British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association JUNE 2013

Greenkeeper International GI Published by the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association JUNE 2013

Inside... Blinded by SCIENCE? Also Featured... USGA specification for putting greens

Managing

with less HEYTHROP

How greenkeepers in New Zealand PARK are achieving outstanding results Phil Helmn’s machinery in difficult circumstances maintenance advice

Also Inside... WOOLLEY PARK : LIGHTWEIGHT ROLLING : CPD Welcome from BIGGA

BIGGA

BIGGA President Sir Michael Bonallack, OBE

GP400 BIGGA Board of Management Chairman Tony Smith Vice Chairman Chris Sealey BIGGA Past Chairman SIMPLY BRILLIANT Andrew Mellon BIGGA Board Members Gary Cunningham, Stuart Greenwood, Arnold Phipps-Jones, Jeremy Hughes, Kenny MacKay, George Barr, John Keenaghan

BIGGA Chief Executive Officer Jim Croxton

BIGGA General Manager Tracey Maddison [email protected]

BIGGA Learning & Development Manager Sami Strutt [email protected]

Contact Us BIGGA House, Aldwark, Alne, York, YO61 1UF Some of the STRI Environmental Awards winners on the 18th at Wentworth [email protected] www.bigga.org.uk Tel – 01347 833800 | Fax – 01347 833801 A thirst for innovation Greenkeeper International Writing this column from the BMW PGA growth through our communications with you The official monthly magazine of the Championship where, sadly, off course the membership. British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association Limited. issues are overshadowing the one and only As a member’s association it is incumbent Production Tour event to take place in England this on us to also be innovative and forward Design & Brand year, it is fantastic to see the world’s best thinking with our benefits and services to Executive players playing a beautifully manicured Brit- you. Tom Campbell ish course and it feels like the 2013 golfing This month we highlight changes to our Tel – 01347 833800 season has finally begun. Congratulations Continuing Professional Development (CPD) ext 513 [email protected] to Kenny Mackay and his team at Wentworth scheme that are intended to make the scheme Editorial for getting the West Course into such excellent both more user friendly and suitable to the Communications condition after such a tough twelve months. needs of the modern greenkeeper (page 16). Executive As always an excellent team of BIGGA This includes a more modern approach to the Steve Castle Tel – 01347 833800 volunteers assembled at the event to provide different styles of learning that we all undertake ext 510 support to the home team and I know Kenny as well as extending the qualifying period from steve.castle @bigga.co.uk and all involved in the event were extremely the overly onerous annual requirement to a grateful for their hard work and enthusiasm. rolling three-year programme. Advertising During the event a reception for the winners This month we also say a fond farewell to Business of the 2012 STRI Environmental Awards took one of BIGGA’s longest serving employees; Development Manager Jill Rodham place in the iconic Wentworth clubhouse and Jane Jones has been the administrator for the Tel – 01347 833800 it was fascinating to chat to those assembled South West & South Wales region for over eight ext 519 Fax – 01347 833802 and hear some of the challenges that have been years and has served the membership with [email protected] faced by our members all round the country. great enthusiasm and integrity. Her excellent Printing There is no doubt that everyone has had to attention to detail combined with a charming Warners Midlands Plc, The Maltings, Manor be extremely dedicated and very innovative to manner have made her a joy to work with, The Jacobsen GP400 Diesel ride-on greens mower is full of brilliant ideas. Lane, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH Tel – 01778 391000 | Fax – 01778 394269 get the nation’s golf courses playable over the we wish her well in her new ventures in the

To ensure superior turf conditions, our engineers included free- oating Contents may not be reprinted or otherwise last few months. The innovative approach that industry. reproduced without written permission. our members bring to problem solving and This edition features articles on a wide steerable cutting heads with Classic XP™ reels along with a complete Greens Return postage must accompany all materials submitted if return is requested. No overcoming weather, technical or agronomic diversity of topics, from combining agriculture Management System including verticutters and groomers. To make the GP400 responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited issues is something that has really struck me with greenkeeping (page 42) to the benefits of materials. The right is reserved to edit submissions before publication. during my two years in this role. It was certainly lightweight rolling (page 30) via the second and easy to use and maintain, they added a one-touch joystick for lift/lower, a Although every care will be taken, no responsibility is accepted for loss of an issue that I was keen to highlight in a recent final part of Kevin Munt’s excellent feature on swing-out centre reel, and onboard backlapping. Add some brilliance to your manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Opinions article in Golf Monthly that discussed the the keys to career advancement (page 50). expressed are not necessarily those of the course with the GP400 ride-on greens mower from Jacobsen. Association, and no responsibility is accepted impact of the last year’s weather on the whole for such content, advertising or product golf economy. information that may appear. Circulation is by subscription. Subscription rate: UK £50 per This is something I’m keen to celebrate so year, Europe and Eire £65, Rest of the World on that note please see Innovation Corner £95. The magazine is also distributed to BIGGA members, golf clubs, local authorities, the turf (page 45, part of the Woolley Park course industry, libraries and central government. feature) – which aims to celebrate some of the more unusual approaches to greenkeeping. FOR A LEGENDARY PERFORMANCE Additionally we really want to use the pages of this magazine and our website to highlight any ON YOUR COURSE, CALL 01473 270000 successful new methods you have brought in at your facilities. This industry has always grown through the sharing of good practice and new www.ransomesjacobsen.com ISSN: 0961– 6977 © 2013 British and International Golf ideas and I hope we’re able to continue that Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO Greenkeepers Association Limited GKI/GP400Simply/06/2013

JUNE 2013 GI 3

GP400 Brilliant.indd 1 16/05/2013 10:53 Welcome from BIGGA

BIGGA

BIGGA President Sir Michael Bonallack, OBE

BIGGA Chief Executive Officer Jim Croxton

BIGGA General Manager Tracey Maddison [email protected]

BIGGA Learning & Development Manager Sami Strutt [email protected]

JUNE 2013 GI 3

GP400 Brilliant.indd 1 16/05/2013 10:53 CONTENTS A look at what’s inside the magazine this month

GI BERNHARD DELEGATES JUNE 2013 In August Greenkeeper International will again be Richard Jenkinson, 2013 Delegate. 46 asking for members to apply Bernhard delegates to become a member of the THEN: Deputy Course Manager G West Bernhard’s Delegation heading NOW: Same position to the States and the Golf Industry Show in January. It truly was the most unforgettable experience I’ve It’s a fabulous shared experience, had in my career. One real highlight were the tours ...where are they now? an opportunity to build new friend- around Torrey Pines and La Costa. It was fascinating ships and make new business to see the differences between them even though contacts, but most importantly a they are only ten minutes apart. priceless tool for learning, educat- The management style is similar but the terrain FEATURES and composition of the courses are completely ing, training and growing. But don’t If you’re still undecided about applying to join the next BIGGA just take our word for it. GI spoke to different. I now understand why previous delegates Delegation to America, read on to fi nd out how much infl uence the some of the delegates from the last described it as a very tough but life-changing week. trip had on delegates from the last few years decade to fi nd out how much the trip infl uenced them professionally and personally… 16 CPD – make yourself valuable What makes good CPD

20 Is in-house care key to equipment longevity? James de Haviland reports from Heythrop Park

Jaime Acton, 2012 Delegate. Rob Sandilands, 2011 Delegate. THEN: Head Greenkeeper, THEN: Deputy Head Worlebury Golf Club Greenkeeper, Elsham Golf Club 24 Become the next NOW: Golf Course Manager, NOW: Head Greenkeeper, Rushmore Golf Club Grange-over-Sands Golf Club I had no idea just how much I was the only deputy on the trip, the trip would impact on me both and the group of Course Managers BIGGA Champion professionally and personally. and Head Greenkeepers during the I feel it has given me the confi dence week in Orlando had a big infl uence to hold my own professionally, to on me at the time, and they’ve push myself more in new situations continued to have a major infl uence Enter the 2013 BIGGA National and to move my career to the next on me since. They gave me some level. A few months ago I was offered a new job and took great advice, including some really important tips you on the challenge of running a lovely proprietary club set in don’t always get in the textbooks! Championship at Frilford Heath GC ancient parkland on a private estate. The Show, seminars I really feel the experience gave me that boost to get and site visits we all attended in the States gave me a real my fi rst Head Greenkeeper job, which I secured just two and win £500 worth of vouchers thirst to improve myself. months later. 26 A study on rebuilding a putting green to USGA spec

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26 Blinded by science? GI_JUNE_13_v5.indd 46-47 28/05/2013 09:41 A study on rebuilding a putting green to USGA spec REGULARS GREENKEEPER 30 Top ten reasons to INTERNATIONAL Published by the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association lightweight roll 3 Welcome from BIGGA GI JUNE 2013 One of the world’s most eminent turf professors gives us the detailed 6 Chairman’s Word lowdown on lightweight rolling 8 Newsdesk 12 Membership News 34 Managing with less in the land of the Kiwi 14 Learning & Inside... How greenkeepers in New Zealand Development News BLINDED BY SCIENCE? are addressing their own problems 52 New Products Featured Inside USGA speciﬁ cation with spectacular results for putting greens 16 20 38 54 Around the Green 38 An introduction to 59 Greenkeepers aeration Training Committee A base level look at aeration 60 Buyers’ Guide Managing 65 Recruitment 42 A family affair at with less Woolley Park 66 The Back Nine HEYTHROP How greenkeepers in New Zealand PARK are achieving outstanding results How a proprietary golf club runs in in difﬁ cult circumstances Phil Helmn’s machinery happy union with a farm maintenance advice ALSO INSIDE... WOOLLEY PARK : LIGHTWEIGHT ROLLING : CPD

46 Bernhard delegates… GI_JUNE_13_v5.indd 1 28/05/2013 10:03 where are they now? Past delegates explain how it had a The official monthly magazine of huge impact on their careers British and International 50 18 steps (Part Two) Golf Greenkeepers Association The final part of Kevin Munt’s 26 30 42 essential guide

4 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 5 CONTENTS A look at what’s inside the magazine this month

20 Is in-house care key to equipment longevity? James de Haviland reports from Heythrop Park

46 GI JULY 2013 JULY 2013 GI 47

4 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 5 Chairman’s Word National Chairman, Tony Smith, gives his thoughts for the month

Support at Wentworth, and a sad farewell

I have now officially retired, leaving my position at Teesside Golf Club after 32 terrific years. It seems ironic that I’ve left after the wettest year anyone could remember, when we had a sewage pipe burst twice and were forced to close on so many occasions. Now I’ve left the sun is shining – maybe it was me! It was a very cold spring – although it was a little drier – but fingers crossed the recent warmer weather will mean you lucky members are all out there preparing your courses with pride as I know you love to do. I say lucky because I am already missing preparing the course at Teesside. I wish you all a good summer that will help you continue to produce the superb standard of courses which are admired throughout the world by other turf professionals. At the end of May I was fortunate enough to attend the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth for two days, more for business STRI Environmental Awards winners on the 17th at Wentworth than pleasure. It was the first to be held with Kenny Mackay overseeing course preparation. I am grateful to all the members who give I have to congratulate Kenny and his so much of their precious time to help the team on the fabulous presentation of the course. As ever, conditions were not ideal Association function with largely dank and overcast conditions during the week, but Kenny and his team dealt with all the challenges superbly. meaning I have now had the chance to Oxfordshire. This fabulous 54 hole facility I’d also like to congratulate the members spend time with all five Regional Boards is maintained superbly by Sid Arrowsmith of the BIGGA Support Team who gave up during my first ten months as Chairman. MG. Through generous sponsorship their own time and made their own travel I am grateful to all the Section and from both Kubota and Charterhouse we arrangements to back up the efforts made Regional officers and board members have been able to significantly increase by the Wentworth team. Well done – your who give so much of their precious time to the prize fund on offer particularly for the superb contribution did not go unnoticed. help the Association function and remain overall scratch competition, whilst we have The Wentworth tournament is the only focused on the needs of the membership. also reduced the entry fee. I want to see time the European Tour International A sad event last month was the a packed field contesting for the various Schedule will visit England this year but it semi-retirement of our South West & South prizes on offer so hope to see you there in is a huge event on the golfing calendar and Wales regional administrator Jane Jones, October. provided us with the chance to catch up she has served the Association with great Last year’s event at Irvine Bogside was a with many industry bodies and individuals commitment and will be missed by many huge success (apart from when I used up during the week. as she takes half a step back in her career. about eight shots in bunkers on the 18th) These challenging economic and climatic I am delighted that she intends to stay and I’m sure this event will be too, so get times make working together even more in touch with the golf and greenkeeping your entry form in quick. essential if we are to ensure the industry industry and hope that our paths continue As always I am happy to discuss any survives. to cross. I’m sure all of you, particularly matter with BIGGA members, my contact 2013 has been hectic year so far for the members of her Region, will join me in details are below. BIGGA and for me in my travels around the wishing her well. Regions and Sections, so a slightly quieter We have recently launched the 2013 month has come as a welcome change. I BIGGA National Championship, which Contact details this year will be held on the Red course at was pleased to have the opportunity to Tony Smith / 07988 838956 / [email protected] attend a Midlands Region board meeting the first-class Frilford Heath Golf Club in

ZYPLEX GREENKEEPING ADVERT.indd 1 31/01/2012 16:50 6 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 7 Chairman’s Word National Chairman, Tony Smith, gives his thoughts for the month

Support at Wentworth, and a sad farewell

ZYPLEX GREENKEEPING ADVERT.indd 1 31/01/2012 16:50 6 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 7 HISTORIC CHANGE AT BRORA GI NEThe latest newsWSD from around theE globeSK

Head Greenkeeper James Macbeath (second left) watches course record holder Jim Miller tee off at the 11th with Jim Casey from Clyneish Distillery and Club President Alistair Risk

A Head Greenkeeper’s desire to Chris Thomas, Mike Mayer, Alex National modernise a historic course has Matthews, Craig Campbell Championship led to a significant and historic change of yardage at Brora Golf Returns Club. James MacBeath, Head This year’s BIGGA National Greenkeeper at the club – which Championship sponsored by is situated some 50 miles north Charterhouse and Kubota will of Inverness - recognised that the BILLY MCMILLAN LAUNCHES be held at the superb Frilford back nine was more difficult than Heath Golf Club on October the front nine so recommended it COURSE CONSULTANCY 7-8, with a fantastic first prize be extended by 50 yards, to ensure of £500 worth of vouchers. Former BIGGA National Chairman Billy feedback, and delivering practical solutions it became a par five. The two-day event will be McMillan has formed an independent golf to overcome issues can make a huge difference. James said: “I play off quite a low held on the Red course, a course management consultancy, with “I hope to help clubs achieve a quality handicap and I found that in the classic heathland test. This was services ranging from project management, product tailored to most levels of available prevailing wind, the back nine and designed by five-times Open staff training and development, and locum budget.” front nine were not balanced. Also, Champion JH Taylor, and hosts greenkeeping support. Having worked at many fine clubs, Billy there are not many par 69s around European Tour final qualifying With over 38 years’ experience in the golf has an extensive knowledge of many different these days. We get many American the week before our visit. It’s an industry, he is offering help and support to course types, from clay-based to sandy visitors who are looking for a par authentic challenge at 6,912 any club that has ambitions to fully realise its heathland and everything in between, each 70, so I really felt it was time to yards, with fast and true greens potential in a competitive market. coming with their own and sometimes very modernise. and fairways that demand Having spent many years at the forefront of demanding issues. “I brought my idea to our greens accurate drives. The stretch greenkeeping and having also run golf clubs He can evaluate current golf course condition committee and it all went from between holes five and nine is as a General Manager, Billy aims to bring a and work alongside the club’s greenkeeping there. Inevitably there were some particularly notable, featuring 100-HOLE CHARITY CHALLENGE balance to the aspirations of Course Managers team to help with planning for future success. objections at first, particularly as a memorable par three hitting and clubs, helping to make a difference out on Billy is keen to take a hands-on approach there have been very few changes BIGGA member Craig Campbell is joining moving on to Celtic Manor. He has retained over a pond. the golf course. and never shies away from getting involved since the course was laid out in forces with four pals this month to attempt his BIGGA membership as he explains: We’ve also cut the entry fee “I’m bringing something different to the table”, at the grass roots to help others develop their 1924, but when it eventually went the incredible charity challenge of playing “Everyone can benefit from what other turf to just £90 which includes Billy explains. “Looking at the club from both personal skills. to a vote the members were in 100 holes in a single day. guys are doing. The Millennium Stadium a round of golf on each day, perspectives, I’m adept to change and meeting Billy McMillan Associates Limited can be favour.” Former Celtic Manor greenkeeper Craig will provides a unique working environment, plus lunch on both days the demands of members, guests and visitors. contacted on 07774 632747 or by email at Over the winter James and his head to Ridgeway Golf Club in Caerphilly on which means we are always looking for ways and dinner on the Monday “Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes, constructive [email protected]. team worked to build the new 21 June with club members Chris Thomas, to improve and take on board ideas from all evening. Please note there is no tee on the James Braid designed Mike Mayer and Alex Mathews, and have areas of turf management. accommodation provided. course, and also extended the worked out they have around 16 hours of “Regarding the challenge, if we can go To enter please fill in the COURSE WORK STARTS AT CHERKLEY COURT fairways to allow for the extra daylight to succeed – all in aid of Cancer round in 998 minutes and play to our application form on page 24 A historic site near who are objecting to the The par 71, 7000 yard yardage. Research Wales. handicaps for the whole day this would of this magazine, or email Leatherhead has been given development. But after a course has been designed by To mark the occasion the club Craig is now a groundsman at Cardiff’s equate to a shot every 34 seconds! your details to rachael@bigga. the go-ahead for an exclusive hearing at the High Court last David McLay Kidd, creator and Clynelish Distillery, the magnificent Millennium Stadium, but golf is “We’re looking forward to raising significant co.uk - ensure you receive golf course. Plans for a golf week a judge permitted the of Queenwood, The Castle sponsor of the 11th hole, invited very much in his blood. funds for Cancer Research Wales.” confirmation of entry by course, luxury hotel and spa removal of topsoil and other Course at St. Andrews and course record holder Jim Miller to He worked at several clubs including Donations can be made at www.justgiving. return email. were held up by campaigners works to begin. Machrihanish Dunes. hit the first drive from the new tee. South Winchester and Stratford Oaks before com/RidgewayGolf2013-100HoleChallenge

8 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 9 HISTORIC CHANGE AT BRORA GI NEThe latest newsWSD from around theE globeSK

Head Greenkeeper James Macbeath (second left) watches course record holder Jim Miller tee off at the 11th with Jim Casey from Clyneish Distillery and Club President Alistair Risk

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Aerial spraying against OPM (Apatura iris) known to be on first forecast in April’s GI got AERIAL SPRAYING sites nearby. Ali Barrett with the drone underway in early May. Within Early May featured strong hours it was headline news in winds and falling temperatures The Guardian and The Daily ...ON TIME (IF NOT slowing oak re-foliation even Telegraph. Micron Sprayers more. Calm conditions for confirmed aerial application accurate deposition of droplets would be carried out by a ON TARGET) are required. And 40-60 Robinson Helicopter equipped per cent leaf expansion, to

f and the canopy characteristics o with Micronair AU 7000 AERIAL SPRAYING The message on the grapevine ensure sufficiently good leaf oak trees, that must be understood is that oak processionary about the author and satisfied if the programme is moth (OPM) could at last be going to work, irrespective of how controlled by aerial spraying nominally accurate aerial applica- in the UK. After five years tion might be. atomisers. of dithering, the UK Plant - coverage and a lethal dose of Spray timing is crucially impor Health Authorities appear to tant for several reasons. BT kills be learning a lesson, taking the OPM larvae via ingestion and stom- lead from their counterparts ach action through larvae feeding in Germany and trialling aerial The target is the 10-hectare on the foliage. Consequently the Bt insecticide through larval application of insecticide target for spray droplets is the new Dr Terry Mabbett against OPM. - oak leaves produced in spring, disease, OPM (Thaumetopoea processio Dr Terry Mabbett is a usually appearing from mid-April pest and weed control nea) is moving mainly westwards specialist with forty years onwards with OPM larvae hatching international experience and southwards from its initial Herridges and Broom Copses covering research, advisory sometime during the second half ingestion. twin infestation focus on oak trees and journalism. His current of April. fields of focus are professional imported from the Netherlands and turf and alien insect pests and The twin synchronised starting itain’s native planted in the London Boroughs pathogens of Br points are therefore timing of oak and naturalised trees. of Richmond and Ealing during tree re-foliation and hatching of the 2005/2006. A total of nine contigu- near Pangbourne (West L1 (first instar) larvae from plaques Wind turbulence and ous London Boroughs – Richmond, of insect eggs on small branches Ealing, Hounslow, Brent, Ham- at the top of the canopy. Both mersmith and Fulham, Kensington are dependent on temperature. and Chelsea, Kingston, Merton and An early spring with higher than Wandsworth are now affected by Berkshire) to be sprayed twice normal temperature should realis- insufficient tree canopy cover this main infestation. Last summer tically see earlier synchronised oak the infestation leapfrogged the tree re-foliation and larval hatch, Thames from its southern front at and vice versa. Hampton Court and into the Elm- Next thing to be established is with Bacillus thuringiensis bridge area of North Surrey. increase chances of droplets when the larvae start to feed on Two ongoing ‘satellite’ infesta- bursting buds, young leaves and tions, originating from later flowers. Is it immediately after separate introductions of OPM on hatching or sometime thereafter? oak trees also imported from the If a contact insecticide is used subsp. kurstaki. Stewart Netherlands, are in the Pangbourne landing on non-target plants. spray operators would additionally area of West Berkshire and the benefit from knowing when larvae West Wickham area of the London are most exposed to spray droplets Borough of Bromley. This latest by being, for instance, on the upper infestation has spilled over into the (adaxial) surface of oak leaves. Snape at Forestry Commission neighbouring London Borough of Dog violet and honeysuckle Synchronisation of aerial appli- Croydon. cation with start of larval feeding Aerial spraying is not something is vital for another very important OPM to be targeted done on the hoof with pilots leaping reason. Youngest small larvae (L1, into cockpits wearing ten-gallon (FC) said “We know there L2 and early stage L3) are the easi- both common woodland and hats and shouting ‘chocs away’. It est to kill with insecticide. The lower requires thorough planning and - the larval body mass then a cor regulatory hoops to be jumped respondingly lower dose of active through, especially since nearly all by aerial spraying insecticide ingredient is required to OPM affected oak trees in the UK could be OPM in the woodland kill the larva. hedgerow plants are the food are in urban and suburban areas. Secondly this is the only time Any aerial spraying undertaken during the entire juvenile insect will be carried out using helicopters - stage period that larvae will be per to apply the biological insecticide How aerial spraying in the South of the UK is bidding to halt manently feeding on foliage in the Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. environment because we found outer shell of foliage at the top of the plants of silver washed fritillary the march of Oak Processionary Moth, writes Terry Mabbett kurstaki (BT). Aerial spraying oak tree canopy where the bulk of MAIN ABOVE: Aerial spraying experts will carefully consider and helicopter spray droplets from aerial applica- using a Robinson 244 calculate a comprehensive range fitted ithw Micronair AU700 tion will be deposited. Once larvae atomisers (Picture Micron of spray and formulation factors h Sprayers Ltd) have successfully passed throug a nest last year.” and parameters. These will include and white admiral, respectively. the L3 (third instar) stage they FAR LEFT: The adult oak aircraft speed, height above the processionary moth lays its are that much bigger and heavier eggs in plaques (strips) on small target, nature and concentration of ches of with correspondingly higher doses branches in the upper rea the liquid formulation used, mean the oak tree canopy of insecticide required to achieve (Picture Forestry Commission) droplet diameter and droplet size mortality. Dr Martin Warren, Chief SECOND LEFT: Operators need distribution, spray volume and Pangbourne appears a OPM larvae in the late L3 to L6 to monitor the timing of egg insecticide dose sprayed per unit hatch in spring. A plaque of OPM stages spend progressively more ion) area, as well as wind speed and (Picture Forestry Commiss time during the day on the trunk wind direction on the day. LEFT: Older and larger larvae and main scaffold branches and with their higher body mass require larger doses of increasingly in their silken nests. Executive of the charity mortality Biological perspectives strange choice of place to begin insecticide to cause As such they are less likely to be (Picture Forestry Commission) In addition, there will be key bio- feeding in on the outer canopy shell logical factors and requirements, at the tops of trees where BT depos- ‘Butterfly Conservation’ said: related to OPM larva behaviour aerial bombardment with APRIL 2013 GI 41

27/03/2013 14:35 “Blanket aerial spraying of a 40 GI APRIL 2013 insecticide. After three years indd 41 27/03/2013 14:35 GI_APR_13_v6. designated wildlife site sets GI_APR_13_v6.indd 40 of ground spraying only three a very bad precedent and is nests were found last year. an extremely crude control One surprised observer told mechanism – the approach is Greenkeeper International: akin to using a ‘sledgehammer “If FC wanted maximum to crack a nut’. We believe a impact against OPM they could ST ANNES OLD LINKS SOARS THANKS TO DRONE far better method would be to have closed down Richmond conduct a detailed survey of the Park for a day to treat the area’s For most Golf Clubs, like most businesses, Working with Daniel and Stuart, a plan technology enables us to showcase our conspicuous nests and spray high OPM infestation.” marketing has become a key component was put together to film the course during wonderful course, providing an enhanced them individually as they have This would clearly assist of success and longevity. So when the St the Easter holidays. service offering to our visitors and guests. done in other areas.” sites nearby. OPM has been Annes Old Links (SAOL) Course Manager, The whole course has now been filmed Equally as important it provides valuable The charity is concerned for successfully controlled on the Professional and a club member and the results can be seen at the SAOL information to our Course Manager rare butterflies in this woodland Richmond Golf Course (GI chatted over a beer at the Club prizegiving, website www.stannesoldlinks.com. in terms of course maintenance and including silver washed fritillary January 2012) but threats from none of them thought that marketing and SAOL is one of the first golf clubs in development.” (Argynnis paphia) and white female moths flying in to lay greenkeeping at the club would take such the UK to have a full aerial video of the Work is ongoing to refine the videoing A small nest typically located admiral (Limenitis camilla), on the underside of a branch. their eggs remain. an innovative step forward so quickly. complete course available on its website. techniques and Ali and Peter have now set as well as the purple emperor Picture courtesy RBG Kew. Dr Terry Mabbett Positioned within yards of Lancashire’s The results speak for themselves. As up a new business - www.heliphoto.biz - to Irish Sea coastline, the club prides itself Club Captain John Gallacher said: further promote the use of lightweight, high on having one of the best maintained “I am extremely impressed by the tech drones for aerial filming of golf courses true Links golf courses in the UK; but end results. Utilising this innovative and other sporting events and venues. FAREWELL JANE JONES TORO/LELY MATCH maintaining this standard comes at a significant cost. Two of the key individuals St Annes Old Links clubhouse Jane Jones, who B,B&O triumphed 4-1 over Kent in the annual Toro/Lely responsible for ensuring the viability of the left her position as Home Counties Football Final at Upton Park, home of Club are the Club Pro Daniel Webster and Regional Administrator West Ham United. the Course Manager Stuart Hogg. for the South West Kent Section secretary and part-time goalkeeper (!) It was whilst discussing the need to & Wales on 31 May, Rob Holland reports: “It was truly a game of two halves. market the Club to a wider audience was presented with B,B&O scored four quick fire goals between the 12th and and bringing in visiting parties that a series of gifts by 20th minutes despite the heroic actions of the cat-like Peter Barrett, a club member, suggested everyone at BIGGA keeper. an innovative idea. Peter’s son Ali had been House to thank her for “We scored a penalty in the second half and relentlessly developing a helicopter drone which he had eight and a half years pressed to narrow the scoreline. Unfortunately time ran used for filming extreme sports. So why of sterling service. out. Well done to Ben Adams, Russ Bain and Adam White not use this same technology to film the She’s intending to who were superb in Kent’s rearguard. course and allow prospective visitors to see remain in the golf and “Many thanks to B,B&O for a great game played in a the quality and standard of the greens and greenkeeping industry. very friendly spirit. Thanks especially to Larry Pearman fairways before they visit? Everyone wishes her and Toro/Lely for sponsoring - your generosity was Stuart then suggested it was not only well and hopefully she very much appreciated. Thanks too to West Ham and useful for marketing, but would also enable will continue to attend particularly Head Groundsman Shane O’Brien for him, as Course Manager, to gain a more events within the the quality of the pitch. Finally thanks to Kev Morris holistic view of the course using the aerial industry and keep in for arranging everything from organising the players, perspective to track progress of the course touch with many of the transport, sideline heckling, post match speeches and over time and to help the development of members, particularly evening beverages back at Redlibbits. Thanks for the future short and long term improvement in her Region. great company and another amazing day guys.” projects.

10 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 11 GI NEWSDESK GI NEWSDESK

10 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 11 Golf Club; Jamie Waitt – Course Manager, Stocks either five or six days: – Greenkeeper, Lingfield Park Golf Club; Richard Saunders James Briggs – Golf Club; Sam Bethell – – Course Manager, Mowsbury Greenkeeper; East Sussex Greenkeeper, The Richmond Golf Club; Rob Elliott – National Golf Club; Joseph Assistant Membership Golf Club; Craig Kilgour Greenkeeper, Bath Golf Club; Dormer -Greenkeeper; West – Deputy Head Greenkeeper, Josh Dunn – Greenkeeper, Sussex Golf Club; Andy Profile Ponteland Golf Club; David Bramcote Waters Golf Club; Haskell – Greenkeeper, The latest news Smith – Greenkeeper, Andrew Weeks – Greenkeeper, Farnham Golf Club; Dan Our monthly look into the life from BIGGA Links Newmarket Golf Hockley Golf Club; Steve Woodcraft – Greenkeeper, of an assistant greenkeeper... News Club; Glenn Rayfield, Head Hopkins – Greenkeeper, Bradfield College Golf Club; Greenkeeper, Felixstowe Burghley Park Golf Club; Nick Hull – Greenkeeper, Name: Steven Ferry Golf Club; Andy Mike Lake – First Assistant Shirley Park Golf Club; Morris Baker – Head Greenkeeper, Greenkeeper, Blackmoor Golf Nicholas Chapple – Age: 26 As before, this section will high- found a new job through BIGGA, Following the Greenkeeper Ely City Golf Club; Rob Club; Will Law – Greenkeeper, Greenkeeper, Woburn Club: Royal light the many benefits BIGGA got help through our Legal Helpline International survey, we’ve Boyce – Head Greenkeeper, Aldeburgh Golf Club; Dan Golf & Country Club; Dornoch Golf membership gives you, but will or Lifestyle Counselling, worked at revamped the Membership Links Newmarket Golf Club; Perring – Greenkeeper, Simon Torr – Greenkeeper, Club feature you, the members. a high-profile tournament or even pages – and we want you to get Dan Breden – Greenkeeper, Aldeburgh Golf Club; Niall Bearwood Lakes Golf Club; Position: We want to hear your stories and won a golf competition we want to involved. Surrey Downs Golf Club; Gibb – Groundsman, Fawley Joe Clark – Greenkeeper, Assistant experiences – so whether you’ve hear from you! Contact Details Jason O’Keefe, Deputy Head Parish Council; Mark Roehampton Club; Adam Greenkeeper Tracey Maddison [email protected] Greenkeeper, Gatton Manor Burniston - Deputy Course Brown – Greenkeeper, Nickname: Golf Club; Peter Hogan – Head Manager, Old Fold Manor Roehampton Club; Tony ‘Big Man’ Elaine Jones [email protected] Greenkeeper, Eccle Riggs Golf Golf Club; Andrew Hart – Bartram – Greenkeeper, The & Leisure Club; Paul Simpson Greenkeeper, Old Fold Manor Richmond Club; Peter Corrick How long have you been Tel: 01347 833800 (option 1 for Membership) – Greenkeeper, Winter Hill Golf Golf Club. – Greenkeeper, Weymouth greenkeeping? Nine years Club; James Lomas – First Also, the following members Golf Club; Geoff Fenn – Course Assistant Greenkeeper, Hadley offered terrific support on the Manager, Bedford & County What was it about the career You can follow BIGGA on Twitter @BIGGALtd Wood Golf Club; Steve Mason early morning prep team for Golf Club. that attracted you? Working outside, interest in maintaining sports turf areas, using machinery BIGGA Regional Offices If you weren’t a greenkeeper what do you think you’d Scotland & be? Snowboard instructor, Northern Ireland John Young or working at a ski resort in Mobile: 07776 242120 Austria [email protected] Northern & Midland Which task do you most Sandra Raper Mobile: 07866 366966 enjoy doing and why? [email protected] Working tractors, changing hole positions as you can decide South East Clive Osgood where it goes! Tel: 01737 819343 Mobile: 07841 948410 [email protected] Which task do you least “I was really, really pleased and Manager, Northwood Golf Club; Recently we’ve focused on South West & Wales enjoy doing and why? Cutting the terrific work of The Open excited. I’m a massive golf fan and Phil Worth – Greenkeeper, The Jane Jones greens with a walk-behind Tel: 01454 270850 support team – but this month I’ve been to Wentworth for the last Mere Golf Resort & Spa; Jaey Mobile: 07841 948110 mower because it is such a long it’s time to turn the spotlight couple of years as a spectator, but Goodchild – Head Greenkeeper, [email protected] job! on the members who helped I wanted to get more involved and Bowood Golf & Country Club; out at Wentworth for the BMW get inside the ropes so I applied to Iain Jones – Head Greenkeeper, What one thing - other than PGA Championship. join the team. It’s a long journey Leighton Buzzard Golf Club; a pay rise - would improve Congratulations to those who but I think it will be well worth it.” Myles Wood – Greenkeeper, the greenkeepers’ lot? More were accepted, and to those who Berkhamsted Golf Club; Gary John Young Sandra Raper respect from the golfer and missed out – try again next year What are you hoping to gain Britton – Greenkeeper, Notts general recognition for what we and hopefully your luck will be in. from the experience? Golf Club; Darren Burton – Head ENTER THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL do as greenkeepers Similar to The Open, the team “It’s a great opportunity to see Greenkeeper, Lydd Golf Club; were required to rake bunkers as how an event like this operates up James Boorman – Greenkeeper, TOURNAMENT AT LARGS GOLF CLUB Hobbies? Golf, skiing/ well as early morning prep plus close. I’ll be able to see the quality Lydd Golf Club; Phil Slater – Clive Osgood Jane Jones snowboarding, cycling, hill assisting Kenny Mackay’s existing of the turf, some of the machines, Greenkeeper, West Herts Golf The Scottish National Tourna- The course is enduringly website where the entry form walking, camping, working on team at Wentworth, and were and how it all comes together. I’m Club; Simon Bell Tye – Head ment takes place on Thursday popular with visitors, who is attached, and complete the cars available in case of bad weather. also looking forward to meeting Greenkeeper, Botley Park Hotel 13 June at Largs Golf Club. return regularly year after form along with your entry fee Other One of the team is Craig Kilgour, greenkeepers from across the Golf & Country Club; Darren It’s a long-established year. The well-balanced payment and return to John Favourite Band? Changes but useful Deputy Head Greenkeeper at country. I speak to a lot of them on Heskins – Greenkeeper, Botley private golf club with a superb layout offers an interesting Young, Scottish Regional at the moment Mumford and numbers Ponteland Golf Club. He drove Twitter, but it will be good to meet Park Hotel Golf & Country 18 hole parkland course, and challenging experience Administrator at 2/1, 19 Sons (Full Members only) over 300 miles from Newcastle to them in person.” Club; Kevin Armstrong – Head situated in front of Kelburn to golfers across the broad Cardwell Road, Gourock, Wentworth to take advantage of Greenkeeper, John O’Gaunt Personal Accident Helpline Castle overlooking the Firth spectrum of enthusiasm and PA19 1UG. Which team do you support this membership opportunity, so Congratulations to the following Golf Club; Martin Brown – 0207 2048952 of Clyde with the islands of ability, with positional play If you would like to pay (football or otherwise)? I we spoke to him beforehand: who supported on the Saturday Greenkeeper, Aldwickbury Park Greenkeepers Legal Cumbrae, Bute and Arran in rather than big hitting paying electronically then please follow the golfers Paul Lawrie Assistance and Sunday: Golf Club; Kevin Weller – Head 0800 177 7891 the background, with Arran’s dividends. contact John via his email and Darren Clarke What was your reaction Russ Bain – Deputy Course Greenkeeper, Lingfield Park Goat Fell and the ‘Sleeping If you would like to take part address of johnyoung@bigga. Lifestyle Counselling Helpline when you found out you’d been Manager, Chislehurst Golf Club; Golf Club; Mark McCann – 0844 770 1036 Warrior’ dominating the in this year’s event then please co.uk or call him on 07776 What is your claim to fame? selected? Dylan Rennick – Deputy Course Greenkeeper, Lingfield Park www.arclegal.co.uk/carefirst landscape. visit the ‘Events’ section of this 242120 for further details. None as yet

12 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 13 Golf Club; Jamie Waitt – Course Manager, Stocks either five or six days: – Greenkeeper, Lingfield Park Golf Club; Richard Saunders James Briggs – Golf Club; Sam Bethell – – Course Manager, Mowsbury Greenkeeper; East Sussex Greenkeeper, The Richmond Golf Club; Rob Elliott – National Golf Club; Joseph Assistant Membership Golf Club; Craig Kilgour Greenkeeper, Bath Golf Club; Dormer -Greenkeeper; West – Deputy Head Greenkeeper, Josh Dunn – Greenkeeper, Sussex Golf Club; Andy Profile Ponteland Golf Club; David Bramcote Waters Golf Club; Haskell – Greenkeeper, The latest news Smith – Greenkeeper, Andrew Weeks – Greenkeeper, Farnham Golf Club; Dan Our monthly look into the life from BIGGA Links Newmarket Golf Hockley Golf Club; Steve Woodcraft – Greenkeeper, of an assistant greenkeeper... News Club; Glenn Rayfield, Head Hopkins – Greenkeeper, Bradfield College Golf Club; Greenkeeper, Felixstowe Burghley Park Golf Club; Nick Hull – Greenkeeper, Name: Steven Ferry Golf Club; Andy Mike Lake – First Assistant Shirley Park Golf Club; Morris Baker – Head Greenkeeper, Greenkeeper, Blackmoor Golf Nicholas Chapple – Age: 26 As before, this section will high- found a new job through BIGGA, Following the Greenkeeper Ely City Golf Club; Rob Club; Will Law – Greenkeeper, Greenkeeper, Woburn Club: Royal light the many benefits BIGGA got help through our Legal Helpline International survey, we’ve Boyce – Head Greenkeeper, Aldeburgh Golf Club; Dan Golf & Country Club; Dornoch Golf membership gives you, but will or Lifestyle Counselling, worked at revamped the Membership Links Newmarket Golf Club; Perring – Greenkeeper, Simon Torr – Greenkeeper, Club feature you, the members. a high-profile tournament or even pages – and we want you to get Dan Breden – Greenkeeper, Aldeburgh Golf Club; Niall Bearwood Lakes Golf Club; Position: We want to hear your stories and won a golf competition we want to involved. Surrey Downs Golf Club; Gibb – Groundsman, Fawley Joe Clark – Greenkeeper, Assistant experiences – so whether you’ve hear from you! Contact Details Jason O’Keefe, Deputy Head Parish Council; Mark Roehampton Club; Adam Greenkeeper Tracey Maddison [email protected] Greenkeeper, Gatton Manor Burniston - Deputy Course Brown – Greenkeeper, Nickname: Golf Club; Peter Hogan – Head Manager, Old Fold Manor Roehampton Club; Tony ‘Big Man’ Elaine Jones [email protected] Greenkeeper, Eccle Riggs Golf Golf Club; Andrew Hart – Bartram – Greenkeeper, The & Leisure Club; Paul Simpson Greenkeeper, Old Fold Manor Richmond Club; Peter Corrick How long have you been Tel: 01347 833800 (option 1 for Membership) – Greenkeeper, Winter Hill Golf Golf Club. – Greenkeeper, Weymouth greenkeeping? Nine years Club; James Lomas – First Also, the following members Golf Club; Geoff Fenn – Course Assistant Greenkeeper, Hadley offered terrific support on the Manager, Bedford & County What was it about the career You can follow BIGGA on Twitter @BIGGALtd Wood Golf Club; Steve Mason early morning prep team for Golf Club. that attracted you? Working outside, interest in maintaining sports turf areas, using machinery BIGGA Regional Offices If you weren’t a greenkeeper what do you think you’d Scotland & be? Snowboard instructor, Northern Ireland John Young or working at a ski resort in Mobile: 07776 242120 Austria [email protected] Northern & Midland Which task do you most Sandra Raper Mobile: 07866 366966 enjoy doing and why? [email protected] Working tractors, changing hole positions as you can decide South East Clive Osgood where it goes! Tel: 01737 819343 Mobile: 07841 948410 [email protected] Which task do you least “I was really, really pleased and Manager, Northwood Golf Club; Recently we’ve focused on South West & Wales enjoy doing and why? Cutting the terrific work of The Open excited. I’m a massive golf fan and Phil Worth – Greenkeeper, The Jane Jones greens with a walk-behind Tel: 01454 270850 support team – but this month I’ve been to Wentworth for the last Mere Golf Resort & Spa; Jaey Mobile: 07841 948110 mower because it is such a long it’s time to turn the spotlight couple of years as a spectator, but Goodchild – Head Greenkeeper, [email protected] job! on the members who helped I wanted to get more involved and Bowood Golf & Country Club; out at Wentworth for the BMW get inside the ropes so I applied to Iain Jones – Head Greenkeeper, What one thing - other than PGA Championship. join the team. It’s a long journey Leighton Buzzard Golf Club; a pay rise - would improve Congratulations to those who but I think it will be well worth it.” Myles Wood – Greenkeeper, the greenkeepers’ lot? More were accepted, and to those who Berkhamsted Golf Club; Gary John Young Sandra Raper respect from the golfer and missed out – try again next year What are you hoping to gain Britton – Greenkeeper, Notts general recognition for what we and hopefully your luck will be in. from the experience? Golf Club; Darren Burton – Head ENTER THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL do as greenkeepers Similar to The Open, the team “It’s a great opportunity to see Greenkeeper, Lydd Golf Club; were required to rake bunkers as how an event like this operates up James Boorman – Greenkeeper, TOURNAMENT AT LARGS GOLF CLUB Hobbies? Golf, skiing/ well as early morning prep plus close. I’ll be able to see the quality Lydd Golf Club; Phil Slater – Clive Osgood Jane Jones snowboarding, cycling, hill assisting Kenny Mackay’s existing of the turf, some of the machines, Greenkeeper, West Herts Golf The Scottish National Tourna- The course is enduringly website where the entry form walking, camping, working on team at Wentworth, and were and how it all comes together. I’m Club; Simon Bell Tye – Head ment takes place on Thursday popular with visitors, who is attached, and complete the cars available in case of bad weather. also looking forward to meeting Greenkeeper, Botley Park Hotel 13 June at Largs Golf Club. return regularly year after form along with your entry fee Other One of the team is Craig Kilgour, greenkeepers from across the Golf & Country Club; Darren It’s a long-established year. The well-balanced payment and return to John Favourite Band? Changes but useful Deputy Head Greenkeeper at country. I speak to a lot of them on Heskins – Greenkeeper, Botley private golf club with a superb layout offers an interesting Young, Scottish Regional at the moment Mumford and numbers Ponteland Golf Club. He drove Twitter, but it will be good to meet Park Hotel Golf & Country 18 hole parkland course, and challenging experience Administrator at 2/1, 19 Sons (Full Members only) over 300 miles from Newcastle to them in person.” Club; Kevin Armstrong – Head situated in front of Kelburn to golfers across the broad Cardwell Road, Gourock, Wentworth to take advantage of Greenkeeper, John O’Gaunt Personal Accident Helpline Castle overlooking the Firth spectrum of enthusiasm and PA19 1UG. Which team do you support this membership opportunity, so Congratulations to the following Golf Club; Martin Brown – 0207 2048952 of Clyde with the islands of ability, with positional play If you would like to pay (football or otherwise)? I we spoke to him beforehand: who supported on the Saturday Greenkeeper, Aldwickbury Park Greenkeepers Legal Cumbrae, Bute and Arran in rather than big hitting paying electronically then please follow the golfers Paul Lawrie Assistance and Sunday: Golf Club; Kevin Weller – Head 0800 177 7891 the background, with Arran’s dividends. contact John via his email and Darren Clarke What was your reaction Russ Bain – Deputy Course Greenkeeper, Lingfield Park Goat Fell and the ‘Sleeping If you would like to take part address of johnyoung@bigga. Lifestyle Counselling Helpline when you found out you’d been Manager, Chislehurst Golf Club; Golf Club; Mark McCann – 0844 770 1036 Warrior’ dominating the in this year’s event then please co.uk or call him on 07776 What is your claim to fame? selected? Dylan Rennick – Deputy Course Greenkeeper, Lingfield Park www.arclegal.co.uk/carefirst landscape. visit the ‘Events’ section of this 242120 for further details. None as yet

12 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 13 L&D News The latest from the Learning and Development department at BIGGA CPD

This month Stuart Green explores how to get more from CPD and Gold Key - Part Two explains changes to BIGGA’s CPD Programme on page 16, and Sponsors you’ll find the second and final part of Kevin Munt’s essential ’18 hole’ guide to becoming a Golf Course Manager on page 50. The Back Nine on page 66 also had an educational angle with tips on effective social media use Make yourself valuable, not vulnerable Silver Key Sponsors Last month BIGGA’s Learning & More Success Development Executive Stuart for Thomas Green defined what CPD is. Now Reigning Toro Student he moves on to discussing what Greenkeeper of the Year Thomas Flavelle is celebrating again after makes good CPD and changes to securing a new job. the BIGGA CPD Programme ADVANCED LEARNING LOAN AVAILABLE Thomas has moved on from If you’re over 24 you can now apply for an Advanced Learning Loan to his post at Lingdale Golf Club

help with the costs of a college or training course. in Leicestershire to Luffenham Gold Key Individual Members: They say doing the same The course must start on or after 1 August 2013 and be a Level 3 or Heath Golf Club, a private Steven Tierney MG, Chris Lomas MG, Andrew Campbell MG CGCS thing over and over again and Level 4 course such as an advanced or higher apprenticeship. Similar members club in Rutland. Ian MacMillan MG, Ian Morrison expecting a different outcome to student loan, loans have to be repaid but repayments do not start He said: “It’s a great Andrew Turnbull, W J Rogers Sam Langrick, Espen Bergmann, is the definition of madness! until April 2016 and when you’re earning more than £21,000 a year. opportunity to advance my Nick Gray To put that in the context career at a top golf course which How much you get depends on the type of course, course fees and Silver Key Individual Members: of a professional, if you are the maximum loan available – the minimum loan is £300. is due to hold Open Qualifying for Steve Dixon, Richard McGlynn not updating and improving the next five years. I can’t wait to Douglas Duguid, Jaey Goodchild, It’s paid directly to your college or training provider. The first step is Graham Wiley, Michael Beaton, your knowledge and skills or to check with them that your course qualifies. help the team prepare for these Paul Jenkins, Justin Cheung investigating better ways of Then ask them for a ‘Learning and funding information letter’ to events. Winning the Toro Student doing things, then you won’t help you complete the application, and apply online at Greenkeeper of the Year award be standing still, you will be certainly helped me land this The funding provided www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk by Gold and Silver Key going backwards. In this day position, as I was able to use the Sponsors is used to produce training and career and age, that is madness! knowledge I gained in the USA aids, DVDs, CD Roms, So what makes good CPD? EU emergency approval given for and through my Level 3 studied field guides and provide refunds for training fees and Simply anything that is relevant to at Myerscough college. subsidised learning and you, your work and your future. Asulox® until 31 October 2013 “I would like to take this development courses. The funding also helps support The reason for having a plan is The 2011 EU wide ban of the pre-order and can be purchased opportunity to thank Lingdale seminars, workshops, you need to know where you want Golf Club for the support they courses, the lending library, active ingredient Asulam was up until Sunday 18th August careers advice, posters and to be before you can decide what met with great disappointment 2013. The Emergency Approval had given me over the last six manuals. you need to do. by many of those involved in will allow for the product to be years. Without this help and CPD is a vast subject with bracken control. Asulam, found used up until 31st October 2013. support I would not have had scholars writing numerous papers in products such as Asulox had As yet is it unknown as to whether the skills and knowledge to be Contact Details dedicated to it. established itself as the primary approval will be given for next able to win the Toro Award and However, there is one overriding Sami Strutt choice of contractors who treated year, but at least this year there is to progress my career by moving L&D Manager concept that needs to be main- bracken and many have found a control solution for Bracken. to Luffenham Heath. I have [email protected] tained when carrying out CPD. it difficult to find a successful More information on the EU throughly enjoyed my time at the Rachael Duffy That is – what’s in it for me? replacement. So it is great news Emergency approval can be Lingdale making some fantastic L&D Executive [email protected] That’s all you need to remember. that EU Emergency Approval has found on the Asulox listing on the friends and unforgettable CPD is a personal journey and memories.” Stuart Green been given for the use of the active following website www.progreen. L&D Executive everything you do needs to help you ingredient Asulam in the product co.uk or you can call them for a In the meantime, thanks for all [email protected] towards that goal you have set. So Asulox for 2013. fuller update on 0800 032 6262. the nominations for this year’s 01347 833800 (option 3) be selective. Choose only what will The product is now available for www.brackencontrol.co.uk award. We will be in touch… www.bigga.org.uk get you to where you want to go.

14 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 15 L&D News The latest from the Learning and Development department at BIGGA CPD

14 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 15 CPD - PART TWO

ronments, the review highlighted recognised with a CPD Approved certificate of competence; writing the need for the Programme to have certificate, with the year achieved, magazine articles; book reviews. greater flexibility in what could recognition in GI, the website, be claimed for and the period for the Handbook and a discount on • Personal learning credits (max claims. BIGGA’s education opportunities. 15 credits) – Those activities that Therefore, BIGGA’s CPD Pro- 9. All CPD credits will be aren’t automatically eligible for gramme is going to change from 1 recorded in a Lifetime Transcript credits or do not fit the educational July 2013. All members on the cur- (continuous credits forever) and requirements of the CPD rent Programme will be informed, Milestones will be recognised and Programme may be claimed if the during June, how they will cross awarded for achievement of 180 you complete a Personal Learning over onto the new structure. The credits and at increments of 180 Statement. Within this, you must most significant change is the move after that. identify what you learnt, how it to a three-year cycle. This was a has changed you or your work and Types of CPD society - been there and done the “So what makes good CPD? fundamental requirement to a flex- Categories of Credits how you will use this knowledge to last one! ible system especially when there improve and develop in the future. CPD can be divided into two What has this got to do with Simply anything that is relevant may be periods when CPD isn’t To allow better understanding categories - formal and informal. greenkeeping, I hear you cry? an option, such as redundancy or of CPD and to provide a fair and Some of the credit categories have Formal CPD is professional qualifi- Everything, according to major to you, your work and your starting a family. transparent credit system, credits minimum and maximum levels. cations such as NVQs, work-based studies conducted by the Carnegie future” 1. On 1 July 2013, the BIGGA have been divided into different So, for example, you could claim diplomas, HNC/Ds, foundation Foundation, Harvard and Stanford CPD Programme will change from categories for members to claim for. for attendance at a golf day as a degrees and degrees or skills Universities. will be learning the skills of commu- an annual to a rolling three-year In the meantime, it’s worth remem- Networking credit. However, these qualifications such as certificates of Their research showed that to be Programme. bering that one educational hour = will be limited to 3 credits per CPD competence like PAs and Chainsaw successful at home or work your nication and managing meetings. All these skills are vital, but are 2. Membership numbers will one credit. cycle. It’s a bit like weight watchers, courses. These need to be updated technical skills will only cover 15% now be used instead of CPD you can have loads of education regularly to ensure the licence is of the knowledge you need. The generally overlooked as opportunities for learning. numbers. • Professional credits (max 10 credits (vegetables) but are limited maintained. For PAs, I would other 85% will be people skills and 3. Credits will move from half credits) – Association question- in the Networking and Professional recommend joining the NASoR or self-knowledge. The Next Question… a point to 1 point per hour of naires; section & region committee credits (carbs)! National Amenity Sprayer Opera- Therefore, investing in under- education. work, Advisory Panels Credit claims are not limited tors Register. standing ourselves, others and 4. A member must gain a to what is suggested here. If you Informal CPD is more difficult to having the ability to adapt to differ- I have discussed what CPD is and the types of CPD you can do. minimum of 60 CPD credits within • Networking credits (max 10 feel that you have gained valu- quantify, but it is still essential to ent behavioural characteristics of a three-year period. credits) – exhibition attendance, able knowledge to aid and further your growth and personal develop- others, is the basis of personal and The next question is “What do I do with it?”. Many of you will already 5. There will be more options to section meetings, tournament Registration your development, then submit a ment. career success. obtain credits. support teams Personal Learning Statement. In It can be many things. It may be By investing your time in infor- be registered on BIGGA’s CPD pro- forms can be gramme and, after reading these 6. Between 1-59 credits, a found at: future articles, I will outline credit something you have never thought mal CPD activities, as mentioned member will be a CPD Active • Education credits (min 30 values for professional and skills could be CPD such as volunteering. above, you are in fact developing articles, I hope many more of you www.bigga.org. choose to sign up. Member of BIGGA. credits) – education event uk/education/ qualifications and how to fill in This could be at a golf event, as a those people skills. If you’ve been a 7. Once 60 credits have been attendance; presenting workshops Personal Learning Statements. football or cricket coach, helping sports coach, you are the motivator, The BIGGA CPD Programme continuing- has been running for 13 years and achieved, they will become a CPD and seminars; sports turf professional- out at a scout group or being on the the organiser or the counsellor. Or Approved Member of BIGGA. qualifications; management CPD is yours, plan it, do it, own committee of your local allotment if you are on a local committee, you has now been reviewed. Due to the development changing nature of our work envi- 8. The member will be qualifications; short courses; it, think about it!

16 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 17 CPD - PART TWO

16 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 17 “ Choosing an Everris iTurf programme is about more than the products we use. It’s about producing the playing qualities that top-ﬂ ight sport demands from our surfaces.”

Kenny Mackay, Director of Golf Courses & Grounds, The Wentworth Club

Patience. Not an easy virtue to possess when temperatures are only just reaching through the profi le, and H2Pro Maximise, To discover what an iTurf which aids the quick penetration of irrigation integrated turf management double figures weeks before a major tournament. water and rainfall through the profi le on the programme can do for you, run up to, and during a tournament. But Kenny Mackay, Director of Golf high Potassium to harden the turf and bring contact your Everris Technical Area Courses & Grounds at The Wentworth Club, it through the winter stresses.” “On a recent course visit, we checked Sales Manager or visit that moisture levels and fi rmness were was confident that the late start to his Kenny used a combination of two wetting progressing towards our tournament targets www.everris.co.uk. tournament preparations wouldn’t prevent agents to help him achieve a level of and were consistent across each green,” his greens providing a true challenge for the firmness in his greens that will challenge the explains Henry Bechelet, Technical Manager world’s best golfers. ball striking of the professionals competing for Everris. “We took Clegg hammer and in the Volvo PGA Championship. “We were in a far from ideal position, but Theta moisture probe readings at the end of “By managing the turf with an integrated I wasn’t unduly concerned,” he confirms. To maintain the desired level of surface April and during May and the results were approach, measuring the effects and “Our greens overwintered well, due largely firmness, he managed the soil moisture as we’d hoped – 110-120 gravities on the recording the data, we work together to to two applications of SierraformGT K-Step content in the upper profile with Qualibra, Clegg at 15-18% moisture in the top 60mm achieve the conditions needed to test the 6-0-27+2MgO+TE with low Nitrogen and which provides deep and even distribution of the profi le.” best players in the world.”

Tel: 0844 8094470 | Fax: 01473 237150 | Email: [email protected] | www.everris.co.uk

EVER7216 - Wentworth iTurf advertorial v2 REPRO.indd 1 16/05/2013 15:05:58 EVER7216 - Wentworth iTurf advertorial v2 REPRO.indd 2 16/05/2013 15:06:00 “ Choosing an Everris iTurf programme is about more than the products we use. It’s about producing the playing qualities that top-ﬂ ight sport demands from our surfaces.”

Kenny Mackay, Director of Golf Courses & Grounds, The Wentworth Club

Tel: 0844 8094470 | Fax: 01473 237150 | Email: [email protected] | www.everris.co.uk

EVER7216 - Wentworth iTurf advertorial v2 REPRO.indd 1 16/05/2013 15:05:58 EVER7216 - Wentworth iTurf advertorial v2 REPRO.indd 2 16/05/2013 15:06:00 MACHINERY Is in-house care key to equipment longevity?

In the recent GI survey, you told us you wanted to see machinery in action on BIGGA members’ courses. So, we sent James de Haviland to Heythrop Park to discover how they care for their machinery

Although you would not know to minimise the number of calls I to keep everything in order – which it from its mature setting would have to make when I needed Heythrop have in the shape of Dave and well-established greens replacement parts or ran into a Capes. Phil admits this is not some- and tees, the 7,100 yard golf problem. thing all golf courses could justify course at Heythrop Park “We tried all the key makes and but he suggests it makes practical Resort, near Chipping Norton, models of mower and settled on and financial sense. Oxfordshire only opened in Toro because the company offered Toro has honoured the two-year April 2010. models that suited our particular warranty it set out when the mower Part of an estate that covers over needs. This doesn’t mean I have fleet was purchased, Lely UK 400 acres, the course is maintained ruled out buying from another having been satisfied that Heythrop with a fleet of Toro mowers. Phil manufacturer or even that the Toro could indeed maintain the mowers Helmn MG, Estate Manager, was kit we use is the ‘best’. It is just the to a standard that would enable it to brought in to oversee construction, complete fleet met our needs and meet any warranty claim. grow-in and ultimately set up the we have been extremely pleased “We purchased additional war- maintenance structure for the new with the equipment’s dependability ranty on all the Toro mowers as it course. and performance in the four years it seemed a good idea,” Phil says. “As “Choosing one manufacturer to has been with us.” it turned out we had just the odd supply all the mowers was down Of course, a key to reliability is minor issue. But we wanted to buy to more than just securing a good ensuring it’s properly maintained, peace of mind. As it now stands, finance deal”, he explained. “I set up and cared for. A critical the mowers have all completed four element is having good in-house years and we hope to keep them for wanted to get to know one supplier BELOW: The Toro fleet on and supporting dealer well enough workshop facilities and a mechanic two further years once the HP fees delivery in 2009

“Choosing one manufacturer to supply all the mowers was down to more than just securing a good finance deal”

20 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 21 MACHINERY Is in-house care key to equipment longevity?

In the recent GI survey, you told us you wanted to see machinery in action on BIGGA members’ courses. So, we sent James de Haviland to Heythrop Park to discover how they care for their machinery

“Choosing one manufacturer to supply all the mowers was down to more than just securing a good finance deal”

20 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 21 TC0368 Triflex FP GKI Repeat_Layout 1 13/05/2013 14:17 Page 1

MACHINERY have been paid off next year.” In-house grinding Adding that the chances are that the whole fleet will be replaced at At the end of 2012, Dave’s wish the same time, both Phil and Dave to have Bernhard Express Dual Toro® Greensmaster TriFlex™ suggest the key to continuing to get cylinder and Anglemaster grinding the best from the mowers is ensur- equipment installed in the working not just that they are looked shop was realised, a move he feels after but that their respective work- will really help in getting the best loads are also evened out. from the mowers. Towards the end “I keep a close eye on each of last season he was forced to turn Cuts Greens mower’s hours,” adds Dave. “As an out mowers with dull cutting units, example we run two 5610D fairway the rapid growth of the fairways in mowers. One will be set up to mow particular not allowing him the time the fairways, the other the aprons. to send units out for attention by a As this means one machine will do third party. a lot more hours, I will swap them “It took me a bit of time to really The remarkable TriFlex riding greensmower is packed with over to even out the hours over the get to grips with the grinders,” he ABOVE: Ribbed tyres have season.” says. “Now I know what to do for replaced the original turf tyres ground-breaking technology to give your greens a flawless finish. All the mowers are given the on one of the Sidewinder each type of cutting unit and at mowers. This enables the unit to nicknames of famous golfers - Phil present I am working out a regrind- turn with minimal scuffing when believes operators tend to be more ing cycle for each mower. But I can mowing tees sympathetic to a machine with a now sharpen a given mower as soon RIGHT: Each mower has its hour, service and repair record listed name as opposed to just a number. as it is necessary as opposed to on this white board. Naming The current fleet comprises hanging on until I can see a period the mowers and applying large decals to their flanks may seem four Toro 1000 pedestrian greens when it may be in less demand. eccentric but it personalises the machines. Operators wash the mowers, two Toro 3250 ride on Sharp blades are obviously critical mowers after use with a high greens mowers, two Toro 3100 to a good finish but sharp cylin- volume hose sidewinder apron/tees mowers, ders and on-cut mowers draw less BELOW RIGHT: Converting a petrol powered greens mower two 5610 fairway mowers, two power. This boosts longevity and to operate a triple set of True- Toro 4100 semi rough mowers, economy.” Surface variable vibration rate rollers has proved worthwhile, four Toro workman MDX utility increasing green speed while vehicles, a Toro workman HDX util- Is the equipment up to the ensuring they’re consistent ity vehicle, three Ford tractors, one job? Charterhouse verti-drainer, Bobcat woodchipper, three Sisis slitters, a The list of changes the team at Sisis fairway scarifier and a Blec Heythrop would like to see made to multi seeder. its Toro mowers is not a long one. The roughs and fairway models, “The key to getting the best from Stimpmeter and Trueness two rotary Groundsmaster 4100D and two 5140 Reelmaster units, the mowers is ensuring not just All this talk of equipment does have had net ball guards added that they are looked after but not get in the way of delivering what to help protect operators when golfers want; consistent greens, mowing and unable to see a ball that their respective workloads defined approaches, manageable being played. A guard option was roughs and true fairways. not offered when the mowers were are evened out” The team have all worked hard to commissioned. ensure the greens deliver a reliable On the two rotary Groundmaster and consistent playing surface. models, the folding outer section They adapted an old petrol powered pivots have needed replacing as Toro greens mower to carry three they get worn in transport. Bigger GreenTek True-Surface Vibe V roll- pivots would help although they are ers to consolidate the greens. easy to renew. “The greens are both hand and The Greensmaster 3250 would Designed and built from the ground up, the TriFlex range provides unsurpassed consistency and ride-on mown, but we did struggle benefit from offset units – to prevent quality of cut. Innovative features, such as Toro’s unique Flex double A-arm suspension system, Dual Precision to come up with consistent green tyre marks (or ‘tramlining’) when Adjustment (DPA) cutting units and redesigned balloon-style tyres, all combine to produce an outstanding speeds,” says Phil. “Since we have mowing the greens - an easier to greensmower with the lightest of footprints. What’s more, the TriFlex Hybrid 3420 model is the first Toro to TORO used the greens roller, our stimp- access central box and unit for feature an all-electric cylinder drive system, for an even greener mower. IRRIGATION meter values have improved to emptying and cleaning. Both these make the greens a lot faster. The issues are addressed on the current Full product details at www.toro.com variable degree of vibration deliv- Triflex 3400 models. Experience TriFlex for yourself, with a free onsite demonstration. Call Lely on 01480 226800 ered by the rolls enables the firming The Sidewinder mowers used to be altered to suit a specific green. to mow the tees and aprons were “The greens are currently run- found to scuff when making tight The 17th century Heythrop House (above) provides ning at 11 feet 9 inches. To measure turns. Replacing the turf tyres on an impressive backdrop, the green itself emerging from trueness, we simply set up a stimp- one of the two mowers with ribbed a tough winter when pictured in mid-April. meter so a golf ball rolls in the hole, semi-smooth alternatives solved The rootzone is made up of 80% sand and 20% fensoil GREENSMASTER 1000 FLEX 21 eFLEX GREENSMASTER 3250-D TRIFLEX 3400 then roll a further ten balls down it. the problem. On a service note, and seeded with a traditional bent and fescue seed Trueness is simply calculated by the cost of front brake pads for the mix. Greens are currently running at 90% fescue and Lely. Your partners in turfcare. Call 01480 226800. how many times the ball drops. We Workman utility vehicles raised an 8% bent. A joint overseeding schedule and very labour intensive removal programme is carried out to ensure Lely not only brings you Toro. Talk to us, too, about TYM compact tractors, Otterbine water management systems, then broadcast the green speed and eyebrow but is countered by other and Solo backpack sprayers, brushcutters and other outdoor maintenance equipment. trueness results on a Powerpoint parts, such as wheel bearings, the remaining 2% rogue grasses that ‘creep in’ over the presentation in the pro shop.” having a very reasonable price tag. year don’t stand much of a chance.

JUNE 2013 22 GI Toro Commercial Products are distributed by Lely (UK) Limited, St. Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 1QH. Tel: 01480 226800 | Email: [email protected] | www.lely.com | www.toro.com This year’s BIGGA National Championship , sponsored by Charterhouse and Kubota, is at the superb Frilford Heath Golf Club on October 7-8, with the ﬁ rst prize of £500 worth of vouchers

Become the next BIGGA Champion Frilford Heath GC 2012 winner Oly Fill in the form below to book your spot Browning at The Irvine Golf Club

BIGGA National Championship 2013, Frilford Heath Golf Club, October 7-8 • Entry Form

Please select the relevant category: Payment method (please tick) Deadline for entry is 6th September 2013. ❑ Full Member ❑ I enclose my cheque made payable to ❑ Affi liate Member Completed entry forms ‘BIGGA Ltd’ value £90 should be sent to: The entry fee of £90 includes all golf fees, ❑ Please debit my Mastercard / Switch / BIGGA National lunch both days and dinner on Monday Visa / Delta card with the fee of £90 Championship, BIGGA evening. Please note that there is no accom- House, Aldwark, Alne, modation provided. York YO61 1UF Card number ...... Name ...... The main tournament for the Challenge ...... Trophy will be played over 36 holes, medal Address...... play, with the best overall gross score Start Date ...... Expiry Date ...... producing the BIGGA National Champion, ...... who must be a greenkeeper member. The This spring, BIGGA members can months 0% FINANCE OVER 2YRS Last 3 security digits ...... greenkeeper player with the lowest nett score £1000 payment ** ...... Post Code ...... take advantage of 3 exclusive 2% FINANCE OVER 3YRS will be presented with the BIGGA Challenge holiday Issue No. (Switch/Delta only) ...... Cup. offers on the powerful and highly CASHBACK 6 PLUS 2 + 22 monthly repayments Mobile ...... versatile GL40 series tractors fOR BIGGA KUBOTA DRIVERS KIT ++ There will be prizes for the fi rst fi ve over 36 Available until June 30th 2013. WORTH £50 WITH EVERY DEMO E-mail ...... Signature ...... holes in the gross category. The top three ** / ++Terms and Conditions apply – see dealer or website for details. MEMBERS FREE Includes Kubota travel mug, key ring, cap and body warmer. in the nett competition will also receive Membership No...... Date ...... prizes. After each day of 18 holes there will be prizes for winners of handicap divisions. FIND YOUR LOCAL DEALER OR BOOK A TEST DRIVE TODAY: Handicap ...... The BIGGA Regional Team Cup and prize Or E-mail your details to: will be calculated from the 8 best nett scores Tel: 01844 268 000 www.kubota.co.uk BIGGA Section ...... [email protected] over the fi rst day of play. There will also be Ensure you receive confi rmation of entry by various nearest the pin and longest drive Golf Club ...... return email. competitions, featuring prizes. JUNE 2013 GI 25

BIGGA National Champs 2013.indd 1 22/05/2013 10:16 This year’s BIGGA National Championship , sponsored by Charterhouse and Kubota, is at the superb Frilford Heath Golf Club on October 7-8, with the ﬁ rst prize of £500 worth of vouchers

Become the next BIGGA Champion Frilford Heath GC 2012 winner Oly Fill in the form below to book your spot Browning at The Irvine Golf Club

BIGGA National Championship 2013, Frilford Heath Golf Club, October 7-8 • Entry Form

BIGGA National Champs 2013.indd 1 22/05/2013 10:16 USGA SPEC Blinded by science?

If you’re rebuilding a putting green to a USGA spec you need to be aware of the various specifications – here Andy Stanger and Stephen Prinn discuss the pros and cons of using the intermediate ‘blinding’ layer

Despite the USGA’s restrictive fied a weakness in the construction that were at least 1mm in diameter the necessity of its inclusion was over a either a sand layer or gravel would not qualify as a USGA green. specifications for putting methods of the time as surfaces or greater. brought into question. layer and that having any coarse The focus of study then reverted green construction, golf course were failing under the increased A particle size contrast ratio for Accepting that the blinding layers textured layer within the profile will back to the original claims to ascer- managers are presented with amounts of play. the sand and gravel was recom- had a role in preventing particle result in a ‘perched water table’, tain whether the intermediate layer a multitude of choices when As a result, the USGA commis- mended at this stage but it was migration, the focus of several stud- increasing the soil water retention actually did prevent particle migra- faced with the task of building sioned several research projects made purely on the grounds of ies in the 1960’s found its ability to of the entire profile. tion. Brown and Duble (1975), new putting surfaces. in the 1950’s to identify the most preventing particle migration, no increase the water holding capacity As the USGA had never listed Johns (1976) and Brown et al. The decision to eliminate the successful rootzone mixture for perched water table or water reten- of the overlying rootzone material water retention as a feature for its (1980) all found particle migration coarse sand intermediate layer is putting green construction, which tion properties were mentioned at through the creation of a ‘perched inclusion, the coarse sand layer into the gravel layer to be minimal often made to reduce construction subsequently led to the first putting this time. water table’, although the USGA remained in the second edition in the absence of an intermediate costs, but the long-term cost of its green specification being published The difficulty of sourcing such had not listed this as a reason for of the specification published in layer, (Fig.3). exclusion must be fully understood in 1960. (Fig. 1) material, sieving costs and instal- its inclusion. Humel (1993) cites 1973, on the original grounds of its These studies alluded to the fact before such a decision is made. The specification required the lation time quickly lead to this layer that and Miller and Bunger, (1963), role in preventing particle migra- that a ‘proper sized gravel’ must be intermediate layer to be 35-50mm being recognised as a very costly A soil modification procedure Fig.1, 1960 USGA Construction observed increased water retention tion and insisted that absence of an used in order to prevent particle The rapid growth in demand for for greens involving a perched Specification Profile (USGA golf after World War II quickly identi- thick and contain sand particles element of the specification and water table Greens Section Staff, 1960) in the overlying soil when placed intermediate layer meant the green migration and suggested that pre-

26 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 27 USGA SPEC Blinded by science?

26 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 27 USGA SPEC

by Jim Moore, the USGA’s director by the USGA in a bid to make con- correctly would provide a layer of costs, this attribute of a putting Fig.3: The absence of an intermediate layer showed of construction education as, “The struction more affordable. insurance and safe guard against green without an intermediate minimal particle migration into biggest change the USGA had ever The evolution of the USGA put- particle migration and ultimately layer could be an extremely desir- the gravel carpet (Brown et al, 1980) made to its guidelines”, (Willnerd, ting green construction method drainage failure. able characteristic to the turf 2005). has undergone intense scrutiny The decision to opt for the manager. This change, however, came with and rigorous testing since it was reduced moisture retention within The weight of evidence would a very clear caveat, “Strict adher- introduced in 1960. the profile may appeal to some suggest that a putting green will ence to these criteria is imperative; The USGA may have revised its turf managers in order to reduce cost less to build and cost less to failure to follow these guidelines specification to allow the absence the likelihood of fungal disease maintain after installation if the REFERENCES could result in greens failure.” of an intermediate layer but that outbreaks. intermediate layer is left out of the Baker, S.W. and Binns, D.J. 2001a. Vertical distribution Following publication of the in turn has presented the turf However, it could be argued construction process. of moisture in golf greens fourth edition, previous studies, manager with two methods of con- that the evapotranspiration rates This appears to be a very easy in the decision process it should not following gravitational drainage: the effects of conducted in the 60’s and 70’s, struction and offers no bias toward (ET) used to equate this water to decision to make except for one be the only one that influences the intermediate layer and were replicated using the most either method. practical use are theoretical maxi- overriding factor, the cost of getting decision to leave out the intermedi- drainage layer materials. Int. Turfgrass Society Research modern specifications for rootzone Table 1 (Advantages and disad- mums and that under average ET it wrong. ate layer. Journal. Vol.9. p463-468 material to allow a true comparison vantages of the intermediate layer) conditions in temperate climates, If mistakes are made when select- Geographical location, avail- Baker, S.W. and Binns, D.J. to be made between two and three highlights desirable characteristics with appropriate crop coefficients ing the construction materials or ability of materials, irrigation capa- 2001b. The influence of grain size and shape on particle vious construction failures in the Fig.2: Time consuming layer construction methods. that would support the decision to applied, this additional water could during the construction process, bilities and contractor experience migration from the rootzone absence of an intermediate layer installation of a course sand All found that the absence of the select either form of construction potentially provide sufficient water the green will undoubtedly fail and should all be considered before layer to the drainage layer intermediate layer (Hummel, of golf greens. Int. Turfgrass may have been due to mistakes 1993) intermediate layer significantly method. The presence of a coarse for grass growth for perhaps three eliminate all the short and long selecting the most suitable and Society Research Journal. being made during the construc- increased the moisture content sand intermediate layer would or four days. term cost savings made by omitting appropriate method of construction Vol.9. p463-468 tion process itself. and decreased the air filled porosity provide the turf manager with a With increasing water usage the intermediate layer. to suit the needs of each individual Brown, K.W and Duble, levels within the overlying root- free draining rootzone that if built restrictions and rising water Whilst cost is an important factor situation. R.L. 1975. Physical Brown et al. (1980) also inciden- characteristics of soil tally identify the turfgrass roots zone, Taylor et al. (1994), Snyder mixtures used for golf green construction. Agron. J. as being instrumental in binding and Cisar (1997) and Baker and 67:647-652 rootzone mixture materials and Binns (2001 a,b). In addition, two Brown, K.W., Thomas, J.C. contributing to a lack of particle studies also tried to quantify and and Almodares, A. 1980. migration. value the additional water held in Organic matter sources and placements during root Despite the fact that the research the rootzone in the absence of an zone modification as they intermediate layer. affect seedling emergence conducted over the last two and initial turf quality – decades dispelled the idea that an Both studies explained how preliminary report. USGA intermediate layer was necessary the additional water held would Res. Rep PR-3851 to improve moisture retention and allow the turf manager to delay Hummel, N.W.Jr. 1993. Rationale for the revisions prevent particle migration, albeit irrigation by one or two days in of the USGA green with suitable chosen materials, temperate climates but suggested construction specifications. USGA Green Section record. the USGA included it again in their that this would probably not be of March/April. P7-21 significant agronomic importance, third edition published in 1989. Johns, D.Jr. 1976. Physical This was the first occasion that the Taylor et al. (1994), Baker and properties of various soil mixtures used for golf green intermediate layer was listed as an Binns (2001 a,b). construction. M.S. Thesis. integral part of the perched water The USGA’s most recent edition Texas A&M University Miller, D.E. and Bunger, W.C. table concept. published in 2004 has continued 1963. Moisture retention by However; by this time it was with the option to omit the interme- soil with coarse layers in the profile. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. common knowledge that hun- diate layer and broadened some of Proc. 27:586-589 dreds, possibly thousands, of Table 1: Advantages and the particle size ranges in all catego- Snyder, R.H and Cisar, J.H. disadvantages of the 1997. The choker layer. putting greens had already been intermediate layer ries of the construction materials as USGA Green Section Record installed without an intermediate a result of further research funded 35 (4):14-17 layer (Hummel, 1993). Taylor, D., Williams, F. and Nelson, S. 1994. Water Many of these greens had proved USGA Specification Putting Green retention in golf greens: to be successful though in some Sub-root zone layering Intermediate No Intermediate effects. USGA Green Section cases, greens had failed within the Record. March/April. P17-19 first two years of construction due Layer Layer U.S. Golf Association to particle migration and drainage Green Section Staff. 1960. Specifications for a failure. As the exclusion of the Advan- • Reduced • Reduced construction method of putting green intermediate layer from construc- tages moisture costs construction. tion was likely to continue, it was retention • Shorter construction USGA Journal of Turf suggested that the USGA should • Improved air period Management. 13(5):24-28 provide a specification for greens filled porosity • Increased moisture U.S. Golf Association that did not intend to include one. Green Section Staff. 1973. • Insurance retention Refining the greens section The USGA published its fourth against particle • Available water held in specifications for putting green construction. USGA edition of the specification in 1993 migration closer proximity to the Green Section Record. with the express aim of making roots 11(3)1-8 putting green construction more • Reduced irrigation U.S. Golf Association affordable. demands Green Section Staff. 1989. Specifications for a This was the first specification to Disad- • Increased • Longer construction method of putting green offer an option to omit the interme- construction. USGA. Far vantages construction period Hills, N.J. 24 pages diate layer from the construction U.S. Golf Association Green costs • Reduced air filled process and the first time the term Section Staff. 1993. USGA • Higher irriga- porosity Recommendations for ‘bridging’ was used to describe the putting green construction. tion demands • High risk potential USGA Green Section Record prevention of particle migration in • Lower water for particle migration if 31 (2):1-3 the absence of the intermediate retention around improperly constructed Willnerd. S. 2005. Building layer. root proximity a better green. Golfdom. This alteration was later described August. 61(8): p. 86, 88, 90. © Medinah Country Club/Evan Schiller

28 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 29 USGA SPEC

28 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 29 LIGHTWEIGHT ROLLING

8. Broadleaf weed, moss, algae formed at MSU from 1995 to 2000 and were mowed at 0.4cm. reduction about the author revealed that greens rolled three At the beginning, plots main- times per week displayed signifi- tained at the higher height of cut No research plots have ever cantly less localised dry spot than had slower green speeds compared The top ten reasons been designed to examine the greens that were never rolled. Soil to plots mowed at the lower height impact of lightweight rolling on samples from the study showed of cut. However, after a week and a broadleaf weeds, moss or algae that rolled plots retained more half of rolling, plots maintained at encroachment, yet related research moisture and had more root mass the higher height of cut achieved has documented that lightweight than root zones that were not rolled. green speeds as fast as (and in some to lightweight roll rolling decreases each of them. In Obviously, increased soil mois- cases faster than) plots mowed at ture content and root mass could the lower height. an MSU study in 1996, putting Thomas A. Nikolai, Ph.D., greens rolled three times per week is an academic specialist at lead to less localised dry spot on the Interestingly, rolling resulted in Michigan State University had fewer broadleaf weeds and less and is world renowned as turfgrass putting surface. enough residual green speed that moss than greens that were not being the “Doctor of Green In the past several years it has the higher height of cut maintained Speed”. rolled. He is also the author of the become easier for researchers and the green speed of plots at the lower Furthermore, in 2008, University book, The Superintendents golf course superintendents alike to height of cut the day after rolling. Guide to Controlling Putting of Arkansas Masters student Jay Green Speed. measure volumetric soil moisture Since that original study, several Richards reported that lightweight content because Time Domain other studies have been performed rolling decreased algae encroach- Reflectometry (TDR) technology has that validate those findings. ment. been vastly improved. TDR mea- Furthermore, Rutgers University Exactly why regular lightweight surements taken on lightweight has documented that rolling rolling would decrease these pests rolling studies have consistently and increasing the height of cut is not known, but two different shown that lightweight rolling does decreases anthracnose, and MSU theories have the most merit. increase soil volumetric moisture has reported decreases in brown The first is that regular rolling BELOW RIGHT (TOP): Seeded content. patch. plots. The plot in the middle increases turfgrass density thus is rolled 3x per week to its reducing the potential of the pests. left never rolled and to the 6. Height of cut raised and 5. Decreased cutworm activity right rolled 5X per day during The other theory is the pests (espe- establishment after seeding green speed retained - maybe!* cially moss) simply cannot tolerate BELOW RIGHT (BOTTOM): Plot the traffic put upon it by continu- on left has never been rolled Figure 1 (below left) shows green OK. This might be a stretch, but One of the world’s most the plot on the right is rolled ous rolling. 3X/week speed measurements from the very bear with me and, if nothing else, eminent turf professors – first mowing height/rolling study. you’ll learn I am an honest indi- BELOW LEFT: Figure 1 and a huge hit at the Turf 7. Decreased localised dry spot Plots mowed at 0.5cm were rolled vidual. At the Hancock Turfgrass MAIN IMAGE LEFT: Courtesy of three times per week and were com- Research Center at Michigan State, Mike Morris CGCS Managers’ Conference – A lightweight rolling study per- pared to plots that were not rolled we usually do not get enough black gives us a detailed lowdown on lightweight rolling

Effect of mowing height & rolling on green speed on the days plots were rolled 10.5 When I initiated my first Because of my extensive ditions, rolling before mowing research with the practice, I have can decrease the potential of 10 Non- lightweight rolling putting rolled green study at Michigan State repeatedly been asked to list ‘The scalping. mowed @ 9.5 University (MSU) in 1993, I Top Ten Reasons to Lightweight 5/32" had no idea I would still be Roll.’ I’ll admit to originally scoff- 9. Seed bed preparation 9 Rolled Not rolled Rolled 3x per week Rolled 5x researching it 20 years later. ing at the idea, but the truth is, 3x/week 8.5 mowed @ per week In the nineties, the initial I was the perfect individual to Rolling is important for the 3/16" objective of lightweight roller create such a list, and I finally establishment of turfgrass sites 8

research was to gather data gave in to the requests. So here for several reasons. First of all, on

Ball Roll Distance in Feet in Distance Roll Ball

8/7/96 8/28/96

we go! high value areas, it is imperative 8/21/96

to determine whether the 8/14/96

7/31/96

7/24/96

7/17/96 7/10/96 practice was safe. Questions to roll the site multiple times Date abounded about whether 10. Alleviate heaving and before seeding to compress the rolling frequency should be minimise scalping when root zone and reduce or eliminate limited because it might climatic conditions dictate soil settling during or following establishment. increase the possibility of Effect of mowing height & rolling on green speed compaction and plant tissue The numerous freeze/thaw Second, numerous turfgrass bruising or contribute to the cycles that occur in temperate books rightfully preach the the day after plots were rolled movement of diseases spread regions of the world result in importance of having good 10.5 by mechanical means. soil frost heaving which leads seed-to-soil contact during the 10 to bumpy soil surfaces in the establishment of turfgrass sites, Just ten years ago lightweight Non- rolling was primarily used to spring. and the best way to have good 9.5 rolled mowed @ alleviate frost heaving, prep seed It is customary to roll turfgrass seed-to-soil contact is to roll the 5/32" 9 beds or increase green speed for surfaces before the first spring site immediately after seeding. tournaments - if it was used at all. mowing to minimise the poten- Additionally, in a putting green 8.5 Rolled 3x/week Today, because of unexpected tial of scalping. establishment study performed mowed @ Rolled 3 results from numerous studies, Similarly, when heavy rains are at MSU, plots rolled multiple 8 3/16" Non-rolled putting times per lightweight rolling has been followed by hot humid weather, times per week filled in quicker Ball Roll Distance in Feet surface week embraced as a means of creating thatch can swell, creating puffy and were ready for play sooner 7/11/96 7/18/96 7/25/96 8/1/96 8/8/96 8/15/96 8/22/96 8/29/96 healthy turfgrass and increasing turf that is more prone to scalp- than putting green plots that Date customer satisfaction. ing. Under these climatic con- were not rolled.

30 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 31 LIGHTWEIGHT ROLLING

research was to gather data gave in to the requests. So here for several reasons. First of all, on

Ball Roll Distance in Feet in Distance Roll Ball

8/7/96 8/28/96

we go! high value areas, it is imperative 8/21/96

to determine whether the 8/14/96

7/31/96

7/24/96

30 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 31 LIGHTWEIGHT ROLLING

cutworms to warrant an insecticide make a similar observation. The fol- mowing every other day. When I ini- spray. lowing year, the rolled plots on my tiated a study to exam this method However, over a period of years research greens had significantly a lot of individuals scoffed. I had observed cutworms, along less disease each time a dollar spot However, of all the mowing/roll- with their unmistakable chewing outbreak occurred. To say I was ing frequencies I have researched, damage, on my plots, and both of surprised would be an understate- this one results in the most consis- these coincided with increased bird ment. Since then I have made tent green speeds from day to day, feeding. Therefore, I hypothesised similar observations year after year very good wear tolerance compared that the birds were going after the in my lightweight rolling studies. to mowing alone, and better dollar cutworms. Additionally, in 2011 Paul spot control than mowing every day The three years this happened I Giordano, a Michigan State gradu- and rolling every other day. counted bird-beak holes in the turf- ate, reported that increasing the Obviously, this program can grass before mowing/rolling. Plots frequency of rolling significantly result in some economic savings rolled three times per week had decreased the incidence of dollar as well. significantly fewer bird-beak holes spot. The obvious question is, “Why With all the programs listed (and therefore fewer cutworms). does rolling decrease dollar spot?” above I have never observed Interestingly enough, the decrease The answer is lengthy and a bit an increase in compaction, in bird beak holes was 55%-60% elusive, and heck, this is just a top however, all my research plots have in each of the years, which seems ten list. The important fact is that been on frequent sand-topdressing pretty consistent. regular use of lightweight rolling programs (every two to three I now feel comfortable stating that does decrease dollar spot. weeks). I think rolling decreases cutworm An additional caution: when I activity, but in all truth I did not 2. It’s the economy (rolling/ rolled plots every day of the week, count cutworms, so I cannot say mowing frequency programs) I always used the lightest rollers it with 100% confidence. I’ll leave available on the market (that is, that up to you until a turfgrass I published the results of my TruTurf, DMI Speed Roller and entomologist performs a more dollar spot observations in a True Surface vibratory rollers) conclusive study. scientific journal in 2001, and because they have been continu- *Further research is required understandably many of my peers ous supporters of my research. into how this relates to the UK & seemed sceptical. I don’t want to imply that rolling European model, however rolling is In 2002, I gave a presentation on seven days per week with a roller a recognised method of disposing of the subject at the GCSAA Education heavier than 550 pounds would chafer grubs. Conference in Orlando and several cause compaction and therefore roller companies were so delighted weaker turf, I am just cautioning 4. Improved topdressing that they have continued to fund my that we do not know whether incorporation lightweight rolling research to date. heavier rollers used daily would Support from those companies (and result in compaction or not. In 2006 MSU performed a the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation) Although I am a big advocate of lightweight roller/sand incorpora- has allowed us to study the effects of lightweight rolling and encourage tion study on creeping bentgrass various rolling/mowing frequency every superintendent to roll greens, putting green plots. Treatments programs over the years including I am an even a bigger advocate included control plots that were the three listed below. of proceeding with caution when never topdressed with sand, making any changes to a putting topdressed plots with the sand Alternating daily mowing and surface management. brushed in when dry, and plots that rolling. “Lightweight rolling produces were brushed and then received a smoother putting surfaces, 1. Increased customer single pass with the True-Surface In 2004 Michigan State initiated satisfaction vibratory roller. the first mowing/rolling frequency which result in truer ball roll The day after topdressing, study by comparing mowing every and faster green speeds” Golfer survey after golfer survey the plots were mowed with a day with alternating mowing and indicates that the condition of the walk-behind mower with buckets rolling on a daily basis. putting surface is the number one intact. Approximately 40% less On research greens, alternat- thing golfers care about. Courtesy of Mike Morris CGCS topdressing sand was collected in ing mowing and rolling improves Lightweight rolling produces the buckets when plots were rolled turfgrass wear tolerance and pro- Fig 2 smoother putting surfaces, which after brushing (Figure 2). duces green speed measurements BELOW: The plot on the left has never been rolled and has a lot of Mow and roll every day. result in truer ball roll and faster Sand picked-up in mower bucket the day disease (dollar spot) the plot on the right is rolled 3 times per week. These plots also had a faster green equivalent to mowing daily. If you after sand topdressing application in 2006 green speeds. speed several days after topdress- are thinking this might result in an We certainly are not considering No other cultural or mechanical ing and decreased organic matter economic saving, you are correct. saving money with this option, practice can increase customer content at the end of the season. University of Tennessee graduate however, results indicate that both satisfaction as much as frequent To my knowledge, no university Dan Strunk performed a cost- mowing and rolling every day pro- use of a lightweight roller. research study has tested whether analysis study comparing daily duces consistent green speeds from Finally, no other mechanical non-vibratory rollers increase sand mowing to alternating mowing day to day, possibly allows raised practice allows the superinten- incorporation after topdressing. and rolling on a daily basis and mowing heights for better turfgrass dent the possibility to adjust the concluded that alternating mowing health and wear tolerance, and green speed to make his clientele 3. Decreased dollar spot and rolling could save the average results in significantly more dollar happy. golf course in Tennessee approxi- spot control than mowing every day To quote Walter S. Harbin from In 1995 I noticed that research mately $13,000 annually. and rolling every other day. 1922: “I cannot conceive how a greens rolled three times per week This can be a very nice economic perfect putting surface can be Non-rolled Rolled three had less dollar spot than greens option especially when heat stress Roll every day and mow every developed or maintained without putting surface times per week that were not rolled. None of the is high on cool-season grasses or other. rolling.” I think Mr Harbin would be data was statistically significant, cold stress is high on warm-season happy with the current use of the and I was certain I would never grasses. That’s right, rolling every day and practice today.

32 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 33 LIGHTWEIGHT ROLLING

32 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 33 NEW ZEALAND

Managing with less Greenkeepers based in New Zealand are facing as many tough challenges as their UK colleagues. Here Malcolm Peake gives an insight into how they’re addressing problems and achieving outstanding in the land of the Kiwi results with their creative style of management

“Cape Kidnappers, one of the most spectacular golf courses in the world, is very conscious of best environmental practice and managing with less, and Course Manager Brad Sim recently won the GCSAA’s International Environment Leaders in Golf Award”

The glorious Cape Kidnappers courtesy of David Cannon

34 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 35 NEW ZEALAND

The glorious Cape Kidnappers courtesy of David Cannon

34 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 35 NEW ZEALAND

Golf clubs in New Zealand are not just for playing golf but can play lasered perfectly flat as requested finding it difficult to survive an important role in protecting and by professional golfers. meaning superintendents enhancing New Zealand’s native I then visited the nearby head- and committees have to wildlife. quarters of the NZSTI. Firstly we think outside the box. There Another creative idea to generate were shown a putting green used are over 400 golf courses in extra income and encourage new by staff. One side was USGA spec the country, and some of members is a twilight nine-hole the other local sand for a long- the smallest clubs cannot Texas Scramble, local companies term comparison, and then to the even afford green staff, so are invited to enter teams of staff research plots where herbicides, members are pulling together and customers. The evenings have recycled glass construction and to maintain the course. become a great success, bringing summer grass were being studied. in extra income, new members, This was mainly to help clubs be Wairoa Golf Club and community involvement. One more environmentally responsible guest did turn up to play in welling- - and also save money. Wairoa Golf Club is an 18 hole tons, shorts and a vest which even 5700 yard course and has 70 mem- by Kiwi standards was a little too Cape Kidnappers bers who pay a $410 subscrip- relaxed, but he was made welcome, tion - about £200. It’s a great little and returned more appropriately Our final visit was to Cape Kid- course, and right at the heart of dressed on the next occasion! nappers - a Tom Doak design of the community with a mix of Maori nearly 7200 yards, a par 71 off the and Pakeha (not of Maori decent) Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club back tees, and one of the most spec- members. tacular golf courses in the world. A team of five members mow The next port of call was Parapar- This top end resort course is very the course, and one has taken a aumu Beach Golf Club. This is conscious of best environmental New Zealand Sports Turf Institute one of the greatest courses in the practice and managing with less, (NZSTI) course to qualify for spray- southern hemisphere - an undulat- and Course Manager Brad Sim ing and proficiency in basic course ing links which has held 12 New recently won the GCSAA’s Inter- management. This mainly farming Zealand Opens. The great Peter national Environment Leaders in community are experts at handling Thomson said about the course “I Golf Award. machinery, and luckily the old Jim loved it instantly. We had nothing Cape Kidnappers preserves and Arthur adage “ask a farmer what like it in Australia – a monument enhances wildlife habitats, and a to do, then do the opposite” does to the game and a gift to the future. predator-proof fence around the not apply. And the winds will ever blow to test 2500ha site - protected by two staff The club works closely with their the golfers’ will and integrity.” The pest controllers - provides a safe NZSTI agronomist, who is aware course was designed in 1949 by habitat for native and endangered of their limited financial resources Alex Ross who worked with Alister wildlife. and pitches his report accordingly. MacKenzie. They have undertaken a plant Watering and fertilising are kept to The club with the support of the survey to acquire a better under- a minimum with the agronomist NZSTI is restoring the course to standing of native species and work advising the common sense a true links. The greens are now with local schools to give children a approach based on the colour of about 50/50 browntop bent and better idea of how important it is to the green. poa annua, are cut in summer at help improve wildlife habitat. The greens are mown at 5mm 3.5mm and are very firm and quick, The students have helped build and have some good areas of and the fairways - a mix of fescue/ nest boxes and plant native trees browntop bent, but also poa, couch, bent/poa – run fast. Paraparaumu and shrubs on site. Around 70 rare an indigenous variety of paspalum, is reducing its course overheads Kiwi have been introduced, and and fescue. and is being managed environmen- aviaries have been built to house Around twenty years ago the club tally responsibly. The turf was not a the rare Takahe, a coot like bird, planted copses of pinus radiata in uniform green, but was the perfect ABOVE: Paraparaumu, 5th hole; LEFT: Paraparaumu Club President and the Kakapo, a prehistoric like Ken Charlton mowing a green and BELOW: Discussing the greens at about the author strategic areas around the course surface on which to play golf. Cape Kidnappers parrot. In the winter dairy cattle but also as an investment for the graze the meadow roughs and future, the pines are now mature Manawatu Golf Club over a three-month cycle reduce and a local forester has valued the the ground cover. Even the waste trees at $55,000 (£26,000) if they The following day I visited paper is recycled into notepads and are felled. The club plans to replant Manawatu Golf Club. The club timber from the forests are used for native trees if some can be found of claims the title of the country’s firewood. a future marketable value, and this oldest golf course – it was founded in Superintendents in New Zealand will continue the legacy for future 1895 and boasts 1,300 members. enjoy a good degree of autonomy in generations. Over the years the tree-lined fair- Malcolm Peake was their role with operational decisions The club have also applied for ways had grown out of proportion Chairman of Green then largely made by the superintendent Course Consultant at Temple funding for innovative conservation to the site and many inappropriate GC in Berkshire. He has in consultation with the chair of projects, with a view to enhancing species had been planted. visited many golf courses green, referring to the club agrono- around the world and has existing wetland areas, ponds and The advisers have developed a also worked on the R&A Golf mist and golf course architect when streams and generally improving long-term plan for felling a selec- Course Advisory Panel. He’s necessary. Green committees are also written “Confessions of the whole habitat for native and tion of trees to improve air and light a Chairman of Green” and “A normally only involved in setting endangered species – a really inspi- circulation for the benefit of the Natural Course for Golf”. goals and a long-term strategies rational project. turf. The course is a challenging Malcolm would like to to guide the course management thank all the team at the Hopefully this can be achieved layout with firm fast greens, which NZSTI particularly Megan team. The chair of green is often with the help of two local natural- contrast in style with lush soft fair- Cushnahan and the a long-term position, the thinking superintendents at the ists, and working with the local ways and approaches, making for a courses he visited for the being that if someone is knowledge- community and schools. Wairoa target style of golf. A putting green information and hospitality. able and competent, why not retain hopes to prove that golf courses are has been developed with one half them?

36 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 37 NEW ZEALAND

36 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 37 AERATION

MAIN PIC: AeraVator UA60 with standard vibrating tines overseeding a fairway

INSET BELOW 4AERO80 – UA60 AeraVator with vibrating tines & seed box

BOTTOM: Multi-tine – The AeraVator multi-tine shaft produces 600 holes per sq metre An introduction Shockwave 2.10m Campey Turf Care DECOMPACT, SEED, AERATE, SLIT, RENOVATE, RAKE, to aeration BRUSH – WITH ONE MACHINE

Aeration is simply one of the most important The AeraVator’s unique vibrating maintenance tasks carried out on turf. tines aerate & Here Andy Wight fights its corner with ten renovate in all reasons why he feels it’s so critical ground conditions - even the hardest. Add value with the Why is aeration so vital? playing surface and reducing the effective overseeding potential for soil compaction and about the author attachment. Having taught this subject turf surface damage. for many years I consider there to be 10 basic reasons/ 3. To reduce the occurrence of advantages of aeration of some fungal turf diseases such as sports turf: fusarium patch and anthracnose which find it easier to spread from 1. It allows air into the soil - plant to plant in moist conditions turf grasses need oxygen for caused by poor surface drainage. respiration. Plant roots take up oxygen and give off carbon dioxide. 4. To remove compaction from Andy Wight is head of work based learning for Soil must be able to “breathe” in the soil. Compaction reduces land-based industries at Oaklands College where he enough oxygen for roots to function drainage, root growth and resis- has delivered greenkeeper properly. tance to drought as well as creating training for over 20 years. a hard playing surface. Compaction He has worked closely with the GTC on greenkeeping Tel: 0845 026 0064 2. To improve the drainage is caused by compression of the soil qualifications and helped write the national learning www.jsmd.co.uk of the turf surface and underly- particles (by the movement of play- notes for greenkeepers at ing material, thus improving the ers and machines across the turf level 2.

38 GI JUNE 2013 JSM-FirstProducts-Ad-0213.indd 1 13/02/2013 20:25 JUNE 2013 GI 39 AERATION

MAIN PIC: AeraVator UA60 with standard vibrating tines overseeding a fairway

INSET BELOW 4AERO80 – UA60 AeraVator with vibrating tines & seed box

38 GI JUNE 2013 JSM-FirstProducts-Ad-0213.indd 1 13/02/2013 20:25 JUNE 2013 GI 39 AERATION

surface). The reduction of compac- run off of irrigation water is a prob- 10. To help maintain all round tion can be best achieved by the use lem. This is often done by the use of soil and turf grass health, thus DRAINAGE OR COMPACTION PROBLEMS? of hollow tines which remove a core sarrel spikers. reducing turf grass problems such of soil or extraction by the effective as fungal diseases and certain Drill n Fill or Deep Drill is Deep Drill aerator. Alternatively 8. To help in the control or weeds and moss which thrive in the compaction can be relieved by the reduction of thatch in the turf. presence of high moisture levels. use of equipment which heaves the The use of hollow tines is well suited the solution soil, such as vertidraining. to this role as a plug of thatch is I have noted there is a tendency Drill n Fill aerator physically removed during the for some greenkeepers to aerate 5. To encourage root growth - if aeration process. less than they used to and I am  Drills to 310mm, extracts and backﬁ lls in one action done at the correct time of the often told it’s due to complaints  Ends puddling after downpours year. The slicing of the grass roots 9. To help in the process of from the membership. However  Minimises winter closures stimulates the plant to produce rootzone improvement. After the thing about not aerating is the ABOVE AND BELOW: EcoSol  Percolation ducts connect to deeper drainage layer new root material increasing its aeration topdressing can be applied effects are not obvious straight Drill and fill machines mass and depth. The holes left by to the turf surface and can then be away. Everyone notices if you don’t RIGHT PAGE: Koro RCD MKII (81), Campey Turf Care Deep Drill aerator aeration also offer an easy route worked into the aeration holes to cut the greens or water them but for the turf grass roots to progress help improve drainage. Fertilisers lack of aeration takes a while to bite  Drills to 450mm to ease compaction instantly downwards into the soil. and chemicals (such as wetting and it’s several years before things  Extracts rootzone in one action agents in granular form) can also start to get out of control. Of course,  Penetrates hard pans and marl layers 6. To stimulate aerobic soil be worked into the rootzone in the it’s then harder to recover and you  Promotes deeper roots to knit loam layers bacteria which are vital to soil same way. In addition seed can be have explain why you suddenly health. By virtue of increased worked into aeration holes at the have to carry out lots of aeration. oxygen levels in the soil, bacteria same time as topdressings where You can also bet it will be the same in the soil break down fertilisers for they can germinate (this is best done people who complained about the plant growth as well as breaking with equipment such as a sarrel aeration who will now be asking down organic matter (thatch). It is roller so the seed is not worked in why you have not been doing it and Ecosolve Ltd, Armyn Cross, also thought by many that soil bac- too deep to germinate effectively). why you let the greens get into such Malmesbury, Wilts SN16 9RJ teria can be beneficial in controlling In recent years the advent of “Drill n a mess! Tel: 01666 861250 some damaging fungi in the soil. Fill” machines have enabled green- So next time a golfer stops and keepers to drill to a depth of 31cm asks why you seem to be ruining email: [email protected] 7. To aid the penetration of and backfill these holes with free their putting surface you can reply www.ecosolve.co.uk irrigation water. This is particu- draining materials such as sand “It depends how long you’ve got - I larly important when compact dry and/or an amendment that brings can give you ten good reasons if you soils occur on a sloped area where soil improvement to new levels have the time?” For contract work, sales or a no obligation chat, call the UK & Europe’s sole importers today

Ecosolve drill n Fill half page 24-11-10.indd 1 29/11/10 08:37:07

40 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 41 AERATION

Ecosolve drill n Fill half page 24-11-10.indd 1 29/11/10 08:37:07

40 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 41 WOOLLEY PARK

A family affair at Woolley Park

Phil Rowbottom combines running a busy farm with managing a proprietary golf club at Woolley Park near Wakefield. Steve Castle spoke to him to discover how closely the two work together

I arrived at Woolley Park on muck in when needed. One of them a grey April day, but with rolls all the corn when we sow it in the course, clubhouse and the autumn. My colleagues Andy Profile farm buzzing with activity. Scaman and Richard Thompson After some thought, Phil came through the farming industry Name: Phil Rowbottom...... gave his job title as “Course with me. Richard is a farmer’s son Position: Course Manager/ Manager and Farmer” but who wanted to work on a larger Farmer...... it’s immediately clear that farm, so he came here twenty-odd Born: Wakefield, 13 February years ago. He’s vertidraining today. 1960...... everyone gets involved in both Myself, my son John and Andy are Handicap: 12...... sides of the business. the key farm staff and the others Hobbies: Clay pigeon shooting Phil explained: “No-one here is – Stuart Mason and Peter Colley - (Has won a gold medal for ‘just’ a greenkeeper or ‘just’ a farmer. help out. Great Britain in the World There’s a couple of the greenkeep- “Farm hands are a very adapt- Championships)...... ers out of the five staff we have who don’t do a lot of farming but they’ll able group. They’re happy to drive a

42 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 43 WOOLLEY PARK

A family affair at Woolley Park

Phil Rowbottom combines running a busy farm with managing a proprietary golf club at Woolley Park near Wakefield. Steve Castle spoke to him to discover how closely the two work together

42 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 43 WOOLLEY PARK small mower or a large tractor and “The greens are loosely USGA, built they can generally mend things, and Andy and Richard achieved with our own topsoil, screened then their NVQ2 Greenkeeping at Myer- scough.” blended with sand to 60% sand, 40% The farm’s main function now is topsoil. We felt 80/20, which is USGA, drying and storing grain for mer- chants and local farmers. would leave us vulnerable to drought” This started 25 years ago when father and son built a new grain store. It turned out to be too big for their requirements, so they stored some oil seed rape as a favour for a neighbour and it grew from there. Two years ago they constructed another grain plant and 9000 tons of grain went through the drier INNOVATION CORNER! there last year. Phil’s grandfather was a tenant To save hours of labour, Phil took two seven-foot Sisis at Mount Farm on the site, which slitters and welded them together to create a 14-foot lies close to the M1 in Wakefield. His slitter! late father David bought the farm in He added that the slitters were very useful and highly the mid seventies, and after years reliable, but this unusual solution obviously allowed as a successful crop farm, David his team to slit larger areas of the course at a time. then made a decision which initially Have you come up with a similarly ingenious seemed surprising. invention on your course? “Around 1992 my dad decided If so contact [email protected] and we’ll print to build a parkland golf course. He the best! didn’t play golf but the sport really was booming at that time. “We had 150 acres of farmland which we earmarked for building the course. You have to bear in mind that none of the family knew the first thing about golf course construction. I’d studied Agri- culture at college but had no real interest in golf. “We had a friend who was an architect, so we talked to him about planning. Before we knew it we’d bought £12,000 of grass seed to sow it all down and we got stuck in. When you looked at the landscape, it was actually perfect. “We didn’t need to excavate or move any trees, we just got on with planting grass seed. We tried not to overcomplicate things and that’s the attitude we try and retain today where possible. “We bought three shipping con- MACHINERY LIST tainers to act as an office, a shop and the maintenance facility. In constructed the clubhouse which reseeding it in a week and they were a screen, screened our own topsoil, a real success and kept a steady Greens reality one had some paperwork in houses a bar, dining area and pro back in play in three weeks. It was a bought sand in and made it into stream of new golfers coming 2 x Toro Greensmaster 3250-D it, one a coffee machine and one a shop. genuine error and it’s all about how rootzone on site. through the doors.” 2 x Toro Reelmaster 3100-D mower. The family connection is continu- you react to things – life is never “It opened in September 2008 So what about the future? Phil Dakota Topdresser “My mother took the course fees, ing with Phil’s son John working on plain sailing as everybody knows.” and is proving very popular. smiled and said: “My attitude is to my father mowed the fairways and both the farm and the course. Phil The undulating parkland course “You can turn up in your jeans tell the lads the golf course looks Fairways my wife Jane – a schoolteacher by said it’s been a pretty straightfor- is now nicely complemented by a and trainers or work gear and have fantastic today, but I want it better Toro Reelmaster 6700-D trade - was the first greenkeeper ward few years although he recalled nine-hole par three course, which a quick round for £9. It was impor- tomorrow. Ransomes 57 mounted because I was busy running a fertil- one mistake which they had to deal is close to the grain store and farm- tant we maintained standards “If they say they need a new piece hydraulic with floating heads iser business at that time. with promptly. house. so we built it to exactly the same of kit I will do my utmost to source Trimax Pegasus 6m semi “I bought Jane a second-hand “We did have an incident a good Phil explained that Wakefield has specifications as the main course the budget for it. rough mower Toro mower at auction and she few years ago where some weed a huge catchment area, and they – properly built greens and good “Any budget left over is spent on Sisis slitter (two 7 footers used that. We ran it as a family top killer was accidentally sprayed on decided to respond to the need for drainage. the golf course, not the locker room. welded together!) to bottom, and that continues to the greens, and we had to move people to have a quick round of golf “We get dads and lads playing, The customers come through the Vredo 2.5m seeder this day.” play to winter greens in August. after work. then they want to play the 18 door to play golf and you have to It wasn’t until four years after the We reacted straight away by getting Phil said: “Apart from laying the hole course, and some become get repeat customers – so the golf Tee surrounds, paths course opened that they removed hold of three loads of topdressing, irrigation, which we contracted out, members. We opened it right in the course is the most important thing, Imants Shockwave the shipping containers and deep scarifying through the turf, we built the whole thing. We hired middle of the recession but it’s been and always will be.” Others Bernhard Anglemaster 3000 44 GI JUNE 2013 Bernhard Express Duel 3000 JUNE 2013 GI 45 WOOLLEY PARK small mower or a large tractor and “The greens are loosely USGA, built they can generally mend things, and Andy and Richard achieved with our own topsoil, screened then their NVQ2 Greenkeeping at Myer- scough.” blended with sand to 60% sand, 40% The farm’s main function now is topsoil. We felt 80/20, which is USGA, drying and storing grain for mer- chants and local farmers. would leave us vulnerable to drought” This started 25 years ago when father and son built a new grain store. It turned out to be too big for their requirements, so they stored some oil seed rape as a favour for a neighbour and it grew from there. Two years ago they constructed another grain plant and 9000 tons of grain went through the drier INNOVATION CORNER! there last year. Phil’s grandfather was a tenant To save hours of labour, Phil took two seven-foot Sisis at Mount Farm on the site, which slitters and welded them together to create a 14-foot lies close to the M1 in Wakefield. His slitter! late father David bought the farm in He added that the slitters were very useful and highly the mid seventies, and after years reliable, but this unusual solution obviously allowed as a successful crop farm, David his team to slit larger areas of the course at a time. then made a decision which initially Have you come up with a similarly ingenious seemed surprising. invention on your course? “Around 1992 my dad decided If so contact [email protected] and we’ll print to build a parkland golf course. He the best! didn’t play golf but the sport really was booming at that time. “We had 150 acres of farmland which we earmarked for building the course. You have to bear in mind that none of the family knew the first thing about golf course construction. I’d studied Agri- culture at college but had no real interest in golf. “We had a friend who was an architect, so we talked to him about planning. Before we knew it we’d bought £12,000 of grass seed to sow it all down and we got stuck in. When you looked at the landscape, it was actually perfect. “We didn’t need to excavate or move any trees, we just got on with planting grass seed. We tried not to overcomplicate things and that’s the attitude we try and retain today where possible. “We bought three shipping con- MACHINERY LIST tainers to act as an office, a shop and the maintenance facility. In constructed the clubhouse which reseeding it in a week and they were a screen, screened our own topsoil, a real success and kept a steady Greens reality one had some paperwork in houses a bar, dining area and pro back in play in three weeks. It was a bought sand in and made it into stream of new golfers coming 2 x Toro Greensmaster 3250-D it, one a coffee machine and one a shop. genuine error and it’s all about how rootzone on site. through the doors.” 2 x Toro Reelmaster 3100-D mower. The family connection is continu- you react to things – life is never “It opened in September 2008 So what about the future? Phil Dakota Topdresser “My mother took the course fees, ing with Phil’s son John working on plain sailing as everybody knows.” and is proving very popular. smiled and said: “My attitude is to my father mowed the fairways and both the farm and the course. Phil The undulating parkland course “You can turn up in your jeans tell the lads the golf course looks Fairways my wife Jane – a schoolteacher by said it’s been a pretty straightfor- is now nicely complemented by a and trainers or work gear and have fantastic today, but I want it better Toro Reelmaster 6700-D trade - was the first greenkeeper ward few years although he recalled nine-hole par three course, which a quick round for £9. It was impor- tomorrow. Ransomes 57 mounted because I was busy running a fertil- one mistake which they had to deal is close to the grain store and farm- tant we maintained standards “If they say they need a new piece hydraulic with floating heads iser business at that time. with promptly. house. so we built it to exactly the same of kit I will do my utmost to source Trimax Pegasus 6m semi “I bought Jane a second-hand “We did have an incident a good Phil explained that Wakefield has specifications as the main course the budget for it. rough mower Toro mower at auction and she few years ago where some weed a huge catchment area, and they – properly built greens and good “Any budget left over is spent on Sisis slitter (two 7 footers used that. We ran it as a family top killer was accidentally sprayed on decided to respond to the need for drainage. the golf course, not the locker room. welded together!) to bottom, and that continues to the greens, and we had to move people to have a quick round of golf “We get dads and lads playing, The customers come through the Vredo 2.5m seeder this day.” play to winter greens in August. after work. then they want to play the 18 door to play golf and you have to It wasn’t until four years after the We reacted straight away by getting Phil said: “Apart from laying the hole course, and some become get repeat customers – so the golf Tee surrounds, paths course opened that they removed hold of three loads of topdressing, irrigation, which we contracted out, members. We opened it right in the course is the most important thing, Imants Shockwave the shipping containers and deep scarifying through the turf, we built the whole thing. We hired middle of the recession but it’s been and always will be.” Others Bernhard Anglemaster 3000 44 GI JUNE 2013 Bernhard Express Duel 3000 JUNE 2013 GI 45 BERNHARD DELEGATES

In August Greenkeeper International will again be asking for members to apply Richard Jenkinson, 2013 Delegate. Bernhard delegates to become a member of the THEN: Deputy Course Manager G West Bernhard’s Delegation heading NOW: Same position to the States and the Golf Industry Show in January. It truly was the most unforgettable experience I’ve It’s a fabulous shared experience, had in my career. One real highlight were the tours ...where are they now? an opportunity to build new friend- around Torrey Pines and La Costa. It was fascinating ships and make new business to see the differences between them even though contacts, but most importantly a they are only ten minutes apart. priceless tool for learning, educat- The management style is similar but the terrain ing, training and growing. But don’t and composition of the courses are completely If you’re still undecided about applying to join the next BIGGA just take our word for it. GI spoke to different. I now understand why previous delegates Delegation to America, read on to find out how much influence the some of the delegates from the last described it as a very tough but life-changing week. trip had on delegates from the last few years decade to find out how much the trip influenced them professionally and personally…

Jaime Acton, 2012 Delegate. Rob Sandilands, 2011 Delegate. THEN: Head Greenkeeper, THEN: Deputy Head Worlebury Golf Club Greenkeeper, Elsham Golf Club NOW: Golf Course Manager, NOW: Head Greenkeeper, Rushmore Golf Club Grange-over-Sands Golf Club

I had no idea just how much I was the only deputy on the trip, the trip would impact on me both and the group of Course Managers professionally and personally. and Head Greenkeepers during the I feel it has given me the confidence week in Orlando had a big influence to hold my own professionally, to on me at the time, and they’ve push myself more in new situations continued to have a major influence and to move my career to the next level. A few months on me since. They gave me some great advice, including ago I was offered a new job and took on the challenge of some really important tips you don’t always get in the running a lovely proprietary club set in ancient parkland textbooks! on a private estate. The Show, seminars and site visits we I really feel the experience gave me that boost to get all attended in the States gave me a real thirst to improve my first Head Greenkeeper job, which I secured just two myself. months later.

46 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 47 BERNHARD DELEGATES

46 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 47 April 06 - 64pp 3/24/06 2:06 PM Page 23

BERNHARD DELEGATES

Matt Plested, 2006 Delegate. Les Howkins MG, 2004 Delegate. THEN: Deputy, Old Ford THEN: Head Greenkeeper, Cleethorpes Golf Club Manor Golf Club NOW: Course Manager, The Richmond Golf Club NOW: Course Manager, Muswell Hill Golf Club I remember thinking on my trip that the US were much more advanced in certain areas, although I do feel we’ve A year after my trip, I secured caught up now. I recall we went to a seminar discussing my first Course Managers position absolutely everything about Primo, which at that time was at Muswell Hill and the Bernhard unavailable in the UK. This meant that when Primo did Delegation certainly helped – I become available over here, I had a head start over other was told it made my CV stand greenkeepers and wasn’t afraid to use it because I was very out. It’s a fantastic, amazing well informed about it. The Golf Industry Show was also an experience. It opened my eyes to amazing experience, the scale of it was colossal. The USAhow professional they were in the ExperienceAnother thing that sticks in my mind is one of the course States, and I returned determined visits to a course called The Bridges. They had 55 staff to incorporate some of their ideas and 14 gardeners looking after an 18-hole course, and into my club. I learnt so much. they couldn’t believe how few staff we had in comparison! It’s also fantastic from a personal You’re looked after so well while you’re out there and I can’t Marc Haring recountspoint of view. My his roommate visit was to imagineAtlanta why a greenkeeper and wouldthe not GCSAA want to apply toShow join Greg Skinner, who’s now at Forest the delegation. Hill Golf & Country Club, and we courtesy of the hadBIGGA a real laugh Delegation,and became good “A yearsponsored after my bytrip, Bernhard I secured my & firstCo. Course mates. Not only that, we still speak to Managers position at Muswell Hill and the Bernhard each other about issues on our Delegation certainly helped – I was told it made my CV courses and help solve problems – all this as a result of that one week. stand out. It’s a fantastic, amazing experience” Matt Plested, 2006 Delegate Gordon McKie, 2003 Delegate. THEN: Head Greenkeeper, The Eden Course, St Andrews NOW: Course Manager, The Old Course, St Andrews Having returned from the trip of a lifetime I have been somewhat disturbed, although not necessarily surprised, to discover that I have The ten years since I went has flown by but I still remember The 2012 BIGGA Delegation managed to accumulate approximately half a stone of inert blubber, a product no doubt of a week soof many USA elements diet thatof the trip.largely A real highlight consis forted me wasof friedthe educational side, I recall attending a GCSAA Seminar on potatoes, fried eggs, a twelve ounce steak, pancakes, cream and syrup – and that was just for breakfast!Communications But anyway, which I found I now particularly feel useful, sufficiently and I Sallie Taylor talked to the 2012 Delegates to find out how the trip referred back to it repeatedly as my career progressed. impacted them at the time, and what lessons they have carried energised to put finger to keypad and who knows, I may even have sufficient get-up-and-go to pressI also the learnt print a lot button. from the guys I travelled with. We were all able to offer advice to each other, and we really built up a great with them a year down the line camaraderie between us. Several of us still stay in touch now, either meeting at BTME or on Facebook or Twitter. I’ve no doubt The US visit is hugely Neil Ballingall, Course Manager “I actually learned new things that the whole experience really enhanced my career. important not just as a at Fairmont St Andrews, said: and new ways to work. It was fabulous shared experience, “I found some of the seminars at invaluable. Ian Kinley, 2006 Delegate an opportunity to build new GIS really useful. “To give you an example, just last THEN: Course Manager, The friendships and make new “We had a long session on month I had an engineering prob- Glen Golf Club business contacts, but most growth-retardant which was great, lem with something. I just couldn’t NOW: Course Manager, Royal importantly as a tool for very in depth. find an answer. Porthcawl Golf Club learning, educating, training “I knew it stopped the grass grow- “In the end I called Stuart Hall, and growing, as last years ing, but I didn’t know how or why. who was also on the trip, and he I went to Atlanta (right) and delegates are keen to testify. We learned that if you don’t reapply solved the problem in a few min- the key for me was the feeling at the correct time it can have the utes. that you’re getting involved not Stuart Yarwood, Course Man- opposite effect. just in the American perspective ager at Lymm Golf Club said: “Such a small thing that had “The trip gave me a greater on course maintenance, but the “For me the trip dispelled lots such a big effect, and I’ve had a world. Lifetime friendships were of myths. I realised that in the really successful year because I am drive for education. I loved the made on that trip, you spend a lot US education comes from the top using it properly.” seminars and bouncing off the of time with the other delegates down alongside their practical and get to know them really well knowledge. David Gray, First Assistant other guys. The trip will always and exchange opinions and ideas. “I have been trying to apply this Greenkeeper at Ladybank Golf benefit me” back home - to think like the person Club, agrees: I want to be perceived as. In the UK “The trip gave me a greater drive “Then you realise the importance we tend to start at the bottom and for education. I loved the seminars of friends and shared experiences. work up, learning on the way, so and bouncing off the other guys. “The moment I was selected I that for many people, when they “The trip will always benefit me. knew I was always going to make find themselves in a managerial I was one of the youngest and most the most of it, but it has changed position they don’t have any of the of the others were Head Greenkeep- my career big time and I will always basic skills to do that job. If you put ers, three were Master Greenkeep- refer back to it. lads in a horrible tin shed with the ers and they taught me so much “The trip spurred my education wind howling through it they will - getting their views on things and and encouraged me to pass on apply those standards on the golf learning from their vast amount of knowledge to fellow colleagues and course.” knowledge was amazing. discuss things with my boss.”

The group Convention Centre

48 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 49

We touched down on the Sunday and made our way to the Holiday renovation. Ralph Kepple is the Agronomy Superintendent and together Inn, Downtown Atlanta. Here we were immediately informed that it was ill with his Deputy, Chuck, and a team of up to 25 staff in the summer - which advised to venture from the Hotel on one’s own. Although to be fair, on I understand is adequate for such a course - they maintain immaculate the second day there were only the two shootings in the immediate conditions at all times of the year. When we visited, all the zoysia and vicinity and we weren’t going to let little things like that spoil the fun. bermuda was dormant hence the yellow colour. This enables the crew to Day two saw us take a trip to two local golf courses and a truly eye spray the entire course on an annual basis with glyphosate to eradicate all opening experience. The first was the famed East Lake, a club with a mixed weeds and the dormant grass remains unaffected. history of fame that rose, fell and then rose again from urban squalor that in the early 1990’s. When the present Superintendent took over, ATLANTA ATHLETIC CLUB necessitated an armed guard to actually travel to and from the immediate We then moved onto former US Open and USPGA venue, Atlanta vicinity of the club. In the mid 1990’s, the club and course were bought by Athletic Club, where we were met by the Courses Director, Ken Mangum. local businessman Tom Cousins and closed for a major renovation. The Ken is a true professional and kindly gave us a very informative talk about club reopened in 1995 after noted architect Rees Jones revamped the golf the club in his boardroom complete with oak table and leather upholstered course and brought back much of the original Donald Ross glory. chairs. The complex also sports a maintenance facility to die for, with The surrounding area has thankfully also seen a great deal of reception and receptionist, separate office for all the various technicians renovation work and much of the deprivation of the past has now been and superintendents, a spotless and vast workshop for the four mechanics eliminated thanks to the club and the Tom Cousins foundation. The course and also a machinery shed that looked more like the premises of a large has zoysia fairways, bermuda rough and extremely firm and true Crenshaw equipment dealership. bentgrass greens. East Lake served as host to the Ryder Cup in 1963, as There were many similarities with East Lake to be seen and indeed Rees well as the season-ending PGA Tour Championship, which it will continue Jones is again responsible for the renovation of both their Highlands and to hold until 2011. Riverside courses. The annual budget is just over $3,000,000 and the The Tudor style clubhouse has been beautifully restored at a cost of Highlands renovation budget is $4,600,000. about $24,000,000, which was actually five times the cost of the course

Greenkeeper International 23 April 06 - 64pp 3/24/06 2:06 PM Page 23

BERNHARD DELEGATES

The group Convention Centre

48 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 49

Greenkeeper International 23 THE BACK NINE

12. Getting That Job and peers. Get yourself known (pro- If you are short on interview expe- about the author fessionally!) on social media such rience practice with someone with 18 steps to becoming “Too much competition”, “jobs as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. experience, carrying out roleplay being filled internally without Get on greenkeeping and turf is the only way you are going to advertising”, “I don’t have the skill management forums and ‘turf ready yourself for the real situation. set for the type of course”, “no pri- clubs’. It is often not what, but who Yes there will be the dynamics of a Golf Course Manager vate club or proprietary business you know. Aged 20 I was the secre- the interview room to deal with as experience”, “I have never been a tary of the BB&O section and ended well as those ‘killer questions’, so Course Manager”, “I lack interview up on the steering committee for the get yourself prepared and be well experience”, “my spouse/family formation of BIGGA, all things that versed in your answers. This means does not want to move”. These got me noticed. At least two of my researching your prospective are just some of the obstacles Kevin Munt major career moves were facilitated employer, you want to find out the because of personal recommenda- following: identified by prospective Course Kevin Munt is Principle Managers during our Continue to Consultant at KMgc. Forty tion from industry professionals. - Club information years ago he started his I didn’t see these relationships as - Type of business Learn workshop. So you are not greenkeeping career during alone, you have to overcome these which time has been the networking at the time but there is - Type of course Course Manager at the Hankley obstacles by process of elimination. Common, Royal Dornoch and little doubt they could be described - Future aims Wentworth Golf Clubs. Kevin as such. - Staff levels Whatever the barriers are, reduce has also project managed them. golf course constructions and - Membership numbers been Operations Manager - Financial position By the way, I am not suggesting Buckinghamshire Golf Club 15. Curriculum Vitae you leave your spouse! Make a - Course condition www.kmgcgolfconsultancy.com - Resources sideways move if necessary to gain [email protected] A CV won’t get you a job but it can specific experience. If you hear get you that all important interview. One unforgivable mistake I’ve of a vacant position be proactive, Firstly it needs to be read and that seen repeatedly at interview is the submit a CV and explain why you means it must be engaging. Make candidate not walking or playing would be a good choice, don’t wait sure yours is professional, up to the course. What sort of interest in for an advertisement. The main trait date with no time gaps, succinct, your prospective employers’ club that will overcome these hurdles is and get it proofread by someone do you think this demonstrates? So confidence, a lot of the perceived who can spell. There is so much again this is about preparation and obstacles above are born out of a information on the internet on research. lack of confidence in your ability. how to prepare a CV and plenty The more experience, knowledge of seminars from BIGGA too, so 17. Implementation and skills that you gain the more there are no excuses. A CV equals confident in your abilities you will a professional profile, so make sure At the end of it all, once you be, there is no escaping this fact. It it presents you in the best possible have a Course Managers job, you is the person who is fully prepared, light. are employed to implement. Using persuasive, determined and goal Break down your CV into the fol- the resources at your disposal focused that gets the job. All the lowing sections: you have to implement your plans things that a good Course Manager Personal details – Name, address, within budget and in line with the should be anyway then! age, marital status, contact details agreed course management policy. Profile – Brief summary of experi- In other words you have to deliver Part two - The back nine 13. Marketplace ence, character and suitability on all of the skills and knowledge Last month we ‘played’ the front nine of the Key Skills/Achievements – Eg you have gained in steps one to This is included because if you agronomy, people, quality, presen- sixteen. It is one thing finally get- career course, now for the crucial back nine... are going to move up in your career tation, IT ting a Course Managers job but it you have to know the market you Key Characteristics – Enthu- is through efficient implementation are in. siasm, motivation, leadership, that you will keep it. 10. Budgeting boss or the club’s financial control- A better term for negotiation is Do your research and look for organisation, resilience ler. Once you see a comprehensively being persuasive, as with influenc- jobs in the marketplace that fit your Career Summary – From today 18. Review For many this is often the most detailed spreadsheet showing the ing when communicating you skill set. If you feel the marketplace back to the start of your career boring hole on the course and main budget headline costs and should be persuasive in negotia- is crowded for certain course man- Career Detail – Key achievements Lastly reflection. You should thus the one that receives the least their respective sub-division line tion. agement roles, be prepared to go for in each role review all of the implemented plans concentration – a real card wrecker. items all will become much clearer. You negotiate all the time in life. a job that you may find less appeal- Interests – Professional and and work, checking progress, Budgeting is a great discipline for Of course these will just be figures, We all develop our own set of per- ing but also has less competition. recreational learning, benchmarking and any manager. you still have to be able to demon- suasive skills to win what we want, It is about getting that first man- Getting an interview is dependent adjusting accordingly. This review If you carefully plan and build strate control and the ability to find however the best negotiations end ager’s role that sets you on your on the quality of your CV so do not does not just apply to the work pro- your budgets you can make them savings when asked. in ‘win-win’ situations. way. Aim at clubs that might be fall at the first hurdle with a medio- duced by your staff and yourself, work in your favour, making your As with all management prepara- looking for new ideas and enthusi- cre representation of yourself. but of your progress as a manager tion is the key, ensure you have a aims easier to achieve. If you can 11. Negotiation asm, find out what their problems and the progress of your chosen draw up a management policy for list of fact-based points backed up are and formulate plans to help 16. Interview Ability career. You will often find that you your golf course and quantify the by sound persuasive arguments. them. Most of all make sure you are need more learning, sometimes You will need to develop good resources needed to execute this There is no substitute for experi- ‘marketable’ and are able to meet A good handshake, smart you may find that you have made negotiation skills, not just for pur- policy, you have all the information ence in negotiation situations. the prospective job’s specification. appearance, eye contact and a the wrong move, or that you need chasing purposes, but also for man you need to draw up a budget. When a person with money and quiet but assured confidence works to test yourself in a more demand- management situations, dealing Obviously you will need to look little experience meets a person 14. Networking every time. I know this because I ing role. A review will ensure your at all the small detail to ensure with bosses/committees and of with little money but lots of experi- have been in many interviews on career as a Golf Course Manager course getting the salary package ence, the first person ends up with you get your annual expenditure Get yourself out there in the the employer’s side of the table so I stays on course. that you feel you justify. experience and the second person fully quoted and priced, but this is, industry, get to know course know what engages me. Note all of I wish you the best of luck and You will need to toughen up. ends up with money. comparatively, the easy bit. managers, club managers, profes- this ‘information’ is gained before a look forward to seeing and hear- Business is business, all the rest The ‘second’ people are usually As with the policy document, sionals, consultants, Association question has even been asked, so ing of your progression in the golf is social interaction that makes the your bosses and sales representa- look at as much golf course budget officials and staff, trade members first impressions do count. course industry. information as you can from your world go around. tives.

50 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 51 THE BACK NINE

50 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 51 PHOTO COMPETITION Photographic competition

How you can win our coveted members’ competition, and see your photography grace Greenkeeper International and the BIGGA Calendar 2014, following in the footsteps of recent winner – Craig Boath, Head Greenkeeper of the Carnoustie Championship Course sional photographers Alan Birch date is the 31st July 2013. recommend one image per email and Eric Hepworth – and the winner Please write “BIGGA PHOTO if file size becomes an issue – or Are you a BIGGA member and tunities for stunning photography will receive a framed image of their COMP 2013” is the subject header use a compression facility such as do you fancy yourself as a across the year – and now is the choice from Eric’s super selection of your email, and label your entries winzip or an ftp site such as www. budding photographer? The time to send in the images many of golf course photography (www. with your name, club/college cur- mailbigfile.com competition offers you the of you have captured from the hepworthgolfphotography.com), rently at, membership number and There is no limit to the amount chance to portray your course autumn and winter. The forthcom- as well as one of your own entry. a brief caption of the course. of images you can send us., but in a variety of publications, ing weeks also offer another chance Two runners-up will receive an Images need to be high resolution please seek permission of the club with the winner receiving a full for great spring and summer shots. unframed print, and the final 12 and landscape shape (at least 30cm before sending your entries – we are course feature in GI The competition is judged by a will all be featured in next year’s wide at 300dpi) suitable for an A3 sure they will be delighted with the Our industry offers terrific oppor- panel of experts including profes- calendar. calendar. potential coverage. To enter, please send your images Please avoid reducing the file size Only BIGGA members are eligible to [email protected] - the closing as this will reduce the quality – we to enter. Good to luck to all.

sponsored by

Calendar 2013 Featuring the Top 12 Entries from the BIGGA Golf Photographic Competition 2012

nd Photo Comp 2 Craig Boath’s stunning early morning shot of Carnoustie’s Burnside Course stPhoto Comp

dd 1 3 CALENDAR_13_TOUCHED UP3.in Section Notes Please email your notes to steve.castle sports turf degree through Myer- @bigga.co.uk by the 15th NORTHERN scough College – he says it’s a lot of the month of time and effort but worth it All the latest news from your Section all. I think it’s great many of our section members are taking full advantage of all the educational NORTH opportunities, keep pestering your boss to assist you with all NORTHERN Around The Green Not a great deal for this month these opportunities. NORTH EAST as it has been a bit quiet but we After a disappointing turnout The season’s golf got under-

did have the Spring outing at of our recent Spring Competition way at last at Hornsea Golf As I had too much news last Duff House Royal Golf Club so an idea has been put forward by Club, they gave us a lovely wel- month’s issue I can finish off here are the winners: Simon Olver Course Manager come and looked after us, the talking about Michael McK- Nearest the pin at the 6th Roy of Percy Wood Golf & Country weather held too for those brave demonstration of techniques on 23 or 24 July when he is over fair?) and our Guest prize went enna’s move to his new job in Donald; 9th Pat Allan; 13th Blair Retreat to have the summer golf souls who made the effort and SCOTLAND in this line of machinery. This and once this is confirmed we to Derek (over golfed) Scott from Dubai. Young. Moving on to the sweep: day on a Saturday more people a massive thanks to Mel for his will provisionally be 10 or 11 will notify people in the normal Scoonie GC. This comes after three years 4; Gordon Leslie Duff House; turning up. dedicated support to the section September. way. Congratulations to Euan Following the golf we had a travelling the world working 3rd Blair Young Aitkens; 2nd Definitely a good idea but I and jumping in at short notice to Rigby Taylor will arrange Kay on being awarded the best short presentation from James at the best courses home and Lewis Valentine Moray; 1st Mike wondered who would let us play co sponsor the event with Bath- a visit to see round the train- NC student in greenkeeping at Whittick (Greenbest Ltd) on abroad and talking with top turf Braidwood Royal Aberdeen. on their course on a prime time gate Sands. Mel and Mark Price ing facility at Murray Park for Elmwood for 2012/13. Euan is their Purity soil improver, professionals advancing his Trade Winner Blair Young and day and give us courtesy (the MD of Bathgate )were great anyone interested, date to be currently working in a summer thanks James for a very infor- career. Aitkens. The Committee trophy with out upsetting their mem- hosts and provided a fantastic confirmed also. position at The Castle Course. mative talk. He said he always believed AYRSHIRE was won by our Chairman bers, so I asked Simon and now prize table for the winners. Aquatrols are also willing to Well done also to all the other It was also good to see our from an apprentice just start- Robert Patterson. Percy Wood is booked for August Div 1 winner Dave Collins; provide a speaker for a talk on students who have successfully Scottish Chairman Andy ing in this profession you have It’s been a long time since Veterans: 2nd Roy Donald 17 tee time is 10-12noon. 2nd Bob Turner; 3rd Nigel wetting agent properties and past their respective courses. O’Hara in attendance, it is much to work with the best at top the Section has had anything Oldmeldrum; 1st Brian Hunter This competition is for BIGGA Coultash; Div 2 winner Nigel a date for this will also be con- Gordon Moir appreciated by our section and courses to advance your career in the magazine and I would McDonald. members, non-members and Booth; 2nd Rob Walker; 3rd firmed when we can tie up with we hope to see you again later - this has been helped by two like to do a bit of catching up. The Apprentice trophy was anyone involved in the turf Andy Slingsby. Div 3 winner a visit to this country by one of in the year. Head Greenkeepers. The Section committee is now: won by Lewis Valentine Moray industry. Ken Christie; 2nd Richard smith the company executives. The section can confirm that Firstly David Simpson Chairman - Jim Paton, Vice Golf Club. Class 3: 3rd Stephen Local companies are to be . Nearest the pins went to Joe On the happy side of things we have arranged a course walk of Tyneside GC who was a Chairman – Euan Grant, Past Cocker Peterculter; 2nd Lewis asked if they would like to spon- Walsh and Tracey Maddison since our last report, congratu- over Muirfield Links to look over great inspiration to him as an Chairman – George Morrison, Valentine Moray;1st Mike sor this event, and play in this from HQ. Trade winner was Ian lations to our past Chairman and discuss the preparations for apprentice and Malcolm Lathan Secretary – Derek Wilson, Com- Braidwood Royal Aberdeen. unique competition or just come Collett from Rigby Taylor. George and Maggie on the birth this years Open Championship, of Hexham GC who spent time mittee members – Iain Barr, Class 2: 3rd Mark McClaren along and enjoy the day. And finally on the day another of their second child Abbie, and EAST this walk will be held on Tues- educating him in modern meth- Frank Clarkson, Graeme King, Royal Aberdeen; 2nd Kevin Lloyds and Rigby Taylor are thank you to Mel for making sure also at about the same time day 2 July at 2.30pm and will ods he said he cannot thank Martin Lothian, Stephen Hig- Spowart Royal Aberdeen; 1st already on board, if anyone has Mr Jackson got home safely, George had his fortieth birth- Last month we held our be CPD registered, the walk will them enough. gins. Roy Donald Oldmeldrum. Class any queries please call me on the only thing missing was the day. He hasn’t been too well Spring golf outing at Seahouses consist of a tour of the course David Cole and Peter Hag- The Section Spring outing was 1: 3rd place Robert Patterson 07910 641745. old stalwart , our president Mr recently so get well too George. Golf Club, it was good to see a and a Q&A session with the gerty at Loch Lomond advanced held over the links at Dundonald Royal Aberdeen; 2nd Fraser Jimmy Cockburn who sadly could not That’s from Iain especially. turnout of 26 golfers who made Course Manager Colin Irvine. his understanding to a new level at the beginning of May. Thanks Downie Peterculter; 1st Gordon make it as he was looking after Largs host the Scottish National the longer than normal journey. This event has just 40 spaces, before taking the Internship in to the Frank and his staff for Leslie Duff House. Scratch: his poorly wife. tournament in June. If anyone The section had put a bus please get in contact with the the States, during his time at presenting the course for the 2nd place Neil Sadler; 1st Gary She’s now on the mend. has anything they would like on for this event to travel down section asap to place your inter- Scioto CC he worked with Bob day. There was an improved Tough from Letham Grange. Scarthingwell is next up then fol- included in the Section Report and the banter was flowing both est in attending as this event will Becker who helped his chemical turnout this year and the Com- The Committee would like lowed by our traditional match then please contact me on my ways on the bus, we hope to be open to all sections. application skills. mittee hope that this level of to thank Head Greenkeeper with our friends from Sheffield mobile: repeat this for next year’s outing On a personal note I made the He would also like to thank the support will continue and even Gordon Leslie and his staff for section in July. Anyone wish- 07840 724435 or by e-mail at to Goswick if we have plenty of transition to the dark side if you following Carson Kamps of Lake improve at the Autumn outing a course presented in first class ing to play please let me know. [email protected]. interest. like when I attended the Ayr- Nona in Florida, Brendan Allan at Prestwick St. Nicholas on 1 condition. NORTH WEST August 19th is the invitation Jim Paton Thanks to Seahouses for their shire spring golf meeting held at The Hills in New Zealand and October. Prize winners were as A big thank you to everybody day at Wetherby 2pm tee off. hospitality and the warm wel- at Dundonald Golf Links at the finally Mike O’Keefe Programme follows. you turned up and contributed By the time this gets pub- Autumn comp is on September come extended to our members, beginning of May, I was made Manager at the Ohio State First Class:1 Gregor Wilson; to a great day those of you who lished everyone should have 19 at Woodsome Hall tee off Alistair Holmes and his team very welcome and had a great Global Intern Program. 2 Stephen McBlain; 3 Derek were unable to attend missed a had a fixture list for this year. 1.45, and finally Christmas at had the golf course in great days golf over a very good course, He says he would Wilson. Second Class: 1 Martin great day played in good spirit Please try and attend one of the Baildon December 12th with a condition, and given the recent met some new colleagues and recommend his program to Lothian; 2 Iain Barr; 3 Kevin and in brilliant sunshine. events as it gives you a chance 10am tee time. Congatulations weather they have had in the even managed to win a raffle anyone looking to advance their Wason. Trade: John Condron. Some other news is Ross to meet fellow professionals and to Andy Stanger for his appoint- area the course played very well prize which is unusual for me. career. There will be a new name on Macrae’s apprentice at Turriff catch up. ment at Headingley Golf Club as CENTRAL indeed ( The section would like to After another course visit we the Harry Diamond Jug as last Golf Club was first in the BIGGA Next is the summer tourna- new course manager. The mere Zephyr made scor- welcome our newest member have managed to recruit a few years’ winner Iain MacDonald 2nd year student award so very ment at Ormskirk golf club on 1 Andy 07506407867 Andy. By the time you read this ing difficult on the day here are Robert King Mortonhall, we lads from Close House after did not compete in this event. well done to him. July, I expect this will be popular [email protected] hopefully the weather will have the results: Scratch Ross Prowse hope you enjoy BIGGA and we explaining all of the benefits of The Section Committee would Ross Macrae and myself trav- and would ask you to put your improved and the second round 76; 1st Class winner Kenny Mail look forward to seeing you at our joining BIGGA. like to encourage members to elled down to Douglas Park Golf name down early to get a book- of the pairs competition will 76 nett (bih); 1st Class runner functions. From a personal view I don’t get involved again in Section Club in Glasgow to represent ing. have been completed. It’s been up Scott Corrigan 76 nett; 2nd Until next month, I have a think you can beat the personal activities and as such are trying the North Section in the BIGGA Please contact Phil Dewhurst a good start to this competition Class winner Chris Yeaman trivia question for you with a touch of explaining everything to arrange some small educa- v Secretaries. on 07768180604 for details. with everyone enjoying visiting 76 nett; 2nd Class runner up prize to the first person to email that members can get ranging tional days. Unfortunately we lost by one The cricket match against the each other’s courses as well as George Thomson 78 nett; Trade the correct answer, can you the from legal assistance to educa- These would take the format hole but the team won overall North Wales Section will be on the competitive element. The winner Ian Lauder 70 nett; name our Scottish member who tion plus much more. of around an hour’s talk by and retained the trophy. 24 July please contact Nick results are posted on www. Veterans winner Alistair Holmes has travelled more than Ernie We also have two new mem- selected speakers which will Please get in touch if you have Gray for details. SHEFFIELD biggacentralsection.org.uk after 80 nett; Best nett prize Sean Els to play golf this season, and bers from Percy Wood Country be arranged during the later anything to report with Robert I can be contacted on each round. Cunningham 80 nett; Nearest to give you a clue, he always Park who have recently com- months of the year. Patterson mob 07931639548 07840706738 or at jsheehan@ I trust that you are all well and On the education front, we’re the pin prize Ryan McCulloch, wins the raffle? pleted level 2 in Sportsturf. Their Bernhards Grinders have or Dale Robertson mob blueyonder.co.uk as the season is in full swing you hoping that John Kaminski of Longest drive Grant Moran Scott Corrigan scottcorri- boss Simon Olver is coming agreed to come up and give a 07784517534 Chris Sheehan are all being lavished with the Penn State will give a seminar (think the wind died down to be [email protected] or 07877098237 to the end of his first year of a

54 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 55 Section Notes Please email your notes to steve.castle sports turf degree through Myer- @bigga.co.uk by the 15th NORTHERN scough College – he says it’s a lot of the month of time and effort but worth it All the latest news from your Section all. I think it’s great many of our section members are taking full advantage of all the educational NORTH opportunities, keep pestering your boss to assist you with all NORTHERN Around The Green Not a great deal for this month these opportunities. NORTH EAST as it has been a bit quiet but we After a disappointing turnout The season’s golf got under-

54 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 55 Around The Green Around The Green praise that you rightly deserve. clubs will hopefully be able to information including contact Newark; 19 September Norwood confirmed shortly and will be not only to enjoy the traditional Wayne Syers (who’s had more As you may have noticed in relax now knowing that I and details are available at www. Park (near Newark) - match vs played in either August or Sep- SOUTH EAST downland challenge it offers, but clubs than Nick Faldo but now last month’s magazine I am no John Ellis have successfully biggamidlandsection.co.uk secretaries; 16 October Spald- tember which doubles as the also to soak up the atmosphere at London Club) won on 38 longer able to serve as Secretary passed our first aid at work Many thanks to this month’s ing - section AGM; 13 December qualifier for the National Finals of bygone days in the clubhouse. points. Well done to Nick Leech and that we have been looking refresher and are qualified for calendar sponsor ALS. Please Lincoln (Torksey) – Christmas at our very own Frilford Heath We look forward to going back in and Paul Rudkin who won for a member to fill this position. another 3 years. consider them when ordering Invitation Texas Scramble. G.C. Please check the website time - another time. Nearest pin and Longest drive After we had whittled the Our best wishes go to Gareth course equipment, products Details of tee off times are still for details and entry forms www. Mark Day respectively. Many thanks to applicants down we were able (bronco) Williams of Porthmadog and contract work, and finally, be finalised but should anyone bbogreenkeepers.co.uk Chislehurst Golf Club for host- to undergo an interview process Golf Club who recently had for all those who want to play at wish to play in these fun golf If anyone is interested in training us and we look forward to to select the best possible candi- an operation; we all hope you Penn GC in the summer tourna- days should contact Bruce ing be it chainsaw or spraying SURREY taking you up on your offer of a date. I am pleased to announce have a speedy recovery. Please ment on 10 July, get your entries Hicks. courses then please get in touch return visit in a few years time. that your new section Secretary remember to keep checking not in to Rhys Thomas as early as Steve Beverly with our Regional Administrator The great British Spring can Next week Kent’s finest return is Neil Peters. only our Facebook page but also possible, including payment. We Sandra Raper - sandra@bigga. be extremely fickle and can to Upton Park as defending Neil stood out with his energy the main BIGGA website for the would encourage pre-payment co.uk. blow hot or cold, wet and windy. Home Counties football cham- and drive to move the section latest events and news. to make life easier on the day. If anyone wishes to have their This year we have experienced pions to defend their title against KENT forward. I hope that you will all Pete Maybury 07756001187. All entry sheets including pay- email address added to the many surprises, with a few BB&O. After a resounding give Neil your support and I also E-mail [email protected] ment details are available on the BIGGA HQ system then please warm spells encouraging a victory against an experienced We are very blessed in our would like to wish Neil the best Facebook, North Wales BIGGA . website. drop Sandra an e mail with your welcome boost in growth on the Essex team last year we hope to fair county to have, I honestly of luck. Ed Stant contact details. golf course, to a rapid change retain the Toro/Lely Trophy. believe, the finest complete Also with Neil now being a If anyone has any news, views where temperatures have tested Rob Holland BB&O range of different golf courses member of the committee we MIDLAND or ideas they would like to see our sanity, leaving us to ponder Premier Golf in the land. They range from will have more time with him to for the BB&O section then what delights the weather has in www.kentgreenkeepers.com As we approach the halfway the famous tournament links study and reduce his handicap. please don’t hesitate to get in store for us in June. mark in the year and with two venues to the rolling parkland I hope that you have all touch:[email protected] On the 18th April, the section of the golfing Majors completed courses the majority of us tend received your fixture cards for or contact the committee/Matt headed for Epsom Downs GC hopefully everyone has got their to on a daily basis. the upcoming season and are Nutter:bbosecretary@gmail. where the golf, as well as the courses through spring and Very few, however, could be personally looking forward to com. Alternatively keep up to views, is absolutely stunning EAST OF ENGLAND maintenance renovation work, described as so delightfully getting out on the course to see date with what is happening in with the Capital seemingly only and can now enjoy the benefit quirky as Chislehurst Golf Club how your fellow greenkeepers the BB&O section by following a few seven irons away. MIDLAND Once again apologies for the of some decent conditions with that a strong contingent of us are doing as the season goes on. us on Twitter, Facebook and the Inspiring, challenging and lack of writing last month. I did clubs seeing a welcome boost in have played. Set in the middle of EAST ANGLIA Our first fixture of the year was web site:www.bbogreenkeep- never ordinary, a links on top The first golf day of the year have it all ready to go, however golfer numbers after what has possibly the richest area of real held at Bondhay GC. There will ers.co.uk of the downs renowned for its was held at Robin Hood Golf computer problems prevented been a tough couple of years for estate in the region under the Ufford Park got us off to a be a report of this next month. The Stick testing, undulating greens, and Club on 14 May with 40 com- me sending it. Next month I will the golfing business. gaze of the imperious clubhouse cracking start for the 2013 We’ll be trying some different revered for the extraordinary petitors. Despite the rain, the type it on my iPhone! Newbury and Crookham GC which in a former life was Napo- season. The course was in ideas through the 2013 golf friendliness of its members and course was enjoyed by all, which Our annual seminar was held played host to the BB&O Spring leon Bonapart’s stately home, excellent condition thanks to season such as a variation of staff gave us all a warm welcome is a testament to the talents of on 28 February at Newark Golf meeting at the beginning of May. sits this superbly presented Adrian Hollins and his merry prizes on offer to our winners on and off the fairways as we Course Manager Andy Wood Club. Once again an excellent The event sponsored by John course. men. The main sponsors for and also developing a two tier competed in a Spring Texas and his team. line up of speakers was on offer. Deere Dealership Farol’s was Luckily, I think we managed the day were Bartram Mowers, division to allow everyone a scramble. Andy has undertaken an Dan Lightfoot MG of Bearwood well attended with over 50 people to get around without upsetting Ramsomes and Jacobsen who chance of winning a prize. As The Richmond Rovers, led by extensive programme of redevel- Lakes gave an interesting pre- turning out on the day. Steve anyone too much and we were looked after us very well. Thank a committee we hope this may Les Howkins, putted on greens opment at Robin Hood, which is sentation about his club and Austin and Peter Helps of Farol’s MID ANGLIA soon sunning ourselves on you. Those that bothered to bring more members to events that are legendary, consistent evident as you wander through course and the best ways of welcomed everyone to the first the terrace trying to work out practice through the winter are: and when they do attend they and very true. This demand- the much changed parkland communicating renovation and tee and provided refreshments Hello all and once again just where it all went wrong again. 0 – 9 Handicap: 1st, Michael will realise what they have been ing test of surprising speed and course. The greens were first improvement with the member- at the halfway point. as we seem to be turning the One common suggestion as to Buck, 35 Points; 2nd, Graham missing. undulation gifted the Rovers a class, both quick and free drain- ship. A big thank you must go to the corner it decides to go cool on why many of us struggled today Hurren, 34 Points; 10 – 18 James Stevens victory to savour on the downs. ing. Stephen Kateley then demon- Staff at Newbury and Crookham us which considering we are in was that for once we had to Handicap: 1st, Nick Chase, 35 Striking the longest drive with The day was sponsored by strated the latest in spray nozzle who were excellent hosts and in mid may isn’t ideal. Everywhere make do without Vic Maynard Points; 2nd, John Andrews, 34 a Commando, Big Boy Russell, Banks Amenity Products Ltd, technology in particular the particular Alec Macindoe and I go everybody is bemoaning the and his well stocked Ernest Points; 19 – 28 Handicap – Real waltzed his way down the 11th with Simon Banks presenting benefits of “low drift” nozzles. his team who produced a crack- lack of growth. I’m sure things Doe’s refreshment wagon. Vic Golfers; 1st, Andy Baker, 27 with a Jumbo drive. Well-struck, the prizes to the lucky winners: The discussion with Ian ing course which presented a will improve and by the time you was away on business on this Points; 2nd, Richard Mitchell, Jim. 1 S Scott; 2 D Stanley; 3 C Brom- Macmillan from The Great Turf great test and golfing challenge. read this we will be in glorious occasion apparently but sorely 21 Points; G & T: 1st, Mark Kevin Boxhall whipped up ley; 4 S White; 5 A Wilkes; 6 A Company about the benefits of Rob Catlin of Amenity Tech- mid summer. missed. We look forward to Bartram, 39 Points; 2nd, Terry a shot on the 17th dance floor Brougham; 7 K Allen. Nearest activated microbial manage- nology returned as winner with Once again please make seeing you soon mate! Mills, 33 Points; Nearest Pin, to tie up The Nearest Pin at 4ft NORTH WALES the pin prizes were donated by ment and work carried out on 37 points followed closely in contact if you have any news After a lovely dinner in the very 3rd Trevor Hurn, 10th Brian 8” - a short distance mentioned Sherriffs, Countrywide, White- course construction in Europe second by Adam King with 36 and check our Facebook page ornate dining room it was on to Lindores, 16th Brian Kemp; by many on the day. Starting with events, the moss and Redtech and won by certainly proved the most points, third on count back was for info on upcoming events the prizes and usual good laugh Longest Drive, Michael Buck To enter the Clubhouse is to North Wales/North West match E Stant, N Ashman, C Bromley thought provoking of the day. Kevin Day 36 points and fourth such as our Summer event at with each other. One interesting The two players going to the take a step back in time. The was played on 31 May, I hope and J Moverley. The trade There was also a stump place going to Brian Whitney 35 Brookmans Park GC on August topic of discussion was Foot nationals are Michael Buck and Victorian Snooker table, the the best team won. prize was won by Tony Cheese, grinding demonstration which points. Nearest the pin was won 6. We will have played at Beds Golf (check it out on You Tube). Nick Chase. We wish them well. wooden panels that adorn the Our spring tournament was Rigby Taylor. As always, many was eye opening to people who by David Lyons and the longest & County GC so let’s hope we Corinthians Golf Club (formerly Other sponsors for the day were room, the ancient scoreboard, played at Bull Bay and the thanks to those who sponsored had never seen one of these drive went to Mark Hancock. are lucky with the weather and Fawkham Valley Golf Club) have Aitkens and Toro. Thank you and the pictures of the Club results are: 1 Andy Peel (home the event including Farols for machines used before. Once Swan Golf Designs and Coun- from what I can gauge will be a now set up a Foot Golf course Ufford Park for a super day. Captains representing more advantage!); 2 I Cooper; 3 Carl the much needed drinks and again the famous Newark Cow trywide sponsored the nearest well-attended event. which has just opened. Next stop Stowmarket 27 June. than a century, all conspire Crocher, Andy Peel and I Cooper snacks around the course. Pie was well received by all at the pin and longest drive. Once Once again please advise us if This is really cracking fun and NB - Ian made a very interest- to create an ambience which qualify for the National later in Future events to look out for lunchtime. Many thanks to all more a huge thank you must go you have any educational needs not as easy as you would think! ing speech! exudes history. Only the bil- the year, a big thank you goes to on the website include a trip to the speakers on the day and to our sponsors for their contin- for your clubs or are interested Give it a go at Corinthians. We The first topic was about lows of cigar and cigarette Andy Peel and everyone involved the FA’s new National Football again to Newark Golf Club for ued support and commitment in visiting the Arsenal FC train- are planning a summer evening us all getting involved more in smoke, that would surely have in giving the section a great day’s Centre at Burton on 17 June, a their hospitality. to the section. ing ground as numbers will be Foot Golf do in June or July fol- environmental projects on our immersed the room in the early golf and hospitality. trip to the Bathgate quarry with Our golf days for this year The golf days simply could not limited so get in asap to avoid lowed by a barbecue so let us courses and taking part in the days, are missing now. Other news, the golfers at Vale Sherriff Amenity on 3 July and have now been finalised: 22 happen without them. missing out. know if you will be up for it. STRI competition. Bat boxes, For lovers of golf and its his- of Llangollen and Denbigh golf the Everris doubles draw. All May Market Rasen; 25 July The next event will be the Darren Nearly forgot to say that bird boxes, wild flower areas tory, Epsom is a club to visit,

56 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 57 Around The Green Around The Green praise that you rightly deserve. clubs will hopefully be able to information including contact Newark; 19 September Norwood confirmed shortly and will be not only to enjoy the traditional Wayne Syers (who’s had more As you may have noticed in relax now knowing that I and details are available at www. Park (near Newark) - match vs played in either August or Sep- SOUTH EAST downland challenge it offers, but clubs than Nick Faldo but now last month’s magazine I am no John Ellis have successfully biggamidlandsection.co.uk secretaries; 16 October Spald- tember which doubles as the also to soak up the atmosphere at London Club) won on 38 longer able to serve as Secretary passed our first aid at work Many thanks to this month’s ing - section AGM; 13 December qualifier for the National Finals of bygone days in the clubhouse. points. Well done to Nick Leech and that we have been looking refresher and are qualified for calendar sponsor ALS. Please Lincoln (Torksey) – Christmas at our very own Frilford Heath We look forward to going back in and Paul Rudkin who won for a member to fill this position. another 3 years. consider them when ordering Invitation Texas Scramble. G.C. Please check the website time - another time. Nearest pin and Longest drive After we had whittled the Our best wishes go to Gareth course equipment, products Details of tee off times are still for details and entry forms www. Mark Day respectively. Many thanks to applicants down we were able (bronco) Williams of Porthmadog and contract work, and finally, be finalised but should anyone bbogreenkeepers.co.uk Chislehurst Golf Club for host- to undergo an interview process Golf Club who recently had for all those who want to play at wish to play in these fun golf If anyone is interested in training us and we look forward to to select the best possible candi- an operation; we all hope you Penn GC in the summer tourna- days should contact Bruce ing be it chainsaw or spraying SURREY taking you up on your offer of a date. I am pleased to announce have a speedy recovery. Please ment on 10 July, get your entries Hicks. courses then please get in touch return visit in a few years time. that your new section Secretary remember to keep checking not in to Rhys Thomas as early as Steve Beverly with our Regional Administrator The great British Spring can Next week Kent’s finest return is Neil Peters. only our Facebook page but also possible, including payment. We Sandra Raper - sandra@bigga. be extremely fickle and can to Upton Park as defending Neil stood out with his energy the main BIGGA website for the would encourage pre-payment co.uk. blow hot or cold, wet and windy. Home Counties football cham- and drive to move the section latest events and news. to make life easier on the day. If anyone wishes to have their This year we have experienced pions to defend their title against KENT forward. I hope that you will all Pete Maybury 07756001187. All entry sheets including pay- email address added to the many surprises, with a few BB&O. After a resounding give Neil your support and I also E-mail [email protected] ment details are available on the BIGGA HQ system then please warm spells encouraging a victory against an experienced We are very blessed in our would like to wish Neil the best Facebook, North Wales BIGGA . website. drop Sandra an e mail with your welcome boost in growth on the Essex team last year we hope to fair county to have, I honestly of luck. Ed Stant contact details. golf course, to a rapid change retain the Toro/Lely Trophy. believe, the finest complete Also with Neil now being a If anyone has any news, views where temperatures have tested Rob Holland BB&O range of different golf courses member of the committee we MIDLAND or ideas they would like to see our sanity, leaving us to ponder Premier Golf in the land. They range from will have more time with him to for the BB&O section then what delights the weather has in www.kentgreenkeepers.com As we approach the halfway the famous tournament links study and reduce his handicap. please don’t hesitate to get in store for us in June. mark in the year and with two venues to the rolling parkland I hope that you have all touch:[email protected] On the 18th April, the section of the golfing Majors completed courses the majority of us tend received your fixture cards for or contact the committee/Matt headed for Epsom Downs GC hopefully everyone has got their to on a daily basis. the upcoming season and are Nutter:bbosecretary@gmail. where the golf, as well as the courses through spring and Very few, however, could be personally looking forward to com. Alternatively keep up to views, is absolutely stunning EAST OF ENGLAND maintenance renovation work, described as so delightfully getting out on the course to see date with what is happening in with the Capital seemingly only and can now enjoy the benefit quirky as Chislehurst Golf Club how your fellow greenkeepers the BB&O section by following a few seven irons away. MIDLAND Once again apologies for the of some decent conditions with that a strong contingent of us are doing as the season goes on. us on Twitter, Facebook and the Inspiring, challenging and lack of writing last month. I did clubs seeing a welcome boost in have played. Set in the middle of EAST ANGLIA Our first fixture of the year was web site:www.bbogreenkeep- never ordinary, a links on top The first golf day of the year have it all ready to go, however golfer numbers after what has possibly the richest area of real held at Bondhay GC. There will ers.co.uk of the downs renowned for its was held at Robin Hood Golf computer problems prevented been a tough couple of years for estate in the region under the Ufford Park got us off to a be a report of this next month. The Stick testing, undulating greens, and Club on 14 May with 40 com- me sending it. Next month I will the golfing business. gaze of the imperious clubhouse cracking start for the 2013 We’ll be trying some different revered for the extraordinary petitors. Despite the rain, the type it on my iPhone! Newbury and Crookham GC which in a former life was Napo- season. The course was in ideas through the 2013 golf friendliness of its members and course was enjoyed by all, which Our annual seminar was held played host to the BB&O Spring leon Bonapart’s stately home, excellent condition thanks to season such as a variation of staff gave us all a warm welcome is a testament to the talents of on 28 February at Newark Golf meeting at the beginning of May. sits this superbly presented Adrian Hollins and his merry prizes on offer to our winners on and off the fairways as we Course Manager Andy Wood Club. Once again an excellent The event sponsored by John course. men. The main sponsors for and also developing a two tier competed in a Spring Texas and his team. line up of speakers was on offer. Deere Dealership Farol’s was Luckily, I think we managed the day were Bartram Mowers, division to allow everyone a scramble. Andy has undertaken an Dan Lightfoot MG of Bearwood well attended with over 50 people to get around without upsetting Ramsomes and Jacobsen who chance of winning a prize. As The Richmond Rovers, led by extensive programme of redevel- Lakes gave an interesting pre- turning out on the day. Steve anyone too much and we were looked after us very well. Thank a committee we hope this may Les Howkins, putted on greens opment at Robin Hood, which is sentation about his club and Austin and Peter Helps of Farol’s MID ANGLIA soon sunning ourselves on you. Those that bothered to bring more members to events that are legendary, consistent evident as you wander through course and the best ways of welcomed everyone to the first the terrace trying to work out practice through the winter are: and when they do attend they and very true. This demand- the much changed parkland communicating renovation and tee and provided refreshments Hello all and once again just where it all went wrong again. 0 – 9 Handicap: 1st, Michael will realise what they have been ing test of surprising speed and course. The greens were first improvement with the member- at the halfway point. as we seem to be turning the One common suggestion as to Buck, 35 Points; 2nd, Graham missing. undulation gifted the Rovers a class, both quick and free drain- ship. A big thank you must go to the corner it decides to go cool on why many of us struggled today Hurren, 34 Points; 10 – 18 James Stevens victory to savour on the downs. ing. Stephen Kateley then demon- Staff at Newbury and Crookham us which considering we are in was that for once we had to Handicap: 1st, Nick Chase, 35 Striking the longest drive with The day was sponsored by strated the latest in spray nozzle who were excellent hosts and in mid may isn’t ideal. Everywhere make do without Vic Maynard Points; 2nd, John Andrews, 34 a Commando, Big Boy Russell, Banks Amenity Products Ltd, technology in particular the particular Alec Macindoe and I go everybody is bemoaning the and his well stocked Ernest Points; 19 – 28 Handicap – Real waltzed his way down the 11th with Simon Banks presenting benefits of “low drift” nozzles. his team who produced a crack- lack of growth. I’m sure things Doe’s refreshment wagon. Vic Golfers; 1st, Andy Baker, 27 with a Jumbo drive. Well-struck, the prizes to the lucky winners: The discussion with Ian ing course which presented a will improve and by the time you was away on business on this Points; 2nd, Richard Mitchell, Jim. 1 S Scott; 2 D Stanley; 3 C Brom- Macmillan from The Great Turf great test and golfing challenge. read this we will be in glorious occasion apparently but sorely 21 Points; G & T: 1st, Mark Kevin Boxhall whipped up ley; 4 S White; 5 A Wilkes; 6 A Company about the benefits of Rob Catlin of Amenity Tech- mid summer. missed. We look forward to Bartram, 39 Points; 2nd, Terry a shot on the 17th dance floor Brougham; 7 K Allen. Nearest activated microbial manage- nology returned as winner with Once again please make seeing you soon mate! Mills, 33 Points; Nearest Pin, to tie up The Nearest Pin at 4ft NORTH WALES the pin prizes were donated by ment and work carried out on 37 points followed closely in contact if you have any news After a lovely dinner in the very 3rd Trevor Hurn, 10th Brian 8” - a short distance mentioned Sherriffs, Countrywide, White- course construction in Europe second by Adam King with 36 and check our Facebook page ornate dining room it was on to Lindores, 16th Brian Kemp; by many on the day. Starting with events, the moss and Redtech and won by certainly proved the most points, third on count back was for info on upcoming events the prizes and usual good laugh Longest Drive, Michael Buck To enter the Clubhouse is to North Wales/North West match E Stant, N Ashman, C Bromley thought provoking of the day. Kevin Day 36 points and fourth such as our Summer event at with each other. One interesting The two players going to the take a step back in time. The was played on 31 May, I hope and J Moverley. The trade There was also a stump place going to Brian Whitney 35 Brookmans Park GC on August topic of discussion was Foot nationals are Michael Buck and Victorian Snooker table, the the best team won. prize was won by Tony Cheese, grinding demonstration which points. Nearest the pin was won 6. We will have played at Beds Golf (check it out on You Tube). Nick Chase. We wish them well. wooden panels that adorn the Our spring tournament was Rigby Taylor. As always, many was eye opening to people who by David Lyons and the longest & County GC so let’s hope we Corinthians Golf Club (formerly Other sponsors for the day were room, the ancient scoreboard, played at Bull Bay and the thanks to those who sponsored had never seen one of these drive went to Mark Hancock. are lucky with the weather and Fawkham Valley Golf Club) have Aitkens and Toro. Thank you and the pictures of the Club results are: 1 Andy Peel (home the event including Farols for machines used before. Once Swan Golf Designs and Coun- from what I can gauge will be a now set up a Foot Golf course Ufford Park for a super day. Captains representing more advantage!); 2 I Cooper; 3 Carl the much needed drinks and again the famous Newark Cow trywide sponsored the nearest well-attended event. which has just opened. Next stop Stowmarket 27 June. than a century, all conspire Crocher, Andy Peel and I Cooper snacks around the course. Pie was well received by all at the pin and longest drive. Once Once again please advise us if This is really cracking fun and NB - Ian made a very interest- to create an ambience which qualify for the National later in Future events to look out for lunchtime. Many thanks to all more a huge thank you must go you have any educational needs not as easy as you would think! ing speech! exudes history. Only the bil- the year, a big thank you goes to on the website include a trip to the speakers on the day and to our sponsors for their contin- for your clubs or are interested Give it a go at Corinthians. We The first topic was about lows of cigar and cigarette Andy Peel and everyone involved the FA’s new National Football again to Newark Golf Club for ued support and commitment in visiting the Arsenal FC train- are planning a summer evening us all getting involved more in smoke, that would surely have in giving the section a great day’s Centre at Burton on 17 June, a their hospitality. to the section. ing ground as numbers will be Foot Golf do in June or July fol- environmental projects on our immersed the room in the early golf and hospitality. trip to the Bathgate quarry with Our golf days for this year The golf days simply could not limited so get in asap to avoid lowed by a barbecue so let us courses and taking part in the days, are missing now. Other news, the golfers at Vale Sherriff Amenity on 3 July and have now been finalised: 22 happen without them. missing out. know if you will be up for it. STRI competition. Bat boxes, For lovers of golf and its his- of Llangollen and Denbigh golf the Everris doubles draw. All May Market Rasen; 25 July The next event will be the Darren Nearly forgot to say that bird boxes, wild flower areas tory, Epsom is a club to visit,

56 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 57 Around The Green

– anything like that makes a dif- the past umpteen years, I would April and through May has been s Trainin ference. The second topic was a like to say, “That’s all from me beautifully warm and dry. er g p C e o viagra trip that went a bit wrong! this month”, look out for a new Our spring seminar held at m Greenkeepers e k Still he didn’t fall out of bed!!! style of news in the next edition Royal Porthcawl GC was a huge m n

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(Too much information) of GI Magazine. success, record numbers in t

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e r Mick Lathrope Contact details 07764- attendance. Training Committee e

862.337 or at essexbigga@ Comments included “one of G talktalk.net plus our website the best seminars South Wales SOUTH COAST David Golding, GTC Education Director, Q d www.essexbigga.co.uk has hosted” and I would like to u re a su Arnold Phipps-Jones As I write this in mid-May it’s thank Gareth Knight for putting with a monthly update lity As 11 degrees and raining again, the day together, The speakers, hopefully by the time you read Rhydian Envirosports, Mark SOUTH WEST this it will be summer! Hunt Headland Amenity, Adam Here at Barton on “Britain’s Pounds Tillers turf, Richard ESSEX & WALES This month David Golding updates us on the GTC’s Symbio are committed to educate sunshine coast” we managed Japes Sports Metals, Kevin more and more greenkeepers in a to get through the early May Scares Turf Keeper and the Quality Assured Scheme and how more employer-focused “what happens below the surface” Our first golf day of the year one and only Steve Chappell of Pro-Am during the only decent workshops are being planned series of presentations which all was held at Frinton Golf Club, Gleneagles were terrific. spell of weather so far this year. relate to “brining life to your soil”. with 26 members and guests A couple of light top dressings, Thanks to the sponsors of the Symbio also continue to offer taking to the course. Andy speed rolled in a drying easterly day Countrywide - and of course The GTC’s Quality Assured Courses Manager, to give delegates their services to QA Centres and Cracknell and his team have wind and the stimp reading was without you guys attending we Scheme includes Centres an overview of all aspects of golf attendance at seminars and work- brought the course up to an right up where I wanted it. could not hold these events. and Training Providers. In course maintenance, we know it shops. exceptional standard, with fine One pro five putted so we As many of you reading simple terms the Centres was certainly pitched at the right SOUTH WEST The GTC is funded by: The maintenance and manage- slick greens and fairways that must have got them right! Since this will already be aware our offer a range of Government level as the feedback has been ment of woodland, heathland and were nearly as short. To break then it’s been back to routine, Secretary Gareth Knight will accredited qualifications excellent. Greetings from the South SSI’s can be very controversial with tradition we held lunch trying to keep everything cut be moving on to pastures new including the Greenkeeping Laurence operates as Turf Master West section, great to see things before we played golf, after and well presented. albeit very sandy pastures. I and Apprenticeship Scheme and One, is a regular contributor to and without proper training can moving on all of our courses which our Chairman Ian Wood Our next golf event is at the the rest of the section would like the Training Providers offer GI and is a GTC Quality Assured be detrimental if not carried out to after a period of “warmer” presented last year’s Chairman Army Golf Club near Aldershot to thank you for the hard work training courses, workshops Training Provider together with ten an agreed plan. John Nicholson weather that verged on summer Mark Stopps with a small gift as on 4 July, this is another great you have put into our section and seminars of a less formal other companies and individuals. has many years of experience in conditions over the bank holi- a token of our appreciation for venue and if you haven’t played and wish you every success nature. The STRI has for many years been woodland management as have the day weekend, a rare occurrence all he did for the section during there make the effort to go – it’s in the future for you and your Currently there are 10 GTC Qual- involved in training both through STRI so help is on hand in these indeed for a bank holiday. his term of office. well worth it. young family. ity Assured Centres; 2 in Scotland, workshops and seminars and very specialist areas. A fantastic day was had by all The section would like to The cost of the day will be With Gareth’s departure Paul they also host bespoke employer- Swan Golf Designs have hosted at the first Section event of the 2 in Wales and 6 in England: thank all those involved in £25 with first tee off at 1pm, so Handy of Newport Golf Club will course design and renovation year at Minchinhampton New GOSTA Training and SRUC Elm- focused workshops as well as their making our day at Frinton everyone can go to work for the take the reins of Secretary and workshops during Harrogate and Golf Club on 24 April. wood Campus in Scotland; Deeside traditional greenkeeping courses. such a pleasant experience. early morning routine tasks. Steve Lloyd of Burghill Valley now are involved in presentations After a nail-biting conclusion and Pencoed Colleges in Wales; and Just to digress for a moment, my Results: Greenkeepers 1 Stuart Entries as usual to Kevan Golf Club will take the Chair- to employers as well as greenkeep- that required a countback 1st Cannington, Duchy, Myerscough, apprenticeship involved three years Rogers 37 points; 2 Joss Neale Glass, Keepers Cottage, man’s role until the AGM held in ers. place was Nick Pusey & Mike Oaklands, Reaseheath and Plump- working at Buxton & High Peak 32 pts; 3 Liam Springett 32pts Brokenhurst Manor G.C. October at Haverfordwest Golf It is the GTC’s intentions to Wootton on 47 points, 2nd were ton Colleges in England. Golf Club. At the end I attended CB; 4 Andy Toomey 32 pts CB. Sway Road, Brockenhurst, Club where all members will be develop workshops using several Ali Turner and Nathan Heavens All the latest information on Bingley for a five-day mind-blowing Sponsors Larry Pearman 35 pts Hants. SO42 7SG, information able to stand for all committee QA Training Providers aimed at also on 47 points and 3rd place qualifications, training courses educational course! Happy days… (Toro). Guest Paul Beecroft 34 [email protected] , all positions. employers and Course Managers went to Chris Sealey & Pete and costs can be viewed on the The STRI, Turf Master One pts. Nearest the pin 6th Hole payments to be received before All members by now should and England Golf have very kindly Schrader on 45 points. GTC website – see Quality Assured and all the other Quality Assured Arnold Phipps-Jones; 13th Hole the day please. have received an email or letter agreed to subsidise the events. Thanks to all competitors who Centres link. The Apprenticeship Training Providers are all available Craig Serafin. Congratulations to Jon from Paul and Steve explaining BIGGA will continue to focus on turned out and most impor- Scheme is still attracting excellent to you the greenkeeper or to your The next golf day is on Worrall on achieving his level their positions and how they providing greenkeeping workshops tantly a huge thank you to all registration numbers throughout employer with workshops, training Thursday 15 August at Chan- 3 qualification in excellent are looking to push the section at Minchinhampton for putting the country and with incentives for courses and in some cases bespoke and seminars whilst the GTC will nels Golf Club for the National time, I assume it will be with a forward. on a great day for everyone who employers it is well worth checking courses held at your club. Toro/ continue to engage with more Qualifier. Bacon roll and coffee distinction as I wouldn’t expect We hope all patrons will attended. with your preferred Centre. Lely, Ransomes Jacobsen/Cutting employers through England Golf, from 11.00am, 18 hole Stabl- anything else from you Jon! continue to support this section The next events coming up are Many of the GTC Training Pro- Edge and Bernhard & Co all offer Scottish Golf Union and the Golf eford, plus a BBQ afterwards, Tony Gadd and we will continue to grow our Section v Secretaries on 29 May viders are working with QA Centres excellent machinery maintenance Union of Wales. £20 members/sponsors. £30 membership base and bring at The Manor House Golf Club to assist with the delivery of courses training courses and their current The GTC Quality Assured guests. back some elapsed members. and Section Summer Tourna- and provide modern resources for dates and venues are all available Scheme is not a selection of “col- Membership clarification will Contact Paul Handy on 07796 ment on 12 June at Kingsdown the college based qualifications. on our website. leges and companies joining an be required prior to your playing 266925, Steve Lloyd on 07578 Golf Club. Remember that the In another initiative to bring the Frank Newberry is offering exclusive club for a subscription at all events this year please. 276082 and Peter Holmstrom Summer Tournament start time 11 QA Training Providers and Cen- bespoke training courses and free Contact Details fee”, far from it. Individuals, com- Details are on the website, under on 07876 440599. has been pushed back to 1pm tres closer, autumn workshops are initial consultation, with no obliga- David Golding panies and colleges can all apply Competition Rules 2013 this Our next golf meeting is the so get your entries in to Adam as being planned using the Centres as tion, to clubs on improving com- GTC Education Director to join the GTC’s Quality Assured is within the golf section of the Rigby Taylor Matchplay Pairs, and European Greenkeeping soon as possible to ensure your venues. The GTC, with the ongoing munication within the club. Education Unit Standards Scheme whether they offer formal section website. We have also SOUTH WALES to be held at Radyr Golf Club on place in the field at this fantastic support of the British Home Unions Health & Safety is a key element Director qualifications or are involved in decided to sell our raffle tickets 4 July. Tee off 12pm the format venue. and BIGGA, has now hosted over of golf club management and staff 01347 838640 informal training and education for before you play, rather than I have just read through what is greensomes foursomes sta- [email protected] Finally, welcome to new sec- 20 employer-focused workshops welfare together with employer greenkeepers. badger you afterwards. This we I wrote for ATG this month last bleford. tion member Kevin Wilkins from all aimed at improving communica- responsibilities. GTC The role of the GTC is to ensure hope will speed things along year and it started “I feel it in The most points will become Aldwark Manor Tewkesbury who has recently tions within the club. The latest QA training company Near York the courses, workshops and and allow you all to site down for my fingers I feel it in my toes” the new Rigby Taylor Champi- joined the section. Keep the We were aware of concerns YO61 1UF seminars, available through the QA your dinner quicker upon your that famous Wet,Wet Wet song, ons. to join, mylearnadfriend (MLF) news coming and hopefully we www.the-gtc.co.uk Centres and Training Providers, all return from the course. Tickets the last six weeks couldn’t be Please contact any of the from some greenkeepers when we are offering online learning and will see as many of you as pos- www.egeu.eu will be on sale when you collect further from that. above to book your pair anyone launched the Chairman of Green a certification scheme. Britrisk www.greenkeepertraining.com promote the very best practices and sible at the upcoming events. your scorecard. In 2012 April was a complete looking for a partner please workshops and the fear the GTC Safety incorporating Jon Allbutt principles in golf course mainte- Jaey Goodchild In this, the last of the Section washout cancelling many contact us and I will supply one. were “training Chair of Green in golf Associates offer on the job training nance and management which golf (07984422295 j.goodchild@ News as you have known it for events, but this year the end of Peter H course maintenance”. But by using courses as well as H&S advice and You can follow the GTC on club employers and greenkeepers bowood.org) Laurence Pithie, a former Golf guidance. Twitter @TheOfficialGTC can all benefit from.

58 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 59 Around The Green

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58 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 59 BUYERS’ GUIDE

categories ALL WEATHER SURFACES CONSTRUCTION DRAINAGE FIRST AID IRRIGATION • AERATION • ALL WEATHER SURFACES The TAS TRIMMER • ARTIFICIAL GRASS Look at the latest... SPRINKLER HEAD MAINTENANCE Est. 1988 • ANTI SLIP Second Hand Machinery AND SAFETY MADE EASY from £23 +VAT • BUNKER CONSTRUCTION ...for sale All-Weather Surfaces For Your Golf Club All popular • CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR • COMPACT TRACTORS * Pathways * Golf Mats www.bigga.org.uk/classifieds sprinkler, * Tees * Fairway Mats valve box • CONSTRUCTION * Putting Greens * Accessories • DRAINAGE & marker Ensure the course is playable all year round GOLF COURSE SPECIALISTS www.jsmd.co.uk • FINANCE & LEASING sizes tel. 0845 026 0064 GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION • FLAGS • HEDGES/TREES REMODELLING & RENOVATION • IRRIGATION GROW IN & MAINTENANCE • IRRIGATION CONSULTANTS SPORTSGROUND CONSTRUCTION • LAKE CONSTRUCTION LINERS Tel. 01722 716361 • MACHINERY FOR SALE www.mjabbott.co.uk • MACHINERY WANTED Advertise here JK Sonics is a family run company whose aim is to • RUBBER CRUMB provide affordable first aid solutions. We specialise Tel: 01254 831666 Fax: 01254 831066 from as little as £250 • SOIL FOOD WEB Email: [email protected]

in the supply of First Aid Kits specially selected for • TOP DRESSING DESIGN : INSTALLATION : MAINTENANCE GOLF COURSE for a FULL 6 MONTHS, www.verdesports.com PitchPitch ConstructionConstruction : Pip ed: PipedDrainage Drainage Systems : Sa nSystemsd Slitting remote workers and activities as well as first aid kits DRAINAGE Blec Vibro Sand Banding : Koro Surfacing : Vertidraining : Topdressing : Overseeding MACHINERY • TREE MOVING Sand Slitting : Blec Vibro Sand Banding : Landscaping full colour, please call Koro Surfacing : Vertidraining : Topdressing : Overseeding compliant to the new British Standard BS-8599 for • TREE CLEARANCE If it’s drainage, it has to be Duncan Ross! areas including the Clubhouse, Kitchen, Driving range • TURF RENOVATION EQUIPMENT If it’s drainage, it has to be Duncan Ross! Coring without the mess! Jill on 01347 833 812 or and Maintenance Facility. In fact, any first aid item • USED MACHINERY Willow Farm, Traditional Red Cat Lane, Burscough, Ormskirk L40 0RF email • VERTIDRAINING HIRE Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancashire WN6 9DT can be purchased from us so please contact us for a BUNKER CONSTRUCTION t 01257 255321 f 01257t 01257 255327 e o ffi255321ce@duncanross landdrainage.co.uk THINK • WASTE/WASHWATER e ofﬁ[email protected] [email protected] quote based on your individual needs. PPE and safety drainage and www.duncanrosslanddrainage.co.uk products are also available from us. TREATMENT Lytag banding

FEATURED PRODUCTS of greens and fairways Scan irritech limited First Aid: We have specific first aid kits designed with hereBG_ADVERTISE_BG_4x1_BLACK.indd for 1 29/11/2012 12:31 AERATION the solution Independent Irrigation Consultants outside working in mind. A remote First Aid grab bag or a Golf Course Drainage Golf Course Drainage or call us on Specialising in:- AERATION small first aid box designed for taking out on the course AERATION Specialist Survey / Design / Installation / Greens / ● Existing system evaluation either attached to mowing equipment or utility vehicles. Our Fairways / Bunkers / Complete Courses For fast0113 and 267 friendly 7000 UK TERRAIN ● System design & upgrade Plastic Pipe / Turfdry Drainage System www.greentek.org.ukservice call: Remote Trauma grab bag kit is designed for higher risk tasks ● Project management Tel: 01785 812706 For fast and friendly Nationwide Service including tree work or construction. First aider pouches and The bunkerTERRAIN lining solution Melvyn Taylor E: [email protected] personal protective pouches are also available including sun Turf and Trees 01344 621654 Contact Melvyn Taylor: 01283 551417 on 01283 551417 Contact Roger Davey on: www.northstaffsirrigation.co.uk protection. 10” drill aeration www.theblinder.com 07836 259133 / [email protected] IRRIGorAT 07836ION 259133 01823 690216 First aid site audits: Carried out to ensure you are covered 1m air injection www.turfdry.com www.turfdry.com www.irritechlimited.co.uk anywhere on the site and fully compliant with first aid laws. 1m soil coring Extremely cost effective for a one off audit fee starting from Air excavation S P E E D C U T £30+vat. Clients receive continued support and refills when C O N T R A C T O R S LTD Advertise here required only paying for the items needed. CONSTurfTRUCT IandON Trees Defibrillators: It’s hard to predict sudden cardiac arrest Tel: 01449 673783 from as little as £250 www.terrainaeration.com SPORTSTURF & (SCA), because many victims do not exhibit symptoms. In fact, [email protected] Photo courtesy of Rudding Park Repton Short Course ‘Signature Island Green’. GOLF COURSE for a FULL 6 MONTHS, more than 50% of SCA victims have no previous symptoms of • Fresh Air… soil saviour coronary heart disease. It’s important to know time is the criti- • Air injection to one metre depth . CONSTRUCTION full colour, please call IRRIGATION SPECIALISTS

AERATION . DRAINAGE cal factor in responding to a sudden cardiac arrest. According • Relief of waterlogging Jill on 01347 833 812 DESIGN & SUPPLY to the European Resuscitation Council (ERC), survival falls by ALL WEATHER SURFACES . RENOVATION TERRAIN • Relief of compaction panning or email INSTALLATION 10 to 12% per minute. In addition, each minute the brain goes Oxford 01865 331479 • Injecting air around tree roots MAINTENANCE without oxygen diminishes the likelihood that the victim will Turf and Trees www.speedcutcontractors.co.uk [email protected] • Addressing drought and disease return to normal neurological function. After 10 minutes, it’s 10” drill aeration Tel. 01722 716361 unlikely a patient will survive SCA. While CPR can extend this PREMIER1m air ALL-WEATHER injection SURFACES FOR GOLF • Soil coring to one metre www.mjabbott.co.uk 1m soil coring Scotland Based period, defibrillation is the only effective therapy for sudden Air excavation • Bio-remediation of cardiac arrest. We are providers of the iPAD SP1, Powerheart Tel. 0116hydrocarbons 2696766 Meiklem DrainageBG_ADVERTISE_BG_4x1_RED.indd 1 29/11/2012 12:28 G3 or G5 defibrillators, a vital piece of equipment for remote Tel: 01449 673783 • Air excavation of tree root locations including golf courses and cost effective. www.terrainaeration.com layout Contractors Ltd [email protected] • Soil drilling within top10” depth Advertise here Sportsturf Drainage Specialists Advertise here TRAINING: HSE approved EFAW, FAW First Aid and Contact Lynda Green for further Golf Courses - Sportsfields defibrillator training can be arranged through us. Quotes will from asinformation little as £250 on our services from as little as £250GI_JUN13_BG_NORTHSTAFFSIRRIGATION_5.5x1.indd LAKE CONSTRUCTION LINER09/05/2013S 1 15:01 including the deep drill Drainage * Construction DRAINAGE SPECIALISTS be based on individual requirements. Huxley Practice Tee at St Andrews Links for a FULL 6 MONTHS, * Slitting/Banding DESIGN & INSTALLATION for a FULL 6 MONTHS, Top quality practice tees, golf course tees, putting Contact Meiklem Drainage on: PRIMARY SYSTEMS CONTACT US: full colour, please call full colour, please call Supply and installation of plastic & pitching greens, pathways, patios, cart tracks Tel: 01449 673783 T: 01383 830217 Phone: 0844 682 6055 or 07834 281432 and lawns professionally designed and installed. SAND SLITTING liners for golf lakes and ponds Jill on 01347 833 812 or M: 07808 897 300 Jill on 01347 833 812 or Email: [email protected] www.terrainaeration.com GRAVEL BANDING Tel: 01962 733222 email [email protected] email Or visit our website www.jksonics.co.uk [email protected] [email protected] Tel. 01722 716361 Tel: 01206 262676 www.huxleygolf.com [email protected] www.meiklem.com www.mjabbott.co.uk [email protected] www.geosynthetic.co.uk

60 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 61 BG_ADVERTISE_BG_4x1_BLACK.indd 1 29/11/2012 12:31 BG_ADVERTISE_BG_4x1_BLACK.indd 1 29/11/2012 12:31 BUYERS’ GUIDE

60 GI JUNE 2013 JUNE 2013 GI 61 BG_ADVERTISE_BG_4x1_BLACK.indd 1 29/11/2012 12:31 BG_ADVERTISE_BG_4x1_BLACK.indd 1 29/11/2012 12:31 Balmers Machinery TP Dec 12:Layout 1 28/11/2012 16:37 Page 1

T: 01282 453900 E: [email protected] BUYERS’ GUIDE Visit our new website www.balmersgm.com

Rabbit Control/ Golf Equipment Ride-On Rotary Mowers TOP DRESSINGS TURF Compact Tractors Utility Vehicles Management USED MACHINERY John Deere 3036E, Ex Demo, 36hp, 4WD ...... £14’880 John Deere HPX 4X4 Gator, 2011 model, 461hrs ...... £7’500 John Deere 1200 Bunker Rake, 2WD, petrol - 2195hrs ...... £1’850 John Deere 3036E / 305 loader, Ex Demo, 36hp, 4WD...... £17’500 EtesiaJohn DeereH124DS HPX Ride-On 4X4 Gator, Mower, 2011 model,c/w: 48” 529hrs width ...... £7’500 of cut, hi-tip collector - choice of 2 ..... £4’750 John Deere 2500 Greens Mower, c/w: 22” 11 blade units, smooth tyres - 2881hrs ...... £6’000 Ferris IS1500Z Zero Turn, c/w: 44” deck - 592hrs ...... £3’250 John Deere 3320, 33hp, 2hrs, 4WD...... £12’000 John Deere HPX 4X4 Gator, 2011 model, 496hrs ...... £7’500 John Deere 2500E E-Cut Hybrid Greens Mower, c/w: 22” units - 1642hrs ...... £6’000 John Deere 1445 Series 2, c/w: 62” side mulch OR Rear Dis. deck - various hours - choice ERS Developments Ltd John Deere 3720, 45hp, 2hrs, 4WD – choice of 2 ...... £13’000 John Deere HPX 4X4 Gator, 2011 model, 553hrs ...... £7’500 John Deere 2653A Triple Mower, c/w: 8 blade units, spiral front roller, rear roller ...... from £7’000 scrapersJohn Deere - 2534hrs 2520 / 200CX...... Loader, 60” RD deck, 26hp, 783hrs...... £11’750£5’500 John Deere TH 6X4 Gator, c/w: power lift tipping kit, 179hrs...... £9’250 Wildlife Management www. John Deere 1445 with cab, c/w: 60” side discharge deck, Year 2006 - 2126hrs ...... £9’750 JohnJohn Deere 2720 2653B / 200CX Precision Loader, Cut 31hp, Tees 120hrs...... £13’000 Mower - 2036hrs ...... £7’500 JohnJohn Deere Deere 1445TH 6X4 - NO Gator, DECK, c/w: powerpower lift unit tipping only kit, - 3142hrs 270hrs, 2012 ...... model...... £10’500£7’000 Specialists JohnJohn Deere 4115, 3235B, 24hp, c/w: 1927hrs, 8 blade roll ESP bar, units,turf tyres...... £7’000 FTC’s, RR brushes, spiral grooved usedturfmachinery.com JohnChippers Deere 1565 with cab, c/w: 62” rear discharge deck - 1044hrs ...... £10’500 • frontJohn rollerDeere - X740 2691hrs c/w: ...... S/D deck + coll. – choice of 3...... from £6’250£7’500 Rabbit control/ Management JohnGreenmech Deere 1600TArborist Wide 6” road Area towed Mower, chipper, various 27hrs...... £POA hours - choice of 3 ...... from £8’500 Specialist Growers of John Deere X748 c/w: deck and collector – choice of 12...... £POA • Japanese Knotweed Eradication JohnGreenmech Deere 997Quad Zero Trak Turn, 160 6” c/w: tracked 60” deckchipper, - 151hrs 42hrs ...... £POA ...... £12’000 Iseki 330, 30hp, 1213hrs, c/w: roll bar, turf tyres...... £6’500 Turf for Golf Courses Ride-On Cylinder Mowers John Deere F1145 c/w: 61” Trimax flail deck - 1744hrs ...... £POA (guaranteed in one growing season) Iseki TK546, 46hp, 1556hrs, c/w: cab, turf tyres...... £8’495 Greenmech CS100, EX DEMO, 4” chipper, 14hp ...... £POA JohnTimberwolf Deere 6”X740, road c/w:towed 54” chipper, side discharge35hp, 195hrs...... £9’750 deck + collector, various hours - choice of 3 ...... Rootzone Turf for Greens Kioti DK551C, 54hp, 612hrs, c/w: cab, turf tyres ...... £15’500 01296 468514 Hayter LT324 Triple Mower, c/w: 30” units, various hours - choice of 9 ...... from £5’000 ...... Timberwolf 9” road towed chipper, 75hp, 403hrs...... £9’750from £6’250 Grown on USGA rootzone, VERTIDRAINING HIRE HayterKubota MT3133250, 40hp, Triple 3873hrs, Mower c/w: - selling cab, turf on tyres...... £4’750 behalf of customer, no warranty given ...... £8’000 John Deere X748, c/w: 48” side discharge deck, roll bar - 803hrs ...... 10’000 e-mail: [email protected] Timberwolf 9” road towed chipper, 75hp, 547hrs...... £9’750 top-dressed throughout the year, HayterKubota T424G26 c/w: - 5 deckGang and Cylinder hi-tip coll. Mower, – choice c/w: of 30”11...... £POA 6 blade units, roll bar ...... £9’000 Kubota BX220, c/w: deck and clam shell collector - 2328hrs ...... £5’500 Timberwolf 9” road towed chipper, 75hp, 845hrs...... £9’500 www.ersenvironmental.co.uk and mown at 6mm. HayterKubota T424L3830D, - 5 38hp, Gang 306hrs, Cylinder c/w: Mower, roll bar, c/w: turf tyresmagna ...... £11’000 heads, deluxe cab - 2659hrs ..... £12’500 Kubota G1700, c/w: 48” deck and clam shell collector - 783hrs...... £3’500 Timberwolf 12” PTO chipper, requires min. 90hp to run ...... £16’000 Predominantly bent sward HayterMassey 5 Ferguson Gang Trailed 1528, Mowerfitted with - choiceout front from brush, 3 ...... 28hp, 430hrs ...... £11’570£POA Kubota G18, c/w: 48” rear discharge deck + hi-tip collector - 597hrs ...... £6’750 JohnNew HollandDeere 900TN75s, Triple 72hp, Mower, 3353hrs, c/w: c/w: 30” cab, fixed turf tyres...... £12’500heads, 4WD - choice of 2 ...... £5’500 Vermeer 6” chipper, 30hp, 1097hrs...... £6’500 Turf for Tees, Surrounds, Kubota G23, c/w: 48” rear discharge deck + hi-tip collector, low hours - choice of 5 .... £6’000 RoberineYanmar FE280H, 900 Triple 28hp, Mower, 96hrs, c/w:4WD, 30” c/w: fixed roll bar, heads, turf tyres 4WD ...... £9’500 - choice of 2 ...... from £6’500 KubotaClearance G26, c/w: 54: deck and hi-tip collector, low hours - choice of 2 ...... £6’500 FOR ALL YOUR BULK SUPPLIES Approaches and Fairways Yanmar KE160 c/w: Lewis Loader, 16hp, 28hrs ...... £8’500 LastecStihl FS400 Articulator Bruchcutter Wide c/w:Area double Mower, harness c/w: zero – choice turn, of 2WD, 20+...... £350 turf tyres - 916hrs ...... INC£6’500 VAT NATIONWIDE DELIVERIES Various mixtures including Pedestrian Cylinder Mowers MACHINERY WANTED RansomesStihl BR380 HR6010 Back Pack Batwing Blower Mower, – choice c/w: of 10+...... £273 128” width of cut - choice of 2 ...... from INC£12’000 VAT 01858 464346 / 433003 ryegrass/fescue, 100% fescue, Winter Maintenance Management Stihl TS400 Stone Saw – choice of 20+ ...... £300 www.banksamenity.co.uk and bent/fescue grown AllettNEW TournamentSnowEx SP-575 20 Mini- machine Pro salt has spreader only done – 163L 1 hopper...... £POAx demo ...... £POA on sandy loam topsoil. DennisNEW SnowEx FT510 SP-1575 - choice Bulk of 4 Pro ...... salt spreader – 163L hopper ...... £POA£1’850 PedestrianEcho HC30ES Rotary single Mowers sided hedge trimmer – CHOICE...... £189 INC VAT DennisNEW SnowEx FT610 SP-3000 ...... Vee Pro salt spreader – 380L hopper ...... £POA£1’950 NEW Honda IZY HRG536 lawnmower, Ex Display...... £595 INC VAT Ferris 36 Hydrowalk, 17hp, 36” width of cut - choice of 3...... from £2’000 Invicta Groundcare Bunker revetting turf LloydsNEW SnowEx Paladin V-Pro - choice 6000 of salt 2 spreader...... – 800L hopper...... £POAfrom £1’900 NEW Honda HRX476 Hydro lawnmower, Ex Display ...... £845 INC VAT TRACTORS Ferris 48 Hydrowalk, 17hp, 48” width of cut - choice of 3...... from £2’500 40mm thick RansomeNEW SnowEx Marquis SP-7550 51 ...... V Maxx salt spreader – 1200L hopper...... £POA£1’250 Wessex ATX Paddock cleaner – sold as seen to clear...... £1000 Equipment Ltd Ransome Matador 71 ...... £1’250 Scag 36 Mower, 15hp, 36” width of cut - choice of 2 ...... from £1’500 Small or big roll Vale TS500, second hand, road towed salt spreader ...... £3’500 Atterton Anglemaster relief cylinder grinder...... £1000 Free loan of big roll Ransome Super Certes 61 ...... £1’700 Scag 52 Mower, 17hp - 52” width of cut ...... £3’750 We buy used golf Advertise here laying frame All machines (unless otherwise stated) are subject to VAT, come fully serviced and a 90 day warranty Nationwide delivery available - Visit our website for more machines, photos and information course machinery from as little as £250 Tel: 01652 678 000 www.tillersturf.co.uk WASTE/WASHWATER Over 300+ quality used commercial ground care machines Contact: Steve Dyne for a FULL 6 MONTHS, 500 IN STOCK NOW!! TREATMENT Tel No: 01474 874 120 full colour, please call Balmers GM, Trafalgar Street, Burnley, Lancs, BB11 1TQ Email: [email protected] Jill on 01347 833 812

or email GI_MAY13_BG_BALMERS_1.2.indd 1 26/04/2013 11:43

Invicta4x1.indd 1 7/5/10 15:29:46 [email protected] NON-SLIP 20 years of golf turf experience 5 golf grades including high bent Greens on USGA rootzone, RTF for TRAINING stabilisation/drought tolerance, BG_ADVERTISE_BG_4x1_RED.indd 1 29/11/2012 12:28 Wildflower Turf, and new Low Maintenance turf Lowe Maintenance Tel: 01904 448675 For all your training needs www.turf.co.uk We offer courses that are recognised qualifications certificated through City and Guilds. We can come to you for a range of courses which include: Pesticides (PA1 and PA6), Brushcutter, Strimmer, Hedge trimmer, Pole To advertise within Saw, Tractor Driving, Chainsaw Maintenance (CS30), Felling Small Trees (CS31) Greenkeeper International WORKWEAR Contact Phill Lowe at please contact Jill on [email protected] or www.lowe-maintenance.co.uk 01347 833 812 or Call 07974812736 or email To advertise within [email protected] Greenkeeper International TREES Advertising rates: please contact Jill on 01489 576384 02380 406796 TURF1/4 pageRENOVATION - £570 01347 833 812 1/2EQUIPMENT page_ £790 ® or email Full page - £1500 Woodland management & consultancy [email protected] GI_MAR13_BG_GRIPCLAD_4x1amend.inddRUBBER CRUMB 27/02/20131 10:51 ® • Creative new woodland design Advertising rates: • Tree planting & maintenance Leaders by Design 1/4 page - £570 • Management plans for existing TEBBUTT ASSOCIATES Model TMC2: The Ultimate trees & woodland BG_ADVERTISE_GKI_5x1_COL.inddSpecialistsGeneral Purpose Turfin Cutter the 1 design29/11/2012 12:29Advertise1/2 page_ £790 here • Tree safety surveys ● Built for contract and hire RUBBER CRUMB ●and Exceptional manufacture traction in all conditions of... Full page - £1500 • Small-scale timber harvesting ● Low vibration levels, Easy to operate from as little as £250 Crown III rubber crumb for natural grass ● Sod Blades 12, 14, 16 & 18” plus Mole Drainage Blade reinforcement by mixing with the root ● Seperate Blade and Ground Drive Engagement for a FULL 6 MONTHS, zone or verti draining in from the surface Tel: 01507 578 080 ● 24TURF Months Factory AERATORS Warranty Rubber Crumb 0.5-2mm for infilling of www.stourtonforestry.co.uk synthetic turf on tees and pathways full colour, please call Rubber Grass Mats for severe wear areas TURF SOD CUTTERS BG_ADVERTISE_GKI_5x1_COL.inddJill on 01347 833 1 81229/11/2012 12:29 Contact Tebbutt Associates on 01253 342003 or Fax 01253 346644 Visit us online at: or email e-mail: [email protected] www.groundsmanindustries.com www.tebbuttassociates.co.uk [email protected] email:Tel: [email protected] Warke 028 2766 7049 Email: [email protected] www.groundsmanindustries.com

62 GI JUNE 2013 BG_ADVERTISE_BG_4x1_RED.indd 1 29/11/2012 12:28 JUNE 2013 GI 63 Balmers Machinery TP Dec 12:Layout 1 28/11/2012 16:37 Page 1

T: 01282 453900 E: [email protected] BUYERS’ GUIDE Visit our new website www.balmersgm.com

or email GI_MAY13_BG_BALMERS_1.2.indd 1 26/04/2013 11:43

62 GI JUNE 2013 BG_ADVERTISE_BG_4x1_RED.indd 1 29/11/2012 12:28 JUNE 2013 GI 63 Recruitment

Knock Golf Club Limited Knock Golf Club is a beautiful tree lined parkland course situated on the outskirts of Belfast and is overlooked by the famous Stormont Buildings. THE DUNES GOLF RESORT We currently invite applications for the post of puzzlepage Assistant Course Manager ACM/05/13 New Zealand Requires a The candidate should have: • Minimum of 5 years green-keeping experience gained within the last 8 years Our monthly puzzle page to keep you entertained Senior Greenkeeper • NVQ Level 2 in green-keeping • PA1, PA2 and PA6 The Dunes Golf Course is situated on the Coromandel peninsula with its • NVQ Level 3 in green-keeping – preferred but not essential rolling vista of the Paciﬁ c Ocean and white sandy beaches. • NPTC Chainsaw licence- preferred but not essential This par 72 championship course measures 6176 metres. The successful candidate must have excellent communication skills both written and verbal and display a flexible attitude to working overtime during the summer period if required. Web Site – www.thedunesmatarangi.co.nz For application form (no CV’s) apply in writing to: Mrs Anne Armstrong , General CROSSWORD QUICK ‘NINE HOLE’ QUIZ Manager, The Knock Golf Club Limited, Summerfield, DUNDONALD BT16 2QX • Minimum of 5 years links experience e-mail: [email protected] The last month is likely to be 5) His first trophy at Man Utd was • Education level of NDGK or NVQ3/SVQ Closing date for completed applications is 4pm on Friday 21st June 2013 We are an equal opportunities employer remembered for Sir Alex Ferguson the 1990 FA Cup, won 1-0 in a • Knowledge of maintaining top level courses to the highest standards • PA1, PA2 and PA6 essential or Grow safe and approved handlers departing Man Utd after 26 years. replay after a 3-3 draw against • A high level of competence with modern greenkeeping equipment But how well do you know the Crystal Palace. Who scored the • Good team/motivational skills legendary Scotsman? winner in the replay? • A keen eye for presentation and detail GI_JUN13_REC_KNCOKGOLFCLUB_1.8.indd 1 23/05/2013 12:33 • Must be able to live and work in New Zealand with a valid visa 1) With which club did he start his 6) Which club does his son Darren managerial career? currently manage? Preferred but not essential qualities include: • Championship course experience 2) Which lower league team 7) Who scored the two injury time • Tournament experience • A working knowledge of machinery/workshop tools defeated Man Utd 3-0 at Old Traf- goals to give him his first European • A good level of competence with modern irrigation systems ford in the League Cup in 1995? Cup at Man Utd? • Experience in golf course construction

3) Which manager brought him a 8) How many Premier League titles A competitive salary and beneﬁ ts is on offer, based around 45 hours per bottle of wine after a European game did he win at Man Utd? week, including a half day every 2nd weekend. The successful candidate he described as “paint stripper”? will work closely with the Course Manager and Deputy Course Manager to 9) What is his middle name? continue forward momentum and improvement of this top level course. 4) Who defeated Man Utd 2-0 in his Interested candidates should forward a current C.V. along with a covering first ever game in charge of the Red letter to: Neil Tombs, Course Manager Devils? Email:- [email protected]

MONSTER SUDOKU Fill in the grid so GI_JUN13_REC_THEDUNESMATARANGI_1.4 1 28/05/2013 11:55 GROUNDSPERSON Across Down that every row, every (HMC 1240 boys 11-18, 370 in Sixth Form) (Pre-Prep & Prep 220 boys and girls) 1 Vegetable or meat filled 1 Hand tool for lifting loose column and every Advertise your pastry turnover (6) material (6) 4x4 box contains the The School seeks a new Groundsperson to join its busy team of nine. 4 Unbecoming (8) 2 Former Portuguese colony The sporting facilities at Hampton School are a prime asset with maintenance, and numbers 0 to 9 and recruitment here expectation, at a high standard. Suitable personal and grounds equipment for the role is 9 Enclosure for cultivation of ceded to China in 1999 (5) the letters A to E. provided and is fully maintained in house by the Groundstaff. fruit trees (7) 3 A member of the On the job training is provided and personal knowledge enhancement encouraged. Turf 11 In Star Trek, the home Algonquian people (7) management at Hampton is advanced and all the Groundstaff are expected to under- ... and online stand why they are carrying out tasks. The role is full time with a working week of 39 hour world of a race which split 5 Star of The Office who with days starting at 6am in the summer and 6.30am in the winter. from the Vulcans (7) played Bilbo Baggins in The The person sought for this roll must have a willingness to learn about turf care. for one month Person qualities are to include being a proactive team player, excellent time manage- 12 The celestial equator (11) Hobbit (6,7) ment, dedication and take pride in the work they do. Salary will be £21,563. Plus beneﬁ t 13 In golf, part of the 6 Country walker (7) at www.bigga.org.uk/careers package including healthcare and pension. clubhead furthest from the 7 Communist committee Application Form, CV and details of 2 referees should be sent to the Bursary by 21 June shaft (3) of USSR, referred to as the from £575+vat for an 1/8 advert 2013. Further details and application form can be downloaded from the School website. 14 Nicky Campbell, Bradley Presidium since 1966 (9) Hampton School, Hanworth Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 3HD. Contact Jill Rodham on 01347 833 812 Tel 020 8979 0476 Fax 020 8783 4037 Walsh and John Leslie 8 Tea, in rhyming slang (5,3) Email [email protected] www.HamptonSchool.org.uk hosted this game show 10 1957 novel by Boris SUDOKU (5,2,7) Pasternak, adapted to film Fill in the grid so 17 Star of The Office who by David Lean in 1965 (6,7) that every row, every played Ragetti in Pirates of 15 Corny, trite (9) GI_JUN13_REC_HAMPTONSCHOOL_1.8.docx 1 28/05/2013 10:46 column and every 9 puzzle page answers the Caribbean (9,5) 16 Suddenly collapses box shape contains 21 Office-based computer inwards (8) the numbers 1 to 9. CROSSWORD MONSTER SUDOKO SQUIGGLY SUDOKO QUICK ‘NINE network (3) 18 Birmingham-based rock HOLE’ QUIZ 22 Dublin-born author of band whose hits include ANSWERS: The Sea, the Sea (4,7) Munich and Blood (7) 1) East Stirlingshire 24 USA, Sega arcade driving 19 Screen panel behind an 2) York City game launched in 1993 (7) altar (7) 3) Jose Mourinho 4) Oxford United 25 US rock band fronted by 20 Rustic roof cover (6) 5) Lee Martin Gwen Stefani (2,5) 23 Round windows; from Puzzle puzzle 6) Peterborough 7) Teddy Sheringham & 26 A subordinate or Latin word meaning ‘eyes’ (5) Answers Ole Gunnar Solksjaer incidental activity (8) page 8) 13 on 9) Chapman 27 Old Testament prophet page 65 answers who preceded Ezekiel and Jeremiah (6)

64 GI JUNE 2013 JULY 2013 GI 65 Recruitment

64 GI JUNE 2013 JULY 2013 GI 65 The Back Nine A column for writers and members to air and share NEW FOR 2013—THE BARONESS LM315 TRIPLEX GREENSMOWER their views on golf greenkeeping topics

ore than 100 years of experience goes Social Media is becoming ever more vital and the greenkeeping industry is no exception with into the making of Baroness prod- BIGGA members starting hugely popular blogs, Facebook pages and Twitter accounts. In ucts, giving unrivalled cutting quality part one of a two-part article Justin Ruiz advises you on social media strategy and the very lowest running costs. M Social Media has come a long For more than 20 years Baroness has been building way in the past few years.For the LM315 with our very own "hybrid" drive system 9example, previously you might 9 which minimises the amount of hydraulic lines by have referred to old guidelines using cable drive to the cutting units. explaining the damaging effects of frost on golf courses. Now available with a 21hp 3-cylinder diesel engine Now you can search the web and and offering industry leading light weight combined find hundreds if not thousands of with outstanding traction, the Baroness LM315 is blog posts from superintendents explaining their issues with frost. now available to view on your golf course. Social media can be a very effective tool to push information out to golfers, staff, the community, and other interested superintendents. But social media can also become overwhelming. There is a plethora of sites that you can use. Which one or ones should you choose? Now, before we go too far, if you want to get into the social media scene there are a couple of things you need to remember. It is indeed a powerful way to get information out to many different of staying current and getting people, which is good, but you information out in a timely Be aware that many people can also need to be aware of how many manner. see what you’ve posted. It can people will see what you have Blogging is another great tool for posted. It can always be found the Golf Course Superintendent always be found on the web once on the internet once it has been to reach many people and inform it has been published published. them about your work on the golf Next, whether you like it or course. A blog can also be used Starting a blog is as easy as not, you are building your online as a journal to document your getting a new email. I use Google reputation. If you don’t want projects over time and be a good Blogger, some use Word Press. anyone finding a picture of you reminder to golfers that have a I find that Blogger is easier if at a party with permanent pen tough time remembering what the you don’t have more advanced markings on your face that course looked like last season or technical skills. Once you sign up resemble who knows what, then last week for that matter. with a blogging engine you will find you might think about starting Increasing your visibility and that posting on the blog is as easy over on Facebook. Even if you are helping people understand that as sending an email. not a blogger or tweeter you still taking care of a golf course requires I recommend that once you set have some kind of online presence. much more input than mowing, up your blog get a few posts onto How you want to be perceived is in fertilising and watering and can the blog before you open it up to your control. become an awakening to those the public. If you are looking to increase critical members. about the author This will give you some content your presence within your club If you give them a little insight to keep people interested for a little and with members, guests, into what you are doing to take Justin Ruiz CGCS MG is while until you get into a routine colleges, and the community care of an issue or even show Golf Course Superintendent of posting and take some pressure at the Indian Summer Golf BTME 2013 at Harrogate saw the Baroness stand busy over all blogging and social media can be a them all the other things that are and Country Club in the off needing to post right away after Kyoeisha UK Ltd. a subsidiary of US state of Washington. Kyoeisha Co. Ltd. of Japan three days with the LM315 being a real focus of attention for all great tool. taking place on the golf course, He runs a detailed blog on you just opened your account. If you have avoided getting a maybe they might understand the work on his course at http:// Nest month I’ll look at blogging visitors! indiansummergolf.blogspot. smartphone or tablet, you may function of the bush on the fairway co.uk/ and has won awards in more detail with tips for content Tel: 01256 461591 want to join over 60% of the UK of the third hole that they wanted for previous articles looking at social media. for your blog and I’ll explore the and go shopping. It is a large part removed after hitting the other day. world of Twitter. www.baronessuk.com

The views expressed within this column are not necessarily those of Greenkeeper International

66 GI JUNE 2013 The Back Nine A column for writers and members to air and share NEW FOR 2013—THE BARONESS LM315 TRIPLEX GREENSMOWER their views on golf greenkeeping topics

The views expressed within this column are not necessarily those of Greenkeeper International

66 GI JUNE 2013 Trusted by the best courses on earth. Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, England

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