Greenkeeper InternatIonal GI £5.20 FeBRUARY 2010 Cover Photography by Steve Ansty except BOTTOM CENTRE (by Helen Fannan) Helen (by CENTRE BOTTOM except Ansty Steve by Photography Cover

Harrogate Week 2010 Review An 8-page Supplement Inside...

Also InsIde: Phoenix from the Ashes (Muswell Hill Golf Course Feature) Anatomy of a Top dresser, and Growing In sports Pitches... GKI Eclipse 322 A4 v2:Layout 1 14/01/2010 14:33 Page 1

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• Reduced noise, low fuel consumption and minimal maintenance means a lower cost of ownership • Electric drive systems mean no hydraulic leaks causing damage to greens • Diesel hybrid version • Cutting performance can be infinitely adjusted to any course condition • Ergonomically designed operator station reduces fatigue and provides an unobstructed view The Eclipse 322 – the green solution to precise greens mowing

Jacobsen for further information Want an even better finish to your greens? Then contact Ransomes Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd West Road, Ipswich, IP3 9TT UK Tel: +44 (0) 1473 270000 Web: www.ransomesjacobsen.co.uk Driving Environmental Performance Code: GKI/02/E322 Welcome from the editor BIGGA

President Sir Michael Bonallack, OBE

Board of Management Chairman – Paul Worster Vice Chairman Andrew Mellon Past Chairman Peter Todd

Board Members Chris Sealey, Gary Cunningham, Archie Dunn, Ian Willett, Tony Smith, Elliott Small, Mark Dobell

Chief Executive John Pemberton [email protected]

Head of Learning & Development Sami Collins [email protected]

Head of Membership Department Tracey Maddison [email protected]

Contact Us BIGGA HOUSE, Aldwark, Alne, York, YO61 1UF [email protected] www.bigga.org.uk Tel – 01347 833800 | Fax – 01347 833801

Greenkeeper International

The official monthly magazine of the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association Limited. Editorial Looking for Solutions Communications Manager / Editor Scott MacCallum Tel – 01347 833800 Fax – 01347 833801 [email protected] I have just enjoyed what was my 15th BIGGA member, and now President of the Design Harrogate Week and, despite some Scottish Club Managers Association of Europe, Design and apprehension leading up to it on account and Managing Secretary of the Crail Golfing Production Editor of the weather, it wouldn’t be stretching Society. Tom Campbell the truth to say that it was one of the David described the pressures on Club Tel – 01347 833800 Secretaries, with many clubs seeking to hark Fax – 01347 833801 best we’ve done since my first way back [email protected] in 1996. back to the days of the Past Captain taking on

Advertising There were many highlights. The “2 mil the role of Honorary Secretary. Debate” was a big hit, with tickets more sought “I’ve heard people say: ‘We managed fine with Sales Executive Kirstin Smith after than for Led Zeppelin at the O2, and an Honorary Secretary. I don’t understand this despite a new larger venue, brought in as why we’re employing this guy. What does he do Tel – 01347 833800 Fax – 01347 833802 numbers grew. It was fantastic to see a debate, anyway?’” said David, adding that the workload [email protected] on what was a pure greenkeeping issue, for every club has increased markedly. proving to be such an emotive and talked about “Now there’s health and safety, employment Sales Executive Jill Rodham event. law, licences, fire protection and insurance and Other highlights, other than the reassuringly child protection policies to look after… Tel – 01347 833800 Fax – 01347 833802 high decibel level of the legendary “Harrogate “There can be no doubt that the practice of [email protected] Buzz” in the Halls, included the Association’s employing unqualified people is harming golf,” Wild West Night on the Tuesday. he declared. BIGGA had moved its official Hotel to the While he was talking predominately about Printing Old Swan, which gave a freshness to the inside the clubhouse, we are all aware of the Warners Midlands Plc, The Maltings, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH whole week, and the Old Swan staff; Wild West pressures enthusiastic amateurs – often in Tel – 01778 391000 | Fax – 01778 394269 Night organisers; Ransomes Jacobsen’s, who the shape of Captains and Chairmen of Green

Contents may not be reprinted or otherwise sponsored the event, and our own Sandra - have put on Course Managers and Head reproduced without written permission. Return Raper did a superb job in created an evening Greenkeepers over the years and how their postage must accompany all materials submitted if return is requested. No responsibility can be that will be remembered for quite some time. “interfering” has had such a detrimental effect assumed for unsolicited materials. The right is Having enjoyed a successful week, BIGGA on so many of the country’s golf courses. We reserved to edit submissions before publication. Although every care will be taken, no can now look ahead and tackle the next can all point to a Captain’s ornamental conifer responsibility is accepted for loss of manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Opinions expressed 12 months, knowing that the tough times half way down the 1st fairway, which sticks out are not necessarily those of the Association, currently being experienced will undoubtedly like the proverbial sore thumb. and no responsibility is accepted for such content, advertising or product information afflict our sector of the industry for quite some Fortunately it is becoming rarer but the that may appear. Circulation is by subscription. time yet. message must still go out - if golf clubs are to Subscription rate: UK £50 per year, Europe and Eire £65, Rest of the World £95. The magazine is On the issue of golf’s problems, it has been get the best out of their facilities. also distributed to BIGGA members, golf clubs, interesting to follow the recent series “Golf “Leave the professionals to get on with their local authorities, the turf industry, libraries and central government. Timebomb” in Scotland’s Herald newspaper, jobs.” written by Douglas Lowe. Aware of the problems the game of golf is experiencing in the Home of Golf, Douglas profiled some clubs which are looking at schemes to attract or retain younger members - to counter an Scott MacCallum average member age of 54, while he also ISSN: 0961– 6977 Editor © 2010 British and International Golf interviewed David Roy, a former prominent Greenkeepers Association Limited

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 3 ContentS GI A look at what’s inside the magazine this month

FeBRUARY 2010 COURSE FEatURE 16 Phoenix FEATURES from the Ashes

16 Phoenix from the Ashes Scott MacCallum meets Matt

Plested, Course Manager at Mus- Muswell Hill Golf Club suffered a horrendous arson attack just before Matt Plested took over as Course Manager. Since then, well Hill GC, a man who had a as Scott MacCallum found out, things have got a lot better… tough start to his new job

22 The Anatomy of… a Top Dresser There can be few more While he was serving his notice “As well as every machine, all the stressful experiences in life at Old Fold Manor Golf Club, in paperwork – drainage and irrigation than changing job or getting north London, and about to march records – went, and we did indeed James de Havilland with the married so spare a thought for down the aisle with his beautiful have nothing but a shovel.” Matt Plested who combined bride, Matt got a phone call from the The fire, in June of 2007, was truly those two activities in the Chairman of Green at Muswell Hill horrific. A total of 55 fire fighters space of a couple of weeks two Golf Club to say that the Mainte- from all over London attended and second in the new series, taking and a half years ago. nance Facility had burnt down. with a 5,000 litre delivery of diesel While I soldier on the certain “It was a real shock. When I asked that day, and a school just a few knowledge that a wave of “So him what had survived he told me, yards from the scene frantic efforts a serious look at the workings of what’s!” will be the response of many ‘a shovel’,” said Matt, as we sat in were made to ensure that it didn’t who have been in a similar position, his fantastic new facility, a clue to spread beyond the boundaries of the MaIN PHOtO: the 11th hole at let me give you more information the fact that the harrowing start to golf club. Muswell Hill looking splendid. BIGGAeveryday machinery. which might just make you a little his career at Muswell Hill was not to The culprit, of this deliberate act INSEt aBOVE aND LEFt PaGE: Damage caused by the fire Harrogate Week 2010 Review more sympathetic to Matt. last too long into his married life. of arson, was found to be a 14 year A Professional Body for GI FEBRUARY 2010 GI 17 Sports26 New Turf Beginning. Professionals Q: Are you employed in the maintenance of sports turf at a sports facility? Q: Do you want to be taken Communicationseriously as a sports turf professional? Q: Do you want access to a wide range of bespoke education courses? Q: Do you want to be part ofand a large network Managing of like-minded people where shared knowledge is a key ingredient? Q: Do you want to be part of a progressive association that actively works to enhance the professional reputationDifficult of sports turf professionals? Members If you answered YESPaul to any of theLowe, above questions of Bromsborough then Membership of BIGGA is for Golf you.

CoverPhotography StevebyAnsty except BOTTOM CENTRE (byHelen Fannan)

Why Join BIGGA?Club offersBIGGA some is about great promoting: advice on

• Affordable, industryhope specifi c, to copeB est practice in sports turf management education and training I ndustry targeted learning and development • Greenkeeper International – BIGGA’s offi cial magazine G reenkeeping as a career • Careers advice and guidance G roundsmanship as a career • Regional and National28 events GrowingA better understanding in of sportsSports turf care • Sports turf industry networking • Commitment to CPD PitchesLook to your future by joining BIGGA today • Maintain standard and quality within the profession Tel: 01347 833800 select option 1 • Dedicated members’Steve website Gingell,Email: [email protected] of the STRI, looks at how bestwww.bigga.org.uk to tackle the problem Harrogate Week Never Fails to Deliver

It takes more than a global recession and artic like conditio 26 Harrogate Week from being a success. Many would cra ns to stop glass to get to Harrogate each year and with an attendancewl over of 5broken the three days - only marginally down on the previous yea 883 over on pre-show expectations - that was proven to be the r and well up exhibitors were rewarded with an enthusiastic and committedcase yet again and audience.

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 30 Harrogate Week 31 to Never Fails 38 to Deliver An 8-page comprehensive look back at Harrogate Week 2010

39 Presenting Paul Worster The new BIGGA National Chair- man’s personal introduction to himself and what he hopes to achieve during 2010 30- 39

4 GI FEBRUARY 2010 16

REGULARS GREENKEEPER 6 Newsdesk GI INTERNATIONAL 10 Letters £5.20 FEBRUARY 2010 11 GTC en Fannan)en 12 Learning and Development 14 Industry Update 44 New Products

CoverPhotography StevebyAnsty except BOTTOM CENTRE (byHel 52 Quick Guide to… 28 Drainage 53 In the Shed 54 Around the Green 57 Chief Executive 59 Diary of Events 60 Membership Harrogate Week 2010 Review 61 Assistant Profile An 8-page Supplement Inside... and What’s Your ALSO INSIDE: Phoenix from the Ashes (Muswell Hill Golf Course Feature) Number? Anatomy of a Top Dresser, and Presenting Paul Worster... 62 In the Shed 66 Soapbox The official monthly magazine of – Andy Boyce, the British & International Golf Bath Golf Club Greenkeepers Association Limited. 6

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 5 NEWSDESK GI The latest news from around the globe

Matt Plested, Course Manager of Muswell Hill Golf Club, has A Stark Reminder to Golfers come up with a great way of highlighting to members the pitchmark problem which blights so many greens. By placing a ball in each of the pitchmarks and photographing the results he produced a dramatic image of the impact they can have on a green if left unrepaired which was put on the club noticeboard. “It was a great away of showing members how many pitchmarks can be left on a green if they don’t take time to repair their own and any others they come across,” said Matt. “I think the picture speaks for itself and it has certainly made the point,” he added. SkyCaddie Now Official Rangefinder of the EGU A year after its decision to allow Distance- Measuring Devices to be used at all of its 2009 Championships, SkyCaddie has become the Official Rangefinder of the EGU. This follows the statement from The R&A announcing amendments made to ‘Decisions on Conservative Candidate the Rules of Golf’ 2010-2011 edition Visits Sisis which also included a joint statement Sisis welcomed David Rutley, the prospective Conservative made by The R&A and candidate for Macclesfield, to its factory recently. the USGA regarding He toured the factory, speaking to many of the employees the use of DMDs, and listening to their concerns about Macclesfield and the confirming that the surrounding area. current practice of The photograph shows Tom Glazebrook explaining to David, in allowing DMDs by the assembly area, the SISIS AutoSpred, top dressing machine, Local Rule remains with Roger and William Hargreaves, Managing Director. appropriate.

6 GI FEBRUARY 2010 John Deere has signed a five-year preferred Horses for Courses supplier partnership agreement with Arena Leisure plc, the biggest racecourse operator in the UK. The agreement covers the supply and after-sales support of John Deere equipment for use by grounds staff on the racecourses, as well as two 18 hole golf courses and two hotel complexes. Arena Leisure hosts 25% of all British racing fixtures at 7 racecourses across the country – Doncaster, Folkestone, Lingfield Park, Royal Windsor, Southwell, Wolverhampton and Worcester.

John Deere in New Partnership Son of Sir Bobby Robson with the Ladies European Tour receives donation from John Deere and the Ladies European Tour (LET) has extended their original patron agreement for two more Sherriff Amenity years, during which Deere will be designated the Tour’s official supplier of golf course machinery. Mark Robson, son of Sir Bobby, receives a cheque for £467.70 The company will also be an official industry partner from Paul Foston, of Sherriff Amenity, on behalf of the “Sir Bobby of The 2011 Solheim Cup match between the women’s Robson Foundation”. professional teams from the US and Europe (captained for Sir Bobby Robson fought cancer an incredible five times. Sadly, the second time in succession by Alison Nicholas), which 17 years after his first diagnosis, he lost that long and courageous will take place at Killeen Castle in Ireland. battle in July 2009. The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation focuses on Through the Ladies European Tour agreement, LET the early detection and treatment of cancer and the clinical trials tournaments will be supported by John Deere equipment of new drugs that will eventually beat it. and irrigation products through the company’s European The money was collected on the Sherriff Amenity stand over golf dealer network. Deere officials will also continue to work three days at SALTEX, last year. closely with the LET’s agronomists, with the goal of helping to produce better quality playing surfaces.

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 7 GI NEWSDESK

Active Leisure Contracts Click the link for Complete Lilleshall St Andrews Links World Class Pitches St Andrews Links has become one of the first golf venues committed to achieving GEO Certification, from the Golf The Lilleshall National Sports a unique full stick porous bonding Environment Organisation. Centre, a training venue for adhesive. This is the same surface The Links has been recognised on several occasions in England Hockey is now home to that was used at the Beijing 2008 recent years including receiving the Overall Award at the a Poligras Olympia water based Olympic Games and subsequently Golf Course Environment Awards run by the STRI last year. hockey pitch. The Surface was at other major international The new accreditation programme aims to become the installed by the Kent based hockey facilities across Asia. hallmark for sustainable golf and measures all aspects of artificial sports specialists Active The project was completed in a golf venue’s operations from the courses to clubhouses Leisure Contracts. four weeks by the Active Leisure and greenkeeping facilities. It was launched by the The project, funded by Sport Contracts installation team Golf Environment Organisation, a non-governmental England, involved laying a high and overseen by a senior organisation, at the BMW PGA Championship last May. performance insitu rubber shock Technician from STI who designed Gordon Moir, Director of Greenkeeping at St Andrews pad onto which the Poligras and manufactured the surface Links, said: “We place a great deal of emphasis on Olympia surface was bonded using system. managing the courses and facilities in as sustainable a fashion as possible. There is a long tradition of sensitive and sustainable management at the Links and, as the Home of Golf, we have a responsibility to take a lead in encouraging the golf industry to take these practices on Health and Safety Training board. “This accreditation programme is an excellent way of In association with the Health and Safety Executive and Jon Allbutt ensuring golf courses adopt this approach in a structured Associates, BIGGA has prepared four one hour practical talks for way and we look forward to working with the Golf delivery direct to staff by Head Greenkeeper/Course Managers. Environment Organisation.” It can also be expanded and used by BIGGA Sections to deliver There are several major environmental projects locally relevant training to larger groups. The ‘tool kit’ of notes and currently being undertaken at the Links. posters will be available on the BIGGA website www.bigga.org.uk It is A reedbed washdown area was recently established recommend that this training is carried out during the winter months on the 17th hole of the Jubilee Course which enables and at other times when convenient; the topics are particularly water that has been used for washing machinery to be fed important as part of a new employee induction programme. through two gravel beds which have been planted with Maintaining high levels of competency is a key factor in an effective common reed. The reeds filter out the impurities, allowing safety management system to reduce the risks of accidents when clean water to be discharged to a soakaway. using work equipment on the golf course. The four topics are: Other recent projects at the Links include dune • Belt Up on Slopes – assessing the risks of working on slopes, reinstatement work, an extensive grassland management wearing seat belts where they are provided on equipment fitted with programme and soft engineering work for coastal Roll Over Protective Systems, agreeing site specific safe systems of protection of the Jubilee Course. working to reduce risks of roll over accidents. Jonathan Smith, of the GEO, added: “Decades of • Slips, Trips and Falls – assessing risks to avoid accidents, trip strong leadership and responsible, balanced decision- hazards in the shed, using hand held work equipment on slopes, making has positioned St Andrews Links at the forefront working at height using ladders, steps and ‘home made’ equipment. of sustainable golf.” • Check Your Machine – a practical guide for greenkeepers on what The On Course Reports for St Andrews Links can be to look for each day before starting work. read on GEO’s website at: • Watch Out! – a practical guide for greenkeepers on spotting www.golfenvironment.org/oldcourse hazards on the golf course, having an effective system for reporting www.golfenvironment.org/new-jubilee incidents. A managers guide to investigating accidents and dangerous www.golfenvironment.org/eden-strathtyrum-balgove incidents. www.golfenvironment.org/castlecourse

8 GI FEBRUARY 2010 GI neWSDeSk

Winter Practice Makes Perfect

While offices and classrooms around the country were abandoned as the white blizzards descended upon us last week, spare a thought for golfers of all ages across the country. You may have been able to slack off your new years resolution to visit the gym each morning, but for anyone involved in outdoor sports, fitness and skills must be practiced whatever the weather. Bob dodsworth That golf practice is ‘snow’ joke for all those gearing up to the start of the 2010 golf season this April. Former Chief Executive of Ransomes, Sims and Brogan Townend, 15, winner of the U16 global final of the Faldo Jefferies, Bob Dodsworth, died in hospital in January, Series in Rio de Janeiro last November, has been able to continue aged 73. practising her putting throughout the wintry weather with her own He joined the company in 1963 as Chief Accountant Huxley all-weather artificial golf green. and served for 16 years as chief executive until his retirement in 1993. He was very active in the business community of Ipswich and held several non-executive directorships with the Ipswich Building Society, Ipswich Port Authority, the East Anglian Daily Times Group and Great the Eastern Regional board of National Westminster Bank plc. He was on the board of Christchurch Park Hospital day for over 20 years, the last eight as chairman. In 1988 he was made a Deputy Lieutenant of Suffolk. for David Withers, Managing Director of Ransomes Jacobsen, commented, “Bob Dodsworth was a devoted family man and was at the helm of the company at Mark an important and successful period in its illustrious history. He will be sadly missed by his wife Hazel, sons, John and Simon, and his five grandchildren and Mark Day who has worked in with a unique balance of everyone who knew or worked with him. On behalf of the industry for the best part commercial and technical all of us at Ransomes Jacobsen I would like to express of 18 years has been promoted expertise to provide greenkeepers our deepest sympathy to Hazel and the family.” to Tacit’s National Accounts with value enhancing solutions. Manager for Great Britain and “Mark has shown over the Ireland. years to a fixture of the green Mark has helped to establish keeping industry, his sound Tacit to be universally knowledge of course equipment recognised as the market leader and his enthusiasm and larger neWSDeSk in the development, production than life character makes him GI and supply of golf course the ideal person to take Tacit’s equipment. vision into the future and I have His brief is to ensure our no hesitation in appointing him Please email your news items and proven track record of excellent to lead our sales team,” Tim press releases to the editor, quality and service is combined Webb – Managing Director. scott MacCallum: [email protected]

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 9 GI NEWSDESK

JSM Distribution Dealer Recognition Awards

Two new men In what was for most, a very Norman Bartlett, Nairn Browns, testing season, two JSM Glasgow, receiving their Dealer for IGCEMA Distribution dealers certainly sales recognition awards from The International Golf Course Equipment Managers stood out. Product promotion, David Timms (JSM Distribution) Association (IGCEMA), the Association representing Brand awareness and at BTME Harrogate. professional Equipment Managers and technicians, has subsequent sales orders are all Commenting on the welcomed two new members to their Board of Directors. that can be asked of a dealer awards, David Timms, Sales Chris Minton, left, is the Equipment Manager at The network. Manager for JSM, said “The Belfry. Chris studied Agricultural Mechanics at Moreton So JSM had no doubts as to awards are just a small way of Morrell College of Agriculture. which of their dealers to award showing our appreciation to Stuart Hall, right, is Equipment Manager at John 0 their Dealer Sales Recognition the two companies, for their Gaunt Golf Club, in Bedfordshire, where he has been awards. outstanding efforts in promoting since 1987. Having attended horticultural college in Milton Pictured are Steve Halley, our product line throughout Cambridge, Stuart Hall started his career as a greenkeeper Cheshire Turf Machinery, and 2009.” until he was given the opportunity to help out in the workshop. Shortly after, Stuart was given the opportunity to attend Shuttleworth Agricultural College where he spent three years learning agricultural engineering. Stephen Tucker, IGCEMA’s newly appointed CEO stated; “It is great to see such a diverse Board of Directors this year. We have members from Australia, United Kingdom, United States and Canada. I think we can really be proud of ourselves for truly making the IGCEMA an International Association.” SUPPORT FOR HAITI QUAKE RELIEF JCB has donating diggers worth $150,000 to help the disaster relief effort in Haiti following the devastating earthquake. The gift of two 3CX backhoe loaders is being made by JCB Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford in response to an appeal from relief agencies for foreign aid. Cold Weather Helps Training The machines are being made available to the US The recent spell of snow and frost provided an opportunity for local Government, which is taking a leading role in the relief golf club green-keepers to come indoors for training. effort on Haiti which was hit by an earthquake measuring Hosted by Oswestry Golf Club and supported by Sherriff Amenity, 7.0 on the Richter Scale. eight greenkeepers attended a training seminar to learn some of “The scale of the devastation is unimaginable and the latest pest and vermin control techniques. This allows them to it’s heart-rending to see the human suffering caused update their skills whilst gaining certification to meet stringent legal by the disaster. There is clearly a lack of equipment on requirements. the island and I hope our gift of JCB machines will help The picture shows (left to right) Oswestry Golf Club’s Head in some small way to alleviate that suffering and in the Greenkeeper, Gareth Woosnam; Greenkeeper, Gareth Jones, and rebuilding in the aftermath of the earthquake,” said Sir Deputy Head Greenkeeper, Gary Barnfield, with their certificates. Anthony.

10 GI FEBRUARY 2010 Where’s the Sustainability? letters After the 2mm debate in Harrogate I thought I was in the Please email your notes to: [email protected] wrong movie. I personally find this debate not helpful in the days of sustainable maintenance. I believe 99% of all the people on this debate cannot see any sustainability behind this. I doubt that golfers wish to have average green speed above 9-10 on the stimpmeter, even on flat greens. So why should they go down this road? The only reason behind stimpmeter green speeds above 10 for regular play is competition between some greenkeepers, or personal ego problems. Regarding the recent article about the work at Wentworth (November issue), may I make some comments? How sad. Another historical golf course monument is now destroyed. Was this really necessary? Mr Colt would not be satisfied, if he were still alive. There are a lot of golf course in UK and Europe, which proved that it could be done without changing the whole design. It is the same same story when Royal Birkdale changed its 17th green. These golf courses like Wentworth, Royal Birkdale and so on should be under protection and not touched anymore. When are we going to stop this? You are right, Editor it is finally time for the R&A to impose some changes on the balls. Creeping bent does not create more thatch then Colonial Bent. It is up to water and fertiliser input, which creates the thatch.

norbert lischka MG Falkenstein GC Germany Via email

Congratulations from the GCSAA I would like to say thank you to you and all of your staff for the wonderful hospitality that was afforded to the entire GCSAA contingent at the BIGGA Conference in Harrogate. Congratulations from the PGA Everyone was very helpful and accommodating and our group had a great time. The International Summit was I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you for the best one that I have been to and I strongly believe that allowing me to join with you last Wednesday evening for this will be a new beginning for all of us to strengthen our dinner during your Annual Conference on Congress week. collaborative efforts moving forward. I will begin setting It was an excellent evening and it is amazing just up our next conference call this spring and I look forward how many people we seem to know in this world of golf. to also speaking with you and Ken Cousineau on a more Everywhere I turned there was another familiar and regular basis as well. welcoming face which only added to what was an already Please let us know if there is anything that we can do for most enjoyable occasion. you and your team while you are in San Diego attending I know that all of us here at the PGA are looking forward the GIS next week. to working on a more continued and closer basis with BIGGA and I personally will look forward to working with All the best and thanks again. you in the leadership of this initiative. All best wishes and kind regards Mark Woodward Ceo sandy Jones GCsAA Chief executive PGA

GI Greenkeepers Training Committee

David Golding, Education Director, with a monthly update from the GTC

I trust by now the big freeze years in the industry, today’s Centres to try and negotiate with is over however during greenkeepers are very practical In Brief the funding agency to contract January I can honestly say men and women who can turn This month David for 19+ apprentices. Aldwark Manor’s greens their hands to most jobs! remembers his time as an I apologise for not being more apprentice greenkeeper and looked as good as any in the These skills are often passed how, in the depths of a big specific regarding funding but on by the Course Managers and freeze not only did he retain I encourage employers and world! full employment but gained Covered in snow for weeks often never factored into the new skills, which have Course Managers to contact proved priceless. and weeks it reminded me of my overall benefit to the business by David also lends his their chosen Centre/Training apprenticeship days at Buxton the employer. support to the current Provider and look to interview apprenticeship framework & High Peak Golf Club where A talented multi-skilled Course and encourages employers an apprentice and explain the during the then regular annual Manager is arguably the golf through their Course training programme which Managers to keep signing New Year dump of snow I gained clubs greatest asset and passing on apprentices. is based on the vocational life skills totally unrelated to on the skills and knowledge qualifications Levels 2 and 3. greenkeeping. throughout the staff is just part The apprenticeship framework By January/February we of the day-to-day responsibilities The GTC is funded by: also includes additional skills had painted the golf course and an enthusiastic greenkeeping designed to ensure the apprentice “furniture”, in some cases more apprentice could learn so much has all the communication than once and the machinery from the “boss”. skills including numeracy and had all been stripped down and I hate to hear of greenkeepers literacy. serviced mainly in house but being “laid off” especially during In summary an apprenticeship with some outside assistance the winter and I can only say in not only suits the majority of e.g. the gang mower cylinders off Buxton we did operate with a employers looking to recruit for a re-grind….but what next? minimum number of full time new staff but Course Managers I was fortunate as an apprentice staff all the year round and a can train them on the job using as I was trained by not only an part timer in summer, but we the national standards of the excellent greenkeeper but also kept busy. vocational qualifications and a very multi-skilled man in Ray Ray taught me not only support from the chosen centre, Norton. Ray sadly died a young everything I needed to know oh, and not forgetting the man but his skills and knowledge about machinery servicing additional skills that will stand very much live on through his and preparing for the advent the apprentice in good stead for son, Steve, who is the Head of spring but new skills like the rest of his/her life. Greenkeeper at High Peak and plumbing, decorating all of which Back to the decorating… I think he was typical of many I experienced in the clubhouse. traditional Head men of the ‘50s I am sure this still happens and For further information on the and ‘60s in that they could turn whilst we have no plans to add apprenticeship framework visit their hands to anything and I Units from other qualifications the GTC website: mean anything. into greenkeeping qualifications www.the-gtc.co.uk I am sure this is the case today I hope you appreciate the point I at the majority of golf clubs. If am making? there is a crisis or a job that Golf club employers, I am wants doing “yesterday” who do sure, appreciate the range of David has recently received they call? The greenkeeper (not skills brought to the business some good news for Scottish Ghostbusters!) by the greenkeepers and I hope golf club employers from The GTC endeavours to ensure the practical multi-skilled Lantra. Employers in the land- the greenkeeping qualifications professionalism in greenkeeping based industries including and courses include all the is acknowledged and rewarded. golf courses now have the skills and knowledge to provide Although the GTC and its opportunity to receive £1,000 employers with multi-skilled Approved Centres desperately to encourage them to invest employees who can maintain and try to keep up with the changing Contact Details in a new apprentice. manage the golf course but it is the funding priorities of the The GTC with the Lantra, added value of greenkeepers that Governments funding agencies, David Golding GTC Education Director Sector Skills Council are we often cannot include in the very often by the time I can give making business aware of the qualifications or apprenticeship you today’s priority group for 01347 838640 [email protected] funding available that is open scheme. funding, the goal posts have GTC to apprentices of all ages. Visit How random would “Apply moved. Aldwark Manor the following link for more undercoat paint to surface” look However for some time now, the Near York YO61 1UF information: in a greenkeeping qualification? 16-19 age group of apprentices www.lantra.co.uk/funding Unless I have missed have their programmes funded www.the-gtc.co.uk something in the last 40 or so and then it is up to the various

12 GI FEBRUARY 2010 learning & development sami Collins, Head of learning & development, with an update on education issues

In the words of lennon and For the delegates on the ‘How to To be eligible for a McCartney, “I’ve got to be an Outstanding Manager’ I’m scholarship, you must meet admit it’s getting better – it’s sure you’ll join me in confirming the following: getting better all the time” that Shona Garner is quite an (Getting Better, sgt. inspirational presenter! 1. Be a Greenkeeper Member Pepper’s lonely Hearts Club It would be remiss of me not The funding provided of BIGGA by Golden and Silver Band, 1967)... to thank the Gold and Silver Key key Sponsors is used to The Continue to Learn contributors to the Learning produce training and career 2. Be working as a full-time aids, DVDs, CD Roms, Education Programme at and Development Fund for their field guides and provide greenkeeper Harrogate Week 2010 was a support in enabling us to present refunds for training fees and subsidised learning and triumph. Rachael and I have Continue to Learn at Harrogate development courses. The 3. Have been a BIGGA soaked our feet, rested our brains Week. funding also helps support Member for a minimum of seminars, workshops, and are ready to take on what A big THANK YOU goes to you courses, the lending library, two years careers advice, posters and 2010 has to throw at us! all. manuals. In all seriousness, it is always The planning for 2011 is already Applicants should be aware Many young greenkeepers extremely rewarding to see all the underway (the ideas file has been owe their career that the fund may award scholar- planning and preparation that building for several months progression to the ships of up to 50% of the cost of assistance they’ve had has taken place over the last year already!) and your suggestions from the Learning and the course, however, it will typi- come to fruition and the cherry are requested. Development Fund. An cally be capped at £1000. equal number of established on top of the icing on the cake is Please forward any ideas greenkeepers have also been able to access the to receive such positive feedback or brainwaves to me. Serious fund to continue their Application forms can be from our Members and other planning takes place in April, professional development downloaded from the education thanks to the donations of visitors to the event. so all submissions should be the Golden and Silver key pages of the website: As a Professional Body, we emailed to [email protected] by Sponsors. www.bigga.org.uk at BIGGA strive to deliver the the end of March. very best for our Members. Or it can be requested by Events such as Harrogate Week contacting the Learning and reinforce that the time and BIGGA Higher education Development Department on energy devoted not only by the scholarships 01347 833800 and selecting staff, but by the volunteers on all Option 3. the Committees we work closely with is appreciated. My thanks go to Ransomes I am delighted to report that we Jacobsen on behalf of almost had over 1600 attendees at the For those of you who attended 100 Members who have received 129 hours of education events the AGM, you would have heard Contact details a BIGGA Higher Education that was delivered over the Scholarship. that Ransomes Jacobsen has Sami Collins course of the five-day education agreed to continue supporting Head of L&D Up until 31 December 2009 [email protected] programme. the BIGGA Higher Education Ransomes Jacobsen had invested We ran a series of workshops Rachael Duffy £120,000 into the scheme, all of Scholarship scheme in 2010. L&D Administrator that included some familiar All greenkeeper members [email protected] which has been distributed to our titles and presenters as well as Members. of BIGGA, in or about to enter 01347 833800 (option 3) introducing some new, and what higher education could apply for The further investment in 2010 www.bigga.org.uk have proved to be very popular, a scholarship. will allow a minimum of eight titles and presenters. Scholarships to be awarded.

Thank you to our Golden and silver Key sponsors

Golden key Individual Members: WJ Rogers; Andy Campbell MG, CGCS; Iain A Macleod; Tom Smith; Frank Newberry; Christopher Lomas MG, Lee Strutt MG. Silver key Individual Members: Ade Archer; Iain Barr; Hamish Campbell; Steve Dixon; Paul Jenkins; Robert Maibusch MG; Richard McGlynn; Stephen Pope; Jason Sarna; Steven Tierney; Neil Whitaker; Graham Wylie, Michael Beaton

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 13 INDUSTRY UPDATE GI The latest turf industry news from around the globe

PLANT OF THE YEAR FOR ‘09 Sole Rights for Etesia

An agreement has been signed giving Etesia UK Ltd sole rights for the UK and Eire distribution of Pellenc’s patented professional ranges of Selion chainsaws and polesaws; plus the Helion hedgecutter and Treelion powered secateurs. It is the first time that the parent company of Etesia has allowed its UK subsidiary sole discretion in trading in a brand outside Etesia’s own product range. Etesia is looking for new specialist dealers for its Pellenc business, which will also be offered to selected existing Etesia sales outlets. Etesia’s managing director, Patrick Vives, is very enthusiastic about the positive E-Z-GO’s World Headquarters pursued process and people toward key company goals,” contribution this initiative will in Augusta, Georgia has improvements, and achieved said David Withers, Managing make to the industry. being named one of American enviable performance metrics Director of Ransomes “From both an magazine IndustryWeek’s in numerous operational areas. Jacobsen. environmental and 2009 Best Plants of the Year. “In the face of challenging E-Z-GO was evaluated operational point of view, these According to IndustryWeek, economic conditions, by a panel of IndustryWeek no-emission products offer an despite possibly the roughest E-Z-GO has maintained a editors, who also solicited enormous number of benefits economic conditions in lean corporate culture and independent evaluations from and are the way forward for many decades, the winning has relentlessly pursued manufacturing experts and end users.” he said. manufacturing facilities still improvement and progress other industry specialists. Ernest Doe takes on Case IH Franchise in Esher

Following the awarding of the Case and showrooms however will be IH franchise to its Esher location, brought in line with the Ernest Doe the Doe Group has re-branded the Power branding. branch under its Ernest Doe Power Commenting on the awarding banner. In East Anglia, the Doe of the new franchise, Branch Group markets Case IH products Manager David Watson said, “We through outlets branded Ernest are really pleased to have gained Doe Power, so the name change the Case IH tractor franchise at Esher brings the branch in line because they have such a large, with other parts of the Group. strong product range from 65hp. Colin E Doe, Managing Director These tractors are favourites said, “The company and staff with local authorities as well as remain the same, so it’s business organisations operating in the as usual with the extra benefits sports and leisure market. They of the Case IH franchise, but will complement perfectly the with a change of trading name. tractor range from Iseki, and We will still be supplying the the groundcare products from

The Ernest Doe Power sales team at Esher. From left; Grant Buckingham, sales parts and services for any tractor Ransomes Jacobsen, with which representative, Robin Martin, sales representative, David Watson, branch previously supplied. Our vehicles we have had a lot of success.” manager, and Steve Alabaster, sales representative.

14 GI FEBRUARY 2010 East Ayrshire Council adds to Zero-turn Fleet

East Ayrshire Council has just taken delivery of 12 new John Deere 997 Z-Trak zero-turn mowers equipped with 60in rear discharge decks from Glasgow dealer Nairn Brown Ltd, which brings the fleet size to 20 models in all. The council was the first in Scotland to buy the 997 mowers shortly after their launch in 2005, and was immediately impressed by their road speed, general productivity and reliability compared with previous front rotary mowers.

Pesticide Shropshire Groundcare Dealer Scoops Top Award Guide Now Available

Whether you grow fruit or crops, trees or sports turf or are faced with controlling insect or rodent pests, you know that to spray within the law you need to have access to the most up-to-date information on pesticide use. New Role With a 23 year history of providing comprehensive and valuable information for Alan about approved pesticides, Alan Sharp has joined Symbio plant growth regulators and as its Regional Technical adjuvants, that can be legally Manager for Kent, Essex, East obtained in the UK, The UK Anglia and Cambridgeshire. Pesticide Guide 2010 is a Alan has 25 years experience ‘must have’ publication. The as a Course Manager latterly at 2010 data are also available Scotscraig and Chigwell. through the online subscription “I have great belief in more resource plantprotection.co.uk. natural plant management and Featuring over 1,300 The groundcare division of Shrewsbury-based Oakley’s Ltd I am committed to reducing products The UK Pesticide has been named Allett Mower’s Dealer of the Year for 2009. applications of inorganic Guide 2010 includes The award was made during Harrogate Week by Allett’s fertilisers and fungicides on golf three new actives: Bacillus parent company, Turfmech, in recognition of the sales courses and sports grounds,” subtilis, cinidon ethyl and achievements and high level of service provided by Oakley’s said Alan. spirotetramat, as well as several in 2009 to owners and users of Allett pedestrian mowers Symbio’s Managing Director, novel mixtures of existing and turf maintenance equipment. Martin Ward, said ,”We see key actives. However, 11 actives Presenting the award to Oakley’s staff, Turfmech and industry professionals like Alan and mixtures have been lost Allett sales director, Leigh Bowers, said that Oakley’s had with their wealth of experience since the 2009 edition including produced consistently strong results over many years as an as crucial to the service and isoproturon and trifluralin. Allett dealer. However, 2009 had proved exceptional for the support we want to offer our For further information business, culminating in the firm securing the Allett Dealer customers.” contact BCPC Publications of the Year award. Alan can be contacted on Sales: Tel: +44 (0) 1420 593 200 07973712275 Email: [email protected]. PHOTO ABOVE: Turfmech/Allett sales director, Leigh Bowers (centre), presents the or [email protected] 2009 Allett Dealer of the Year to Richard Jones, sales director of Oakley’s groundcare division. Also pictured is Paul Bennett, professional sales representative with Oakley’s.

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 15 COURSE FEATURE

16 GI FEBRUARY 2010 Phoenix from the Ashes

Muswell Hill Golf Club suffered a horrendous arson attack just before Matt Plested took over as Course Manager. Since then, as Scott MacCallum found out, things have got a lot better…

There can be few more While he was serving his notice “As well as every machine, all the stressful experiences in life at Old Fold Manor Golf Club, in paperwork – drainage and irrigation than changing job or getting north London, and about to march records – went, and we did indeed married so spare a thought for down the aisle with his beautiful have nothing but a shovel.” Matt Plested who combined bride, Matt got a phone call from the The fire, in June of 2007, was truly those two activities in the Chairman of Green at Muswell Hill horrific. A total of 55 fire fighters space of a couple of weeks two Golf Club to say that the Mainte- from all over London attended and and a half years ago. nance Facility had burnt down. with a 5,000 litre delivery of diesel While I soldier on the certain “It was a real shock. When I asked that day, and a school just a few knowledge that a wave of “So him what had survived he told me, yards from the scene frantic efforts what’s!” will be the response of many ‘a shovel’,” said Matt, as we sat in were made to ensure that it didn’t who have been in a similar position, his fantastic new facility, a clue to spread beyond the boundaries of the MAIN PHOTO: The 11th hole at let me give you more information the fact that the harrowing start to golf club. Muswell Hill looking splendid. which might just make you a little his career at Muswell Hill was not to The culprit, of this deliberate act INSET ABOVE AND LEFT PAGE: Damage caused by the fire more sympathetic to Matt. last too long into his married life. of arson, was found to be a 14 year

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 17 COURSE Feature

old boy who was caught after he the fire, and, perhaps the biggest and were rewarded with, one of the boasted of his “achievement” to a worry of all, no water. wettest summers in years. That friend on the bus home from school “The fire melted the irrigation meant that, without any means of the next day and was overheard tank, even though it was full of irrigating the course for that first by the Course Manager of another water at the time, and the pumps few months, we survived! local golf club. He contacted the had burnt inside out and melted to “We couldn’t even hand water police who apprehended the boy the floor.” as we had absolutely nothing and when he got off the bus. Having hit rock bottom there was that was the biggest stress for me “He got a caution, and a year later only one way to go for Muswell Hill because had I lost the greens it burnt down the cricket club,” said Golf Club and thanks to a sound would have been disastrous. That Matt, ruefully. policy by the club itself; a welcome winter we put in a temporary irriga- So, with his wedding imminent, turn around in fortune and Matt’s tion tank and a temporary pump INSET ABOVE: Damage caused by the fire to a triple Matt took stock of the situation. No success in recruiting a team, that’s house while the new facility was maintenance facility; no machinery; exactly where the club headed. being built. no staff – the two green staff who “The club was very well insured, The stunning new compound is Matt was due to inherit when he with a new for old policy on the the result of numerous meetings started work left a short time after machinery, while we prayed for, between Matt, who had a real vision

18 GI FEBRUARY 2010 COURSE Feature

LEFT: Beautiful, diamond cut fairway on the 15th at Muswell Hill

ABOVE: The new facility with its new fleet of Toro machinery

of what he wanted, and architects any manual handling – an idea large but I said that we’d only have who attempted to incorporate those taken from Walton Heath; a Meza- one chance to get it right as we had ideas but also add some of their nine floor for additional storage and no more land and that we would own. a superb workshop area. certainly grow into it.” “The first quote was for £750,000 Having taken advice from a secu- It all came in at a fraction of that and including things like Dyson rity advisor, as well as the demands initial quote but still much more Hand dryers and sun tubes but we of the insurance companies, the than the existing building had been didn’t need that. I’ve never been in site is now surrounded by 10 foot insured for, a shortfall which was as many meetings in my life while high fencing with iron gates, cam- covered by the club’s contingency I also took the architects to see eras, a security system linked to the fund and a levy which the members facilities at other golf clubs includ- local police station and bollards. are currently paying. ing Walton Heath, Old Fold Manor, Machinery and equipment is kept To compound matters further Finchley and Hendon.” in separate locked rooms with high the building was delayed, how- INSET AND ABOVE: Matt Plested, Course Manager. The end result demonstrates that security doors. ever, the consequence of another those meetings were hours well “I requested that we put grills complication, which would go on to ABOVE: The greenkeeping team during the recent snow. spent. There is a drive-in storage on the windows which we close at have repercussions for the club and area which removes the need for the end of each day. The facility is course as a whole.

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 19 COURSE Feature

“There were extended talks with “He’d worked at Gleneagles and often played there while staying the local authority about where the was clearly very clued up. at the Savoy. Among the current new facility would be sited. “I spoke with people he’d been members is John Paramor, The “This caused a delay of a year with who told me what a good European Tour’s Chief Referee. before work could get underway and worker he was and it turned into “I didn’t know I would be so all this time we were living out of 18 the easiest Deputy interview in heavily involved until I got there, containers which sat in the club car history.” but I stood up at the meeting and park, much to the consternation of Kevin, as it turned out, started asked them to give me a year and the membership.” three weeks before Matt went on that I would guarantee that those The final decision placed the honeymoon and, using just a greens who did decide to leave would kick maintenance facility on the exist- mower and a fairway mower lent to themselves. I told them it was not ing putting green which, in turn, the club by other clubs, he started going to take rocket science to get meant that it had to be moved to the long process of recovery before the course back on track but just a a new location which impacted on being joined by his newly-married bit of hard work.” the 17th hole, which then meant boss. Two and a half years on Matt, that the 17th tee had to be moved “I must admit I did have a few Kev, First Assistant, Lee Brady, and which meant that the entire hole sneaky phone calls to Kev while I the rest of the hand picked team, had to be realigned. was away. I’d go for a walk and ring have been as good as their word. As you can see, Muswell Hill Golf him to see how he was getting on,” “Just by cutting the course well Club had a mountain to climb. revealed Matt, who had completed - diamond cutting the fairways and INSET ABOVE: Carnage caused by the fire, and a barely But back to the near beginnings the new £350,000 machinery adding definition -and setting it up recognisable Kubota tractor. of this saga, when Matt was still deal with Toro two days before he properly the members thought we young, free and single, he started left. were heroes,” recalled Kevin. his recruitment drive with nothing On his return Matt became a key “Our first priority was to improve but promises to offer prospective part of an Extraordinary General grass coverage and work on staff. Meeting called by the members increasing the amount of light so we He struck gold straight away unhappy with the state of the golf removed a large number of poplars. however, in the shape of Kevin course with around 100 threaten- John Nicholson, of John Nicholson O’Neill. ing to resign. Associates, visited and told the “Kevin originally came as an Muswell Hill Golf Club has a rich committee that they club was at a Assistant, but I met him before my history. Bobby Locke and Ted Ray cross roads and that if they didn’t wedding and we walked around the regularly played challenge matches do something about it they would course. over the course and Frank Sinatra lose the course.

20 GI FEBRUARY 2010 COURSE Feature

“We put together presentation Listening to Matt and Kevin is that the new putting green and for annual Forums and thanks the amount of work they have got altered holes have improved rather to the techy expert on our team, through in the last two and a half than merely altered the course Matt Kris Shale-Martin, we produced years is mind boggling, but the is clear that there is still much work computer models of how the course enthusiasm that ouses from them, to do. would look minus the trees we and the rest of the team, is genuine “There is still a lot to be done to proposed to take out. The first year and you believe Matt when he says take this club to the level I want to we showed them what we would do that he often has to tell the guys to take it. and the second year we were able to go home at the end of the day. “We need to build our own show them what we’d done and the “It is great that we all started reservoir as water, particularly benefits that could be seen in the around the same time and I was in London, is going to become a depth of roots. keen to get the right team. None of real issue, while the bunker reno- “We do these in the last week of us are hung up by how things have vation programme is going to be the financial year in September been done here in the past and we massive. then a week later the diggers go in are free to put our own practices in “There is plenty of things to get and we start the projects we’ve told place. The best thing is that I’ve got our teeth into.” them about so they can see where greenkeepers who think and that is Those members who decided to their membership money is going.” a huge plus. remain with the club will be patting It also means the main work is “I want to make Muswell Hill an themselves on their back. done by the end of November and academy for greenkeeper and will be Not only them, however, as the the remainder of the winter pro- thrilled when they leave to become club has added 100 to its member- gramme can be carried out before Course Managers in their own right ship within the last 12 months and INSET ABOVE: More damage the start of the next season. move on to climb the career ladder. seen record green fee and society caused by the fire. One of Muswell Hill’s real prob- We are well looked after here, we eat takings. lems is drainage with several holes in the clubhouse every day and we It may be, although it didn’t feel regularly out of play each year have a great relationship with the so at the time, that the great fire because of waterlogging. Club Manager, Adrian Hobbs, and of 2007 was a wonderful oppor- “The course had no outlets so the rest of the staff,” said Matt, who tunity for Matt and Muswell Hill we went back to the basics, mole has also taken on the role of BIGGA’s Golf Club to move forward at a ploughed and put in trench drains London Section Secretary. much faster rate than would have as well as reinstating a burn on the While much of the work to been possible had a new job and 12th hole which has helped to dry reinstate the course has now been new wife been the extent of activity out the golf course. completed – and he general feeling in the June of that month!

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 21 The second of a new series in which James de Havilland takes a closer look at the intricacies of current machinery The anatomy of... a Top Dresser

New livery, new owner but same trusted design...

Back in October 2009, Toro acquired the golf and turf business operated by the Canadian TY-CROP company. Here we take a look at the first Toro top dresser produced since the acquisition, the utility mounted ProPass 200. This will be available through Toro dealers early this year.

22 GI FEBRUARY 2010 FEATURE step-by-step Analysis... Toro ProPass 200

The Toro ProPass 200 may not be different from its TY-CRoP predecessor but that is no bad thing. The ProPass top dresser is well proven, rugged and not known for problems. Why change a proven formula?

The rate of discharge from the hopper to the conveyor is Twin carry handles make it easier to remove the spreading controlled via an adjustable flap. Base application rate discs either for service or the fitting of a cross conveyor. settings are provided by Toro, ease of set-up remaining a ProPass plus.

TY-CRoP top dressers are a well established brand in the UK. Initially imported by stafford based Turfmech, the TY-CRoP top dresser series was more recently taken on by The Grass Group. Toro now owns all the manu- facturing rigthd to the TY-CROP top dressers, but at least for the moment current Toro ProPass models are pretty much the same as their TY-CROP predecessors. Introduced by TY-CROP in 2008, the mounted ProPass 200 we look at here is a development of the now discontinued TY-CROP ProPass 180. The latter was listed as offering the same rated capacity of the cur- rent 200 model at 289kg. In fact the two top dressers are pretty much the same, the ProPass 200 having revised hopper extensions designed to ease loading. The key change between a TY- CROP 200 and a new Toro version is pretty much down to branding. So, Toro have just left the ProPass With the optional Wireless Controller, it is possible to fine tune the application rate as the unit is working. This can be useful design as is? In a word yes. There when the top dressing material moisture levels have changed from when the machine was first set up. was little wrong with the TY-CROP ProPass 200. The fact the 200 is a development of the established ProPass 180 model is also clear. Apart from the hopper extension changes, there were a few other features incorporated into the 200 before its manufacture passed to Toro. Among these is the option of a Wireless Controller. All ProPass models continue to be designed to allow a wide range of application rates, based around seven base settings. These essen- tially allow the selection of a light dusting through to a much heavier application rate; with the latter selected, the hopper will be emptied Sprung steel fingers run over material exiting the hopper. The hopper conveyor tension adjusters are easy to get at from full in around a minute. They will help to break up any clods which can cause and are securely mounted. Note grease point and heavy-duty fluctuations in the application rates. bearing. HSE regulations mean some of the lube points can With the Wireless Controller, only be accessed once a bolted on cover has been removed. application settings can be stored

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 23 H THE GRASS GRABBER RANGE SL Hydrotech Solutions Ltd THE NEW G6 MODEL A more affordable equipment wash water system to bring you in line with current disposable groundwater regulations and save your club money now. Product package includes - commissioning, delivery, installation & three years consumables

1) Take out grass, stones and balls 2) Take out oil, diesel, petrol and grease 3) Remove pesticides Result? Clean Recycleable Water • 30 day money back guarantee

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24 GI FEBRUARY 2010 FEATURE

The rear disc carrier adjusts to allow the drop position to be The hopper has smooth sides to help ensure the body The ProPass 200 needs an oil flow of 21 litres/min. This adjusted according to the dressing being applied and the desired empties fully. Existing ProPass users often fit a mesh grid should not be a problem for more recent utility vehicles, but spread width. In position 1, this ‘Sliding Drop Zone’ provides the over the hopper body to help break up any clumps as the unit check if fitting a top dresser to an old machine. widest spread width of 9.1m, setting 4 the narrowest at 3.0m. is loaded.

An electronic control box is standard, and makes setting the conveyor and spinner speeds straightforward. The Wireless Controller does the same job, but can be operated remotely. The TY-CROP ProPass 180 forms the template for the latest Toro ProPass 200. Existing TY-CROP users will have Toro parts support for earlier machines.

in a handset. When it comes to (0.71m3 with a heaped load) has a axle that runs across the 1.7m applying material, these settings hydraulically driven conveyor floor. width of the machine. can then be sent to the spreader, This feeds dressing via an adjust- Existing TY-CROP ProPass 180 the settings adjusting to suit. If this able outlet to a pair of contra rotating users will note a few other detail seems something of a gimmick, spreading discs. changes that came in with the 200 stop and think how you apply Spread width is dependent upon when it was introduced. materials. the speed of the discs, the settings These include better colour Typically, you will take a look at of the vanes and the material being coding for the setting decals and how the dressing spreads out of the spread. a revised wash out grid that is back of the machine, making sure In the case of the utility mounted claimed to make the unit easier to the spread is what you want. machine, the unit is supplied with clean out. With the Wireless Control, it is a fitting kit to suit a broad range “We’re delighted to add Toro easier to fine tune some key set- of vehicles. These allow the unit to ProPass material-handlers to our tings as the machine is working. slide on without the need for fitting existing line of turf cultivation and So if the dressing is a bit damp, tools. application equipment” says Jeff you can alter the conveyor or discs An optional 11hp hydraulic Anguige, Lely UK’s Toro UK sales speeds to get the spread pattern power pack is available for use with manager. you are after without having to stop vehicles that do not have a separate “The products were previously the machine, changing a setting, hydraulic outlet. branded TY-CROP and have a and looking to see what happens. Other options include a 180 proven track record in global mar- You can also store the settings you degree Cross Conveyor. This allows kets for many years. want to keep. The Controller has a the hopper to be used as a bulk “The range is the perfect comple- claimed range of over 130m. transport to fill smaller top dressers ment to products such as the or to carry sand out to bunkers or Topdresser 2500 and our ProCore Basic machine for other work. aerators. As an aside, the ProPass 200 is “We are now even better placed to In broad outline, the ProPass 200 offered in a trailed version with a provide a comprehensive offering to follows established top dresser capacity of just over 905kg. This meet customers’ turf maintenance design practice. The 0.54m3 hopper runs on a four wheel walking beam needs.”

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 25 Golf clubs and in particular, the golf course maintenance, is a varied and complicated place, while greenkeeping is a complex occupation, and many of the operations can be unpopular and misunderstood. In the first of a new series, Paul Lowe helps to bridge the gap between member and greenkeeper...

New Beginning: Communication and Managing Difficult Members

The golfing member will the benefits and hopefully a It’s true to say that today’s com- always have high expectations, greater understanding and mittee member requires skin like a placing ever-increasing appreciation of our work will rhinoceros. You need the commu- pressure on the greenkeeper arise. nication skills and the diplomacy of and committee member. So it’s early in the New Year, the very best mediator. During the year we conduct many of us are trying to lose those We are all prone to the odd certain operations. Aeration, extra pounds that we have gained adverse comment or difficult sand dressing, and removing during the festivities. We make New request. Whether that’s the usual trees, are just some of the Year resolutions and a new begin- ‘Cut the greens lower’, ‘Cut the contentious issues we do. So ning is ahead. Many of our golf club rough lower’, ‘Stop putting holes in why do we do it? members are voting on new Com- our lovely greens’ and, even, ‘Why Over a series of articles mittee Members, the New Captain can’t we look like Augusta?’ we will explain the ‘Whys is announced and the committee Greenkeeping is complex and to and Wherefores’ of our are looking forward to the new chal- expect members to comprehend operations. We will explain lenge with trepidation. the complexities of greenkeeping

26 GI FEBRUARY 2010 Feature

is unfair. They have gardens and A person may make disparaging personally. And remember that watch The Masters at home. This or irrational comments- don’t rise angry people generally have self- creates, the osmo-greenkeeper, to the bait. If necessary stop the esteem issues that underlie their everyone’s an expert. Expectations conversation. Your happiness and hostility. are unrealistic and demands are health is more important than your When faced with anger, simply ever increasing. point of view. stop the conversation and tell them So how do we handle the difficult Or simply remind them that they to get in touch when they have member, the member who is irratio- are a member of a golf club and as calmed down. When calm, we can nal and unreasonable, the member such should act accordingly. You then have a rational & hopefully who is vocal about his grievance welcome constructive comments constructive conversation. and will share his opinion to all and but will not tolerate projected sundry? insults. Compulsive Complainers We can communicate as much Listen - listen - listen! Look and as possible, but what if this person sound like you’re listening. The Complainers that will never be does not want to listen? As we all member cares about the course; happy, unless of course they are know, for communication to work he wants to know that you care complaining. Again these people our message must be heard. and that you’re interested in their have self-esteem issues. Do we just ignore them? Well, the problem. Even if you’re not! Stop letting complainers get away problem with this is that negativity If you are genuinely interested with it. In the case of a complaining breeds negativity! use empathy but only if it is genu- member, you can turn the com- It’s no coincidence that groups of difficult members form. They tend to play together and have a few pints in the clubhouse together express- “If they have a complaint and it’s ing their views together. I call this genuine, then continue empathizing the ‘Pull up a chair mentality’. The Human is a pack animal; we and tell the members what you’ll do prefer groups and we crave accep- tance in that group. about the situation.” One of the easiest ways to become accepted is to agree with the nega- tive views of others. Thus group ine. “I can understand that your plaint around by saying, “What do mindsets forms. saying” or “I see what you mean”. you think the answer is?” then ask In any business there is the Again, these responses need to be them a question to their solution 80/20 rule, this also applies to genuine. before you know it, complainers will customer satisfaction. 80% of our Build rapport - Sometimes it’s be solving their own problems and customers are normally happy and useful to add another phrase to agreeing with you. content, but 20% are not. This 20% the empathy response, including Committee role- It’s simply are, on average, misinformed or yourself in the picture. - “I can wrong for members of a golf club have a lack of understanding. understand how you feel, I don’t to approach employees and pass With good communication tech- like it either but we are on a long negative comments or judgment to niques we should be able eradicate road of improvements, or we are on the staff, no matter how frivolous. most complaints and concerns… the case”. This sort of conduct is non However there is a hidden 5%. This has the effect of getting on productive - it not only encourages This 5% are never happy; in fact, the members side and builds rap- communication breakdown, lowers they are only happy when they port. It shows that you and your morale and poor relations with the are complaining. It doesn’t matter greenkeeping team care, you’re members, it is also stopping the what you say or do they will find aware of the problem and a solution staff from working. something to complain about. It’s is underway. Ultimately the members pay the not personal its just the way they If they have a complaint and it’s wages, but no more so than any are. genuine, then continue empathiz- shareholder of any organisation. Why should we make them ing and tell the members what you’ll Like any business, channelled unhappy by giving them nothing to do about the situation. Thank them communication procedures need complain about? for bringing this to your attention to be in place to eradicate this sort Pleasing this minority is impos- and make sure the situation is fixed of culture. sible and trying to please the as soon as possible. In some cases this is tantamount unappeasable will ultimately have Stupid people & comments- the to bullying. All clubs have a respon- a detrimental affect on the course fact is you can’t argue with stupid- sibility to protect the staff and have and the work your greenkeeper ity, more importantly you should a duty of care. Bullying problems is needs to do in order to maintain never argue. the responsibility of the employer the course. not the employee. The skill is determining who is a Angry People To summarise, difficult people compulsive moaner and who has a are a fact of golf course life. genuine complaint. Angry people are usually power Communicate with openness, If we get this wrong then you struggling, or they may be intimida- produce clear facts, policies and could be wasting your time - time tors/ bullies, people who use anger procedures. that ought to be best spent on more to throw others off guard. Angry Make decisions as a team and the important matters. people are usually rewarded for integral part of the team must be Don’t let them get to you - Stay their behaviour by people who’d do the experts you employ. out of it emotionally and concen- anything to avoid confrontation. Protect those employees and trate on listening non-defensively You probably can’t deflate their ABOVE: Paul Lowe is Course never ever make someone a scape- Manager at Bromborough Golf and actively. anger but you can stop taking it Club, in Cheshire goat.

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 27 Feature Growing-in

New, Winter Sports Pitches

Steve Gingell, STRI Southern Area Manager, on the growing-in of newly constructed pitches

Introduction

We frequently advise local authorities, schools and clubs on annual meadow-grass, clover and the growing-in of newly constructed pitches. In many cases, other weed invasion. Of course, the maintenance requirements are not understood or have not if there are any particularly weak been specified to a high enough level. This article examines the or bare area, overseeding with the problems commonly found and discusses a number of solutions. originally sown mixture should However, It is important to seek specific advice as each site will take place. be different. Sometimes newly turfed pitches can be very thatchy and so there is a need to undertake scarification. surface rooting. The nutrient level Sward health Too much thatch can result in the will naturally differ from soil type surface being slow and divot badly. Invariably new pitches are ferti- to soil type but typically is around lised at seeding and then left. This 90-180 kg/ha nitrogen per annum, Drainage potential can result in weak grasses, poor although more may be needed in very sandy free draining construc- density and a significant risk of Newly moved and replaced soils tions. The aim is to promote good developing weed species. typically have little structure and levels of growth without creating a The soils on new pitches can this takes time to return. A com- soft, weak sward. Dark green may sometimes be poorly structured bination of root exploration, worm be too much! and young grass can often tend to activity and physical processes The effect of fertiliser is often seen be surface rooted if the soils do not gradually create fissures and pore where rabbit urine creates a flush allow roots to develop fully. Until space. The net result is that drain- of growth. Whilst such a localised the roots fully establish from the age gradually improves as long as level is probably much too high, its adventitious to fibrous stage and to there is no significant compaction effect clearly demonstrates the need a suitable depth, the volume of soil present. However, playing too soon to slightly increase fertiliser needs. from which nutrients are taken up and in wet conditions will often liq- The benefit of appropriate levels is limited. There is therefore often uefy the top 50 mm of the soil profile of fertiliser is to speed up estab- a need to increase the nutrients and this can result in high wear and lishment though good health and to a level that gives good growth loss of grass cover. Ultimately, a tillering. This will hopefully allow but not so excessively to generate MAIN PHOTOGRAPH ABOVE: pitch rich in annual meadow-grass organic matter or only stimulate the sown grasses to out-compete A weak sward with areas of fertilisation from rabbits often results.

28 GI FEBRUARY 2010 FEATURE

The solution to the above is to settlement occurs with the same picked off as soon as germination ABOVE RIGHT: A pitch surface with excess stone in surface firstly allow sufficient time for a material as the backfill or the same occurs and this includes any sharp ABOVE LEFT: A heavy soil pitch to establish. This should be at sand as above. An item to top dress materials. The development of profile with poor surface least a year but some light play can sunken drain lines in the first year a dense sward can create a good structure sometimes be allowed, particularly should be included in the construc- cushion but could be worn away to during the summer months when tion specification re-expose the problem. the soils are dry. When sand banding or sand slit- However, the specification of work The next most important activity ting is installed there is an absolute should include items to prevent a is aeration. I often recommend some requirement for sand dressing stone problem, e.g soil screening form of aeration on a monthly basis. to be applied to help prevent the or good working practices when On heavily compacted sites, Verti- slit capping over in usage. I have introducing aggregate. Draining could occur 2 - 3 times seen systems capped over within in the first year, with solid tining in a couple of years and become inef- Height of cut the remaining months. Sometimes fective. The sand dressing helps to the use of a linear aerator can be of dilute any native soil and assists in The height of cut should be care- benefit, with or without sand injec- retaining the integrity of the slit. fully managed. Allowing the sward tion. Care must be taken with this to grow to 100 mm and then cut to form of aeration – undertaking the stone 25 mm, as sometimes happens, will operation at the right soil moisture weaken new grass and open up the content to prevent cracking. Use Unfortunately, it is common to sward to weed invasion. My prefer- in some wet, heavy soils should be find a newly developed pitch with a ence is to allow growth to around avoided. Slit tining could also be significant stone content visible in 60 mm and then cut to 45 mm and Golden Key sponsors carried out the surface. This could come from then maintain no more than 15 Sand dressing, either locally or the parent soil or careless use of mm of growth between cuts. This over a whole pitch, is particularly drainage aggregate.. Such stone is encourages tillering and prevents important on heavier soils. The unacceptable in today’s health and significant stress. sand (in combination with aeration) safety society (not to say anything There may be a need initially to helps promote surface drainage if about litigious aspects). carefully roll to smooth the surface sufficient is applied. The sand type It is a misheld belief that stone for the first cut. Any significant level is critical – it must be a medium- moves up in a profile. The normal discrepancies should be addressed fine sand with little or no fines and, occurrence is that fines wash off although this may be covered by a ideally, sub-angular in shape. stone in the surface or the surface defects item in the Contract works. is eroded through play. In either Leaving masses of clippings on drains event, the possibility of injury is the surface should be avoided at high. all costs as this can easily smother silver Key Many drainage installations will In heavier soils, stone can settle new grass, leaving patches and sponsors settle as part of the maturing of the into the profile over time, particu- organic debris. If this occurs then construction. It should be expected larly if the soils become waterlogged. reseeding may be required, after and could occur annually for the The process is possibly similar to harrowing or scarifying. first several years dependent on soil the effect of puddling concrete to type, the weather conditions, irriga- bring liquid to the surface. However, Conclusions tion availablity, not to say anything this can take a few years. about the standard of drainage The most common remedy is to The majority of the problems installation. With clay soils prone cover the stone with either sand mentioned above can be resolved to shrinkage, the process involved or top dressing. Ideally, a layer of through a good specification of with settlement results from the around 40 mm should be built up works for the construction and drain line acting as a plane of weak- over time but this is costly and has an understanding of the need to ness along which the clays crack. distinct risks of erosion, particularly intensively maintain a new pitch. This article comes to you courtesy of the This allows some aggregate to fall in goalmouths. Turfing with deep It is vitally important to consider BIGGA Learning and into the widened crack and hence turf can help as long as the soil can the early maintenance cost in the Development Fund. settlement at the surface. The be matched. overall project as rarely is there suf- Thankyou to all our key remedy is to top up the drains as Larger stone should be hand ficient budget if not included. sponsors

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 29 BIGGA A Professional Body for Sports Turf Professionals

Q: Are you employed in the maintenance of sports turf at a sports facility? Q: Do you want to be taken seriously as a sports turf professional? Q: Do you want access to a wide range of bespoke education courses? Q: Do you want to be part of a large network of like-minded people where shared knowledge is a key ingredient? Q: Do you want to be part of a progressive association that actively works to enhance the professional reputation of sports turf professionals?

If you answered YES to any of the above questions then Membership of BIGGA is for you.

Why Join BIGGA? BIGGA is about promoting:

• Affordable, industry specifi c, B est practice in sports turf management education and training I ndustry targeted learning and development • Greenkeeper International G reenkeeping as a career – BIGGA’s offi cial magazine G roundsmanship as a career • Careers advice and guidance A better understanding of sports turf care • Regional and National events • Sports turf industry networking Look to your future by joining BIGGA today • Commitment to CPD • Maintain standard and quality Tel: 01347 833800 select option 1 within the profession Email: [email protected] • Dedicated members’ website www.bigga.org.uk

SPORTSTURF_MEMBERSHIP_FP.indd 1 20/10/09 11:38:12 Harrogate Week 2010 Review Cover Photography by Steve Ansty except BOTTOM CENTRE (by Helen Fannan) Helen (by CENTRE BOTTOM except Ansty Steve by Photography Cover

Harrogate Week Never Fails to Deliver

It takes more than a global recession and artic like conditions to stop Harrogate Week from being a success. Many would crawl over broken glass to get to Harrogate each year and with an attendance of 5883 over the three days - only marginally down on the previous year and well up on pre-show expectations - that was proven to be the case yet again and exhibitors were rewarded with an enthusiastic and committed audience.

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 31 HARROGATE WEEk 2010 REVIEW

A Timely Boost to the Industry

Scott MacCallum takes you through a Harrogate Week which defied the odds and gave the industry a genuine lift

It was with considerable relief BIGGA’s advance party, in the Hotel and included representatives that I drove to Harrogate shape of Pauline Thompson, had from Associations as far afield as on the morning of Monday, been on site since Friday working Australia, USA, Canada, Ireland, January 18. It had only been a with Harrogate International Centre Sweden and Slovenia, as well as couple of days since the snow and early-arriving contractors. BIGGA, FEGGA and the GTC. and ice had departed after the Chief Executive, John Pemberton, The meeting, chaired by Past longest cold snap in over 30 and the Learning & Development BIGGA Chairman, Andy Campbell years and it was good to see Department, with Sami Collins and MG, CGCS was a great success Rachael Duffy, arrived on Satur- with the aim of sharing the incred- ABOVE: Andy Campbell that roads were clear. is thanked for chairing the Had the conditions remained the day to prepare for the start of the ible expertise available within the International Summit same for another few days it might Workshops, which were to begin bodies and tackling problems have had a considerable impact on the following day. Over the course that are universal to all countries. the attendance levels of the day trainers, and delegates BIGGA was represented by incom- As it turned out a number of arrived and Harrogate Week 2010 ing BIGGA Vice Chairman, Andrew Course Managers had to remain began to take shape. Mellon, John Pemberton, Sami back to steer their courses through So, by the time I arrived, every- Collins and me. the thawing period but Harrogate thing was pretty much under con- Monday evening and the BIGGA Week 2010 did enjoy fine weather trol and I was able to check on the staff were joined by BIGGA Presi- over the course on the five days with build progress of the Media Centre, dent, Sir Michael Bonallack OBE, road, rail and air all being well uti- underneath Hall A, and prepare who always makes sure Harrogate lised by the exhibitors and visitors for the afternoon’s International Week is on his schedule. Sir Michael to get there. Summit. This was in The Old Swan was in good form and recovering

32 GI FEBRUARY 2010 well from having a hip replaced ing its patron agreement with the underway and the Halls filling up earlier last year. Ladies European Tour. I returned to the Media Centre for Tuesday morning and the official The match will be held at Killeen the next press conference, this time opening of BTME & ClubHouse Castle in Ireland and legendary from Bernhard’s, and it was great to 2010. Irish Walker Cup player, Roddy catch up with Stephen Bernhard, Chairman Peter Todd, was the Carr, who works for Killeen Castle, who has recently decided to take man in charge of the BIGGA sheers had also flown in for the press less of a hands-on role with the and cut the green ribbon to declare conference. company with Bob Buckingham, the Show open. Roddy was absolutely delighted formerly of Toro, being brought in INSET ABOVE: The Vitax Presentation Back in the Media Centre any to have a brief reunion with Sir to share the running of Bernhard’s INSET ABOVE LEFT: European Solheim Cup Captain, Alison thought of a “soft start” to the week Michael, who had been his Walker along with Chief Operating Officer, Nicholas. was blown out of the water by the Cup Captain in 1971. Peter Wood. INSET ABOVE CENTRE: Stephen Bernhard and Bob arrival of European Solheim Cup The Cup was then taken onto Stephen took time to explain the Buckingham Captain, Alison Nicholas, and the the John Deere stand where it was thought process behind bringing INSET ABOVE RIGHT: Signing into the Show. famous crystal Cup, which had displayed for a few hours for the Bob to the company and Bob, who been flown in from the States spe- benefit of the visitors. has yet to be fitted for the distinc- cially for the occasion. Early Tuesday morning was also tive Bernhard’s blazer, outline his The reason for Alison’s visit to an opportunity for John to present a hopes for the future. Harrogate was to help announce BIGGA Learning and Development The press are usually pretty well that John Deere would be an offi- Fund Silver Key supporter plaque fed and this year lunch was pro- cial industry partner of the 2011 to Vitax, the latest company to join. vided by Ransomes Jacobsen, who Solheim Cup and would be renew- With the Show well and truly launched the Eclipse 322 hybrid

(Continued on Page 36)

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 33 HARROGATE WEEk 2010 REVIEW

THIS PAGE (34): ABOVE: The Famous Ribbon Cutting by Chairman, Peter Todd, with Vice Chairman, Paul Worster.

ABOVE LEFT and LEFT: A guest arrives at the show, and the busy halls (Photography by Steve Ansty)

BELOW RIGHT and RIGHT: An intersting model display. (Photography by Helen Fannan)

34 GI FEBRUARY 2010 HARROGATE WEEk 2010 REVIEW

selection of images depicting Harrogate Week 2010

THIS PAGE (35): All photography, showing the Exhibiton and the Media Centre (SECOND TOP RIGHT) by Helen Fannan, except TOP RIGHT: Continue to Learn Workshop and BOTTOM LEFT: A Visitor strolls through the halls (by Steve Anstey).

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 35 HARROGATE WEEk 2010 REVIEW

(Continued from Page 33)

ABOVE TOP: Dave Withers at RJ Press Conference. ABOVE : BIGGA Chief Executive John Pemberton arrives the BIGGA Social Night in style, before being ‘Held to Ransome’ (BELOW RIGHT). FOUR PHOTOS FROM TOP RIGHT: Presentations at the Show. greens mower and a new E-Z-GO GC. The winners of the Golf golf car. Course Environment Award and The afternoon press confer- the winners of the Toro Student ences also included contributions Greenkeeper of the Year were also from British Seed Houses and recognised. Charterhouse, who announced a The annual Unsung Heroes collaboration with Blec. Awards, sponsored by Terrain All over Harrogate International Aeration, are always a lovely Centre events were being held and occasion and are exactly what it was great to hear the traditional they say on the tin. This year’s “Harrogate Buzz” at full volume. winners were Keri Jarman, The Queens Suite hosted a Deputy Head Groundsman at presentation by STRI on the new Moor Park and Hugh Murray, service it was offering golf clubs, Head Greenkeeper at Bridge- featuring its new smoothness gauge water College. Each received while the afternoon Presentation of a cheque for £200 as well as a Awards was the perfect occasion framed certificate and a further to celebrate and congratulate the cheque from Terrain Aeration. achievements of BIGGA members, Tuesday evening was one of including the 50th and 51st Master the highlights of the week for Greenkeepers, John Ross MG, of those who attended. The Wild Laleham GC, and Eric Foerster West themed BIGGA Social CGCS from Ironbridge Golf Club, Night, sponsored by Ransomes in Colorado, USA; those who had Jacobsen and in the Old Swan gained their CPD certificate and Hotel. the winner and runner-up in this With roulette, poker and year’s BIGGA Photographic Com- blackjack tables - prizes to petition, sponsorerd by Syngenta, those people who won the most Stuart Broom, of Lyme Regis GC, chips - quick draw and shooting and Brian Consitt, of Linden Hall competitions, coconut shys, and

36 GI FEBRUARY 2010 HARROGATE WEEk 2010 REVIEW

THIS PAGE: Variety of photos showing the 2 Mil Debate and Education Workshops

the ever-popular bucking bronco a number of people were pleased people like Jeremy that you appre- bull the evening had something for to have had the opportunity to be ciate the range of skills, not to men- everyone as well as a Kenny Rogers heard. tion, ingenuity that many Course and Dolly Parton, tribute act. Back in the Halls I was pleased Managers have at their fingertips. It was made all the more memo- to meet up with Chris Minton and At the close of the Show the rable by the number of people who Stuart Hall, mechanics at The BIGGA AGM took place in the entered into the spirit and came in Belfry and John O’Gaunt Golf Clubs Queens Suite with Peter Todd fancy dress – including BIGGA’s respectively, who had recently been conducting his final piece of busi-

John Pemberton and Steve Wragg. appointed the British-based Direc- ness as National Chairman. Cecil ABOVE: Chris Minton and Wednesday morning was an tors of the IGCEMA, the Mechanics’ George made a plea for members Stuart Hall, of the IGCEMA, the Mechanics’ Association early start for quite a few with the Association. to support the Golf Course Fund, much anticipated 2mm debate The day, confirming its reputa- which had been launched at the taking place in the Holiday Inn, tion of the busiest of the week, con- same meeting two years before. having been moved there to accom- tinued in its frantic manner with Peter handed over the Chair- modate the number of people who press events in the Media Centre manship to Paul Worster, Course wished to take part but even then and on stands and information Manager of Minchinhampton GC, the room included standing room being exchanged and sales being who, in turn, introduced his Vice at the back and a total gathering of agreed. The activity seemed to fly in Chairman, Andrew Mellon, Direc- around 220. the face of the financial downturn. tor of Golf at Elmwood College GC. Chaired by David Croxton, of the It was a pleasure to meet Jeremy The meeting also saw Jeff Mills, of EGU, the illustrious top table panel Parkman, Course Manager of Dale Taunton and Pickeridge GC, and the included some of the finest green- Hill GC, who in conjunction with South West and South Wales Board keeping brains in the UK with views MJ Abbott, developed a new bunker of Directors representative, stand as diverse as the country itself. draining device, which drains bun- down after five years in the role, to As expected the Debate didn’t kers which are particularly prone be replaced by Chris Sealey, Course ABOVE: uncover a definitive answer but to flooding. It is through meeting Manager of Chippenham GC. The Unsung Heroes

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 37 HARROGATE WEEk 2010 REVIEW

LEFT: GI Magazine provides alternate uses as shown in The Media Centre (photograph by Helen Fannan). BELOW: The Golf Ball Toilet; BOTTOM LEFT: The Casino at the Social Night; BOTTOM RIGHT: The BIGGA Stand Team (Photography by Steve Ansty)

After a turn around of no more staff all have to check out of the they would be able to attend or not than 20 minutes I was off to the hotel before making our way down as a result of all their turf being Vitax Dinner in the Majestic Hotel, to the Exhibition Centre. Packing under snow for much of the previ- where I re-presented their Silver Key becomes less than an exact science ous month. plaque in front of their customers but need’s must and as long every- Another company who enjoyed a and friends within the industry. thing finds its way home then no fine BTME debut was Powakaddy, The enjoyable evening was damage is done. who introduced the new winter made more so by a presentation by Thursday was a fine day. With wheels, developed in collaboration Colin Burns, General Manager of fewer commitments it is good to with BIGGA. Winged Foot GC, in New York. Colin walk the halls – almost for the first “We have had a great deal of inter- described the huge work involved in time in the week – and I can catch est and will certainly be coming back hosting the 2006 US Open, won by up with exhibitors. next year and may take a bigger Geoff Ogilvy, but so nearly won by It was particularly pleasing to stand,” explained Lee Manvell. Colin Montgomerie and Phil Mick- speak with Maarten de Vroom, of As 4pm approached and the elson, and preparations for 2015 Green Toi UK, who, by early Thurs- Show began to wind down it was when the club will host it again. day afternoon, had sold 50 golf ball time to strip down the Media Returning to the Old Swan Hotel shaped toilets at £13,800 each. Centre, which in recent years has I bumped into a number of BIGGA’s “I am absolutely delighted. I’d been regarded as one of the best on Past Chairmen – including George been a visitor at the Show before the Exhibiton. Brown, Jack and Billy McMillan, but not exhibited so to have such Thanks go to FTAV, the audio Andy Campbell and Elliott Small success is fantastic. We’ll certainly visual support company, who pro- – who had been at the Past Chair- be coming back, and bringing our vided the laptops and audio visual man’s Dinner and it was good to green colour toilet with us as well, equipment in the Media Centre. pass a few minutes with some next year,” said Maarten, as we I would also like to thank the Pillars of the Association, who had stood in front of the show’s closest press and public relations special- also become good friends. example of “hot cakes”. ists who attend and support Har- Thursday morning is always a Another welcome exhibitor was rogate Week through their coverage frantic start to the day as BIGGA In Turf who hadn’t known whether and company support.

38 GI FEBRUARY 2010 ’ BIGGA CHAIRMAN

Presenting Paul Worster

The new BIGGA Chairman has taken the time to write his own profile outlining his hopes and aspirations for the year ahead.

some people lead – and in a two wooden Nissen huts which had INSET ABOVE: Paul at his The environment is increasingly beloved Minchinhampton Golf volunteer-driven organisation been salvaged from a World War 2 Club a huge selling point for golf – we at such as BIGGA, leadership is Polish Refugee Camp which had Minch have almost come full circle RIGHT: The annual portrait crucial. Paul Worster is the been in the local area. photograph of the Chairman from being ‘polluters’ to ‘preservers’, latest in a line of twenty-three The huts were completely isolated and in greenkeeping we will eventu- volunteer Chairmen since in the middle of the course with no ally become ‘custodians’ of our own 1987 to slip on the blazer and services whatsoever – no toilet, no patches of the environment.” take the reins. telephone, no electricity, and no Paul believes strongly that Paul is in his own words – “a potable running water”. greenkeepers are uniquely placed modest person” who never thought “Can you imagine that in this day to exert a positive influence on the that his name would be mentioned and age?” No – probably not. Paul is thousands of people who visit golf in the same breath as some of the of the strong opinion that if it hadn’t clubs around the country every BIGGA “greenkeeping greats” such been for the efforts of the previous day. as ‘Jack’, ‘Walter’, ‘Elliott’, and a host volunteers throughout the history of others in the intervening period. of greenkeeping, a good propor- The feelings of a life-long Acutely aware of the traditions tion of us might still be spending greenkeeper in greenkeeping and the fine work our working lives in marginally done by his predecessors Paul does upgraded versions of that type of Paul has spent the past 35 years of not subscribe to the notion that facility. That alone is why this year his life working as a greenkeeper. blazers and badges are outdated is so important to him. He has never actually done any and should have been consigned other job and his two sons are also to the scrapheap or charity shop The footprint greenkeepers greenkeepers. long ago. leave in the sands of time Paul has seen bad times in the I would not recommend trying to profession as well as good and separate Paul from this item of his Paul is a Gloucestershire man he understands the difficulties apparel. It represents, to him, one through and through. “The and frustrations, and the highs of the traditions worth preserving. Cotswolds are not designated an and the lows of a career in green- area of outstanding natural beauty keeping. The growth of the Association for nothing, and golf in the county A positive individual with a seri- has become a part of that in the ous side to him, Paul feels strongly “Volunteering for BIGGA in 1983 as most natural way”. that all greenkeepers should have South West Section Secretary was Paul’s latest club, Minchinhamp- the support they need to do their the best thing I ever did” reminisces ton, which some of you may feel you jobs well and be able to advance in Paul. “Back in those days, the South know quite well through the pages their careers. West Section had only 56 members. of this magazine, has been heavily “For me, with two sons in the When the position of Section Sec- involved in raising environmental industry, this is particularly impor- retary was handed over to Adam awareness in the area, and as he tant.” Matthews this year, membership puts it: “if anyone is still of the Paul feels that BIGGA through stood at some 280. This shows how opinion that the environment is an its own efforts and alliances far the organisation has come”. issue that only affects others, then can raise the profile of the When pushed – Paul recalls his think again”. profession even further so that early days as a greenkeeper – “One “The Environment affects us all, greenkeepers can take even more of the first facilities I worked in and we all leave our footprint in the pride in telling others about the during the 1970’s was comprised of sands of time on our golf courses. work they do.

40 GI FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 GI 41 BIGGA CHAIRMAN

“BIGGA has The perils of avoiding over the years challenges and being cynical developed a “We need to understand that as terrific infra- an association we, as members, structure. The have a responsibility for our profes- organisation sion. When mistakes are made, or is well-placed when opportunities are missed, it is to weather sometimes hard not to criticise and be cynical. However, in times like this particular these, we have to be as professional economic storm as possible. We have to take the and emerge opportunities that are presented the other side, to us and not avoid the challenges stronger, leaner, that confront us by hiding behind a and fitter than veil of negativity.” Paul is of the view that construc- before”. tive criticism is always welcome and member engagement through participation is vital. “If BIGGA members have a valid complaint or criticism it is vital to our Association that BIGGA offi- LEFT: Past Chairman, Peter Todd, hands over the reigns to cials hear about the problems being Paul Worster experienced. “This is perhaps best done through the nearest local, regional Driving the turfcare profession and character in the individual and or national level volunteer. It forward take the profession forward”. would be great if concerned mem- Paul feels that because knowl- bers could also continue to offer Paul is resolute about building edge and influence can be applied practical suggestions for improving on the efforts of his predeces- so quickly and widely through both the services and opportunities sors. “BIGGA has over the years modern communications, BIGGA the association provides to mem- developed a terrific infrastructure. has never been in a better position bers”. The organisation is well-placed to to impact the way that the industry weather this particular economic regards the greenkeeper. BIGGA to become the best storm and emerge the other side, “However, BIGGA cannot do that membership organisation stronger, leaner, and fitter than if the greenkeeper is not aware, or anywhere before”. does not understand, how he can “I believe the BIGGA HQ team and help himself/herself. In this and Paul continues to be full of praise the four Regional Administrators other respects the profession can and admiration for the work and (RA’s) have the experience, the drive benefit particularly from the sup- sacrifice of all his predecessors in and the professional determination port, advice and assistance of the the role. He particularly values the to help us move our profession retired greenkeeper in a voluntary more recent ‘behind the scenes’ forwards. To succeed in this endea- role”. efforts of Kenny MacKay and Peter vour they will always need the com- Todd who have both used their mitted support of volunteers and Retired greenkeepers and business acumen to bring greater the desire of the members to take their legacy commercialism to the business of up what is on offer, particularly: BIGGA. 1) Management training As National Chairman Paul will “Despite the current uncertainty 2) Skills training seek to make sure that all retired and insecurity in the workplace it 3) Opportunities to grow through greenkeepers have the opportunity is important that BIGGA members volunteer work to pass on a positive legacy to the feel they are part of the best mem- In the coming year - and beyond younger generation in the profes- bership organisation anywhere. - Paul wants (amongst other things) sion. “As National Chairman it will be to focus on the work of the BIGGA “When we are disappointed and an honour for me to work towards volunteers with particular refer- dejected, as sometimes we are, it this aim with the BIGGA HQ team ence to improving the take up of can be very uplifting to listen to a and with our many fine volunteers training and raising standards in generation of greenkeepers who at all levels. the profession. have survived recessions and crises “I want people to know that I am “I will be asking the Chief Execu- and still want to see members of fully committed in 2010 to focus tive to do all that he can to ensure the profession striving to be the the efforts of BIGGA HQ and the that all departments at BIGGA HQ, best and are still keen for the Association as a whole onto: and the four RA’s, focus in 2010 on association to go from strength to supporting our volunteers”. strength”. 1. Achieving much greater Paul thinks that despite the reces- engagement of members at Volunteer work builds sion there are huge opportunities in local levels confidence and character the industry and these will increase 2. Providing positive leadership as we develop our relationships and and support for our volunteers “It is training and development alliances with other organisations 3. Our association becoming the and the unselfish efforts of local in the golf and leisure sectors, both best membership organisation volunteers that build confidence here in the UK and abroad. anywhere.”

42 GI FEBRUARY 2010 Unlock the potential of greenkeepers

Become a key sponsor The funding provided by Golden and Silver Key supporters means that BIGGA can continue to produce training and career aids including DVDs, CD Roms, fi eld-guides, as well as refunds for training fees, subsidised learning and development courses, the lending library, careers advice, posters and manuals. To fi nd out more, contact BIGGA HOUSE on 01347 833800

I really wanted to develop my education but had to fund my own training, so I contacted BIGGA to ask for fi nancial support. A refund of my course fees has enabled me to complete my chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting, felling of small trees and my PA6 spraying certifi cates. I really do appreciate what BIGGA, with the support of the Golden and Silver Key Companies, has done for my career.

Murray Mannall, Greenkeeper

The support for this fund has enabled BIGGA to enhance the value of being a member, and it has previously given many greenkeepers the opportunity to further develop their careers. As an association we owe our Golden and Silver Key sponsors a huge vote of thanks.

John Pemberton, Chief Executive

Thank you to our Golden and Silver Key Sponsors

Golden Key Individual Members: WJ Rogers; Andy Campbell MG, CGCS; Iain A Macleod; Tom Smith; Frank Newberry; Christopher Lomas MG, Lee Strutt MG. Silver Key Individual Members: Ade Archer; Iain Barr; Hamish Campbell; Steve Dixon; Paul Jenkins; Robert Maibusch MG; Richard McGlynn; Stephen Pope; Jason Sarna; Steven Tierney; Neil Whitaker; Graham Wylie, Michael Beaton

KEY SPONSORS_FP NEW.indd 1 5/2/10 12:24:31 NEW Products GI The latest products from Harrogate Week reviewed

Toro showcased a number of new machines including the Workman HD Series of heavy duty utility vehicles and range of Brushcutting Solo brushcutters. Comprising two-wheel and four-wheel drive diesel options, the Workman in the Bushes HDX-D boasts a superb total carrying load together with a towing capacity of up to 1,588kg. Replacing the Workman 3300 and 4300, key features of the HD Series include the i-beam-shaped DeDion rear axle, an innovative automotive technology that isolates the engine, transmission and main frame from all load forces; a truss-like front space frame, integrated wheel bearings and hydraulic disc brakes on all four wheels for greater stopping power. The 142 and 154 Series Brushcutters are on show alongside other bestsellers from SOLO. The German manufacturer specialises in producing professional equipment that also includes hand-held and knapsack sprayers, hedge trimmers, blowers, forestry chainsaws and accessories to the highest of standards. Commenting on this latest launch, Lely’s Kim Macfie concludes: “Lely is highly regarded and best-known for bringing Toro mowing and irrigation products to the golfing industry. Now we are able to widen our range of equipment to golf courses by offering the superb SOLO range of complementary premium- quality outdoor equipment to our golf partners.”

www.toro.co.uk

44 GI FEBRUARY 2010 No More Oil Leaks

Ransomes Jacobsen, unveiled its latest generation riding greens mower, the Jacobsen Eclipse™ 322. Featuring a unique hybrid drive system, this latest mower is a radical departure from the hydraulically driven machines of the past 40 years and is like nothing else in its class. Designed to reduce operating costs and increase productivity, the Eclipse 322 provides cutting consistency on all types of greens, irrespective of the operator. The machine is totally free of hydraulic oil and, because of electronic control, it can be customised to meet the specific requirements of any golf course. Using electric motor technology totally negates the use of hydraulic oil and that means no leak points, and no hydraulic maintenance costs. The ‘steer by wire’ steering system eliminates the need for mechanical links, cables and hydraulic hoses, but still provides dynamic feedback to the operator, which mimics the feel of a hydraulic or cable-operated steering system. The all-electric joystick-controlled Lift/ Lower system allows the reels to be operated independently, with any combination of reels in use. With the centre unit raised it is possible to cut in one direction, return in the other direction and give the striping effect of a walking greens mower. With all three cutting reels in use, a 1.6 metre cutting width is achieved.

www.textron.com

New from The Grass Group

The Grass Group presented the Trilo.VCU 120 which has a working width of 1.2m – ideal for greens and tees – and weighs in at just 225kg, teaming up ideally with compact tractors. A slightly offset design allows working right up to the edge of the green or tee without risking damage by the tyres. Spacing for the rugged tungsten tipped blades is 50mm as standard, but can be swapped to 25mm for greater intensity and working depth is to a maximum of 50mm, for effective, clean scarification that will be an asset on any golf course.

www.thegrassgroup.com

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 45 GI NEW PRODUCTS New from Syngenta

New Syngenta Turf Nozzles, launched at the Show, have been specifically designed to improve the targeting of spray applications in turf and achieve better results for sprayer operators. Syngenta has initially designed two nozzles – one for foliar applications along with a high impact soil nozzle. Also, a new Syngenta fungicide with five-way action which targets seven turf diseases in the leaf and John Deere Hybrid protect turf quality is available for treatments starting in the spring. Technology on Show Heritage Maxx features active recycling of its powerful fungicidal John Deere’s hybrid technology was featured contours even more closely, as only an electric properties, providing disease on three different machines on the company’s cable is required to transmit power to the protection that goes on cut after stand. cutting head cut. The E-Cut hybrid machines include the The 8000e combines low noise and engine Heritage Maxx has been new 220e walk-behind greens mower, 2500e emission levels with reduced fuel consumption, developed as a new liquid triplex greens mower and 8000e three-wheeled, and this machine’s lower ground pressure formulation specifically for turf, ultra-light fairway mower, all fitted with the and three-wheel configuration leave a minimal utilising the Syngenta Maxx Quick Adjust cutting units. ‘footprint’. formulation technology.. Heritage The 220e’s design reduces weight on the Maxx particles are typically cutting head and allows it to follow ground www.deere.co.uk 10,000x smaller than conventional fungicide formulations, so over 1,000 particles can fit across the width of a single leaf stomata. The faster uptake means that New Fertilisers from Scotts 30% of the fungicide active gets into the plant leaf within 24 hours Scotts introduced two new fertiliser ranges levels allow for appropriate top growth and after application, compared to during Harrogate. The Sportsmaster WSF recovery during periods of heavy use. The 5% with the previous granular range will replace the existing Sierrasol organic content is manufactured from Heritage formulation. After 72 products and consists of three premium HACCP-accredited material to ensure it is hours there is double the amount water soluble fertilisers - High N, High P and free from pathogens whilst organic sources of active in the leaf. Root uptake is High K – which cover all turf feeding require- of phosphorus and potassium encourage also faster and, overall, trials have ments and seasons. They contain the TMax a strong, resilient sward. Sportsmaster shown 100% uptake of active into additive for enhanced foliar and root nutrient OrganiCRF’s mini granules disperse easily the leaf. uptake and to give turf consistent colour with ensuring even distribution. It has been approved for the no rapid tail-off plus chelated trace elements Sportsmaster WSF contains TMax nutrient broadest spectrum of turf diseases, to boost growing performance. uptake activator to ensure efficient nutrient with seven diseases on the label, Sportsmaster OrganiCRF is a blend of both delivery while using very low rates. Both including the most prevalent foliar organic fertiliser and Scotts’ patented Poly-S products will complement each other when disease, Fusarium Patch, the controlled release fertilisers to ensure more used in a programmed approach.” increasingly difficult to control consistent performance versus conventional Anthracnose, Leaf Spots common organic products. Ideal for use during www.scottsprofessional.co.uk on winter sports pitches and Rusts the main growth periods, high nitrogen that occur in wet warm periods on under fertilised turf. It is also approved for the Take-All Patch and Type 2 Fairy Rings. There is no LERAP restriction, making the More New Products from Harrogate Week Next Month product simpler and easier to use.

www.greencast.co.uk

46 GI FEBRUARY 2010 Solution new to Flooded Alliance Bunkers

The Redexim Group and Blec exclusive basis around the (Global) Ltd have entered into an world. agreement under which the two The Sandmaster is the only When Course Manager, Jeremy Parkman, experienced companies are working together machine of its type that can repeated flooding of the bunkers at Dale Hill Golf Club, he on the design and development inject damp materials, into the decided to put his 20 years of estate and water management of new machines for the Redexim ground up to 20cm deep, experience to the test in finding a solution. turf maintenance business. As a result of this agreement The first prototype produced was a unit connected to As part of the agreement between the Redexim and Blec existing drainage runs however the sand soon became Redexim have bought Charterhouse Turf Machinery contaminated after heavy rainfall and the efficiency of the the exclusive rights to the will market the Sandmaster unit was adversely affected. The ‘Eureka’ moment came Sandmaster machine, the range of sports turf renovation when he decided to extend the unit to the surface of the sand injector system, and the machines and Uniseeders in the sand. Jeremy realised this was a radical step, so after initial Uniseeder from the Blec range UK and Ireland. checks with the R&A, that it conformed to their rules, he that will be manufactured and pushed forward with the developments. marketed by Redexim on an www.redexim.com The amendments to the design also created additional benefits, such as providing a flushing point, reducing sand migration and providing a datum point of sand depth in the bunker. Jeremy has teamed up with MJ Abbott who will New Multihog Model manufacture and market the Bunker Plug.

www.mjabbott.co.uk / www.bunkerplug.com

Vitax oARs Re-launched

Bert Brace, Vice President/Formulator of Aqua-Aid USA was on hand during Harrogate Week to re-launch Vitax OARS Curative and dispel any lingering confusion surrounding the product. Having established that legal proceedings with former distributors Tower Chemicals have reached an amicable conclusion, that Tower Chemical’s ‘correct OARS’ product was not and never has been manufactured by Aqua Aid, and Vitax are, and always have been sole UK distributors of Aqua-Aid’s OARS Curative, he paved the way for Joe Crawley, head of Vitax Amenity to explain what this unique product is, how it works and the Multihog were first time exhibitors at the show, using the event to launch benefits it bestows. the latest 4WD 90 Multihog model. According to Joe, Vitax OARS Curative is an Organic The ability of the Multihog to work on gradients is of particular interest Acid Removal System, which when used in a wetting to those needing to cope with steep slopes – its tilting driver station, agent programme removes the organic waxy coatings wide wheel base and low centre of gravity put it in a class of its own for that attach to soil particles and cause water repellency. demanding terrain. “The removal of these organic coatings removes the “As well as talking to many visitors from not only the UK but also cause of Dry Patch Disease/Localised Dry Patch on golf, Holland and Germany, we welcomed the opportunity to make contact bowling greens and other fine turf surfaces,” he explains. with representatives from companies interested in becoming dealers for our product,” says Director Ruth McAdam:, “So all in all we had three Tel: 01530 510060 very worthwhile days in Harrogate and will be back!” www.vitax.co.uk www.multihog.com

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 47 Official Microsoft Training

Available at low cost to BIGGA Members

• Each course takes only 4-6 hours to Fancy improving your IT skills? complete • There is no limit to BIGGA members can access an official Microsoft® Office 2003 Training Library how many times you that includes programs such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook. complete the course • You have 12 BIGGA are able to offer these practical and effective online courses at a discounted cost of £15 (+ VAT) (usually months access to the £20 + VAT) to BIGGA Members, and £30 (+ VAT) to non-members, thanks to support from the Learning and programme Development Fund. For further information contact the Learning and Development Department on 01347 • All your learning 833800 option 3. takes place online and can be taken at a place and time to suit you • A certificate can be given upon 100% completion A Quick Guide to... Golf course drAinAGe

Melvyn Taylor, Managing Director of Turfdry Limited, with this month’s edition of top tips...

Importance Drainage should be an important consider- ation at all golf courses and, especially for those situated on impermeable clay soil, and effectiveness of a golf course drainage Bunkers a properly designed, correctly installed, system will be the spacing of the lateral accurately recorded, and well maintained drains on the fairways. - Bunker drainage can sometimes suffer drainage system can be the key to a suc On clay soil five metre spacing is fairly because some course designers fail to rea - cessful golf club. typical. lise the difficulty of finding suitable outfall The most commonly installed lateral points for deep bunkers. Topographical Survey drains are 60mm or 80mm perforated The installation of bunker drainage is one plastic pipes though modern alternatives area where ‘in-house’ installation can be A typical 18-hole course may cover around such as geotextile-wrapped fin drains are cost effective compared to using outside fifty hectares and to properly understand increasingly popular. contractors but, as with all drainage, it is actual or potential waterlogging problems it Lateral drains connect to 100mm and essential that pipes are laid to correct falls. is necessary to appreciate how water moves 150mm plastic carrier pipes which, in turn, onto, across, and off the entire course. feed into the arterial drainage system. Knowledge of surface contours is essen - All drains must be laid to correct falls Miscellaneous (minimum 1 in 200) and the use of modern tial and a professional topographical survey • Once designed, a new golf course drainage laser-guided trenching equipment can will provide this data; and a range of other plan can be implemented over several years greatly assist in achieving this. information to aid general management of to spread the cost. Fairway drainage does not generally need the course. • Greenkeepers’ machinery access routes to be deep, with 450mm being typical for All existing water courses (streams, should be included within the areas to be plastic pipe laterals. ditches, ponds, main carrier pipes, etc.) drained. The use of quality drainage aggregate should be plotted to enable an assessment • Pathways from tees on some holes can be above the laterals is vital: clean 6mm gravel of the existing arterial drainage system. considered to reduce the overall area where is ideal and widely available. drainage is required. It should be brought to within 100mm of • Trees should not be planted within six Arterial Drainage the surface, and be topped with an appro - metres of drains and species with far- priately matched sand or rootzone (see STRI Improvements spreading fibrous root systems, such grading curves). Using the survey results in conjunction with as Poplar and Willow should be avoided physical site investigations a competent altogether. designer may suggest improvements to the Greens and Tees • Irrigation pipework and other underground arterial drainage system which can either be services should not be installed without Many UK courses have clay-based greens features within the course itself (new ponds, considering if existing drainage could be and tees which can be prone to severe open ditches, etc.), or can be implemented damaged as a result. waterlogging. less obtrusively using large diameter buried • The maintenance of accurate drainage Whilst some, like Wentworth recently, pipes and hidden water storage, from which plans is crucial. have resorted to a complete greens rebuild- drainage water could be re-used for irriga - • A comprehensive programme of aeration ing programme, most clubs do not have the tion. and decompaction is essential to maintain necessary finance available. Fortunately, good quality professionally Fairway Drainage installed greens drainage systems are available for around £5k per green which, For further advice contact Turfdryl td: Each individual hole can then be assessed whilst not matching the performance of a Tel. 01283 551417 in terms of drainage requirements. The USGA green, will transform the playability email: [email protected] main factor determining the overall cost of greens during winter. Web: www.turfdry.com section notes Please email your notes to [email protected] by the 5th of the month All the latest news from your section Around The Green

scottish Region do have big Winter schedule. Let me know what you think? I have recently got back into education through Elmwood College and am doing my HNC in Golf Course Management. I east north have had to fund this myself and with it being quite expensive I Well, what a winter with all the I start off this month with an began to look about places Central snow that has fallen since mid apology. I did send last month’s where I could get part or all of it December. No golf for months news in but obviously it got lost subsidised. I was lucky enough What a winter! As I sit here …… the living room carpets at HQ. I, like yourself always look to gain a scholarship grant writing this I still hope to see must have taken a hammering? to the Section news pretty much through BIGGA itself. Ransomes many old friends at BTME in Well we should have no prob- straight away and was disap- Jacobsens sponsor the scholar- the middle of January but given lems in sinking these six footers pointed there was no news. It ship scheme and I was fortunate this year on the greens. was the first time since I took the amount of snow and ice cur- to be partly subsidised for the Hopefully, we will have a over the role of Section news course. May I take this oppor- rently covering the St Andrews good summer now, with The writer that the news hasn’t been tunity to thank David Withers, Courses at the moment, I have Open back at the Home of Golf published so I apologise. Sorry. Managing Director of Ransomes reservations about being away at St.Andrews, with possibly Well, hopefully you all enjoyed Jacobsens for their continued for a number of days when (or no Tiger Woods, but, hopefully, BTME in Harrogate this year. support with this scheme. With- if) the thaw starts. Speaking to Seve making an appearance at Whether you flew down or took out them I may not of been able many of the more experienced St.Andrews. We wish Gordon the train I’m sure it was a memo- to register on the course. It goes members of staff and people in Moir, and all the staff at rable experience. Our Deputy to show that if you are thinking the industry you have to go back St.Andrews, a successful Open. at Murcar, Mikey Fullerton, of higher education and your I hope all who went to Har- was a Harrogate virgin before club can’t contribute towards it, to the winter of ‘82 to have seen rogate in January enjoyed the this year. Bless him he doesn’t there is help out there, so don’t these conditions before on the experience and I’m sure there get out very often, so I’m sure be put off. coastal courses in this area. It’s will be plenty tales to tell. Our he would of enjoyed the sites of Dale Robertson has asked me at times like these you appreci- Section Patrons’ award winners the town, especially as he was to mention that he is constantly ate the friends and contacts you hopefully have something to tell accompanied by Brian Ander- updating the North Section’s have built up over the years that us about their visit to Harrogate. son, his boss. Brian would’ve website. To access this you have you can ask for advice. We look forward to hearing their taken good care of him and had to go on to the BIGGA main On the educational front, the views in March’s report of G.I. him tucked up in bed every website and follow the links. Any Our Section events kick-off with night for 10 o’clock. Somehow CMAE and BIGGA held a one probs please give Dale a shout at the re-scheduled visit to Baren- I don’t think that would have Newmachar and he’ll be only too day training seminar on Jan 29, brug seed factory and Falkirk happened! happy to help you out. at Ladybank GC, on managing football stadium on February 17. Hopefully the snow down That’s all I can muster up staff and appraisal training. Hope to see a good turn out for South didn’t spoil the show too for this month. If you do have This was hopefully the first of this one. Thank you to Greentech much, that’s if there was any any stories or news for me many joint ventures and I hope for sponsoring the day. left. Just a dusting of snow then please give me shout on to be able to report on it more Our Section Secretary as down in Englandshire and the 07813889374. Thank you. fully in the next report. The always has put together the golf whole place comes to a complete Ben Brookes outings for the year and will add standstill. The snow up here Section is planning to run an Murcar Links to events as we confirm dates has been pretty heavy and the evening seminar in early April and venues for these events. temperatures have been hitting when Stan Zontek, of the USGA, Please look on the BIGGA minus 20. That’s cold! northern Region and a couple of friends will be in website for dates and venues for I’m sure that the winter the area. Again, more details to your diaries. programmes will have been put follow or on the website www. To all the Section members, back a wee while so hopefully by biggacentralsection.org.uk If who made the time to come the time you read this we’ll be anyone would like Stan to talk along and support all the events snow free and well on our way. on a specific subject then please that our Section committee The thing is, once the snow has organised in 2009, a thank you all melted, a lot of courses have to contact myself or Gordon McKie. to them from our committee. deal with flooding so realistically north Wales The spring outing is on the Eden Let’s see if we can encourage we might not get on the courses Course on Tuesday 6 April (if the more members this year to sup- until mid February/March. I’m sitting in front of the com- snow has gone!). port these events. That I would imagine would be puter writing this and outside Gordon Moir Tom Murray a major stumbling block if you the world looks like a scene out

50 GI FEBRUARY 2010 of that film “THE DAY AFTER will be played at Gosforth GC Once again, the committee at the address below, otherwise TOMORROW” what an arctic [Bridle Path, as it’s otherwise of your Section will strive to I might have to start talking blast the winter has brought us known] on Wednesday October improve on last year and make about Scottish football, and that this year! 6, tee-off 12noon to 1pm. At this 2010 a successful year for the depresses me even more than The bus to Harrogate ran moment in time I am waiting Sheffield Section. If anyone the current weather. last month not a full bus but for confirmation for the Spring wishes to contact me at anytime Cheers. enough passengers to make it comp. If all goes well it will be please feel free, it is nice to hear Peter McVicar a success (just). I hope all who held at City of Newcastle GC. from you. [email protected]. ventured over the Pennines with Let’s hope I receive good news James Stevens us enjoyed their day at shortly. [email protected] BTME. Right, that’s all the news 07738719614 Midland Region The Inter-Section spring I have at the moment. Just to seminar takes place this month remind everyone, all news will be on February 23, at Eaton Golf helpful as all Section Secretaries Club, the topics on offer are are getting ear-ache from HQ to Greenkeeping practices past have regular monthly reports in and present, the present and the magazine. future of chemical use within Jimmy Richardson Greenkeeping and a special East Midlands feature on drug awareness in North West the workplace, enough topics to As you sit down and read this, please hopefully even the most It’s early January and cabin your golf course should have seminar cynical Greenkeeper fever has begun to set in here recovered from the inches of there. at Hesketh. Not the best start to snow that we had in December. Terry Adamson is hoping to the new golfing year, but things I am sure many of you found it hold another of his successful can only get better. a nice reprieve from your daily talunex/phostoxin pest control Sheffield We, as a committee, are duties. When I wrote this Harro- courses in the north and west working hard trying to raise the gate was on the horizon and by coastal region of our Section Hello everyone, profile of the North West region the time you read it Harrogate soon and anyone in that area My apologies for the lack of this includes playing some of has gone. So I am going to pre- interested please contact Terry, news in January issue. I’m sure the best courses in the district, dict that you all met up with old his number is on the reverse of you will all forgive me. along with various non-golfing friends and had a great time and the Section fixture sheet, or you Hopefully as you read this activities. A website is also under hopefully the March column will may already have his number if all the snow has disappeared construction and will hopefully be full of stories from Harrogate. he serves your club. and you are all continuing with be up and running very soon. As we go into 2010, we can all In local news, I’m sorry I don’t your Winter programmes. It can Once again, as Chris always but wait for the year to unfold. seem to have any! If you have become a little tedious being says, turf managers of the North This year The Open returns to any news, matters of interest inside all the time but I’m sure West this is your Section, help St Andrews and who knows or anniversaries you wish to everyone will be able to look us to help you, we can set up what surprises will unfold, also pass on please don’t hesitate to around their maintenance facili- training courses, hold seminars, The Ryder Cup returns to our contact me. That’s about it for ties and take great pride in them have visits to football grounds, shores at Celtic Manor, a com- this time so… and all machinery and course almost anything you want. petition that I am sure everyone All the best until next month. furniture will be in tip top shape We are very fortunate in the eagerly awaits. I would like to Pete Maybury for the new season. North West to have not only wish Toro Student of the Year, [email protected] I would like to thank everyone some of the best golf courses Rhys Norville all the best over or 0775600187 at Rotherham GC for hosting but also some of the best football in America, studying at Umass our Christmas comp. Everyone stadia, racing tracks, cricket and I hope he adapts to the cold I spoke to had a great day. A grounds etc etc, we should be weather and long study hours. big thanks goes to Dave and utilising this to learn from our On matters a bit closer to his team for getting the golf on peers across the spectrum of home I would like to encourage as, for some time, it looked as sports turf management. new faces to come to the East though it wouldn’t go ahead. We are also looking for anyone Midlands golf days. They are Congratulations to Andy else willing to join the com- always good days out with good North East Unwin the overall winner with mittee, you don’t have to be a food and good company. It is 52 points (great pin positions Course Manager or work on a also a great chance to meet and Well, not a lot of news to report Andy). The trade prize went to golf course. talk to new people and found out this month but at least it will be Mike Brear congratulations As Chris mentioned in the last more about the industry that more than last month. As all Mike. Thanks must go to Mike, report, Adie Holt has taken over you work in. members would see in a recent and Rigby Taylor, for once again as Chairman, from Allan Don- The Section held their Christ- magazine that Course Manager sponsoring the event. Everyone levy, without doubt Adie will do a mas competition on December Brian Consitt, of Linden Hall, I spoke with really enjoyed the great job and be a fine ambassa- 8 at Wollaton Park. A fantastic had two photos for the BIGGA new format of golf that Mike dor for our region, I can’t finish day was had by all on a superb calendar 2010. Well congratula- introduced and thought it added these notes without mentioning course, with great weather. The tions, Brian, and sorry it is a bit a bit of fun to the day. I must also the amount of work Alan, Chris day was finished by an entertain- late but as the saying goes better once again thank all our other (Sheehan) and Billy (Merritt) ing after dinner speech by Tim late than never, No doubt you sponsors over the past year for have carried out over the past Stimpson, ex Leicester Tigers, will have been out again recently their continued support. few years and continue to do so. England and British Lions with the way the weather has Once again the AGM passed They must be applauded for all Rugby Union player. The win- been over Christmas holidays. without any major hiccups. Our their efforts. ning team on the day was Nigel Once again thanks to Terry committee is as follows:- Presi- Finally, I would like to wish Colley, Greg Skinner and Mark Charlton, of TSL, on providing dent. G. Brammah; Chairman. you all the very best for the Chamberlain with 81 pts from transport, entertainment and R. Needham; Vice Chairman. I. coming season and hope the a modified team Stableford. Our food for the annual visit to Whitehead; Treasurer. A. Samp- snow soon melts, if you have thanks go to our sponsors of the BTME,other news is that the son; Secretary. J. Stevens, and any information you would like day – Platts Harris, Rigby Taylor, Autumn Comp. is booked and Comp Sec - A. Unwin. to share please e-mail it to me Colliers Turfcare, Enviropro

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 51 Around The Green

H20 and Tacit. club’s history, changes made and recklessness (so no change Wales Branch of the IOG for Our thanks also go to all of our and changes to be made, finish- for me there then!) All of this their organisation and of course sponsors throughout the whole ing off with a tour of their very is good news for greenkeepers to4.04 Martin Townshend and of 2009. impressive facilities. The Golf though. We haven’t had a good Peter Holstrom, of Countrywide, If anyone has anything that format for the day was Green- deep prolonged frost like this for for agreeing to sponsor these they think is worth mentioning, somes and the prizes for the a long time (maybe 1986) and events again this year. it can be anything, anything day went to: “Holywell Course” organisations like the STRI (other The next talk will be given by at all then please e-mail: Andy 1. Roy Dow and Rob Millman, agronomists are available) have my mate Paul Clifton, of Bayer, de Wet at biggaeastmidlands@ Chumleigh, 46 pts; 2. James said that due to a lack of these at Pencoed College, on Febru- hotmail.com. Sheehan, Truro, and Richard prolonged frosts, there as been ary 17, at 7pm. Subject of the Matt Wormald Japes, Sports Metals, 46 pts; 3. an increase in Leather Jackets, talk is on recent developements Andrew Prouse and David Daw, Chafer Grubs and arguably in chemicals for use on sports Porthpean, 45 pts. “Church Nematodes. So we shall see! turf. South West and Course” 1. David Moulding and Anyway, back to the section Still on the subject of Educa- Des Bickle, Bigbury, 36 pts; 2. and an apology for not bringing tion, the annual Avoncrop Ame- South Wales Simon Clarke and Adrian West, you the result of the RT Match- nity Education Seminar takes St Mellion, 35 pts, 3. Jason play final at Tenby in last month’s place at Ashburnham Golf Club Region Brooks,Torquay, and Gavin edition of GI In a keenly fought on Wednesday March 3. Among Moore, Launceston, 34 pts. contest the team of Paul Handy those speaking will be represen- The day was topped off by a and Rhys Norville, of Newport tatives from Scotts, Barenbrug, wonderful Christmas meal and GC, beat Daryl Bray and Leigh Syngenta, Aquadyne and Far- entertainment by “Chris James” Davies, of Morriston. The match mura. The day is free to attend a very talented magician and started early to beat the prom- and includes Coffee and a bacon mind-reader who had everyone ised rain and was played on a roll on arrival plus buffet lunch. Devon and Cornwall spell bound!! A huge thank well presented Tenby links. Well Invites will be with you shortly or you to Tuck Clagett, General done to Chris Jenkins and his you can contact me to reserve a Hello all. I’ll start by talking Manager, and all the staff at staff. Both teams were treated place/places. about our favourite subject, St Enodoc for a great day and to a typical RT night out in town That’s it for now, I’m off to find the weather! We have had two special thanks to Scott Gibson the previous evening with both some tennis racquets to tie to extremes in the last couple of and his Greenkeeping team teams suitably fed and watered! my feet in order to get to you, my months, very wet or extremely for presenting two wonderful Thanks guys! I’m sure either dear and valued customer, only cold, both being very frustrat- courses. Rodger Bowles or Steve Blake- to find you’ve gone home and ing, with courses having to close One event for you diary in man will be casting a close eye are cwtched up in front of a fire! for many days in a row. Little February: Spring Educational over those receipts! I also think Ceri Richards we can do as Course Managers Seminar, Wednesday, February that Roy Barker needs to work [email protected] and Greenkeepers about the 17. Three speakers, Steve Gin- on his people skills as not only 07831 168645 weather, apart from making gell, STRI, – Disturbance Theory did he proclaim his love for Mar- sure that we communicate Mark Atkins, Soil Harmony, – garet Thatcher (not advisable in why we need to protect and Life beneath your feet South Wales) but he also told rest the course during these Andrew Turnbull, Allturf one local lady that she reminded periods. Many courses will have Management, – Carbohydrates him of Jo Brand! Seriously varying degrees of tolerance to “The Brix of life” though guys, to Dave Carvey, frost conditions and allowing Contact Duchy College on Peter Griffiths and Roy Barker, play and this has to be judged 01579 372220 thank you from the Section South Coast individually. What I find is more Please contact me if you would for sponsoring this great event important is that members and like me to include any stories, in 2009. Also thanks to Steve Hi every one guests are fully aware of why events, happenings within the Chappell for the unenviable task As I sit at my computer these decisions have been made. Section. Thank you for support- of sorting out the draws and to wondering what to write, I had Let’s hope that the Weather Gods ing your section. Chris Jenkins and his staff and the great idea of looking back to will be shining down this spring George Pitts, everyone at Tenby Golf Club for see what my previous would-be in what is going to be a very Devon and Cornwall Section hosting the event, and finally a journalists had written. What a important period, financially, Secretary big well done to Paul and Rhys bad idea that was, all it did was for many clubs this year. 07929 754401 for their hard fought victory. to scare the hell out of me. The Christmas meeting was [email protected] Education now and the Any way here goes. Firstly, I held on December 9 at St Enodoc, winter series of evening must thank the previous writers in Cornwall and was a huge suc- lectures(sponsored by Coun- as they have done a wonderful cess. Those Weather Gods were trywide Turf and Amenity) job and to the next people don’t certainly shining down on the began with Keith Exton, Head leave to the last minute and very 82 attendees who enjoyed golf Groundsman at The Swalec late at night to write as this as it or a course walk around one of Stadium (you know, Sophia only makes life very difficult. You the most stunning Golf Courses Gardens) with a talk entitled ‘In too could end up with writer’s in the British Isles. The day was South Wales At The Deep End’ at Taffs Well block and rambling beginnings! sponsored by MST and Irritech RFC. Keith told us about his The seminar this year is who provided the prizes for the As I write this column it is experiences in preparing the once again at Canford Magna day and special thanks to MST -5 and snowing outside, but pitch for the Ashes test match. Golf Club on March 4, which and Ransomes for providing my little Rhondda home is nice The 5 days were a triumph is a Thursday. The whole day a “Half-way House”, stocked and warm having allowed the and one in the eye for all those is being devoted to the Distur- generously with cornish pasties, wife to put some more coal on people (mostly our dear next bance Theory. Under the title tea, coffee, soft drinks and some the fire. The local shop is out of door neighbours) who thought of “Forward Thinking/Forward hard-stuff too! Scott Gibson, bread and milk and travelling that it should not have been Planning”. The speakers will all Course Manager, led the course along the side streets requires held there. Thanks to Keith for be from the STRI. We will be the walk and talked us through the a mixture of dodgy driving skills his excellent talk, to the South first people to hear this new and

52 GI FEBRUARY 2010 Around The Green up to date version of their talk. to have a great number attend They will have just released it and even better that we had 10 at Harrogate but we will be the or so turn out for the course first of the Sections. Hopefully walk. Jeff, many thanks to you you will have had the flyer for for giving us the opportunity of the day already and this is just a the course walk and also to you John reminder. As with any thing that and your guys for presenting a you need to ask contact me at wonderful golf course!! Pemberton [email protected] or Now for the winners, in third by phone 07796887633 place Paul Garland, Lansdown, Chief The fixtures are out for this with 36pts. In second place year and no doubt Kev will tell Richard Louisson, Cirencester, Executive you about them when it’s his with 37pts and in first place turn to write this piece. You will Stuart Broom, Lyme Regis,H have had your fixture cards by with 38pts. Well done guys. What a month January turned out to be - the worst period of now but if not, they will be on We all know that these last snow and frost for many years and on the upside, arguably the your door mats very soon. couple of weeks have been just best event in Harrogate that we have ever produced. I hope everyone who went to a complete nightmare weather We came back after the Christmas break somewhat Harrogate Week got something wise. Hard frosts and snow concerned that the weather would prevent a great many people worthwhile out of it and made makes doing anything far from from attending. As the snow disappeared, almost to order, new friends and met up with old easy. For example, getting into the worry then was that time off work would not be allowed as ones your car on the way to work greenkeeepers and groundsmen attempted to get their facilities I look forward to seeing you at on a Wednesday morning...... back into play. We need not have lost any sleep, demand for Canford as Chris Sealey recently found education was unprecedented and the visitors came in their Chris Bitten out. Chris started his day like thousands. Many exhibitors reported a record show and those any other winter’s morning, who attended the Social Night were treated to an evening of opened the car, set the heating fun, friendship and good food. on full, de-iced the windscreen Thanks are due to Ransomes Jacobsen for its sponsorship of and then had his cup of coffee both the Social Night and the International Summit that took to help him start the day! To his place earlier in the week. It was BIGGA’s turn this year to host surprise, when Chris went back this annual event that brings together representatives from to his car, the doors were locked, greenkeeping associations from around the world to discuss South West keys in the ignition and the matters of common interest. engine still going.....”OH DEAR” Sadly, not all trade companies played by the book and Hi everyone, I realise 2010 is comes to mind. At least the full since the exhibition I have had reports of representatives in full swing now however allow tank of diesel he had wasn’t doing business while walking about without being a bone me to wish you all the very best going to waste. After phoning to fide exhibitor. Unfortunately I do not have any hard evidence for the year ahead and I hope the the AA, they weren’t a great deal of such rogue trading and would be interested to hear from ball runs smoothly for everyone, of help as the car was still sat any member who can substantiate these claims. I have a whatever it is you have going! on the driveway. Unfortunately list of companies that are suspected of such dealings and As I write this I guess you’re there was no spare key either, rest assured they will be closely monitored if they turn up at all getting ready for Harrogate, the only thing left is to smash a Harrogate in 2011 and are not an exhibitor. however by the time you read window...... ”OH DEAR” comes Plans are already under way for next year’s Harrogate this Harrogate will all be over. So, to mind again!!! Chris did make although at this stage we are lead to believe that the large I hope everyone had a great time it to work that morning, everyone machinery manufactures will not be in attendance. It’s a great and I’m sure your all agree with who saw the window had to ask pity because with a change to how they spend their budget me by saying what a fantastic the question, “What happened they could all make a valuable contribution towards the week’s week it was. there Chris??” Fortunately a success and raise their own profile at the same time. I would like to congratulate quick phone call to Auto Glass As we move into 2010 then the sights at BIGGA HOUSE Paul Farragut, from Chipping and the matter was solved. are clearly set on three main areas: (1) Developing the value of Sodbury. Paul won this year’s While I write I have to tell you being a member, (2) increasing the provision and take-up of Section competition and with that I’ve just watched my first education and (3) improving the positioning of the Association that had the opportunity to Cadburys cream egg advert, in the sports turf industry. The coming year will present many attend Harrogate this year this wouldn’t normally be a challenges and although the country has been declared as completely free. This was made problem, however I do still have officially having come out of recession nevertheless it will take possible because of our patron- the Christmas tree in the corner, some time for this to filter through into the sports and leisure age partners, a huge thank ummmm interesting...... industry. Will the golf industry in particular ever be the same you to them for making this A quick plea to everyone, again? I, and many others, think not however the Board and possible. If you would like this please make every effort to Staff will be looking to the future and will make every effort to to opportunity next year, please attend as many things as pos- meet members’ needs while working in close partnership with hold fire and wait for the details sible this year, both education other allied bodies to develop the Association. to fellow. and golf days, I for one look Finally, I would like to wish Neil Hayward, of the English Golf What a great Christmas golf forward to seeing you all at Union, a long and happy retirement. Neil retires after many day we had. Firstly, thanks to some point during 2010. If you years of serving the golf industry having specialised of late in Nobby for getting the weather have any news/stories that you giving advice on aspects of child protection as applicable to golf just right again! Also hands up if would like to share please do so. clubs. Good Luck Neil and I look forward to meeting up with you thought that was one of the You all have my e-mail address you on a golf course somewhere. best raffles we’ve had, I think so! and my phones always on. Look We played this year’s event at forward to hearing from you. Taunton & Pickeridge, and the Adam Matthews, course (and club house) was in adam.l.matthews@hotmail. super condition. It was brilliant co.uk

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 53 Around The Green South East Region seems an age away but, by the like to thank the catering and The Turkey Trot will be held time you read this, will only be bar staff who kept us fed and at Wyke Green Golf Club in a month away. Yes folks, it’s watered superbly. December. This should be time for our springtime National The results were:- 1. Sandy another great day and hopefully Qualifier at Prince’s Golf Club. Lodge, (Sam Stabler, Simon Tony won’t get the rain he had March 10, is the date for one Walley, Stuart Playle, Pat hosting his last BIGGA day! of the most eagerly anticipated Johnson) 57pts; 2. Ealing, (Greg Please if you have any ques- events in our Section’s recent Evans, Warren Clements, Stan tions or suggestions on the Kent history. Please make sure you Harrison, Jack Sims), 56pts; 3. section please contact us. confirm your attendance early Robbed on countback. Muswell You can call or use the web site It would be very easy to theme for what promises to be a very Hill (Kevin O Neill , Martin Gaff- www.biggalondonsection.co.uk. this month’s column around popular day and a fantastic start ney, Jack Hockings), 56pts Matt Plested the recent weather issues being to our year of events. Longest drive: Simon Grand, 07818410333 experienced by one and all. How- I would like to sign off by Hadley Wood with a 350 yard ever, I shall resist the temptation thanking the sponsors who have drive down the snow! as I’m sure none of you need already pledged allegiance to A special word of congratula- reminding how cold and bleak the Kent Section for the coming tions for Peter Phillips who had a conditions have been of late. I year. They being: hole-in-one at the 8th which was always find that this time of year Grass Roots Trading, MAB also the nearest the pin hole! is ideal for developing teams. Groundscare and Scotts UK. Peter then bought a large bottle Much of the work being carried Meantime keep those ther- of whisky to warm us up and Essex out during cold snaps is done mals on and your tree prunings share the moment with him. with multiple numbers of staff burning. Education – The 3 ‘P’s- Prog- As you will all be aware we and encouraging team relation- Best of British ress, Peril and Presentation, on have not had anything on over ships during these periods is Rob Holland Feb 18. the past month or so, so on that ideal for staff bonding and trust 07843 410755 Andy Wight, from Oakland’s front I have nothing to report. which, in turn, pays dividends www.kentgreenkeepers.com College, has organised a great Your new committee had its by helping to ensure the play- day for the London section. To first meeting on January 14 at ing quality and condition of the be held at Oakland’s College. Regiment Way, so by the time course in future months. Morale See Diary of Events (next page) you read this we will have made in teams can be quite low at for details. some plans for the season these times of year so I think it Seminar Programme ahead. is important to, where practi- 10.00am – 10.30pm: Arrival We will have put yet another cal, encourage as much staff and Welcome. Greg Evans Harrogate Week under our interaction as possible to get us London (Course Manager Ealing GC) will belts and for those of you that through the winter months. give an overview of greenkeeping attended I’m sure you all got a Individual appraisals and Hello to all, practices at Ealing GC. Dr. Ruth lot out of it. team meetings are also often As I sit in my office writing this Mann, STRI, ‘Disease Update’. Though while I write this enlightening experiences for month’s ‘Around the Green’ I’m 12.30pm – 1.30pm: Lunch article, the snow is falling quite managers and staff alike. And looking out over the golf course Jane Leyland, UK Research heavily and with weather reports, all educational opportunities and its still covered in snow, it is and Development Manager that it’s here for some time. I for should be exploited to the max still January. Don’t think we are Barenbrug UK Ltd. Frank New- one am wondering if I’m going to until the frozen tundra starts in our own climate! We have been berry, Golden Key Sponsor, ‘How be able to make the trip, which to defrost itself. Staff develop- shut for what feels like weeks! to be a Powerful Persuader’ will be the first time I have missed ment is something many of us It has only been one week but it Cost: £10 (inc VAT). Cost the week for many a year. struggle to find time for when feels like longer. At first the excite- includes all course materials I am in the process of writing the season is in full swing so it ment of the snow and having a and lunch. and working on a new website. I is important to make the most snowball fight with the lads was To book your place contact know the old saying, “of if it’s not of quieter times of the year when great but now I just want to get [email protected] or broken don’t repair it”, but after more attention can be given to on with things. The sheds are call 01727 737735 a year of the site, I feel its look- each individual. sparkling, the machines all ser- 2010 Fixtures: The Spring ing a bit stale, so I have spent One person who won’t be wor- viced, greased and the car park tournament, May 20, at Ealing the Christmas period looking rying too much about the freez- has been cleared of snow again. GC I know we have had the and thinking of at new ideas for ing conditions of late is Andrew At least we will never run out of 2mm or above debate at Har- the site. A more user-friendly Wood, of Avoncrop Amenity. tree work at Muswell Hill G.C. rogate last month. This is your approach is what I have come “Why ever not?”, I hear you Enough of my ramblings. chance to see what Greg Evans up with. ask. Well, the reason is simple. Like I informed you last month has been doing with his greens! So you may have found that Andrew has bravely entered into the Turkey Trot was played at Also this is the National quali- we have been off line for a few the inaugural Brighton Mara- Sandy Lodge GC, in December, fier. The first and second place days, or that the site is under thon in April and is, therefore, but I had no results to share winners will get their expenses construction during February, constantly pounding the streets with you, so here it goes. The paid trip to the National Cham- don’t worry we will be back in in serious preparation for the big course was in great condition as pionship, which this year is at time for the new season. event. Andrew is raising money normal. There was a lot of work The Berkshire. More news next month plus a and awareness for “WaterAid” being carried out around the The Summer Tournament report from the committee meet- who concern themselves with course in preparation for there will be held on July 21, at ing and the venues and dates for drought issues worldwide. centenary this year and it all Muswell Hill Golf Club. This will this seasons golf matches. Please go to our website for more looked very impressive. I would give you chance to look how we If you have any news for this details on Andrew’s progress like to thank Rob Phillips and have changed the course after magazine or the website please and the charity and there is also his team for all their hard work the fire in 2007. We will have a contact me by email: a link to a sponsorship page if it what had been a difficult time. BBQ after the golf with golf dress [email protected] you feel so inclined. The course just keeps improving welcome all day, so need for your Arnold Phipps-Jones Our first event of the year still every time I go back. I would also shirt and tie! Press Officer.

54 GI FEBRUARY 2010 diary of events details of your section’s forthcoming events in 2010 can now be found here...

Ally’s Annual Quiz at Teesside Golf Club around only the 3rd racecourse to be built starting at 7.30pm. There is a free supper in the UK in 80 years in the company of February and prizes to be won. Members, friends and Clerk of the Course Mr.Tim Long and man- family are welcome. Contact Ian Pemberton aging director David Thursfield. Ffos Las is Wednesday 17th February (Pembo) on 07791 695768. located near Kidwelly and the visit starts at 5:30pm. The Devon and Cornwall Section Spring Arranged by the South Wales Section Workshop entitled “The Life Beneath Your February 2010 in conjunction with the IOG South Wales Feet”, to be held at Duchy College. Contact – Date to be advised. Branch and is sponsored by Countrywide George Pitts at [email protected] Turf & Amenity. Contact Steve Chappell at The South West Section are organizing or 07929 754401. [email protected] an Excavator Training Course (novice driv- ing course). Contact Adam Matthews at ‘Recent developments in chemicals for [email protected] Tuesday 23rd March. use on sports turf’. Paul Clifton of Bayer Environmental will be giving a presentation The Cleveland Section’s Spring Tourna- covering recent developments in chemicals ment will be held at Seaton Carew Golf Club for the use on sports turf (I suppose you March from 10am. Contact Ian Pemberton (Pembo) could say he does exactly what it say’s on on 07791 695768.] the tin!!). Venue is Pencoed College (Brid- Tuesday 2nd March. gend) and starts at 7:00pm. Arranged by the South Wales Section in conjunction with the Scottish BIGGA Conference, Carnegie IOG South Wales Branch and is sponsored Conference Centre, Carnegie College, Dun- April by Countrywide Turf & Amenity. fermline. Speakers include; Henry Bechelet, Contact Steve Chappell at: STRI, Richard Windows, STRI, Greg Evans, Tuesday 13th April. [email protected]. Ealing GC, Gordon McKie, Course Manager, Old Course, St.Andrews Links, Lee Strutt, The East Section of Scotland’s Golf The East Section of Scotland is pleased Course Manage GWest, Gleneagles, Paul Spring Meeting hosted by Kilspindie Golf to announce an all areas site visit to the Kimber, Golf Course Architect. Contact Club. Contact Stuart Ferguson at stuferg@ Barenbrug Factory in Falkirk. This event is Peter Boyd at [email protected] btinternet.com or 07961 630553. free to all wishing to attend. Contact Stuart Ferguson at [email protected] or Wednesday 14th April. 07961 630553. Thursday 4th March. The South Coast Section has arranged Site visit to 2010 Ryder Cup Course at Thursday 18th February. an education section seminar to be held at the Celtic Manor Resort. Director of Golf Canford Magna Golf Club. Contact Chris Courses & Estates Management Jim McK- The London Section presents its 2010 Bitten at [email protected] enzie will be showing us around the first Seminar ‘The 3 P’s’ – Progress, Peril and Pre- golf course to be purpose built to host the sentation. 10.00am – 3.30pm at Oaklands Ryder Cup. following the tour there will be College, Smallford Campus, St Albans. Friday 5th March. a presentation when Jim will be joined by Speakers to include, Greg Evans – Is 2mm Chris Sealy to discuss the Ryder cup at South East Region Annual Gentleman’s Valhalla in 2008. possible for all of us?, Dr Ruth Mann will Dinner to be held at Walton Heath Golf Arranged by the South Wales Section provide a disease update and Jane Leyland Club. Contact Clive Osgood at cliveosgood@ in conjunction with the IOG South Wales UK Research and Development Manager yahoo.co.uk Branch and is sponsored by Countrywide Barenbrug Ltd and Frank Newberry, Trainer Turf & Amenity. Contact Steve Chappell at will complete the afternoon session. [email protected]. Contact Andrew Wight at Wednesday 10th March. [email protected]. The Kent Section has arranged a golf event The East Midlands Section has arranged to be held at Princes Golf Club. Contact Rob a golf event to be held at Erewash Valley Golf Tuesday 23rd February. Holland at [email protected] Club. Contact Andy de Wet at biggaeastmid- [email protected] The North Wales and North West Sec- Wednesday 17th March. tions are holding a joint seminar at Eaton The Devon and Cornwall Section has Golf Club. Details to be confirmed. Contact Wednesday 21st April. arranged a golf event to be held at Mullion Jeremy Hughes at [email protected]. Golf Club. Contact George Pitts at gpitts. The Cleveland Section has arranged an [email protected] evening event on Correct Blade Setting and Thursday 25th February. Maintenance of your machines. Site visit to Ffos Las Racecourse, Car- Contact Ian Pemberton (Pembo) on 07791 The Cleveland Section is holding Baz and marthenshire. A chance to have a look 695768.

GI Membership Tracey Maddison, Head of Membership, provides a departmental update

Harrogate Week 2010 Members of BIGGA are an essential part of the Association; Welcome to new Members It would be remiss of me members form the community not to mention Harrogate that exists within BIGGA. For more information on new Week 2010 in this month’s The Section and regional events members log in to the Members membership update because and Harrogate Week show how Area of the BIGGA website: it is a vital component of the strong that community is with www.bigga.org.uk membership services and members attending benefiting ...and select ‘Welcome New benefits that BIGGA offers. from discussions and debates on Members’ from the Menu on topical issues, exchanging ideas the left hand side. The show welcomes all visitors and generally meeting and mixing regardless of whether they are with like-minded people. a member of BIGGA or not, but Choosing to be a member of an This month BIGGA the benefit from being a member association or club etc usually welcomes the following comes when you want to attend means that membership offers a new members… one of the many workshops at number of benefits and services to Continue to Learn. each individual person. scottish Region This year BIGGA members We may not take advantage of Contact details made massive savings of: every benefit or service that is John kelly, East 38% when booking a two day available to us and because of that Tracey Maddison Robert Mackay, North [email protected] Lewis Thomson, East workshop, a 50% saving when we may not always remember all booking a one-day workshop and the benefits and services that are Brad Anderson northern Region [email protected] a huge 55% saving when booking offered to us, so it’s good to remind Ross Butterworth, North West ourselves every so often what we, Tel: 01347 833800 a half-day workshop. (option 1 for Membership) The savings made at Harrogate as members, can take advantage Midland Region Week alone will either pay or go a of. Sean Brocklehurst, Mid Anglia long way to cover your member- Visit the Members’ area of Thomas Calder, Midland George Mackie, Midland ship subscription for a year. If the BIGGA website to remind David Sutherland, Berks/Bucks & Oxon you didn’t get the opportunity to yourself of all the benefits and south east Region attend this year there is always services that are available to you, next year! www.bigga.org.uk and log in to William Coles, kent Regional Offices David Cracknell, East Anglia Fresh back from the success the members area. Paul Craske, East Anglia of Harrogate Week 2010 we are Michael Edmunds, Essex Scotland & Martyn German, Surrey already planning Harrogate Week stress and debt Helplines Northern Ireland Richard Pennell, Surrey 2011, for more information visit Peter Boyd Stewart Rogers, Essex Tel: 0141 616 3440 Nick Staff, East Anglia www.harrogateweek.org.uk. A membership benefit you may Mobile: 07776 242120 Darren Thomas, London Whether you attend the exhibi- not be aware of is the stress and [email protected] south West & south Wales tion on its own or alongside Con- debt helplines. Northern & Midland Region tinue to Learn there is something During the last six months the Peter Larter Tel: 01476 550115 of interest for everybody and well BIGGA website page for stress Mobile: 07866 366966 Lance Evans, South Wales [email protected] Alex Pike, South West worth a visit. Next year why not advice has taken, on average, 135 Rhys Williams, South Wales bring your Chairman of Green, hits a month and the debt helpline South East Golf Club Committee Member or page has averaged 100 visits a Clive Osgood Tel: 01737 819343 Line Manager along to be part of month. Mobile: 07841 948410 the Harrogate Experience 2011? The impact of the economic cli- [email protected] oTHeR UseFUl mate has been well documented South West & Wales Membership Benefits and in the media and there is no doubt Jane Jones nUMBeRs Tel: 01454 270850 (Full Members only) services that, unfortunately, the golf sector Mobile: 07841 948110 These days we find ourselves has not escaped from the restric- [email protected] being members of all sorts of tions on lending and the downturn associations, groups, clubs and in consumer spending. societies, from our professional If you are experiencing increas- body to members of a gym, sports ing pressures in your daily life club, football team, darts team and want to talk to an expert in Peter Boyd Peter Larter to the National Trust, whatever complete confidence, then ring it is we are members of means the Stress or Debt Helpline on ©iStockphoto.com/bigga_tom that at some time we have made 0800 174 319 where a trained Legal Assistance 0800 177 7891 Personal Accident Insurance 0207 560 3013 a conscious decision to become advisor is on hand to discuss any Stress Helpline 0800 174 319 part of a group. issue. Clive Osgood Jane Jones Debt Helpline 0800 174 319

56 GI FEBRUARY 2010 Assistant What’s Profile your number? Each month we take a light hearted look Our regular and random profile of an industry figure into the life of an assistant greenkeeper... continues with this month’s lucky number...

Robbie “Rab” David Snowden of Murdoch, a Raith Agronomic Services Rovers fan, is into comes under the Rock band, Oasis spotlight and was a star guest 1. What is your position within on Chris Evans’ the company? Radio Show! MD of Agronomic Services Ltd. and European Technical Director for name: Robbie Murdoch Floratine Products Group. Age: 29 Club: Dundas Park GC 2. How long have you been in the Position: First Assistant industry? nickname: Rab, Bob, Bobski. 20 years.

1. How long have you been greenkeeping? 3. How did you get into it? 9 years. I started as sales manager for probably the best turf produc- tion company in the UK, Lindum Turf. 2. What was it about the career that attracted you? My big brother David is the CM at Liphook GC, I 4. What other jobs have you done? worked six summer seasons at Liphook before I started The Snowden family has farmed for five generations, so pig full time and really enjoyed it! and arable farming mainly, lumber jacked in Canada, sold John Deer tractors in Nebraska, Ski Instructor, and waiter 3. If you weren’t a greenkeeper what do you think for 50 minuets! you’d be? I studied design at College and University, so probably 5. What do you like about your current job? something along that line. People in the turf industry, in many ways are like dealing with farmers, which is always entertaining, and they’re full 4. Which task do you most enjoy doing and why? of passion! I enjoy all aspects of my job, especially when the sun is Mother Nature makes the job interesting, as you’re never shining! quite sure what she’s going to do next.

5. Which task do you least enjoy doing and why? 6. What changes have you seen during your time in the Not much really. Probably mowing fairways, the industry? machine seems to be a magnet for flying golf balls even Pioneering companies like Floratine, successfully introduc- when there is nobody playing the hole your working on! ing the concept of foliar feeding. Environmental issues, European bureaucracy, and legisla- 6. What one thing - other than a pay rise - would tion gone raving mad. improve the greenkeepers’ lot? Better communication and understanding of our job 7. What do you like to do in your spare time? between club officials and golfers. Played Rugby all my life, now watch it because, I’m too old to play, skiing with the family, golf, shooting, and motor sport. 7. Hobbies? Playing golf (or should that be trying to play!), I love my 8. Where do you see yourself in 10 years time? PS3 (although the wife doesn’t), anything that involves I think we had better make it 5 years! Still here I hope. eating and drinking! Definitely spending more time playing golf, and skiing all winter. “You are allowed to dream”. 8. Favourite Band? Oasis 9. Who do you consider to be your best friends in the industry? 9. Which team do you support (football or There are many, but I would like to mention the Cavanaugh otherwise)? brothers, and Stephan Breisach in Austria, who has given Fife’s finest, Raith Rovers me great advise over the years.

10. What is your claim to fame? 10. What do you consider to be your lucky number?13 Star guest on the Chris Evans radio show, when he did his Radio Two show live from my parents’ house. 11. Pick a number. 13 Bill has picked Bill Hawthorne of 2ic

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 57 intheshed Our monthly puzzle page to keep you entertained when you’re forced indoors..

CRossWoRd QUICK ‘nIne Hole’ QUIZ

The Sporting Year Ahead... 1. Who are the current Rugby Six Nations Champions? 6. Who is the current BMW PGA Champion? 2. Which horse won last year’s Grand National? 7. Which country is England’s main Test opponent this summer? 3. Who scored the winning goal in the 2009 FA Cup Final? 8. Who are the current male and female US Open tennis 4. Who won the 2009 Boat Race? Champions?

5. Name the winning skip at the 9. Who is the 2009 Sports 2002 Women’s Winter Olympic Personality of the Year? Curling.

MonsTeR sUdoKU Fill in the grid so Across down that every row, every column and every 1 As Nelson did at 2 Releases (7) 4x4 box contains the Copenhagen (4,1,5,3) 3 A care provider (9) numbers 0 to 9 and 10 A peeping Tom (5) 4 Attack from all sides (5) the letters A to E. 11 A person easily 5 Grass (9) persuaded (4,5) 6 Old hat (5) 12 To come upon unexpect- 7 Of fewer years (7) edly (9) 8 First line of Hamlet’s 13 French artist, a founder celebrated soliloquy of Impressionism (5) (2,2,2,3,2,2) 14 Go back to the beginning 9 1999 film directed by M. (7) Night Shyamalan (3,5,5) 16 Disease named after the 15 Doctor Who (anag) (9) Greek word for “coal” (7) 17 Three stage race (9) 18 A midshipman of four 19 “Harry Potter and the sUdoKU years standing (7) _____ Hallows” (7) Fill in the grid so 20 The world’s oldest 21 South Western Irish that every row, every surviving motorcycle province (7) column and every 9 manufacturer (7) 23 Common-sense and box shape contains 22 From which greyhounds knowhow (5) the numbers 1 to 9. are released (5) 25 Animated ogre with a 24 Doubt or delay (9) Scottish accent (5) 26 The actions displayed by an organism in response to its environment (9) 27 Seven time F1 construc- tors champions (5) Puzzle 28 1970’s rock band, Answers disbanded in 1977 after on plane crash (6,7) page 59

GI www.harrogateweek.org.uk

Dates for your diary 18-20 January 2011 24-26 January 2012 The Largest Indoor Turf Maintenance 22-24 January 2013 and Sports Facility Exhibition in Europe incorporating... An Extensive Five Day Education Programme

Venue Harrogate International Centre North Yorkshire England

QUICK ‘nIne Hole’ QUIZ AnsWeRs:

1. Ireland 2. Mon Mome 3. Frank Lampard 4. Oxford 5. Rhona Martin 6. Paul Casey intheshed answers 7. Pakistan 8. Juan Martin del Potro and kim Clijsters 9. Ryan Giggs

CRossWoRd MonsTeR sUdoKo sQUIGGlY sUdoKo

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 59 BUYERS’ GUIDE

Buyers AERATION guide categories • AERATION • AGRONOMY • ALL WEATHER SURFACES • BRIDGES • CLO THING/FOOTWEAR • CONSTRUCTION • DE SILTING • DRAINAGE • GRINDERS • IRRIGATION • IRRIGATION CONSULTANTS • LAKE CONSTRUCTION LINERS • MACHINERY FOR SALE • PLANT • PUMPS AGRONOMY • RUBBER CRUMB Banks Amenity • SLEEPERS • SOIL FOOD WEB Products • TOP DRESSING B Jamieson • TREE MOVING Golf Advisors Ltd Banks Amenity Products is a family run business with • TREE CLEARANCE Bruce Jamieson Golf Advisors Ltd, is an over 40 years experience specialising in the supply of • TURF established company offering expert advice on; ● Golf Course maintenance quality materials to the golf course industry • VERTIDRAINING HIRE ● Tournament preparation & presentation Its range of products includes Greens Top Dressings, • WASTE/WASHWATER ● Machinery selection ● Budgeting Rootzones, Divot Mixes, Bunker Sands, Fairway Dressings, TREATMENT ● Staff recruitment ● Soil & turf analysis Pathway and Drainage Materials and Screened Top Soils and ● Establishment of new golf courses Loams. Contact: Bruce Jamieson Forth House, Bracknell Lane, Hartley Wintney, Hants, RG27 8QP Banks Ameniity is the sole manufacturer of FENDRESS Telephone: 01252 844847 and FENDRESS Greentop Top Dressings a premium brand of Dressing for fine turf areas that has graced some of the most prestigious Links and Championship golf greens in the AERATION United Kingdom for over 25 years. ALL WEATHER SURFACES For larger projects or when cost is paramount, the AERATION company also supplies a comprehensive range of budget- AERATION family materials to suit all applications and specifications TERRAIN from reconstruction to new build. As an established company Banks Amenity offers peace TERRAIN Turf and Trees of mind, value for money and the right materials carefully 10” drill aeration PREMIER ALL-WEATHER SURFACES FOR GOLF sourced from a number of distribution depots throughout 1m air injection the UK. 1m soil coring Air excavation BANKS AMENITY PRODUCTS LTD 4 The Point Business Park Rockingham Road Tel: 01449 673783 Turf and Trees Market Harborough www.terrainaeration.com Leicestershire [email protected] Huxley Practice• Tee Fresh at St Andrews Air… Links soil saviour LE16 7QU Top quality practice• tees, Air golf injection course tees, toputting one metre depth HYDROJECT AERATION & pitching greens,• pathways, Relief patios, of waterlogging cart tracks Tel: 01858 464346 AERATION AND CHEMICAL and lawns professionally designed and installed. INJECTION SERVICE Fax:01858 434734 (WITHTERRAIN NO SURFACE DISTURBANCE) • Relief of compaction panning Tel: 01962 733222 Email: [email protected] KEITH DRIVER [email protected]• Injecting air around tree roots (SPORTurfTST URFand CONTR TreesACTOR) Web: www.banksamenity.co.uk Tel:01273 679994 Mobile:07958 532008 www.huxleygolf.com• Addressing drought and disease 10”124 Wa drillrren R oaerationad, Woodingdean, Brighton BN2 6DB 1m air injection • Soil coring to one metre 1m soil coring Air excavation • Bio-remediation of hydrocarbons 60 GI FEBRUARY 2010 Tel: 01449 673783 • Air excavation of tree root www.terrainaeration.com layout [email protected] • Soil drilling within top10” depth Contact Lynda Green for further information on our services including the deep drill Tel: 01449 673783 www.terrainaeration.com [email protected] ANTI-SLIP CONSTRUCTION DRAINAGE DRAINAGE

SureTread Advertise here Anti Slip Solutions! from asGolf little Course as £250 Drainage Ideal for sleeper steps, Golf Course Drainage Specialist decks and walkways Golf Course Construction Survey / Design / Installation / Greens / for a FULL 6 MONTHS, Fairways / Bunkers / Complete Courses Remodelling & Alterations For fast and friendly UK • Slip resistant –reduces slips and falls Plastic Pipe / Turfdry Drainage System full colour, pleaseservice call call: • Easy to fit / no maintenance Water Engineering For fast and friendly Nationwide Service • Effective in wet and oily conditions Kirstin on 01347Melvyn 833 Taylor 832 [email protected] • Helps to comply with H & S issues Contact Melvyn Taylor: 01283 551417 on 01283 551417 www.lakelandearthworks.com or email 07836 259133 / [email protected] or 07836 259133 01400 251605 [email protected] 07900693705 www.turfdry.com New horizons for maintaining your environment T 01604 764800 E [email protected] Visit www.bigga.org.uk and check out the latest chat Traditional ARTIFICIAL GRASS from the AGRONOMY greenkeeping industry drainage and

 Lytag banding    of greens and fairways          Construction Remodelling DESIGN : INSTALLATION : MAINTENANCE     Water Features  Pitch Construction : Piped Drainage Systems : Sand Slitting Blec VibroPitch Sand Banding Construction : Koro Surfacing : Piped : Vertidraining Drainage : Topdressing Systems : Overseeding Sand Slitting : Blec Vibro Sand Banding Tel: 01604 468908 Koro Surfacing : Vertidraining : Topdressing : Overseeding If it’s drainage, it has to be Duncan Ross! Tel: 01785 812706 Fax: 01604 474853 If it’s drainage, it has to be Duncan Ross! E: [email protected] www.deltagolf2000.co.uk AFTwww.northstaffsirrigation.co.uk ad> Bigga 40x40mm:. 6/5/ 180 Ruskin Road, Kingsthorpe, Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancashire WN6 9DT Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancashire WN6 9DT Northampton NN2 7TA t 01257 255321 f 01257t 01257 255327 e [email protected] 255321 e office@duncanrosslanddrainage.co.ukwww.duncanrosslanddrainage.co.uk www.duncanrosslanddrainage.co.uk

   Specialists AFT Trenchers Ltd in Golf Philip Dixon Contractors Ltd AFT45 Course Established 1978 For compact tractors from Construction Sportsturf Drainage Specialist 20hp Drainage • Construction • Renovation With chain or slitting wheel, augers or conveyor to quickly install JOHN GREASLEY LIMITED drainage systems, pipes or cables “Ashfield House” • 1154 Melton Road as and when needed. Syston • Leicester • LE7 2HB Tel: +44(0)1787 311811 Email: [email protected] Tel: 0116 269 6766 www.trenchers.co.uk Mobile: 07836 553899 Slitting • Banding • Maintenance Fax: 0116 269 6866 Tel 01772 877289 (Preston, Lancs) Email: [email protected] www.dixondrainage.co.uk FINANCE & LEASING

DRAINAGE Scotland Based CLOTHING / FOOTWEAR 2010 Machinery Finance Meiklem Drainage No Deposit Greenkeeper Contractors Ltd Payments from April 2010 Wear SPEEDCUT CONTRACTORS LTD Sportsturf Drainage Specialists www.gkwear.co.uk SPORTSTURF Golf Courses - Sportsfields Drainage * Construction *New and used equipment* Construction Call today for a quote Shop Online Drainage * Slitting/Banding 25% Discount for Renovation Contact Meiklem Drainage on: 01620 890200 Golf Finance Ltd BIGGA Members - Register Now Sandslitting T: 01383 830217 4 Church Road

FOR FREE CATALOGUE Contact: Kevin Smith M: 07808 897 300 North Berwick E: [email protected] EH39 5NP Phone 01334 653733 OXFORD 01865 331479 All finance subject to status licensed credit bokers Written detail on request.

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 61 bUYERS’ GUiDE

GrInDerS IrrIGatIon IrrIGatIon CONSULtANtS Advertise here from as little as £250 for a FULL 6 MONTHS, irritech limited full colour, please call Independent Irrigation Consultants Kirstin on 01347 833 832 Specialising in:- ● Existing system evaluation or email The Ultimate ● System design & upgrade [email protected] Design & installation of irrigation ● Project management Driving Range systems for all sportsturf & landscaping projects. Contact Roger Davey on: 01823 690216 Phone: 01427 874200 www.irritechlimited.co.uk Visit www.bigga.org.uk Fax: 01427 875333 and check out the latest chat from the AGRONOMY LAKE CONStRUCtiON LiNERS greenkeeping industry

Liners for lakes, ponds and storage lagoons from the Want to sell UK’s leading contractor Comprehensive advice Second Hand regarding design and www.listerwilder.co.uk construction of water areas Machinery? Tel: 01206 262676 Advertise all your machines www.geosynthetic.co.uk For only £50 per month To advertise within www.bigga.org.uk/classifieds Greenkeeper International Or call Kirstin on MACHiNERY FOR SALE 01347 833800 please contact Kirstin on 12471A Lely Ireland SQRL classified 4 01347 833 832 or email plant [email protected] FOR SALE. Advertising rates: New Turfmech SQRL 600. Self-propelled debris 1/4 page - £570 collector for greens, tees and sports surfaces. Advertise here 1/2 page_ £790 from as little as £250 Full page - £1500 REDUCED TO * CLEAR for a FULL 6 MONTHS, Visit www.bigga.org.uk full colour, please call and check out the latest chat Kirstin on 01347 833 832 from the AGRONOMY or email greenkeeping industry [email protected] ** IncludesIncludes fullfull manufacturer’smanufacturer’s warranty.warranty.

RETAIL £10,695+ VAT HEALtH & SAFEtY NOW £6,000+ VAT RUbbER CRUMb Contact Dermot on 00 353 87 6820183

 BIGGA GCMA SMS Lely Ireland Limited, Kilboggin, Nurney, Co. Kildare The use of RUBBER CRUMB on Registered as a user and Tel: 00 353 (0)45 526170 grass as top dressing has been using the system? Email: [email protected] Irrigation www.lely.com granted a PATENT in the UK and Xact can act as your Ireland under Number EP0788301BI External Competent Person providing: TEBBUTT ASSO.  LIQUID ASSET ARE THE LICENSEES • Onsite Support • Risk Assessments & Control MANMANAGEMENTAGEMENT Look at the latest... with CROWN III rubber crumb Turf Measures Reinforcement, the licensed product • Action Plans Call Lely: 01480 226848 or Second Hand Machinery • Ongoing Audit Service email: [email protected] Contact Tebbutt Asso. ...for sale on 01253 342003 or Fax 01253 346644 Contact Xact on 0845 665 3006 www.toro.com www.bigga.org.uk/classifieds e-mail: [email protected] www.xactgroup.co.uk www.tebbuttassociates.co.uk

62 GI FEBRUARY 2010 VERTIDRAINING TOP DRESSINGS TURF VERTIDRAINING HIRE HIRE

20 years of golf turf experience 5 golf grades including high bent Greens on USGA rootzone, RTF for stabilisation/drought tolerance, Wildflower Turf, and new Low Maintenance turf Tel: 01904 448675 www.turf.co.uk

To advertise within Advertise here Greenkeeper International from as little as £250 please contact Kirstin on for a FULL 6 MONTHS, 01347 833 832 Want to sell Second Hand full colour, please call Advertise here or email [email protected] Machinery? Kirstin on 01347 833 832 from as little as £250 Advertising rates: Advertise all your machines or email for a FULL 6 MONTHS, 1/4 page - £570 For only £50 per month [email protected] full colour, please call 1/2 page_ £790 www.bigga.org.uk/classifieds Kirstin on 01347 833 832 Full page - £1500 Or call Kirstin on or email 01347 833800 WASTE/WASHWATER TREATMENT [email protected]

Advertise here Hydrotech Solutions FOR ALL YOUR BULK SUPPLIES • Golf Machinery Wash Water Treatment NATIONWIDE DELIVERIES Specialist Growers of from as little as £250 • Positive Filtration – Non-Biological 01858 464346 / 433003 Turf for Golf Courses for a FULL 6 MONTHS, • 200 + Systems Installed Worldwide • Simple, Low Cost Installation www.banksamenity.co.uk Rootzone Turf for Greens full colour, please call Grown on USGA rootzone, • Low Running Costs top-dressed throughout the year, Kirstin on 01347 833 832 Shirley Aldred & Co.Ltd and mown at 6mm. Tel: 01925 758099 or email Suppliers of high quality Predominantly bent sward Fax: 01925 757519 www.grassgrabber.com granular charcoal for over 200 years Turf for Tees, Surrounds, [email protected] Email: [email protected] ■Use one of the oldest ■ Totally organic product Approaches and Fairways products known to man ■ Large stock levels Various mixtures including to treat black layer ryegrass/fescue, 100% fescue, of all grades Visit www.bigga.org.uk ■Prevent thatch build up and bent/fescue grown ■Delivery anywhere in and check out the ■Improve drainage mainland UK within on sandy loam topsoil. and rootzone 3-4 days latest chat NEWNEW forfor 2010 2007 from the AGRONOMY Tel: 01433 620003 TurfRTF for turf bunker for pathways revetting greenkeeping Fax: 01433 620388 and bunker banks.lining. industry TeesTees supplied and laid, with optionaloptional precision laser lasergrading. grading. Tel: 01652 678 000 www.tillersturf.co.uk

Look at the latest... Second Hand Machinery ...for sale www.bigga.org.uk/classifieds

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 63 Recruitment

Hadley Wood Golf Club Applications are invited for the position of Golf Course Mechanic

This is great opportunity to join our committed course management team; and work from our Brand new workshop facility. You will be responsible for the maintenance and set up of the Clubs extensive machinery and Buggy fleet. THE COUNTY GOLF CLUB, SOUTHAMPTON You must have the following. Agriculture/horticulture machinery experience. Experience of hydraulic system Proficient in Gas and Electric Metal fabrication GOLF COURSE MANAGER Cylinder grinding experience would be an advantage Must be willing to learn some basic green keeping skills. Salary negotiable depending on experience and qualifications. As part of a £48 million development, The Rose Bowl is seeking a Applications in writing, enclosing a CV to Simon Grand, Course Manager Golf Course Manager for a prestigious new 18 hole course associ- Hadley Wood Golf Club. Beech Hill. Barnet Hertfordshire EN40JJ ated with a 4 star hotel. The new course will be an expansion to the Recruitment Closing date for applications 15.3.2010 existing 9 hole course which will continue to operate throughout the development project. Construction work is already underway.

Head Greenkeeper HANDSWORTH GOLF CLUB LTD Experience of managing golf course build and grow-in is essential Venue: Eden Course, St Andrews (private members club) Founded 1895 as well as the ability to liaise with the designer and developer.

A vacancy has arisen within our greenkeeping team for a Head requires a Salary: Commensurate with experience and in line with BIGGA Greenkeeper on the Eden Course at St Andrews Links. Opened in 1914, the Eden was designed by Harry S Colt with DEPUTY HEAD GREENKEEPER guidelines. assistance from Alister MacKenzie. It was remodelled in 1988 by To join a team looking after an 18 hole parkland course. Donald Steel. A popular classic, the Eden sustains up to 40,000 rounds per year. The Eden hosts a number of national amateur The successful applicant must have NVQ2 and spraying certificates. Please apply in writing detailing your suitability for the role and competitions and was a venue for the 2003 British Mid-Amateur. Wages by negotiation enclosing your CV to: The position of Head Greenkeeper requires an enthusiastic, Chris Egelstaff, Operations Director, The Rose Bowl, Botley conscientious and self motivated professional with at least Applications in writing with CV to: seven years’ practical experience and good people management Road, West End, Southampton. SO30 3XH Green Chairman, Handsworth Golf Club Ltd, skills. Knowledge of the special demands a links environment Or by email to [email protected] places on greenkeepers would be advantageous. 11 Sunningdale Close, Handsworth wood, Closing date for applications is 28th February 2010 Reporting to the Links Superintendent, the successful applicant Birmingham, B20 1NP will also be responsible for maintaining the 9 hole Balgove Course, a course specially designed with beginners, children and families in mind, which lies adjacent to the Eden, and will be expected to MERE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB – CHESHIRE assist in preparations for events on other Links courses, including the Old Course.

We would expect the candidate to have NVQ/SVQ level 3 or HNC AN OPPORTUNITY HAS ARISEN FOR qualifications and any relevant safety certificates as well as being FULL-TIME ASSISTANT GREENKEEPERS technically qualified in all aspects of greenkeeping including fully automated irrigation systems. Jobs...Not just for Greenkeepers To succeed in this role you will be highly motivated, enthusiastic We offer a competitive salary, contributory pension scheme and and hard working. You must also have a proven desire to contribute other benefits. to the successA complete of Mere and our challenging range Parkland of course. turf industry jobs are available on

Please apply in writing to: Ann Stuart, HR Manager, St Andrews Qualified to NVQ level 2 or equivalent, experience is preferred but not essential. Links Trust, Pilmour House, St Andrews. KY16 9SF. Email: [email protected] Please apply by sending a written application including full CV to: Tracy Rees, Personnel Manager,www.bigga.org.uk Mere Golf & Country Club, Closing date for applications is 18 May 2007 Chester Road, Mere, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6LJ or email [email protected] With over 14000 visitors to our job pages every month You are sure to attract the quality of candidate required EAST BERKSHIRE GOLF CLUB Make sure that you get the right person for the job Deputy Course Manager- call Kirstin today on 01347 833832. I wish to thank the team at BIGGA for their help East Berkshire Golf Club, The Role and adviceRequirements in placing our advert on the BIGGA website. established a little over a We are looking for a highly motivated,“ Qualified / working towards NVQ3; century ago is located in the hard working, conscientious turfThe goodHave response a minimum toof 5 the years advert will allow us to employ village of Crowthorne, a few professional who can work withinsomeone a greenkeepingwho we experience;feel is ideally Hold PA1, suited for the job. miles from the Hampshire and dedicated team. You will be expected PA2 & PA6 certificates; Have a sound to deputise in the absence of the knowledge of Health & Safety issues.Tony Hawes, Course Manager,” Potters Bar Golf Club Surrey borders. Originally a Course Manager, and be able to make The ability to play golf would be an heathland course it has contributions to the short, medium advantage. matured into a tree-lined and long term maintenance to ensure course of great beauty. Golfers the course keeps to the64 highestGI FEBRUARY 2010 Salary negotiable according to of all abilities leave the course standard of presentation. You will be experience/qualifications. with a desire to return and conversant with both modern and (No accommodation available). attempt to better their rounds, traditional turf culture practices, and if only by a shot or two. be mechanically minded and competent in dealing with problems with machinery and irrigation systems, servicing and fault diagnosis.

Please apply by sending a C.V. with a covering letter for the attention of: The Secretary, East Berkshire Golf Club, Ravenswood Avenue, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6BD Closing date for applications –8th June 2007

60 Greenkeeper International

GKI_May_Ben.indd 60 24/4/07 17:05:26 Recruitment

NVQ Assessor – Horticulture Ref : LBSA An exciting new opportunity has arisen for the role of Course (Sportsturf/Greenkeeping) - 37 hours per week, Fixed Term Contract Manager at one of the Midlands oldest and most prestigious clubs. The Worcestershire Golf Club is an 18 hole course with until 31 July 2010 with the possibility of making this permanent over 700 members and many repeat visitors, that celebrated its Salary range £22,776 to £28,050 per annum depending 130th anniversary last year. on skills, qualifi cations and experience The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying through Do you have a passion for horticulture in general and sportsturf/greenkeeping in the club’s ambitious upgrade plans and will require the following particular and working in the industry? Do you have commitment to educational attributes: values? We are looking for an assessor to advise and support candidates -Experience at the highest level at a quality golf course through the assessment process from entry point to external verifi cation. The -Proven ability to prepare work programmes and meet deadlines successful candidate will also have experience of increasing the number of students within this curriculum area. This post is a fi xed term contract until 31 -Experience in implementing and working to budget plans July 2010 with the possibility of making this permanent dependent upon the -Knowledge of all aspects of managing a golf course including turf successful increase in student numbers. management, drainage, irrigation and up to date equipment Ideally you will possess Assessor’s award A1 or D32/D33, have a minimum of a -Working knowledge of health and safety and environmental Level 3 Horticulture qualifi cation with Sportsturf or greenkeeping specialism and legislation have recent industrial experience. Ability to travel is essential. -The ability to work with and to motivate others to achieve an end What’s in it for you? goal In return for your skills and expertise we will give you: -Have a sound understanding of golf in order to meet the needs and • Competitive benefi ts package • Generous Holiday entitlement interests of our members and visitors • Final salary pension scheme • Nursery Facilities -Experience in providing a quality golf course • Flexible approach to work • Childcare Vouchers -Proven ability to construct/reconstruct tees, bunkers and greens to • Discount at a local health and fi tness club • Performance related pay the highest standard • Excellent training and development opportunities If you want to work for a forward-thinking college with sites in St Albans, This position offers a great opportunity for the right Greens Welwyn Garden City and Borehamwood then please visit our website Professional to make their mark and offers a negotiable salary to at www.oaklands.ac.uk for an application form and more details. attract the best possible candidate. Closing date: 19th February 2010 All applications in writing, including an up to date CV to the Secretary, The Worcestershire Golf Club, Wood Farm, Malvern Wells, Worcestershire, WR14 4PP.

NORTH HANTS GOLF CLUB REQUIRES EXPERIENCED GREENKEEPERS

Founded in 1904, North Hants Golf Club is an 18 hole private member’s Club. Head Greenkeeper We currently have two vacancies with an immediate start date and an April start date. Applicants should be ambitious, reliable, hard working and highly motivated. The successful candidates will desirably have the following qualifications and skills: Due to retirement applications are invited for • Qualified to NVQ 2 or minimum 5 years experience the position of Head Greenkeeper at • PA1,2 and 6a Spraying Certificates Harrogate Golf Club. • Chainsaw Certificate • Good team players This is a private members club established • Knowledge of Health and Safety Regulations for over 100 years and is one of the finest • Knowledge of irrigation systems parkland courses in the region. • Ability to produce and maintain high standards of work The successful candidate must be an expert in his/her field and No accommodation available. Closing date for immediate start no later than 28th February 2010 is expected to be a hands-on person who is capable of leading, Closing date for April Start 31st March 2010 organising, motivating and managing an experienced greenkeeping Please apply with current CV to: team that is committed to providing a course worthy of the name of The Course Manager, North Hants Golf Club, Minley Road Fleet, Hampshire GU51 1RF Harrogate Golf Club. Email: [email protected] The Head Greenkeeper will be responsible to the Chairman of Green for all operational and greenkeeping duties, which will include:- - Managing golf course policies. - Recommending changes to the golf course Assistant - Costing future golf course projects - Ensuring compliance with legislation relating to employment, Greenkeeper health and safety and the environment.

Situated on the South Wales coast between Salary is negotiable based on previous - Attendance at Greens Committee meetings Cardiff and Swansea, Royal Porthcawl experience. Candidates will, ideally, possess appropriate green keeping qualifi- Golf Club is a regular host venue for both cations, and have a proven history of success in a similar position. professional and amateur tournaments. Applications should be made in writing accompanied by full CV to:- The salary for this position is negotiable. The club seek to recruit an enthusiastic, capable and experienced Assistant Greenkeeper to join Ian Kinley, Course Manager, Applications, in writing, including a full CV, must be sent to:- the existing greenkeeping team in maintaining Royal Porthcawl GC, Rest Bay, Porthcawl, this world renowned classic links course. CF36 3UW The Secretary, The Harrogate Golf Club Ltd, Forest Lane Head, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 7TF Candidates should ideally possess:- [email protected] E-mail address: [email protected] • At least three years experience in golf course maintenance www.royalporthcawl.com Telephone No. : 01423 862999 • NVQ 2 or similar qualification Closing Date: 31/03/2010 • PA1, 2 and 6 Closing date: 28th February 2010

FEBRUARY 2010 GI 65 oonn thethe ssoapboxoapbox AA new new vehicle vehicle for for people people within within the the industryindustry to to express express their their viewpoint viewpoint

It is my firm belief that soft spikes keen to ban or restrict the use of soft spikes be the golfers and the golf clubs that dictate are not as safe as traditional metal when an original set of metal spikes were their needs to equipment manufacturers spikes on a ‘typical’ British golf effectively outlasting their shoes and not the other way around, as has clearly course, particularly during the winter Most professional golfers wear a tradi- happened. Although a shift to ‘seasonal months. tional metal spike, or a combination, as they shoes’ is only going to benefit the shoe and I also have regularly seen the accumula- know that this gives them the best perfor- spike makers (again) call me a cynic! tion of frozen mud and ice on the soles of mance on the course, and proponents of Having reviewed safety records and car- soft spikes create a damaging imprint on metal spikes argue that soft spikes simply ried out a Risk Assessment, I think it would soft or icy greens similar to that created by do not have enough grip, especially for a be a brave or foolish golf club that continued a football boot. golfer with a high-power, high-torque swing to allow, and indeed encourage over a rec- This poses the question, “Why are soft or in wet weather. Another common reason ognised safer option, the use of a piece of spikes so popular and why have traditional for the golf pros dislike of soft spikes, is that golfing equipment which further increases metal spikes taken such a back seat in the with steel spikes, you can see any marks left, a danger to the user during ‘winter’ ground market place?” but with soft spikes although the damage is conditions. The inception of soft spikes was American still there, you can’t always see it. This type The golf club and Course Managers duty led, based on the ease of use of soft spikes of problem is exacerbated by Black Widow of care lies with protecting both the golf on cart paths, pro shops, spike bars and type models with 7-9 cleat points per spike, course and the golfer. I would suggest a changing facilities, making them ‘customer multiplied by 9 per shoe, causing extra wear revision of existing, or the implementation friendly’. The second reason being the wear and tear. of a new spikes policy, which endorses the problems associated with metal spikes - At my own club, we have recognised the use of steel spikes during the winter, will tick particularly on creeping bent grass greens. problems caused by soft spikes in the winter both of these boxes. Golf shoe and spike manufacturers con- for several years now, and have in the past firm this in the following statements: “Plastic cleats reduce damage to greens, golf cars and clubhouse walkways, which How about re-naming soft spikes save course owners money and provides golfers superior playing conditions. Plus, as ‘summer spikes’ and metal our plastic cleats are far more comfortable than metal spikes -- no more aching feet spikes as ‘winter spikes’? or legs.” “Many clubs introduced a ‘soft spike only’ or ‘soft spike preferred’ policy - such had put up advisory notices in which we recom- been the volume of complaints from players mend the use of traditional metal spikes following a golfer wearing metal spikes on to during the winter months. We have this a green, and leaving a tell-tale trail of torn year, taken this one step further and banned grass shoots.” soft spikes on the course from November It is interesting to read the same spike to March each year. The decision is based manufacturer go on to say the following on a on safety grounds as well as to protect the (smaller) section of the website selling metal greens. spikes: I would say at this point that metal spikes “However, a key downside in soft spikes can also accumulate a certain amount of is that in damp conditions, they tend to clog ice, but nothing like we see on a soft spike, with grass and mud - reducing their traction and in defence of soft spikes, when ground in the golf swing and often proving hazard- conditions are good, they create no prob- ous when walking on downslopes.” lems. Metal spikes are not without their prob- So what does the future hold; will there lems for the greenkeeper, and I am sure be a reversal in the trend of soft spike usage not many miss the sound and subsequent during the winter? I feel that golf clubs, led damage caused by metal spikes going by a combination of safety considerations through a mower cylinder, but can person- and a sensible view on the actual damage ally not say that damage from metal spikes caused by metal spikes when compared to Andy Boyce to putting surfaces has caused a problem that caused by soft spike imprints, will have Course Manager greater than those created by soft spikes to make a decision that will eventually influ- Bath Golf Club. during the winter. ence the reintroduction of metal spikes to Golf shoes are sold with soft spikes these some extent. This may mean golfers having Andy Boyce days, and I read with interest that spike to carry two sets of spikes or even two sets of makers recommend changing soft spikes shoes – winter and summer. How about re- every 9-10 rounds! Nice work if you can naming soft spikes as ‘summer spikes’ and get it. No wonder pro shops aren’t quite so metal spikes as ‘winter spikes’? It should The views expressed within On The Soapbox are not necessarily those of Greenkeeper International

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