Head Greenkeeper 2006 to manage the turf at Castle Stuart Golf Links developments, to network with other greenkeepers and the course itself opened last summer. and industry specialists, and to help show how Derek joined The Dukes as First Assistant “I feel the ideas picked up on the trip will professional UK greenkeepers can be,” said before being promoted to Deputy, then Head benefit the operation at Castle Stuart, from tee Richard. Greenkeeper within two and a half years. markers to fertilisers and from hydroponics to In 2008 The Dukes hosted the Scottish agronomics. I will use his experience to collect Amateur Strokeplay which, after re-building data and ideas, and to forge connections around Name: John Keenaghan four greens in the winter of 07/08, was a real the UK and Europe, and of course the USA,” Club: Chipping Sodbury challenge to have them grown in time for the said Chris. Position: Amateur, “but one which my team relished and Head Greenkeeper a superb achievement,” said Derek. “I view the trip as an excellent educational Education Conferences John began his career as a Greenkeeping experience and one which will be beneficial, not Assistant in 1996 at Filton Golf Club, where he only to me, but also to my team and the local Along with the show, GCSAA, NGCOA stayed until 1999. John worked at three other BIGGA Central Section, which we are very proud and CMAA will be presenting their annual golf clubs before joining Chipping Sodbury as a of,” enthused Derek. Education
Greenkeeper International 33 34170 LM A4 Ad 2:Layout 1 19/11/08 14:41 Page 1 Greenkeeper Training COLLEGE LISTINGS
BIGGA is actively involved in raising the standard of Greenkeeper meets the criteria laid down by the GTC. There is a clear link between Training. The Association is a member of the Greenkeepers’ Training education, training and economic success and all clubs should invest in Committee and strives to enhance the level of education through various the education of their staff. means, including Section, Regional and National workshops, seminars and conferences.
The range and quality of training now available throughout the UK means there is a training course for every greenkeeper. This should Sami Collins improve the quality of greenkeeping and help to produce better quality Head of Learning & Development golf courses to the benefit of all within the industry. British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association Tel: 01347 833800 Golf Course Managers should ensure that their staff are trained to Email: [email protected] the highest standards. This begins by selecting a training provider that Website: www.bigga.org.uk
SCOTLAND
Information: Full time National Certificate Greenkeeping. Block release: SVQ level II, level III, level IV. Block release and workbased options available. SVQ IV ILM Management, HNC & HND Golf Course Management available as full time and online distance learning. Golf Course Environmental Studies, Construction & Design Management online learning courses. HNC & HND Golf Facility Management. PDA for Football, Cricket Management. SVQ level II & III Landbased Service Engineers and Golf Course Mechanics course. BTLIA Irrigation Management block course various times throughout the year. FEPA and COSHH Health & Safety courses available. Chainsaw, Tree Climbing and Rescue Techniques.
Information: Full-time National Certificate in Greenkeeping: SVQ Level II and GTC Manual (Day and Block Release) SVQ Level 3 Sports Turf (Day Release) And Fast Track options. Svq Level III in Service engineering, full range of amenity Horticulture, Landscaping and other Landbased subjects at HND And HNC and National Certificate and SVQ Levels: Short Courses NPTC/Lantra Short courses in Spraying, Chainsaw, Turf Maintenance Equipment, ATV etc.
Greenkeeper International 35 WALES ENGLAND COLLEGE LISTINGS
TRAINING PROVIDERS/ COURSES GUIDE
A full list of GTC approved training providers can be obtained from the GTC.
The Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC) are continually reviewing the approved status of training providers offering greenkeeper training courses. For more information contact the GTC on: 01347 838640 or visit: www.the-gtc.co.uk Study PRESTON • ENGLAND Contact: Will Bowden online Tel: 01278 441234 Fax: 01278 444363 Email: [email protected] Degrees in Sportsturf www.bridgwater.ac.uk
Myerscough College is one of the UK’s leading centres Information: NVQ 2 & 3 apprentice scheme, NVQ 2 & 3 programme-led (new 2009) certificate of higher education in Sports Turf Management, BTEC in of excellence for the delivery of Higher Education Golf Studies (new 2009). FEPA training, Chainsaw certification, Greenkeepers courses in Sportsturf and Turfgrass Science. Mechanics training. Applications are now invited for the following programmes Note the certificate of higher education and the foundation degree are available as part time options. starting in September 2009 Foundation Degree in Sportsturf Full-time or online study DUCHY COLLEGE BSc (Hons) Turfgrass Cornwall’s College of the Countryside Science Duchy College, Stoke Climsland, Callington, Cornwall, PL17 8PB Full-time or online study Duchy College, Rosewarne, Cambourne, Cornwall, TR14 0AB Contact: Liz Clarkson Join students from across the Tel: 01579 372345/07785 105087 Email: [email protected] world, studying in their own time, Contact: Claire Bennetts using our unique web-based Tel 01209 722109/07824 626363 Email: [email protected] online learning network. Website: www.duchy.ac.uk
Myerscough College’s degree Information: Duchy College offers NVQ 1, 2 & 3 in Amenity Horticulture (inc Sports programmes are validated by the Turf), HNC Horticulture, NC and ANC Horticulture, RHS Level 2 and Advanced University of Central Lancashire Certificate, BSc (Hons) Horticulture. We also offer Institute of Leadership and Management courses to Greenkeepers, together with workshops in Business Skills. For more information contact Course Enquiries on Short courses in pesticides, plant machinery, vehicles, forestry and arboriculture 01995 642211 or visit www.myerscough.ac.uk are also available
36 Greenkeeper International ENGLAND COLLEGE LISTINGS Information: NVQs (Levels 2 and 3), Apprenticeships and work-based learning courses available in Greenkeeping, Landscaping and Groundsmanship. We also offer a range of short courses, for example, Health & Safety, COSHH, Chainsaw use, Welding and Pesticide Application. Additionally, full and part-time courses (post GCSE through to degree level) are available in horticulture and a variety of other land-based subjects.
Contact: Information, Guidance and Admissions on 01483 884040, email: [email protected]. Website: www.guildford.ac.uk. Information: Part-time courses: NVQ Level 2 Sportsturf college day release and workplace visits/assessments, New Level 2 Sportsturf in conjunction with IOG / NPTC, NVQ Level 3 Sportsturf on-line distance learning , Level 3 National Award college day release for those without qualified workplace assessors, Foundation Degree and BSc (Hons) in Horticulture (Sports Turf), plus various NPTC short courses including Irrigation Certificate Course, Turf Maintenance NVQ4 Equipment and Operation of Mowers throughout the year. Please contact us for up-to-date listings, qualifications and advice. Open evenings are held regularly at the Campus.
RODBASTEN COLLEGE Penkridge, Staffordshire, ST19 5 PH Contact: Keith Ellis Tel: 01785 712209 Fax: 01785 715701 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rodbaston.ac.uk Information: Rodbaston College offers an extensive range of courses, full, part time and day release. Full time programmes include; NPTC Skills for Life, Level One, 1st Diploma, National Award, National Certificate and National Diploma. Higher Education programmes can be studied on a part time basis and include Introductory Diploma Foundation Degree and the Bsc in Horticulture. Work based learning is available at NVQ 1, NVQ 2 and NVQ 3 and Rodbaston offers very extensive Train2Gain provision. Sports turf and green keeping can be studied to NVQ 2 and NVQ 3 level on a day release basis. The college offers a wide transport network to its learners as well as residential accommodation on site.
Contact: Andrew Wight Telephone: 01727 737735 Email: [email protected] Web: www.oaklands.ac.uk
Information Full time courses: National Certificate in Sports Turf Management and Horticulture. Part Time courses: NVQ L2/3 in Greenkeeping, Lantra work based Apprenticeship. Short courses: NPTC PA1/2/6 and Chainsaw CS30.1 and CS30.2
Greenkeeper International 37 BIGGA Membership Greenkeeping can offer you a career for life and a lifetime of learning
Student Membership of BIGGA Harrogate Week BIGGA MEMBERSHIP (for those studying full-time) Entry to a world class trade event. The Trade Exhibition Greenkeeping is a rewarding and challenging career choice for all has over 200 exhibitors and 8,500 visitors. There ages and abilities from school leavers to those considering a career can be no better place to ‘Continue to Learn’ than change, let BIGGA help you develop your career as a greenkeeper by taking part in the education programme. Students will find much that becoming a Student Member. will demand their attention including seminars of specific interest. On production of your Student membership card you can attend the Membership of BIGGA will provide you with: - seminars FREE of charge. Not to mention the fantastic networking opportunities available throughout the whole of this week, another Greenkeeper International valuable way of learning…from those already in the industry.
The Association’s much read magazine packed with up to the minute On Course Field Guides information and features providing you with valuable research and perhaps even helping you with your assignments. Delivered FREE to To aid with your study further, Student members are entitled to receive a you door monthly. FREE copy of each of the field guides available in the series. Produced in a handy to use and read format. Thanks to the contributors to the BIGGA Membership Handbook Education and Development Fund there are five in the series: -
Providing you with an extensive guide to the products and services • Golf Course Grasses; relating to the fine turf industry and the contact deails of the major • Identification and uses of the main grasses found in golf companies supplying those products and services. The Handbook also course rough; includes a comprehensive greenkeeper membership section. • Identification of trees and shrubs on the golf course; • Identification of damage caused by mammals and birds; • The major diseases and pests of fine turf.
BIGGA Lending Library
Can’t find the book you require in your local library or College Resource Centre? Why not check our library listing to see if the BIGGA lending library stocks the title for which you are looking? The lending library is available to all BIGGA members, allowing them to borrow up to two books for up six weeks, the only cost is return postage.
BIGGA Website
Check out the latest Jobs online by visiting www.bigga.org.uk
Application Form - for an application form either download a form from the BIGGA website at www.bigga.org.uk/join/membership- forms/ or contact the membership team on 01347 833800 option 1 for membership.
38 Greenkeeper International The DelIGHTS OF CLAY By Ronnie Bunting FEATURE
At Ballochmyle Golf Club in wettest slow the game down excessively. To achieve this areas even further than I achieve by the starvation Ayrshire, I manage a 75-year-old we hire a flail cutter collector and remove large theory described earlier. I now fit my Gammbetti parkland course with the heaviest clay volumes of clippings every September, not an 300lt boom sprayer with Hardi Quintastream structure imaginable for nearly four easy task given the shorter daylight hours and nozzles (used in agriculture for fertilising) the years. Field drains of clay horseshoe constant precipitation keeping all things wet. All boom height set at 75cm and the sprayer set to type tiles installed during the middle of the while continuing the necessary course work operate at two bar at the nozzle, this pressure is the 19th century, four to five foot deep of regular cutting, aeration, top dressing not to sufficient to stop any drift “most important” as backfilled with the clay that was dug mention holidays, illness etc. I then add 1.5lt glyosphate (total herbicide) and out to put them in. Trees have been By starving these areas we are thinning the spray the rough. Needless to say timing should be planted with the intention of separating sward of undesirable species, Yorkshire fog and before the grass reaches the seed head stage, as holes but have actually succeeded other soft rank grass types, to leave the finer the seed heads are important for definition and in blocking almost every drain on the fescues and wild flowers. In doing so we are spraying must be done in straight lines. course, I’m sure you get the picture. creating environmental habitat areas that act I spray at right angles to the direction in which Having said that, we have a tight pleasant as wildlife corridors and a sward thin enough the hole is played therefore the discolouration isn’t atmospheric course to enjoy when the golfing for players to see their ball bounce from the obvious from a distance. It may seem drastic to Gods are with us. wayward shot. some who don’t appreciate the circumstances The definition created by the uncut rough, but We now have areas that both enhance the but over the last two years the golfers and I are sparse enough to allow a ball to bounce therefore, scenic values of the course and define clearly very pleased with the results. is more easily found but still clearly not where where a player doesn’t want his ball to be. This It also means we improve the drying potential you want to be. makes the entire golf experience much more letting air into the base of the plant (very important I have endeavoured to define various holes rewarding or should I say frustrating? when it comes to cutting) and reducing the quantity by leaving areas of uncut rough that, when the As referred to earlier, the logistics behind this of the grass removed lessening traffic damage seed heads and flowers appear, creates a visual management can be daunting but I have come up when cutting and golfers don’t get quite as wet hazard, improves the degree of difficulty and doesn’t with an idea that helps! I want to thin out these when searching for their ball.
Greenkeeper International 39 40 Greenkeeper International BY GEORGE! The latest recipient of the BIGGA Lifetime Achievement Award is Turnberry’s George Brown. Scott MacCallum visited him to talk about his life and times. FEATURE
George Brown was born into the golf business. His dad was Caddie Master at Prince’s Golf Club, in Sandwich, his mum was a Cook in the Club kitchen, while young George was a Caddie Boy before he started as a greenkeeper as soon as he’d finished school. You certainly wouldn’t need too much time staring at tea leaves to determine that the game would play a significant role in his life. However, the extent to which George would make an impact on the game itself would have been less easy to predict. He has gone from caddying for the great and the good to playing with Champions, Presidents and Princes and is known and respected throughout the world of golf as the face of Turnberry. Indeed, when he retires, after this year’s Championship, at the age of 71, he is being retained by the new owners, Leisurecorp, as an Ambassador/ Consultant for the Resort. Sitting in the magnificent Turnberry Clubhouse we reflected on a life that has seen George, Golf Courses and Estates Manager, steer the iconic world-renowned Resort through the last two and a half decades and four different owners. It is a measure of his achievement that the Ailsa Course, venue for this July’s Open Championship, is currently ranked best in the country by two leading golf magazines. He also found the time to commit to the BIGGA National Chairmanship in 2003, one of the most traumatic and difficult years in the Association’s history. George is the latest recipient of the BIGGA Lifetime Achievement Award following Sir Michael Bonallack OBE; Walter Woods BEM and Jack McMillan MBE onto the Roll of Honour. “I’m not often lost for words but when John Pemberton gave me the news I was genuinely gobsmacked. I just feel most humble to get it. In Lady Astor, the first lady MP, among others – he golf courses – Princes, St George’s and Cinque many ways I’m not sure I deserve it as there are moved on to the greens crew. Ports - and I was in the Artisans’ Section of them many other guys I know who have done so much “There were times in the long hot summers all. It was 10 shillings for each, per annum, so for more for BIGGA than I have and who have gone at Princes, pushing that mower up and down with £1.50 in today’s money I had the choice of three unrecognised,” said George no engine, that I thought there must be something Open Championship venues and could play every “I’ve just been so fortunate in my career really better than this,” said George, who also recalls night of the week.” going back over 50 years not just in greenkeeping, being extremely fit, and thin, at the time. Becoming a professional was an option and it but in golf in general.” One thing he did feel extremely fortunate was a losing bet that saw George move to become Having started as a caddie at the age of 13 or about was his own golf. a pro/greenkeeper at his next club. 14 – he carried for Douglas Bader and Viscountess “I lived right in the middle of three famous Kent “In the early 60s I played with Mike Ingham,
Greenkeeper International 41 with the triplex, then rushing off to the next county the course was beginning to burn up but that he to be on the tee for 9.30 to play 36 holes for Kent resisted watering. They then had 50 mil of rain before driving home again.” over the next four days and he read in the papers He left Princes in 1979 to go to Broome Park that Turnberry had a new irrigation system and Golf & Country Club as Director of Golf. that the course was too green as a result! “It was a Donald Steel designed course with “People talk about sustainability, education squash and tennis courts, a swimming pool and and training but when it comes to actual playing time share development and was one of the most conditions it’s the man upstairs who has the upmarket golf and country clubs in the country last word.” at the time. During his time at Turnberry George has played “I carried out the role of the Secretary, with a host of luminaries and such is his easy booking in the golf societies and running the golf manner he has been an ideal partner for anyone tournaments. It was my first management job and from Prince Andrew and President Bill Clinton to a real challenge. I’ve worked under some excellent young assistants at Section events. He has also
FEATURE General Managers and Marketing Departments played with Champions such as Gary Player, Bobby and learned an awful lot,” he said. Locke, Max Falconer and Sandy Lyle. However, it was when he became responsible George was BIGGA National Chairman in for the bars and restaurants as well that it started 2003, the year in which BIGGA’s first Executive to get too much and he was delighted when he got Director, Neil Thomas, was to be struck down a call asking if he’d like to take up the challenge with a brain tumour which was to cost him his of getting Turnberry ready for the 1986 Open. The life in early 2004. previous Course Manager, Russell Brown, who, “It was a difficult year for everyone with coincidentally, had followed George as Course Neil’s illness – his family, the BIGGA staff and Manager at Princes, sadly died in November myself. I was with Neil in America and Canada, 1985. he always organised everything down to the last “I don’t know really why I was in the frame ‘T’,” said George. for the job, although most of my experience had “One of the things I’m proud of is that I was been on links courses, but the call came at the instrumental in the appointment of John (Pemberton) right time as I was ready for a move,” he said, and we’ve got a lot to thank John, and the Board, although knowledge of his soon-to-be new home for in steering us through these difficult times was fairly scant. which are likely only to get more difficult.” “I knew very little about Turnberry. To be honest George has some thoughts on those members I had to get out the map to pin it down. who see the Chairman’s role as elitist and just When he arrived the hotel was about to be a jolly. closed for refurbishment – much as it is at the “I certainly didn’t need the Chairmanship moment – and George was the only resident. for my CV. It is very time consuming and a huge “I can remember looking out over the golf responsibility. Some of those who criticise the courses, the lighthouse and the Clyde and thinking role should give it a shot because it’s easy to an ‘This will do me’.” armchair critic,” said George, who does advise And do him it has. anyone who undertakes committee or voluntary a Button Boy and one of the longest hitters in the With a current staff of 32 including mechanics, work to remember that their day job should country, several nights a week and there was not a admin staff and gardeners it has moved on from always come first. lot in the results. He said I was wasting my time in ’86 when with The Open looming he had one “My work has always been my priority and greenkeeping and that I should try and get a job as experienced man on the team, his Assistant, a very people who forget that have often lost their jobs. a professional. He bet me half a crown that I could young Derek Wilson, who is now Course Manager I’ve been very fortunate that I had the full support and I bet him the same amount that I couldn’t. The at Bogside, the rest of the team comprised of of my General Manager, Stewart Selbie, and also first job that came up was for pro/greenkeeper mainly YTS guys. from my three Head Greenkeepers, Martin Lothian, at a nine hole course in Alton, Hampshire. I went “It was a fantastic Open. The boys all rallied Jimmy Johnstone and Tom Cuthill - not forgetting for the job, got it so lost the bet.” round and worked very hard and between us we Jim Campbell, our mechanic, and, the one who Ironically it was the lack of playing opportunities put on a good show,” recalled George, who still keeps everyone and everything in order, Jackie that decided George to move on from Alton. has many of those guys on his current crew. McDowall, our Secretary.” “They were good times and a nice part of the The ‘86 Open will be remembered for Greg The fact that he loves his work so much has world to work. They didn’t have a push mower. At Norman’s win, and a stunning 63 in the second made it such a pleasure for him. Alton it was an Atco – with an engine – so I was round, and it produced a superb leaderboard “As a young man I was keen on fishing and going up in the world, but all my pals were playing with Woosnam, Langer, Faldo, Ballesteros and hunting so I could have been just as happy being golf at the weekends while I was working in the Zoeller all finishing in the top 10. Norman’s 63 a Gillie or a Gamekeeper. I’ve combined a hobby shop and I didn’t like that.” included a makeable putt miss on the 17th and with my living. How lucky can you get.” His next move, in the early 70s was back to three putts on the last. In the run up to the 2009 Open, George is Kent to work on a private estate for a wealthy family “One of the finest rounds of golf I’ve every seen working alongside his recently appointed successor, before returning to Princes, this time as the boss, under the conditions,” said George, who recalls poor Euan Grant, who will shadow George until after The and it coincided with the arrival of the triplex. weather, narrow fairways and tough rough. Open when he will take over permanently. “We didn’t have many staff at the beginning He also remembers one particular newspaper “My one wish for the year is that our new – just four including my young brother-in-law, featuring Seve praising the course to the hilt on the owners, Leisurecorp, and all the staff at Turnberry. Chris Latham, who is now at Broome Park Golf Tuesday and then proclaiming it impossible and a have a fantastic and successful Open and that we & Country Club, and Chris Allen, who is now in joke two days later, in the same paper. all get the results we are looking for.” Sussex - but I well remember getting up at 3.30 His second Open in ’94, won by Nick Price, After over 50 years in the business George on some Sunday mornings, cutting all 18 greens he remembers how that during the week before does not deserve anything less.
42 Greenkeeper International
FEATURE
David Golding (centre) with Steve Prinn from Askham Bryan College (left) and Danny Burrows, Course Manager at Flaxby Golf Club FRENCH STUDENTS HELP WITH ENGLISH DIPLOMA
As from September 2009, 14-19 year learning but the key to the Diploma, vocational have tended to fall into two categories: either olds, in England and Wales, have qualifications including the apprenticeship is the both enthusiastic and hardworking, or have made had the opportunity to complete a on-the-job work experience. However, as an industry, no secret of the fact that they would rather be at recognised work-based Environmental it is essential that we are not only prepared for home on the Playstation! and Land-based Diploma qualification. how this will affect the future of greenkeeping, but “Over the past month Flaxby Park Golf Club The Greenkeepers Training Committee’s also embrace it as an exciting opportunity which has had two French horticulture students, David Education Director, David Golding, has been will benefit the trainee, existing greenkeeping Coudray and Sebastian Shvent, for work experience. involved in discussions with the Lantra Sector staff and the golf club as a whole. When I was approached by their tutors at Askham Skills Council to ensure the Sports Turf sector is An excellent example of how an employer Bryan College, over the phone, I was concerned represented at Diploma development meetings and in partnership with a GTC Approved Training about the practicalities of this arrangement: has clearly identified the new option for youngsters Provider can benefit all concerned came to light could they speak English? Where would they as a pathway for a longer-term ambition to join when David Golding discussed the new Diploma stay? How would they get to work? How much the greenkeeping profession. with Danny Burrows, Course Manager at Flaxby do we pay them? And, most importantly, would Within the greenkeeping industry we have Park Golf Club in North Yorkshire. they be any good? However, a meeting with their long been used to staff completing work-based Danny now takes up the story: tutor from Askham Bryan and a tutor from their qualifications such as the NVQ and the established “At Flaxby Park Golf Club we have had many French college quickly set my mind at rest. Yes, Sports Turf Apprenticeship. Dependant on the work experience students since we opened in at least one would have a good basic knowledge Approved Training Provider, delivery of the vocational 2004, usually for two weeks from local schools. of English; they would stay at the college and qualifications and apprenticeship can vary from Some students leave knowing that greenkeeping be transported via minibus each morning even part-time learning off the job, whereby trainee is not for them, while others have left thinking starting at 6:30am. The only thing to concern greenkeepers attend college for block placements that a career in greenkeeping may be something me was what sort of workers they would be, no of academic-based learning, or 100% on the job worth considering. The students we have had one knew, as no one ever does when they have
44 Greenkeeper International a work experience student or a new worker starting. One of the biggest advantages was that we didn’t have to pay them, so were getting their skills for nothing. “On their first day, I welcomed them and introduced them to the other staff. With my poor knowledge of French and Sebastian’s basic English, undertaking the Health and Safety induction, fire safety and risk assessments were somewhat of a challenge and involved a lot of pointing and actions! Coming from a horticultural background their interest and eagerness was clear from the outset, regardless of the language barrier, and they were keen to get actively involved in all aspects
of practical greenkeeping. FEATURE “Because David and Sebastian were only with us for a month, their greenkeeping tasks were limited to those of general maintenance such as switching greens, raking bunkers, changing holes but all training was based on the standards French students with Danny Burrows (right) on the course at Flaxby Golf Course within the GTC’s training manual. “Bearing in mind that it takes at least a “Also at Flaxby we have Matt, from King are working on, as most managers know you can couple of weeks for experienced greenkeepers to James High School in Knaresborough, doing never have enough staff.” confidently navigate around a 27-hole golf course, extended work experience every Tuesday until David Golding adds, “following on from my David and Sebastian’s work ethic during the month further notice. With Matt only being there for discussions with Danny we are now looking at was great and they quickly made friends with the past month so far his help has been much developing an employers guide to taking on a other greenkeeping staff. Their eagerness to learn appreciated and he seems to be enjoying the 14-19 year old as a work placement.” had a motivating effect upon existing members work based learning scheme. The GTC will be ensuring through Mr Jon of staff, and provided them with an opportunity “I believe all employers have a responsibility Allbutt, our Health & Safety advisor, that all to brush up on their own knowledge. David and to get fully behind the new diploma and encourage aspects of safety are covered in the booklet and Sebastian’s help was especially invaluable with the students to see if greenkeeping is a career that we welcome any input from other employers or new 9-hole Temple Course opening to members they want to pursue in the future. It will not only Course Managers who have examples or experience during their work experience. benefit the student but also the golf courses they of work placements.
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Greenkeeper International 45 Harrogate Week has a new event for 2009 Non-members welcome ...The Social Night at the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate FREE Casino FREE Games Saloon Bar ShootOut Chips provided by BIGGA Ski Machine Bucking Rudolph Pacman Pool table Pinball machines Prize for the winner! One armed bandits Space Invaders Twin Driver Sega Rally ...plus many more.
Drinks Las Vegas-styleAll Showgirls for £25 Promotion (including meal!) Riggwelter beer £2 per pint! The Social Night Tuesday 20th January 2009 To purchase a ticket, call BIGGA on 01347 833800 (7pm until 10.30pm)
HW_09 SOCIAL NIGHT JAN.indd 1 18/12/08 09:32:54 In the Non-members Harrogate Week has a new event for 2009 Greenkeeper International brings you ‘In the Shed’, welcome a puzzle page to keep you entertained when the Shed weather forces you in or for when times are slow.
...The Social Night CROSSWORD QUICK NINE-HOLE QUIZ
1. In golf what is the name given to the grassed area between the tee and at the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate the green? 2. In which game would you find cover point, silly mid off and square leg? 3. Who at the 1984 Olympics, won the 100m, 200m, the sprint relay and the Long Jump? 4. Which sport featured in many of the Beach Boys earliest hits? 5. Which sport uses asymmetrical bars, rings and a pommel horse? IN THE SHED FREE Casino FREE Games 6. Who won Wimbledon every year from 1976 to 1980? Saloon Bar ShootOut 7. Which Grand Prix team’s world champions have included Emerson Chips provided by BIGGA Ski Machine Bucking Rudolph Pacman Fittipaldi, Niki Lauda and Alain Prost? Pool table Prize for the winner! Pinball machines 8. What is the name of the method of training a horse to carry out a set One armed bandits routine of movements? Space Invaders Twin Driver Sega Rally ...plus many more. 9. Which sport was originally called Mintonette?
MONSTER SUDOKU Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 4x4 box contains the numbers 1 to 9 and the letters A,B and C.
4 8 C 5 2 9 A 5 7 1 3 2 6 4 6 2 A 8 1 Across 9 7 2 A 5 3 1 Team beaten by Bolton Wanderers in the first FA Cup Final to be held at Wembley (4,3,6) C 5 1 6 3 9 9 Word used to introduce a second negative statement (7) 9 6 3 2 B 5 10 City of North Island (NZ) famed for geothermal activity (7) 11 Building where birds are kept (6) 6 8 A 3 C 9 12 Italian region whose capital is Turin (8) 9 A B 4 7 14 Disputed ability gained through Transcendental Meditation (5,6) 2 8 4 B 5 1 16 Band whose Lexicon of Love album (1982) yielded several hits (3) 17 Twosome (3) 7 2 18 Study of words and word usage, also called philology (11)
4 3 B 9 1 C (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2008. All rights reserved. 20 Assortment of different things (5,3) Monster Daily Sudoku: Wed 19-Nov-2008 easy 22 Person who is extremely poor (6) SUDOKU 24 Colloquial term (mainly US) for prison (7) Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 9 box 25 Italian wine originally made using only Sangiovese grapes (7) shape contains the numbers 1 to 9. 26 Scottish virtuoso percussionist born 1965, made Dame of the British Empire in 2007 (6,7) 4 6 B 3 7 8 C 1 5 229 1A Down A 8 9 32 B 6 5 74 C 197 83 1 1995 romantic film starring Whitney Houston (7,2,6) 7 C 1 5 3 A 9 2 6 8 4 B 2 Globular (9) 2 4 8 3 Surname of the politician who succeeded Leon Brittan as Home 3 B 6 4 C 2 A 8 1 9 5 7 Secretary under Margaret Thatcher (4) 96 7 2 A 1 4 B 45 3 C56 98 4 French island possession featured on all Euro banknotes (10) C 5 8 1 6 3 7 9 B A 2 4 5 Famous (5) 5 8 Las Vegas-style Showgirls 6 (Be able to) rotate using very small area (4,2,1,8) 8 A C 7 9 1 6 3 2 4 B 5 Drinks All for £25 7 Extreme (7) B4 1 74 6 83 5 2 7 A 3 C 29 8 State of extreme dishonour, opprobrium (6) Promotion (including meal!) 13 Informal version of the UK’s longest place-name (8,2) 2 3 5 9 A5 B 4 1C 8 781 6 15 Period during which an embryo develops (9) 67 2 57 8 48 C 3 B 96 5 A 1 Riggwelter beer 17 Landed property (often rural) retained by the owner for 1 9 A C 5 7 8 6 4 B 3 2 personal use (7) The Social Night 3 1 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2008. All rights reserved. 19 Sleazy (6) 5 4 3 B 2 9 1 A 7 6 8 C (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2008. All rights reserved. £2 per pint! Daily Sudoku: Tue 18-Nov-2008 medium 21 Figure representing human form (5) INMonster THE DailySHED Sudoku: ANSWERS Wed 19-Nov-2008 easy Tuesday 20th January 2009 23 Line from which darts are thrown (4) can be found on page 54 To purchase a ticket, call BIGGA on 01347 833800 (7pm until 10.30pm) http://www.dailysudoku.com/ 8 9 4 6 5 3 7 2Greenkeeper1 International 47 5 6 3 1 2 7 4 9 8
HW_09 SOCIAL NIGHT JAN.indd 1 18/12/08 09:32:54 1 2 7 4 9 8 5 3 6 6 8 1 2 7 4 3 5 9 2 3 5 9 1 6 8 7 4 4 7 9 3 8 5 1 6 2 9 4 6 5 3 1 2 8 7 7 5 2 8 4 9 6 1 3
3 1 8 7 6 2 9 4 5 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2008. All rights reserved. Daily Sudoku: Tue 18-Nov-2008 medium
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48 Greenkeeper International VOLUNTEERS WANTED... FEATURE
...FOR BIGGA SUPPORT TEAM
The Open Championship, Turnberry GC, July 16-19 and be available until the close of play on Sunday – a meal and bed and This is your opportunity to work at Turnberry GC to assist Golf Course breakfast will be supplied for the Sunday evening and Monday morning if Manager and Estate Manager, George Brown, and his team with the preparation required. of the course and be a part of the on-course team which accompanies each This opportunity is open to full BIGGA members only. Younger members, match ensuring bunkers are raked in a correct and professional manner. relatively new to the Association, will also be actively considered. It will be your responsibility to make your way to the team’s base for To apply complete this application form and send to: Scott MacCallum, the week – Auchincruive College (Scottish Agricultural College AYR) - but BIGGA HOUSE, Aldwark, Alne, York, YO61 1UF. For further information contact after that transport to and from the golf course, shared accommodation and Scott on: 01347 833800 or email: [email protected] meals will be provided for the duration of the Championship. Closing Date for applications for The Open Team February 1, 2009, and You will be expected to report for duty by 5pm on Wednesday, July 15, you will be notified later in the month.
Yes No Name...... Age...... I have been a BIGGA member for more than three years...... q q Golf Club...... I serve, or have served in the last three years, BIGGA Membership No...... on a Section/Region Committee...... q q
Position...... I am enrolled on BIGGA’s CPD Scheme...... q q
Email Address...... I have attended three of the last five Harrogate Weeks...... q q
I have applied for/appeared I am/have been a member of the PGA Championship on the team at: Applied Successful Support Team...... q q
Royal Birkdale 2008...... q q I am willing to be a mini bus driver Carnoustie 2007...... q q (You must have held a full driving license for three years q q Hoylake, 2006...... q q and be over 25 years of age.)...... q q St Andrews, 2005...... q q Royal Troon, 2004...... q q I am an overseas Member......
Note: A place on the team is open to all full BIGGA members but priority will be given to the more active members. Also, subject to sufficient experienced applicants, no BIGGA member will be eligible to appear on more than three consecutive teams. A limited number of places will be made available to overseas members. Please ensure that you have spoken to your golf club or Course Manager prior to applying and have arranged the time off. Should you be chosen you must send a passport picture of yourself to BIGGA HQ as the R&A now have photographic ID for all Open Championship workers.
Greenkeeper International 49
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Bobcat has developed a new all-steel Roller Roller all-steel new a developed has Bobcat Eagle Green Care reduces nematode populations populations nematode reduces Care Green Eagle Charterhouse MachineryTurf has extended Designed Forging the way for further approvals across approvals further for way the Forging 1650kg. at NATURAL NEMATICIDE NATURAL NEW ADDITION demand for the Verti-Drain produces a massive to looking managerscourse golf for or workload, Verti-Drain the fairways, compacted hard tackle 7621 in based based on garlic extract, has been for approved of control the for turf amenity and sports on use of Ireland. the Republic in nematodes nematodes knot root by caused damage the and sports and pitches in species free-living other and grounds. its iconic Verti-Drain range by adding the new the line-up. to 7621 NEW ROLLER SUSPENSION SUSPENSION ROLLER NEW Suspension Undercarriage as an option for the T190, offers system suspension roller The models. loader a number of important advantages, including improved operator, the for quality ride improved for durability better productivity, and performance a longer service life, and ease of maintenance. The roller suspension system complements the undercarriage, mounted solid standard enhanced previously system undercarriage the replaces which loaders. tracked compact Bobcat on used nematicide natural a Care, Green Eagle Europe,
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51 International guide Greenkeeper pocket-sized this www.traakit.co.uk Golf Golf has become one of the world’s most With step-by-step instructions and how-to Golf: 50 Great Tips is from available all TRAAKiT is a revolutionary new satellite- More New Products Products New More ... in the next issue of Greenkeeper International SATELLITE ALERTING DEVICE SATELLITE popular popular sports with over two million regular golfers in the UK alone. Whether you’re already a keen golfer enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport, Golf: 50 Great Tips is sure to help you game. your improve illustrations, golf pros. top of the world’s secrets shops. good alerting device that gives you peace of mind by keeping watch over almost anything you want alertingand if it is moved. you GOLF: 50 GREAT TIPS GOLF: 50 GREAT
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combining GREEN FUN! DO YOU SUFFER FROM GOLFER’S ELBOW? ELBOW? GOLFER’S FROM SUFFER YOU DO golf bag, buggy or caddie. caddie. or buggy bag, golf 1000 you are out on the green. on out are you Hybrid Solio the carabiner, in built a with geared hand-held electronic device charged even when when even charged device electronic hand-held a large capacity integrated Lithium-Ion battery, the By the power to charge most of your mobile devices mobile your of most charge to power the without relying on conventional power sources. Hybrid circulation that penetrates deep below the skins surface to to surface skins the below deep penetrates that blood increasing by process healing the in assist registered as a UK medical device. as a UK medical registered with with the easy to use handheld device which is pain management allowing Golfers to administer administer to Golfers allowing management pain homes own their of comfort the in themselves it breakthrough breakthrough in personal injury treatment and aches conditions. way to way combat golfer’s elbow muscle spasms, ultrasound home use device and is the most effective most the is and device use home ultrasound a fast-establishing Poa annua-beating mixture, OC. BAR Sprint for racecourses and, for turf producers, establishing Barmalia. Barmalia. establishing shoot shoot density and disease tolerance, as well as drought and salt tolerant Hardtop and rapid- fescues and Bargreen II, both of which boast unrivalled breeder’s 2009 BAR range. range. BAR 2009 breeder’s cultivars that star in the specialist grass seed 10’ PERFECT 10 IS MY DIESEL SAFE?
FEATURE By David Mears
We all store fuel, be it in tanks, barrels or jerry cans, but are we sure we have taken necessary steps to make our storage as secure as possible? It does not matter which fuel it is, even red diesel has become an attractive proposition for thieves lately. Many people have either experienced fuel theft or know someone who has suffered. As HM Revenue & Customs are actively ensuring rebated fuel (red diesel) is not used illegally, storage of white diesel is growing along with the need for improved security. So what steps can be taken and what security measures The latest Harlequin 2500 fuel station with enhanced locking are available? Tanks outside buildings are the most vulnerable of course and the old single skin ones standing on fitted as standard to all models; the provision blocks with a gravity hose (hopefully you still don’t of a 2” oil and corrosion resistant alloy lockable have one!) are the easiest to attack. One swipe oil tank fill point assembly and a 4” lockable oil with a heavy object usually breaks off the tank tank inspection cap in oil resistant polymer. These valve and allows the contents to flow out freely! features in addition to the lockable access door This makes the thieves’ job very easy but also make these models some of the most secure plastic causes pollution for which you will be liable! refuelling tanks on the market. It is encouraging Building a “bund wall” round such an installation to see that Harlequin has also made these two often is ineffective as the pressure from a full items available as relatively inexpensive retro-fit tank would usually send the contents straight kits for existing fuel station customers. ahead and over such a wall with no valve in place! If theft and/or vandalism is really a major I personally know of two incidents at golf clubs concern, then the only remaining answer is to where this has happened. Remember tanks should go for the high security of bunded steel derv be top fill – top offtake and compliance with the packs. These extremely robust double-skinned If your tank is like this one then you need to Oil Storage Regulations is necessary. tanks are constructed to keep your fuel as safe place it! A top offtake means the use of an electric as possible. The best models feature steel roller pump, usually, and it is possible to have the shutter covered access and two locking bolts controlling switch for this mounted inside a with keys (placed either side of roller shutter). locked building. Often extra features can be included, so it’s best A purpose designed bunded tank or better still, to check specifications. a fuel station are the preferred options. You may say that determined thieves will usually succeed but they prefer the easy pickings first! Most popular at present are diesel fuel stations. These bunded plastic bodied tanks usually feature About the Author a compact design and the vertical models take up very little space. Depending on manufacturer, David Mears is Joint Managing Director of they can include many features such as electronic Highspeed - Course Care, a national supplier of contents gauges, bund alarms, interior lights, fuel plastic and steel tanks. Servicing and maintenance filters, flow meters etc. Most have lockable cabinet is available from their OFTEC trained and registered doors. Recently, one manufacturer, Harlequin, engineers. See www.course-care.co.uk for more High security from a Highspeed Derv Pack announced extra security features were to be details and links to further information. with roller shutter door
52 Greenkeeper International
WHATS YOUR NUMBER? e v a 53 International h ? l
l › s n a b o Greenkeeper Annes u t o es l l m S g o d c r o m p m t a e er a y o Geo ws s tie d r e t c yth h e r us Liv S L iel Simon has picked Richard Earl from TurfTraxfrom Earl Richard picked has Simon to take part in next month’s feature. me and my wife, we spend a far bit of time time of bit far a spend we wife, my and me service.”being a taxi Where do you see yourself in 10 years time? bottle good a with climate nice a in “Sitting been I’ve reality. in not probably but wine, of I and time long a Houses Seed British with strength in grow company the see to want like always I industry. the within stature and willsure am and plenty had I’ve challenge, a face many more10 years.” over the next friends best your be to consider you do Who in the industry? pleasure,and work mix never say, always “They and that’s true with friends and business, but there are many friendly people in this Everyoneindustryindustry.friend the a in is care wouldn’t I who few apartodd the from to name.” Pick a number “13.” l l l f h n n a a a no o nber t i W r And y y y o uir o o o t r ur
S T Ca T M R R R Q:
higher standards these days.” time? spare your in do to like you do What occasionally. race and cyclist road keen a am “I Loch the ran I - marathon odd the do also I 22mins, 3hrs in October in Marathon Ness which I thought wasn’t to bad for an old boys teenage two have also I dufferme. like who are pretty mad on sport so between new material to the market is also very frustratingsomewhat although interesting, long process.”at times as it is such a What changes have you seen during your industry? the in time number the in been has change biggest “The of major seed wholesalers. There used to be around 20 and now there’s only four. Also the improvement in cultivar has been turfhelped has managers which tremendous surface,playing their of quality the improve but equally skills of the turf industry have come on leaps and bounds. We all expect after the commercial end in terms of budget termsof in end commercial the after is me interests that area One finance. and marketing and PR – what I call, the sharp bringing end, other the At market. the of end What’s your What’s Number? What do you like about your current job? job? current your about like you do What veryhands-onIt’s a varied. much quite “It’s can be dealing position. You with clients looking spectrum,while the of ends all from months, I was selling on the amenity side. I side. amenity the on selling was I months, became a Director in 1999.” for a Cereal Grain for Trader British Seed interview,the in down turned got I Houses. comehad job a saying contacted was later but 12 Within side. grass agricultural the on up College, where I qualified with a HND. After a After HND. a with qualified I where College, get to wanted I company haulage a with spell advertisedjob a saw and agriculture into back How did you get into it? it? into get you did How spent I farmingbackground. a from come “I three years at Harper Adams Agricultural How long have you beenyou have long How in the industry? “22 years.” Name: Simon Taylor Company: British Seed Houses Position: Amenity Director To register, book education In the www.harrogateweek.org.uk or find accommodation, visit Shed Organised ANSWERS by BIGGA
CROSSWORD Harrogate FEATURE Week 2009 For the Turf Management and Groundscare Professional
Education Workshops and 4 8 C 5 2 9 Seminars include: A 5 7 1 3 2 6 4 • Benchmarking for the 6 2 A 8 1 more Sustainable Future 9 7 2 A 5 3 C 5 1 6 3 9 9 6 3 2 B 5 • Turf Nutrition – Getting ANSWERS: the Balance Right 6 8 A 5.3 GymnasticsC 9 FREE 1. Fairway9 A B 4 6.7 Bjorn Borg • Next Steps in Budgeting 2. Cricket2 8 4 B 7.5 McClaren1 and Finance Park 3. Carl Lewis 7 8. Dressage2
& Ride 4. Surfing4 3 B 9 1 9. VolleyballC (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2008. All rights reserved. • Getting Started with Monster Daily Sudoku: Wed 19-Nov-2008 easy Microsoft Excel MONSTER SUDOKO • Basic Budgeting and 2 1 4 6 B 3 7 8 C 1 5 2 9 A Financing 3 7 9 8 18-22 A 8 9 2 B 6 5 4 C 1 7 3 • Managing a Changing January 7 C21 5 34 A 9 82 6 8 4 B Climate 36 B 6 4 C 2 A 48 1 95 5 97 2009 9 7 2 A 1 4 B 5 3 C 6 8 5 8 C 5 8 1 6 3 7 9 B A 2 4 84 A7C 7 93 1 6 3 2 4 B 25 B 1 4 6 85 5 2 17 A 38C 9 2 3 5 9 A B 4 C 8 7 1 6 7 5 8 6 6 2 7 8 4 C 3 B 9 5 A 1
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3 1 8 7 6 2 9 4 5 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2008. All rights reserved. Daily Sudoku: Tue 18-Nov-2008 medium
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54 Greenkeeper International HUMAN RESOURCES BIGGA’s Management Support series produced by Xact www.xact.uk.com
REDUNDANCY – WHAT YOUR EMPLOYER SHOULD DO selection criteria without risk of it being held as discriminatory. With sickness absence again, if you have no absences you can score As the recession continues to bite, it’s clear a number of organisations five points, up to three absences four points. Again this can be done on are cutting back on their workforces. It stands to reason that your Golf a sliding scale as you consider appropriate. Absences for the care of Club may need to cut costs (and that usually means staff) in order to dependants or other absences protected by law should be excluded. The balance the books. If that’s the case there are certain procedures they same can be applied to conduct/disciplinary record. must follow for any dismissals to be fair. Finally, in respect of transferable skills, you again need to identify The first option is for them to seek volunteers. Many businesses are where those skills will be transferred to within the business and therefore
afraid to use this method in case the volunteers are not suitable. There how an employee comes to score each of their respective marks. FEATURE is no obligation on an employer to accept those that come forward. An Having done this, your employer needs to embark on individual employer is entitled to state that they reserve the right to refuse volunteers, consultation with affected employees. This should last for at least one particularly where it will leave the club with an unbalanced workforce. week (preferably longer) during which time the employee can either work Assuming they are making compulsory redundancies, the first thing or be invited to remain away from the workplace in order to consider their they require to look at is the pool for selection. From this they require options and take appropriate advice. to identify positions for potential redundancy. Thereafter, they need to During the initial consultation, it should be pointed out to the employee identify the grounds upon which they will select for redundancy. why the redundancies are necessary. Employers should explain why the Most employers look to carry out a selection matrix with a number of employee is being proposed for redundancy based on their score. An criteria in it, i.e. flexibility, length of service, absence, sickness, performance, explanation should be provided as to how their score was arrived at. It is transferable skills and disciplinary record. Wherever possible, these criteria not necessary to share everybody’s score with affected employees. must be objective and measurable. For example with flexibility, in order Employees should then be given one week to take advice and to to make it objective, you need to determine how points will be scored. consider their position, make representations or suggest alternatives. If someone can carry out four tasks, they may score, for example, five Once the week has been completed, the employee should be brought points. This can then be reduced where employees score lower if they back in for a second consultation meeting at which the employee must can only carry out one task. be invited to make any representations they wish. If the employee makes With length of service, if an employee has one year’s service he scores representations these must be considered by the employer. one point, two year’s service two points etc. Since age discrimination The final point to bear in mind is that an appeal process must also legislation was introduced, last in first out cannot be used as a sole be followed in the case of redundancy dismissal.
all these Open A:Championship Clubs choose to relief grind with a Hunter ›precision grinder
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Greenkeeper International 55 News from the Chief Executive
It hardly seems five minutes since 31st December, 1999, when we were all anticipating the arrival of the new millennium and the prospect of computers everywhere suffering millennium bug problems on the final stroke of midnight. What happened - nothing, and we all breathed a sigh Scottish Region - Ayrshire of relief and looked forward to life in the 21st Century. Who would have thought though that nine years later the world would Hope you’ve all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, just a be in such a state of economic crisis. Share values around the world have few lines and dates for the diary! been decimated, financial institutions are going into receivership and The Section AGM was held at Bogside at the end of October where Derek retailers are resorting to desperate measures to tempt us to part with Wilson agreed to stay on as Secretary, much to everyone’s delight! Yours what few savings we may have. However for all of us the collapse of the truly has taken up the reins as Chairman from Stephen Higgins, with George Stock Market is devastating, whether a shareholder or not somewhere Morrison in as Vice-Chairman and Duncan Gray is back on committee! in our lifestyle we will all be affected. It all sounds rather gloomy, and Tracey Maddison, from HQ, also attended the meeting which added a I suppose it is, but no matter how badly off you are there will always bit of freshness while subtracting the usual language! be someone who would swap places with you. Those of us that enjoy The Patrons’ Award Lunch took place at the Terraces Hotel, in Stirling, good health, the support of a close family and have good friends should on December 4, where this year’s recipients, Martin Lothian,Turnberry GC, recognise how comparatively well off we are. and Marshall Sloss, Beith GC, partook of fine food and drink while also I do not however wish to underestimate the consequences of stress enjoying an excellent speaker, or two, if you include Mr Cruickshanks who at home or at work due to financial or other pressures. As from this was at our table - apart from that the day was great! month members of the Association will have access to a new benefit Cathkin Braes will host the Scottish National Tournament, on June 11, in the form of a stress advice and counselling helpline, available all day and the National Championship is to be played at Burnham and Berrow, in every day, something that has been recognised as being a vital addition Somerset, on October 5 and 6,. to the existing range of member support services. George Brown is to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at Harrogate The knock-on consequences for golf are only just starting to have an this month so if any of you can make it down to help him celebrate this special effect and I fear that 2009 will be a year when we really start to feel the accolade, not many possess, I’m sure you’ll have an enjoyable time. recession bite. What, therefore, can members do? I suggest that we all We’re looking to get a footie match with the West in March sometime look at how we contribute towards the success of our employer and what so if anyone is interested in avenging our unlucky defeat a few years ago we could do to improve our own performance, the performance of the then give me a bell on: 07939104701 or email me at; [email protected] business and perhaps gain that competitive edge. There will inevitably more news next month, I know, you can hardly wait! Auf Wiedersehen! be winners and losers but to some extent we can all influence our own destiny. We can sit back and watch and wait or we can look for new Denis Tweddell opportunities to do what we do better, taking advantage of training and education along the way. As Chief Executive of BIGGA one of my roles is to try to help the Board move the Association forward on a secure foundation. An increasingly difficult challenge! The full inclusion of groundsmen as members would North help with the building of this base and may present new opportunities, but it is not vital to the ongoing survival of the business. Survive we will I am sure you have heard it a hundred times over the past week or so but develop we may not, unless we are all prepared to accept change but let me, on behalf of the committee, wish you all a very Happy New Year. in one form or another. How many of you woke up on the 1st with a cloudy head? Who had to go During 2009, I and key members of the team here at BIGGA HOUSE into work on the Thursday morning? Nae Luck! will be making more effort to attend Region and Section events in order The AGM finally went ahead in November, at Meldrum House. There were to improve the link between the membership and its Headquarters. Better 23 members attending in total, which I don’t think was too bad considering use will be made of Greenkeeper International and the BIGGA Website as it was word of mouth. On the day the golf was of a Stableford format with communication tools and a series of surveys and focus group meetings local bandit, David Stephen, coming in 3rd place with 34 points, 2nd was are planned with the ultimate intention of increasing the value of being Alex Cruickshank on 34 points, but with a better inward half and coming in, a member. The services and contacts at Headquarters are not fully in 1st place was Paul Marshall, from Cruden Bay, with 36 points. Well done appreciated by the membership and I would hope that Members come Paul! Thanks go to Kenny Harper and his squad of lads for getting the course to identify the Staff as being their first point of contact when they need in great nick despite the weather. A big thank you from the committee for help, advice or information. It is your Association, so please use it! all those that attended, it really is appreciated. I encourage as many of you as possible to get to the Association’s event The final 200 club was drawn at the AGM too. My work colleague, Mikey in Harrogate later this month which presents not only the opportunity for Fullerton, finally won £30. He came running through into the bothy with his education (much of it at no cost to you or your club) but also the chance cheque. His eyes nearly popped out of his head. He was so pleased he said, to catch up with news on products and suppliers as well as providing a “About time I won something on the 200 Club.” He only bought the ticket in rewarding once a year networking opportunity. March. Some people haven’t won in 10 years. Ross Macrae, of Huntly Golf I wish all members a healthy and successful 2009 however don’t Club, won £30, as did George Patterson, from Lossie Golf Club. The big prize forget that you are part of a professional organisation that wants to of £100 went to Ian MacLeod, of Tain Golf Club. help you and the industry go from strength to strength. Be a part of it It has been decided that next year’s outings will be at Portlethen and and not apart from it!
56 Greenkeeper International AROUND THE GREEN
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Section Notes - Can all notes be emailed to: [email protected] by the 5th of the month prior to publication please.Suggested word guide: 500 Gordon Moir Gordon Chris Sheehan Chris Speight Adam I hope that everyone can visit Harrogate Week. There is plenty for an had you hope I Year, New Happy very a all you wish to note quick a Just With You I hope to see a few of you at Harrogate this month and again, a very Finally, we Finally, intend sending a outnewsletter around the end of March, First In December we were to hold the AGM and Bert Cross Memorial Golf to forthcoming on Cookridge soon as possible. This is because many haven’t been engraved for a number a for engraved been haven’t many because is This possible. as soon important an are they as date to up them get to like would we and years of history. Section’s the of part Scotscraig at be will which outing spring the for form entry the with along GC, winter. and autumn next for costs and and and here they are: North Section West committee 2009, Secretary, Chris Colin Poole, Clive Merritt, Billy Treasurer, Donlevy, Alan Chairman, Sheehan, MacAvoy. Phil Dewhurst, Dave Nick Gray, McVicar, Holt, Peter Adie Denny, everyone this year and the education side is fantastic so please make an effort any Pages. Your - under www.bigga.org.uk Northern for! asked everythingyou you brought Santa that and Christmas enjoyable due at possible. as soon as touch in get please of end the by yours received haven’t you If 2009. in seminar annual the and out. one send to January I will arrange and me know let please all. to year new happy Northern Region - North West this year. little kinder is a hope the weather We 2009. very new a happy Day but unfortunately the weather beat us and with Wilmslow Golf Club had souls 13 on and brave went The AGM cancelled. closed the golf was are we and 2009 for ideas few a with up came We meeting. informative very board on faces new few a got also have We now. plans these on working busy as soon as I have them all I will send them out to everyone. You can access access can You everyone. to out them send will I all them have I as soon as
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in Ben Brookes Brookes Ben 07813889374 Some members would just like a social event so we are willing arrange willing are we so event social a like just would members Some The Section had a committee meeting at Elmwood, on December of many and Year New and Christmas a good had everyone Hopefully That’s it for this month. It does tend to die down over the winter months winter the over down die to tend does It month. this for it That’s Kevin Strachan, Kevin of Strachan Plant Hire, has asked me to put out the Two of my old mates have become dads again! Firstly, Stephen Brown, Brown, Stephen Firstly, again! dads become have mates old my of Two We also have in our Section, The Scottish Chairman. He is, of course, Johncourse, of is, He Chairman. Scottish The Section, our in have also We The assessors
where out more. find to need if you 07801297070 winners from last year’s golf outings will be contacted by members of the the of members by contacted be will outings golf year’s last from winners as Elmwood, at Mellon, Andy to trophies the return to asked and committee in each category to be decided in April and again full in details October, trophy the of Many website. the on are enter to how and rules the both, of photo please visit the website: www.biggacentralsection.org.uk Something we have have we Something www.biggacentralsection.org.uk website: the visit please re-introduced are the two competitions last held a couple of years ago, a a ten pin bowling evening or a curry night with a guest speaker, whatever is whatever speaker, guest a with nightcurry a or evening bowling pin ten a suggested environmental workshop, etc. workshop, environmental such as disciplinary training, writing risk assessments, team building or an an or building team assessments, risk writing training, disciplinary as such A1 managerial ones for Deputies and Head Greenkeepers/Course Managers each event. Many of the courses we are considering are pitched at different at pitched are considering are we courses the of Many event. each levels, from people to attend because most things have a cost implication and we and implication cost a have things most because attend to people from on even break is do to want we All loss. a at anything run to afford cannot and put on anything the members would like but do require a commitment a require do but like would members the anything on put and 3, try to willing is committee The members. for events social and educational Central so any news is much appreciated. is much appreciated. news so any on taking details in next month’s edition but in the meantime you can contact him feelers regarding a demonstration of his recycling equipment over three days Jonathan, Done. Is that it now or will you be going for the girl? Also Head Greenkeeper, Greenkeeper, Head Also girl? the for going be you will or now it that Is Done. at Ross Huntly, Macrae and his wife, Nicola, had another boy too; baby, Deputy Head of Hawkshill, and his wife, Terri, had another boy, Thomas. Well Well Thomas. boy, another had Terri, wife, his and Hawkshill, of Head Deputy that everything runs smoothly over the course of your stint as Chairman. stint the course of your over smoothly everythingthat runs Patrons’ Award. Patrons’ hope we and John done Well Ellon. in course, Golf McDonald from Geddes, points system and you’ve guessed it, the two with the most points win the the win points most the with two the it, guessed you’ve and system points They They have a trip to to Harrogate look win forward the To to now. Patrons’ you have to Award turn up at outings and seminars which are scored as a Patrons this year are Dale Robertson and Jim McCormack. Well done guys. done Well McCormack. Jim and Robertson Dale are year this Patrons confirmed be to yet have Alyth. I am sure there will be a good attendance at these outings and I’m also sure that Neil and Brian will put on a good show for us all. The dates you are now looking forward to Harrogate. to forward looking now are you families! Around the Green
will be going on Wednesday 21st instead of the normal Tuesday, as always the coach is free for members with a nominal fee for non-members, if you have any inquiries or want to book seats please contact Jeremy Hughes who I’m sure will do his best to sort you out. Sheffield We seem a little short of local news again this month so please feel free
AROUND THE GREEN to contact Either myself or Johnny Evans if you have any local news. Welcome everyone. Hopefully you all had a fantastic Christmas and Here’s to a happy and prosperous new year to all. All the best until the New Year has started well. I have quite a bit of news this month which next month. is very welcome. So here goes. Firstly I would like to thank everyone who attended our Christmas Pete Maybury golf, I am sure you will all agree that it was a fantastic day. I would like to 07756001187 pass everyone’s thanks on to Tim and his staff at Worksop, for once again or [email protected] presenting a wonderful course for us all. Once again there were some quite amazing scores from our members. The results are as follows: 1. Steve Johnny Evans Pickering, 40pts; 2. Darrren Coup 38pts; Trade, Dave Smith. [email protected] Congratulations also to everyone who won a prize. Once again a big thank you goes to Mike Brear and Mark Robinson from Rigby Taylor for sponsoring the day and all the other trade members for supporting the Section so well. The AGM was once again well attended and things ran very smoothly, unfortunately this year we have had two committee members leave. On Midland Region - Midland behalf of the Section I would like to say a big thank you to John Lax and Chris Astle for their commitment to the Section. All other committee members Well what’s your New Year’s resolution then? Give up the dreaded weed, will be carrying on in there roles. Ian Whitehead agreed to fill one of the the demon brew, spend more time with the lovable brats/wife or husband vacant positions on the committee and I would like to welcome him to his (in most cases). Mine being, after coercion and advise, to compile our notes/ new role and we on the committee look forward to all his fresh new ideas. newsletter with the same enthusiastic and literal obscurity that (by my own As a committee we will once again work to ensure that we have a successful omission) has dwindled with the familiarity of the passing of time. To those year and move the Section forward once again. who feel my obscurity is foul I suggest a dictionary, to understanding souls. Finally, I have a big congratulations and a get well soon. I would like to Unfortunately, no room for such this month. Normal service shall be resumed offer big congratulations to Mick Gillet, from Hallamshire Golf Club, on the next month. May your god help you? birth of his first child. Good luck Mick to you and your family. Our Christmas event was held at the lovely South Staff’s Golf Club. A big get well soon goes to Dave Chappell, from Rotherham Golf Club, I’m sure all were looking forward to playing such a prestigious course in its who has recently had a hip operation. Get well soon Dave, I know your staff fullness. Unfortunately due to frost and snow, temps were rightly enforced, at Rotherham are missing you loads. it was a miracle that the course was open at all. However it was evident that That is all from me this month, I will speak to you all again in February the course was in superb condition as presented by Course Manager, Mr and hopefully have a lot more news to give to you. R.Thomas and his fine team - Our thanks to you gentlemen. The results of the day were: 1. G. Turner & P. McCrainor. 2. R. Hayhurst & M. Chamberlain. James Stevens Section Secretary 3. P. Mills & J. Parlmer. 4. A. Folds & M. Gilgreast. 5. M. Hughes & M. Gash. 6. H. Middlebrook & S. Harvey. Our thanks to M. Chamberlain, of Tacit, for sponsorship of the main prize table. Nearest the Pin in 2 went to G.Turner and N.L. to D.Fellows - thanks to Sherriff Amenity. Also our thanks to Turners, John and Kev for the halfway house tea, coffee, and sloe gin. North Wales Our greatest of thanks to South Staffs Golf Club for affording us their very gracious hospitality, and also thanks to Peter Baker for his very honest, Happy New Year! 2009 beckons us in with open arms and with the current informative, humorous and personal accounts of his experiences of Ryder financial situation I’m sure it will bring loads of challenges too, although I’m Cup and Pro Tour golf. also sure that as resilient as we greenkeepers are, we will ride the coming Our very successful Scotts Doubles tournament was played between storm with flying colours. S.Harvey/N.Smith and P.Nixon/T.Cheese at the magnificent venue of The Christmas tournament took place at Prestatyn Golf Club and on a Wentworth and the former were crowned winners. Well done gentlemen, suitably seasonal frosty day we played a course that was set out as expected, but surely all are winners. Our thanks to Scotts for sponsoring this fine event. beautifully, the sun came out and made the day even more exceptional. We For next year’s final we have been fortunate enough, via Scotts, to play the need to thank Dave Parry and his team for the amazing course, the catering final at the lovely venue of the Oxfordshire Golf Club, our thanks to Scotts for the mouth-watering food (some found the turkey so succulent they had for their continued support of this great competition. Don’t forget to get your a whole leg on their plate!) and we must also thank the other staff at the entry in before the spring competition. I shall give you more details of this club and their members for making us feel so welcome. year’s events next month. The results were: 1. Leasowe team, 88pts; 2. Abergele Wanderers, Our annual match against the East Midland Section was played at 85pts; 3. Stuart McCall’s team, 84pts. Kedlestone Park Golf Club and the course was in great condition as presented The bus to Harrogate will be running as normal the only difference is we by Course Manager, Dave Leatherland, and his fine team. Yet again the East
58 Greenkeeper International AROUND THE GREEN
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Club I everybody seeing at Harrogate. to forward Looking Beverly Steve I As part of Heath’s Frilford centenary events, the England v France The Happy New Year! Happy Another New year Year! bites the dust, Christmas new is over, mindful sustained a without escape will success which in one is year This credit the With ask. all you hear I year?” tough a be to going this is “So, Oxford of spires” “dreaming the near situated is Club Golf Heath Frilford The A possibility
for us in the Chinese Year of the Ox. Year the Chinese in us for respectable appearance at The Open at Carrnoustie, last year and hopes to to hopes and year last Carrnoustie, at Open The at appearance respectable European the to trip a by followed year, next success amateur with this follow Qualifying School Tour at the end of All next the year. best, and if you are asap. know Allan let then year the match next vs the trade for available Golf parthowever of the day will include presentations from Barenbrug’s Neil plant from gets seed grass how of subject the on Leyland Jane and Pettican different breeding of methods and involved, processes the bags, into form will follow. details Full cultivars. 20 years of serving on the Midland Region board, Graeme MacDonald is standing down. On behalf of the committee, many thanks for all the hard Welford Rob years. the over us representing to in put have you time and work level. regional at voices as our Walker Allan join to in stepped has International International Golf Match returned back to the club in May last year. victory Consequently, was assured, and defeated France sent back across two the by contested strongly been has that trophy the without channel the biennially. nations ensured who Wood, Mandy and Steward by managed was which restaurant Berks/Bucks and Oxon resolutions begun, the credit crunch has emptied our pockets and we are 2009. for roll and rock to ready all and doom cast to seems ball crystal the indeed - plate a on them to given it for rain more then and headlines the making always is economy The gloom. those who have already had enough to bring them to breaking point with the tend Ox the of year the in encountered are that problems of sort The effort. needs year Ox The ending. never be to seem that problems front home be to In cuts. short taking or behaviour unruly for time the not is it and discipline work. hard solely through success is achieved this year crunch making always the news, only the Ox seems but to know, judging by the words of Chinese wisdom I feel we need to tread slowly and see that our courses prosper in an ever changing climate that will be testing enough Heath Frilford Golf Club any doom for andTrot, this year’s Annual Turkey disappeared.gloom soon Cotswolds. the of heart the in and most the test will that characteristics heathland with golf championship of that wish only can who those frustrate and limit his to golfer accomplished immortal. were they
at for very Rob
8, were
rude, more there
a dinner “credit
“Where out days the excessively Kitchenson, Arena, say,
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December hit Tito golfers
All Christmas
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at took follows: career.
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Sean McDade Sean May I also pass on congratulations and best wishes of all in the Section the in all of wishes best and congratulations on pass also I May Nearest the pin - Allan Walker (although there is a school of thought that thought of school a is there (although Walker Allan - pin the Nearest The Our 2008 2008 So So Happy New Year everybody. Hopefully Santa brought you everything you you everything you brought Santa Hopefully everybody. Year New Happy May I wish all a very Happy New Year, and let’s hope for a dryer season dryer a for hope let’s and Year, New Happy very a all wish I May win of it The
Coupland. - Dave drive Longest where it landed!) away 30 foot not and
Dave to he may have took “placing” a bit too literally and placed his ball nearest the nearest ball his placed and literally too bit a “placing” took have may he pin Russ Bemment. sponsoring the day. sponsoring useful and edible gifts in store for the unsuspecting person unwrapping them. Once again, many thanks to Holme Hall Golf Club and to LMS for and everybody bring Christmas traditional our was meal the After us. to up season the of well prepared by Jim and his staff, the frost that morning and the rain that that rain the and morning that frost the staff, his and Jim by prepared well joined us on the back nine did nothing to dampen peoples spirits. After Holme Hall Golf Club, in Scunthorpe. A good turnout enjoyed a golf course course golf a enjoyed turnout good A Scunthorpe. in Club, Golf Hall Holme that have not joined us before please feel free to do so. to free feel please before us joined not have that well supported and the Section continues to be a fun and friendly place to to place friendly and fun a be to continues Section the and supported well be. Mother Nature have in store for us next? for store in have Nature Mother out and the hose pipes are dug out the back of the sheds. Winter this year year this Winter sheds. the of back the out dug are pipes hose the and out has brought frost in October and three snowfalls before mid December, does Whatever years. few last the in experienced been have which of none good working conditions, but always a relief when the greens begin to dry to begin greens the when a relief always but conditions, working good hot spell, and warm dry spells were always followed by periods of rain. Never Never rain. of periods by followed always were spells dry warm and spell, hot cost effective ways of producing high standard golf courses. high standard of producing cost effective ways precious golf courses in these turbulent times? Well for all but the very luckyvery the but all for Well times? turbulent these in courses golf precious few numbers that play in them, again leading to a fall in golf clubs income. So So income. clubs golf in fall a to leading again them, in play that numbers where does this leave us humble Course Managers trying to maintain our revenue. Societies are lessening in both amounts that are out there and the and there out are that amounts both in lessening are Societies revenue. all concerned it means golfers becoming more careful with their money, club golf and numbers membership in falls to lead can cases some in which crunch”. This means many things to many people however as far as we are we as far as however people many to things many means This crunch”. did these pages. this traditional down time. down this traditional Christmas period so there are no worries about disease kicking off during off during kicking disease about worries no are there so period Christmas wanted this year, in this wanted greenkeeping terms year, that would be a cold, dry, windy East of England Tony Cheese/Rigby Taylor for their continued sponsorship continued their of this match.for Taylor Cheese/Rigby Tony year. this Midland Section were the winners, congratulations to them. Our thanks to to thanks Our them. to congratulations winners, the were Section Midland Around the Green
gastronomic delights were enjoyed by all who attended the day. least one week before the competition is due to be held to allow Richard Thank you to Frilford Heath Golf Club who in their centenary year provided Saunders to organise the events properly and there will be no exceptions, us with the courtesy of the course and Steve Styles, Executive Director, ensured thankyou! we all had a great day at the club. Our thanks go to Sid Arrowsmith and all Please also visit the “Your Pages” Section of the BIGGA website as his staff for providing first class playing conditions on the Blue course which you can find out all the latest information for the Mid-Anglia Section. As
AROUND THE GREEN challenged the winning teams all the way to the finish line. It is no wonder venues for golf and training courses etc are arranged, they will be posted that at this event we had a record turnout just short of 100 greenkeepers on these pages first. who competed with good spirit to make the day a good one. The Section has recently organised several successful training programmes Our thanks to the main sponsor of the day – Avoncrop Amenity, and which have been fully subscribed. If you are interested in attending any of to Barry McCloskey and Darren Homer who presented the prizes to the the training days please see the BIGGA website (“Your Pages” link) to see following winners: 2. Team Two Hopes: Chris Lomas, Philip Ryder, Mark what courses are on offer or contact Gerald Bruce by emailing gerald@ Hancock, Richard Davies. 3. Team The New Crooks: Alec McIndoe, Eric berkhamstedgc.co.uk. Kinlon, Andy Thrift, Graham Glen. Sean Haymer and Joe Newman won Congratulations to Dunstable Downs Golf Club’s Luke Burman and wife, the Turner groundcare putting competition. Various others, too good to Becky, on the birth of their first child, Oliver David Burman, on November mention, won the 9 long drive and near pin prizes that were in abundance 25. Both mum and son are doing well. on every other hole. The Winter Texas Scramble was also held at Dunstable Downs Golf Club Thank you to all our sponsors throughout 2008. We have had great and Frank Scullion and his staff had produced the course to an excellent support from all the trade which has included Sheriff, Avoncrop, Tacit, Vitax, standard. Snow had been forecast and despite it freezing hard in the early Rigby Taylor, Turner Groundcare, Golf &Turf, Browns, Gem Professional, part of the night and then heavy rain first thing in the morning, the sky Headland, Greentech and Banks Amenity. A special mention to Jon Beck lightened at tee off time and underfoot conditions were very good. Thanks and Ian Richardson who served us well at the halfway house with their usual Frank, Gary and the rest of the lads. Also, sincere thanks to Dunstable Downs flair and wished us Bon Appetit. Golf Club for kindly hosting our event. The food was also excellent and a big The AGM commenced and the following officers were elected: Sid thank you to the caterers too. Arrowsmith, as Chairman for the Section; Adam King, Secretary; Frank Booth, Barry McCloskey, from Avoncrop, was the generous sponsor of the day Treasurer; Alec MacIndoe, Education; Jake Japie Snyman, Website. Simon and provided an excellent prize table. Winners this year were Nigel Broadwith, Marsh, Matt Smith and Eric Kinlon were elected as committee members Kevin Armstrong, B. Gaynor and M. Stakeman, John O’Gaunt Golf Club, with yours truly as the scribe for another year. 56.1pts; 2. Trevor Dealey, Dale Housden, K. Housden and A..Henderson, A special thanks to Alistair Higgs, the new Head Greenkeeper for Caddington GC, 56.2 pts. 3. Simon Banks, Mark Ely, Rob Catlin and Phil Donnington Valley Golf Club, who throughout 2008 co-ordinated the golf Gibson from “Trade Bandits & Phil” 56.5pts. Longest drive winner was Dale days as Match Secretary. Alistair, as well as Dan Lightfoot, will be standing Housden, again, (somebody check his balls) and Nearest the Pin was Rob “get down this year due to work commitments and the challenges that await. inside that” Catlin. Golfer of the Year was Myles Wood, from Berkhamsted Dan and his wife recently gave birth to their second child. Congratulations Golf Club, which was kindly sponsored by Simon Banks, of Banks Amenity. and thank you both for your support. Thanks to everybody for organising, sponsoring and supporting the event, If any member has any news or views they would like to share, or would it was most enjoyable yet again. like more information about the Section and forthcoming events in 2009 Finally, the committee are looking into the possibility of having a Section you only have to log your cyberspace details and e-mail address with the new Golf Tee Shirt with our logo embroidered onto it. If there is enough interest Secretary, Adam King, Radley College, who will only be to pleased to keep you then it can be taken to the next stage, please let me or anyone else on the informed and up to date. Adam can be contacted at [email protected] committee know if you would be interested in this idea. See you all at Harrogate Week in a few weeks time and wishing you all a Any news or items of interest are always welcome. Hosts for Golf great New Year and hope the Ox keeps any greenkeeping gremlins at bay. Meetings would be very much appreciated as well. Look forward to seeing you at Harrogate Week. Mark Day [email protected] Craig Spooner [email protected]
Mid-Anglia South East Region - Kent
Happy New Year one and all. Hopefully, you have had a peaceful Christmas Happy New Year! Firstly a quick report on our annual Turkey Trot at with no real problems during the busy holiday period. Not much news this Birchwood Park. month, I’m afraid, so I’ll keep it brief. Thorough preparations prior to the event ensured that the day ran like Golf Meetings 2009 are as follows: Spring – in discussion, Summer – a well-oiled machine. Some of the attendees, presumably in some form tba, Autumn – October 7 at Mid-Herts Golf Club, Winter – December 7 at of homage, were equally well oiled later on in the day but nothing could John O’Gaunt Golf Club. Thanks to Simon Banks, from Banks Amenity, for detract from this great occasion and I certainly won’t be naming names sponsoring Golfer of the Year this year. The spring tournament will again in this column! be the qualifier for the National Championship. Entry forms must be in at After meeting early to discuss the day’s format with the assembled we
60 Greenkeeper International AROUND THE GREEN
- at So
for
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or Thank you again to The Essex for a nice day. nice a for The Essex to again you Thank Please All All members were last year elected for a two year term so after Don Countryand Golf Essex the to thanks and speeches dinner after were There After There Hughes, Daniel by won both were Pin the Nearest and Drive Longest The Next season I’m hoping to have a new look website for you, so watch The Kirwan, Antony our Competition Secretary, stated that we had had a Clive Osgood outlined the proposed changes to the constitution to be www.essexbigga.co.uk www.essexbigga.co.uk Phipps-Jones Arnold Press Officer the
the next day the committee feels that the earlier starts would be better for for better be would starts earlier the that feels committee the day next the put put forward at the National these AGM; he stated were to readavailable in last month’s Greenkeeper International. He thanked the committee for year. the past over work hard their Clark was returned as Chairman for a further year and there was no any served. was dinner closed and was the meeting business other & Food club, the thanked Don Chairman day, the for us entertaining for Club Beverage club, the for replied Mabbut, Ray Captain, Seniors’ well. so us after looking he was joined by his Vice Captain, Roger Farson - they both accompanied having course, own there on team his in Forrester, Martin Manager, Course well very spoke Ray and day the enjoyed they that know I them with dinned of play. format new him a to I think in of his adventures Trophy Kirwan, Bentley Golfer Mark of Trade Keysell. went the to Mark Year (Rigby Keysell Taylor) of the Year Golfer and Richard - Channels 2. Levett; Alan Johnson, Dennis Peachey, Neil Stopps, Mark Dunmow, Richard Herring. Michael Hockley, Stuart Rodger, Taylor, Park. Forrester that. for out winners of our Section competitions and the Pairs Knockout, plus our teams our plus Knockout, Pairs the and competitions Section our of winners the played that team the and level National at Section the represented that battle. three-way annual the in Sections Sussex and Surrey representation true a not and early is audit year of end the but year last over new our and run to events Section two had still We at. really are we where of Seminar the that hopes He appear. would as coffers the in much as have not do we as Section, our for sponsors more not if same the attract will season 2009 2009 season. our in seminar education a bigger run to like would we to year try next will we but year the throughout members of out turn good both in encourage join more our and to play matches. season Next we are to play at the following courses. summer: spring: Burnham- Colne Valley, Christmas: Abbots, Stapleford Brook, Cannons autumn: on-Crouch, winter: due season next earlier bit a be to times off tee the expects Antony Orsett. to everyone. the later this format year, of how we select the players will be decided at this space). (watch meeting committee next our
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the the being Best of British as always guys. Best of British as always Holland Rob www.kentgreenkeepers.co.uk The AGM was held after the golf and was attended by around 65 The golf was interesting and entertaining due to the format of two What a day! We ended the season as we started at Upminster with rain. with Upminster at started we as season the ended We day! a What Lastly, I’d Lastly, just like to wish you all the best for the coming year and At At the end of the night everyone who attended was given a bottle After a great game an equally great Christmas dinner followed served by served followed dinner Christmas great equally an game great a After Full Kev
headed
wine for six - with par final for another year. Don thanked all of the Committee, our sponsors and Clive and sponsors our Committee, the of all thanked Don year. another for the of all congratulated also He year. past the over support their for Osgood members and Guests and our Sponsors. The proceedings were chaired by by chaired were proceedings The Sponsors. our and Guests and members Don Clark our out-going Chairman who was later returned to the position scores the waterproofs and swing the club around a bit better. a around the club swing and the waterproofs clubhouse discard to opportunity the with well quite out turned day the that after holes, start and AGM. The day started with heavy rain, which dampened the course, socourse, the dampened which rain, heavy with started day The AGM. and much The Essex Golf & Country Club hosted the Christmas Progressive Stableford Stableford Progressive Christmas the hosted Club Country & Golf Essex The Essex hope hope to see some of you at Harrogate, if not at & Walmer Kingsdown, on 19. March Section alive and well. and alive Section a success, Birchwood management for their hospitality, the waitresses, my my waitresses, the hospitality, their for management Birchwood success, a our keep to much so providing for sponsors our all and course the on guys events for you to enjoy. Many thanks to everyone who helped make the day day the make helped who everyone to thanks Many enjoy. to you for events of quo joining us at this point to explain the proposed constitutional changes to our to changes constitutional proposed the explain to point this at us joining Association. Birchwood’s Sundridge points that’s matching we were all able to take advantage of the now ideal conditions. High scores High conditions. ideal now the of advantage take to able all were we to close come could none ultimately, but, most for day the of order the were photos of each group before the off. These shall all be adorning our webpage our adorning be all shall Theseoff. the before group each of photos and lifted rain of threat the holes of couple a After look. a have so now by dispensed by the ubiquitous Vic Maynard and the Ernest Doe party the Ernest and bus. Maynard Vic the ubiquitous by dispensed heavy cloud cover was negated handsomely by the Christmas cheer being being cheer Christmas the by handsomely negated was cover cloud heavy saw as our determined group set about their business. The gloom cast by the all preparation intense of Months myself!). so say I (though course presented time off practise!). to photos!). (see website of laughs plenty raising ensued prizes seasonal Around the Green
tick- -tick--tick of a bicycle being ridden carefully into the night, which was harshly interrupted by the multiple slamming of car doors, the hasty drawing of truncheons, and someone yelling “There he is Lads – GO – GO – GO!!” (By now there’s the sound of panting and heavy running footsteps, and the bicycle’s suddenly going tick tick tick tick tick). This was followed by the South West & Wales Region - South West
AROUND THE GREEN muted sounds of a scuffle, and someone screaming - “place the shopping bag on the ground, and move away from the bicycle!” followed a little less Happy New Year to everyone. I hope that the new “email invite” system certainly by – “keep the walking stick where I can see it”. worked for everyone last year, and you all got an invite to the Christmas At this point a new, forceful, and outraged voice was heard bellowing phrases Tournament okay. Please can anyone who didn’t get an invite let me know such as “Young Whippersnappers” – “Dunkirk” – “El-Alamein” – “Why did we so I can add your name to the lists. Similarly, if you change Providers or bother?” – “Dinner with the Chief Constable” – “MP” – and - “My Solicitor….” Addresses – again, please let me, and Justine at HQ, both know. Finally we hear a sheepish “Well – ahem - thank you for your assistance with Might I suggest a New Year’s Resolution for us all – visit another club our enquiries sir – do enjoy the remainder of your ride home”. nearby to you, where the greenkeepers may not be active members, tell With that the voice comes back on the line – “The New Course you say?” them exactly what’s on offer here in the South West, and persuade them to “Yes” we chorus wearily giving the postcode yet again. Within seconds, the come to at least one meeting this year. Tell them that there is a committee helicopter’s overhead and no less than seven squad cars come screeching of local greenkeepers – who are giving up their time and working hard to into the car park, and completely ignoring us trying to direct them, disperse improve conditions, status, stature, and prospects within their industry. Tell all over the golf course in mainly the wrong directions in a spray of mud and your friends – it can’t be done alone – full support is needed, now more than loose grass - before someone reverses back into the car-park and asks us ever. Join your Association and support the industry. where the buildings are. Just when we thought things were settling down, Thanks and congratulations to Jane Jones, Chris Sealey, and all the the dog unit arrived complete with baying Alsatians and Rambo in control. It Regional Board for the excellent Regional Seminar at Cannington, back in was difficult to tell who galloped into the sheds the faster (scattering valuable November last year. The STRI “Disturbance Theory“ guys were on top form Forensics and DNA everywhere) – Rambo, or the dogs. – and I certainly felt a lot less disturbed by the end. The theory has evolved Unsurprisingly, by this time the villains were nowhere to be seen. significantly in a year, and I was really glad I attended. It was also very nice Have a very peaceful New Year and enjoy Harrogate Week. If anyone to see John Pemberton and Tracey Maddison join us for the day, and it was has some proper news – please, let’s have it! interesting to hear John explaining how the Association needs to move forward, and how we all need to carefully consider the future direction. Paul Worster [email protected] Further Excavator Safety Training days are available in the New Year, as are Chainsaw Training Courses. Do please let me know any other issues or training that you would like covered or arranged. A Section Seminar is planned for early March featuring major industry Devon & Cornwall issues. Watch this space! And finally - Back at ‘Minch we’ve had yet another break-in at the New Hello everyone, hope you all had a relaxing and peaceful Christmas. With Course – (three in 18 months now). The work’s mobile rang at 9.30pm on another year underway one of my initial thoughts is that we have a drier a Monday night – I should’ve known better than to answer but rashly picked more seasonal summer generally as the last three have been somewhat it up without thinking. wetter than average! Yep – it’s the alarm monitoring company – the New Course greenshed The 12th was the date of our November meeting at Bowood Park Golf intruder alarm’s gone off and as the named keyholder, could I get over there Club at Lanteglos, on the edge of Camelford in Cornwall. The weather was and sort it out. My sons and I jump into the car and drive straight there. When very pleasant, somewhat surprisingly as recent days had been mainly rainy we arrive, we pull down to the sheds – pitch dark in the middle of the golf ones! The course was presented in an excellent condition by Rob Cook, course, and can immediately see (a – the door’s been forced open, (b - the Course Manager and his team, with the fairways - I’m sure Rob won’t mind alarm box’s been smashed off the wall, and (c - the lights are on inside. As me mentioning, surprisingly dry and firm given the recent weather, a credit we turn the car, the lights inside the shed promptly go off. Ah… to him and his team! I myself normally play golf but on this occasion was Had it been at home – we might’ve attempted to storm the building unable to get there early enough so I caught up with the course walk at the – however as it’s at work – we retire to a safe distance up in the main car- greenkeepers complex. park and dial 999 on the car phone. The police come on immediately saying Barenburg and Cornwall Farmers sponsored the day and the golf was there’s been a rash of break-ins that evening and they’re very stretched, but won by Tony ‘Jacko’ James, Head Greenkeeper, Killiow Park, 39pts; 2. Richard the helicopter’s in the air and it’ll be sent to the area asap. “Stay on the line Antenen, Bigbury GC, 35pts; 3. Richard Shapland with 31pts. The winner of in case there’s a problem,” ordered a terse voice. “Wow” we think, suitably Nearest the Pin was Jim Sheehan, Head Greenkeeper, Truro GC, and Shaun impressed. Within a couple of minutes we can indeed see the helicopter – Warren won the Longest Drive. the only slight snag being it appears to be hovering over the Old Course (four A big thank you to Bowood Park and all the staff, especially the caterers miles away). We check on the phone – postcodes and all. The response is at for the wonderful meal! once patronizing and insistent - “Of course we’re in the right s*dding place A special thank to George Sheils, our guest speaker for the day, for – and the helicopter can see a single person making off on a pushbike”. his ‘How to keep your course open during wet weather’ topic on the course “We’ve got some ground forces moving in – is anyone authorised to be in walk and ‘How Green’s staff can help your club survive the credit crunch’ the immediate vicinity of your premises at this time of night?” “No certainly speech after our meal. not” we chime – “don’t let him get away”. Thank you to Graeme for a successful ‘Communication’ course, and thank Things got a little blurry after that – we could clearly hear the slow rhythmic
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trade March the So weather
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Morriston Andy at RichardsCeri 07831168645 [email protected] Also get well soon to Gary Humphries at Llanwern Golf Club. Not sure sure Not Club. Golf Llanwern at Humphries Gary to soon well get Also Thanks again to Paul and his team for the excellent golf course, to P & P to course, golf excellent the for team his and Paul to again Thanks [email protected] 224582 Jerry Cole 07764 Thanks A get well soon message now to an old colleague of mine, Andy Matthews Andy mine, of colleague old an to now message soon well get A On the education front, the winter series of lectures starts again in A big thank you to the sponsors for namely the Vitax, day, who have One of the golfers playing that day was Ian Kinley, who has recently been recently has who Kinley, Ian was day that playing golfers the of One The Ok, Hello everyone. Hope you all had a great Christmas and a Happy New New Happy a and Christmas great a had all you Hope everyone. Hello Captain, arrival
Mountain Pyle
‘s what’s wrong with him but the words ‘two bricks’ was mentioned. bricks’ was ‘two the words with him but wrong what’s 2009. in again all you do i.e. the ones he normally does! he normally do i.e. the ones leading to jobs easy some you give Huish Phil have work, to return to enough well at vengeance, a with back came it gone was it thought he when just and years their continuation so get yourselves down there! If you require a lift - phone - lift a require you If there! down yourselves get so continuation their rep! a January, details of which will be sent to you shortly. Your support is vital for for vital supportis Your shortly. you to sent be will which of details January, and her staff for the excellent Christmas dinner and to Julian Bartlett-Jones Julian to and dinner Christmas excellent the for staff her and MC. capable than a more being for K about the credit crunch, and everything else for that matter! that crunch, the credit everythingabout and else for Manager forget people make would thought Joe that wine of cases was it year This sponsored this event for as long as I can remember. To Joe Crawley, UK Sales UK Crawley, Joe To remember. can I as long as for event this sponsored Drive competition. Croeso i Gymru Ian! Welcome to Wales. to Welcome Ian! Gymru i Croeso competition. Drive appointed as Course Manager at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club. Ian announced Ian Club. Golf Porthcawl Royal at Manager Course as appointed his doesn’t qualify, was won by Peter Holstrom. Peter by won was qualify, doesn’t mantelpiece) Roach. Nearest the Pin was won by Alan Abel (who narrowly narrowly (who Abel Alan by won was Pin the Nearest Roach. mantelpiece) beat best scores throughout the season was one by Andy (I’ll have to get a bigger a get to have (I’ll Andy by one was season the throughout scores best Bray, at thank you to Henry for the work he has done in the past. in done he has Henry the work to for you thank Year. A quick update, Henry Stead who has been writing for this column has column this for writing been has who Stead Henry update, quick A Year. big a so me, to on responsibility the passed has and recently busy very been South W session. session. If there are any subjects you would like please covered contact myself. or Graeme up, up, fault diagnosis, health and safety and a grinding practical and theory especially considering the low cost. A reminder the spring workshop will be will workshop spring the reminder A cost. low the considering especially held you you to Launceston GC for the free use of their facilities, the feedback was advantage, take didn’t greenkeepers senior more shame a but positive very Paul (PJ) Johnson and his staff and Johnson work. hard all their for (PJ) Paul turn out to play on a golf course that was in superb condition. Well done to to done Well condition. superb in was that course golf a on play to out turn BUYERS’ GUIDE
“THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BAD WEATHER, JUST THE AERATION ALL WEATHER SURFACES WRONG CLOTHES” HYDROJECT Whoever uttered those insightful words AERATION AND CHEMICAL INJECTION SERVICE PREMIER ALL-WEATHER SURFACES FOR GOLF might well have been a greenkeeper. (WITH NO SURFACE DISTURBANCE) Cold, wet, windy or muddy conditions KEITH DRIVER (SPORTSTURF CONTRACTOR) need not stop the well kitted-out Tel:01273 679994 Mobile:07958 532008 greenkeeper from getting on with the 124 Warren Road, Woodingdean, Brighton BN2 6DB job. Often, it is during extreme weather conditions when so much greenkeeping work can be carried out without the For better penetration nuisance of golfers on the course. But Huxley all-weather practice tee at St Andrews Links having the right clothing and footwear Golf Practice Centre and Golf Academy. is not just about getting the work done; TINES‘R’US For top quality practice tees, golf TerrainClassified08.qxd 03/12/2008course 14:30 tees, putting Page & chipping 1 greens, just as importantly, it is about keeping Order on-line: pathways, cart tracks, patios and lawns, the greenkeeper dry, warm, comfortable, all professionally planned and installed, www.tines.co.uk please call: 01962 733222, healthy and safe. email:[email protected] email: [email protected] or visit: www.huxleygolf.com For winter and wet weather work, Tel: 0114 2513344 probably the two most important pieces of greenkeeping kit are a good set of waterproofs and some sturdy waterproof Use Airforce ARTIFICIAL GRASS Advanced Terralift technology work boots. The old adage that “you get what you pay for” applies here, just as Relief of it does in so many things. Purchasing compaction and waterlogging the right standard of gear should be regarded as an investment; it will mean Aeration that your greenkeeping team will stay to one healthier, happier, be more effective in metre depth SALE their work and lose less time to illness. TERRAIN AERATION For sure, this is one of those times when T: 01449 673783 F: 01449 614564 prevention is better than cure! email: [email protected] A suitable waterproof jacket should www.terrainaeration.com be long enough to sit on; this will mean All types of artificial grass that when bending or sitting, the wearer’s lower back and waist will be From £7.00 a sq metre well covered. The fabric must be tough enough (tough does not have to AGRONOMY mean heavy) to withstand contact with gorse or brambles and it should be Ideal for breathable so that the wearer remains comfortable even under the most Pathways • Cart Paths PJA Peter Jones Associates Ltd tee beds • Fairways etC energetic working conditions. The fit and construction of the garment must COURSE CONSULTANTS AND AGRONOMISTS (UK delivery service) allow for ease of movement and the capacity to accommodate other layers underneath for colder weather. An integral hood is an important extra for • Agronomy • Budget forecasting 0845 22 11 345 extreme wet weather. Over-trousers should demonstrate the same waterproof • Course improvements and breathable characteristics as the jacket and should have an adjustable • All Greenkeeping matters www.grasstrader.co.uk • Staff training and recruitment waist plus zipped leg cuffs to allow for easy putting on and removing over • Design and project management boots. Most over-trousers will slip down a little during work and for safety
reasons it is wise to consider wearing braces to prevent trousers dragging www.pja-golf.co.uk
Tel: 01525 280573 Mob: 07803 729470 on the ground. Email: [email protected]
65 Crow Lane, Husborne Crawley, Beds. MK43 OXA. Two of the most popular sets of waterproofs with greenkeepers are the
Hoggs of Fife top-of-the-range Working Climate Gore-Tex®, favoured for so long by the St. Andrews Links Trust and so many prestigious courses throughout B Jami eson Great Britain and Ireland, or Hoggs Professional Green King waterproofs. Golf Advisors Ltd Advertise here
Hoggs of Fife is unique in Europe in producing a specialist range of clothing Bruce Jamieson Golf Advisors Ltd, is an established company offering expert advice on; from as little as £250 and footwear for greenkeepers. You can visit Hogg’s stand (A13) at Harrogate ● Golf Course ma intenance ● Tournament prep aration & presentation for a FULL 6 MONTHS, Week or contact the company directly for a copy of its catalogue. ● Machinery selection ● Budgeting full colour, please call ● Staff recruitmen t Hoggs of Fife Ltd. ● Soil & turf analys is ● Establishment of new golf courses Kirstin on 01347 833 832 Tel. 01334-653733 Contact: Bruce Jamieson or email www. gkwear.co.uk Forth House, Bracknell Lane, Hartley Wintney, Hants, RG27 8QP Telephone: 01252 844847 [email protected]
64 Greenkeeper International BUYERS GUIDE
aylor Lancs) 1978 ON Master Renovation • Specialists Est. ertidraining 877289 V service call: Sand Sportsfield (Preston, Specialist Melvyn T Overseeding DIX • Cultivation • • or 07836 259133 on 01283 551417 Ltd • • 01347 833 832 or fast and friendly UK F www.turfdry.com Drainage or email 877479 DRAINAGE f Construction Golf Course Drainage GRINDERS 01772 Greenkeeper International 65 International Greenkeeper • Course Spraying .huntergrinders.com 01207 270 316 [email protected] tstur opdressing 01772 T x www.dixondrainage.co.uk el: from as little as £250 PHILIP Groundbreaker full colour, please call full colour, Slitting/Banding [email protected] Golf T el: ax: FULL 6 MONTHS, for a FULL Spor F Advertise here Advertise Contractors email: www Kirstin on T Drainage s y Overseeding : : n.co.uk 06 rwa i .com and a MAINTENANCE f igatio : : onal 8127 01257 255327 01257 Topdressing ge on@aol f f : : nd fsirr iti Piped Drainage Systems Drainage Piped banding a ati : : Blec Vibro Sand Banding Sand Vibro Blec : : DRAINAGE Specialists 01785 Vertidraining : : Trad INSTALLATION NSIrrig T: 01383 830217 T: Scotland Based * Slitting/Banding tag M: 07808 897 300 .northstaf : : Tel: E: Sand Slitting Sand Sportsturf Drainage draina 01257 255321 255321 01257 greens Drainage * Construction www.turfdry.com Pitch Construction Pitch Contractors Ltd t t Ly f Golf Courses - Sportsfields www Golf Course Drainage Plastic Pipe / Turfdry Drainage System Plastic Pipe / Turfdry www.duncanrosslanddrainage.co.uk [email protected] Survey / Design / Installation / Greens / Survey / Design / Installation / Greens Meiklem Drainage Fairways / Bunkers / Complete Courses o Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancs WN6 9DT WN6 Lancs Wigan, Bridge, Appley 07836 259133 / [email protected] DESIGN e e Koro Surfacing Koro Contact Melvyn Taylor: 01283 551417 Contact Melvyn Taylor: For fast and friendly Nationwide Service E: [email protected] Contact Meiklem Drainage on: DRAdvert_40x40mm:DRAdvert_40
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01347 833 832 or email ANTI - SLIP
Tel: 023 8040 4952 Tel: Fax: 023 8040 2563 Fax: www.gripclad.co.uk ARTIFICIAL GRASS ARTIFICIAL
from as little as £250 full colour, please call full colour, [email protected] CLOTHING / FOOTWEAR CLOTHING GRP Anti-Slip Cleats GRP FULL 6 MONTHS, for a FULL Email: [email protected] Email: Advertise here Advertise Kirstin on .uk urf
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email: irrigation.uk email: irrigation.uk OAKDA NO NEED TO SPLASH OUT • Contracting NO NEED TO SPLASH OUT Greenkeeper International • Supply & Sales • Design/Advice Phone 12054A Splash ad 40x43 17/4/08 12:43 pm Page 1 and latest from the green industr Visit Area • New Installations • New
ALLATION T 01347 833 832 or email Tel: 01603 759701 from as little as £250 full colour, please call full colour, [email protected] YERS’ GUIDE YERS’ BU FULL 6 MONTHS, for a FULL The independent choice for irrigation: Advertise here Advertise Kirstin on [email protected] AUTOFLOW SYSTEMS LTD AUTOFLOW SYSTEMS DESIGN : SUPPLY : INS 66 Greenkeeper International 66 Greenkeeper
BUYERS GUIDE BUYERS GUIDE
k 67 International u . g r a.o g g out the TREATMENT AGRONOMY ping Fax: 01925 757519 .bi Greenkeeper
ck e w y e w chat www.grassgrabber.com k WASTE/WASHWATER 1.6 – 2.6m Vertidraining 1.6 – 2.6m For landscape and leisure 1.0 – 1.5m Earthquaking w che VERTIDRAINING HIRE VERTIDRAINING Sand spreading and seeding Sand spreading Tel: 01925 758099 Tel: Website: www.greenfarmturf.co.uk Website: Email: [email protected] or Chris 07825 329283 or Big roll turf supply/installation Big roll Call: Mark 07838 369910 Call: Mark 07838 369910 Green Farm Turf Farm Green latest from the green industr and Visit Hydrotech Solutions Treatment Water • Golf Machinery Wash • Positive Filtration – Non-Biological • 200 + Systems Installed Worldwide • Simple, Low Cost Installation • Low Running Costs Email: [email protected] , d eens own ounds, ootzone, es including oughout the year urf for Gr TURF ees, Surr ecision laser grading. .tillersturf.co.uk NEW for 2009 oaches and Fairways and bunker lining. and bunker banks. TF turf for pathways and mown at 6mm. edominantly bent swar essed thr NEW for 2007 R own on USGA r el: 01652 678 000 on sandy loam topsoil. optional laser grading. and bent/fescue gr arious mixtur urf for Golf Courses Pr urf for T Turf for bunker revetting for bunker revetting Turf ees supplied and laid, with T V Gr T VERTIDRAINING HIRE VERTIDRAINING VERTIDRAINING HIRE VERTIDRAINING T Specialist Growers of Specialist Growers T Rootzone T Tees supplied and laid, with supplied and laid, with Tees Appr www ryegrass/fescue, 100% fescue, optional pr top-dr
01347 833 832 TURF or email Wildflower Turf, www.turf.co.uk TREE MOVING Tel: 01904 448675 01904 Tel: TREE CLEARANCE from as little as £250 full colour, please call full colour, [email protected] and new Low Maintenance turf stabilisation/drought tolerance, 5 golf grades including high bent Greens on USGA rootzone, RTF for 20 years of golf turf experience FULL 6 MONTHS, for a FULL Advertise here Advertise Kirstin on t c u
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[email protected] 01858 464346 / 433003 DRESSINGS FOR F TEL: 01702 338686 SCREENED FENSOIL, event thatch build build thatch event oducts known to ma to known oducts BUNKER SAND & P r r FULL 6 MONTHS, for a FULL and P Imp Use one of the oldes the of one Use p to t to Advertise here Advertise FENDRESS™ • New or used • Hard or softwood • Crossing timbers Shi Kirstin on RAILWAY RAILWAY SLEEPERS Tel: 01433 620003 Fax: 01433 620388 granular charcoal for over 200 years ■ ■ ■ - 60 minutes be beneficial. David Summerfield with covering letter to: Telephone 01628 771030 Telephone projects nationwide. Greenkeeper Email [email protected] Please apply by sending a CV Please apply by sending a CV www.sgcgroup.co.uk Bird Hills Golf Centre, Drift Road, Bird Hills Golf Centre, or any catering point The positions will be based at our The positions will be Manchester office and working on and working Manchester office Bird Hills Golf Centre Wireless Internet Senior Golf Construction is looking for Construction is looking Senior Golf Hawthorn Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 3ST Hawthorn Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire an application form please visit our website. an application form please Maidenhead, Wokingham, Windsor, Bracknell and Slough. Windsor, Wokingham, Maidenhead, For further company details and to download For further company A competitive salary will be paid to the successful applicant competitive salary will be paid to the A As part of our controlled expansion programme our controlled expansion As part of per hour £4 is available here Pick up your voucher at reception skilled personnel with varied levels of experience. skilled personnel with Wireless internet Accommodation is not available but the course is conveniently located close to Accommodation is not available but the course is conveniently Golf Course Construction Personnel Required Construction Golf Course An experienced NVQ Level 2 Greenkeeper is required to assist the Head Green An experienced NVQ Level 2 Greenkeeper is required to Unit 8B Plantation Industrial Estate Whitelands Road Ashton-Under-Lyne OL6 6UZ Estate Whitelands Road Ashton-Under-Lyne Unit 8B Plantation Industrial keeper on this busy 18 hole parkland course. Relevant spraying certificates would keeper on this busy 18 hole parkland course. Relevant final wifi posters 6/11/08 AM 9:25 6/11/08 1 posters Page wifi final
(full training is available) Require succeed? Are you: Are KT14 6AA We offer: We trading area. Applications to: “UNIQUE” [email protected] Full month £500 Bank finance available Part month £300 Get online now! Online jobs go to and run their own business? business model of Franchising. Your own exclusive trading area own exclusive trading area Your [email protected] Kirstin on 01347 833 832 service and technical support etc www.bigga.org.uk Spraying certificates PA1, 2 & 6 Spraying certificates quick delivery direct to your customer quick delivery direct Margaret Lambert (Deputy Secretary) Margaret Franchise packages from £7,500 plus VAT Franchise packages from Both technical & professional sales training Both technical & professional International Minimum 3 years golf course experience FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY FRANCHISE Assistant Greenkeeper Qualified to NVQ2 or equivalent preferred Exclusive NEW “Prestige” product range for 2009 product Exclusive NEW “Prestige” such as, Scotts, Barenbrug, Barclay, Vitax & Farmura Vitax Barclay, such as, Scotts, Barenbrug, industry, who wants to own and run their own business? who wants to own and run industry, For instant online advertising please contact of business partners outside our existing South East of England England of East South existing our outside partners business of Quality branded products to sell from all leading manufacturers, manufacturers, leading all from sell to products branded Quality opportunity through the successful and “unique” to our industry, and “unique” to our industry, the successful opportunity through WEST BYFLEET GOLF CLUB GOLF BYFLEET WEST Collier Turf Care, after 40 years of successful growth through the through of successful growth after 40 years Care, Collier Turf A successful sales person, already within the professional sports within the professional already A successful sales person, The website is updated regularly with new vacancies For more information, and to arrange a confidential meeting email: For more During 2009 and onwards we will be building up a franchise network we During 2009 and onwards BASIS registered warehouse stocked with all our main products for stocked with all our main products warehouse BASIS registered Dedicated, hard working, professional with the drive and passion to to passion and drive the with professional working, hard Dedicated, West Byfleet Golf Club, Sheerwater Road, West Byfleet, Surrey Byfleet Golf Club, Sheerwater Road, West South East of England, using our unique “SPS” (systems, profitability profitability (systems, “SPS” unique our using England, of East South & sustainability) programme, is now offering you a “unique” business is now offering & sustainability) programme, Applicants should be self motivated, committed and hardworking Wanting to move into sales and own a business? Wanting (plus £12,500 set up costs, £4,000 stock & £10-20,000 working capital). (plus £12,500 set up costs, £4,000 stock & £10-20,000 A successful sales person, from a different industry, who wants to own industry, a different from A successful sales person, Comprehensive head office support team including, accounts, customer Comprehensive 68 Greenkeeper
Recruitment SHARPEN MOWERS FOR GREENER GRASS
Sharpening mowers with EXPRESS DUAL & ANGLEMASTER produces a surgically sharp cut leading to superior turf and a lot of happy golfers.
SHARPER SOLUTIONS 01788 811600 • www.bernhard.co.uk
BIGGA A Win-Win Offer at Harrogate Week Stand B19 from the Membership Department 20-22 January 2009 (Hall B) NEW Members – No joining fee and save £££s Join at Harrogate Week and receive 12 2 months months for the price of 10. Just come along to the BIGGA Stand, located in Hall B (B19), sign up, and a member of the Membership Team will arrange this Free Membership reduction for you.
EXISTING Members – Receive a thank you gift and win a Magazine Gift Subscription. Introduce a new member at Harrogate Week, bring your colleague along to the BIGGA Stand, located in Hall B (B19). Make sure your name is on your colleague’s application form, having recommended them, and receive a thank you gift from BIGGA. Also, your name will go into a draw and the first six pulled out will receive a Magazine Gift Subscription. Choose from : Win • FHM • Men’s Health Magazine Gift • Today’s Golfer • Golf Monthly Subscription • Q • Performance Bike • Car • Cosmopolitan • Empire • Red Win Chairman’s Column
ALL GOOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END
As I write my final article, it is with some amazement that the year has passed so quickly - we are now already back at Harrogate Week and into January, for what hopes to be a fantastic exhibition and education forum. I believe it is a must for Greenkeepers and Groundsman alike - indeed any other sports’ Managers would also benefit from attending the week, meeting exhibitors and looking at planning for the year ahead. Our new Chairman, Peter Todd, is taking over at a tough time but I believe he will be an excellent Chairman and help the Association build bridges in all sectors of the market place. It will be an extremely busy year, speaking from experience, and it is fantastic that he has the support of his Club in such a tough financial climate. My own advice for him is just to be aware of how quickly the year passes - before you know it you are half way through. At the moment we are now seeing the backlash in the economy, especially on the golf courses as we are in our traditionally quieter months, and financial decisions are having to be taken with regards to staffing levels and costs. It is important that we can improve our versatility over the next few months and hope that we at least get a good start to the year, in terms of weather, to encourage the golfers to return to the high numbers in the spring – something that we haven’t really seen in the last few years. I always seem to be talking about the weather, but hopefully we can have a positive outlook in 2009 and we can have a big year with golfers responding by coming to the courses in their droves. Great weather allows us to produce a higher quality of turf, again something that hasn’t really been open us is in the last few years with the prolonged wet weather. This, in turn, might see new golfers coming to the courses to play. In turn, we have to be more open to all levels of people and standards than we have perhaps relied upon in the past. Pricing issues may be addressed this year also which will again open up the availability of golf to families and a wider audience. Finally, I would like to thank my family, Maria, big commitment to the benefit of BIGGA. Iain, Ruth and Cameron for their support in my role It has been my privilege to enjoy this opportunity as Chairman over the last year. Also, my employers and I have learnt much and met with many great the Quinn Group, and, in particular, Nigel Gray, for new and old people within the industry. allowing me to attend at lot of events, on behalf I look forward to seeing you all at Harrogate Kenny Mackay of the Association, and allowing me to make a and best wishes everyone for 2009. Chairman
Your next issue of GI will be with you by January 8th Visit our website for a full archive of BIGGA magazine issues at www.bigga.co.uk
70 Greenkeeper International Visit the Doe Show 2009 3rd, 4th, 5th February
• Free Parking By far the largest Agricultural, • Free Entry Construction and Groundcare • Free Refreshments • NRoSo Points Awarded Dealer Show in the UK
• over 150 trade stands • used machinery bargains • shop soiled and ex-demonstration machinery at ‘to sell’ prices • working demonstrations • large indoor display of ancillary products • parts and showroom offers • catering facilities
See the ever-famous Doe tractors at work Indoor machinery displays Bargains galore in our well stocked showroom Something for everyone
Used, shop-soiled and ex-demonstration machinery The famous Doug Potter – see him in action at bargain prices
Over 150 acres of working demonstrations
SAT NAV CM9 6QH HARPER & EEDE
where you can buy with confidence Ulting, Maldon, Essex CM9 6QH Tel 01245 380311 Email [email protected] www.ernestdoe.com & EEDE The Doe Show 2009 – can you afford to miss it? HARPER & EEDE
Doe show ad 2009 260x180.indd 1 9/12/08 12:19:46
HARPER & EEDE To register, book education www.harrogateweek.org.uk or fi nd accommodation, visit
Organised by BIGGA Harrogate Week 2009 For the Turf Management and Groundscare Professional • The Greatest Choice of Groundscare Products and Services • Careers Clinic with Free Advice from the Professionals • Exhibitors Covering the Whole Industry • Comprehensive Education Programme • Invaluable Networking Opportunities • Advice from Industry Experts FREE • New Technology on Display Park & Ride 20-22 January 2009
HW09AD_A4.indd 1 22/9/08 12:47:22