Askernish Golf Club • Toro Student of the Year • Irrigation Replacement £5.00 • Mini Excavators – a Tool for All Seasons NOVEMBER | 2007

• BIGGA National Championship • Course Feature – Askernish Golf Club • Toro Student of the Year • Irrigation Replacement £5.00 • Mini Excavators – A tool for all seasons NOVEMBER | 2007

Picture: Student of the Year THE REPUTATION WAS FORGED FROM A SINGULAR FOCUS AND EMERGED AS A RELIABLE, HIGH PERFORMANCE PRODUCT FAMILY

1996 Design simplicity and functional reliability. ey’re the guiding principles at GreensGroomer WorldWide. We focus on sensible design considerations GreensGroomer® that translate into products that work day-in and day-out.

Starting with the original GreensGroomer, we’ve built a product family that carries a reputation for quality workmanship. From steel fabrication and welding to the ﬁ t and ﬁ nish, each piece we create carries this reputation with reliability.

Our products give you the right performance at the best possible balance of price and value.

Designed as a simple, single-pass solution. e original GreensGroomer is a quick, effi cient topdressing brush. It works with simplicity, protecting your turf while reaching maximum results. 1999 2001 2006 A reliable answer to greens mower transporta- A valuable extension to the original GreensGroomer. e delicate approach to aeration. e Greens- tion. e GreensWagon has all the features you e Spring Tine Rake attachment increases your Slicer is the latest addition to the product family need with all the strength and durability you effi ciency with fast, effi cient de-thatching. It creates and follows the same design standard - simplicity expect. It is the NEW standard for small, utility the perfect scenario for over-seeding and requires and durability. It has the right features for reliable trailers. less time than verti-cutting. performance over the long-run.

GreensWagon® Spring Tine Rake GreensSlicer®

For the dealer nearest you call toll-free 1-888-298-8852 or visit us on the web www.greensgroomer.com

greensgroomer-fall2007.indd 1 10/22/2007 3:32:39 PM BIGGA President Sir Michael Bonallack, OBE

Board of Management November 2007 Chairman – Billy McMillan Vice Chairman – Kenny Mackay Past Chairman – Richard Whyman

Board Members Regulars Lee Strutt, Jeff Mills, Gavin Robson, Archie Dunn, Tony Smith, Elliott Small, Mark Dobell 4–9 News

Chief Executive – John Pemberton 10 GTC Email – [email protected] 11 Learning & Development Communications Manager / Sami Collins updates us on Learning and Development THE REPUTATION WAS FORGED FROM A SINGULAR Editor – Scott MacCallum matters Email – [email protected] 12 Membership FOCUS AND EMERGED AS A RELIABLE, Sales Manager – Rosie Hancher Email – [email protected] HIGH PERFORMANCE PRODUCT FAMILY 13 Hobbies Head of Learning & Development – Sami Collins Email – [email protected] 14–15 Continue to Learn The Importance of Greens Aeration Membership Department – Vanessa Depré By Bruce Jamieson Email – [email protected] 22 Hobbies 1996 Design simplicity and functional reliability. ey’re the guiding principles at Contact Us Post – BIGGA House, Aldwark, Alne, York, YO61 1UF 31 What’s Your Number? GreensGroomer WorldWide. We focus on sensible design considerations Email – [email protected] GreensGroomer® that translate into products that work day-in and day-out. Website – www.bigga.org.uk 39 In the Shed Tel – 01347 833800 | Fax – 01347 833801 Greenkeeper International’s puzzle page

Starting with the original GreensGroomer, we’ve built a product family that 43 Letters carries a reputation for quality workmanship. From steel fabrication and 44 New Products welding to the ﬁ t and ﬁ nish, each piece we create carries this reputation The official monthly magazine of the British with reliability. & International Golf Greenkeepers Association 46 News from the Chief Executive Editorial 48–54 Around the Green Our products give you the right performance at the Communications Manager / Editor – Scott MacCallum best possible balance of price and value. Tel – 01347 833800 | Fax – 01347 833801 62 As I See It… Email – [email protected] National Chairman Billy McMillan’s monthly column

Assistant Editor – Melissa Toombs Tel – 01347 833800 | Fax – 01347 833801 Features Email – [email protected] 16 Bunker Maintenance: Sand Savers Design Designed as a simple, single-pass solution. Agency – Stone Soup e original GreensGroomer is a quick, effi cient Web – www.stone-soup.co.uk 19–21 Mini-excavators: A Tool for all Seasons topdressing brush. It works with simplicity, protecting By James de Havilland Advertising your turf while reaching maximum results. Sales Manager – Rosie Hancher 23–26 A Hebridean Task Tel – 01347 833800 | Fax – 01347 833802 Scott MacCallum visits South Uist to see the work Email – [email protected] being carried out on Askernish and talks with Gordon Irvine about progress Advertising Sales Executive – Kirstin Smith Tel – 01347 833800 | Fax – 01347 833802 28–30 School’s Out! Email – [email protected] 1999 2001 2006 Once again the level of entrants for this year’s Toro A reliable answer to greens mower transporta- A valuable extension to the original GreensGroomer. e delicate approach to aeration. e Greens- Printing Student of the Year have surpassed all expectations. tion. e GreensWagon has all the features you e Spring Tine Rake attachment increases your Slicer is the latest addition to the product family Warners Midlands Plc, The Maltings, Manor Lane, Melissa Toombs witnessed a fierce final at BIGGA need with all the strength and durability you effi ciency with fast, effi cient de-thatching. It creates and follows the same design standard - simplicity Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH HOUSE expect. It is the NEW standard for small, utility the perfect scenario for over-seeding and requires and durability. It has the right features for reliable Tel – 01778 391000 | Fax – 01778 394269 32–34 Natural Area Establishment and Management on trailers. less time than verti-cutting. performance over the long-run. Contents may not be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the Golf Course written permission. Return postage must accompany all By Tim Butler materials submitted if return is requested. 35–37 A Championship of which to be Proud No responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. The Dundonald and Kilmarnock Barassie hosted the BIGGA GreensWagon® Spring Tine Rake GreensSlicer® right is reserved to edit submissions before publication. National Championship, sponsored by Kubota and produced one of the finest events ever Although every care will be taken, no responsibility is accepted for loss of manuscripts, photographs or artwork. 40 When should I upgrade or replace my irrigation Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the system? Association, and no responsibility is accepted for such content, By Giles Wardle advertising or product information that may appear.

Circulation is by subscription. Subscription rate: UK £47 per year, Europe and Eire £60. The magazine is also distributed to BIGGA members, golf clubs, local authorities, the turf industry, libraries and central government. Cover photograph by Steve Anstey of Lamplight Photography [email protected] ISSN: 0961– 6977

For the dealer nearest you call toll-free 1-888-298-8852 or visit us on the web Greenkeeper International 3 www.greensgroomer.com

greensgroomer-fall2007.indd 1 10/22/2007 3:32:39 PM Why not drop us an email with any news, press releases or new product updates you have – Send them to Melissa ([email protected]) Welcome

Not a Bad Life Really

I’ve said it before but it bears saying again. There are times when I’d have just loved to have been a greenkeeper. NEW FOR THE UK

Just last month the programme for Harrogate Week was circulated and the buzz that is created by that one week in January is almost Aquatrols and Farmura Environmental have formed, new for the UK palpable. It would be great to have something similar in my walk distribution, Aquatrols water management products including market of life – a week in the year when you can just immerse yourself leading brands such as Revolution®, Primer®, Dispatch®, Aqueduct® in your job, meet friends and colleagues, attend workshops and and Fifty/90™. seminars and do some business for the up-coming season. Sure there are journalistic equivalents but they are far more expensive “These two product ranges ideally complement each other and suit and the chances of my meeting people I knew would be remote. the growing environmental approach to greenkeeping,” said Jonathan The fine turf industry is just the right size and because so much of Harmer, Managing Director of Farmura, Harrogate Week’s education is subsidised, costs are kept down and affordable and more people can justify attending every year Aquatrols products are well researched and their benefits are proven by – that, and the time of year, means a few days in North Yorkshire greenkeepers in many countries with differing climates. With increasing can be built into a timetable without the worry of too many traumas concerns over the availability and cost of water Aquatrols Water back home. Management products can make a major contribution to turf quality both on the greens, approaches and fairways. With the Aquatrols range of So you have Harrogate Week to enjoy but there is also so much products, water management programmes can be preventative, curative more. I’m just back from the National Championship, sponsored or problem specific with application via sprayer, hand applicators or by Kubota, when around 85 of our members had the opportunity to injected into irrigation systems. play two of the finest courses to be found anywhere, in Dundonald Links and Kilmarnock Barassie, and enjoy yet another sociable few “We are very pleased about the partnership with Farmura Environmental. days. The great thing for the guys was that if they weren’t playing After more than 25 years of working in the UK, our goal continues to be with someone they already knew, they would have some new friends provision of excellent service and support for our distributor and end by the end of the round. user customers. We are confident that this partnership is a positive development in that direction,” said Tracy Jarman, President and CEO And that’s just at National level. At Section and Region level there of Aquatrols is so much going on as well, with some of the Sections, with the support of Headquarters, putting on their own high quality training Aquatrols, based in Paulsboro, NJ, USA has been engaged for more courses. Next month, turkey trots will be in full swing up and down than 50 years in the discovery, development and commercialisation of the country and wives and partners will be charged with picking uniquely effective products and technologies that improve the rootzone up merry BIGGA members, some carrying ready plucked prizes, environment and increase water and input efficiencies for better growing from clubhouses late into the evening. Yes it’s a great life you conditions. Aquatrols products are backed by research and technical guys lead. support, and are available worldwide.

Of course, I’m not ignoring the pressures you are under. I’m all HARROGATE WEEK 2008 too well aware of what is going on at golf clubs throughout the country and some of what you hear is truly shocking, but BIGGA’s legal support services does a great job in assisting members with The Scottish Region once again offers their members a subsidised employment problems and gives you the best chance of a positive package deal for Harrogate Week 2008. outcome.

However, much of what BIGGA stands for comes into its own in those times of adversity. There are the formal services in place to assist but the informal network of support is often the best form of comfort. A sympathetic ear over a quiet pint can often soothe some of the concerns and I can’t think of another profession which offers up such support quite so readily.

As I said at the beginning, greenkeeping’s not a bad life and there are The Package includes: Entry to Continue to Learn Seminars (six in total), times when I wouldn’t mind swapping a laptop for a handmower. three nights Bed & Breakfast in en-suite twin rooms on 22nd, 23rd and 24th January, 2008 in the Holiday Inn (formerly Moat House Hotel). Scott MacCallum, Editor

Package cost: £236.00, accommodation package only: £164.00.

To obtain booking forms contact the Regional Administrator, Peter J.Boyd on 0141 616 3440 and 07776 242120 or email at pj.boyd@ btinternet.com

4 Greenkeeper International Why not drop us an email with any news, press releases or new product updates you have – Send them to Melissa ([email protected]) News

ROYAL APPROVAL JOHN DEERE IRRIGATION

HRH The Earl of Wessex visited JCB’s World John Deere has announced the expansion of John Deere Golf Irrigation to include selected John Headquarters recently to present a Queen’s Deere dealers across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East next year, following the launch of the Award for International Trade to the company’s company in north America early last year. With the launch of a full range of golf heads, valves, Loadall Business Unit. control, sensing and communications systems John Deere believes that it will be offering a NEWS genuine alternative to Toro and Rainbird in the irrigation sector. The JCB Loadall is the world’s top-selling brand of telescopic handler. Last year, JCB became “We are pleased to offer this new product line to our golf customers,” said David Thorne, Director the first construction equipment manufacturer of Sales and Marketing at the press launch in Manheim, Germany. in the world to build 100,000 telehandlers. “Up to now our customers in this region of the world have been offered limited irrigation products The Prince was welcomed at the World HQ, in and solutions and we believed that coupled with John Deere’s industry leading equipment we will Rocester, Staffordshire, by schoolchildren from have the ability to provide comprehensive solutions for golf and turf industry professionals. Dove First School and Ryecroft Middle School, Rocester, and went on to meet employees during a tour of the factory. He then made the presentation to Matthew Taylor, JCB’s Group Chief Operating Officer. He also made a special presentation to JCB employee Fred Egerton, one of nine people who have been with the business unit, formally known as JCB Materials Handling, since its formation in 1977.

The other eight men who have been with the Loadall Business Unit since its formation were also given mementoes afterwards. They were As part of the Feedback event being run in Germany during September Course Managers were Kenny Kirkland (42 years service to JCB), of given a demonstration of the new John Deere irrigation equipment, which provides remote, web- Tean, Frank Rowe (31 years), of Tean, Chris based monitoring, the Aurora Intelligent Controls, troubleshooting, performance monitoring and Chell (31 years), of Uttoxeter, Stuart Summers service scheduling. (30 years), of Uttoxeter, John Muirhead (30 years), of Ipstones, Eddie Press (34 years), of Graham Williams is co-ordinating the European launch of John Deere Irrigation and has been in Uttoxeter, Dave Jones (33 years), of Cheadle, discussions with irrigation consultants and contractors. Product and service will be provided and Terry Brain (33 years), of Tean. through John Deere’s 44 dealers, who are currently receiving extensive training he believes will give the customer excellent service. The Loadall Business Unit was among three within the JCB Group to be honoured with Around 700 greenkeepers and groundsmen from 37 different countries and five continents Queen’s Awards for International Trade in 2007. attended John Deere’s Customer Feedback event in Germany in September with the opportunity The others were JCB Compact Products, of to view and comment on the latest and potential developments to the John Deere product range. Cheadle, Staffordshire, and Wrexham-based The main purpose of the event is to give customers the chance to experience personally new International Transmissions Ltd, the third party products and technology on the golf course. sales arm of JCB Transmissions. In total, the JCB Group has won an impressive 21 Queen’s The majestic St Leon-Rot Golf Club, host to the Deutsche Bank/SAP Open previously won Awards since its first in 1969. by Tiger Woods, was the venue with six Stations each displaying a different array of new or developmental machinery to view. Once they’d been shown what it could do customers provided feedback to the on-site engineeering team by filling out survey questionnaires and discussing any issues which arose.

“The size and diversity of this programme accurately reflects John Deere’s growing global commitment to the golf and turf industry,” said David Thorne, Director, Sales and Marketing for Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

“We are honoured to be hosting this event in Europe and we are taking every opportunity to demonstrate John Deere’s global capabilities to our attendees,” he added.

As well as the on course feedback every guest was treated to an extensive guided trip around the Manheim plant to witness the production of John Deere machinery and enjoyed a superb dinner in the new training facility at the plant.

Greenkeeper International 5 www.dlf. [email protected] or visit co.uk/amenity will be limited, therefore tickets will be on a first come, first served basis. The course is recognised by BIGGA and greenkeepers will Greenkeeper/3Master towards points for qualify startwill event The credits.professional CPD 2.30pm. at finish and 9am at you if below details the on us contact Please 791102, 01386 Tel: attending. in interested are Email: NEW RECRUIT Kawasaki Motors UK has appointed a new Edwards,recruit,David Recent Manager. District company’s the for catering exclusively be will commercial products dealer network within the North of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. ROAD SHOW seminars of series runninga are Trifolium, DLF titled “Practical Sustainability” to help turf managers achieve sustainable a turfquality, surface. The seminars, the next one being 23rd,October on Course Golf Wilmslow at held more of use and benefits the demonstrate will frequent overseeding within any prudent turf programme. management The events will cover all aspects including: Smith,Derek - ? grass which and oversow Why DLF CreatingTrifolium; a receptive rootzone overseeding Effective Symbio; Martin Ward, - (practical) - Keith Kensett, R & K Kensett; Primo Maxx – Simon Syngenta; Barnaby, Managing for a quality sward - Andy Cole, Henry Bechelet, S.T.R.I. numbers chargebut of free be will events The develop and grow the company’s business in the area. A well-known face in the industry, Colman brings a great deal of experience to the role. For the past nine years he has been with partnerNational Ireland,distributor in Scotts’ Agrochemical Distributors Limited, where he was Manager both and Technical Technical in Diploma a has also He Manager. Sales Area aHorticulture Commercialdeveloped has and professionalkey with reputation technical strong furtherto help will which Ireland, in end-users The centre also features two golf shops and excellent teaching facilities for players of all abilities in addition to an attractive function room. new recruit Scotts has demonstrated its commitment to making further investment in Ireland with new the to Warde Colman of appointment the Republic the for Manager Sales Area of position Ireland. of five months old and will be moving on soon - so everything should get back to normal,” he added. top the of one is Centre CourtGolf Addington an boasting England, Southern in venues golfing furthera 18-holecourse, championship 18-hole pitch 18-hole an and course, nine-hole a course, and putt, all located in picturesque parkland. Golf. PowerPlay for Venue Official an also is It “We reckon the youngsters are about four to four are about youngsters the reckon “We 6 Greenkeeper International by digging up the greens, but nothing we can’t we nothing but greens, the up digging by inconvenience no there’s and right put easily for players. “Fortunately, they’ve been light-hearted and players don’t really mind. In fact they often cubs the watch to golf of round a during stop damage of bit a caused have foxes The playing. he has received some complaints from club ball-stealing. foxes’ the about members “The youngsters are just like dogs playing fetch playing dogs like just are youngsters “The back ball the bring unfortunatelydon’t but they – again. They hide them instead!” Glen admits Said Michael: “I went to fetch the ball and bushes. the in 30 found I one just of instead Michael went in hot pursuit of his boss’ ball and ball boss’ his of pursuit hot in went Michael couldn’t believe his eyes when he scrambled into the undergrowth. one of the fox cubs legged over and ran off with it into the bushes,” Glen said. “I was enjoying a round with our Food and I and Matthews, Michael Manager, Beverage when green 9th the on a ball landed just had Like many other players at the club, Glen has has Glen club, the at players other many Like pinching for penchant foxes’ the of foul fallen balls. playing within yards of them. In fine weather the cubs can be spotted sunbathing on the They’regreens. the on about larking or buggies just like a bunch of rowdy teenagers.” Manager, said: “The foxes are extremely cheeky, cheeky, extremely are foxes “The said: Manager, but very cute and They people-friendly. don’t mind at all that there are golfers walking and the course at the Featherbed Lane, Croydon, complex. CourtGeneralAddingtonCentre Golf Halsey, Glen Hogging the bonnets of the golf buggies for the of out sneaking and sunbathing of a spot bushes to steal players’ balls is all par for close to the clubhouse at Addington CourtAddington Golfat clubhouse the to close course the using to taken they’ve and Centre and its facilities as a playground. members and staff. Two foxes and five cubshave set up home A family of foxes is putting on a show for golfers for show a on putting is foxes of family A at a Surrey golf course – and their amusing antics are proving to be a hole lot of fun for CUBS CAUSE GOLF MAYHEM CUBS CAUSE

NEWS News

NEW APPOINTMENTS

Toro distributor Lely UK has made a number of appointments aimed at further improving its customer sales and technical expertise and helping address calls for the creation of more apprenticeships in the turf machinery industry. NEWS

Simon Gale has joined in the newly-created role of Key Accounts Support. He works in tandem with the service department, and is responsible for liaising with Key Accounts Manager, Trevor Chard, providing him with technical support for Toro’s large machinery fleet customers.

Meanwhile, in a move to help address the turf machinery industry’s need for more apprentices, Lely has started its own Apprenticeship Training Scheme with the recruitment of five trainees from Cambridgeshire. Dean Rook, 18, is from Papworth; while Andrew Ireland, 16, Sam Drew, 19, Laurence Moody, 17, and Adam Hubbard, 17, all hail from St Neots.

The five work across Lely’s many departments, learning about all aspects of the distributor’s business. The apprenticeship mixes academic, workshop and field experience into a superb work package lasting four years. Students can attain a Grade 3 NVQ in Engineering. Writtle College, in Essex, is Lely’s partner in the initiative.

Three of the new Lely apprentices, from left, Dean Rook, Andrew Ireland and Laurence Moody

Greenkeeper International 7 in front to producing a fine win for the home were Gates Nick by captained team the side, forward look and trophy the take to honoured to the next year’s matches. 215pts;Sussex, 2nd 224pts; Essex, 1st Results: (7th two in Pin the Nearest 199pts; Surrey, 3rd Pin the Nearest Essex; Cracknell, Andy Hole) (17th Hole) Dan Beard, Sussex. SOUTH EAST REGION TEAM CHALLENGE inaugural its held has Region East South The and Doe Ernest by sponsored challenge, team Sons, recently. from Essex, Teams Surrey and Sussex took part in this the first of many we hope, aimed golf of game a in greenkeepers fellow joining a merits the discuss and meet to chance a and of our profession. On a windy day at the end of the September, teams congregated in North Essex at Colne excellent in was course The Club. Golf Valley organised,with well was golf the and condition three’s. in out going players eight of teams Section to Section from switching lead the With fine Valley’s Colne day, the of end the towards house club the in screen a with system scoring the with date to up bar the around those kept A course. the arrivefrom players the as scores noses there pushed Essex by move ditch last NEW HEAD HEAD NEW GREENKEEPER welcomedrecently Ltd Course NorwoodGolf Park Head Greenkeeper. Grant Lee as their new he month, this 28 be only will Grant Although the in experience considerable had already has theStarting at sphere.career greenkeeping his 1997, in Club Golf (Fixby) Huddersfield prestigious Leeds at Manager Course Deputy been has he Golf Club, and Head Greenkeeper at Midgley He Yorkshire. Course, Golf and Hostel Lodge East at internship month 18 an spent also has valuable gained he where USA, Club, Golf Lake experience in the day-to-day management of the in 60th ranked club a verygolf exclusive USA by Golf Digest. Our customers customers Our

success.

our

at their Sevenoaks Depot. Depot. Sevenoaks their at

to build on build to

NEW DEPOT MANAGER MANAGER DEPOT NEW Rolawn have appointed Steve Pilcher as Manager Cuthbert,commentedPhilip DirectorCommercial “Steve has a strong background in customer service and logistics and is keen to use his skills have increasingly high expectations, and objectivekey a is satisfaction customer achieving in our drive to build on our market leading position.” Team Daval: L to R: James Peace, Paul Lawrie, Brian Lawrie, Paul Peace, James R: to L Daval: Team Hunter and John Geddes Britain in oldest the of one is Am Pro- Ellon The Lawrie Paul year. this year 20th its in was and good A him. with largecrowd a drew and played over passed drams few and all by had was day the lips for good measure. The team pictured would like to thank Alec Cruickshank, from Daval, for his sponsorship on the day. The Ellon Pro-Am, situated east of Scotland between Aberdeen and Peterhead, was held recently. ELLON PRO-AM Mike Dooner 8 Greenkeeper International 74; Trade Prize - H Fraser (Huxleys), 69-3-66;(Huxleys), Fraser H - Prize Trade 74; Pin the McArthur; - C. Nearest Drive Longest at 15th - G. White. 12-73; 2.2 C. Yeaman, 86-12-74; 3.1 S. Dixon, S. 3.1 86-12-74; Yeaman, C. 2.2 12-73; Nett Best 101-24-77; Hudson, B. 3.2 92-19-73; 77-3- Holmes, A. - Veteran Murray75-7-68; T. - The golf results are as follows: Best Scratch – S. Cunningham 75; 1.1 T Murray, 75-7-68; 85- Murdoch, R. 2.1 McArthur,76-6-70; C. 1.2 condition. keeping everybody well fed and watered and last but certainly not least Billy to andTom, excellent in course the presenting for team the golfers in attendance. Weather conditions wereconditions Weather attendance. in golfers good.were scores golf the result a as and ideal Our thanks go to Ratho Park for granting us courtesy of the course, the catering staff for The BIGGA East Section held their Autumn Outing at Ratho Park GC with recently, 24 OUTING free helpful advice with no obligation on all company’s the with irrigationneeds of aspects opportunitysignthe to visitors giving website up for a free regular e-newsletter. safety and advisory management. give to be will company new the of policy key A Rain and Par 4; Duncan McGilvray is Managing is McGilvray Duncan 4; Par and Rain Director with more that 37 years experience as management, greenkeeping/course golf in well as experience in commercial, health & got together to serveSimonto need:perceived together a got years 15 with Director Operations is Leathley Wright both at experience irrigationengineering well as the continued professional developmentprofessional continued the as well of its staff. who faces familiar two are company the Heading – it claims to be environmentally aware of the of aware environmentally be to claims it – importance of managing water effectively committed is turfand industry fine the within to the needs of its customers and clients as A new company, Enviropro h2o, has been formedbeen has h2o, Enviropro company, new A INNOVATION IN IN INNOVATION IRRIGATION

NEWS News

BUTTERFLIES, MOTHS AND GOLF COURSES NEW KUBOTA WEBSITE GOES LIVE This book has been devised as a practical guide to golf course management. The needs of butterflies and moths are described together with the different habitats likely to be found on the Renowned Japanese Global Tractor and golf course. Management techniques are explained in order to encourage the growth of a variety

Groundcare machinery manufacturer, Kubota, NEWS of food plants to attract as many species of butterfly and moth as possible. By increasing the is delighted to announce the recent launch of variety of food plants and establishing shelter and over-wintering sites, the number of butterflies its new website: www.kubota.co.uk and moths can dramatically increase. Potential habitats include grassland, woodland, wetland and hedgerows. Also included is an identification guide for 20 of our regularly seen butterflies Designed and developed as the ultimate resource and a few day flying moths. The life cycles of the species covered is included together with a for customers, dealers and industry professionals, habitat ‘threats and actions’ list. the new website boasts in depth product and specification information, simple and intuitive navigation, and a slick design.

“The new website is very easy to use, ensuring information can be accessed quickly and easily. In addition to the obvious facelift, the new site offers far more content regarding the Kubota machines, providing an information rich resource The book is available from the Cheshire and Peak District Branch of Butterfly Conservation at a for those who want to know more” commented cost of £5.95 plus 75p post and packing. Kubota UK Tractor & Groundcare Marketing Co-ordinator Rhian Kendall. For more information please contact: Brian Cornelius on Tel: 01270 842363 or email: brian. [email protected] Substantially more powerful than the previous site, Kubota’s new website incorporates a host PARKS AND GROUNDS OPEN DAY of new features including a Quick Address Look Up Dealer Locator and with additional search facilities, finding the information you require At their recent Open Day at Dorridge Cricket Club in Warwickshire, Parks and Grounds Machinery couldn’t be easier. Ltd of Bidford-on-Avon, invited in the region of 200 people not only to come and see their wide product range but also have specially arranged guest speakers, in conjunction with excellent Dynamic contact forms have been incorporated hospitality. A lot of time, trouble and energy by the PGM directors and staff had gone into the to further enhance communication, ensuring preparations for this day and the attendance was encouraging. enquiries are channelled to the relevant departments immediately. One of the guest speakers for the day – Steve Rouse, from Edgbaston CCG – had, because of his long association with PGM, been happy to come along and support them, but was unable to attend after all due to a sudden vital commitment at the ground. But John Deere were there, as ever, to help out, in this case with Maurice Tomkinson presenting the astonishing array of statistics as to their parts supply capability via their UK, Germany and American bases. TERRAIN AERATION The other speaker for the day was equally as interesting and fact-based. Paul Woodham is an DISCOUNT extremely dedicated Course Manager at Gay Hill Golf Club, Birmingham, and certainly showed the complexity and science that lies behind the golf turf maintenance calendar. But an equally interesting aspect was his explanation as to how his profession does not lose sight of global Terrain Aeration is offering a 15% discount to awareness. Their gradual introduction of a policy of reduced chemical involvement and with the all BIGGA Members, with immediate effect. movement towards longer cut grass blade length was extremely interesting and encouraging. The discount is applicable to all members of the Association on production of a current Membership card, and covers Terrain Aeration’s specialist, 1-metre deep compressed air aeration/ de-compaction treatment of fine and amenity turf, and around tree roots.

For further details contact Terrain Aeration on Tel: 01449 673783, Email: terrainaeration@ aol.com or visit the Membership section of the BIGGA website: www.bigga.org.uk

Greenkeeper International 9 News Learning & Development

HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDANCE In this article David Golding, GTC’s Education Director, explains why the GTC invested in reviewing the Health & Safety Guidance booklet and how you can access the revised information GTC

I don’t know of many people in life who at some time or another have very low numbers of reported accidents and incidents other industries made a negative comment about Health & Safety legislation! seem to attract more attention.

We have all had a spit at the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) at some I do not want to portray an “everything in the garden is rosy” picture! time or another however, a short time ago I visited its Headquarters Many near misses go unreported and only serious accidents receive and enjoyed the experience! immediate attention and there have been a few prosecutions. The GTC wants to assist the employers and employees it represents by way of Yes, the staff are friendly, real people who are regularly at the brunt of giving everybody the correct information and guidance to ensure a safe media jibes or blames for much of the disruption in the country. working environment and a safe golf course for golfers to enjoy.

Whether it’s the wrong types of leaves on the train tracks or school The revised Guidance notes have been developed by the GTC H&S closures due to snow and children have dared to start a slide on the advisors and they have the HSE’s endorsement. ice, it seems it is always blamed on the HSE. The HSE, while encouraging industries to develop their own guidance Well I have to say I came out of the meeting with a fresh approach and notes, go to great lengths to emphasise that they are developed by certainly a better understanding of the role of the HSE. industry, for industry.

We all know that whether it is in the above examples, Network Rail or With these guidance notes, the GTC hopes that there is far more the school, somebody somewhere has made a decision based on safety assistance to readers through links and information to allow them to grounds or more likely the fear of litigation. minimise risks for staff, golfers and the public.

So let us have a look at our “own house” the golf course. So many The guidance notes are available on-line through the GTC website and H&S issues to consider from greenkeepers maintenance facilities to when viewed alongside the BIGGA/GCMA Safety Management System the safe use of machinery, to dangerous holes to course closures, the (available through their respective websites) we sincerely hope we are list is endless. again giving golf club employers and greenkeepers the tools to use appropriately at their golf club. What the GTC did in 1993 was to raise the awareness of H&S on the golf course by producing a booklet specific for our sector in association Let us keep working together to improve greenkeepers workplace welfare with HSE staff. and also ensure employers meet their legislative responsibilities.

It quickly became a best seller and certainly helped employers, employees H&S does not need to be an unnecessary evil, accidents will happen but and local authority environmental officers understand the key areas within let’s hope we in golf can continue to act in a responsible manner. golf course maintenance and management, however, in hindsight there was still plenty of work to be done by the employers and the employees Visit at every golf club to put in place good working practices including www.the-gtc.co.uk developing a Health & Safety Policy. www.bigga.org.uk www.gcma.org.uk I remember Jon Allbutt, the GTC’s H&S advisor stating several years after we had produced the guidance booklet that when asking for a show of David Golding may be contacted on Email: [email protected] or Tel: hands at EGU seminars the majority of delegates had all bought, or at 01347 838640 least seen, a copy of the guidance but to date had not put in place their own systems and policy. He said that many employers had welcomed the booklet but saw it as a lifebelt that if hung up on the wall then that ensures everything is in place should an accident occur!

Well despite that observation many golf clubs now have an up to date GTC is supported by: H&S Policy in place and thankfully we (sports turf) do not figure highly on the radar of the enforcement officers within local authorities.

We do receive reports on purges occasionally in an area but due to the

10 Greenkeeper International Learning & Development

Greenkeeper Education and Development Fund Sami Collins updates us on Learning and The Minefield of Appraisals! Unlock the doors to progress through BIGGA’S Development matters Is it appraisal time again? Why do we have Education and Development Fund – the key to a great appraisals? What use are they? Are these future for greenkeepers, golf clubs and the game of golf. questions you hear every time the ‘A’ word is Golden and Silver Key Membership is available to both mentioned? This informative one-day workshop companies and individuals. aims to improve the understanding and the LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT For details, please contact Ken Richardson on 01347 importance of appraisals, how to conduct 833800 or via [email protected] them and how to use the outcomes to make a difference. Golden Key Supporters The Disturbance Theory The Disturbance what? Henry Bechelet, Turfgrass Agronomist with the STRI, will reveal all, in what Time is marching on towards January and promises to be an entertaining and enlightening Harrogate Week. Rachael and I are now in full one-day workshop. Guest speakers will discuss swing processing bookings for the Continue to practical greenkeeping for the modern age, Learn Education Programme that are arriving managing growth, surface preparations without via post, telephone and the web. compromise, disturbance theory around the world and the 2007 Open at Carnoustie.

Golden Key Company Members Remember, places are limited on all of Supported by the John Deere Team Championship Company Tel: Head Office the workshops so book now to avoid AGCO (Massey Ferguson) 02476 851286 and the GTC, we are featuring five new workshops disappointment. John Deere Ltd 01949 860491 on the 2008 programme: Kubota (UK) Ltd 01844 214500 PGA European Tour 01344 842881 Full details of the Continue to Learn Education Rigby Taylor Ltd 01204 677777 Managing Relationships at Work Scotts UK Professional 01473 830492 Programme can be found in ‘The Definitive Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd 01473 270000 I am sure we all have relationships with Guide to Harrogate Week’ brochure or by The Toro Company/Lely UK 01480 226800 work colleagues that could be described as visiting the Harrogate Week website www. Golden Key Individual Members ‘challenging’. This two-day workshop will examine harrogateweek.org.uk. JH Fry; JH Greasley; WJ Rogers; Chris Yeaman; Andy Campbell those relationships in an engaging, interactive MG, CGCS; Iain A Macleod; Tom Smith; Bruce Cruickshank; Frank Newberry; Andrew Cornes; Christopher Lomas MG. and enjoyable way. Focusing on what makes us Toro Student of the Year Award 2007 tick, personal effectiveness, building rapport, Congratulations must go to the eight student teamwork and conflict resolution this workshop Silver Key Supporters greenkeepers who attended the National aims to help resolve issues and create a more Final of the Student of the Year at BIGGA HQ harmonious working environment. on 16 & 17 September. All eight candidates represented the greenkeeping profession to Managing the Golf Course Better the highest standard. Do you want to understand how the business of managing a golf course is achieved? Look no further, this one-day workshop, presented by Laurence Pithie MG, Group Golf Courses Manager with Crown Golf, will reveal a route you can follow. Looking at the Golf Club, the Course Silver Key Company Members Managers Role, Basic Planning, Implementation Company Tel: Head Office and Setting Up Systems, this workshop will Bernhard and Company Ltd 01788 811600 provide you with a strategy to take back to Ernest Doe & Sons 01245 380311 your workplace. General Legal Protection Ltd 01904 611600 Hayter Ltd 01279 723444 The 2007 Toro Student of the Year Award was Heath Lambert Group 0113 246 1313 Stress Awareness Novozymes Biologicals 01789 290906 won by Avon Bridges, Head Greenkeeper at Rainbird 01273 891326 Would you like to enhance your wellbeing and Luton Hoo Golf Club who was representing Symbio 01372 456101 your personal effectiveness at work and at Syngenta Professional Products 0041 613 233 028 Oaklands College. The runners-up were Lewis Turftrax Group Ltd 01722 434000 home? The purpose of this one-day workshop, Birch from Abbeydale Golf Club, representing presented by a qualified Stress Management Askham Bryan College and Simon Lambert Silver Key Individual Members Clive A Archer; Douglas G Duguid; Robert Maibusch MG; Steven Consultant, is to provide participants with from Seaford Head Golf Club, representing Tierney; Roger Barker; Ian Semple; Paul Jenkins; Robert Hogarth; the knowledge and awareness to identify and Plumpton College. Nichollas Gray; Trevor Smith; Iain Barr; Richard McGlynn; Alex McCombie; Paul Murphy; Reaseheath College; Steve Dixon; Ian manage their own stress levels and to help Benison. them recognise the causes and effects of Full details of the final can be found in this stress in others. magazine.

Greenkeeper International 11 Northern North East North East North East East Midland East Midland Berks/Bucks & Oxon Berks/Bucks & Oxon East Midland Midland Berks/Bucks & Oxon Berks/Bucks & Oxon East Midland Midland East Anglia London Surrey Essex East Anglia London East Anglia East Anglia East Anglia East Anglia Surrey London Essex Essex London Essex East Anglia East Anglia South Wales South Coast South Coast South Coast South Coast South Coast Devon & Cornwall South Wales North Scotland Devon & Cornwall London Central Scotland East Scotland North East North East South Coast Devon & Cornwall Northern Germany Germany Italy Sweden ROBERT WILLIAM ELENOR ROBERT CHRISTOPHER WALKER JOHN SAUNDERS JOHN LEE MIDLAND REGION NEIL MOORE MICHAEL GWYNNNE SAM SWEETZER HEDGER PAUL WILLIAM PARE HEALY DAVID ANDREW HILL DAREN APPLEBY TURNER GARY MITCHELL ASHLEY JORDAN SOUTH EAST JAMIE GODDARD CALLUM GIBSON DARRELL COLLIER THOMAS BOWNES RICHARD HURN JACK WALSH BEN WALLIS GLEN HALLIDAY CHRISTOPHER PATERSON ALAN WARD STEPHEN JOHN THRESHER MICHAEL BATH DANIEL THOMAS HUGHES ROBIN JACKSON KEVIN ONEILL DOUGLAS HOWES JOHN PHILLIP COOTE HUGGETT PAUL SOUTH WEST & WALES ASHLEY COOKE JOHN KING DAVID RICHARD WHEELER-OSMAN LEE JOHN WAKEFIELD JAMES WRIGHT HARFIELD DAVID JACK ANTONY DAVIS SULLIVAN DAVID STUDENT KYLE CRUICKSHANK MARK DOWNING RICHARD PHILLIPS MOSS DAVID FRASER NICOL ASSOCIATE TONY COCKER KEN RICHARDSON TATE STUART PETER WINTER GOLD KEY RICHARD WALTON INTERNATIONAL ORHAN YAZICI BUTLER PAUL MENEGON ALESSANDRO LARS HUSS East East West North North West North West North East NorthWest North West Sheffield North West North West North East Northern

matters us on Membership updates anessa Depre IAN YOUNG GRANT STUART REGION NORTHERN PHILIP SHAKESPEARE OLIVER GRIMSON ADAM REAY PHILIP TURNER SCOTT NOON JAMES WHELAN BRIAN DIQUE ANDREW STREET DENNIS LAVERY SCOTT MORLEY SCOTTISH REGION ANDREW FERRIER 12 Greenkeeper International BIGGA WELCOMES Thank You Big thanks to Mr John Rogers from South for Wales making an extra Training BIGGA the to donation, Key Gold usual his of top on donation and Development Fund. and select Option 1. 1. Option select and The Events Section will keep you up to date with what is up and coming and up is what with date to up you keep will Section Events The seminars. and days golf including Section, your in For more information on any of the above call us on: 01347 833800 The BIGGA shop can be accessed on the website, and don’t forgetthat don’t and website, the on accessed be can shop BIGGA The clothing. all on discount 10% a get Members our Take the strain out of with our those tricky calculations easy to Take use Website Calculator and access four-day weather reports so you know shine. or rain come prepared be you’ll if offers guidance on the types of education and training available and provides information on training providers, national standards and qualifications. Also only available to our Members on the BIGGA website is the Training Training the is website BIGGA the on Members our to available only Also Plan, Development and Training a introduce to how explains It Manual. The BIGGA/GCMA Safety Management System is a proactive tool used tool proactive a is System Management Safety BIGGA/GCMA The injury to prevent to risks reduce to and hazards control and identify to BIGGA to available only is It employees. and visitors members, club golf Members through the website. There is always an up to date list of greenkeeping jobs on the website. the on jobs greenkeeping of list date to up an always is There a for looking are you if section jobs advertour an on place also can You job. There is a reduced rate for BIGGA Members to place an advert. As a member you will be able to network with others in your profession profession your in others with network to able be will you member a As by exchanging ideas, opinions and giving each other advice on the greenkeepers’ bulletin boards, reserved only. for BIGGA Members job vacancies, discussion boards and useful tools for your career. career. your for tools useful and boards discussion vacancies, job On the BIGGA website you will find a host of information including events, information including of host a find will you website BIGGA the On V Focus on the BIGGA Website: Membership

MEMBERSHIP Farmura and Aquatrols are pleased to announce their ® partnership for exclusive distribution in the UK.

The world’s leading water management products you’ve come to depend on, from a partner you can trust.

Available through Farmura Distributors

Farmura Ltd. •• Stone Hill, Egerton, Kent TN27 9DU Tel No: 01233 756241 • Fax No: 01233 756419 www.farmura.com • email: [email protected] cut away to ensure that all of the turves were of a uniform thickness, thickness, turves a uniform the of of were all that ensure to away cut top-dressed. and re-laid then were greens the which following with minimum disturbance, would be the best choice for summer aeration.summer for choice best the be would disturbance, minimum with nutrient improve profile, the within exchange gas increase tines These surfaceof subsurfaceremoval and the aid and soil the into penetration relieve will themselves in operations these whether doubtful is It water. encourage will soil the moving of act the but substantially, compaction present. if Layer Black reduce help and develop to roots new of out go and in come ideas aeration many seen have I years the Over fashion. For example, in the early 70s, Sisis developed a pedestrian green a tine hollow would which Autocrat, the called machine aeration It tines. hollow (12mm) half-inch with (100mm) inches four of depth a to Some head greenkeepers apparently were able to boast that three greensthree that boast to able were apparently greenkeepers head Some the However realising! members the without winter each done be could certainlyand now is it as then great as not probably was play of volume members today would not accept this type of disruption. This kind of aeration and tine hollow of advent the before implemented was operation moved on, thank heavens! machines. Things have decide to difficult be can it aeration, for available tines various the With upon the correct course of action. It is important that, following each selection effectivenesstine the of assess makers decision the operation, and adjust future operations Many accordingly. resort to using 8mm increase and build-up thatch remove to summer the during tines hollow difficult extremely are holes small These penetration. water and nutrient to fill uniformly and sometimes result inuneven surfaces that require additional applications of top-dressing. Although more disruptive, 12-15mm tines create holes that can be filled uniformly and, if timed days. seven within achieved be recovery can correctly, surface the in incisions small create which tines, chisel and slit Cross, 14 Greenkeeper International Surface levels may have also been adjusted or amended at this point. point. this at amended or adjusted been also have may Surface levels was soil and thatch the and box a in down upside turf placed The was greens during the winter and dig the rootzone material over to a depth depth a to over material rootzone the dig and winter the during greens of 250-300mm. This material was then made firm, by using the heel to times three least at done was and raking to prior method, tread and consolidated. evenly was material the ensure disruptive to the golfing calendar. calendar. golfing the to disruptive during However, the late 50s and early 60s it was commonplace in Scotland for head greenkeepers to remove the turf from two or three soil in its true sense. Farmers will always turn the soil between crops the throughout evenly nutrients redistribute and compaction relieve to profile. Unfortunately, this type of exercise would be too costly and material to be inserted into the thatch This layer. increases microbial action and helps to break thatch down. It is important to recognize that aeration replaces cultivation of the thatch layer has increased during the summer months, as it has on many on has it as months, summer the during increased has layer thatch action of course best the be may tining hollow then year, this courses rootzone new allow and build-up organic the of some remove will it as If the problem is compaction, and the rootzones are of a high quality heave or lift of amount a small with Verti-draining thatch, limited with coring, hollow to preference in is This approach. correct the be would the if But improvement. soil allow to material of core a removes which Assessment of the greens will indicate the course of action required. But before aerating the greens course managers must decide what needs what decide must managers course greens the aerating before But wrongthe often too all as disruptiveprocess, this through achieved be to years. previous in done was it because just implemented is operation neglected the resulting problems will slowly increase and the greens will start to deteriorate. You can almost hear You the cry: “Why can’t the head greenkeeper leave the greens alone?” The answer is that, though the need for aeration is extremely difficult to justify when the greens are looking great, if late autumn, the players may be appeased. However, limited or no recoveryno or limited However, appeased. be may players the autumn, late will occur during periods of low temperatures, causing frustration for recover. to longer take will greens the as golfers After one of the wettest summers on record, combined with the golfer’s the with record,combined on summers wettest the of one After increasedhas aeration for need surfaces,the putting improved for desire until postponed is aeration if give: must something Clearly substantially. THE IMPORTANCE OF GREENS AERATION GREENS OF THE IMPORTANCE By Bruce Jamieson

CONTINUE TO LEARN CONTINUE TO LEARN Greenkeeper International 15 Ideal conditions in which to aerate are when the soil is dry and friable. ABOUT THE AUTHOR is and consultancy, own runshis who agronomist an is BruceJamieson well known in the greenkeeping industry. grass is in a healthy condition when adverse weather conditions occur. occur. conditions weather adverse when condition healthy a in is grass The constant wet weather of this summer will have resulted in more compaction on most greens, because water acts like a lubricant in particlesclay small of movement the assisting blockto soil the within up the pore spaces. reduceto required be will tining hollow and Verti-draining of combination A that recommend would I up. build thatch remove and compaction deep these operations are implemented one after the other – ie, Verti-drain 12mm with tine hollow then and 225mm of depth a to tines 19mm with Verti- the of most up close will tining Hollow 100mm. of depth a to tines despite normaltimeframe the recoverywithin and occur holes will drain together. implemented being operations disruptive two to applied be should top-dressing removed, been have cores the Once fill in the holes. It is important that these operations are implemented if benefit no thereis as waterlogged, not but aremoist, soils the when weeks. several for water of full remain holes the once during winter with 19mm tines to a depth of 300mm Hollow tining once or twice a year with 12-15mm diameter tines to a depth of 100-125mm year the throughout depths various at tining cross or chisel Slit, Verti-draining, with a small amount of heave set on the machine, machine, the on set heave of amount a small with Verti-draining, helps the grass develop deep roots that, in turn, will ensure that the The debate on ‘sustainable golf’ hinges heavily on aeration, sensible use of fertilisers,water, fungicides, pesticides and so on. Aeration • • • many courses in Britain use three main types of aeration: Aeration must be implemented regularly throughout the year at varyingat year the throughout regularly implemented be must Aeration that evident is It Table. the in shown benefits the of all deliver to depths golf course and there are few procedures that produce as many benefits many as produce that procedures few are there and course golf for the grass. (See Table.) Aeration is the most important operation that can be implemented on a on implemented be importantcan most that the operation is Aeration will, I am sure, reappear in the future. Fortunately this was during the autumn and the turf recovered quickly. quickly. turfrecovered the and autumn the during was this Fortunately and years the over gone and come have machine this of versions Newer early 80s when Walter Woods had used this machine, in two directions, two in machine, this used had Woods Walter when 80s early cubes. neat into cut been had greens the and greens Course Old the on up to 225mm deep. I remember once visiting St Andrews during the today’s Graden machines and a phrase called ‘linear aeration’. today’s Graden machines and a phrase called A machine that was very popular for several years was the a Subair, blades three with fitted be could that plough mole vibrating pedestrian became unfashionable through the 90s but has been resurrected with with resurrected been has but 90s the through unfashionable became Bluebird. This could be set to penetrate to a depth of 20mm into the apart.operation20mm approximatelyThis at spaced blades with green Scarifying in the early 70s was implemented with a machine called a you can collect the cores enough. quickly Recently Toro has launched the pedestrian ProCore 648 greens aerator greens 648 ProCore pedestrian the launched has Toro Recently providing day, a than less in greens 18 aerate can which picture), (see Then in the mid-80s development moved towards tractor-mounted aerationtractor-mountedtowards moved development mid-80s the in Then machines. today’s forerunnerto the being Master Core the with machines greens with this machine was a slow process compared to the speed today. achieved be can it which at would take one man approximately one to one-and-a-half hours to aerate to hours one-and-a-half to one approximately man one take would a green and another hour for two men to collect the cores. Aerating vers for sand that have appeared in bunkers all over the world. Which one golf with debate, of point a been always has sand of type which for and committees, club management, players and members alike.” guaranteeing a tough old time for anyone misfortunate, or unskilled, enough to find them. But times have changed and greenkeepers give priority to ensuring anyone and be can they as perfectas in kept are a condition bunkers who doesn’t rake a bunker once they’ve played out is considered the golfing equivalent of a pariah. furnitureand course’s golf a importantof an element now are rakes So the need for effective rakes capable of doing the job has never been greater. “In the early days, golf bunker sand was smoothed after use by the sand his of back the using of means by hazard the leaving upon player Managing Cornes, Andrew said cases,” most in foot his and/or wedge Director of Acorn Golf of rakes an insurgence been has there 20 to 25 years past the “Over By Scott MacCallum a Sand S The importance of raking bunkers is demonstrated here at the Open Championship 2007 16 Greenkeeper International Of course in the old days bunkers were indeed hazards and going into into going and hazards indeed were bunkers days old the in course Of bunkers rutted its for known to used year, this win Open US Cabrera’s rakes devised specially by sand carvedbunker grooves the deep into – bunker not raked well enough etc etc etc. one really did mean a shot dropped. Oakmont GC, scene of Angel For that reason bunkers have become a very emotive golfing issue as issue a verygolfing become have emotive bunkers reason that For hazard a indeed are bunkers that forget to tended have players top the and that automatic recovery should be a given. Think back to press coverage you’ve read and invariably the sand has been too deep, the bunker not firm enough, the sand the wrong type, the base too flat, would normally back themselves to get up and down. But most professionals will tell you that bunker play is not that difficult that not is play bunker that you tell will professionals most But and they would miss the green in the sand than in the rough as they Bunkers have been a golfing hazard for as long as the game has been been has game the as long as for hazard a golfing been have Bunkers played and they have struck fear into the hearts of many who would grip on a hot poker than a sand wedge. rather execute their Vardon Golfers today now expect a perfect surface from which to play their necessity. bunker shots so a good quality rake is now a

FEATURE FEATURE Greenkeeper International 17 info@bms-europe. BMS and [email protected] co.uk for their assistance in putting this article together Thanks to Acorn Golf Acorn to Thanks end to lightweight aluminium for the higher end,” saidAndrew adding selling rake. that these had become the company’s best three different colour options for different environments and a choice lower the for wood budgets, all cover to options handle three shaft/ of “To simplify the supply and to cover all needs we decided to produce thisproduce to decided we needs all cover to and supply the simplify “To supply but virtually is unbreakable, which polyethelene a in ABS head he explained. involved wanted from a members/greenkeepers or club bunker rake,” rake,” bunker club or members/greenkeepers a from wanted involved “On “On compiling all this data, and along with BMS in manufacture we everyonethings the of most covered had that head’ rake ‘one up came use - short; etc. bent; flexible shaft design smoothing sand. Then we looked at which handle is best for players to to players for best is handle which at looked we Then sand. smoothing manufacture of bunker rake‘ it covered short teeth; long teeth; as no well as sand tiller would that rakes rigid flexible; curved; flat; teeth; “A few years back, in 2003 to be exact, from a debate at the GCSAA show in Atlanta, I wrote an article about preferences on design and conundrum. Andrew has spent more time than most attempting to solve the BSeries_270x91.qxd:Layout 1 19/10/07 14:33 Page 1

B30 Series The next generation of Compact Tractors

The B30 Series premium Compact Tractors combine high power output, proficiency and many comfort features so even the toughest jobs are tackled effortlessly.

The B30 Series feature Kubota’s Shuttle Shift transmission and hydraulic bi-speed turn for exceptional productivity, reduced turf damage and effortless operation, and with a choice of four there’s a model to perfectly suit your needs.

Visit your local dealership to arrange a test drive. EDUCATION COURSES TO CHALLENGE YOUR MIND

www.kubota.co.uk The Disturbance Theory Environmental Management Noise and Vibration Management Current Environmental Legislation Drought, Drainage & Conservation Moving Toward Greater Sustainability The Practical Guide to Growth Regulators Golf & Turfgrass Management in the Future Water Management - An American Perspective Golf Green Fertilisation in our Changing Climate

Email: [email protected] Tel: 0800 023 1111 ROI Tel: 1 800 848 000 Kubota (UK) Ltd, Dormer Road, Thame, Oxfordshire. OX9 3UN

18 Greenkeeper International FEATURE : Greenkeeper International 19 ators v A modern zero tail-swing excavator is designed to enable it to work in a confined a in work to it enable to designed is excavator tail-swing zeromodern A what but represents It not do a job will than a example, space. used better you might get from a hire company

also using it for some planting work. guide outline an as intended are which rates, hire aforementioned These reasonable pretty are prices, fast and hard representing to opposed as if the machine in question is worked hard during the hire period. Hire are that machines on money their of most make however, companies, to pays it So up. parked time their of much spend actually but out hired plan the excavator’s usage to maximise upon its hire value. Most hire companies will supply the machine with three buckets, two for two buckets, three with machine the supply will companies hire Most to supplied, be can attachments Other bucket. ditch wider a and digging will items these guide, a As hammers. hydraulic and augers soil include cost upwards of £100 a day or £300 a week to hire. Soil augers can larger diameters including diameters, flight of choice a with supplied be that can be ideal for preparing holes for tree and shrub planting. So when hiring an auger to put in fence posts, try and extends it use by ca tool By James de Havilland

x A A e -

ini

for all seasons M much the same type of general-purpose work around the course. there are, of course, models in between, all of which will typically do larger machine will have much greater capacity and dig a lot deeper, but deeper, lot a dig and capacity greater much have will largermachine fine; be should machine smaller the course, golf a around jobs most for perhaps £125. A nominal 5.0 tonne model will cost nearer £100 a day day a £100 nearer cost will model tonne 5.0 nominal A £125. perhaps The £125. transportsame with the startingweek much per at £350 or will cost to hire, a small 1.0 tonne machine that can dig down to a depth a to down dig can that machine tonne 1.0 small a hire, to cost will deliveryat plus week a £200 or day a £65 about cost will 1800mm of Although the size of the excavator will ultimately determine how much it much determinehow ultimately will excavator the of size the Although hire or buy one? out working far more than would initially have imagined. This is all well well all is This imagined. have initially would than more far working out and good, but how much do these machines cost and is it better to for digging out and clearing ditches through to helping in bunker repairsbunker in helping to through ditches clearing and out digging for itself finds often mini-excavator a park, car a in gravel levelling even or Tracked mini-excavators can be really useful on a golf course. Suitable course. golf a on reallyuseful be can mini-excavators Tracked Before buying or hiring a it mini-excavator, is important to do a full risk be will insurance extra any if check and advice seek doubt, in If assessment. required to cover the machine, its operator and third parties Rubber tracks have gained popularity simply because of convenience. convenience. of because simply popularity gained have tracks Rubber drives, whereas rubber can cross them without any problem. Rubber track Rubber problem. any without them cross rubbercan whereas drives, regardWith versatility. its of because popular increasingly become has to marking turf, the best low ground pressure and stability option will common a not are These plates. steel 550mm runningon machine a be unfortunately. find common most the among be will that mini-excavators tonne 1.5 the is It suitable a behind trailer a on towed be can that size a is it as available size pick-up or 4x4. Because of this they are popular with smaller builders. largera than expensive more units small these make can this Pro-rata, issue an be to going transportnot If is machine. tonne 3.0 or 2.5 nominal around excavator the move can that something to access is there and machine can make the most sense. the course, then a bigger excavator an take can it long forgethow to easy too all is it aside, an As to propel itself over longer distances. speeds Travel that barely make a takes it mean can This excavators. on norm the are km/h 5 above it long time to get from one job to the next. A trailer that comes as part of a used excavator deal is therefore well worth considering. expect so use, much not is buckets without machine A point. final One 3.0 a Typically, bucket. ditching and digging a least at with come to it 30 a and 18 12, a with new when supplied been have will model tonne offered.specification hydraulic the consider Also bucket. ditching plus inch a and auger soil a power to needed be auxiliarywill An circuit hydraulic free-flow return is necessary a hydraulic breaker. to drive A steel track can damage hard surfaces such as pavements, roads and roadssurfaces pavements,hard damageas cansuch track steel A 20 Greenkeeper International what they think and see if they would buy the machine from you in a few months time. and it is always easier to sell a machine with a recognised name. That That name. recognised a with machine a sell to easier always is it and even companies from available machines excellent some are there said, plant enthusiasts would not recognise. If in doubt, ask a few dealers When considering a used buy, it can pay to look for a model from a better a from model a for look to pay can it buy, used a considering When These three. just name to Volvo or Kubota JCB, as such supplier known partsgood supporthave to tend they because choice sound a make will job should be easy enough. If the machine is cared for, its residual value residual its for, cared is machine the If enough. easy be should job was what to close pretty be well could course golf a on months six after hire. to alternative good a buying makes This it. for paid £8,200 and £12,400 respectively. These are entry level dealer prices, prices, dealer entry are level These respectively. £12,400 and £8,200 but will secure a machine with a set of buckets and a full dealer pre- sale service and check. Although this is a fair chunk of money for a non-essential item of kit, selling the machine on once it has done its This may seem a bit of overkill, but used mini-excavator prices, sourcedprices, mini-excavator used but overkill, of bit a seem may This from a will dealer, start at £5 to 6,500 for a tidy 1.5 tonne capacity machine. An equivalent 3.0 and 5.0 tonne model will be priced from as the hire lorry turns up to take it back. If a project needs completing completing needs project a If back. it take to up lorry turns hire the as to sense make can it done, be can it which in time fixed no is there but consider a different approach; buying a used machine. to be off sick, the weather to change or some other demand to raise its raise to demand other some or change to weather offthe be sick, to machine hire a find to unusual not is It upset. everythingand get head can is not used as much as intended and then for it to be in demand just It is this planning issue that can be a problem. All it takes is for someone for is takes it All problem. a be can that issue planning this is It

FEATURE FEATURE Greenkeeper International 21 Once you start to get to excavators exceeding 5 tonnes capacity, it is more more is it capacity, tonnes 5 exceeding excavators to startget you to Once do will operator skilled A kit. own their using contractor a in call to economic more work than someone with less experience and do a better job too Hobbies Here’s something you didn’t know about me...

Name: Paul Black Age: 39 I did it the more I enjoyed it. I find it peaceful, I love going fast, Hobby: Cyclist although I was never a boy racer, but when you’re balancing on Occupation: Student, studying HNC Sports Coaching at Moray 23mm of rubber hitting speeds of 53mph it’s thrilling. College Previous Occupation: Head Greenkeeper at Gogarburn GC (1990- “Through completing my studies I’m hoping to help other people 2006) improve upon their abilities and encourage children that it’s a great way to get fit.”

HOBBIES How and when did you get into cycling? “I’ve been competing since 1991. I got into it by accident through a “I cycle about 1000 miles a month while training and racing.” fellow greenkeeper. I used to bike to work each day on my mountain bike until my colleague gave me his old racing bike - I decided to Which races have you competed in? look up what was involved. When I was out cycling I saw a race “The Club Time Trials riding for East of Scotland. I’ve competed at taking place, I found out the details and began racing for Edinburgh Scottish and National Level – 10, 25, 50 and 100 mile races. I’ve done Road Club.” Mass Road Races with 50-60 other riders travelling 95 miles with an average speed of 25-30 mph. I’ve got five Scottish Championship Medals and eight East of Scotland Gold Medals for various distances. I’m the Edinburgh Road Club Time Trial Champion, and have been undefeated for 10 years.”

How many bikes have you got? “Seven in total. There are two main bikes that I use, one cost £2,500 What is it about cycle racing that appeals to you? and other cost nearer £4000. I have to prepare two bikes if I go “Cycling used to be just a way of commuting to work but the more away for weekend races.”

All–Weather Tees

As chosen by St Andrews Links and The R&A

Tel: 01935 389358 Email: [email protected] www.thegreenapproach.com

22 Greenkeeper International FEATURE Askernish Adventurers Greenkeeper International 23 ask

“We’ve “We’ve identified five areas which we considered to be bunkers, but they may have been places which sheep scraped out for shelter and which subsequently became bunkers. They might not be in the ideal maintain will we and ethos the into fits it but game modern the for area them as bunkers.” including, friends greenkeeping some of help the with winter last During Some of the delay has revolved around local politics with crofters rediscovered a of implications and consequences the about suspicious golf course in their back yard. the all sure make to need the of because delay month seven a had “We paper work was in We order. want to make sure that we are working talking time of lot a spending been have we so community local the with with different local bodies and making sure they were happy with the golf course being here and see the benefits it can bring.” In the early stages Gordon spent a lot of time with architect Martin the 18 to uncover Ebertit and attempting studying the site, walking original holes. that be can we as confident as are we but sure totally be never “We’ll we have picked up the bulk of the old course.” One area with which Gordon and Martin had to work around was the RAF airfield which was cut out of the course in the 1930s, flattening part of the existing course. landthe on only working of policy the to stick to decided actually “We the runwayinto the incorporated actually have we so used had Tom Old the be would that thought We it. of feature a fairwaymade 6th we’ve – fairest way to combine everything,” explained Gordon. Bunkering was another issue which had to be resolved.

Scott MacCallum visits South Uist to see the work being carriedScott MacCallum visits South Uist to see the out on Askernish and talks with Gordon Irvine about progress T A Hebridean Gordon. and special we wouldn’t want to make any mistakes on it,” explained explained it,” on mistakes any make to want wouldn’t we special and “I’m pleased with the progress we’ve made so far. It has been slow but slow been has It far. so made progresswe’ve the with pleased “I’m this project deserves to have time spent on it because it’s so unique Scotland surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. of an obsession seeing him using up much of his free time jumping on planes and heading to the little island off the north west coast of on a fishing trip to the island and since then it has become something something become has it then since and island the to trip fishing a on Gordon became caught up in the project a couple of years ago when better quality players and some of the holes run alongside the beach and beach the runalongside holes the of some and players quality better are as beautiful as any you would find anywhere in Scotland. But once you tee off you are met by a host of excellent golfing challenges, golfing excellent of host a by met offare tee you you once But the but all for tough too little a are stiffwind a in which of some albeit a few flagsticks. It is very much golf as it used to be played – golf in raw. the clubhouse complete with spike bar and locker rooms. In fact outside of a few tin sheds there is nothing to signify a golf club at all, but for Askernish is not your conventional golf club. There is no sumptuous part of the last century. Askernish Golf course which was one of the last courses ever designed ever courses last the of one was which course Golf Askernish early the in obscurity into fell which and 1892 in Morrisback Tom Old by Gordon is currently fitting in regular visits to the Outer Hebrides where where Hebrides Outer the to visits regular in fitting currently is Gordon he is carrying out greenkeeping’s answer to archeology – uncovering Baldrick and his archeological colleagues have been up to. starring in but Time the Team work he and his team of volunteers are project any as exciting as just is Uist South of island the undertakingon else. He’s Robinson the of Tony Greenkeeping. Gordon might not be Course Manager; an ex General Manager, and currently he’s a Consultant a he’s currently and Manager, General ex an Manager; Course something also is he But country. the in courses finest the of some to Gordon Irvine MG is many things. He’s a Master Greenkeeper; he’s a SHARPEN MOWERS FOR GREENER GRASS

3HARPENINGMOWERSWITH EXPRESS DUAL & ANGLEMASTER PRODUCESASURGICALLYSHARPCUTLEADINGTO SUPERIORTURFANDALOTOFHAPPYGOLFERS

SHARPER SOLUTIONS 01788 811600 • www.bernhard.co.uk

Get smooth, fast acting relief – all season long

The SR54 is just one member from the Soil Reliever family of great value, deep tine aerators. Like the rest of the range the unique angled frame delivers more punching power right where you need it, over the tines. It also gives you instant, variable depth control right from the tractor seat, so you can use this aerator all season long, for deep renovation or just to let your turf breath easier - without disrupting play.

With a factory backed 2-year warranty, local dealer network and wide choice of tines, check out the best pound for pound aerator in the business. You’ll be relieved you did.

Lo-Call 0845 026 0064 www.jsmd.co.uk

24 Greenkeeper International FEATURE Greenkeeper International 25 Keith Duff Colin McGregor (right) with his wife and local volunteer, contours are what we are trying to keep.” to explain to them how fragile a lot of the contours are and that those an agricultural background so they can turn their hands to what you ask them very quickly but the only thing I’ve really found is the need “They are all very mechanically minded, many of them having come fromcome having them of many veryminded, all aremechanically “They Managers would have nightmares about but Gordon is delighted with the with delighted is Gordon but about nightmares have would Managers progress that has gone on during his times away from the project. Leaving novice greenkeepers for a month is something which many Course many which something is month a for greenkeepers novice Leaving the guests at the end of one of the dinners during their stay. the guys with a small programme to follow,” said Gordon, who delivered who Gordon, said follow,” to programme small a with guys the to course the at work the on informativepresentation and passionate a “I visit the island every month and do a bit of on-site training before leavingbefore training on-site of bit a everydo island and the month visit “I to the island. “Two of them, Alan and Colin, are now working as full time greenkeepers time full as working now are Colin, and Alan them, of “Two contributing is course golf the that shows it because fantastic is which and worked with Gordon to improve the golf course. the golf course – it won’t open officially until next August. They also hearts their to project the taken have who volunteers the of some met were treated to some wonderful hospitality and an early chance to play to chance early wonderfulan some and to hospitality treatedwere Hosted by larger than life Club President, Ralph Thompson, the visitors the Thompson, Ralph President, Club life largerthan by Hosted journalists, Keith Duff and David Withers to South Uist in September to September in Uist South to Withers DuffDavid Keith journalists,and play the course and experience island life. Malcolm led a party of newly signed up Askernish Life Members, interestedMembers, Life Askernish up signed partynewly a of led Malcolm allowed us to tackle the delicate contours of the greens.”allowed us to tackle the delicate contours of top dressing down which otherwise would have been down by a barrowa by down otherwisebeen which have down would dressing top has which mower hand range the of top a us sent they and shovel and get to where we are now, and there would have been a lot more tractor more lot a been have would there and now, are we where to get our get to us allowed has which dresser top a us sent also They damage. “They sent us a lightweight fairway mower so we now have fairways.have now If fairwaywe lightweight so a mower us sent “They to time long a us taken would it gangs trailed old the with stuck we’d said Gordon. Jacobsen. We never expected them to do as much as they did for us,” us,” for did they as much as do to them expected never We Jacobsen. “We were absolutely overwhelmed by the help we got from Ransomes Ransomes from got we help the by overwhelmed absolutely were “We so well did he sell the project that Managing David Director, Withers, offered some kit to assist with the maintenance of the course. Thanks to Malcolm Ransomes Jacobsen got to hear of the project and and project the of hear to got Jacobsen Ransomes Malcolm to Thanks Askernish a must visit golfing destination. Malcolm’s passion for traditional golf and general enthusiasm and drive and enthusiasm general and golf traditional for passion Malcolm’s making of challenge mammoth the on take to man ideal the him made from involvement with Royal Cinque Ports, their joint in Deal. The man charged with raising both funds and profile for Askernish is well is Askernish for profile and funds both raising chargedwith man The well knew Gordon whom Peake, Malcolm man, Club Golf Temple known the concerns of the crofters.” grazing on the course was to be encouraged and this also helped with with helped also this and encouraged be to was course the on grazing “Keith’s advice on the paper work side and making sure we had a animal an having that advising also He invaluable. was policy sustainable the Chief Scientist of English Nature.the Chief Scientist of English on agronomic issues; Steve Isaac, of the R&A and Keith Duff, formerly Duff,formerly Keith and R&A the of Isaac, Steve issues; agronomic on dropped in for a couple of days and built us two tees. But we’ve also STRI, the of Beggs, Alistair including others many from help great had “Chris helped me in the early stages to stake out holes and Euan work – repairing rabbit damage on greens, building tees and attempting and tees building greens, on damage rabbit repairing – work to reinstate the playing surfaces. a lot of Euan Grant and Chris Haspell, Gordon spent three weeks on constructionon weeks three spent Gordon Haspell, Chris and Grant Euan The Ransomes Jacobsen Triple which has made such a differenceThe Ransomes Jacobsen Triple Gordon has also promised keep anyone keep promised also has [email protected] have three of the holes at the end of the course which are furtherare which behind, course the of end the at holes the of three have because of the discussions with the crofters, which need to catch up. potential staggering deserveshas and It time to. take will project “The make won’t we determinedthat are we and damaged easily be could but mistakes with it.” email should they Asknernish at help to volunteer to wishes anyone If at Gordon interested in the project up to date by sending out pictures. “At the end of the day if a course is worth playing people will make the make will worth people is playing course a if day the of end the “At andDornoch Royal Machrihanish, like places effort.at that seen We’ve effortextra an something make experience will to People Castle. Skibo people attract to enough special is Askernish undoubtedly and special played ever have they whether is challenge big The it. play and come to it as elements the against battle a much as is it as exposed, as anything Gordon, said way,” that in unique quite It’s itself. course the against is whose dream for the island is ultimately to make it a dedicated links to people for courses links four or three of a resorttotal perhaps with experience. greenkeeperstime full the of one taking is He fold. two are stages next The under his wing who now sees greenkeeping as a career – having him shadow Gordon at some of his other courses in Ireland and at Cinque signed also has he while whole a as greenkeeping for feel a Portsget to of team another together putting is his while – College Elmwood for up volunteers for this winter’s work. of care taking and greens the reinstating on do to work more have “We modernthe forwardmorenot some – in tees putting warrensand rabbit type but teeing platforms just to give golfers a level stance. We also Gordon Irvine MG Two of the island volunteers 26 Greenkeeper International are only two flights from Glasgow each day and if the plane is full there full is plane the if and day each Glasgow from flights two only are you on a later flight. is a possibility your clubs might have to join as a labour of love. therethat given inaccessibility course’s the is hurdles biggest the of One Speaking with Gordon you sense that he has been well and truly won win to were he if that admits he and Askernish and Uist South by over the lottery he’d love to move over permanently and treat the course and tractors going up and down to the beach. It certainly opened my can you compaction of levels moderate using by that showed and eyes perhaps help prevent invasion. That’s been very weed interesting.” The other area that has surprised him was in the quality of some of the of some of quality the in was him surprised has that area other The turf that he found. vehiclesfrom compaction some under was grass quality best the of “Some again as the grass had absorbed the sand and worked its way through through way its worked and sand the absorbed had grass the as again without any artificial to see.” aid. It was amazing It also demonstrated just how hardy were the fescues which were swamped by the sand. fairways the playablesand were the moving us without later weeks “Six had two fairways coming along nicely and arrived back to discover them discover to arrivedback and fairwaysnicely two along had coming of space the over in come had which sand, of inches eight under both threeconsider the power needed to do that.” days. It is staggering to “It’s the strength of the Atlantic Ocean. It is absolutely unbelievable. I unbelievable. absolutely is It Ocean. Atlantic the of strength the “It’s Asked what has shocked or surprised him at Askernish Gordon comes comes Gordon Askernish at him surprised or shocked has what Asked veryup with two interesting observations. With that in mind Gordon is adamant that wherever possible he wants wants he possible wherever that adamant is Gordon mind in that With a at working project the means it if even tools hand with working them way to retain It must be done this slower rate. the character.”

FEATURE HARROGATE: AN ANNUAL HAVEN FOR THE GROUNDSCARE INDUSTRY Exhibition: 22-24 January 2008 Education: 20-24 January 2008

Harrogate Week has been established for 20 years and during that and the Disturbance Theory. Also taking place at Harrogate are the time has grown to become a must-see groundscare event for many following courses designed to provide you with the perfect opportunity satisfied visitors. to get your questions answered and to share your problems, as the seasons alter, our climate changes and you face an uphill struggle, Harrogate Week 2008 with its regular elements of BTME, incorporating dealing with drought one minute and flooding the next: Environmental ClubHouse; the world renowned Continue to Learn programme; a Careers Management; Current Environmental Legislation; Drought, Drainage & Clinic, Job Shop, Internet Café, banquets, lunches and fringe events Conservation; Moving Toward Greater Sustainability; The Practical Guide ensures that a well planned visit sets you up for the year ahead. And it’s to Growth Regulators; Golf & Turfgrass Management in the Future; Water not just of benefit to turf professionals and BIGGA members. Many other Management - An American Perspective and Golf Green Fertilisation in golfing and sporting bodies are involved in the week with seminars by the our Changing Climate. R&A, EGU and GCMA and many other workshops that are particularly pertinent for turf professionals from other sporting arenas. The programme also sees the return of several old favourites including An Introduction to Golf Course Design and Moving into Management.

BIGGA’s discount scheme offers savings of up to 52% and is available to all delegates who pre-book Continue to Learn seminars.

Continue to Learn Seminar Discounts

No. of 1 2 3 4 5 6 Inside the exhibition halls will be hundreds of eager industry professionals Seminars keen to explain their latest innovative product, whether it be chemical, mineral or manufactured from the finest steel. Full Price £25 £50 £75 £100 £125 £150 You Pay £25 £40 £55 £60 £65 £72 All are designed to help make your life that little bit easier. Your Discount % 0% 20% 27% 40% 48% 52% job is to prioritise and rationalise so you only buy what is going to Discount £ £0 £10 £20 £40 £60 £78 make a significant difference to you at a price that doesn’t take up a disproportionate amount of your available funds. But the point is it’s exciting. You can see what’s out there and what is possible if not this New to Harrogate Week 2008 is “Have We Got Views for You!” an unmissable year, in the not too distant future. event taking place in the Majestic Hotel on Monday 21 January. A panel, comprising Walter Woods BEM, former Links Supervisor at St Andrews; The BIGGA staff will be on hand throughout the exhibition to give advice Jack McMillan MBE, former Head Greenkeeper at Sunningdale GC and and information on all Association matters. Visit the BIGGA Stand to now Course Consultant to the PGA European Tour; Andy Campbell MG, renew your membership, purchase some BIGGA merchandise and the CGCS; Ken Siems MG, CGCS, Director of Agronomy for Loch Lomond chance to meet the people you only ever talk to on the telephone. and Stan Zontek, from the USGA, a certified Professional Agronomist; will be ably compèred by Television Producer and Presenter, Roger From a training and development standpoint there isn’t a workshop Greenwood. The panel will answer your questions and regale you with or seminar that doesn’t include a nugget of information which might stories from the world of greenkeeping and beyond. help some aspect of your professional life. Continue to Learn 2008, supported by the GTC and the John Deere Team Championship, boasts five new workshops including subjects such as Stress Awareness

To register, book education or find accommodation, visit www.harrogateweek.org.uk

Greenkeeper International 27 this year’s winners for the last time in his role. Overall winner and Toro Student of the Year 2007 was Avon Bridges (27) Bridges Avon was 2007 Year the of Student Toro and winner Overall from Luton Hoo Park Golf Club, Bedfordshire. six for where, USA, the to trip eight-week an involves prize amazing Avon’s completes he as home, be will Massachusetts of University the weeks, visits includes also trip The turfcourse. residential study a management and IrrigationDivision Toro the HeadquartersMinneapolis, in Toro the to to the GCSAA Golf Industry Show in Anaheim next February. Runners-up were: Lewis Birch (23), from Abbeydale Golf Club, in Sheffield, in Club, Golf Abbeydale from (23), Birch Lewis were: Runners-up and Simon Lambert (25), from Seaford Head Golf Club, East Sussex. NVQ Lewis SportsPA2, achieved PA1, Turf Level 2 and the Technical currently is He York. Certificate SportsTurf Bryan in in Askham College at outdoors working enjoy Sports“I NVQ 3. Turfhis towardsLevel working other no felt I brings, role greenkeeping a that variety great the with and said Lewis. position would keep me as happy,” Simon has worked at Seaford Head for seven year and since working as a has greenkeeper, learnt, achieved and given a great deal. “All of College, Plumpton attending and course the at working will training my everyday the in efficiently and confidently more work to me enabled has running of the golf course,” said Simon. they where 2007, Week Harrogate to trip a win both Simon and Lewis workshops and seminars Learn to Continue the attend to invited be will as well as the evening banquet. at BIGGA HOUSE ’s Out! School Back Back row Stuart (L to R): Neil Plenderleith, and Duncan Greg Jamie Ross, Knight, Front row (L to R): Simon Lambert,Richard Oakley. Bridges and Lewis Birch Avon 28 Greenkeeper International Duncan, Lewis Birch, Stuart Ross, Richard Oakley, Avon Bridges, Simon Bridges, Avon StuartBirch,Oakley, Richard Lewis Ross, Duncan, retired, now miseryas, their of out put were Knight, Greg and Lambert BIGGA Education and Ken Manager, Training Richardson, announced BIGGA; Jeff Mills, from the BIGGA Board of Management; Peter Mansfield Peter Management; of Board BIGGA the Jefffrom BIGGA; Mills, from Lely; and Bruce Jamieson and Andy Brown, from Toro. After an exhausting, nail-biting wait, finalists: Neil Plenderleith, Jamie Eight anxious finalists visitedBIGGA HOUSE on September 17 to be quizzed and probed within an inch of their lives and given the task of holes). the of nine (evaluating GC surveyManor a Aldwark completing of ofPemberton, Executive John were:Chief year this panel judging the On required by this year’s Toro Student of the Year Finalists and they are a are they and Finalists Year the of Student Toro year’s this by required prime example of what time and effort can achieve. Every student needs a kick up the bum now and again, to be given want really you if but, direction right the in pointed and encouragement the qualification, it’s up to you to find the time and put the effort in. Having to juggle both work hardand study, work and dedication was the fact that this isn’t their best work and realising that perhaps they they perhaps that realising and work best their isn’t this that fact the should have managed their time a little better. No-one, ideally, wants No-one, to ideally, still be working on their imminently due assignment at 4am, realising the course work they’ve been working to themselves resigning expected, they’d as quite out turned hasn’t on together! However, when living life as together! However, a studious type, you discover an as also but a student, as only not weaknesses, and strengths your individual. The combination of studying and socialising doesn’t always work well Once again the level of entrants for this year’s Toro Student of the Year have surpassed all expectations. Melissa Toombs witnessed a fierce final final fierce a witnessed Toombs Melissa expectations. all surpassed have Year the of Student Toro year’s this for entrants of level the again Once

FEATURE FEATURE Greenkeeper International 29 Simon Lambert, Bridges and Lewis Birch Avon

spraying and key jobs. I thought Craig would say he really didn’t want want didn’t really he say would Craig I thought jobs. key and spraying team, his of one have to pleased really was he actually but me lose to Head a become to on moving be to 17, of age the from trained had he He Greenkeeper. was extremely supportive and I still speak to him reachedactually have we although advice, of lot a me gives He regularly. Avon. laughed advice,” other each give now we where point the club the how mentioned regard,Avon high in ClearyGC Finchley holding had built up friendships with other golf clubs in visitingtheir locality, particularly during my NVQ 2 and 3. I’ve never had a tutor or teacher the in tutors best the of one is He tutor. a than friend a like more that’s country as far as I’m concerned,” continued Avon. involved member every as family blood, Avon’s in is golf say could You in the sport seems to have fallen in to it. “My grandfather was a by them of neither but greenkeeper a father my and golfer professional intention,” continued Avon. through up way his worked Avon Finchley, at Starting off a Trainee as the ranks, and within nine years, went from knowing next to nothing an Club, Golf Hoo Luton at Greenkeeper Head of position the taking to Bedfordshire, in views parkland breathtaking with course golf hole 18 ago. year a over just team the college, into people get to eager been always have “Finchley (CraigveryGreenkeeper been Head always now supportivehave the and Newton), has always encouraged me to learn.” Avon recalls when he an18 with a hotel offeredluxury Hoo, was at Luton post his five-star gardens, and parkland of acres 1,000 than more and course, golf hole leaving, was he that upset be would Craig that worried he how and “I had quite an important part to play in our team, I did most of the 2007 Toro Student of the Year winner, Avon Bridges, is over the moon about his achievement, as Melissa Toombs found out Bridges, is over the moon about his achievement, as Melissa Toombs Avon winner, Student of the Year 2007 Toro

Winner Is… And The been a privilege working with Andy; he’s been immensely supportive, managed managed to teach you without you realising you were learning. It’s highly of Andy his Wight, Tutor, “He was one of those rare tutors that always he know, to need you what you telling there stand just doesn’t was something I was good at it.” Having completed his studies at Oaklands College, Avon speaks very that I actually really enjoyed learning more about greenkeeping and it and greenkeeping about more learning enjoyed really I actually that “Within two to three years the club had sent me to college and I discoveredI and college to me sent had club the years three to two “Within 1997. 1997. Avon Avon started his career in greenkeeping at Finchley Golf Club in My father was a greenkeeper so I knew roughly what the job entailed from spending time with him as a kid.” Avon Avon fell into greenkeeping. “I was rubbish at school, he said, “I left greenkeeping.across came I job a for looking when and 17 was I when - variety is the key! I think that response is one with which every greenkeeper can identify identify can everygreenkeeper which with one is response that think I that changes with the seasons, you never get bored of it.” it. It’s one of the very few things that I’m very good at it. I just enjoy career a is Greenkeeping do. we that work of variety the like I everyday. greenkeeping that appeals to me, I just know I love it and I’m good at at good I’m and it love I know just I me, to appeals that greenkeeping When I asked this year’s winner what it was about greenkeeping that that greenkeeping about was it what winner year’s this I asked When about is it what exactly on finger my put couldn’t “I replied, he loved, he competitors were hard commended for their work. of the Year applicants of seemed the to Year have risen once again. It was up to the judges to make some tough decisions at this year’s final and all As the competition reached its 18th year, the standard of Toro Student Toro of standard the year, 18th its reached competition the As Toro Student of the Year 2007, Avon Bridges from GC Luton-Hoo Avon 2007, of the Year Student Toro 30 Greenkeeper International “Our Course Designer, Mike Smith, has gone beyond his call of duty and duty of call his beyond gone has Smith, Mike Designer, Course “Our acted a mentor to me during my steep learning curve at Luton Hoo,” years ahead. with a positive outlook for the said Avon, Looking to the future, Avon has his hands full at Luton Hoo for the next next the for Hoo Luton at full hands his has Avon future, the to Looking few years, building up its reputation and working with local golf clubs compete. than rather other each compliment they ensure to over to the American way of thinking about greeenkeeping so it will be be will it so greeenkeeping about thinking of way American the to over good to get a head start!” ideas, how to look at things differently, and studying within a different a within studying and differently, things at look to how ideas, but me shown have they all for Finchley to grateful I’m culture. college I do need to expand on my knowledge. I think this country is moving Over the moon at being crowned Toro Student of the Year 2007, Avon Avon 2007, Year the of Student Toro crowned being at moon the Over can’t wait to go to America, “Having only worked at two golf clubs, I haven’t experienced much variety in greenkeeping. I’m looking forward to being shown different people!” Aged just 27, Avon is quite a young Head Greenkeeper. Aged just 27, Avon “Most people walk up to who my is Deputy, in his thirties, and shake his hand as Head Greenkeeeper which I quite enjoy - I like surprising “Stress and pressure are sometimes a good thing as they stop you from you stop they as thing good a sometimes arepressure and “Stress said Avon. each day,” just getting on and doing the same old thing The role of HG is not an easy one, Avon has had the added pressure of of pressure added the had has Avon one, easy an not is HG of role The construction. course new a and together team a getting “It took me a good six months to get used to the pressure of being a Head Greenkeeper and it’s taken me 11 months to get used to the position.” The past year has been hard work for Avon but he seems to thrive on presents. Greenkeeper Head a being that challenges the becoming a Head Greenkeeper I am getting rewards for my 10 years have I than now alive more I’m says Barbara trade. the in work hard of my mind is active all the time.” been for years, because Barbara, Avon’s wife, is expecting their first child this December. December. this child first their expecting is wife, Avon’s Barbara, “Having a baby reinforces to me why I’m doing what I’m doing. By “Within the next year or so I’d like to achieve that where I am now,” said now,” am I where that achieve to like I’d so or year next the “Within golf very he, “doesn’t play who admits Avon, an enthusiastic well.” each other’s courses and sharing equipment. equipment. sharing and courses other’s each

FEATURE WE’RE ON YOUR TURF. MAKING LIFE EASIER

THE FORMULA FOR TOP-NOTCH TURF BEGINS WITH THE MH-400 MATERIAL

HANDLER AND THE PP-180 TOP DRESSER. TOP DRESS ALL YOUR GREENS

IN UNDER TWO HOURS USING THIS UNBEATABLE COMBINATION.

TO FIND A DISTRIBUTOR NEAR YOU, EMAIL [email protected] WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER? OR VISIT WWW.TYCROPTURF.COM

VISIT US AT THE SPORTSTURF SHOW IN DUBLIN, IRELAND ON NOVEMBER 28 - 29, 2007. BOOTH #D4 WITH TURFMECH.

What’s your NUMBER?

Name: Tim Earley pleasure to mix with genuine people who make it happen on the Company: Waste2Water Europe Ltd golf course.” Position: Managing Director What Changes have you seen? How long have you been in the industry? “When I initially introduced the concept of Recycling Wash-Off Systems “Although approaching 11 years in the golf in the UK around seven years ago, there had been no record drought business in many ways I still feel like an apprentice. or record flood and global warming and environmental concern was Incredibly friendly and welcoming, once you something for the future. In the intervening period everyone has come join you don’t want to leave and most people you meet seem to to realise urgent action is needed to safeguard the environment. The have been connected with golf for a lifetime, which says everything golf industry has ‘grabbed the mantle’ and is now leading the way in about the industry.” addressing environmental concerns.”

How did you get into the industry? What do you do in your spare time? “I was looking for a new challenge and was offered the opportunity to “Playing golf and socialising.” launch the range of microbial biostimulant products known as “Green Releaf” in the UK to golf courses in 1997. It seemed the perfect job Where do you see yourself in 10 years time? with the opportunity to play golf at the same time! In 2000 I launched “Playing golf in southern Spain!” Waste2Water Europe, supplying Recycling Wash-Off Systems and the rest, as they say, is history.” Who do you consider to be your best friends in the Industry? “Too many to mention, this has to be the friendliest industry you What other jobs have you done? could ever wish to work in.” “Before I joined the golf industry I was the European General Manager of an American electronics company.” What is your lucky number? “7.” What do I like about my job? Pick a number “It was initially the challenge of introducing a new concept to the “38.” industry and is now being part of an industry where it is a real Tim has picked David Green from Terrain Aeration.

Greenkeeper International 31

rea A although many do not realise that even in such surroundings that wildlifesurroundings that such in even that realise not do many although these in shrubplanting and tree and predators fromprotection need still natural areas often serves to protect the wildlife. Establishment Establishment of natural areas on golf courses can be complicated excellent opinion, my In suggested. been have methods numerous and preparation is the key to the success of wildflower plantings. I have come across so many situations, where poor consideration was given will not develop the density of many other grasses, which makes them them makes which grasses, other many of density the develop not will planning careful that vital is It play. little a receive that areas for ideal is put into deciding in and out of play zones or areas on the course or playability may be dramatically reduced. Golf course superintendents spend a lot of time and money each year wetlands. and ponds around and banks stream along areas maintaining Grass strimming of these areas is a slow and tedious practise which in grasses native and wildflowers of planting Careful enjoy. staffrarely amount the reduce dramatically can managed properly if locations such golfers this, with Coupled features. course these around maintenance of on the course will be delighted to see masses of colour around lakes and other areas as it adds to the character of the course. traffic. of lot a receive which locations of out kept be should Wildflowers often not do grasses unlike wildflowers balls, lost with issue the Besides wildflowers that felt people some past the In trafficking. from well rebound vital is It clubhouse. the nearby often spaces, small in planted be should to remember that when planting natural areas, “natural” needs to be to room and sunlight space, need areas natural these and focus in kept course, the on servewildlife also enhance will to areas Natural prosper.

atural

Tim Butler provides some useful information natural areas on managing on your course

anagement N

M Course the Golf and blishment Esta 32 Greenkeeper International playability if sown in the wrong location. Grasses such as the fescues fescues the as such Grasses location. wrong the in sown if playability a maintain will grasses Such areas. in-play for used and sown often are plants other for material base a as used often are and habit growing low they that is fescues with benefits main the of One area. the colonize to play. Out-of-play areas can be planted to wild flower meadow mixes with mixes meadow flower wild to planted be can areas Out-of-play play. very is It to important included. foxglove and cowslip as such species reducegreatly will and time over tall grow will plants these that realise In or Out of Play naturalestablishing of methods used commonly most the of one Probably well as system This grasses. native of introduction the through is areas maintenance. in reduction a to lead may environment the benefiting as out-of- and in-play both are that areas in established be can areas Natural in some instances, the maintenance of native areas. when maintained properly. In the past, golfers had expectations about about expectations had golfers past, the In properly. maintained when how the greens and fairways should look. In more recent times these expectations have also shifted to bunker and rough management and on existing courses. From experience, meeting with turfgrassmanagers, with meeting experience, From courses. existing on onareas natural integrating about go to how about exists confusion much environment,regarding the attention media much With course. golf the attractivevery be can areas native that realise to beginning are people roughs, hillsides, along ponds and streams. Integration of naturalized however developments, course golf new on practiced commonly is areas areas natural of implementation the concerning written been has little opportunities for wildlife. Planting naturalistic areas on golf courses may courses golf on areas naturalistic Planting wildlife. opportunitiesfor be a very useful way of increasing the appeal of the course to golfers, the of image and diversity natural the accentuating consequently while golf course. Natural plantings are suitable for diverse areas including Nature on the golf course is gaining Golf continued course publicity. provide which habitats, of range diverse a contain typically landscapes

FEATURE Only genuine Toro filters will give the performance you’ve come to expect. Many lookalike air and oil filters fail to meet Toro standards for form, fit and function. So get one that’s not quite the part, and you’ll be replacing it early and often. It could even damage your Close, but not Toro equipment and affect machine performance. It’s how we design and make our filters – with quality quite the part! materials and advanced technology – that makes them superior to lookalike parts. Now with our competitive prices and 24-hour delivery service – straight to your door, if you wish – there’s absolutely no need for imitations anymore. Afterall, you didn’t compromise when you chose your Toro. So give it the care it deserves. And remember, no one can look after your Toro better than your local, specialist Toro dealer or service centre. So contact yours today.

For your copy of the new Toro Performance Parts Catalogue, call 01480 226845 now. TORO Commercial, Irrigation and Consumer Products are distributed by Lely (UK) Limited, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 1QH. Tel: 01480 226800 Email: [email protected] www.toro.com

London-based Marilyn lookalike, Suzie.

Greenkeeper International 33 Tim Butler Knautia species Cornflower and Corn Chamomille www.usga.org/turf/articles/management/ bunkers/natural_areas.html yellows, oranges, blues etc. Unfortunately such images are not common not areUnfortunately images etc. such blues oranges, yellows, native Planting years. recent in U.K. the or Ireland of areas many in place differentiatingof yourway excellent an be could course golf the on areas standing and business throat cut a is Golf rest. the from facility golfing where is which golfers, more attracting of way a is crowd the from out may turnnative planting into an importanttool. marketing About the authors Tim Dr. Butler is a Sportsturf Science Agronomist and consults on all aspects of Golf Courses including Environmental Management, informationmore For Drainage. and Construction/Renovation,Agronomy contact Tim at [email protected] Environmentalin Marydegree carryingdoctorate is a Purcell researchfor out Science at University College Dublin. Mary has Undergraduate and respectivelyEngineering and Science Environmental in Degrees Masters and is a specialist in all aspects of Environmental Management and Enhancement on Golf Courses. For more information contact Mary at [email protected] References RecordSection Green USGA Expectations. Unnatural 2004. D. Bevard, January/February:16-18. Fech, J. C. and S. N. Rodie. 1999. Sustainable design in golf course landscapes. Golf Course Management. January edition. Areas. Natural 1997. M. Nelson, fragrance throughout much of the year. We have all at one time or other or time one at all have We year. the of much throughout fragrance of vibrant full meadows of or on television postcards on pictures seen Mowing Manual weed removal Herbicide spot applications 34 Greenkeeper International have rushed into planting native areas and have ended up with over may wildflowers encompass that areas Native courses. golf penalizing and colour of sea a provide and butterflies and birds of myriad a attract then larger areas on the course can be converted to natural areas. It is It areas.converted natural be to can course the on largerareas then do wildflowers and grasses natural with planted are which areas that vital courses some past, the In course. the of affectplayability overly the not golf courses potential. startturfgrassevaluateto many small, is to managers give we that Advice results the with happy if and grow, and establish areas native the how called weeds may actually be important plants in the native system and correct identification and inspection by a turfgrass agronomist is the maximise and programme management a build to order in essential weeds, although some weeds may persist. Spot treating with herbicides with treating Spot persist. may weeds some although weeds, so many that fact the on placed be to needs emphasis but work, does is weed invasion both during and after sowing. Perennial weeds usually weeds Perennial sowing. after and during both invasion weed is pose most problems in the long term in native areas, with annual control Weed years. of couple a after subsiding usually problems weed strategies include: • • • many controlling of means effective an usually is yearly twice Mowing Weed Control Probably one of the biggest problems with establishing natural areas many cases, golf course superintendents choose wild flower mixes futurein freedommore gives this and animals by consumed be can that often is mowing meadow establishment After strategies. management reducedto 2-3 times yearly. animal fodder has been cut from golf course roughs and sold. Having said this, some wild flower species can be poisonous to animals and humans and careful thought should be put into species selection. In meadow established and allow non-germinated seedlings to grow. The The grow. to seedlings non-germinated allow and established meadow problemsprevent to cutting each after removed be to needs material cut to needs rough the Basically, death. grass and circulation air poor with where situations across come have we and field a hay like treated be Areas zed Managing Naturali management. turfgrass all some require like systems meadows Wildflower During the grow-in year 4-6 cuts may be required in order to get the every couple of years in order to prevent specific plant species from dominating the stand. different to grass seeds in that some species within the mixture may take may mixture the within species some that in seeds differentgrass to several weeks or even months to germinate, so patience is essential. Fertiliser application at establishment is usually not required except on very poor fertility areas. Wildflower areas may need light seeding in after sowing. When choosing wildflower seed, it is important the is that it seed, wildflower choosing When sowing. after in contains often mixture seed good A seeds. wildflower native are seeds a variety of perennials as well as some annuals. Wildflower seeds are herbicide application in order to maintain any native flowers that may growing. be rolled and soil bare the onto sown be can seeds wildflower or grass The options is to kill off the grass in the areas that you have decided to to prior roughs the check you that ensure to important is It naturalize. soils. For in-play areas some suggest that you can stop mowing the areas in the rough that you have decided to naturalize and letting the raises often method this experience From taller. grow grasses existing to leading quickly relatively tall grow will grasses the since problems, best the of one opinion, my In unplayable. almost are that areas in-play areas, which in time lead to failure of the natural grasses and flowers new on essential is management Weed growth. weed excessive to due and existing sites, since weed seed banks are usually high in most into weed management prior to sowing the natural grasses or wild flower wild or grasses natural the sowing to prior management weed into

FEATURE FEATURE of

Greenkeeper International 35 roud Elliott Small, winner of the BIGGA Challenge Cup P e Kubota proved wonderful sponsors of the Championship. National Sales National Championship. wonderfulthe proved of Kubota sponsors Scottish the after looks who Dunlop, Tom Roberts and David Manager tees, balls, containing bags everyonegoodie provided area,superb with a pen, towel and hat and the halfway house on the 10th tee of both courses was a welcome sight for all the competitors. Despite being a winner of both the Blairgowrie and Crieff 36 hole last and winner Merit of Order Kinross Perth and the being and events best counting scores giving them a healthy advantage over the Midland the over advantage healthy a them giving scores counting best runsconcurrentlywhich competition day opening hole 18 the on Region with the main individual event. MG Seims Ken with welcome exceptionally BIGGA made clubs golf Both Dundonald, owns which Club, Golf Lomond Loch for Agronomy of Director staff doing catering the and hole opening the on every player greeting a sterling job in keeping the competitors fed and watered. In the evening at the Championship Dinner held at Barassie, Course Barassie,of Finlayson, Brian and Dundonald from Clarkson, Frank Managers, received the acclaim of their fellow greenkeepers for the condition of both courses and were presented with tankards to commemorate the occasion. Captain Bob Pollock also warmly welcomed BIGGA to his so to off show to course were they their proud how said and club golf many greenkeepers.

hampionship

which

David Simpson, BIGGA National Champion A C A Dundonald and Kilmarnock Barassie hosted the BIGGA National Championship, sponsored by Kubota and produced ever one of the finest events To top off a fine couple of days for the host nation Scotland clinched the clinched Scotland nation host the for days of couple offfine top a To eight their with years many many, in time first the for Trophy Regional and followed it up with an 86 around Barassie. his hands on the silverware with a two round total of 144 off his still very useful handicap of 12. Elliott shot a gross 82 around Dundonald when BIGGA Past Chairman, Elliott Small, after many years of tryingof years got many after Small, Chairman,Elliott Past BIGGA when The Challenge Trophy for Best Nett was a triumph for the older brigade brigade older the for triumph a was Nett Best for Trophy Challenge The Three handicapper Paul Dolton, of Southfield Golf Club, finished third a further shot back. 1 handicapper Steve McIntosh, of Torvean Golf Club, by two shots. Steve shots. two by Club, Golf Torvean of McIntosh, Steve handicapper 1 74. round second a post to 78 round opening an after back fought had David Simpson, a plus 1 handicapper from Crieff Golf Club, emerged as as emerged Club, Golf Crieff from handicapper 1 plus a Simpson, David plus another pip to 75 of rounds two with Golfer Champion new BIGGA’s with the home nation taking a clean sweep of the major prizes. Links and Kilmarnock Barassie witnessed golf to match the conditions conditions the match to golf witnessed Barassie Kilmarnock and Links The 2007 BIGGA National Championship, sponsored by Kubota, basked in basked Kubota, by sponsored Championship, National BIGGA 2007 The Dundonald venues two the and time the of some for least at sunshine… the 36 holes in shirt sleeves. delighted the 80 plus competitors were to be playing the majority of October on the west coast of Scotland and what would you expect for your golfing weather? Exactly!Well you will appreciate just how The winning Scottish region BIGGA BIGGA National Chairman, Billy McMillan with Brian Finlayson, Course Manager at Barassie BIGGA National Chairman, Billy McMillan, with Frank Clarkson, Course Manager at Dundonald 36 Greenkeeper International The best two round score of the week was actually achieved by 1 73 of rounds shot who Chemicals, Tower of Webster, Alex handicapper, and 75 to win the Associate prize. might just miss out. However his scored was enough to win, on a better a on win, to enough was scored his However out. miss just might his followed who Kempster, Francis leader overnightfrom round, second first round nett 67 with a nett 77. Elliott entered the back nine of the second round feeling he had a chance a had he feeling round second the of nine back the entered Elliott he that feeling him left last the at footer two missed a and 7 a 8, an but “At last! I think I might just retire now,” explained Elliott, while admitting while Elliott, explained now,” retire just might I think I last! “At that if it is played again in Scotland or the north of England he might make an exception. Elliott, National Chairman in 2000, has played in at least 17 National Championships but this is the first time his name will be engraved on a trophy. next year and I’ll look forward to going back,” he said, adding that he was he that adding said, forwardhe back,”look goingI’ll toand year next currentlyareunderway Discussions year. next title his defend to hoping with East Sussex National to play the Championship there. “It was the first time that I’d played either course and I thought they were they thought I and course either played I’d that time first the was “It Dundonald at played being is Mid-Amateur Scottish the fact In superb. in it. I was there after Monday’s round and started well on Tuesday but I dropped quite a few shots over the last six holes and while I was relieved to have won I was disappointed in the way that I finished,” explained 29 year-old David. “It is a British event and there were a lot of very good golfers playing a of veryplaying were lot there and golfers event good is a “It British year’s Team Player of the Year David believes that the BIGGA National National BIGGA the that believes David Year the of Player Team year’s Championship is the top event he has won.

FEATURE FEATURE Greenkeeper International 37 Graeme MacDonald, Newark GC, 73 Derek Wilson, Irvine GC, 75 (BIH) GC, 74 David Fellows, Cocksmoor Wood Andy Peel, Bull Bay Kerr Rowan, Carrick 146 Alex Webster, Gary Burgess, Grange Park GC, 73 William Craig, Kirriemuir GC, 75 Frank Stewart, Cookridge Hall GC, 79 David Simpson, CrieffDavid Simpson, GC, 150 144 Life Member, Elliott Small, Round) (Better Second Torvean2. Steve McIntosh, GC, 152 GC, 153 3. Phil Dolton, Southfield Glen Gorse GC, 144 2. Francis Kempster, 3. Kerr Rowan, Carrick GC, 146 BIGGA Chief Executive, John Pemberton, with Dave Roberts, from Kubota 7 to 13 14-24 Scratch – 6 Scratch to 6 7 to 13 14-24 Nearest the Pin Longest Drive Associate Prize BIGGA Challenge Cup – Best – Cup Challenge BIGGA Nett Score Gross Over 36 Holes Nett over 36 Holes BIGGA National Champion for Champion National BIGGA Trophy the BIGGA Challenge Cocks Moor Wood GC and Brian Robinson, Belton Woods GC. GC and Brian Robinson, Belton Woods Cocks Moor Wood Carl Small, Ellesborough GC; Steve Mason, Stocks GC; David Fellows, Fellows, David GC; Stocks Mason, Steve GC; Ellesborough Small, Carl Francis Kempster, Francis Glen Kempster, Corse GC; Paul Dolton, Southfield GC; Steve Scott, North Warwickshire GC; NorthJohn Ganley, Warwickshire GC; Runner Up Midland Total 622 Runner Up Midland Total MacCormack, Kirriemuir. St Andrews Links; William Craig, Kirriemuir GC; David Simpson, Crieff GC; Derek Wilson, Irvine GC; Christy McKenzie, Dunblane GC and Jim Winner Scotland Total 601 Winner Total Scotland Elliott Small, Life Member; Kerr Rowan, Carrick GC; Kenny Mitchell, Team Trophy Barassie Dundonald Links of Honour Roll A REVOLUTION IN Golf Course Drainage Aquadyne QUICK TO INSTALL LIGHTWEIGHT/CLEAN TO HANDLE FOR ALL AREAS OF THE COURSE

“ We installed the 3000 metres of fairw ourselves … the Aquadyne system has workay drainage Although the course is constructed on a heavy clay We have been replacing our conventional bunker any problems whatsoever ed without “ Aquadyne has been very successful in the areasays “drainage over the last 3 years with Aquadyne. . soil, around greens, on fairw We use a shallow slitter on this fairw where it has been used... Installation is very quick and simple and the drainage surface open and aer ay to keep the ers. (installed 2005) ated, this works exceptionally well and in bunk performance remains very high. (installed 2005) with the ” Aquadyne system. Maurice Gaumley Duncan Kelso ” Neil Hullah (installed 2003) ough Municipal Golf Club) ” (Middlesbor (Kings Hill Golf Club) (Leeds Golf Club) s high capacity • In or around greens, Aquadyne’ ying out • Eradicates stone migration into the bunker and • Aquadyne drainage is unaffected by regular and performance drains quickly without dr onto the fairway. Aquadyne is easily located and can maintenance operations. the soil or turf. . be removed and reused during remodeling or Easy to address problem areas quickly refurbishment. OURSES UK / European Sales, Information and Advice: USED BY OVER 450 UK AND EUROPEAN GOLF C • Ireland (N&S) – Lindsay’s Professional Sportsturf 028 3833 9229 • Scotland - Richard Aitken 0141 4400033 • Econoplas Ltd, • Germany - Nick Simpson +49 (0)172 5279290 • UK North / Midlands – Aitkens Sportsturf 01977 681155 Unit 5a, Plaxton Park Industrial Estate, • Portugal - A. Pereira Jordao, LDA +351 (0)229 479 650 • UK South / Wales – Avoncrop Amenity 01934 820868 Cayton Low Road, Eastfield, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO11 3BY Aquadyne is a product of Econoplas Ltd www.econoplas.com Telephone: 01723 586611

Visit www.bigga.org.uk

and check out the latest chat from the greenkeeping industry

38 Greenkeeper International In the Greenkeeper International brings you ‘In the Shed’, a puzzle page to keep you entertained when the Shed weather forces you in or for when times are slow.

CROSSWORD QUICK ‘NINE HOLE’ QUIZ Across 1 One who cannot venture beyond established behaviour (8,2,5) 1 Why was professional footballer Maribel Dominguez forbidden by 9 Belgium’s largest French-speaking city (5) FIFA to play for Mexican side Celaya, after having signed? 10 Ready, on hand (9) 2 Which golfer completed the Grand Slam of the amateur and 11 Foul-smelling, usually because of decomposition (6) professional Opens of both the USA and Britain in 1930? 12 Sandwich filling featured in the 1966 spy spoof “What’s Up, Tiger 3 Which Scottish rugby player married a TV sports presenter in Lily?” (3,5) 2001? 14 Supernatural messaging devices (5-6) 4 By what name did the Empire Stadium become known? IN THE SHED 16 Unspecified quantity; in the US, also means “whatsoever” (3) 5 Which sports goods company, founded by Joseph Foster in 1892, 17 Colloquial name for tea (3) is named after a species of South African antelope? 18 Pertaining to the branch of surgery dealing with the spine and 6 Which Football team play their home matches at the ‘Estadio Nou joints (11) Camp’? 20 Engrave (8) 7 On which piece of apparatus would a male gymnast do a Crucifix? 22 Written order directing a bank to pay money (6) 8 In rugby union the Australian team is called The Wallabies; what is 24 Administer a virus to create immunity (9) their name in rugby league? 25 Thick woollen fabric originating in Scotland (5) 9 How many players are there in a basketball team? 26 Symbol of communism - in Russian, Serp i Molot (6,3,6) MONSTER SUDOKU Down Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box 1 Percussive dance music of Trinidad (7) contains the numbers 1 to 9 and the letters A,B and C. 2 ALL TIMES CORRECT (anagram) (10,5) 3 G&S opera which included the first use of the phrase “short, sharp shock” (3,6) 4 Wander aimlessly (4) 5 Herbal medicine plant also called goldenseal (10) 6 Accommodates (5) 7 British dish of leftover cabbage, potato and meat fried together (6-3-6) 8 Day of the week closely associated with Mars (7) 13 Its largest resort is Lloret de Mar (5,5) 15 Pasta in the form of long strings (9) 17 Informal gathering for folk music, typically in Ireland (7) 19 Staffordshire market town close to Alton Towers (7) 21 Make-up of red or pink powder (5) 23 Patch up, restore (4)

SQUIGGLY SUDOKU Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 12 box shape contains the numbers 1 to 9.

IN THE SHED ANSWERS ON PAGE 55

Greenkeeper International 39 or

? system network network to irrigate greens, tees and approaches only; not fairways Recently installed PC new controller, decoders and new cable capacity with old, years 30 varyingto of up network age pipe PVC Old fairwayssome and approaches and tees greens, to coverage Sprinkler selling or installing irrigation equipment. By way of illustration let’s consider a case study of a current Irriplan North the on Devon links hole 36 a is This Club. Golf Saunton project; coast with an irrigation system than can be summarised as follows: • • • The temptation is to keep spending modest amounts and merely upgrademerely and amounts modest spending keep to is temptation The certain specific elements within the system. The problem with this quilt patch-work incoherent an with up end to tends one that is approach of an irrigation system. While financially palatable in the short term, often more and more deal great a costs approach this long-term the in than not performs unreliably and imprecisely. inefficiently, rather system a upgrade to justifiable it is circumstances what under So cable and pipe the in lies really answer The it? replace completely than capacity sufficient have and robust are elements these both If network. good a have you then extensions, or modifications any accommodate to ageing an have you If it. replace than rather system the upgrade to basis given be should replacement system wholesale then network, pipe PVC serious consideration and money spent on short-term measures, will almost certainly be a palliative and not a cure. expectancy life a have networks pipe PVC while that is news good The design- a have pipes (PE) polyethylene years, 25 than longer no typically In installed). and jointed rigorously are they as long (so years 50 of life potentially is system irrigation an on expenditure capital context, this a 50 year investment – not one to be undertaken During the lightly. 50 years, there is no doubt that some components will be replaced (sprinklers for example), in the same way that one might replace the vastly be thus argumentwill replacement v. upgrade The car. a on tyres to compared networks pipe PE with clubs golf for futuredifferent the in that faced today for clubs with PVC pipe networks. The cost of purchasing a new irrigation system is a high capital cost for all golf cubs and is often a bitter pill With to machinery,swallow. however time; over fleet your replenish and everyyear item an buy you purchase. capital one-off a normally is irrigation should

By Giles Wardle BSc MSc MIAgrE, IrriplanBy Giles Wardle Ltd. hen upgrade replace I I W

40 Greenkeeper International particular irrigation system and ideally should be evaluated and assessed and evaluated be particularshould ideally and irrigationsystem in interest vested no has who engineer/consultant, independent an by as there is always the potential for future technological advances. upgrade to whether is clubs golf by faced commonly most dilemma The be will This completely. it replace to or system irrigation current their course’s the historyof and circumstances individual the on dependent So if you need a new irrigation system there’s no benefit in waiting on waiting in benefit no there’s system irrigation new a need you if So waiting justify arguably might One drop. might costs that grounds the technological future some from benefit could one that grounds the on anythingreplace or upgrade never would we rationale this on but advance, etc) has probably dropped in recent times, but these components account components these but times, recent in droppedprobably has etc) system. irrigation new a of cost entire the of 15% than less for labour and associated employment costs and legislation. controllers(decoders, components electronic the of cost terms,the real In installation element which is dependent on the cost of labour, machinery labour, of cost the on dependent is which element installation labour unskilled of cost direct the While again! oil friend - our fuel and Eastern to EU the of expansion recent the to (due little a dropped has Europe), this has been more than offset by the rising cost of skilled Approximately 30-40% of the cost of a new irrigation system is the This is because a major element of the cost of a new irrigation system is irrigation system new a of cost the of element major a because is This plastic, from made all are which fittings, and pipe valves, sprinklers, the which oil; of price the on dependent predominantly is which of cost the soon. time any significantly drop to unlikely is certainly be highly optimistic, at least on historic grounds. You can be be can You grounds. historic on least at optimistic, highly be certainly in drop to going not is system irrigation an of cost the that sure pretty the future, either. Unlike consumer electronics, the cost of irrigation systems has never make might innovation technological a that argument the So dropped. performancebetter or similar wouldfor cheaper much irrigationsystems

Whenever I buy a piece of consumer electronics, from MP3 player to The year. next market the on is model cheaper and better a player, DVD pace of technological development in irrigation over the last decade worth is it that conclude to tempted be might one that such been has waiting a little while before upgrading or replacing your system, since there is So, soon. market the on be will better and cheaper something any merit in this argument? irrigation

FEATURE FEATURE Greenkeeper International 41

system components, which were out of warranty entire the of cost the to compared minimal were cost in savings The project in the future rough sprinkler system has outgrown the original mains pipe network network pipe mains original the outgrown has system sprinkler Improve coverage and water use efficiency sprinkler drive units fromStop leakages PVC pipe network the ageing No contractor would accept responsibility for the existing control network, whilst installing a new pipe network and then tryingthen marryand to network pipe new a installing whilst network, the price would and risks with fraught and complicated as up, them contract commensurately to support the extension of the system to all the fairways in the future Any contractor would view trying to preserve the existing cable The manufacturer had just announced that the model and type of controlof type and model the that announced just had manufacturer The system was discontinued and its replacement was not compatible with the existing decoders or solenoids insufficient was cables) and (interfaces system the of capacity The Increase system capacity to be able to extend irrigation to all fairwaysall irrigationto extend to able be to capacity system Increase Reduce the run time of the system. Over the years, the extent of the of extent the years, the Over system. the of runtime the Reduce Eliminate overthrow of the single-row fairway system into the Old pumping plant, recently upgraded with retro-fitted variable speed variable retro-fitted with upgraded recently plant, pumping Old (single-row) of varying sprinklers Gear-driven 20 years old ages up to www.irriplan.net Giles Wardle is a Director of Irriplan, one of Europe’s leading consulting leading Europe’s of Irriplan,one of Director a is Wardle Giles resources. water and irrigation golf in engineers [email protected] +44 (0) 1332 865 738 system should be “greater than the sum of its parts” and a “chain is only as strong as the weakest link”. So when considering upgrading or replacing your irrigation system, it’s as it’s irrigationsystem, your replacing or upgrading considering when So irrigationan are; they though clichéd aphorisms, two remember to well of a winter storage reservoir. remains, pending the outcome of a feasibility study into the constructionthe into study feasibility a of outcome the pending remains, being connected to the new pipe network and new control system, with system, control new and network pipe new the to connected being also plant pumping The future. the in replaced be can they that view a that are easily replaced in the future and do not compromise future selection of equipment. Some of the existing fairway sprinklers are was decided to replace the control system and start afresh. However facets are these and retained been have that elements some are there Given that capital expenditure in irrigation is a long-term investment, it long-term investment, a irrigationis in expenditure capital that Given • • • control system were summarised: • cable network and new decoders, the possibility of re-utilising these elements was given consideration. The disadvantages to keeping the and needed, but having recently purchased a new PC newcontroller, A new pipe network and sprinkler system was what the club wanted fairway, thus avoiding overthrow into the rough and optimising the water. of consumption On the fairways Irriplan proposed the replacement of the single-row system for a double-row of part-circle sprinklers on the edge of the wind-tolerant nozzles. nozzles. wind-tolerant this was to replace the system with modern sprinklers with low-angle, low-angle, with sprinklers modern with system the replace to was this existing sprinkler system was ageing, susceptible to wind and not verynot and wind to susceptible ageing, was system sprinkler existing efficient - especially thesingle-row fairway system. The solution to Given the age, condition and capacity of the existing PVC pipe network, pipe PVC existing the of capacity and condition age, the Given replacing this element of the irrigation system was indisputable. The • • • • • Irriplan’sfrom technical brief to: the club was • • • WORKING AT HEIGHT BIGGA’S Health & Safety series produced by Xact

Falls from height cause over 40 deaths and 3,000 major injuries per Most people working at height use a ladder/steps. While nobody is year in the workplace. This incident is recognised as the major cause suggesting under the Work at Height Legislation that ladders/steps of death and one of the main causes of major injury at work. are banned, their use now needs to be justified to ensure they are the most suitable means of access compared to other equipment options A place is defined as being at height if a person could be injured falling by means of a risk assessment. Ladders/steps should only be used for from it. It is commonly thought working over a specific height (2m) working at height where: requires precautions in place to prevent injury. However, as the above • Work is of short duration (max 30mins) definition from the Work at Height Legislation illustrates, falls from any • Work is of a light nature, they are not suitable for heavy work involving height are covered even if this is at or below ground level. Examples lifting of heavy loads of typical activities which could come under the legislation would be: • A suitable handhold is available along with maintaining three points Working from a vehicle or trailer; Tree pruning off the ground; Maintenance of contact when on the ladder work involving ladders or steps; Work in pits and silos. • Operators are not required to overreach i.e. the person’s centre of gravity (belt buckle) should always be kept within the stiles (uprights) Employers who control the work of others have a duty to ensure: of the ladder • Persons expected to work at height are trained to safely do so - don’t • Side-loading is not involved – it should be avoided as the ladder may suffer any condition that may affect their ability to work safely when over-tip. Where possible always face the job in hand. Where this is at height not possible additional stability devices will be required • Equipment used for is maintained and inspected by a competent • Correct angle of 75o can be maintained i.e. 1 unit out for every 4 person up • Work is planned, organised and risk assessed prior to work starting • Regular inspections are carried out to ensure they are safe to use • The location is safe e.g. protected from moving traffic • Correct class of steps/ladder is employed. Domestic type ladders • The work takes into account ongoing weather conditions that may are not suitable for use in commercial workplaces. endanger workers safety • Fragile roof surfaces/roof lights are suitably protected to prevent More information can be had from INDG 401and INDG402 on the HSE falls website www.hse.gov • The risks of others being injured by falling objects is recognised and controlled

Introducing the Toro GDC System, the most powerful decoder system available for golf course irrigation.

The GDC system uses proven technology from the aerospace and aviation industries to provide reliable, affordable irrigation with the ability to support the complex designs of today’s golf courses.

• Design without complicated calculations. One cable can have up to 800 stations and be up to 4.5 km long.

• Lower installation costs. The Toro GDC System minimises wire usuage and reduces overall system costs.

• Reduce maintenance and downtime. The Toro GDC System. Reduce troubleshooting time; activate Designed with imagination in mind. 50 stations simultaneously. • Count on the Toro NSN Support Network. The first dedicated support network in the irrigation industry.

For full details please call 01480 226858

TORO Commercial, Irrigation and Consumer Products are distributed by Lely (UK) Limited St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 1QH. Tel: 01480 226800 Email: [email protected] TORO Commercial and Irrigation Products are distributed by Lely Ireland Limited, Kilboggin Nurney, Co. Kildare. Tel: 00 353 (0)45 526170 Email: [email protected] www.toro.com

42 Greenkeeper International Letters

TORO STUDENT OF THE YEAR DIL BARNARD I recently participated in the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year It is with regret, that we report of passing of Dilwyn Barnard, Salesman Competition 2007. This was a fantastic experience and opportunity at Grasshopper Ltd, Toro Dealer in Essex. that also allowed me to meet seven great finalists from throughout the UK. Dil passed away on Saturday, September 22, after a brave, two-year battle with Cancer.

I would like to thank the BIGGA staff and the judges for their warm LETTERS welcome. The accommodation and facilities were excellent. This is an amazing competition and would not be available for students without support from Toro, Ken Richardson and Sami Collins. This was the 19th Student of the Year Competition and Ken’s last, so now he can finally enjoy his retirement (welcome on board Rachael).

It was fun to go out in Harrogate after the presentation, this then allowed everyone to enjoy the experience and relax after the two days hard work. The meal and drinks were a delight. The bowling was interesting as well, but I think the BIGGA staff and Billy McMillan had been practicing!

BIGGA is a fantastic organisation and this is shown by the achievements from its staff and members. With the support from my family, work colleagues, members from Abbeydale, Steve Prinn (Askham Bryan College), Gordon Brannah (Sheffield Section) and my Head Greenkeeper, Warwick Manning, it made this all worth while...Thank you and congratulations to Avon Bridges.

Lewis Birch Abbeydale GC

STUDENT OF THE YEAR I am writing to express my many thanks to the Learning and Development Department and all BIGGA staff involved with the recent 2007 Toro Dil was 59 and had worked at Grasshopper from 1989, having previously Student of the Year competition. worked for Hensmans Agricultural dealers in Ingatestone, Essex, as a fitter. After which he joined Chelmsford Plant Hire as a Fitter, and I felt privileged to be chosen as one of the eight finalists and to be Trainee Salesman. selected as one of the runners up was fantastic. Everyone I met was very helpful and made the entire weekend very enjoyable. He enjoyed Sailing from Bradwell Marina when he was younger, and in the latter years enjoyed travelling with his wife, Maureen, and the Scilly I found it exciting and feel I have gained valuable experience throughout Isles were a favourite. all the stages of the Award. I have also met some very interesting people and made some very useful contacts. Dil leaves his Wife, Maureen, son Neill, Daughter Sally, and four Grandchildren. I look forward to seeing some of you again during Harrogate Week. Thank you once again. He will be sorely missed by family, friends and colleague’s alike, for his legendary humour and ability to make everyone he met feel instantly at ease. Simon Lambert 1st Assistant Greenkeeper Arnold Phipps-Jones Seaford Head Golf Course Essex Section

Greenkeeper International 43 New Products

FAST REMOVAL OF WATER ICE AND SNOW CONTROL PETROL STORAGE Sisis Equipment (Macclesfield) Ltd recently Broadwood International has launched the The new Maxi 2000 Petrol Station from Ideals announced that it is now exclusive distributor SnowEx SP-1575, a tailgate mounted de-icing UK Ltd joins the Midi 1000 unit, launched just for the UK and Ireland for the BunkerBlaster. spreader unit for use with a range of vehicles over a year ago. The BunkerBlaster is designed to quickly including 4x4 and tractors. Lightweight for NEW PRODUCTS and efficiently remove water from flooded easy installation and removal, the SnowEx The Midi 1000 was designed to meet the demand bunkers and water saturated playing areas on SP-1575 can accommodate up to 160 litres from Golf Clubs for a safe, purpose designed, golf courses. The discharge nozzle allows the of road sand, grit or salt. above ground Petrol Storage Station, to receive operator to direct the unwanted water to the tanker delivered fuel. The 1000 unit has been nearest drainage area. 01794 388881 so successful in its first year that Ideals UK or visit: www.snowexeurope.com developed the Maxi 2000 to meet the needs www.sisis.com of larger users of Petrol.

01530834384 or visit: www.idealsuk.com

LETHAL WEAPON Headland has launched Surpass, their new, broad spectrum, contact fungicide based on iprodione.

Surpass gives both curative and preventative control of common turf diseases including LONGER-LASTING GRINDSTONES Fusarium Patch, Dollar Spot and Red Thread. AUTOMATED BALL COLLECTOR Bernhard and Company recently launched SuperBlue genuine grindstones, designed and A fully-automated ball collector, suitable for 01223 597834 developed to last up to three times longer than use on golf ranges and practice grounds all or visit: www.headlandamenity.com conventional grindstones. year round, has been launched by Turfmech Machinery Ltd. Highly durable, these stones come into their own when grinding the more demanding new Known as the RangeRunner, the unmanned, self- generation of harder steel blades. propelled machine combines global positioning satellite (GPS) technology with a programmable SuperBlue is now available for the Bernhard routing system to enable golf ranges to automate range of grinders Anglemaster, Chippermaster what is accepted as the most hazardous and and Rotamaster. time-consuming job on the range, namely, the collection and retrieval of golf balls. 01788 811600 or visit www.bernhard.co.uk 01889 271503 or visit: www.turfmech.co.uk

44 Greenkeeper International NEW PRODUCTS Greenkeeper International 45 LARGE CAPACITY dropa developed recently has Ltd (Supplies) SCH use. domestic and professional for spreader 1050mm of width working a has spreader The rubertyrednotched duty, heavy the and (42’’) agitator spread cnetre unique the gives wheels a good positive drive. 01473 328272 or visit : www.sch-supplies.uk.com NEW QUAD RANGE and Industrial Herchee by produced is Moto Adly available now are ATV’s Herchee time first the for under the factoryu brand name Adly. The new quad range offers a variety of high performance, high specification, sport 300cc and utility Quadricycles. 0845 3890609 or visit: www.fgm.uk.net

TRACTOR MOUNTED AERATORS latest the are 1298 and ProCore864 new The aeration of range innovative Toro’s to additions machinery. In developing the new tractor- mounted units, which replace the old 600 and 880 models, has Toro combined proven coring head technology from the acclaimed ProCore 648 pedestrian greens aerator with an improved platform. www.toro.com New from Muck Truck is a Truck Mounted Crane Mounted Truck a is Truck Muck from New The landscapers. and builders small by use for into fits that tines with frame lifting a has unit andkils 200 to up weighing bricks of pallet a can swivel the load through 360 degrees. 5480 838 0845 or visit: www.mucktruck.com TRUCK MOUNTED CRANE

www.lankhorst.co.uk has a high load bearing capacity. capacity. bearing load high a has need maintenance. Ecogrid is ideal for soft and flexible durable, is Ecogrid KLP® ground. Lankhorst has launched Ecogrid — a sub–surface,a — Ecogrid launched has Lankhorst ground–reinforcement product that does not DURABLE SOIL CONSOLIDATION or visit: www.golf-plus.co.uk 01494 795110 device. established SureShotGps course measuring ELECTRONIC GOLFING AID ELECTRONIC GOLFING their of version latest the launched has Plus Golf News from the Chief Executive The BIGGA/IOG group set up to investigate the potential benefit of a merger held its latest review meeting at BIGGA House. Both BIGGA and the IOG confirmed their desire to continue with talks Scottish - East however, BIGGA representatives firmly stated their concern at not having made more progress. After an open and frank discussion a After the long wet summer, what a welcome relief to have a good very progressive task list was agreed with some extremely tight September, with conditions ideal for renovation works. deadlines. The intention is to have a report out to members by January 31, 2008, for consideration. I stress nothing can be agreed The Autumn Outing was held this year at Ratho Park GC on Tuesday, regarding a merger without the approval of membership. September 19, with 24 in attendance. Weather conditions were ideal and as a result the golf scores were good. Our thanks go to Ratho Park Another meeting has been arranged for November when the two for granting us courtesy of the course, the catering staff for keeping Chief Executive’s must present to the Group the following reports: everybody well fed and watered and last but certainly not least to Tom, The benefit of a merger to their respective members: The benefit Billy and the team for presenting the course in excellent condition. of a merger to the respective businesses: A proposed membership structure with associated subscription rates: A study on exhibitions The golf results are as follows: Best Scratch – S. Cunningham 75; 1.1 and publications. These will be key documents that will give a clear T Murray, 75-7-68; 1.2 C. McArthur, 76-6-70; 2.1 R. Murdoch, 85-12- indication of the value of further negotiations. 73; 2.2 C. Yeaman, 86-12-74; 3.1 S. Dixon, 92-19-73; 3.2 B. Hudson, 101-24-77; Best Nett - T. Murray 75-7-68; Veteran - A. Holmes, 77-3-74; The Amenity Forum’s recent meeting was attended by our representative, Trade Prize - H Fraser (Huxleys), 69-3-66; Longest Drive - C. McArthur; Ken Siems. The meeting was very constructive, detailing the extensive Nearest the Pin at 15th - G. White. Finally the committee have asked me work undertaken by the Amenity Forum in lobbying the European to personally thank all the Trade members for their continued support, Parliament regarding the proposed pesticide ban. it is very much appreciated.

The National Championship was a great success, our thanks go to I had a meeting this week with a real blast from the past, Donald Menzies, Dundonald and Kilmarnock (Barrassie) Golf Clubs for hosting the the former Head Greenkeeper at both Mortonhall and Peebles. He has competition. Both clubs made the Association very welcome. I spent the past summer working as manager on a farm near Malaga, would like to thank Kubota for their sponsorship and the members which is one of the largest growers of Bermuda Grass in Europe. Now who supported the event by entering. Congratulations to David returned to the UK he is based in Edinburgh and is running his own Simpson and Elliott Small, the respective winners of the Challenge landscape business. Trophy and the Challenge Cup. The hot news this month is that Bill Lyon, the brother of Jim at Lanark I recently attended a meeting of the Children in Golf Strategy Group is the new Course Manager at Murrayfield. He commences his duties – A partnership of the governing bodies and organisation’s in golf in January. Continuing on the job scene, our congratulations go to throughout Great Britain and Ireland. They have committed to work Kevin Shiels on his appointment as Head Greenkeeper at Torphin Hills. together to ensure golf is an environment within which children/young He started his career at Lothianburn before joining the greens staff people can participate in safely. A possible change in the law could at Baberton in 1990. He has worked at Torphin Hills for the past two see the golf club being registered as a business within which all years as Deputy Head. employees will need to have a Criminal Records Bureau check. There is an increasing concern in society over the welfare of children and Mike Dooner more and more those persons likely to have contact with them are being vetted. Whether we shall be invited to become a permanent partner will be decided at their next meeting. I hope this is the case. For more information go to: www.childreningolf.org North

One of our greatest challenges is getting information to the golfer so The Autumn Outing was held at Fortrose in late September. The weather we can create a better understanding of the role of the greenkeeper was windy but quite normal for this part of the world. A good day was had and the level of education, training and professionalism required by all and thanks must go to Fortrose & Rosemarkie GC for their kind to do the job. Scott MacCallum and I recently met with Mike hospitality on the day. The course was in excellent condition throughout Harris, Editor of Golf Monthly. We are in the process of putting with firm fast greens that were hard to hit but a joy to putt on. Well done together some suggestions for features in their publication, both on to Kevin Fowler and his staff for all their efforts on the day. There was a greenkeeping and the environment, linking in our own Environment good turnout of 51 members on the day, which made it very enjoyable. Competition. Hopefully we can maintain at least this level of numbers for the outings next year and beyond. Please take time to study the education programme for Harrogate Week that members should have received. Details are also available Results - Longest Drive: Class 2 - James Hutchison, Castle Stuart through the BIGGA website. Book early to avoid disappointment! GC; Class 1 - Neil Sadler, Portlethen GC; Nearest the Pin: Muir Ross, Ballindalloch GC. Sweep: 4th- Kevin Fowler, Fortrose GC; 3rd - Ben John Pemberton Brookes, Murcar GC; 2nd - Robert Patterson, Royal Aberdeen GC; 1st - Mike Keay Tarbat GC. Guest Winner: Neil Cameron, Castle Stuart GC.

46 Greenkeeper International Around the Green

Trade Winner: Raymond Warrender, Alpha Plus. Committee Winner: Robert website for some fantastic views of the course the West Section would Patterson, Royal Aberdeen GC. Veterans Trophy: 2nd Brian Cocker- Alyth like to wish you all the best, watch out for the red backs and always GC; 1st George Simpson, Oldmeldrum GC. Class 3 Nett: 3rd - Hugh take a golf club when looking for your ball in the semi rough to bash McClatchie, Peterhead GC; 2nd - Dale Robertson, Newmachar GC; 1s any passing snakes

t- David Duggan, Fortrose GC. Class 2 Nett: 3rd – Sharp, Peterculter AROUND THE GREEN GC; 2nd - Ben Brookes, Murcar GC; 1st - Mike Keay, Tarbat GC. Class 1 Our Education Convenor, Stuart Taylor, will be organising training days at Nett: 3rd - Jocky Urquhart, Rothes GC; 2nd - Steve Sullivan, Craigie Hill Killermont GC November 6, Manual Handling half day course, November GC; 1st - Kevin Fowler, Fortrose GC. Scratch: 2nd - Barry Cruickshank, 13, Fire Extinguisher Course. Cost of courses £45-50. Garmouth GC; 1st - Robert Patterson, Royal Aberdeen GC. Fraser Ross. karen.ross @teco.net, 07970366355 John Littlejohn has left Fraserburgh GC to take up a position at the new complex for Northern Marts at Maverston Urqhart near Elgin. This is a 27 hole complex that has been built so good luck to you John in your new venture. Nothing more from me this month. Northern - North East Robert Patterson On Thursday, September 20, Greenlay Co Ltd of Choppington held their Open Day for their new premises. They were very pleased with the amount of interest shown in the day by all the local greenkeepers and would like to thank them for making the effort to attend at this busy time of year. West To get an attendance in excess of 100 people was tremendous. As well as all the John Deere equipment on display they had five represntatives A warm welcome to this month’s report it’s nice to see some decent from John Deere including David Hart (Head of the C and CE division.) weather after our disappointing summer, and just looking forward to Food was a hog roast van and the sandwiches went down well, some picking up leaves. who went back for seconds will remain nameless.

This year’s autumn outing was held at the Vale of Leven GC. It’s a very Recently two greenkeepers from our Section have had accidents one at work important year as the club is now 100 years old. On the day I played been Steven Richardson, of Tyneside GC, and Russ Black, of Westerhope with Davie McBride, the Course Manager and the Vice Captain, Drew, GC, his been at home we hope they make quick recoveries. we had a fantastic day until the water was running into my shoes on the 12th hole and we decided to abandon ship back to the clubhouse New members to join the Section are all from the same club being for a few beers and some much needed food. Gosforth GC, they are J.Lee, J.Saunders and C.Walker. Some greenstaff from Slaley Hall are also showing interest in joining the Section - Come The course was in first class condition and I would like to congratulate on lads get signed up - there are lots of benefits for you all. Davie and his team for their hard work in presenting the course, also to the catering which was first class and not forgetting the bar staff for On October 4 we had our Autumn Comp at Ravensworth GC. It’s been a keeping us going in refreshments throughout the day. long time since we played there and by all accounts the greenkeepers who played were very praiseworthy of the excellent condition of the I would like to thank the club for courtesy of their fine course and wish course, thanks would go to Stuart Morrison and his staff - Well done them all the best for the remainder of their centenary year. The scores lads, thought we might have seen you playing but I believe you had a on the day were: Scratch - Gerry Bruen, Williamwood. 1.1 Brian Hillan, meeting with the local police regarding the continious vandalism you have Drumpellier; 1.2 John Brown, Bearsden; 1.3 Charlie Goodall, Balmore. to put up with, maybe next time.The leading scores were as following: 2.1 Alan Dykes, Balmore, 2.2 Barry McCulloch Whitecraigs, 2.3 Gary Best Gross - J.Gibson, Northumberland GC, 70 gross + Salver; Best Burns Lenzie. 3.1 Jamie Keith, Cowglen, 3.2 Brian Logue, Vale of Leven, Nett - M.Harvey, Wearside GC, 94-24= 70 Ransome Cup; Best Nett 3.3 Richard Cuthbert, Cowglen. And this year’s Daval Trophy went to - A.Harrison, Garesfield GC, 89-10= 79 Greenlay Cup Handicap from Brain Hillan, Drumpellier with a two round score of 71 points, well done scratch - 12; Best Nett - K.Dinsdale, Northumberland GC, 92-20=72 to all the prize winners, many thanks to our patrons for their continued Fewsters Shield Handicap from 13- 28. support of our outing. Well done lads keep them trophies nice and clean, good to see Alan This years annual night out will be held at Jongleurs Comedy Club the Harrison returning to Section events and thanks to all the other members site of the old Apollo on Friday, November 23, tickets are on sale from for turning up hope you had a good day, perhaps I will see some of you anyone on the committee priced at £22 please be quick in buying tickets at Harrogate next January. as it’s a very popular venue. I would like to thank the following sponsors for their prizes which I As we head into the autumn/winter one of our colleagues will be must say were excellent they are: Turf Services Ltd, Rigby Taylor, Tacit, heading to the surf and sun for six months. Derek McCallum, Deputy Greenlay, Shorts of Whitbur and, Aitkens. Head at Helensburgh GC, has secured a position at a prestigious golf club in Sydney, Terreyhills Golf and Country Club, have a look on the Jimmy Richardson

Greenkeeper International 47 Around the Green

book early as the hotels get full very quickly. If you have any news please North West contact Bert Cross on: 0151 7245412 or myself on: 0151 2894625 my email is: [email protected] The Autumn Tournament took place on Tuesday, October 2. A sunny day

AROUND THE GREEN greeted us all and I can honestly say that the journey up was well worth Chris Sheehan the effort although Phil Dewhurst did most of the driving, thanks Phil.

Silloth was magnificent, a pleasure to play. Brian Storey and his lads had the course in great condition and the hospitality was fantastic, many North Wales thanks to the Captain and his Comittee at Silloth and to everyone involved in making it such a success. On to the winners, Best Gross - Brian Storey. The Section would like to apologise for the lack of notes over the past Best Nett - Grant Dougherty. Aggregate Cup - Peter Hogan. Vets Prize few months, this has been down to a technical hitch, namely human - Peter Hogan. Guest Prize - Peter Boyd. The Nearest the Pin and Longest resources or a lack of human resources. Drive was once again sponsored by Bathgates and was won respectively by Grant Dougherty and Brian Storey well done to you all. We have had a few of changes on the committee over this year, Wendy O’Brien took a career move earlier this year and went over to work The next fixture is the President’s Cup and AGM at Wilmslow GC on in Spain at one of the Polaris World resorts where the grass cutting Thursday, December 6. Please get your names down early as this is a motto is…maybe tomorrow better today. Also congratulations to Darren very popular event. If you wish to play send a cheque payable to BIGGA Anderson on his Master Greenkeeper award, he will also come off the North West Section for £20 to Bill Merritt, The Lodge, Beacon Park committee due to work commitments, both Darren and Wendy were an Golf Club, Beacon Lane, Dalton, Wigan, WN8 7RU. Tel: 07985175825. active part of the Section team and we would like to thank them both And don’t forget to bring a bottle of alcohol or prize to the value of £5 individually for their efforts over the past years. so everyone on the day goes home with something nice. Just to finish harrogate is just around the corner so make sure if you are staying to Our Autumn Golf Tournament was held at Lymm GC and we had another impressive turnout of just under 60 members, guests and trade playing – The course was presented in a fine condition for this part of the year and our thanks go to Lymm GC, Stuart Yarwood, Course Manager, along with his greenkeeping staff and also to the caters for the excellent food afterwards.

The AGM that was due to take place at Lymm GC was postponed until the Christmas competition being held at Harlech – (Royal St David’s GC) on December 5, We would like to see as many members attend this meeting as we possibly can and will be looking for two or three new committee members along with asking for courses to be put forward to host our 4 tournaments in the 2008 season and we are still looking for a venue for our spring seminar, does any one have any suggestions for such a place? It would be nice to see some new faces on the committee with new idea’s to keep us progressing forward in an ever-changing environment.

Any questions with regard to your committee/your BIGGA Section + events/courses etc, should be directed to Jeremy Hughes at The Vale of Llangollen GC, Tel: 07876 776265 or Email: [email protected]

Mesen Cymru

Andrew Acorn [email protected]

Northern

I must begin this month by apologising to you all for the lack of notes in the last couple of issues, I promise to keep on top of them in the future.

In the last couple of months the Section has held numerous events,

48 Greenkeeper International AROUND THE GREEN John Lax Greenkeeper International 49 Campeys Turf Care for sponsorship of the fine main prize table. N.T.P.& N.T.P.& table. prize main fine the of sponsorship for Care Turf Campeys respectively P.Woodham and Count-back) K.Swan(on by won was L.D. R.Page/Turners to also Thanks Amenity. N.Tyler/Alpa by sponsored as for refreshment T.Cheese. around the course. Best Trade: E. by Wentworth won and at held was Doubles Scotts the of final The Jones. A. and Thomas R. being runners-up The Woodham. P. and Stant Our thanks to Scotts for sponsoring this long running event. What a great competition, £2.50 per head. playing great courses around the point next year! Midlands - Midland a peruse to Park Sandwell left recently I aware be may you of some As greenkeeping miss to began I months two after However, angling. in career and have been fortunate to be offered employ at The Wrekin. What a beautiful place to earn one’s corn. As the old doctrine professes, “a change is as good as a rest!” Well I must have been fished-outby the time of our annual angling Harborne, Shore, Allen was day the on winner The last. came I match, holding of chance any Steve - Aston Little Yates, Steve being second and next year’s at Little Aston’s pool? Our thanks for to his Mr.Perks kind N.Tyler/Alpha to gratitude Also fishing. great such of use welcoming and Amenity for sponsorship of the day. greatwith blessed were we and GC Walsall at held was event Autumn Our (C.M.) D.Coutts to thanks Our beautiful. always as was course The weather. efforts. Mr.R.Smith great there to for thanks team our fine Also his and results The manner. welcoming informativesermonand his for (Captain) A.Jones. 3. G.Turner. 2. K.Swan. 1. Nett: A.Jones. - Gross Best day: the of 4. E.Stant. 6. 5. R.Beacham. J.Ganley. 7. M.Hughes. Our thanks to was in great condition and our thanks go to Derek Neve and his staff well done Derek! Thanks also go to our sponsor of the day who was Glen Sawyer from Golf and Turf Machinery, thanks for your continued staffprovidingcatering for the to also you Thank Section. supportthe of an excellent meal. There were 15 greenkeeepers who played and the resultsThe Les! played well 32pts, with Varndel Les was winner eventual were as follows: 1st L 32pts; Varndel, 2nd R Jones, 30pts bb9; 3rd P Neve, 30pts; 4th S Redmond, 28pts bb9; 5th R Needham 28pts. The C Martinguest prize was won by with 29pts. competition greenkeepers annual their held SUGC the 24, September On at Sandhills GC and the results were as follows: 1st Hickleton GC (R Docherty); (P GC Wheatley 3rd Bunting); (A GC Chesterfield 2nd Needham); 4th Grange Park GC (S Pickering); 5th Wortley GC (S Davies). and competition Christmas our for GC Worksop at be will golf next Our AGM on December 3, so hopefully as many of you can turn up if it is possible for you. time the for postponed been has it trip, Wembley the about just Finally being due to logistical reasons but hopefully this will happen at some Adam Speight 07739 319060

would like to thank for giving us the courtesy of their course. The course The course. courtesytheir the of us giving for thank to like would On September 17, we held our Autumn competition at Brough GC who I who GC Brough at competition Autumn our held we 17, September On Richard and Megan for giving us this interesting lecture. I think was enjoyed by all of the 50 plus people who attended which once which attended who people plus 50 the of all by enjoyed was think I Henry,thank to verylike a would supportedit I well made event. again Disturbance Theory and was given by HenryWindowsby Richard Theorygiven Bechelet, Disturbance was and verya which was informativeseminar it STRI; the from Hood, Megan and was sponsored by Mike Brear and Rigby Taylor who I would also like to to like also would I who Taylor Rigby and Brear Mike by sponsored was The on was seminar The supportSection! continuous the their of for thank their facilities for us to use at no expense to the Section! The seminar seminar The Section! the to expense no at use to us for facilities their On September 6, we held a seminar at Rotherham GC, who I would like would I who GC, Rotherham at seminar a held we 6, September On providing by Section Sheffield supportthe continuous of their for thank to Finally we have some Section news! Sheffield

to Tony and partnerto Tony from all at Northern Section. Tony “Bones” Gerrard, who I believe has just got engaged. Best wishes Best engaged. got just has believe I Gerrard,who “Bones” Tony in touch and we can sort alternative arrangements out. Before I leave you for another month, a huge congratulations goes to the day. If you have difficulties with paying by cheque then please get please then cheque by paying with difficulties have you If day. the Can anybody who is interested in playing please get in touch as soon as soon as touch in get please playing in interested is who anybody Can before cheque by pay attending people all that ask must I and possible, being held at Crossland Heath GC, Huddersfield, on Thursday, December 6. 6. December Thursday, on Huddersfield, GC, Heath Crossland at held being At last I can bring you the date for 2007’s Christmas Golf and AGM. It is It AGM. and Golf Christmas 2007’s for date the you bring can I last At Tournament. Also Tournament. thanks to the staff of both clubs for producing two fantastic courses. same amount of players can be seen next Furtheryear. thanks to our for and Invitation sponsors Scotts Day, Rigby for Taylor, the Autumn Congratulations to all the winners in both competitions, we hope the the scoring was kept low. The Autumn Tournament was this year held at Fulford GC, and again with again and GC, Fulford at held year this was Tournament Autumn The conditions, weather difficult and course very a of tough combination a day was very tough going. having a bad sense of humour with his hole positioning, scoring on the the on scoring positioning, hole his with humour of sense bad a having have taken Invitation place. Day Firstly, was held at Howley Hall on a somewhat wet and overcastand with day, Head Man, Mike Bussey On the golf side of things, both Invitation Day and the Autumn Tournament Tournament Autumn the and Day Invitation both things, of side golf the On to greenkeeping. We wish Bill all the best in his retirement and hope to hope and retirement his in best the all Bill wish We greenkeeping. to see him again at future events. Section discussions. During the day at Moortown a presentation was made to to made was Moortown at presentation a day the During discussions. serviceshis and retirement upcoming his for Fox, Bill Greenkeeper, Head and Richard Windows, all from the STRI, for their superb speeches and and speeches superb their for STRI, the from all Windows, Richard and Mike Brear and for their Rigby Taylor sponsorship and assistance in organising and the also day, thanks to Henry Bechelet, Megan Hood including an excellent seminar at Moortown GC. A huge thank you to Around the Green

Midlands then the joy of Wentworth, free! Get your partner ready/sorted play for possibly the oldest trophies in English golf and each I am sure for next year. I know mine has such a sentiment. all with a fascinating tale to tell. The course was an excellent test of golf, full of surprises with even the odd deer or muntjac seen roaming

AROUND THE GREEN The Christmas event is to be played at Whittington Heath on 6/12/07 the heathland. with full breakfast on arrival. Partner draw 9am Tee off 10am. Traditionally we have run a bring a prize and receive a prize format, this is to continue The results: 1st Ben Kebby and Richard Davis, Berkshire; 2nd Dan this year. Please bring prizes wrapped and to the value of over £7.00. Lightfoot and Leigh Powell, Bearwood Lakes; 3rd Dave, Pussycat Lyons There of course shall be a main prize table as sponsored by Tacit. Get and John Bowness, Deanwood Park. your entries to Gary A.S.A.P. Nearest Pin - Erik Kinlon and Longest Drive - Pat Carroll with Jon Ryan from We have again joined forces with New Grange Training to run the Browns winning the John Deere Putting Competition.Thanks to Newbury IOSH Managing Safely course.This comprehensive four day course & Crookham GC for the courtesy of the course and all the catering and provides managers from any type of organisation/industry with a basic bar staff who provided hospitality ensuring our every need was met, Alec introductory grounding in health and safety at work. It concentrates on MacIndoe and all his green staff for the huge effort throughout the whole training delegates to apply sound management principles to health and year in preparing first class playing conditions that made for a great day safety, and is divided into eight different modules. Bigga members are out.Thanks to Ian Richardson from Headland for sponsoring this event offered a specially reduced fee. Booking and enquiries should be made and Jon Beck for laying on the burgers at the halfway hut. direct with New Grange on 01562 632143. Course Duration: 4 Full Days 9.30am-4.30pm. Venue: Gay Hill Golf Club. Cost: £420 + IOSH Delegate News around the Section, Nick Paris has left Chobham GC in Surrey and Registration of £35 per person (exc VAT) Includes IOSH Managing Safely has started at Datchet GC. We wish Nick the best of luck in his first Course Manual, IOSH Training Certificate on successful completion & role as Head Greenkeeper. examination, folder, pen, lunch and daily refreshments. The Xmas Turkey Trot will be at Beaconsfield GC this year on November 21 Well I hope you have inundated our Chairman with photos for next year’s and will be a team event, so please get your entry forms in on time. calendar, I’ll put a fiver on it that you haven’t. Our thanks to Whitemoss: www.whitemosseco.co.uk for sponsoring this month’s calendar page. The Section website is alive and kicking, so if you have any news or Looking forward to next year’s. Our thanks to all of our prier and future views, give it a hit! www.bbo-greenkeepers.co.uk sponsors of this very unique benefit of being a member of our Section. Please take advantage of the others! www.midlandsection.co.uk Mark Day [email protected]

It is with great pleasure (via M.Gash) that Mike Green and his wife Faye have just had a little boy. From the whole section congratulations to you both. Gashey, you had better get some coffee at work for Mike, Mid-Anglia or a bed. Is this the start of our long awaited growth decline, “about time” I hear Sean McDade you say, a few signs of disease and a wind that feels like its from the arctic. It seems funny that it is time for things to change but we are still very lush and green and cutting like mad. It won’t be long until we are paying for the Christmas presents and looking forward to the Berks/Bucks and Oxon New Year.

October! What a month in our calendar. The so-called summer is becoming Here is a quick reminder to you all, the Texas Scramble is at South Beds on a distant memory, the nights are pulling in and the mornings are darker December 6, please get those entries in early to avoid disappointment as than a coal miner’s armpit. it will be on a first come first served basis. All entries to Richard Saunders at the usual address. We are trying to arrange a couple of educational The weather is unpredictable and I suppose we will have a Russian winter seminars in Feb/Mar time - Details will be in the next issue. to look forward to, with scenery changes before our eyes with leaves turning from green to every shade from brown to red and gold, and the As I write this article, I am preparing for the trip to Scotland to play in squirrels are hurriedly burying their nuts, hoping that the greenkeeper will the National Championship, and am looking forward to representing the help remember where they put them. Finally, an old saying to remember, Section and when we return we have the Autumn comp at Berkhamsted the holly tree heavy with fruit in early Autumn means a hard winter to GC, the results will be in next month’s article. come, so remember those woolly hats, warmer clothes and a half pint of pink gin and a few whelks should keep away the winter blues. Finally, this will be my last write up for the Section, as Craig Spooner, from Advanta Seeds, will be taking over the challenge. I would like to A warm welcome awaited the 50 or so Section members for the BBO wish you well in whatever you do, all the best. Autumn Invitational which took place at Newbury & Crookham GC, a club with golfing history dating back to 1873 to which competitors still Steve Mason

50 Greenkeeper International AROUND THE GREEN Secretary Rob Hudson Aaron Percival Greenkeeper International 51 Also not to forget that Christmas is almost upon us and that means only one thing, the Scotts Trophy at Porters Park - Will it be another Northwood victory for the third year running? look out for the website. P.S. we didn’t come last! November Worthingon at GC held Trot Turkey the be will event next The no year, the of event best the is it me for missed. be to not is which 30 time. great a everyonehas and handed empty home goes one our with 25 October on Surrey against football of game a got have We kit. sponsoredbrand Thanks new, by to Rigby Mike Taylor, Ring for organising have many wins in it. the kit, may we robert.hudson77@Email: or 07776223234 Tel: touch in get to want you If btinternet.com London memory. distant a being summer with by fly does certainly time Well weresult a as and Section London for month busy a be to proved October official the see will December coming this that announce to pleased our launch of our very own website www.biggalondonsection.co.uk. formthe in for play to trophy new a be will there 2008 for that, of top On with year the throughout played be to is which competition, matchplay a of knockout stages, more to come on this next month so stay tuned. Russell, Nearest Pin on 6th - Chris Ahier; Longest Drive on 18th - Phil Squelsch. Greenkeepers prizes: 1st - Glen Pollard, 39 pts; 2nd - Peter Finley, Gerome - 1st prizes: Guests pts. 36 Allen, Dave - 3rd pts; 37 Ray, pts. 32 DarrenMitchel, - 3rd pts; 32 Ogily, Gary Beale” - “Ian 2nd 34pts; Thank you to everyone who attended there the day, were some great congratulations so radios, digital to TV’s and dvd from won be to prizes to those of you who won. Essex. Surrey and us, between game way three is the event next The hosted who Smith Tom to go must Thanks Valley. Colne at held was this the game and also organised it together with John Ross. The course was in very good condition, but very tough. The team we took up and a big thank you to them was: Dan Beard, Chris Dave Ahier, Allen, Rob Hudson, MattDave Cossley, Ansell, Rob Results: Crossley. Pete and Beale Ian Hinks, Dave Wooley, Short,Tony 198. 1st Essex, 233; 2nd Sussex, 215; last Surrey, eleven from scores Stableford eight best the took we worked, it way The and added them all up. I cat quite remember the finishing scores but Rob Holland kentgreenkeepers.co.uk

Mark Wilton. The results were as follows: Nearest Pin on 3rd - Francois - 3rd on Pin Nearest follows: as were results The Wilton. Mark A big thanks to Blade Amenity for sponsoring so the well day, done day - The greens were the best I have played on this year. everyone at Cooden for their hospitality, and big thanks to John Hill, Carl Hill, John to thanks big and hospitality, their everyonefor Cooden at cracking a and course great a such providing for team the Wyborneand We have had a few events recently, the first was our Autumn meeting on meeting Autumn our was first the recently, events few a had have We thank to like would I Beach. Cooden at held was which 13 September

Hello again, can anyone believe we are this close to Christmas already, already, Christmas to close this are we believe anyone can again, Hello the year seems to have flown by. Sussex industry days shall continue over the Winter months. Please consult our consult Please months. Winter the over industrycontinue shall days website or continue reading this column for more details. of planning went into producing what looked to be a pretty comprehensivepretty a be to looked what producing into went planning of usual Our Change”. of “Climate of topic working overall our on coverage Seminar we hosted foe the South East Region at the end of October. A lot A October. of end the at Region East South the foe hosted we Seminar I hope all of you who attended benefited from and enjoyed the Regional the enjoyed and from benefited attended who you of all hope I have proposals in writing prior to the event. A fixture card for all 2008 2008 all for card fixture A event. the to prior writing in proposals have events will also be distributed to all attendees on the day so you can plan your work programmes around our activities wherever possible. or if you wish to join or change the current committee could we please please we could committee current the change or join to wish you if or our AGM. Having an early start will hopefully enable many of you to be be to you of many enable hopefully start will early an Having AGM. our discussion for issues any raise to wish you If day. whole the for present 8.45am, having a three course Christmas dinner, lots of prizes and holding and prizes of lots dinner, Christmas course three a having 8.45am, the Turkey the Trot shall Turkey be contested at Birchwood Park. Lets hope our offteeing frombe shall We least! at then until continues Summer Indian On November, 29 the Kent Section annual tour draws to a close when when close a to draws tour annual Section Kent the 29 November, On Nearest the pin was won by Brian Willmott and Longest Drive by Michael by Drive Longest and Willmott Brian by won was pin the Nearest Wigstone. Dave Vidler; 3rd on 2 under par Paul Rob Matt Boozer, Holland.Gray, Full results of the day as follows: 1st on 5 under par Gary Branchett, Millen, John Kelso, Duncan par under 4 on 2nd Wise; Mark Rudkin, Paul It was nice to see many new faces at Wildernesse. I hope you all enjoyed all you hope I Wildernesse. at faces new many see to nice was It events. future at attendees regular become will you that and yourselves “Stiffening up” as he collected his nearest the pin prize! particularly enjoyed it as Duncan Kelso noticed that he appeared to be be to appeared he that noticed Kelso Duncan as it enjoyed particularly an unrivalled golf course. Many thanks to Mark Todd and his team for for team his and Todd Mark to thanks Many course. golf unrivalled an have must Willmott Brian enjoy. to all us for setting stunning a providing A fun, Scramble team format,Texas great quality company, food and What a great day we had recently at The Wildernesse Club for our Autumn meeting. South East - Kent Around the Green

welcomed us to his club and offered a few words of, keep it straight and stay out of trouble, which was easier said than done on a windy day. He East Anglia is backed by a fine course staff under the leadership of Bryan Girling who had put a lot of effort into producing such a fine course for all of Our band of brothers (and Clare), ascended on Eaton Golf Club on 12 us to enjoy. Despite some heavy reconstruction works going on around AROUND THE GREEN September 2007. All nearly went smoothly until Ian found out it was a the perimeters of the course, and with the trundle of lorries every few two tee start and had to re-arrange the start times at the last minute. minutes. Play was not disrupted and that is down to some well thought All my fault I’m afraid (a senior moment). I forgot to tell him! I hope all out planning by the clubs owner. We all enjoyed the day and food that those who came enjoyed their day as much as we enjoyed “preparing” followed the game. The Essex Section wish thanks Andrew and Bryan the course. for the day and look forward to returning in the future, to see the fruits of the construction work. That I’m sure will make the course even more The event was sponsored by Bartram Mowers. Incidentally Barry Bartram interesting to play. started in a small workshop at Norwich Airport in 1972 - The same time I arrived at Eaton on an old BSA motorbike. One of us has clearly moved Winners were as follows: Overall. Don Clark, Orsett GC, 38 pts; 1.1 Tony on somewhat. I’ve still got by Bike! Barker, North Weald GC, 35 pts; 1.2 Ben Sharpe, Orsett GC, 34 pts; 1.3 Roland Hughes, Forrester Park G&TC, 34 pts on count back. 2.1 Andy I digress, now for the important bit. 0 - 9 Handicap: 1. Mark Henderson, Cracknell, Orsett GC, 37 pts; 2.2 Nick Swanson, Orsett GC, 36 pts; 2.3 35 pts on countback; 2. Chris O’Dowd; 3. Graham Hurren, 34 pts. 10 Keith Chinnery, Colchester GC, 35 pts. Nearest the Pin, Lewis Tweed. - 18 Handicap: 1. David Farmer, 35 pts; 2. Glen Rayfield, 34 pts; 3. Longest Drive, Daniel Hughes. Guest Prize, Roy Sprong 40 pts. Trade Ian Willett, 30 pts. 19 - 24 Handicap: 1. Andy Baker, 33 pts; 2. Neville Prize, Mark Keysell 32 pts. Chris Wild was happy to hand out the prizes Rowlanson, 26 pts; 3. Richard Mitchell, 25 pts. G & T’s: 1. Eddie Jack, on behalf of Rigby Taylor, which had representation from Steve Denton 42 pts (who wrote the script); 2. Ian Benn, 39 pts; 3. Mark Keysall, 36 and Mark Keysell and ex member of staff Dennis Smith. A fine raffle table pts. Longest Drive - James Gill; Nearest Pin - Neville Rowlanson. The was helped out by trade members who always support us so well. prizes were presented by Terry Upton of Bartram Mowers. Move news this month is that David Beale, Orsett Golf Club, who over (Another senior moment) Step up Bob Chesham, of Sisis, who sent the years has supported the Section with a long stint on the committee everyone diving for cover when he was approaching the 18th. From 20 as competition secretary. Has decided to leave the profession and take yards he thinned one and struck the clubhouse wall. He is now the proud up the art of house building. We wish him well over the coming months winner of our coveted “loo seat.”As always our trade friends did us proud and years. and they are as follows: Bartram Mowers, Textron, Tacit, Rigby Taylor, CMW, Sisis, A & K Supplies, Midlube, Collier Turf Care, Aitkens, Scotts, Also David Tindell has left the profession having joined Stock Brook Earnest Doe, Ben Burgess, Sherriff (of Nottingham), Toro, Tomlinson the Country Club a year ago on his return from the USA having just Ground Care, Consultant Clarkson, Headland, Atterton & Ellis and Lely completed a year with the Ohio State University project, Stock Brook UK. I hope you all had a good day and thank you Eaton GC for your staff wish him every success. support in stepping when a neighbouring club double booked! The next event is the Winter Stableford Tournament, at North Weald Danny, from Bartrams, was recently married. I thought he said he had Golf Club. his honeymoon in Maldon. Seemed a bit strange to me but it turned out to be the Maldives. It’s that language barrier I guess. And don’t mention November 27. Christmas Texas Scramble and AGM at Orsett GC. Teams suppositories to Mark Day - he’ll tell you where to put them! of Four. Each team must comprise of at least two Greenkeeper members and then can be made up of anyone else, Trade, Guest or Greenkeeper. It has also been brought to my attention that some clubs are not giving You choose and make up your own team. Antony will not be making the us courtesy of the course. I know we are a big group but most of us have selections; it’s up to you. Entries to Antony Kirwan, on the official entry given nearly all our working lives to golf. Indeed in our Section I’ll bet forms please, with your entry fees. that working years are almost 2,000 between us. We visit five courses a year and spread them out as much as we can. I know there is no such Any queries contact Antony on 0707887-780.065 or by E-mail: antz16@ thing as a “free lunch” but if you ain’t got a greenkeeper, you ain’t got btinternet.com a course. Is a bit of courtesy really too much to ask? Anyone wishing to raise anything or be considered for the committee Mick Lathrope at the forthcoming AGM should contact, Martin Forrester as soon as possible, cut of date 10 days prior to the meeting. E-mail: mdwforrester@ hotmail.com Anyone who has any news can contact me at highwoods. [email protected] or call me on: 01206 852353

Arnold Phipps-Jones www.essexbigga.co.uk Essex

North Weald GC played host to the Winter Trophy on a dry but cold and windy day at the end of September. Club owner, Andrew Lloyd-Skinner,

52 Greenkeeper International AROUND THE GREEN Greenkeeper International 53 Joe Crawley 07721 389200 389200 07721 Crawley Joe Paul Worster [email protected] 01453 837355 [email protected] Paul Worster Well Well that’s it for this month. Last month, when I finished the article, and off now lots I’m pack to month, This Saltex. for I started packing lots of boxes for my new abode – what joy! South Coast I’m always saying how quickly the year passes, it only seems like Coast South the between match reportedannual I yesterdayyear’s last taking us upon was event this again Once Sections. West South the & place at Farrington Golf and Country Club near Bristol on September 13. I’m sorry to say history repeated itself and the South Coast lost. what The score was in part1.5 points to 3.5 points. taking Many congratulations to for the players our to thanks many and team West South Pring Nigel to goes praise Much day. veryenjoyable a and was sociable the Course Manager and his team for providing the course in tip-top providing very staff were friendly, club the and catering The condition. Farringtonat all to Thanks food. excellent and atmosphere welcoming a Golf and Country Club. notice my reportYou’ll this month is a bit short in length. This is for room a call you do What be! to hope or house moving I’m reasons. two a such in rudeprint too to it’s answer…well The conveyancers?! of full me ask rounds my On International.Greenkeeper as publication quality and I’ll give you a quick reply and you never know we might be in our new house by the time we play Barton-On-Sea on December 5! If you SturgessChris contact please Days Golf our of any or this attend to want Coast, South BIGGA to out made cheque, a send or 8409 313 0777 on: Southampton Sholing, Rd, Bay 31 address: home his at direct Chris to guys. you from news more some need I is reason other The 8EZ. SO19 exam like events happy about me informed have who those to Thanks stories.more need I please, but, tournaments golf winning and successes of most the make Section, your it’s again, it say I’ll but it, say always I below. is which number mobile my on me contact Please it. put to very good use – sponsoring a place at Harrogate, ten places at at places ten Harrogate, at place a sponsoring very– to use put good Tournament, National the at representative a Seminar, Cannington the and helping to administer the section. Thank you gentlemen and in no particular order – Vitax, Avoncrop Irritech,Amenity, Sport Tower Abbott M.J. Countrywide, Symbio, Taylor, Rigby Mowers, B.S. Europe, companies these consider Please very is appreciated. help much your when making purchasing decisions. Our best wishes to Rich Carter, Lansdown, who was attacked in the complete and swift a – since golf played hasn’t and ago month a street players. finest Gloucestershire’s of one recoveryto In the meantime, look forward to seeing as many of you as possible so December, in event Christmas year’s this for Berrow & Burnham at yourentry from the news for form.Any post the in look-out sharp a keep welcome. be would courses ales - South West

Winter Tournament, Kingsdown, FebruaryWinter Tournament, 21 Spring Meeting, Clevedon, April 24 Minchinhampton Old Course, May 13 Greenkeeper\Amateur, The Bristol, July 24 Summer Tournament, AGM + TBC October Marlborough, Tournament, Autumn Super Mare, December 18 Christmas, Weston

I might just take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge our Patronageour acknowledge and opportunitythank this to take just might I Partners for their sponsorship of the Section this The year. money is 2009, please let me know (it’s never too early to start booking!). who helped with the organisation. If you would like to host an event for event an host to like would you organisation.If the with helped who Many thanks to all those golf clubs, and grateful thanks to the greenkeepersthe to thanks grateful and clubs, golf those all to thanks Many • • • • • • are: Fixtures are largely in place for next season, early dates for your diaries your for dates early season, next for place largelyin are Fixtures successful careers as Course Managers at Hayling Island and Churston and Island Hayling at Managers Course as careers successful Ferrers respectively. was great to hear that his sons, Lauchlan junior, and Kelvin, are enjoying Itcomplimentary. extremely was enjoying he particular!) which in Burnhamare about Kelvin, and junior, Lauchlan sons, his that hear to great was at senior level. We had a good chat about greenkeeping in general (and general in greenkeeping about chat good a had We level. senior at Brunham & Berrow, Moor Park, St. Pierre, and again at Burnham & county his represents still offand game 5 mean a plays still but Berrow, it was really nice to bump into Lauchlan “Jock” Millar yet again. Jock retired from greenkeeping some eight years ago, having had spells at Back at Minch we’ve just hosted South West Seniors Golf Week, and of the course – the first time that the Section had visited. of the course – the first time that the Section was in fantastic condition, so many thanks to Nigel Pring and his team, his and Pring Nigel to thanks many so condition, fantastic in was courtesyand play to us allowing for Club FarringtonGolf Gurneyto and six holes to play to snatch the point and turn the match 31\2 to 2 1\2 2 to 31\2 match the turn and point the snatch to play to holes six course the that told I’m but myself, play to able wasn’t I favour. our in Coast Section. McClaren’s new five million pound strikers, Nigel Pring Pring Nigel strikers, pound million five new McClaren’s Section. Coast and Robin Greaves, led an improbable comeback from five down with and the lads finally came good at Farrington Gurney against the South South the against Gurney Farrington at good came finally lads the and In the Section, congratulations are finally due to the Section Team. After Team. Section the to due finally are congratulations Section, the In Vincent McClaren season”, “difficult a as described be best can what From what I’ve seen, these days are well worth consideration. Pitts at Bridgwater College on: 01278 655144 or 07929 754401 or etc. times and content discuss [email protected] email Oneself; 26.3.2008 – Create Grassed & Planted areas. Contact GeorgeContact areas. Planted & Grassed Create – 26.3.2008 Oneself; day in question: 31.10.2007 – Machinery Maintenance; 28.11 2007 Manage – 27.02.2008 Presentation; Course – 07.01.2008 Drainage; – have to be enrolled on any formal course with the College to attend, simply ring or return the application form to book your place on the other similar training days in the offing, which are actually attached to attached actually are which offing, the in days training similar other don’t you remember, but winter, this on-going course 3 currentNVQ the course, machinery areas, and There general Safety. are a number of Jon Allbutt, with support from Paul Woodham and Hugh TheMurray. content was spot-on when considering Risk Assessments of the golf one-day training courses. This particular day was devoted to Health & Health to devoted was day particular This courses. training one-day Safety plus Accident Reporting, and was led by Frank Newberry and I was down at Cannington College last week for the first in a series of series a in first the for week last College Cannington at down was I South West & W Around the Green

course - Congratulations Emyr you can stop taking the Valliam now! The catering and bar staff for their friendly welcome and fine meal. Devon and Cornwall Our sponsors for the day were Complete Weed Control, Mr Allen Able - If By the time you all read this column, we would have had our first meeting you did not know it Allen broke is foot a few weeks ago and although in AROUND THE GREEN at Elfordleigh including the Section AGM. I look forward to this time of pain turned up and went around the course in a J.D Gaiter to support both year where we can all meet up, have a good old natter and try to put teams that’s what I call dedication! Many thanks Allen your continued the world to rights. support is much appreciated (hope the foot mends soon).

We have made some changes this year into the way we run your Section. On to the results and although we were two men short the result went Some of us ‘oldies’ are hanging up our boots paving the way for the ‘young our way, 4 to 3, well done lads especially you boys that played on your guns’ to take us forward. I think we now have a good balance of young own, of which I must include our Chairman, Kerry Jones, because he and old, Abi representing the young, Colin representing the old and Billy played with me, sorry Kerry and John and Mansel. Prizes for Nearest the representing the very old (sorry Bill but it seems like you’ve been here Pin 6th - Ian Church (Ashburnham Secretary), Nearest Pin 13th - Andy forever). Joking aside, I do think we have a good balanced committee Roach and Longest Drive - Andy Roach, Nearest the Pin 13th another with lots of enthusiasm and I wish you all the very best of luck. familiar name, Daryl Jones Nearest the Pin 8th Daryl Jones, these boys all won a bottle of fine whiskey and when a Scots man donates the prize Our next meeting will be at Killiow Golf Club in Cornwall, on November you know it must be a good one, ones again thank you Allen. Last but 7 and the South West Semininar at Cannington College in Bridgewater not least thank you all for taking part. on November 15 - Don’t forget the Christmas meeting at Okehampton on December 11 and book your place early to avoid disappointment. One last piece of news, although you all know it by now, Mr Peter Lacey is the new Tower Chemicals rep so by the time this report comes out Last but not least the BTME Education Week in Harrogate. Your Section you will proberly had a visit (give the old boy a cup of tea). All the very has once again laid on free transport with pick up points in Devon and best from us all, Peter. Cornwall. If you haven’t done so already, you need to book your place through our Secretary, Abi Crosswood. Abi can be contacted at: 28 That’s it for now lads so just remember keep smiling, news and views Porthbean, Newquay, Cornwall TR7 3JE or: 01637 871166. Please book to: [email protected]. early as places are very limited. The bus will be leaving the last pick up point at Cullompton approx. 9.30am on Monday, January 21, 2008 and Henry Stead returning at 12.30pm on Thursday, January 24. (times to be confirmed). The cost for the trip is £133.50 for a twin room or £222 for a single room which includes 3 nights B&B at the Cairn hotel in Harrogate plus your entry into the conference centre. Although some seminars are free there are ones which will need to be booked through BIGGA HQ at Aldwark. Details of all the education courses and seminars, if not already with BIGGA’s Regional Administrators you, will be sent out in the near future.

Peter Boyd Here’s hoping you all have a disease free autumn especially you lowie SCOtland & Northern ireland mowie boys (pink flying pig just gone over) and I look forward to meeting Tel/Fax: 0141 616 3440 up with you all soon.

Steve Evans Peter Larter northern & midland Tel: 01476 550115

Clive Osgood south east Tel: 01737 819343 South Wales Jane Jones Hi everyone, I hope you are not too stressed out after the wettest summer south west & wales we have had in years and that your autumn work is well in hand, at The Tel: 01454 270850 Grove we are just about finished.

My first report is on our annual match v the Golf Club Secretaries which Section Notes - took place at the Inco GC on Thursday, September 27 before I reveal the Can all notes be emailed to: [email protected] results I must give thanks to the following, Inco Golf Club for the courtesy by the 5th of the month prior to publication please. off their fine course, the Club Captain, Mr Phil Symons, for presenting Suggested word guide: 500 the prizes, Mr Emy Nickels and his crew for the superb condition of his

54 Greenkeeper International In the Shed BUYERS’ GUIDE ANSWERS

CROSSWORD AERATION ARTIFICIAL GRASS

4#0"#1.-021 *'+'2#" BUYERS GUIDE For better penetration Tel: 01254 831666 Fax: 01254 831066 TINES‘R’US L VERDE TEE TURF Sand & Rubber Filled Artificial Grass Order on-line: - Allows you to tee up from any position L PATHWAYS www.tines.co.uk Spike Resistant Verdeturf & Super Verdegrass email:[email protected] L TEES Tel: 0114 2513344 Driving Mats & Various Options L PUTTING Adventure Golf, Mini Golf & Putting Greens Chorley,Lancashire,PR6 8SW HYDROJECT www.verdesports.com www.artificialgrass.org.uk AERATION AND CHEMICAL email:[email protected] INJECTION SERVICE Please call for samples & information (WITH NO SURFACE DISTURBANCE) KEITH DRIVER (SPORTSTURF CONTRACTOR) Quick nine hole quiz Tel:01273 679994 Mobile:07958 532008 124 Warren Road, Woodingdean, Brighton BN2 6DB Supatee Tee-Line Turf 1 She was a woman! No sand in- ll No compaction 2 Bobby Jones No maintenance Accepts a tee F Woodward & Sons. Turf Care 3 Kenny Logan It plays just like real turf! 4 Wembley Sisis Aer Aid System, Vertidraining, The BEST solution for: 5 Reebok Hollow Coring & Collecting. Herbicide, Practice ground tee-line 6 Barcelona Pesticide, Fungicide & Fertiliser Par 3 tees 7 The rings Application. Top Dressing, Overseeding, Winter tees Stoneburying, Laser Levelling 8 The Kangaroos 01780 781249 s 07932 037733 9 5 Tel Phil or David on: [email protected] 01455 220767 or 07747 864677 MONSTER SUDOKU Wolvey, Nr Hinckley, Leicestershire Email: [email protected] CLOTHING / FOOTWEAR

SQUIGGLY SUDOKU CONSTRUCTION

AGRONOMY

B Jamieson Golf Advisors Ltd SPECIALISTS IN: Bruce Jamieson Golf Advisors Ltd, is an established company offering expert advice on; GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION L Golf Course maintenance REMODELLING & RENOVATION L Tournament preparation & presentation L Machinery selection RESERVOIR CONSTRUCTION L Budgeting L Staff recruitment WATER ENGINEERING L Soil & turf analysis L Establishment of new golf courses Contact: Bruce Jamieson Dinton•Salisbury•Wiltshire SP3 5EB Forth House, Bracknell Lane, Hartley Wintney, Hants, RG27 8QP Tel: 01722 716361•Fax: 01722 716828 Telephone: 01252 844847 www.mjabbott.co.uk

Greenkeeper International 55 BUYERS’DRAdvert_40x40mm:DRAdvert_40 GUIDE x

GOLF MATS

DESIGN : INSTALLATION : MAINTENANCE Construction Remodelling Pitch Construction : Piped Drainage Systems QUALITY LAND DRAINAGE Water Features Sand Slitting : Blec Vibro Sand Banding Tel: 01604 468908 Koro Surfacing : Vertidraining : Topdressing : Overseeding DESIGN & INSTALLATION BUYERS GUIDE Fax: 01604 474853 PRIMARY SYSTEMS www.deltagolf2000.co.uk Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancs WN6 9DT SAND SLITTING 180 Ruskin Road, Kingsthorpe, t 01257 255321 f 01257 255327 GRAVEL BANDING Northampton NN2 7TA e [email protected] www.duncanrosslanddrainage.co.uk Dinton•Salisbury•Wiltshire SP3 5EB Tel: 01722 716361•Fax: 01722 716828 www.mjabbott.co.uk LAND UNIT SPEEDCUT CONSTRUCTION LIMITED CONTRACTORS LTD Visit www.bigga.org.uk and check out the Sportsground and Golf SPORTSTURF latest chat Course Construction Construction from the AGRONOMY greenkeeping Hanslope, Milton Keynes, MK19 7BX Drainage industry Telephone: (01908) 510414 Renovation Fax: (01908) 511056 Sandslitting web: www.landunitconstruction.co.uk e-mail: [email protected] Contact: Kevin Smith DRIVING RANGE EQUIPMENT OXFORD 01865 331479 Specialists GOLF MATS UK in Golf All weather mat in framework Course PHILIP DIXON Construction SPORTSTURF DRAINAGE GOLF DRIVING RANGE EQUIPMENT Golf Course • Sportsfield Drainage • Construction • Renovation • Unique Behind Wall & Integrated Ball JOHN GREASLEY LIMITED Sand Slitting • Gravel Banding Dispensing Systems “Ashfield House” • 1154 Melton Road Blec Ground Breaker • Sand Master • Golf Ball Cleaners & Elevators Syston • Leicester • LE7 2HB Vertidraining • Overseeding • Golf Ball Collectors Top Dressing • Spraying Tel: 0116 269 6766 • Utility Vehicles & Mowers Mobile: 07836 553899 Tel: 01772 877289 • Edel “Green” Range Mats Tel: 01580 892 002 Fax: 01580 891 918 Fax: 0116 269 6866 Fax: 01772 877479 • Fiberbuilt Range Mats Preston, Lancashire • Range Balls [email protected] www.philipdixoncontractor.co.uk Plus a full range of Accessories www.golfmatsuk.co.uk DRAINAGE Approved stockist for STANDARD GOLF course products

Bucklesham, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP10 0DN WORTH Tel: 44 (0) 1473 659815 DRAINING Fax: 44 (0) 1473 659045 HONEYCOMB MATS Email: [email protected] • Non slip in all weathers VERTI-DRAIN HIRE 2.5 & 1.6M • Grass Protection 2M & 1.5M GROUNDBREAKER FOR HIRE • Muddy areas SAND SPREADING & OVERSEEDING Slippery wood or concrete GOLF COURSE ACCESSORIES • Gravel containment TOP DRESSING • SPRAYING • Wheelchair friendly Distance no object Choice of types and sizes for specific applications Tel/Fax: 01476 550266 Fieldguard Ltd Mobile: 07855 431120 Norley Farm, Horsham Road, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 8EH Email: [email protected] T el: 01483 275182 Fax: 01483 275341 www.worth-draining.com Our Lowest Ever Prices for 2007 APPROVED U.K. STOCKISTS Fast Nationwide Delivery GRINDERS For all your Golf Course & Golf Course Drainage Range Supplies Specialist For fast and friendly UK service call: Melvyn Taylor Bucklesham, Ipswich, IP10 0DN Tel: 01207 270 316 Tel: 44 (0) 1473 659815 on 01283 551417 email: [email protected] or 07836 259133 Fax: 44 (0) 1473 659045 www.turfdry.com www.rangeball.co.uk www.huntergrinders.com Email: [email protected]

56 Greenkeeper International Greenkeeper International Classifieds 2007

HIRE July 07OAKDALE Aug 07 Sept 07 IRRIGATION CONSULTANTS

irritech limited BUYERS GUIDE Phone: 01427 874200 Independent Irrigation Consultants Specialising in:- Fax: 01427 875333 L Existing system evaluation L System design & upgrade L Project management

Contact Roger Davey on: 01823 690216 www.irritechlimited.co.uk HYDROSEEDING

Oct 07 Nov 07 MOWERS Dec 07

For better seed germination with HYDROSEEDING CONTACT Richard on 0118 9629962 / 07771 986745 or www.gressgolf.co.uk

Visit www.bigga.org.uk and check out the Irrigation Systems latest chat from the AGRONOMY Professional Design, Supply, greenkeeping Installation and Maintenance industry IRRIGATION Visit our new online store Suppliers of Irrigation Equipment to Golf Courses Bowling Greens, Landscapes, Horticulture. at ocmisonline.com IRRIGATION Existing systems renovated and upgraded DESIGN • INSTALLATION • SERVICE PEST CONTROL BS EN ISO 9001 Registered Company Ocmis Limited Telephone: +44 (0) 1425 474614 T 0870 600 5131 F 0870 600 5132 Fax: +44 (0) 1425 471296 http:// www.misc-irrigation.com E [email protected] W www.Ocmis.com e mail: [email protected] SCRAPEAWAY A New Organic Rabbit Deterrent AUTOFLOW SYSTEMS LTD 10 years in the making IRRIGATION Non-toxic SOLUTIONS Biodegradable AVAILABLE NOW Call Lely: 01480 226858 or email: [email protected] For further details, brochure & sample Email: [email protected] www.toro.com Website: www.scrapeaway.co.uk The independent choice for irrigation: Mobile 07881 782975 DESIGN : SUPPLY : INSTALLATION Tel: 01603 759701 [email protected]

Independent Professional Irrigation Golf Courses,Bowling Greens,Sports,Racecourses,Gardens +++ Design/Advice Servicing

New Installations Service Contracts

Contracting System Upgrades

Supply & Sales PC Systems EXHIBITION 22 - 24 January 2008

Telephone B 01765 602175 T 01765 690598 L Continue Fax 01765 603488 I Area Dealer Email:[email protected] A www.par4.co.uk to learn BTLIA 2001 C E R T IFICATE OF MERIT AWARD

Greenkeeper International 57 BUYERS’ GUIDE

buyers guide:Layout 1 04/04/200 Visit www.bigga.org.uk PUMPS Tijsmfz!Bmesfe!'!Dp/Mue and check out the Tvqqmjfst!pg!ijhi!rvbmjuz! latest chat hsbovmbs!dibsdpbm!gps!pwfs!311!zfbst from the AGRONOMY NVtf!pof!pg!uif!pmeftu N Tpubmmz!pshbojd!qspevdu greenkeeping qspevdut!lopxo!up!nbo industry up!usfbu!cmbdl!mbzfs N Mbshf!tupdl!mfwfmt! pg!bmm!hsbeft Lowara NQsfwfou!uibudi!cvjme!vq NEfmjwfsz!bozxifsf!jo NJnqspwf!esbjobhf! nbjomboe!VL!xjuijo!

BUYERS GUIDE Lowara Quality Pumps & boe!sppu{pof 4.5!ebzt Variable Speed Drives. Ufm;!12544!731114 T: 01297 630230 Gby;!12544!731499 F: 01297 630270 E: [email protected] www.lowara.co.uk THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS £720 - B&W £840 - colour Grundfos Pumps Ltd (for 12 months) Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard, Beds LU7 4TL Size: 4 x 1 Call: 01347 833800 Tel: 01525 775450 to book your space now Fax: 01525 775224 TREE MOVING Web: www.grundfos.co.uk Specialist Growers of Turf for Golf Courses Grundfos offering a wide range of quality pump solutions Rootzone Turf for Greens WASTE/WASHWATER Grown on USGA rootzone, TREATMENT for all applications top-dressed throughout the year, and mown at 6mm. Predominantly bent sward Turf for Tees, Surrounds, RUBBER CRUMB Approaches and Fairways Various mixtures including The use of RUBBER CRUMB on ryegrass/fescue, 100% fescue, grass as top dressing has been and bent/fescue grown granted a PATENT in the UK and on sandy loam topsoil. Ireland under Number EP0788301BI NEW for 2007/2008 TEBBUTT ASSO. MANAGEMENT RTF turf for pathways ARE THE LICENSEES and bunker banks. with CROWN III rubber crumb Turf SOFTWARE Bunker revetting – slabs Reinforcement, the licensed product SOLUTION up to 50 mm thick. Tees supplied and laid, with Contact Tebbutt Asso. optional precision laser grading. on 01253 342003 or Fax 01253 346644 PROVIDER e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01652 678 000 www.tebbuttassociates.co.uk www.tillersturf.co.uk

STORM SHELTERS

BESPOKE STORM & SMOKING SHELTERS FOR GOLFERS & SPECTATORS www.bigga.org.uk

VERTIDRAINING HIRE

TURF WEED CONTROL

TOP DRESSINGS

FENDRESS™ TOP DRESSINGS & ROOTZONES. DRESSINGS FOR FAIRWAYS AND TEES. SCREENED FENSOIL, LOAM & TOPSOIL. BUNKER SAND & PATHWAY MATERIALS. 01858 464346 / 433003 www.banksamenity.co.uk

58 Greenkeeper International Recruitment Greenkeeper International 59 Salary details will be negotiable and inline with experience. Applications in writing plus curriculum vitae to: The General Manager Thamesview Golf Centre Fairway Drive Thamesmead London SE28 8PP description to: Requires a Golf Club Golf [email protected] Formby, Liverpool L37 1LQ, Liverpool L37 Formby, Course Manager Formby Golf Club Head Greenkeeper Buckinghamshire or by email to [email protected]. Closing date for applications:- 14th December 2007 Closing date for applications:- 14th December 2007 Please apply in writing for an application form and outline job The Secretary/Manager, Formby Golf Club, Golf Road, Formby Golf Club, The Secretary/Manager, This is a championship links golf course, which will host the 2009 Amateur Championship and, due to the retirement next year of our existing Head Greenkeeper, we are position of Course Manager. inviting applications for the Only candidates who are fully qualified – minimum NVQ level 3 or equivalent - and preferably (but not essential) have managing a links course, experience should apply and, in in addition, they should have the following attributes:- • Ability to lead and motivate staff. communication skills, together with knowledge of IT. • Excellent • Expert knowledge of irrigation systems and machinery. • Ability to manage resources effectively within budgetary controls. • Knowledge of all relevant health & safety and other statutory legislation. Venue: Thamesview Golf Centre Venue: e Buckinghamshire Golf Club has vacancies for 2 fully qualified experienced experienced qualified fully 2 for vacancies has Club Golf Buckinghamshire e Golf Course. our 18 Championship on and play to work greenkeepers and experience years 2-3 of minimum a have should applicants successful e licence driving and qualifications Spraying 2. level NVQ to qualified be should be an advantage. would salary excellent An depending on which is being offered is negotiable experience. and qualifications Please apply with full CV to Course ErikManager, Kinlon, e Buckinghamshire Golf Club, UB9 5PG. Bucks, Denham Denham, Court Drive, Thamesview Golf Centre is a 9-hole pay Thamesview Golf Centre and play golf course with a 30 bay floodlit driving range, full service and clubhouse including Pro-shop function facilities. Located on the River Thames and within the M25, TVGC is part of a growing multiple facility golf course management company based in London. invited for the above Applications are experienced, professional position from management with strong greenkeepers skills and an enthusiastic positive nature. . ds NVQ Level Post No: D00485 ‘FOUR STAR’ Council ‘FOUR STAR’ A

advantage. leave plus bank leave holidays. you’ll bring the ability to deal confidently , Invites applications for the position of Invites applications you will possess or be working towar 2002-2003 Community Legal Services 2003-2004 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services 2004-2005 Crime and Disorder Partnerships to all elements of the Health & Safety policy Safety & Health the of elements all to , e Mechanic / Greenkeeper Mechanic will manage all aspects of the maintenance and up keep hours). E-mail: [email protected] eenkeeper ith a minimum of five years’ experience as a or equivalent in Management Sports or and a Turf ou Kings Lane, Stisted, Braintree, Essex, CM77 8DD Kings Lane, Stisted, Braintree, elated qualification, although this is not essential. 3 r Thomas Sean either contact please discussion informal an For 388406. (01325) on Drew Neil or Application packs are available on-line at: or from the www.darlington.gov.uk/jobs Recruitment and Selection Unit on 01325 388129 (24 Closing date: 14 November 2007. with members of the public, colleagues and external organisations and also to work on your own initiative. Ideally We We are committed to equal opportunities. nurseryWorkplace facilities provided This subject Authority to is availability. committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Head Greenkeeper £18,450 - £20,235 lead a dedicated You’ll team at the Councils’ 145-acre municipal golf course, Stressholme Golf Centre - which is fast becoming one of the leading Golf Courses in the area - with a vision to plan and develop this facility into one of most the prestigious venues. North East’s team. Y keeping green the manage and course golf Management the of Leisure the with closely very work also You’ll on the long-term Team development plans of the course and adher W Gr COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Leisure and Arts

Braintree Golf Club ltd Golf Club Braintree Kevan Sharpe, Course Manager, Braintree Golf Club, Sharpe, Course Manager, Braintree Kevan

ER HOT JOB HOT ER VEM B NO

s b o j / k u . v o g . n o t g n i l r a d . w w w Salary is negotiable dependant on qualification and experience. 20Salary is negotiable dependant on paid annual days relating to greenkeeping,skilled to join our team. and enthusiastic course management Please apply in writing with full CV and two references by Friday the 23rd of November to: and two references by Friday Please apply in writing with full CV Ideally the candidate will have a proven career a proven recordIdeally the candidate will have of working in the golf and the experience Braintree qualifiedcurrently has a vacancy for a suitably Golf Club mechanic, who also has skills machinery maintenance, the day to day servicing, the grinding of cylinders and the general health grinding of cylinders and the general servicing, the to day day maintenance, the machinery club environment. An NVQ2, spraying qualifications and any machinery certification would be and any machinery qualifications an club environment. An NVQ2, spraying The successful applicant will report to the Course manager and bereport to the Course manager and successful applicant will The responsible for all aspects of the and safety of the workshop, as well as contributing to the maintenance and upkeep workshop, as well as contributing and safety of the of the golf course. Whiteleaf Monday 3rd December 2007 Established 1907 The Secretary, 27 or Bucks HP27 0LY Princes Risborough 01844 274058 Upper Icknield Way Whiteleaf Golf Club Ltd Applications in writing or e-mail Applications Training opportunities available. Training Some weekend working is required WHITELEAF GOLF CLUB WHITELEAF

www.whiteleafgolfclub.co.uk detailing past employment and experience to and experience detailing past employment e-mail: [email protected] 525 290333 ext 1 1 For further information please telephone furtherFor information Salary dependent on experience and qualification. Salary dependent on experience 0

Requires an Experienced Green Keeper. Requires an Experienced [email protected] A very scenic undulating 9 hole Golf Course in the Chilterns. Golf Course 9 hole A very scenic undulating The ability to deliver effective performance management and Excel applications Highly computer literate in Word spraying qualifications and All relevant agronomy skills, • • • Irrigation expertise that a position of this level would necessitate The remuneration package will be commensurate with the seniority and demands of the position and may include housing. Department for an application form Please contact the Personnel and job description. Phone Email Closing date for applications is Make the discovery Course Manager Course Required by Required Tel: 01638 717787 717787 01638 Tel: Scott Ballentine, Secretary as described by Bernard Darwin. as described by Bernard • Spraying certificates PA 1, 2 & 6 certificates PA • Spraying Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] • Minimum of 5 years golf course experience golf course • Minimum of 5 years Head Greenkeeper Greenkeeper Head Worlington, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP28 8SD Bury St Edmunds, Worlington, A minimum of three years experience as a Course Manager/ A highly motivated individual with a proven record in An excellent knowledge and understanding of all current Financial awareness to plan strategically with regards to staff, Woburn Golf Club on the Buckinghamshire/Bedfordshire border is Woburn seeking an outstanding individual to manage our 54 hole championship venue. The successful applicant will be a key member of the Senior Golf Management team, responsible for the entire Greenkeeping function at this premier golf venue. Candidates with the following attributes are invited to apply: • experience including Tournament Head Greenkeeper, • man-management skills and the ability to drive the very best from a team • Health and Safety legislation • for the long-term and practices, feed regimes, machinery, benefit of the venue. Please reply in writing by 30th December 2007 with C.V to: in writing by 30th December 2007 Please reply Salary negotiable according to experience and qualifications to experience • Salary negotiable according • Qualified to NVQ3 or equivalent preferred, but not essential preferred, • Qualified to NVQ3 or equivalent a Head Greenkeeper of proven ability to lead and manage the ability to of proven a Head Greenkeeper Royal Worlington & Newmarket Golf Club, Golf Links Road, Golf Links & Newmarket Golf Club, Royal Worlington Royal Worlington is a Private Members Club, the course is an inland the course is Club, Royal a Private Worlington Members maintenance of this world famous 9 hole course, “the Sacred Nine,” “the Sacred famous 9 hole course, maintenance of this world Royal Worlington and Newmarket Golf Club Golf and Newmarket Worlington Royal Royal Worlington and Newmarket Golf Club founded in 1893 – seeks and Newmarket Royal Worlington links with closed. duringexcellent the drainage winter and is very rarely 60 Greenkeeper International

Recruitment Make the discovery Make the WOBURN BIGGA Membership FULL MEMBERSHIP Benefits

Free Legal Helpline Members Handbook Access 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for you and your family A free yearly copy of this indispensable tool, enabling members to track (living at the same address). Advice on employment matters, health down professional help and keep contact with contemporaries. BIGGA MEMBERSHIP and safety issues, consumer rights and any other legal matter. Discounted Workwear Personal Accident Insurance BIGGA have teamed up with ARCO, the leading supplier of Cover for time off work due to an accident at home, work or even workwear, safety clothing and maintenance products to offer on holiday as well as one off payments dependent on the type of members 20%*discount off a choice of goods. Call 01482 611773 injury. Call 01277 251000 and ask for Ira Mullish. *Discount not available on selected products.

Education Opportunities Car Leasing All members are invited to sign on to a Continuing Professional Driving a brand new car couldn’t be easier. Bigga has teamed up Development (CPD) scheme, which records education and training with Lex FreeChoice to offer an exclusive scheme, which allows achievement. you and your family members to drive the car you’ve always wanted at a price you can afford. Call 0800 419 930 and quote BIGGA. BIGGA Regional Training BIGGA provide quality education and training courses at a minimum Car Rental cost thanks to the support of Golden and Silver Key Members BIGGA have enrolled in National’s Affinity Leisure Programme who contribute to the Education and Development Fund. Call that offers members exclusive rates on car and van hire in the 01347 833800. UK and on international car hire in over 80 countries. Ring 0870 191 6950 and quote A099084 for UK Car hire, A099085 for UK Continue to Learn Van Hire and 8573290 for International Car Hire. Run during Harrogate Week, Continue to Learn provides members with a week of seminars, workshops and debates ensuring there Free Field Guides is something for everyone. A set of field guides is available to every member on request. This handy guide is produced in an easy to use format and is an aid to Harrogate Week course identification. Call 01347 833800. Members are invited to to attend Europe’s largest indoor turf exhibition which runs alongside the ClubHouse Exhibition every Insurance Quotation Service January at Harrogate. A quotation service is available to members on a wide range of insurance products. Call 01603 828255 and quote UniBG0306. BIGGA Refund of Fees Scheme Members may apply for an 80% refund of education and training BIGGA Website - www.bigga.org.uk fees up to a maximum of £350. Conditions apply. Call 01347 Exclusive access to the Members area of the website. Interact 833800 for an application form. with other Greenkeepers on the bulletin board or check out the latest recruitment vacancies in the industry. BIGGA Higher Education Scholarships Scholarships are available thanks to the support of Ransomes Networking Opportunites Jacobsen to help members move to higher education, The scholarships When you join you are automatically given membership of one of are awarded for courses such ar N/SVQ Level 4, HNC, HND and the 27 sections around the country. As an active member you a Bachelors or Masters degree. can attend golf days and other social events on a regular basis enabling you to network amongst others in the industry. Look at Open Championship Support Team the ‘Around the Green’ section for contact details. An opportunity to be part of the support team that assists in the preparation of the Open Championship Course, before and after, BIGGA Library each day’s play and the on course team which accompanies each The BIGGA Library boasts over 650 books available to borrow for up match. Opportunities also exist to be a part of other Championships to six weeks. The only cost is that of returning the book to HQ. held throughout the year.

Subscription to GKI Magazine A monthly copy of the Association award winning magazine delivered to your door. The magazine, valued at £42 per year, will keep you up to date with all that’s new in the industry. Chairman’s Column

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS exceptional dinner at Kilmarnock Barassie and were duly entertained by the Club Captain Mr Our course here at Tyrrells Wood has recovered Bob Pollock quiet a golfer and no mean speaker very well from all the hollow tining heavy dressings too boot. The next day’s play was looming and and renovation works that took place and the heavens opened during the night - It could kept us so busy during the past month or so. I have been touch and go whether we would would’ve thought we would be enjoying a slow play at Barassie. But in true Greenkeeping fashion the boys were out early and mopped

CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN down in growth that would release us from the intensity of cutting - Not a bit of it. As the trees up the course for play on time and again the start to change to their autumn splendour and sun split the trees. blaze of colour, we are as busy cutting grass as we were a few months ago. But it’s not all So after two days of play we came to the bad, the course looks great and we still enjoy winners - Elliott Small (retirement must have some very good playing surfaces. its compensations) 36 hole gross 168 net 152 well-done young man and David Simpson, Crieff Something happened a few weeks ago that Golf Club, (with his dad George as caddie) surprised me! We were stopped from abstracting 36 hole gross 150 net 152 being the overall water from our borehole as the flow rate in winner. The region prize went to Scotland so the local river had fallen below the required congratulations to all the winners. flow rate. Not unheard of you might think, however, bearing in mind we have had a record- Thanks that should be mentioned - To both golf breaking year in terms of rainfall the last thing Well done to you both on your achievement and clubs we thank you for two superb golf courses I expected to receive was a stop notice from to the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year and for your exceptional hospitality, to Ken Siems the Environment Agency. winner for 2007, Avon Bridges. Well done young for his warm welcome at Dundonald and Donald man. Congratulations on winning this important Wilson, Secretary at Barassie, to all the club I might add that even with the driest year on competition during my year as Chairman. I staff that made us all feel so welcome. To Frank record last year we were able to abstract fully hope you enjoy your time in the USA and that Clarkson and Brian Finlayson, respective Course all year, so it just goes to show things can you return home to your family and work the Managers, and their dedicated Greenkeeping and do change even when you least expect richer for the experience. None of this would teams, well done you rose to the challenge them to. Of course we were not abstracting be possible without the continued support of and gave us two well-presented first class golf any water at the time because of the heavy the sponsor, Toro, so they also have my thanks courses. To our wonderful sponsor, Kubota, who amounts of rainfall we experienced, so thank for their input in the development of these in the shape of Dave Roberts and Tom Dunlop, God they did it this year when we didn’t need young students and with the next year being did a marvellous job. To Stuart Greenwood, an the water rather than last. the 20th anniversary, well done to everyone exceptional Scottish Chairman, and wonderful involved and long may it continue. host. Without doubt our RA, Peter Boyd, did a Anyway enough of this dribble. I have had a fantastic job arranging everything and controlled packed month of doing nice things as your October, and it was the turn of the west coast us all in due process along the way and was for Chairman. My first venture was to BIGGA HQ to host our National Championship so, packing me the perfect host. So how did you play you and a chance to meet with the future. By that everything an experienced traveller needs, might ask? Well, I can only boast that I played I of course mean ‘our’ future, yes, it was that namely everything except sun cream it would with some nice people and had the pleasure of time of year when we have the pleasure of seem, off I set. seeing first hand what kind of golf it takes to meeting all the finalists in the Toro Student win our national Championship. And one of my Greenkeeper of the Year. You can’t help but feel I arrived in Glasgow late afternoon and driving playing partners, Brian. He begged a mention. inspired by meeting with students within your to the hotel we passed places I remembered So there it is, young man. chosen profession. They are unspoiled, fresh, from being a child, it was a real treat for me dynamic in their thinking, willingly open and to be on the west coast again. Being born in Until next month, enjoy yourselves and remember share their dreams for not only their future but Kilmarnock it was like going home for me quite when going home that’s another time to sparkle. also that of Greenkeeping. I was very impressed a treat really. Anyway I digress as usual. We Your family need that from you don’t you with each and every contestant involved in were here for 36 holes of golf on two splendid think? this year’s competition so they all have my venues namely Dundonald Links and Kilmarnock heartfelt congratulations on getting to the Barassie. So with the venues chosen the finals. Regardless of the fact there can only competitors started to arrive we had a full field be one winner, they are all winners in getting with no spaces untaken. With some exceptional to the finals and, based on what I saw, they all hospitality we had a great first day with a wee have an assured future within Greenkeeping. So bit of rain to begin with, then the sun split the it’s my pleasure to congratulate, firstly, both trees as usual and yours truly got a burnt head runners up - Lewis Birch and Simon Lambert. on the Dundonald course. That night we had an Your next issue of GI will be with you by December 7th Visit our website for a full archive of BIGGA magazine issues at www.bigga.co.uk

62 Greenkeeper International

Chipco final 2007 16/10/07 12:14 pm Page 1

Not using Chipco® Green?

Fast-acting and reliable, curative and preventative control of Fusarium, Red Thread and a full range of other turf diseases.

Prevents dew build-up, reducing the need for switching.

Rain fast.

Compatible with all other Bayer Environmental Science fungicides and insecticides.

No.1 and still on target after 25 years!

Don’t ignore it, Chipco® Green it.

Bayer Environmental Science 230 Cambridge Science Park Milton Road Cambridge CB4 0WB

Tel: 01223 226680 Fax: 01223 226635 www.bayer-escience.co.uk

CHIPCO® GREEN contains 250 g/l iprodione. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL : USE PESTICIDES SAFELY (MAPP 11211) (PCS 91190). CHIPCO is a registered trademark of Bayer. © Bayer Environmental Science 2007.