Picture Meon Valley, the Subject of Last Year’S Photographic Competition Winning Picture Your Turf Will Only Play As Well As the Irrigation System Allows It To!

Greenkeeper International GI £5.20 JUNE 2009

Inside... Focus on Fungicides Dr Terry Mabbett gets technical The Unseen

Irrigation System Featured Irrigation matters uncovered Horses (and Tennis) for Courses Epsom and Wimbledon under the radar

Golf Course as Feature a Picture Meon Valley, the subject of last year’s Photographic competition winning picture Your Turf will only Play as Well as the Irrigation System Allows it to!

Does your current irrigation system enable you to get the best out of your turf? Topturf Irrigation, the UK and Europe’s leading specialist irrigation company, believe in using only the best products for the job in hand. Through our partnership we can now offer Hunter irrigation products for our systems. Giving you the highest standards and value for money.

Topturf Irrigation, in partnership with Hunter and Revaho.

Topturf Irrigation Engineering Ltd Units E4 & E5, Rudford Industrial Estate, Ford, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 0BD Tel: 01903 278240 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ttirrigation.co.uk BIGGA Welcome from the editor President Sir Michael Bonallack, OBE

Board of Management Chairman – Peter Todd Vice Chairman Paul Worster Past Chairman Kenny Mackay

Board Members Jeff Mills, Gary Cunningham, Archie Dunn, Ian Willett, Tony Smith, Elliott Small, Mark Dobell

Chief Executive John Pemberton [email protected]

Head of Learning & Development Sami Collins [email protected]

Head of Membership Department Tracey Maddison [email protected]

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

Greenkeeper International

The official monthly magazine of the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association

Editorial

Communications Manager / Editor Scott MacCallum Tel – 01347 833800 Fax – 01347 833801 Hope the Sun Shines [email protected]

Assistant Editor Melissa Jones Tel – 01347 833800 on our New Look Fax – 01347 833801 [email protected]

Your June issue of Greenkeeper Hopefully, the much-heralded glorious International is the first to hit your summer will have arrived by now and we will Design doormat with its new look. Hopefully you be seeing a surge in the amount of golf being Design and Production will like the design and the new feature played across the country. With the pound Editor ideas that are included. weak against the dollar and, even more so, Tom Campbell Tel – 01347 833800 On a personal note I have enjoyed taking on against the Euro, we are paying through the Fax – 01347 833801 [email protected] board the feedback we have had over the last nose for foreign holidays and imported goods, few months and trying to incorporate those but it should make visiting the UK pretty into a workable monthly magazine. What came attractive to our overseas visitors and with the Advertising out of it was a desire to provide more technical sun splitting the skies it would be great to see Sales Executive content, and we have done that with the feature bookings up. Kirstin Smith that is sponsored by the Golden and Silver Golf enjoys its highest profile around this Tel – 01347 833800 Fax – 01347 833802 Key Development Fund, and more content time of the year. We’ve just had three high [email protected] for younger greenkeepers. To accommodate profile UK tournaments - at The Wentworth this wish we have brought back the Assistant Club, where Chris Kennedy chalked up yet Printing Warners Midlands Plc, The Maltings, Manor Lane, Profile and are continuing to develop our another PGA Championship; The London Club, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH recently-introduced Quick Guides. where our National Chairman, Peter Todd, Tel – 01778 391000 | Fax – 01778 394269 Greg Evans, of Ealing Golf Club, is the prepared his course for the European Open, Contents may not be reprinted or otherwise first man to take his place on Greenkeeper and Celtic Manor and the Wales Open, where reproduced without written permission. Return postage must accompany all materials submitted International’s very own Soapbox, which Jim McKenzie continued his fine-tuning for if return is requested. No responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. The right is will be a monthly column aimed at giving a next year’s Ryder Cup. reserved to edit submissions before publication. guest writer the opportunity of talking on a All three Course Managers do the Although every care will be taken, no responsibility is accepted for loss of manuscripts, photographs subject about which he or she is particularly greenkeeping profession, and indeed golf, great or artwork. Opinions expressed are not necessarily passionate. This feature will be open to anyone credit and seeing top professionals playing those of the Association, and no responsibility is accepted for such content, advertising or product and if you feel you have something you’d like great golf on great, magnificently prepared, information that may appear. Circulation is by to say, please get in touch with me and we’ll golf courses can do nothing but good for the subscription. Subscription rate: UK £50 per year, Europe and Eire £65, Rest of the World £95. The discuss what you’d like to write about. game – particularly if it is played in polo shirts magazine is also distributed to BIGGA members, and not waterproofs! golf clubs, local authorities, the turf industry, And there will be some other new ideas still libraries and central government. to come on stream over the next few months, I hope you enjoy your new look magazine and including a regular Guest Sport and, hopefully, please feel free to let me know your thoughts on a feature which allows Course Managers to be a it. We do listen to your views and try to produce little more open and candid about the problems an interesting, informative magazine on the they are facing at their clubs and the measures back of it. they are adopting to cope. A lot of hard work has gone into this new look and I hope you will feel that it has been time

JUNE 2009 GI 3 CONTENTS June 2009 GI A look at what’s inside the magazine this month

10 34

REGULARS

6 Newsdesk

11 Chairman’s Word

12 GTC

13 Learning and Development

14 Industry Update

42 New Products

45 Around the Green 51 Chief Executive’s Column 32 52 Membership

53 Assistant Profile

53 What’s your Number?

54 Quick Guide to… Recycling

55 In the Shed - Puzzle Page

60 Human Resources

61 Letters

62 Soapbox – Greg Evans 38

4 GI JUNE 2009 17

as a Picture Scott MacCallum visits Meon Valley, the subject of last year’s Photographic competition winning picture, and discovers a hotel golf complex with a members’ club feel

Let’s face it, we are all guilty We all know that while there is per - of stereotyping. Scots are all haps an element of truth in it there tight-fisted; southerners are are many golf venues which don’t fit all softies; the Welsh all sing into that stereotypical model. and are descended from coal One such is Marriott Meon Valley miners, while the Irish all Golf & Country Club, in Southamp- come up a bit short when it ton, which operates much more comes to grey matter. We all like a conventional golfing estab- know it’s nonsense, but the lishment than many traditional myth still gets perpetuated on golf clubs and possesses 27 holes a daily basis. that are as interesting as they are It also exists in golf. The accepted challenging. mantra is that members’ clubs Attached to a superb, recently are invariably cosy and stuffy refurbished, four star hotel – the 18 with visitors treated as a barely hole Meon and excellent nine hole tolerated, but necessary, evil, while Valley - offer a great test for hotel proprietary clubs and hotel courses guests, but the 700 Meon Valley on the other hand have wide fair- members are lucky to have some ways, short rough and pile as many great facilities and a golf course people through as can humanly be which is set up for enjoyment rather accommodated. than purely speed.

16 GI JUNE 2009 JUNE 2009 GI 1�

FEATURES

17 Pretty as a Picture Scott MacCallum visits Marriott Meon Valley which was the subject of last year’s winning Photographic Competition entry

23 Focus on Fungicide Dr Terry Mabbett looks at fungicide and its place in modern turf management

28 Handheld Power Tools 23 James de Havilland gives you the lowdown on the latest power tools

30 Spraying – Nozzle choice keeps spray on target Tom Robinson provides some practical tips and advice on nozzle selection

31 Horses (and Tennis) for Courses Scott MacCallum visits two golf clubs which offer support to two major sporting occasions

38 The Unseen Irrigation System Adrian Handbury offers some excellent advice to ensure your irrigation pipes measure up. 30

JUNE 2009 GI 5 NEWSDESK GI The latest news from around the globe

KEEPING UP THE PACE

Alan Strachan, Course Manager at Royal County Down, certainly Is Sustainability Viable? couldn’t be accused of slow play after completing the London ‘Is sustainable management of sustainable approach to golf Jayne Leyland (front left) Marathon in a very impressive pictured with her fellow fine turf a viable option in the course management. speakers at the Sustainability 3 hours, 5 minutes and 52 modern commercial climate,’ was Other speakers included Day held at Bridgewater College. seconds finishing in a highly Back row, left to right: Lawrence the subject under the microscope Richard Whyman, Burnham & Pithie, Stuart Yarwood Course creditable 1252nd – not bad for at a recent one-day seminar at Berrow GC, who talked about Manager Lymm Golf Club, a 42 year old running novice! Paul Lowe Course Manager Bridgewater College Cannington his experiences in introducing Bromborough Golf Club, “Until last March when I Will Bowden Greenkeeping started to run for the first time Centre for Land-based Studies. fescues into the sward; Paul and Sportsturf Programme Barenbrug Research and Develop- Worster, BIGGA Vice Chairman, Manager, Bridgwater College. in 25 years I took no physical Front row left to right: Jayne ment Manager, Jayne Leyland, who tackled the subject of Leyland, Paul Worcester Course exercise at all but I really caught tackled this topic and explained commercial versus environmental Manager Minchinhampton Golf the bug and was soon running Club, Richard Whyman Course how sustainability is already being sustainability; Stuart Yarwood Manager, Burnham & Berrow three to four times a week,” achieved in a number of instances. from Lymm GC and Paul Lowe Golf Club. explained Alan. Jayne focused on how seed of Bromborough GC covered “I ran my first marathon in breeding and the continued their experience of sustainability Dublin last October and was research and development of seed with Laurence Pithie, outlining then asked to join the local mixtures can play an important the details of the greens recovery athletics’ club. Since then I’ve role in helping create a more programme at Oak Park GC. been running 70 miles a week.” Alan chose to run for “Children with Leukaemia” NEW PRESIDENT FOR EUROPEAN ARCHITECTS as the 14 year old son of John Scott, one of his visiting reps, David Krause has succeeded came to Europe in 1986 and the PR Committee for the died of the disease last October. Ken Moodie as President of for five years worked for Robert last two years, overseeing “I have a child of the same age the European Institute of Golf Trent Jones Sr. He set up his the introduction of the and it really hit me hard. John Course Architects (EIGCA). own golf course design practice e-newsletter and the mentioned the charity and I The annual meeting of in Germany in 1993. He has development of the new said I’d do something for it and EIGCA took place earlier also occasionally collaborated website which is due to come that’s how I came to enter the last month in Noordwijk, with Portuguese architect on line shortly. London Marathon. Netherlands, where the Jorge Santana da Silva. The new EIGCA Council “The day itself was fantastic. annual Presidents Cup was David has been a member is David Krause; Rainer The sun was shining and the played for over the stunning of the EIGCA Council since Preissmann; Peter Fjallman; crowds were unbelievable. and unforgettable courses the merger in 2000 and and Mike Wood together with I was like running through at Kennemer GC and served as Hon. Treasurer newly-elected members Jeff Wembley Stadium for 26 miles. Noordwijkse GC. for a number of years. Howes; Tom Mackenzie; and A fabulous experience and one Canadian born Krause He has been chairman of Ronan Branigan. that I hope to repeat next year.”

6 GI JUNE 2009 INAUGURAL RANSOMES JACOBSEN TROPHY The Golf Course at Cannington Centre hosted its inaugural Ransomes Jacobsen Trophy recently. The event was marketed by the College as an opportunity for young aspiring golfers to get involved in an educational experience as well as compete for the trophy and prizes sponsored by Ransomes Jacobsen and Titleist. The day comprised of a morning of educational demonstrations and ‘have a go’ practical’s that engaged the young participants and Ratty’s Refuge Comes Home explained to them all the effort that goes in to “Ratty’s Refuge”, the medal original), a bog garden, a shaded our native British Bluebell in the producing a golf course winning River & Rowing Museum’s area and woodland. “The garden wood. “As well as highlighting the for their enjoyment. Chelsea (2008) Urban Garden has was conceived to demonstrate importance of protecting our native With the expert been reinstated at the Museum’s an urban sanctuary for the water wild life this garden has given us knowledge of Thames-side home in Henley. vole (Ratty), which was, and still is the opportunity to demonstrate Canningtons Head Sponsored by British Wild Flower being threatened by the American what grows where,” Forster Greenkeeper Hugh Plants (BWFPs), the new garden, Mink,” he explains. “As last year continues, “and unlike the Chelsea Murray and support which was opened by Alan marked the centenary of ‘Wind design, which had to be planted to from PGA Professional Titchmarsh on May 1, incorporates In The Willows’ it seemed the look good for the one week of the Ron Macrow and many of the original features perfect opportunity to raise public show, this is permanent. It means Programme Manager including in the wild flower bank, awareness.” that we could use a much wider Will Bowden, the day the decking (now being recycled for Forster has planted around variety of species that will bloom was a success both the third time, having started life 1,000 British wild flowers right through the year.” educationally and as the Museum’s café terrace) and including water loving plants Following the opening competitively. the pond, but it has grown to over such as Lesser Bulrush, Marsh ‘Ratty’s Refuge’ will be used The College is five times the original size. Marigold, Water Avens and as an educational resource to running a Programme Ian Forster, Marketing Manager Yellow Flag Iris in the bog garden, demonstrate a natural water vole Lead NVQ 2, alongside for BWFPs says that there are Primroses, Yarrow and Jacob’s habitat to visiting schools, families the traditional now four distinct areas, the pond Ladder in the shady area, Oxeye and special interest groups to the Apprentice route for the (considerably larger than the Daisies in sunnier areas and Museum. first time this year and the day was centred on encouraging potential students to see first hand the great facilities ULTIMATE VIRTUOUS CIRCLE and opportunities that are available to them With prices for waste falling through the floor throughout when they study at the world, one British company has created the ultimate Cannington. virtuous circle – converting plastic waste into an efficient land Cannington will aim drainage system. to grow this event and Aquadyne is converted from virtually any form of plastic – encourage the theme silage wrap to plastic bags, wheelie bins to water bottles – into of linking a career in easily installed blocks of macro and micro porous cells that sports turf with playing drain surface water from agricultural fields, sports pitches, and enjoying the game. golf courses and domestic gardens. The college wishes “Newcastle University conducted a life cycle assessment, to thank Ransomes which concluded that every 200 panels of Aquadyne saves Jacobsen for their more than two tonnes of carbon emissions,” said James positive support of Arrowsmith, of Aquadyne Sales & Marketing. “The product is all the educational simple to install with minimal disturbance to the grass surface programmes at and will effectively drain up to 20 litres of water per second.” Cannington.

JUNE 2009 GI 7 GI NEWSDESK

Some of the greenkeepers from the event

John McCormack (left) with new CMAE President John Hunt. “THE COLONEL” TAKES CHARGE AT Greenkeeping Seminar THE CMAE The Club Managers Association Eighty golf course and sports South West England and assessor/lecturer at Duchy of Europe (CMAE) appointed ground industry professionals South Wales for Sports Turf College, Stoke Climsland and a new President at its Spring from Devon and Cornwall with Research Institute gave a has over 35 years experience Conference at Wentworth students from Duchy College seminar on the use of in the industry. Steve recently. attended a free greenkeeping fertilisers for fine turf. The commented: “We have had John Hunt, Secretary of The seminar at Duchy College, second speaker was Roger an amazing attendance for Berkshire Golf Club, Ascot, Stoke Climsland campus Davey, Managing Director the event, which highlights England takes over from John recently. The event was at Irritech an independent the need for continuing McCormack of Castle Golf Club, funded by the European irrigation and Consultancy professional development in Dublin, in the two-year role. Social Fund to provide up to Company who provided the industry. I would like to Lt Col Hunt, affectionately date knowledge from industry information on golf course thank the guest speakers for known as ‘The Colonel’ by CMAE specialists. irrigation. providing their time, Devon members, admitted his rank and Two key speakers Steve The event was organised and Cornwall BIGGA and all previous career as an officer in Gingell, Area Manager for by Steve Evans, work based those who attended.” the English Army might suggest he was an old-style club manager but that he was “ahead of the game” thanks to education and networking made possible by RADICAL ACTION BEATS THE FUZ CMAE membership. More than 60 club managers A 30 year old Surrey from across Europe, including golf club has enjoyed representatives from Italy, Spain, its first fusariam free Sweden, Portugal and Ireland, as winter following radical well as from around the United action by the Head Kingdom, attended the two-day Greenkeeper. event at Surrey’s Wentworth Mark Pennells, of Club. Among the topics The Drift Golf Club at discussed was the impact of the East Horsley, took the economic crisis and solutions decision to apply over club managers could implement, 6,000 kg of lightweight, with input from partners porous, calcinated soil Premium Credit, Jonas Software, amendment into his 20 E-Z-GO and Colt Mackenzie greens in September, McNair. and hasn’t seen a sign of Members were also given an disease since. exclusive first glimpse of the new- look CMAE website, with new resources and information for visitors and for CMAE Members: www.cmaeurope.org

8 GI JUNE 2009 GI NEWSDESK

Notice to All Members of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association

As you should be aware, Please would you complete of members who have not opted well as any negligence and/or on 21st January 2009, the and sign the form and return to become members of BIGGA breach of statutory duties. British and International it to Headquarters in the Limited by way of a written Golf Greenkeepers envelope supplied, to arrive agreement between BIGGA and What does conversion mean Association (BIGGA) passed no later than 30th June 2009 BIGGA Limited; for you? a resolution at its Annual (Return Date). 3. Register as members of General Meeting approving We strongly recommend BIGGA Limited all members Your rights as a member of the conversion of BIGGA that you read the remaining of BIGGA who have opted to BIGGA Limited will be set out in into a company limited by paragraphs of this notice, in become members of the limited the memorandum and articles guarantee and authorising particular the section headed: company; and of association of the company, the Board of Management What does conversion mean 4. Put in place arrangements as well as BIGGA Limited’s ‘rule (the Current Board) to for you?’. whereby all services to book’, as amended from time undertake such actions as members of BIGGA (whether or to time. are appropriate to facilitate Please note that if you do not they have opted to become As a member of BIGGA such conversion. not return your completed members of BIGGA Limited) will Limited, you will enjoy all of the The rationale behind the application form for member- be provided by BIGGA Limited benefits you currently enjoy as proposed conversion is set out ship of BIGGA Limited by the on and with effect from the a member of BIGGA. The only below in the section headed Return Date: Effective Date. practical difference between ‘Why convert to a company • You will continue to be a It is intended that BIGGA the two forms of membership limited by guarantee?’ as well member of BIGGA; however, (ie the business in existence from your perspective will be as the practical implications as outlined below, with effect before conversion to a limited that, as a member of a company of such conversion for you as from the Effective Date, all of company) will automatically limited by guarantee, and for a member of BIGGA (in the the benefits of membership dissolve upon expiry of the last a period of one year following section headed ‘What does of BIGGA and associated deadline for renewal of current cessation of your membership conversion mean for you?’). administration will be provided membership subscriptions, of the limited company, you will The Current Board has by BIGGA Limited; and since at that point it will have have limited personal liability already set up a new company • When your annual no assets and no members. (up to a maximum amount of limited by guarantee – the membership subscription next £1) for any outstanding debts British and International Golf becomes due for renewal, the Why convert to a company of BIGGA Limited, but only if Greenkeepers Association receipt by BIGGA from you of a limited by guarantee? BIGGA Limited is wound up Limited (BIGGA Limited) – the completed subscription renewal and a contribution is needed to first members of which are the form and/or subscription Like many unincorporated enable its debts to be paid. members of the existing Board monies will be deemed to associations, the Current As a member of BIGGA of Management of BIGGA. It constitute an application from Board has decided to convert Limited, you will be entitled proposes to use BIGGA Limited you for membership of BIGGA BIGGA to a company limited to withdraw from the limited to facilitate the conversion. Limited. Accordingly you will by guarantee because it company by giving at least A copy of BIGGA Limited’s be entered on the register of considers that such a structure seven clear days’ notice memorandum and articles of members of BIGGA Limited will be advantageous to the to BIGGA Limited. Your association (i.e. its objects and with effect from the date of association. membership of BIGGA Limited its constitution) is available on renewal of your subscription. The principal advantage will not be transferable and will the BIGGA web site or upon of conversion to a limited cease in the event of any one of request from Headquarters. We propose to take the company will be that the the following being applicable: It is intended that with following additional steps association will have its own (i) death, (ii) if your membership effect from 1st July 2009 (the over the course of the next legal identity, distinct from fee has not been paid, (iii) if Effective Date) all of BIGGA’s four weeks, with a view to that of the individual members your circumstances change assets, undertaking and implementing the proposed of its Board of Management. and you no longer qualify to business will be transferred conversion with effect from This will allow it to enter into be a member or (iv) as a result to BIGGA Limited and BIGGA the Effective Date: contracts in its own name, of disciplinary action taken Limited will operate under a 1. Adopt a new ‘rule book’ rather than in the name of against you by BIGGA Limited. set of rules which effectively for the organisation and individual members of the If you have any queries on replicates BIGGA’s current management of BIGGA Board of Management, and it the contents of this notice or constitution. Limited, which will be adopted will also allow it to hold title to require further information In conjunction with the pursuant to BIGGA Limited’s land and other assets in its own then please do not hesitate to conversion to a company articles of association and will name. contact the Chief Executive, limited by guarantee, we effectively replicate the existing It will also mean that BIGGA John Pemberton, either by post need your written consent constitution of BIGGA; Limited, rather than individual at the Headquarters’ address or for you to become a member 2. Transfer to BIGGA members of the Board of by email ([email protected]). of BIGGA Limited and to Limited all of the assets and Management, will be liable for this end you will receive an undertaking of BIGGA, with the fulfilling any contracts to which Peter Todd application form in the post. exception of the subscriptions BIGGA Limited is a party, as Chairman

JUNE 2009 GI 9 GI NEWSDESK

First Sowings at Cropvale

Specialist grass seed breeder Barenbrug has seen the first of its amenity trial plots sown at its UK amenity research site at Cropvale in Worcestershire. Barenbrug UK’s research and development manager Jayne Leyland and UK production manager Andrew Sadler (pictured) were both on hand to scrutinise the plots. Synergy of mixtures is one of the key areas for study, and the first sowing includes 11 new mixture formulations, which the company will be comparing with its existing BAR range.

Hugh Knowles (left) and Rob Surgey, Dealer Network Strengthened Senior Course Manager at Burhill Golf Club, Surrey, surveying the successful heather regeneration project at Burhill, part of the Kubota has further strengthened its UK dealer network group’s environment policy and action plan. with the appointment of Rod Gaskin (Farm Equipment) Ltd as a Kubota tractor and groundcare dealer for North Hampshire and West Sussex. Rod Gaskin Ltd offers the complete Kubota range of ride-on mowers, for domestic and professional use; tractors from 12-128hp, and four variants of the RTV900 all-terrain utility vehicle. Gaskin’s founder and managing director, Rod Gaskin said: “Kubota is a franchise I have always wanted and when the opportunity came up I jumped at it. I am impressed with the quality of Kubota machines, which slot in perfectly alongside the other leading equipment brands we supply, and also with the outstanding level of support provided by Kubota.” ENVIRONMENT POLICY GOLFERS DRIVE INTRODUCED FORE BRAKE Burhill Golf and Leisure Limited addition of bird boxes at Abbey Hill has introduced an environment Golf Centre, Milton Keynes; a new To help raise awareness of the 3,000 people killed every policy designed to enrich the reservoir at Hoebridge Golf Centre, single year on UK roads, Brake is appealing to golfers to environments of its 10 courses Surrey; waste water recycling for ‘Drive fore Brake’ and organise a charity golf day through and promote sound, sustainable machinery wash down at Burhill their golf club or company. management of its facilities. Golf Club, Wycombe Heights Golf The appeal, promoted by Brake, aims to raise awareness The policy, which demonstrates Centre and Abbey Hill Golf Centre; of crashes in the golfing community and their families. a high degree of environmental plus integrated supplier plans to A horrifying 87 people are killed and seriously injured awareness and quality, covers reduce packaging and haulage. on UK roads every day. The vast majority of these deaths all aspects of on and off-course An immediate energy reduction and serious injuries are a result of dangerous or careless operations and sets out clear plan was put in place at the driving and could have been avoided. Brake believes the guidelines on the management beginning of 2009 with energy best way to tackle this is to educate drivers on how they of water, habitat and waste, as audits being carried out at all can look after their own and other people’s safety. By well as introducing an action 10 facilities, resulting in boiler linking with Brake, we hope golfers will take on board the plan to reduce the group’s energy efficiency improvements, new importance of driving safely. consumption by 15% within six insulation of heating systems and The funds raised through the appeal will be directed to months. roof spaces, overnight charging Brake’s support services, including education of all road Among the initiatives already of electric buggies, complete users and the charity’s Brakecare division; supporting underway at the group’s three golf re-lamping of internal and external people bereaved or seriously injured through road crashes. clubs and seven pay-and-play golf lighting with energy efficient bulbs, For more information contact: 01484 530085 centres are a heather restoration plus the introduction of ‘motion or email: [email protected] project at Burhill Golf Club; detector’ light switches. ornithological surveys and the

10 GI JUNE 2009 Chairman’s Word National Chairman, Peter Todd, gives his thoughts for the month

Many of you will have experienced the stop/start growth conditions at the start of the season with some reasonable growing conditions during the first half of April followed by inconsistent growth in the following three weeks.

The gusting easterly winds in early May soon dried out the turf surface stressing the plant and this coupled with low overnight temperatures caused this early growth period to rapidly go into reverse. With little response from the bentgrasses and Poa seeding prolifically the challenge was on to produce a good putting surface. We had previously hosted tournaments in the months June, August and September with more growing period to work with, so I was under no illusions about the

May date this year and the challenge we The European Open Support Team will no doubt have done a great job this year faced. Chuck out your 2009 calendar now!

This Spring required different thinking temperatures at times almost gave the enough without also communicating well. to prepare The International Course for impression summer had arrived. Golfers need to feel that the fee they have normal play as well as The Heritage for The Despite the fact that they all probably paid to play is value for money in their eyes, European Open. From listening to others went home afterwards to a centrally heated and reflects what they have experienced on the first thing to learn is to ignore which house for the evening it wouldn’t have the course. We need to make sure it does. month the calendar says it is when it comes occurred to them that cold nights affected I cannot sign off without thanking my to timing work and concentrate on what the the greens that they had been playing on team, all the greenkeepers who volunteered weather and growing conditions are actu- that day. to work at The European Open and to the ally doing. While there are limiting factors to what clubs that released their staff to gain tour- I have known us use modest amounts of can be done including the weather, man- nament experience with us. irrigation as early as March one year when power, budgets etc, we still have to produce With greenkeepers coming from clubs the plant was dessicating and this year get- as good a surface as we can, taking advan- throughout the country and as far away as ting wetting agents on early and the use of tage of any opportunities to improve playing Scotland and Ireland it is very rewarding to irrigation as soon as the very dry conditions conditions. share our experiences and learn from one limited growth certainly helped to reduce Let’s be honest, ultimately customers are another. I would also like to thank all the turf stress. not that interested in what goes on to pro- suppliers who provided additional support Monitoring air and soil temperatures duce results on the course and the variables for the event that make that important dif- along with daily E.T. levels soon provides the that determine the level of success are not ference. answers you might have to questions such all in our control. As golfers expectations We remain a close knit industry and it is at as, Why have my greens stopped growing? have continued to rise consistently, manag- tournament times this shines through with What we are not able to do is increase the ing these is important now more than ever, great camaraderie on display. I look forward temperatures? as budgets come under pressure. to meeting all the BIGGA Open Support So taking advantage of every window Where significant reductions in budgets team at Turnberry alongside George and when these are in our favour, and the use are impacting on some courses’ greenkeep- Euan’s staff and wish them well for The of fertilisers that respond in the prevailing ing standards it is crucial to communicate Open Championship. conditions, becomes a must. Knowing when the impact of these cut backs in writing to not do to things equally becomes important, management or committees, including any such as too early an application of PGRs or restrictions placed upon you to carry out using verti-cuts. greens renovations. With golfers out playing en masse this In these circumstances, doing the best spring in the sunny, dry conditions their job you can on the golf course with the Peter Todd expectations continued to rise as daytime resources available on the golf course is not National Chairman

JUNE 2009 GI 11 Greenkeepers Training Committee

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

Whether you are an employer, sation meeting at a Centre so do I As mentioned in the above point Course Manager, student or need to achieve the A1 award?” In Brief it is down to you to point out to your working within a Turf Centre If you have not had a candidate(s) David explains how chosen Centre that a) you are a we are all part of a partnership registered with a Centre for some following the circulation qualified assessor and b) you are of a questionnaire to all when it comes to improving time, it is not necessary for you to assessors trained by the keen to support the learner there- attend standardisation meetings. GTC he sees the quality of fore please engage me formally the skills and knowledge of vocational qualifications greenkeepers. However, when you choose to still needs to be monitored in the training and assessment The partnership is something register a trainee on a vocational by YOU… programme and if appropriate ask the GTC has advocated from day qualification including the appren- for an IV updating session just one of the introduction to industry ticeship scheme, the Centre should to remind you of the assessment The GTC is funded by: of work-based training. Clearly immediately ask whether you have options. we all have to do more to ensure the assessor qualification D32/33 4. “I am too busy to do assess- the system works and everybody or A1. If you hold the D32/D33 ing, it’s the colleges job to train and benefits. award you do not need to gain assess my trainee, not mine!” Feedback from our recent asses- A1.The Centre will subsequently The GTC embarked on the assessor questionnaire raised several carry out a standardisation meet- sor training programme believing issues and below I have listed the ing with you to bring up to speed that the person best placed and main comments and added my with the current National Assessor competent to train and assess staff views on how best any assessor Standards. skills is the CM/HG. It is they who should be engaging with the voca- By engaging you, the Centre work with the student daily. tional, work-based system. benefits by your participation in the The GTC appreciates the work- Employers and any Course learners training AND assessment load on CMs/HGs especially at the Manager who are not qualified but I appreciate this is not the case moment however, I also believe you assessors may well benefit or relate with all Centres. are only as good as your team. A to the statements made: Quality Assurance is key to the well trained skilled team can be a 1. “The GTC trained me as an success of any vocational pro- Course Manager’s greatest asset assessor but I use my local college gramme and Centres have to show and the time involved in the train- for training my staff, where does Awarding Body representatives ing and assessment of staff soon that leave me with the GTC?” (External Verifiers) that the Centres pays dividends. To assist the GTC Approved Cen- Internal Verifier has all of his/her So often I hear from Centre staff tres with the implementation of N/ assessors assessing to the National that the CMs/HGs don’t want to be SVQ’s the GTC, in association with Standards. involved in the training and assess- a private company, embarked on How can this easily be achieved ment process. a programme of assessor training when some Centres have learners The GTC has excellent examples from 1995 onwards. on golf courses all over Britain? of when the CM/HG-Centre staff- Over 800 supervisory and It is a false impression that asses- learners are all working to an management staff on golf courses sors attached to a Centre must agreed training plan and is a win- achieved the D32/D33 assessor attend a meeting at the Centre. win system for all concerned. qualification. The Internal Verifier at any I suggest that the N/SVQ system It is through the assessor train- Centre is the key person in the is like a three link chain. The ing programme that many Course standardisation process and he/ Centre is the middle link, whose Managers (CMs)/Head Greenkeep- she can keep their assessor team role it is to keep the other two links ers (HGs) now support their staff “up to standard” remotely through connected. development in the workplace and the visits they have to make to the One link being the learner and when formal qualifications become learners workplace. Updating can the other link is the CM/HG and a goal in association with their happen one to one as well as in if one link is not playing their part chosen Centre-college the assessor group sessions. and that puts more stress on the qualification should be used. It is the remoteness that seems to other two. While the GTC funded and give some Centres the excuse NOT Contact Details Finally, thank you to everyone coordinated much of the asses- to use qualified assessors and this who completed the questionnaire sor training for our sector, we are I find an unacceptable reason not David Golding and hopefully I have answered GTC Education Director not the organisation responsible to use YOU as it is the CM/HG who some of the queries raised. is best placed to train and assess 01347 838640 The GTC, in still promoting the for standardisation meetings as [email protected] this is down to the network of your learners SUPPORTED by the Skills Agenda, is looking at sources GTC GTC Approved Centres e.g. Centre staff. Aldwark Manor of funding to train those CMs/HGs, colleges. 3. “I am keen to be more involved Near York and where appropriate Deputies, YO61 1UF 2. “I haven’t used my assessor with my staffs development and who do want to be formally involved qualification for some time therefore assessing but the college don’t seem www.the-gtc.co.uk in their staff development, but fund- I have never attended a standardi- to want to use me” ing is a story for another month!

12 GI JUNE 2009 Learning & Development Sami Collins, Head of Learning & Development, with an update on education issues

Festival season is approaching, • How to Form a Team: Five Keys Higher Education Scholarships so I hope you’ve all got your to High Performance – Centre for – supported by wellingtons and kagools at Creative Leadership Ransomes Jacobsen the ready. I know that I will not be camping this summer • How to Launch a Team: Start (or ever!), but I hope if you are Right for Success – Centre for Cre- The funding provided by Golden and Silver the sunshine gods are kind to ative Leadership Key Sponsors is used to you and that you don’t end up produce training and career aids, DVDs, CD Roms, resembling a muddy monster • Maintaining Team Performance field guides and provide Funds are still available for Higher from the deep! – Centre for Creative Leadership refunds for training fees and Education Scholarships. You could subsidised learning and development courses. The be eligible to apply for a scholarship • Customer Service Training 101: funding also helps support of up to £1500 if you: seminars, workshops, Quick and Easy Techniques That courses, the lending library, • Are a greenkeeper member of careers advice, posters and Get Great Results – Renee Evenson manuals. BIGGA • Are working as a full-time Many young greenkeepers • Toxic People: Decontaminate owe their career greenkeeper BIGGA Library Difficult People at Work Without progression to the • Have been a BIGGA member for assistance they’ve had Using Weapons or Duct Tape – from the Learning and a minimum of two years Thanks to the support of the Marsha Petrie Sue Development Fund. An equal number of established Learning and Development Fund greenkeepers have also Courses that could be eligible for been able to access the contributors, several new books • The Art and Science of Com- fund to continue their a Scholarship include: NVQ Level 4 have been added to the library in munication: Tools for Effective professional development Sports Turf Management, Founda- thanks to the donations of the last month. Communication in the Workplace the Golden and Silver Key tion Degree, HNC, HND, MSc and As you will see from the titles – Les Brown Sponsors. BSc (some of them are brilliant!), they mainly concentrate on manage- To view the list of available books Updates and Reminders ment issues but several of them you can either request a printed will be useful, even if you’re not in a Library List or you can go to the Master Greenkeeper management position. Members Section of the BIGGA Website and click on Lending Congratulations go to Tim Library, you can then search by Anderson from Naperville Country Category or by Author. Club in Illinois, USA on achieving • Dealing with People You Can’t Once you have found the book(s) the Master Greenkeeper Certifi- Stand: How to Bring Out the Best you are interested in you can see if cate. Tim is the 49th greenkeeper to on People at their Worst – Dr Rick it is ‘Available’ or ‘On Loan’. Contact Details achieve the Certificate. Brinkman. If the book you are after is ‘On Sami Collins Loan’ you can either telephone or Head of L&D Continuing Professional • Difficult Conversations: How to email your request and it will be [email protected] Development Discuss What Matters Most – Bruce sent to you on its return. Rachael Duffy L&D Administrator Patton You can borrow up to two items [email protected] The current CPD year ends on for a period of up to six weeks. June 30. Send in your claim forms 01347 833800 (option 3) • Coaching at Work: Powering The only cost to members is to ensure that you receive you Your Team with Awareness Respon- return postage to BIGGA HQ. www.bigga.org.uk 2008/09 Continuing Professional sibility and Trust – Matt Somers Development Certificate.

Thank you to our Golden and Silver Key Sponsors

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

JUNE 2009 GI 13 INDUSTRY UPDATE GI The latest turf industry news from around the globe

CONTINUING TO INVEST NEW Ransomes Jacobsen, and its Louisiana. They also launched the battery pack or diesel engine. RECRUIT affiliate company Jacobsen, based innovative Eclipse 322, a hybrid Here in the UK, Ransomes in Charlotte, North Carolina, ride-on mower with electric drive Jacobsen will be unveiling a Building on success, continue to invest in new products to the cutting cylinders with significant new Ransomes mower the STRI is adding that demonstrate their unrivalled a choice of at Saltex in September 2009 to its South East commitment to the sector, despite motive for the municipal sector, and Consultancy Team to the economic downturn. power are continuing to invest in the cater for an increasing With the support of parent from a Jacobsen golf mowers built in and diversifying company, Textron, both Ipswich. The companies have demand for its companies are launching also recently introduced a new services. new mowers into the golf range of cutting cylinders with a STRI has and municipal markets in 45 degree relief, another first employed Sports 2009, while continuing their for the industry. Turf Agronomist, commitment to environmental Charles Henderson, management. to add strength to In the U.S., Jacobsen the Southern Team. launched the new R-311 Charles, originally batwing rotary mower The new Jacobsen R-311 from East Yorkshire, launched earlier this year. earlier this year at the has spent the last four Golf Industries Show years as a Sports Turf in New Orleans, Agronomist for The New Zealand Sports Turf Institute. Prior to the NZSTI Charles studied a HND in Turf Science and Golf Course Management at Myerscough College and a BA in Landscape Management at the UCL.

MARKET INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE PRIZE WINNERS

INCREASES A-Plant has won a A-Plant was nominated. prestigious Access Industry The Award Judges Tim Saville has joined Rigby Taylor as a Training Award at the commented on A-Plant’s Area Sales Representative, working in the inaugural International win: “A-Plant’s win has been company’s Local Authority team throughout Awards for Powered Access realised due to the fact that Tim Saville the counties of the East Midlands. held in Dublin. the company has made Tim is a qualified horticulturist, having Organised with the itself one of the UK access studied at Brackenhurst College and, in the support of the International industry’s most successful 18 months prior to joining Rigby Taylor, was Powered Access Federation ‘one stop shops’ for training. Head Groundsman at Rampton Hospital. (IPAF) to celebrate good In 2008, the company Trevor Helme has been appointed as the practice, professionalism trained over 3700 Linemarking Business Development Manager and quality in the access employees, and held over for the North of England and will be assisting industry, the Access 4500 training days for its the Rigby Taylor area sales team in expanding Industry Training Award 2000 staff. their linemarking products business. was one of ten Awards being Further to this the Trevor brings to the company a wide competed for by companies company also invested in a experience having worked in the Amenity around the world and one new state of the art National industry for over 15 years. Trevor Helme of three categories in which Training Centre.”

14 GI JUNE 2009 Pictured at the controls of Fenners’ two brand new Allett Regal 36 mowers are Head Groundsman, John Moden (right) and his QUARTET Deputy, Robert Costen. MAKES GOLF DIGEST TOP 100

Four of St Andrews Links’ seven courses have been listed in the Golf Digest Top 100 Courses ranking for the first time prompting the magazine RETIREMENT to name the town as the world’s “pre-eminent destination” for golf. Test and Assembly engineer, After only four months Dai Williams, who joined in operation The Castle CUT BY NEW MOWERS Ransomes Sims and Jefferies Course has been listed in 1959, has retired after 50 at number 65 in the list, Outfields at one of Britain’s best-known and most attractive years of dedicated and loyal two places behind the university cricket grounds will be cut this season by two new Allett service with Ipswich-based New Course. The Jubilee Regal 36 mowers equipped with trailed seats. turf maintenance equipment Course has moved into The ground is Fenner’s, home of the Cambridge University Cricket manufacturer. the top 100 at number 92, Club for more than 100 years and an integral part of Cambridge Dai joined the company while the Old Course is University’s Physical Education Department which purchased the in 1959 and because of his in second position machines. age, just 14 years and 11 overall. Replacing two Allett Regal mowers dating from 1998, the two months old, he worked initially The magazine’s new machines were specified by Head Groundsman, John Moden, in the Tinsmith’s Shop, biannual ranking of the and supplied by local Allett sub-dealer, Rod Widdowson Garden before beginning a five-year top 100 courses outside Machinery. apprenticeship during which he the US is compiled by was required to make his own more than 900 golf course tools which included measuring panelists, the editors of blocks, punches and various its 23 editions around other items. the world and a range In 1964, after completing Team Expansion of golf experts. The his apprenticeship he was poll appears in the May The UK economy may be closely with the existing and soon- seconded to the Forklift Truck edition which describes St encountering choppy waters, to-be customers in the amenity assembly line. Andrews as “the game’s but at Fieldfare Amenity it’s full sector. Mark studied sports turf During the early 1970s he pre-eminent destination”. steam ahead. An ever increasing management at Writtle College and was involved with making The magazine praises demand for services and products - subsequently gained considerable ploughs, cultivator and David Kidd for his work including the innovative and highly experience as a greenkeeper in the sprayers for the Agricultural on The Castle Course and successful Liquitec fertiliser - has Essex area. division, before moving to the suggests it demonstrates resulted in us expanding our team. A keen golfer himself, Mark is Experimental department in the “continuing evolution The latest recruit is Mark a key addition to the Fieldfare New Works. By the mid-70s at the Home of Golf”. Phipps-Jones who will be working Amenity team. he was working in the mower Alan McGregor, Chief division and more recently on Executive of St Andrews the main tractor line, building Links Trust, which ride-on mowers. Leading up manages and maintains to retirement and following the seven public courses a recent health scare he was in St Andrews, said, “It is undertaking light duties on this a wonderful achievement line. to have four courses Commenting on Dai’s recognised in such a retirement, David Withers, definitive ranking. Managing Director said, For The Castle “It’s people like Dai that are Course to be included the backbone of this company; so soon after it opened you only have to look at our is remarkable. It is also annual long service awards, pleasing to see some well where those who receive their deserved recognition for 20 year certificates are looked the Jubilee Course. This upon as just learning their is no mean feat when trade! We are extremely grateful you see the caliber of to Dai and the men and women the courses from around like him, who have given such the world included in the loyal service over the decades.” Philip Spencer welcomes Mark Phipps-Jones to the Fieldfare Amenity team. ranking.”

JUNE 2009 GI 15 16 GI JUNE 2009 as a Picture Scott MacCallum visits Meon Valley, the subject of last year’s Photographic competition winning picture, and discovers a hotel golf complex with a members’ club feel

Let’s face it, we are all guilty We all know that while there is per- of stereotyping. Scots are all haps an element of truth in it there tight-fisted; southerners are are many golf venues which don’t fit all softies; the Welsh all sing into that stereotypical model. and are descended from coal One such is Marriott Meon Valley miners, while the Irish all Golf & Country Club, in Southamp- come up a bit short when it ton, which operates much more comes to grey matter. We all like a conventional golfing estab- know it’s nonsense, but the lishment than many traditional myth still gets perpetuated on golf clubs and possesses 27 holes a daily basis. that are as interesting as they are It also exists in golf. The accepted challenging. mantra is that members’ clubs Attached to a superb, recently are invariably cosy and stuffy refurbished, four star hotel – the 18 with visitors treated as a barely hole Meon and excellent nine hole tolerated, but necessary, evil, while Valley - offer a great test for hotel proprietary clubs and hotel courses guests, but the 700 Meon Valley on the other hand have wide fair- members are lucky to have some ways, short rough and pile as many great facilities and a golf course people through as can humanly be which is set up for enjoyment rather accommodated. than purely speed.

JUNE 2009 GI 17 Course Feature

“The last thing I would want is a park. I go with the theory that golf should be a walk through the countryside playing golf as you go. It shouldn’t be a quick whiz around a park where everything is mown at the same height and things are all tidy and trimmed,” said Course Manager, Phil Walker, who has been at Meon Valley for 14 years. Outside of course furniture there is no corporate look to the Marriott golf venues on this side of the Atlan- tic and Phil and his fellow Course Managers are left to manage their courses in the appropriate manner for each one. “There is a corporate logo with regard to flags, tee markers, signage etc but apart from that it’s entirely up to us how we set up our courses. Different courses require different styles of presentation and we are spread from Scotland (Dalmahoy) to South Wales (St Pierre), central Managers, having to adapt the you realise that so much of what we England (Forest of Arden) and paperwork to UK terminology. do is just the sort of thing that the Ireland (Druids Glen). The Course “We have to convert everything ecologists are looking for anyway. Managers get together about once to imperial measurements as the If we are clearing woodland we’d a year and have telephone con- paperwork doesn’t recognise the automatically leave a log pile for ferencing now and again. In fact metric system and one question animals or insects.” we had one yesterday to discuss asks how many acres of prairie we Becoming certified involves sig- Audubon.” have. Easy, none! Tick the box,” nificant investment for Marriott but The Marriott Hotel Group has joked Phil. the company sees it as a serious taken on the Audubon Environ- Dean studied at Portsmouth “Certification falls into sections project and is committed to doing mental programme and is looking University, two years full time BTEC National diploma – wildlife surveys, tree surveys, it properly. to have all of its UK golf venues in General Art and Design, water conservation and testing and “It’s not just a case of getting a little certificated by the end of this year. and three years BA HONS in illustration, finishing up finally outreach education which stamp every year but it will involve “We started at the beginning of with a 2.2. He also studied involves inviting groups of adults sending off documentation show- this year so we haven’t got long to GCSE Photography at Peter Symonds Sixth Form College. or children onto the golf course to ing how we’ve reduced our pesticide achieve it but that’s the Marriott teach them about the environment usage and how we’ve developed way – throw everything at it and A collection of his artwork is shown on the right. and how best to manage it. The areas of land to encourage wildlife make it happen. In one way that’s water surveys are possibly the most or cut water loss through correctly good because it forces you to get important as it give an indication of set up sprinklers or repaired leaks. stuck in and get it done otherwise it any nitrates or chemicals leaching It will also mean keeping a log of can sit on the back burner and just into the streams or ponds.” wildlife spotted on the course. drift along,” explained Phil. Much of what Audubon does “For instance we’ve planted some The American Audubon pro- records what is already being done wild flowers down by the 17th pond gramme was adopted by Marriott at the club as routine maintenance on an area of scrubland that we’d because it too is an American com- but it is a great way of reinforcing cleared. That came about because pany but it has seen Phil, and his the environmental message. we saw it as a project that could fellow UK-based Marriott Course “When you start looking into it work towards Audubon. There

18 GI JUNE 2009 Works of Art

Dean paints almost “For me this is a step like every day, and can the one artist took in the past, squeeze between four from egg tempra to oil paints. to six hours in a week There is even the same day, and sometimes stigma as before, people think up to 12 hours a day because it is drawing on a at the weekend. computer it’s easy… “Being a greenkeeper gives me This is the furthest from the plenty of free time to be creative. It also truth, for starters the pen is harder to provides inspiration and material to control, and the detail is as fine as a fuel my paintings. I’ve also had one or single haired brush, if you could get two commissions from the golfers, and such a thing. Although it is faster to am planning to produce a collection work, more time seems to be spent of golf course photography in the trying to achieve the finish required.” form of a calendar. This should hopefully go down well with the members,” he explained. Dean favours oil paints, oil pastels and oil bars, acrylics, and in the last couple of years he has embraced the new medium of digital painting.

JUNE 2009 GI 19 was a cost in terms of seed and in it’s nothing to be afraid of. If you’ve pictures for this year while there is preparing the ground but in the got it work with it. I’m a firm believer also talk of a Meon Valley calendar long term if it encourages bees and in the maxim you’ve got what you’ve to be produced by the team. other wildlife it’s got to be positive,” got so don’t fight it and I believe that “Dean should really be an artist explained Phil, who also explained if you’ve got more than 50% poa or a photographer but, because that a lot of the on-going work at there is no point in trying to get rid of his artistic flair he’s a brilliant Meon included tee levelling bunker of it as I don’t think you’ll ever keep greenkeeper – he has a real eye for renovations and sleepered bank it out and you’ll probably go mad how things should be presented.” retention. trying. One of the big bonuses of being

Phil is a self confessed poa fan Course Manager, Phil Walker, “The worst thing is if you’ve got involved with a large corporate and has found that by incorporating who has been at Meon Valley a mixture of poa and fescue bent. organisation is training and every for 14 years. Primo Maxx into their management All these grasses grow at different Marriott employee receives 40 programme it is making a genuine speeds especially in the Spring. hours of training a year- more than improvement to turf quality. Previous page photos: Then you’ve got problems.” a working week’s worth. Top left (inset), by the lake at “I’m quite happy to say that I grow night; main above, crunch The Meon Valley team is very “The difficulty we have is to make deweying the 6th; and above Poa as it’s one of the most resilient right, the green by the misty experienced with more than training relevant for greenkeepers grasses I know. Yes, you get seed pond. half the guys having more than but it is high quality training,” heads for a few weeks a year but MAIN ABOVE:The 17th at 15 years’ service at the club and explained Phil. with Primo the seed heads tend to Fillamor they are a talented bunch. Dean At this point, Dean stuck his head shrink and we don’t get any real McMenemy won last year’s BIGGA around the door to say he’d finished problem with them while we get a Photographic Competition with a his job but that he’d noticed some dense sward all the way through stunning landscape of the course areas of long grass around some of the winter and as long as we apply a while, from their mess room up a the trees and could he go out and preventative strobulurin fungicide spiral staircase in the top of an old strim them. in the Autumn we suffer very little barn, each breakfast involves some “See that. He cares about the fusarium. serious collective thinking. golf course. He’s spotted a job and “With Primo we don’t cut less we “We do the Daily Mail quiz page thought I’ll do that and it’s not that just take less grass off. This can be info every morning and if we get every he’s picked a cushy job, he’s going up to 50% which significant and the question correct the prize is that out strimming. That’s not some- Height of Cut In Season: root mass is definitely improved. A 4 mil 3 mil for major we get half an hour off at the end of thing you’d necessarily associate lot of people cut one day and iron the competitions the day. It’s happened once in nine with a corporate environment but next and we are going to try that as it Out of Season: 5 mil years. It’s the Master Quiz that kills I don’t think Meon is different from cuts down the stress on the plant. Fertiliser Regime us,” said Phil. the other Marriott venues where Start of year a granular feed “I just think that Poa gets a very at 18-0-36 Dean’s success in the Photo- they also have a lot of long service bad reputation and every one is Monthly liquid feed of graphic Competition created a real so, while it’s not perfect, there must seaweed and low N mixed afraid to say they’ve got it. I’ve man- with Primo Maxx buzz among the team with many be something right with the Mar- aged it for nearly 25 years now and Winter High K feed of his colleagues already taking riott way.”

20 GI JUNE 2009 Strike A Pose

BIGGA’s Photographic Competition, supported by Syngenta, is back...

Calling all budding photographers! forms. Prints, transparencies, or digitally. Only BIGGA members are eligible to enter. Are you proud of your course? Do you Digital pictures must be at 300 dpi (dots Please note Syngenta will have access to the catch yourself admiring it in a certain per inch) on the camera’s highest quality winning pictures and will credit them when light? setting, and capable of being scaled up to A3 and if used. The BIGGA Photographic Competition, print size (42cm wide x 29.7cm high). Please Winning photographs from last year’s supported by Syngenta and back for its note, cropping may occur if photos are to competition are shown. At the top of the fourth year, creates an opportunity for appear in the magazine or calendar. Also page is the winner, Marriott Meon Valley greenkeepers to display their artistic flair, please ensure digital photos do not show the GC – Looking West by Dean McMenemy. while also earning some publicity for their time/date display! Above right is Hankley Common GC – club. Anyone wishing to enter should email Dewying Green by Gareth Roberts, which The winner will receive a full course them to: [email protected], entering ‘BIGGA came second. Below right is Papillion, Mont- profile in Greenkeeper International and a PHOTO COMP’ as the email subject header. gomerie (Turkey), by Liam Bergin, which special prize, while the 12 best pictures will Alternatively post to: Tom Campbell, came third. be selected for the 2010 BIGGA Calendar. BIGGA HOUSE, Aldwark Manor, Alne, York, Photographs will be accepted in three YO61 1UF by July 31, 2009. So come on…strike a pose!

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Dr Terry Mabbett looks at fungicide This article comes to you courtesy of the and its place in modern turf management BIGGA Learning and Development Fund.

Turf disease control with Microdochium nivale causal Grass becomes progressively more fungicide looks easy but first pathogen of Fusarium Patch stressed and vulnerable to disease impressions are misleading. and Colletotrichum graminicola with lowest ebb in early autumn Unique circumstances (anthracnose) are versatile fungi, just when increasing rainfall, mists pre-dispose turf grasses to living as parasites on living grass and dew start to favour diseases like diseases which are difficult to plants or as saprophytes on thatch Fusarium Patch and anthracnose. control due to specific nature according to prevailing conditions. and management of the sports Horticultural crop debris is gen- Focus on fungicides turf environment. erally discouraged but thatch is Virtually all turf diseases in the maintained as a ‘cushion’ in the Mowing maintains grass as turf United Kingdom are caused by playing surface. but favours disease by wounding fungal pathogens. Most are pres- Sports turf is subject to con- leaves and spreading fungal spores ent in thatch even when there is tinual wear and tear that builds ABOVE: and infected grass clippings espe- Close up of Fusarium Patch no active disease in the sward. up through spring and summer. (Picture courtesy of Vitax Ltd) cially when wet.

JUNE 2009 GI 23 Mowing removes green photo- “Fungicide on difficult to manage with fungicide sparingly soluble solid chemicals synthetic tissue and grass plant’s the surface sprays. formulated as wettable powders, total capacity to manufacture Greenkeepers are conversant water dispersible granules or sus- carbohydrate for shoot and root or inside the with fungicide label recommenda- pension concentrates and which growth. Turf responds to increas- tissue of excised tions but it is helpful to delve deeper stay on the outside surface of the ingly lower cuts with more tillers lengths of leaves than what is said on the packet or leaf. but this increases sward density, is lost in the in the brochure. This information Once in place at adequate raises humidity and encourages clippings” will graphically describe what can concentration and coverage they disease development and spread. be achieved and the mechanics of inhibit or kill germinating fungal Wounds from mowing breach getting there, but how the fungicide spores or fungal hyphae growing grass plant defences. Xylem tissue works is often relayed too simplisti- out from the thatch. Contact fungi- continues to carry water from cally. cides must be in place on the plant roots to shoots. Nutrient-rich sap Deeper understanding allows before fungal inoculums arrive exudates at the severed ends of greenkeepers to ask more ques- and they cannot suppress, cure grass leaves are readily exploited tions and achieve more benefit or eradicate established infections and colonised by fungal pathogens through their own initiative and inside leaf tissues because they including Colletotrichum gramini- best practice. They can develop cannot reach them. By the same cola, Rhizoctonia solani (brown disease management programmes token contact fungicides are of little patch) and Sclerotinia homoeo- using a range of complementary use against pathogens which infect carpa (dollar spot). fungicides of varying behaviour the crown and roots. Disease symptoms appearing in and modes of action and not neces- Essential requirements for con- straight lines across turf indicate sarily from the same ‘stable’ and tact fungicides are good coverage spores or infected clippings were source. and tenacious deposits resistant carried by the mower especially if to rainfall and irrigation or physical grass was wet because moist clip- Contact fungicide removal by high wind and traffic pings adhere to mower blades and abrasion. Use of recommended wheels. First thing to know is how a spray nozzles and spray volumes Fungicide on the surface or fungicide behaves physically on should ensure optimum cover- inside the tissue of excised lengths turf grass because this determines age. Use of excessively high spray of leaves is lost in the clippings. how it affects the pathogen to volumes is generally counter- When all these factors are consid- prevent or cure disease. Contact productive because contact fun- ered it is hardly surprising that turf ABOVE: Turf disease control fungicides are purely preventative gicide ‘running-off’ into soil is not after an early new year’s start is vulnerable to disease which is in West Sussex (protectant) in action. They are absorbed by the grass roots and is

24 GI JUNE 2009 L&D Feature therefore lost and wasted. Choos- ing a suitable ‘window’ when wind speed is low, grass is dry and rain not imminent allows spray droplets to impact, dry out and leave tenacious weatherproof deposits on the turf. Manufacturers can enhance sticking power (tenacity) by micronizing the fungicide to a very fine mean particle size. Number of particles in a set mass (weight) of fungicide will rise exponentially (steeply) as particle size is reduced. This translates into more fungicide particles per unit area of grass leaf and shorter distances between deposited particles, so the entire leaf surface is ‘covered’ and protected. The smaller the particle the higher will be its surface area to mass (weight) ratio and therefore the forces of adhesion which

stick particles of fungicide to leaf rothalonil (phthalonitrile group) INSET LEFT: Thatch is an can provide a full range of benefits important cushion for turf but surfaces. Contact fungicides with available in a range of products and also a reservoir of potential afforded by true systemic activity, a mean particle size (diameter) established in the market for many grass pathogens but even they are constrained of around 1µ (micron) are most years. ABOVE: Greens spraying at depending on point of entry. First tenacious and perform best in rain Tilgate Forest Golf Centre things to know about a systemic (Crawley, Sussex) and a job simulation tests. Systemic fungicide well done. Head Greenkeeper fungicide is whether entry is via Colin Chilvers (Left) and Sprayer Manufacturers can also improve Operator, Barry Edwards roots, leaves (or both), how long it tenacity and weatherproof proper- Most modern turf fungicides remains on the leaf surface before ties by formulating the fungicide enter the plant and move around absorption and movement profile with appropriate adjuvants as inside to a greater or lesser extent. once inside in the plant. surface active chemicals. In UK parlance they are called Systemic fungicides arrest Contact fungicides possess a systemic fungicides, but only those disease through curative or brozal action against the pathogen. that move from point of entry (leaf eradicant action. These terms are Fungicidal effect at many points in or root) into other parts of the plant interchangeable although some the fungal metabolism will control have true systemic activity and manufacturers try to differentiate a correspondingly wider range of offer all the benefits this brings. by using curative and eradicant to fungal pathogens. Others that move into the leaf but describe fungicide action against Extended and intensive use of not laterally from the point of entry vegetative and reproductive phases a contact fungicide is therefore show trans-laminar activity. of the pathogen, respectively. less likely to select out (encourage) Mesostemic’ is a relatively new Systemic fungicides actually pathogen populations insensitive term describing fungicides that inhibit or suppress further devel- to its action. The risk of fungicide bind to the waxy leaf cuticle and opment of infections inside grass resistance is low so there is accord- move across the leaf surface as plants. Curative and eradicant ingly less restriction on frequency vapour to bind at points away from action are well established and of use. site of deposition. Penetrant is the about the author widely accepted terms that imply Systemic fungicides with curative term more commonly used in North that fungus inside the plant is killed properties operate by single-site America to describe all fungicides Dr Terry Mabbett has or totally destroyed when actually experience in grassland action against the pathogen. There that move at least some way into agronomy, and tree it is not. is a much higher risk of fungicide the plant and this appears to offer a protection in forestry, Systemic fungicides will also horticulture and amenity. He resistance and this is why most are more appropriate and less confus- has worked as consultant protect turf by contact action while and technical writer in these restricted to just one or two treat- ing description. fields for 20 years with a they remain on the leaf surface, ments per year. The classic contact Fungicides that move around the strong focus on pest, disease and from inside the plant by pre- fungicide used on UK turf is chlo- entire plant are the only ones that and weed management venting entry of germinating spore

JUNE 2009 GI 25 germ tubes or vegetative hyphae. used for purely contact fungicides molecules are best equipped to Golden Key Systemic fungicides may enter the can prove beneficial. Systemic achieve this. The strobilurin fungi- Sponsors plant through the leaves, the root turf fungicides have been used for cide pyraclostrobin moves rapidly system or both. Advantages of leaf around thirty years beginning with into the cuticle concentrating there absorption are quicker entry and benzimidazole group of chemicals. to form a reservoir of fungicide that additional preventative action while Classic and truly systemic chemi- protects the leaf against infection. the fungicide remains on the leaf cals used on turf today include the As turf disease control becomes surface. triazole fungicides propiconazole more sophisticated so do the However, since all truly systemic and tebuconazole. fungicides used to carry it out. UK approved turf fungicides show Mesostemic is the term used to acropetal movement (carried More sophistication and describe fungicides that bind to the upwards in the xylem or water complication waxy leaf cuticle and have extra conducting tissue) there is limited vapour phase activity facilitating scope for movement inside the Not all turf fungicides fall neatly redistribution of fungicide across plant for fungicide that secures into purely contact or true systemic the leaf surface and subsequent Silver Key entry through the leaves. action categories. One that does binding away from the initial Sponsors A big advantage of absorption by not is iprodione. Iprodione is a deposit. The strobilurin fungicide root system is potential for acropetal long-established and highly valued trifloxystrobin falls into this cat- movement of the systemic fungicide member of the dicarboximide group egory. from the roots and through the of fungicides. Combining two or three different plant to tip of every leaf. Systemic Iprodione is traditionally classed fungicides within a single product fungicides taken up by the roots as a contact fungicide but also has is an increasing feature in the turf can establish a reservoir in the root curative action which implies a fungicide market. system and crown and replenish degree of leaf penetration. Iprodione These combination products fungicide lost when grass is mown is a contact fungicide apparently have a wider spectrum of activity and protect post-spray new grass showing some local penetration and should control a correspond- growth from disease. and therefore additional curative ingly wider range of pathogens and Systemic fungicide washed off action. It is traditionally considered disease. leaves into the soil as run off during to be multi-site action but, accord- Products which combine a spraying or by subsequent rainfall ing to STRI, should be reclassified range fungicide chemistries and This article comes to is not necessarily lost like contact as a single-site action fungicide. biochemical modes of action, with you courtesy of the fungicides suffering the same fate. Leaf penetrating fungicides first dual contact and curative proper- BIGGA Learning and When root absorption is the main move into and then through the ties, help minimise risk of pathogen Development Fund. mode of entry then spray volumes waxy cuticle that covers the epider- resistance to specific single-site Thankyou to all our key sponsors which are higher than normally mis. Lipophilic (fat loving) fungicide action systemic fungicides.

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JUNE 2009 GI 27

127x87 QTR page ads.indd 1 25/3/09 18:11:45 MACHINERY Handheld Power Tools make life just that much easier

James de Havilland, writes with his regular insight into current machinery

Hand held power tools, Impact wrenches not only make some nut twirling jobs faster from brush cutters to hedge they also can make jobs easier trimmers through to workshop too. A good example is when unwinding the bolts securing drills and impact wrenches, a rotary mower blade. The continue to evolve. advantage of a battery powered unit is that it can easily be taken The key issue is to keep an eye to the mower. The Spaldings on developments as there may be Truecraft 13mm (1/2’’)drive 19.2v cordless impact wrench pictured one item of kit that is a solution to a will not have the same power as an pneumatic equivalent, but it specific problem you may have. is rated as developing 400 Nm There are occasions when you (295 lb-ft) of torque. are trying to solve one problem that you stumble up against the solution to another. This can be the case larger branch. The same saw will when looking for a specific item of quickly reduce the branch to more equipment. easily managed ‘lumps’. As long as A trawl through the various cord- you remember to keep the battery less impact drivers available lead charged, the saw will be ready at the on to the realisation that there are touch of a button. a growing number of other cordless An enduring problem with all tools that may help get around spe- types of hand held equipment, cific jobs that have proven a hassle however, is weight. At present bat- in the past. tery powered kit still caters for the As an example, a small bow saw lighter end of hedge trimming and or loppers are ideal for removing sawing. So although the future may light overhanging branches, but it RIGHT: Some items of hand-held see a battery powered brushcutter equipment are pretty tiring or is often the case that the job gets or hedge trimmer rivalling a petrol even tricky to operate. The Easy- Lift from Overton (UK) employs complicated by the need to trim powered unit in the future, it could a backpack mounted support the branch back to remove danger- be a long wait. Electric power may arm to take some of the weight of the tool being supported. This ous cut ends. The job gets more not resolve another issue, this being makes working with a pole saw involved, and then the removed the actual weight of the tool. much easier. The Easy-Lift can also be operated with other tools material needs to be cut up so it can What may help with making tools to include a brushcutter and be easily removed. Before you know less tiring to use are the backpack hedge trimmer. it, a five minute job has turned into mounted support systems from FAR RIGHT: The elephant’s a 60 minute chore. Trunk from DJ Turfcare Overton (UK) and DJ Turfcare Equipment is designed to With a light and easily portable Equipment. These units essentially reduce the weight of handheld equipment to the equivalent of battery powered chainsaw, you use a support cord to take some of 1Kg - the support system taking have the ideal next step up from a the weight of a tool, reduce the load some of the tool’s weight from the operator’s arms and passing bow saw. These tools can tackle a carried by the operator’s arms and it to the backpack. Apart from reasonably sized branch and cut reducing weight, the vibration shoulders. They look a bit odd, but passing back to the operator is it off cleanly nearer the trunk or they really do work. also reduced.

28 GI JUNE 2009 The Makita BUC121Z 14.4v Li-Ion cordless chainsaw has a cutting capacity of 115mm. Weighing a mere 2.4kg and fitted with an automatic chain oiler, this diminutive unit is small light and portable, making it an ideal unit to carry in a vehicle for small pruning the tasks - often needed when mowing close to trees and shrubs. Note bar end guard. This considerably reduces the chance of kickback.

The Makita BGA450 14.4v Li-Ion 115mm cordless angle grinder can share the same battery as the chainsaw. Suitable for cutting, grinding and sanding, this tool could be ideal for those who need to touch up rotary mower blades on site. Not needing a mains cable also makes it easier to get to difficult to access areas, angel grinders often helping to speed repairs by cutting off stubborn fasteners.

The Makita LXT battery powered blower at first seems a little too small to be of much value to professional operators. A blower, however, is one of those tools that can be used in more ways than its job description. As an example, these tools can be used to help clear debris from a mower radiator, gently blow away clippings that have strayed into a bunker or even clear dew. The fact the tool is cordless improves the chances of it finding a useful job. This unit has a volume flow of 2.3m³/ min at a pressure of up to 72m/ sec. All from a tool that weights well under 2kg.

JUNE 2009 GI 29 Course MANAGEMENT Spraying Nozzle choice keeps spray on target

Application specialist, Tom Robinson, provides some practical tips and advice on nozzle selection from the bewildering range of sizes and designs on offer. Achieving the right spray pattern can to help achieve the best possible results that will help to make good turf great.

As the final point of delivery, generally retained well on the leaf such as areas of rough around the the choice of nozzle influences surface. When the droplet size is golf course or some amenity situa- water volume, spray pressure, halved, the number of drops pro- tions - then the canopy can create droplet size and distribution – duced goes up by a factor of eight, its own vortex, which effectively all of which ultimately dictate and the coverage of the leaf may be sucks down the spray droplets. spray coverage on the leaf up to four times greater. Turbulence generated by the and, most importantly, spray sprayer itself is also generally bad retention on the intended Drift control news. If you double the forward target. speed the turbulence is increased All nozzles produce a spectrum of The problem is that fine droplets by a factor of four, which may make about the author droplet sizes, but the proportion of are more difficult to control and it harder for small droplets to break small, medium and coarse droplets more likely to result in drift. Dense, out of the air flow and land on the Tom Robinson is the Spray Application Specialist with will vary. Large nozzles tend to fine turf is a very flat, uniform target. It is a factor to consider when Syngenta Turf & Amenity. produce more coarse drops, while surface with little internal air move- moving to faster forward speeds. Further results and information on the nozzle developments small nozzles tend to produce more ment, which makes it a difficult In general, you will be able to go – along with a range of other fine drops. Operators can use their target. Fine droplets just hover faster and in a wider range of condi- spray application advice - can be found on the GreenCast website choice of nozzle to tailor droplet size above the surface in a boundary tions with nozzles producing larger Application Zone: to the turf structure and the spray layer of air; if there is any wind they droplets, as there is less risk of www.greencast.co.uk target. can drift off. turbulence and drift. Larger drops While the conventional flat fan Spraying on a still summer eve- also have greater velocity to improve nozzle can do a very acceptable ning, when there may be upward penetration of dense turf. So if you job in most conditions, using the thermal currents from the warm are looking to target disease patho- Key points for nozzle selection optimum nozzle for the job could soil, these fine droplets can easily gens at the soil surface, such as • Change nozzles to match spray make the all important difference be lifted up and carried off - which is Heritage for Take All or Fairy Ring, target and conditions • Air induction nozzles can between an acceptable 90% control, another reason why spraying early and for liquid fertilisers they may be reduce risk of spray drift • Leaf coverage is important for and an excellent 99% result. in the morning is often preferred, an ideal choice. contact foliar fungicides The choice really depends on the and results when there is just a little In the past, the velocity of large • High velocity nozzles can increase penetration through target for the spray. Small droplets air movement can be more effective droplets has resulted in droplets dense turf provide a greater leaf coverage for than very still conditions. literally bouncing off the target or • Reduced water volume can improve timeliness of any given spray volume and are If you are spraying longer grass – running off over-wet leaves, espe- applications

30 GI JUNE 2009 cially at higher water volumes. This quicker to minimise disruption to has been bad news for the efficacy players. If you could do all your of fungicide products, particularly greens on one tank fill, for example, contacts. However, the advent of air that might save an hour and enable induction nozzles, that incorporate you to finish before the course gets tiny air bubbles within each drop- busy. For spraying larger fairways let that act as ‘shock-absorbers’, and rough areas it could make a helps the larger drops land gently significant difference. on the leaf and spread to give good Faster application also means coverage, rather than bouncing off. products can be applied closer to the Good product formulation, with the optimum time, ensuring you can correct blend of surfactants and achieve the best possible results. adjuvants, ensures good coverage Trials have shown the ideal time for of the leaf and minimal run-off. most fungicide applications is after there has been a high risk of disease Water volume pathogens landing on the leaf, but before spores have germinated and Nozzle research We also know that foliar fungi- penetrated the surface to cause any cides can perform equally well, if damage. The Greencast forecasting Syngenta is currently undertaking trials at the STRI, not better, when applied at a water system gives valuable guidance along with greenkeepers and turf managers, to evaluate volume of 200 l/ha, compared to of risk, but you may only have a and assess turf specific designs and recommendations for 600 or 800 l/ha traditionally used in few hours to act, so timeliness of new nozzle options. The initial research has highlighted some situations. This could further application is important. potential for two specific nozzle choices, one for foliar enhance the potential of new air- However, you do need to remem- fungicides, herbicides and PGRs aiming at retention on induction nozzles and make them ber that for fungicide applications the leaf, and a second for fungicides targeted at the base an especially good option for foliar of Heritage or Headway aimed at of the plant and soil surface. Coupled with the selection fungicide and PGR applications. soil level pathogens, such as Take of the appropriate water volumes and application at the One further benefit of reducing All or Fairy Ring, water volumes do optimum time, turf managers could further improve water volume is that it saves time need to be kept up to get good spray disease control and turf quality in the future. and you can get around the course penetration to the target.

JUNE 2009 GI 31 Horses (and Tennis) for Courses

Mark Harvey and Dave Langheim have their busiest time of the year now, and not because of golf. Scott MacCallum visited them just before it all kicked off

32 GI JUNE 2009 Course Feature

June sees two of the world’s Wimbledon Park Golf Club, both days,” said Mark, who maintains great sporting events take see their golf courses play a huge Epsom with a staff of four including place within 12 miles of role in these two iconic sporting himself. each other in and around occasions. “Some of the lesser race meetings, London, but while The Derby The two courses are each no and we have around 13 race days a will see visitors casting more than a road’s width away from year, cause the closure or certain their eyes over expensive Epsom Downs and The All England holes for an afternoon,” he added. thoroughbreds and Wimbledon Club respectively and are closed for It does lead to the odd occasion has tennis supporters willing the duration of the events to become when race day visitors have driven Andy Murray to become the home to car parks, hospitality facili- to the course but enjoyed them- first British men’s single’s ties, police compounds and, until selves a little too much and taken Champion since Fred Perry, this year, a fully fledged fun fair. As a taxi home. two people will spend their you might imagine they do leave the “On occasion we have cars left time, eyes skywards, praying odd blemish to the turf. on the course which are collected MAIN: Epsom Downs Racecourse on the horizon of for sunny, dry weather. “The Derby, which is always the following morning. They drive Epsom Golf Club Mark Harvey, Head Greenkeeper run on the first Saturday in June, off a little embarrassed when they INSET FAR LEFT: Bird’s eye at Epsom Golf Club, and Dave affects at least 10 of our holes and realise the car park is also a golf view of the golf course, showing Langheim, Course Manager at means our course is closed for two course.” parked cars and the fairground

JUNE 2009 GI 33 Course Feature

Mark, who has been at the club rest of his life at stud, Mark and “The Club season as the course benefits from for 18 years, tries to keep his fair- an official from the racecourse will members are no play for a short while. ways as fertile as possible in the run carry out a full inspection to see happy to know While the course is out of commis- up to the The Derby and prays that what damage has been done. sion Mark and his team can work it stays dry, often in vain. “We have a good relationship and that they play on his fenced off greens. Hollow This year for the first time the the Racecourse do, when requested, a part in what coring, solid tining and overseeding traditional fun fair won’t be on the send assistance to help with the is the most in June gives some superb results golf course but in the past Mark has clear-up. Among the damage that famous horse and Mark is rightly proud of the always found the fair people very The Derby generates is, obviously, race in the quality of his greens. good to work with. compaction, diesel spills, grass world” “I don’t think you would find “Many of them have come for dying off under the metal roadways many greens, on an inland course years and we know them well so that are installed, irrigation pipes in this country, with the amount of when it’s been wet and they haven’t being holed by fence posts while bent and fescue grasses we have,” had anywhere to head off to we loose nuts, bolts, nails and screws he said. were quite happy for them to stay turn up for a long time after. Epsom members join knowing put for a couple of days until things “Cylinder mowers are a big no-no that The Derby has a big impact on dried out.” for a while afterwards and on one the Club. All the main competitions The greens are all fenced off and hole, the 9th, we play preferred lies – annual pro-am, Captain’s Day etc the police put down trackway for through the green,” said Mark, who - are held prior to June. The Club their compound, but Mark still has also said that he lost some rough members are happy to know that quite a bit of damage to put right on one hole near the racecourse as they play a part in what is the most when he gets his golf course back it was mown short to allow more car famous horse race in the world. ABOVE: Views of Epsom again. parking. Downs; and Mark Harvey, Head Mark, who admits to no interest Once the new Derby winner has However, there is an upside to Greenkeeper at Epsom Golf in racing and a dislike of horses, Club, pictured near the damaged been anointed and is relishing the having to close in the height of the turf on the course is pleased to look after a club with

34 GI JUNE 2009 such a famous name and cope with “The week before the start whatever it throws at him. of the Championships is when Epsom is still getting itself back everything really happens and to normal when, two weeks later, the golf course comes to a very Wimbledon swings into action and slow halt. We shut down on the Dave Langheim sees his lovely weekend before the Monday 5,500 yard Wimbledon Park course start and reopen the weekend - which is laid out around the Capa- after the tennis finishes. Basi- bility Brown-designed Wimbledon cally it takes two weeks to set up Lake - transformed. and one week to break down,” “We have something in the region he explained. of 10-12,000 cars parked on the Like Epsom, Dave, and course during the Championships, his team of eight guys and a with a public car park on the back mechanic, make the most of nine and the members and players’ the non-golf time. guest car parks on the other side of “We are very busy during the the course along with the hospital- three weeks. We sand Graden ity units, Sky, CNN and Capital all greens and tees, it’s a fantastic MAIN ABOVE: The new Centre Court looms over the golf course Radio. The 12th and 13th holes are time to do it. I use Richard Gooding INSET ABOVE: The tracks can be seen all year round left empty as evacuation points for and his team from Machines Direct. BELOW: The golf course is immaculately maintained everyone at the tennis in the event This year we will be using the seed of an emergency,” explained Dave, attachment to the Graden, we use who took over as Course Manager 60 tonnes of 35mm sand that is just before last year’s Champion- dry kilned. While this is taking ships. place during the first week of the Preparations start as early as Championships M J Abbotts will April when Dave meets with the be here to redesign and Sportscrete All England Club and the AA, who the bunkers on the 17th. We have do all the fencing and roping off of plans to Sportscrete all the bunkers the course, to discuss preparations in the future,” revealed Dave. then, two weeks before the start, The work is made easier for the the framework for all the tents are Wimbledon team because, for brought in across the fairways over security reasons, every car must a portable roadway. be taken off the course at the end “At this stage we are still open for of each day. This allows them to play and the security guards moni- keep on top of some of the cutting, tor the golf and control the traffic, although with the car parks open at including the 40 tonne trucks,” said 6.30am each day, and visitors keen Dave. to take advantage of the tickets that

JUNE 2009 GI 35 Course Feature

“The ment being played at Wimbledon, Wimbledon it will see the course closed twice within a few months and all the factor doesn’t work doubled! give the club The All England Club ensures license to that Wimbledon Park Golf Club spend money is recompensed for the use of the recklessly” facilities each year, which ensures that the contents of Dave’s Main- tenance Facility would do justice to some much larger golf clubs. “The Wimbledon factor doesn’t give the club license to spend money recklessly, each department has a strict budget, but we do know we can make plans for the golf club and be confident that they will happen. For instance the five year plan includes a new irrigation system and fairway drainage improvements,” said Dave, who turf is shredded off and relaid,” said added that he is working closely are available to the public, are not Dave. with the local council to improve slow to arrive. The often televised On the Monday and Tuesday the water quality in the lake with lines of queuing tennis fans snake after the Championships the All the long term aim of using the top along two of the holes. England Club provides 30 to 40 three inches for irrigation. Compaction is again one of the people to assist with the clear up Don’t go worrying about the biggest problems and it is not while Wimbledon Park uses con- Wimbledon Park members and unknown for the large articulated tractors to do the restoration work. their lack of golf in June and July lorries to get stuck if they fall off the “We use Golf Links, who have – they don’t miss out for the three trackway. done our work for a number of weeks that their course is out of “The only damage we had last years. Basically I order the turf and commission. year was to some of our irrigation the Rootzone and get everything ABOVE: Wimbledon Fortnight “There is an open evening at the boxes when a 40 tonner decided ready for them when Dave Walker transforms Wimbledon Park club and members are invited to to drive over them and we always and his guys arrive,” said Dave, Golf Club choose where they wish to play from have grass dying off underneath who is waiting for 2012 when, with INSET LEFT: The Greenkeeping Team with Dave Langheim back a list of clubs which includes the the trackway. When they go that the Olympic Games tennis tourna- right likes of Hankley Common, Coombe

36 GI JUNE 2009 Hill, Walton Heath and Effingham. ABOVE and BELOW RIGHT: Wimbledon They can play up to six times on Park Golf Club in it’s these courses over the three week healthier state period and it’s all covered as part RIGHT: More damage of their membership of Wimbledon from tracks Park,” explained Dave. As Course Manager Dave has a security pass to the Champion- ships and thoroughly enjoys his involvement during the fortnight. “I love it. The buzz here is fantastic with the hospitality guests being chauffeured back and forward to the Centre Court in Club Cars that look like Rolls Royces, Johnny Vaughan and Denise Van Outen did their Capital Radio shows from a bus on one of the fairways, we also cut a tennis court out on one of our tees for Tim Henman and Amanda Holden to do a Robinson promotion. It is all going on. “People don’t realise that they are on a golf course and what a lovely golf course it is,” he said. Both Dave and Mark have high points in their year that don’t involve golf but in their own way, “Johnny and with the levels of resource they have available to them, they ensure Vaughan and that their courses are at their best Denise Van for their members. Outen did their When you watch The Derby Capital Radio and Wimbledon this year have a shows from a thought for the work that two fine bus on one of greenkeeping teams have done, and continue to do. the fairways!”

JUNE 2009 GI 37 Course MANAGEMENT

The

Irrigation System

Adrian Handbury offers some excellent advice to ensure the irrigation pipes that go into your golf course measure up

Do you recognise the following So the moment has finally scenario? arrived, the decision has been made After years of telling the and the contract signed. A start management committee that date is agreed, and materials begin the irrigation system is not to arrive on site. Two articulated cost effective and providing lorry loads of pipe pull onto site, and the figures to prove that repair this is unloaded behind the sheds. costs are a five figure sum Five huge reels of cable in lurid annually, it has been decided colours are placed in the shed (you that something must be done. know how valuable copper is at the The Course Manager spends moment!). Three pallets of Brand X hours consulting with the Green sprinklers and valves are put in the Committee and Secretary on one shed for safe-keeping. So we have side and the internet and manu- the origins of a superb new Brand X irrigation system. modity, which will soon disappear facturers’ brochures on the other. breakdown of the Too much information has been Or do we? irrigation system under the course and hopefully gathered, so the Club narrows it Do we know what the average materials never be seen again? down to quotes from three different breakdown of the irrigation system • Pipe...... 33% The most common material that • Rotors...... 30% is used today is polyethylene (PE) irrigation contractors. However, materials can be? • Control...... 12% the prices differed by 200%, so the As we can see from table (inset), • Pump Set...... 9% which is often known as ‘blue pipe’ • Cable...... 8% services of an irrigation consultant the greatest material input is the • Valve Assemblies...... 5% by the greenkeeping fraternity. are procured. The consultant one which will probably be the one • Water Storage...... 3% However, the product, polyethylene, dismissed all the quotes, designed to which the client has the least (Breakdown based upon break- is a manufactured hydrocarbon down of average components which may be manufactured into a system and invited five further knowledge of, or control of, within used in an 18 hole greens, tees contractors to submit a tender for a the specification. and fairways installation) many different products which bill of quantities. This has generated What is actually known about this include drink bottles, carrier bags five quotes, each with three differ- commodity apart from it is nowa- or water pipes. ent manufacturers. Presentations days usually ‘poly’ (polyethylene) The expected lifetime of the irriga- are made to the committee/club, rather than u-PVC (unplasticised tion system is at least 15 years, and and then finally, with, recommen- polyvinylchloride)? so it is imperative that the correct dations from the Course Manager What questions should the grade of polyethylene is used in the and Consultant, a contractor and a Course Manager or committee be ABOVE: Replacement fairway pipe which is used for the pipe in irrigation installed by mole- the irrigation system. branded product are chosen. asking about this important com- plough at Carnoustie Links

38 GI JUNE 2009 flexible but relatively weak pipe – low grade material, and was usu- LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) usually suitable for pressure appli- ally black. The colour black was cations up to 4 bar. As the density of specified for two reasons LLDPE (Linear Low Density Polyethylene) the PE increases, the strands of the 1. It was more cost effective as compound become more linear and there were no particular standards tightly woven which increases the required for irrigation MDPE (Medium Density Polyethylene) strength of the pipe. The denser the 2. Drinking (potable) water is car- material becomes, the greater the ried in blue pipe which should carry HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) wall strength. This also means that a kite-mark to show conformity to

The bonded hydrocarbon the wall thickness can be reduced regulations molecule polyethylene so that the flow through the pipe Nowadays there is a greater The structures of the various can be greater. variation of pipe colours available: grades are made up as shown. The simplest breakdown of the Black - often using recycled or These lines represent the make- pipes types specified for irrigation reground plastic in its manufac- up of the internal structure of the systems are MDPE (Medium Den- ture. different types of PE. The LDPE sity Polyethylene) and HDPE (High Blue – usually thicker walled is made up of random strands of Density Polyethylene). When PE MDPE for drinking water use. the hydro-carbon which are loosely was first used in irrigation systems Black with Blue Stripes – usually connected. This makes for a very it was manufactured from relatively thinner wall HDPE; use as above.

JUNE 2009 GI 39 Black with Green Stripe – HDPE the ground and so compromise the “It may be Occasionally it is decided to install specifically designed for irrigation wall strength. prudent to drinking fountains around the use and to be installed by mole- So how do we determine how think ahead in course for the refreshment of plough. strong the pipe is? As with many golfers. If the plans have not been As PE pipe became more common other industries, the watchword these litigious maintained for irrigation mains for irrigation systems, and also more can be traceability. Any reputable times and supply then it may be possible contracts were consultant led, it supplier should be able to provide ensure that the that pipes are found which are not became usual to find standards for provenance of the pipe which would pipe is marked known if they are for irrigation or pipe to meet in order to be deemed include the maintenance of a sample so that it may mains drinking water. If the pipe suitable for a pressurised irrigation of the raw material for 10 years. Any not be mistaken found is either blue or black with a mainline. As the irrigation industry pipe which is manufactured to the blue stripe then it may be assumed is too small to demand its own European standard EN12201 will for mains that this is for potable water and standards, these were borrowed have this provision. If at all pos- drinking water” connected to the drinking water from the drinking water industry. sible, the pipe should be available supply. These standards are designed to with a proof of performance such This may not be the best assump- cover the requirements of all of as a written warranty. In addition, tion to make, especially if the irriga- the water authorities for both the if the pipe is manufactured with a tion system draws water from a installation of the pipe and also the green stripe then this will be manu- borehole, reservoir or possibly grey quality of water that reaches the end factured with catalysers which will water supply. Even a mains water customer. They cover the colour of improve the pipe performance for supply to an irrigation system will the pipe, and the effect of sunlight mole-ploughing. have a great volume of water sitting on it. The long-term stress-crack Replacement fairway irrigation in the pipes – especially if there is resistance and some also cover the installed by mole-plough at Car- a wet year and the system is not pipe’s suitability for welding. noustie Links. used for prolonged periods. It may The requirements that are most If at all possible, the pipe should be prudent to think ahead in these prevalent for the greenkeeping be available with a proof of perfor- litigious times and ensure that the market are primarily longevity of mance such as a written warranty. pipe is marked so that it may not be the pipe which includes the joints The pipe should also be confirmed mistaken for mains drinking water. and associated fittings, and the as having a suitable pressure In conclusion, there is more to ability to withstand the rigours of rating. If the installation is to be on the largest component of an irriga- installation by mole-plough. This a relatively flat course then a 10bar tion system than just being a bit of is a quality which is especially pipe will be more than sufficient ‘poly’ pipe. We have generally left the important in soils with high adhe- as approved pipe (manufactured days when pipe is glued together on sion properties, and also in stony to EN12201) will have a high safety the Monday and pulled in on the ground. margin. If there is undulation across Tuesday, and so lush green patches The former is due to the pipe the course in excess of +/-15m then every 6m down the rough are not as being gripped by the resistance of a higher pressure rating should be common. But a client should arm the soil which may cause the pipe to used. themselves with as much reassur- be stretched. The latter may inflict One final word of caution when ing material as possible to get the ABOVE: The end result – do not scores in the pipe as it is pulled into a new irrigation system is installed. touch for 50 years! best system available.

40 GI JUNE 2009 2006, 2007 & 2008 TOPTURF IRRIGATION IS THE LEADING DEALER INSTALLER & SERVICING AGENT FOR OTTERBINE BAREBO AERATION EQUIPMENT.

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JUNE 2009 GI 41 NEW Products GI The latest products on the market reviewed

CONVENTIONALLY STEERED

Two conventionally-steered ride-on mowers with zero-turn capabilities have joined the Massey Ferguson product line-up for 2009. One is a mid-deck machine, the other a front-deck model, making it the first out- front rotary mower within Massey Ferguson’s grounds care range. The MF 50-23 IZ ride-on mid mower has UNDERLAY CLUB SCRUB independently driven rear wheels and a unique steerable front axle operated by a conventional steering UNDERLAY Made of vacuum formed plastic, wheel. the new Club Scrub contains Drive to the two rear wheels is controlled by Recticel UK has launched its new hygiene brushes which clean all advanced SynchroTM technology (patents pending) shockpad for golf. around a golf club when inserted. that synchronises movement of the steering wheel Re-bounce® Golf has been The Club Scrub sits on the to control the speed and rotational direction of the specifically developed in ground and is filled with 6.5 litres rear wheels.The result is zero-turn agility from a cooperation with professionals in of water and a touch of fairy liquid conventionally-steered mower, enabling 360 degree order to provide the best possible to help give the clubs a sparkle. On turns to be made within the overall length of the solution for an artificial golf green. the ground the Club Scrub weighs machine. The product offers a significant 6.5 kilograms and could be For users who prefer an out-front mowing deck, the decrease in ball rebound providing screwed to a sunken wooden post new MF 50-22 FMZ ride-on front mower combines the similar characteristics of a turf or a concrete pad. To wash a Club exceptional manoeuvrability of a zero-turn machine green. This is achieved by using a you simply push the club head into with the high visibility provided by having the cutter recipe of different foam types in its the opening at the top and push deck mounted ahead of the operator. manufacture. up and down a couple of times and withdraw the club. 01536 402345 www.masseyferguson.com www.recticel.co.uk www.jameskeyserproducts.co.uk

42 GI JUNE 2009 NEW MODELS

A new addition has just been unveiled to the UK market by Lamberhurst Engineering, the UK distributor of Ferrari tractors - the New Vega EP series. The new models have been created with high performance engines and greatly reduced emissions, gearboxes that are suitable for a range of uses and an increase in reliability and functionality. . 08456 121 141 www.lameng.com

NEW CHART-TOPPING BUG SHIRT PERENNIAL RYEGRASS Midge Guard is the official New into Limagrain UK’s MM UK Distributor of the recently range of grass seed mixtures for launched Original Bugshirt®. winter sports pitches this year are Made from a light-weight but two new high scoring perennial extremely densely woven fabric, ryegrass cultivars: Madrid and the loose fitting design and LONGER LIFE Milan. specialised materials used in the Madrid is the top perennial construction of the Bug Shirt, A major fencing company, AVS Fencing Supplies Ltd, is ryegrass in STRI’s Turfgrass Seed protects the wearer from biting launching a range of timber fence posts that have been 2009 table for Sports Uses with insects and from being bitten. through a brand new treatment process for longer life. a mean score of 8.4. It also has Designed and made in Canada All too often gardeners and landscapers are horrified to the best scores for: live ground (where mosquitoes and biting discover that fence posts have rotted and failed after only a cover, visual merit, recovery and flies are a national menace), the few short years in service. shoot density. It also has excellent Original Bug Shirt is designed to Using carefully selected pine (redwood) posts which have disease resistance to red thread. protect against biting insects such been kiln dried (to around 28% moisture content) these are Milan follows closely behind as; mosquitoes, midges, black flies, treated with a special ACQ treatment process to give the with a mean score of 7.9 putting no-see-ums, deer flies, horse flies fence posts virtually total protection from fungal decay and it third place on the STRI list, with and ticks so common to Northern insect damage. joint highest score with Madrid, Europe, the Americas, Tropics and The new AVS posts have a lifespan of at least 15 years and for recovery, and very good disease most of the rest of the world. AVS Fencing are supporting this with a new guarantee. resistance (score of 6.4). www.midgeguard.co.uk www.avsfencing.co.uk/retail 01522 861300 0844 5617059

JUNE 2009 GI 43 ’ Section Notes Please email your notes to [email protected] by the 5th of the month All the latest news from your Section Around The Green

Scottish Region The trainers, Pitchblue Int, offer We were very fortunate to practical, easy to follow and have good weather on the East essential advice, vital skills to coast and the golf course was in those managing staff. Then in great condition. A special thank November we plan to stage a you must go to Mark Pagan, two-day ecology management Head Greenkeeper, and his course run by Bob Taylor and staff for the way the course was Central other staff from the Ecology presented for us on the day. Unit of the STRI. This will be Looking down through the The Section held a very enjoy- on exactly the same lines as prize list, the Eyemouth boys did Ayrshire able Spring Outing at Scotscraig the courses they run at Bingley a good job on the cleaning up of Golf Club on April 30 and wishes every year which would cost the prizes. My question is when West Kilbride Golf Club was to thank Scotscraig for allow- an attendee something in the do they get time to practise their the venue for the Spring Outing ing us to be their guests for the region of £700 to attend by the golf, or are they just natural on the last day of April. As the day and congratulate Course time they pay course fees, travel born sportsmen. Manager, George Pendrich, for day approached so did the and accommodation. If we can I was fortunate with the draw having the course in such fine rain! get 20 to 25 people to commit, in playing with the local green- condition. A total of 48 players On arrival we resigned our- we would hope to run it for a cost keeper, Dougie, who clubbed me competed including four retired selves to a wet afternoons golf, of around £150. Graeme Taylor, for most of the round. Managing greenkeepers from Sweden who but somehow after the first few Course Manager of the Jubilee to win the sweep money from happened to be in the area for groups played a few holes with course was an attendee last year the Rigby Taylor boy’s Big Gary the week and came along as umbrellas the rain stopped and and found it to be one of the best and Jim - cheers guys I am sure guests. we had a great bit of weather for training courses he had been on you both will put in for expenses The principal prizewinners the remainder of the day! with a lot of practical examples for that day. were: Scratch, Archie Dunn, All 38 participants had an which he has been able to Nice to see Graham Wood Auchterarder GC, 74pts; Best enjoyable time and our thanks transfer onto his golf course. and his wife, Helen, at the meal, go to the Club Captain and handicap, Iain Sinclair, St More details of both courses will presentation of prizes and raffle, committee for allowing us Andrews GC, 75-8= 67. Caterory appear on the website shortly. thanks Stuart for bringing both the course and facilities on the 1 hcp winner, Gordon Moir, St Gordon Moir along. Our grand raffle! I think day. Andrews, 77-4-73 and category just about everybody went home The catering team were 2 hcp winner, Gordon McKie, with something. A big thank you excellent and really looked after St Andrews, 89-16-73. Messrs to the trade who kindly donate us. Sinclair and McKie won the best the prizes for our raffle on the A big thanks also to Jim two combined scores from the day. Paton and Mick Byrne and the same club and Quentin Allard- We hope to see more faces at lads for all their hard work in ice, from TIS Scotland, won the our Summer Outing - The Willie having the links so well trade prize. The full results can Woods Trophy - where members presented, especially with the be found on our website www. can invite a guest along as a recent inclement weather. biggacentralsection.org.uk East partner - the venue for this is Results were as follows: Finally, a special thanks to Kingsknowe GC. 1.1. S. Higgins, Ardeer GC, Siobhan Allardice for helping get I start this month’s report on Our tireless Secretary, Stuart 41pts; 1.2. W. McMeikan, the players off the 1st tee and a sad note by announcing the Ferguson, will keep you all Turnberry GC, 39pts; 1.3. G. for collecting the cards at the passing of Dick Dugan after a posted with this event. Morrison, Largs GC, 38pts; 2.1. finish. long illness. A retired Head All the winners: Spring Meet- G. Wilson, Western Gailes GC, The Section has a couple of Greenkeeper of Glencorse Golf ing at Eyemouth GC; Scratch 37pts; 2.2. S. Sharkey, Irvine educational events planned for Course, Penicuik, Edinburgh Winner, 78pts, Benn McLeod, GC, 34pts; 2.3. P. Tulloch, the autumn where we really and Life Member of BIGGA, Dick Gullane GC. 1st Class Winner Irvine GC, 31pts. Trade Prize require the support of the was a great supporter of all the 80-7-73; Tom Murray, Ratho - A. Cruickshanks, Daval GC, members. First up is a half day golf events in our Section. Park GC;R/up 85-5-78; Mark 33pts. disciplinary training course Dick was a great character Pagan, Eyemouth GC; 2nd Greenkeepers from all Sec- for Course Managers, Head in the profession and I am sure Class Winner, 83-9-78; Douglas tions are invited to a walk of the Greenkeepers or Deputies and all that knew Dick had a funny Greenshields, Eyemouth GC; R/ Ailsa Course on July 1 . this will take place at Elmwood, story to tell - he will be sadly up 88-13-75; Ian Watson, Gul- We plan to set off at 5pm, so on October 26, prior to the AGM. missed by many, our thoughts lane GC; 3rd Class Winner (92- see y’all there! It will take you through the pro- go out to Dick’s family. 19-73), Bob Wortley, Eyemouth Adios amigos! cess of investigating an incident Our Spring Meeting was held GC; Veteran Winner, 79-5-74; and determining if disciplinary at Eyemouth golf course on Alistair Holmes, Seahouses Denis Tweddell action is required and how to Tuesday, April 14 courtesy of GC; Patrons’ Winner 83-13-72; [email protected] follow the correct procedure. Bob Wortley and his committee. Stewart Clayton, Greensman

JUNE 2009 GI 45 Around The Green

Ltd; Novelty winners: Nearest Mitchell, 2nd Patrick Wood, 3rd Northern Region name but a few. Measuring at The Pin - Douglas Greenshields; Derek Geen. Scratch - 1st Gary 6841 yards from the champion- Longest Drive - Marl Pagan, Tough, 2nd Neil Sadler. ship tees, the new course will Both Eyemouth GC. A big thank you to everyone consist of 11 par 4’s, four par 3’s, Until next month. that turned up. It was good to three par 5’s and is a par 71. Tom Murray see everyone and also to see The course is expected to some new faces, long may it open in spring 2011 and aptly continue. The next outing we named The Colt. Visitors will get have for the North Section is at to appreciate the many historic Alyth GC on September 17. You North East features of the site including should of all received your forms the stone walls, ancient monu- in the envelope that Dale sent On April 22, we held our ments, the woodlands and the Spring Competition at Whitley out at the beginning of April. In ice lake and I can tell you that it’s Bay GC. I believe that’s our first the meantime there is the little well worth a visit. visit, or maybe we have been North matter of the Scottish at Cathkin Jimmy Richardson there for another competition a Braes in June. Anyone wishing while ago because the last time Hi there, hope you are all to play in that should contact I was there the trees were not well and that your respective Peter Boyd on: 07776242120. that big and there was hardly courses are busy. Most of you This year the greenkeepers any gorse. will be gearing up to your clubs have managed to put two teams Anyway, everyone seemed championships. Remember, into the local trades competition to enjoy themselves, although nothing less than perfect will at Hazelhead GC, in Aberdeen. there were one or two regulars do for the members, you know The second team of pairs made who couldn’t make it due to what they’re like! up of Derek Green, Royal Northern work commitments, but at I have just sat down in front Aberdeen, and Robert Hardie, least the weather was good as of the computer to write and I Craibstone, with Dicky Pirie, As I sit writing this month’s were the course and the meal. can still feel the wind whistling Newmachar, and Ryan Stott, report, while simultaneously Thanks to Head Greekeeper, through my hair and ears. How Craibstone, making up the reviewing the results of the Graham Smith, and the com- windy was that! Just standing other pair. recent Spring Tournament at mittee for giving us courtesy of up to hit the ball was proving Pannal, I can’t believe my eyes. Unfortunately the first pairing their course. difficult for most of us. That got beaten by 1 hole and the Alan Baxter in Division 2, and seemed to be the most common Thanks also to the following Ken Christie won Nearest the second pair got thumped by 10 sponsors: T.S.L. represented by excuse on the day. I think holes. Out of the last 11 holes Pin! I’m wondering now if these that you’ll all agree that the Terry Charlton and Alan Morton; results are a wind up! they lost 9 of them. Hard luck Greenlay of Cramlington; Simon course was in great condition lads we can always rely on the The Spring Tournament took and that Neil Sadler and his Holmes of Lloyds of Throckley; place on April 29 at Pannal, first team or can we. We’ll have Aitkens, Shorts of Whitburn and squad presented it perfectly. to find out next month. with a very good turn out of 40 We couldn’t blame that so what thanks also to John Moutrie for members playing the fantastic Two young lads on the move the wine. other excuses were made. One are Ryan Stott and Scott David- course. The results on the day of the guys I was playing with Results: Best Gross - Jordan were: 1.1. Rob Bradley; 1.2. Rob son. Ryan has made the move Gibson, The Northumberland took six shots to get out of one from Newmachar across to join Turner; 1.3. Stuart Mason; 2. 1. of the bunkers, mentioning no GC, 75pts; Best Nett - Kevin Alastair Holroyde; 2.2. Alan “I Robert at Craibstone. Good names, Stuart Robertson, from Dinsdale, The Northumber- should be in Division 1” Baxter; Luck Ryan. Scott has joined Craigiehill GC, in Perth. Despite land GC, 71pts; Alan Ingles, 2.3. Frank Stewart; 3.1. Andy Royal Aberdeen after a some- the windy conditions it was a Newcastle Utd GC, 72pts; Peter Scaman; 3.2. Dennis “President” what world tour from America to fine day and we all made it round Anderson, Newcastle Utd GC, Cockburn; 3.3. Mike Bussey; Australia to the council bowling dry. Maybe it was the fine smell 72pts; James Storey, Alnmouth Trade - 1. Tito Arana; 2. Adrian greens of Aberdeen. He started coming from the back of the 3rd GC, 73pts. Holroyde. Nearest the Pin - 10th by working on the Ohio State tee, who knows? We had a good One other thing that needs Ken “Tiger” Christie and 17th Uni programme and in that turn out of 53 guys so thank you mentioning - people who have Stuart Mason. for that. internship worked at Sea Island won the top prizes in previous A huge thank you to both The results are as follows: Golf in Georgia. years have not returned the Bayer and Sherriff Amenity for Nearest the Pin - 5th - Jim He then spent six months silverware, please could they their sponsorship of the day, and McCormack, 8th - Robert Hardie working in Australia and the get them back to me somehow a massive thank you also to all and 12th - Kevin Spowart. Sweep highlight for him was working at - maybe through a rep, I’ m sure the staff at Pannal for producing - 4th Gary McCandless, 3rd the Australian Masters. He then they wouldn’t mind collecting a fantastic course and looking Kev Spowart, 2nd Geo Mitchell came back to sunny Aberdeen them. For this competition I was after us in the clubhouse. and1st Stew Brown. Apprentice (why?) and worked for the coun- two trophies short, the people The next event on the golfing Trophy - Greg Paterson, Trade - cil on their bowling greens until responsible will be getting a calendar is President’s Day, Gar McCandless, Guest - Terry a greenkeeping position became letter shortly. which is to be held at Branshaw Kennedy (Portlethen Club Cap- available that suited. Good luck As you are aware a new Golf Club on July 1. As with tain), Committee Trophy - Ben Scott. championship course is been Pannal, I will require names Brookes, Veterans Trophy - 1st That’s all for this month built at Close House, work had and payment at least one week James McCormack, 2nd Hugh people, hopefully if we can get started at the end of April and before the event. McClatchie. Class 3 - 14-28 half the amount of info for future the course is being designed by This year’s match against Handicap: 1st Dave Robertson, articles then we’ll be winning. Turner Macpherson Golf Design. the Sheffield Section is to take 2nd Hugh McClatchie, 3rd Greg Thanks for your time. It is to be created in the style of place on July 21, at Abbeydale Paterson. Class 2 - 7-13 Handi- English Golf course architect, Golf Club. This is a free day out cap: 1st Stewart Brown, 2nd Ben Brookes Harry Colt, who was responsible which is kindly sponsored by Kev Spowart, 3rd Paul Sharp. Murcar Links for the likes of Wentworth, Royal Rigby Taylor, if you wish to be Class 1 - 0-6 Handicap: 1st Geo 07813889374 Portrush and Sunningdale to in the 12 man team which beats

46 GI JUNE 2009 Around The Green

Sheffield, please get in touch McCrirrick 32pts; 2. S. Russel The spring tournament took ASAP. 35pts; O. Shepard 34pts; R. place at Rhyl Golf Club on May I will finish this month by Pybus 34pts (decided on back 20, a full run down of results mentioning that the date for this 9); 3. Terry (Hasselhoff) Harri- and the day will be posted in year’s Golf Management Trophy son S. Price. K. Scarce; Nearest next month’s column. has been moved slightly and will the Pin – D. Simpson; Longest Anyone sending in their CPD now take place on Wednesday, drive – M. McCrirrick. The trade claims must do so by the end of Sheffield August 12. Invitations will be prize was won by Spuggy, from this month for them to count for sent to golf clubs nearer the Sunderland. this year’s certificate. Hello again everyone. Firstly time. The much sought after Ant and The annual North Wales/ I would like to give a big con- Adam Speight Dec Trophy was fiercely battled North West match takes place gratulations to Steve Hume and Tel 07739 319060 out between two notorious rivals at Bolton Golf Club, on June his wife, Liz, on the birth of their over 18 grueling holes, finally 10, best of sporting luck to first child, Megan. Steve was the winner was declared and both teams (but come on North once a member of the Sheffield the victorious Jamie Applegarth Wales!). Section and worked at Wortley spared no time in celebrating his In local news Pat McAteer, of GC and he currently works at Nefyn Golf Club, celebrated 25 victory over Alister Whitby. Murrayfield GC. Once again, Thanks also to the following years on the greenstaff recently congratulations to Steve and and in appreciation of his hard companies for providing prizes: family from everyone in the Tacit, Sheriff Amenity, Turfcare, work and loyalty the club pre- Sheffield Section. sented him with a Tag Heuer Cleveland Rigby Taylor, Scotts, Border On the Section front I would watch. Very nice! Sports and Boxer Chemicals. like to thank everyone who played Also at Porthmadog Golf Hello everyone, sorry for not Sorry if I have missed any out. at Hallowes in our spring compe- Club, Gareth (Bronco) Williams getting any news in the maga- We were also kindly joined tition – I’m sure everyone who celebrated 25 years in green- zine last month, there wasn’t by Peter Larter, from BIGGA, played will have had a good day. I keeping but as far as I know he any to report and by the time we who made the journey up from will give a full list of the results in wasn’t given a flashy watch, but had our spring golf tournament, Lincolnshire to share a few next month’s magazine. I may be wrong! If any of you are it was too late. words with members and enjoy The BIGGA Regional Manage- celebrating a special anniversary I am sure everyone enjoyed a round of golf. ment Trophy event will this or your club has a centennial the warmish weather in April Finally, a bit of news. Richie year be held at Renishaw GC on coming up let us know and we’ll and hopefully everyone got their Hood is looking forward to his August 12. Course Managers share it with the rest of the Sec- spring maintenance carried out new appointment as Course will all be sent invitations in the tion as good news is made to be ready for the on-slought of grass Manager at Sharpley Springs near future. shared. cutting, and busy fixtures. Golf Club. Richie has been Head Finally, I’m sure as you read All the best until next month The spring golf tournament Greenkeeper at Mount Oswald this we will be in a major heat- Pete Maybury was held on Tuesday, April 7, for many years and we wish him wave, it seems that whenever [email protected] at Blackwell Grange Golf Club, all the best for the future at his I pick up a paper or turn on or 07756001187 Darlington. It was a fantastic new course. the TV and I am constantly Johnny Evans day, with reasonable weather The autumn tournament is reminded that we are in for a [email protected] and one of the best-attended golf taking place at Durham City Golf ‘glorious’ Summer. days in recent years. Club, on Wednesday, October 7. I hope this becomes true There was just over 30 people Details will follow but if there is because I believe that we deserve taking part and for only £14 a Midland Region as much interest in the autumn a good one after the past couple round of golf and a meal, you tournament as the spring one of years. can’t grumble for that. The day then you will need to get your I hope everything is going well was very kindly sponsored by name down quick. on all your courses and I will Toro and Kubota, in conjunction A seminar is being held at speak to you all next month. with Lloyd Limited of Bishop Redcar Golf Club on Thursday, James Stevens Auckland. Thanks Alistair and July 9, and it will be on the sub- Simon for your continued support. ject of “Sustainability”. Midland The course was in great condi- The event is being run in tion and it was clear to see that conjunction with the R&A and Well here I am again des- Terry and his staff had worked the GTC. It is a hot topic at the perately trying to think of hard in preparing the course for moment and I am sure it will be something to write about for our us so thank you Terry. Thank- a very interesting day. notes. Yes, our notes! Come on fully the weather was ok, and There are very limited places now, some information of who we managed to complete all 18 so if you are interested please North Wales and what is happening in your holes this time around, unlike contact Ian Pemberton on: area would make our notes far last year when the weather was 07791695768. Hello again. God my back’s a easier to compose and of greater foul. Finally, thanks to David little achy. We had the Graden interest. You don’t have to even A big thank you must also go Snowdon for holding the talk on deep scarifier in at the end of April speak to me, just email me: to Blackwell Grange for allowing the ‘Use and Abuse of Wetting to do all our greens - two to three [email protected]. us courtesy of the course and Agents’ back in February. tons of kiln dried sand in and I shan’t hold my breath. the use of their facilities. Also, The evening went very well two to three tons of sun-baked, And now for the news, our thank you to the catering staff and was very informative. rain hammered sub structure spring event was held at Wych- for a great meal out of every green, three days wood Golf Club, our gratitude to The results are as follows: Any news, please contact: and a lot of greenkeepers (and the club for their very fine and Overall winner on the Day: Dave Kevin Scarce I must admit some volunteer welcoming hospitality. What Cuthbertson; 1. D. Cuthbert- 07921817857 help) hours later and the results a fantastic test of golf in such son 36pts; R. Hood 32pts; M. [email protected] are showing already. beautiful surroundings, and

JUNE 2009 GI 47 Around The Green such high standards of playing Competition on April 30. Burford Managing Secretary, Robin quality and presentation. A huge GC, designed by J.H.Turner, the Thompson, for arranging thank you to Jonathon Falmer then professional at Frilford courtesy and co-ordinating the (Golf Director) for arranging the Heath GC, opened for play in day, which proved to be a great day. Also a “respect” to Ashley May of 1936 and since then has success. Oaks, Head Greenkeeper, and many a fascinating tale of his- Our next event is the summer his obviously excellent team for tory to date. tournament on June 18 at Oak- preparing the course to such a East of England The course found instant suc- land Park GC, where you will high standard, superb guys. cess but with the outbreak of the have the chance to meet John Now for the results: Division Hello all. Summer is well and Second World War saw part of Pemberton, Chief Executive one (Gross): G. Turner. Division truly here and brings with it the the course ploughed up for cereal of BIGGA, who will be making two (Nett): 1. G. Cunningham. usual headaches we all have production to aid the war effort his way down from head office 2. G.Turner. 3. R. Thomas. 4. grown to expect. April was a and was eventually restored in in Yorkshire to attend the day, S. Scott. 5. Brougham. 6. J. strange month with 13mm of 1949. The farmer who had cul- please make a date in your cal- Ganley. Division Three (Trade): rain in total and temperatures tivated and reaped the harvest endar for this event and check: T. Cheese. Division four (Longest ranging from 0 to 20 degrees. At during that time presented the bbogreenkeepers.co.uk for all Drive & Nearest the Pin): A. Moss least all these fluctuations have club with Harvest Cup, which is the latest updates. and S. Scott respectively. slowed down the usual spring competed for annually, and I can The Annual Rigby Taylor The Premier Division title must flush of growth, the rough is only re assure you all that cornflake Match play knockout will now go to the day’s main sponsors: growing at half an inch per day production has certainly ended be well underway and the Graham Gleed & New Holland instead of one!” The dry spell at Burford. organiser, Gareth Acteson, - they were the saviours of our hasn’t helped fantastic quick This beautiful course masked will always be on hand to see spring event as they stepped in recovery from mid-April greens by trees that lined the fairways that things run smoothly with at the eleventh hour to sponsor renovation work, but everything with astute bunkering around results of the early rounds to the event. is slowly coming along thanks to some of the greens offered us a be published in next month’s Also, thanks very much to the help of “artificial rain!” challenging start to the golfing report. Gareth can be contacted Whitemoss/Mike Whitehouse “The hottest driest summer season, on perfectly manicured on: 07734 856 924. and Andy Law for providing on record beckons” I hear you surfaces that provided us with Adam King, the Section Secre- us with our ever perused new all say. I leave you with this a stiff challenge which was tary, has worked hard to ensure score boards. Sustenance thought, in 2007 we had 5mm of reflected in our scorecards. that events run smoothly and and refreshments around the rain in April, followed by 331mm The results were as follows: are organised to a high standard, course, coupled with the ever in June, don’t get too excited just winner of The Claret Jug in 1. so please show your apprecia- enjoyable banter was kindly yet! Our first Section golf day of Ross Cook, Blue Mountain GC; tion by sending in your cheques delivered by those two lovably the year was held on April 22 at 2. Shaw Engling, Blue Mountain on time for the next golf day, rogues Kevin and Rob of Turner Toft Golf Club. A good turnout GC; 3. David Jones, Tadmarten news, as ever, has slowly been Groundscare. enjoyed good weather and an Heath GC; 4. Nick Carrissi, dribbling in from far and wide Our thanks to Nigel Tyler/ excellently presented course. Hennerton GC; 5. Barry Holt, over the three counties and if Sherriff Amenity for sponsor- The winning greenkeeper on the Burford GC, 6. Mike Johnson, any member has any views they ing Longest Drive & Nearest day was Rob Bemment with 38 Henley GC, and Steve Austen, would like to share, or would the Pin. And finally thanks to points and the winning trade winning on countback with like more information about the our ever suffering Mr.Starter, member was Gary Cooper, also 106 on his card for the Longest section and forthcoming events, Mr.President, alias Sir John with 38 points. Longest Drive Walk. please contact Adam King at: Hammond. was won by Rob Bemment and Barry Holt has qualified for bbogreenkeepers.co.uk Our next event is to be held at Nearest the Pin was won by Tim the National Championship Mark Day one of my old haunts, Harborne Harris. Congratulations to all. with a gross score of 75 - well [email protected] Golf Club on Wednesday, July Many thanks go to all at Toft done Barry! 8. I can assure you it is a lovely Golf Club for making us feel so Richard Fortmuller took the track, so get your entries in to welcome and providing excellent trade prize with a fantastic one Gary as soon as possible. The facilities throughout the day. under gross to show us all how it demand, I’m sure will be great. Thanks also go to Gavin Mer- could be done even with the Pink Jim, best be getting that whip rison and Colliers for sponsoring Lady balls which he borrowed out mate. the day. from Adam King. And finally, a monumental Our June golf day is at Ken- To our main sponsor of the Mid-Anglia thank you to this month’s wick Park Golf Club on Thurs- day, Tim Webb, from Tacit, calendar page sponsor; day, June 25. Tee off is 1:30 but and all the other trade which As I write this report it is well T u r n e r G r o u n d s c a r e : arrive early for coffee and bacon included Greensman, ETT, and truly springtime and per- www.turnergroundscare.co.uk rolls. Full details will be sent to Sport Equipment, Terralift, sonally, I can’t think of anywhere Please consider them for you soon. Gem, Rigby Taylor and Jon else I would rather be at this time your machinery requirements Many thanks Steve Beverly, Beck for organising the halfway of year. The cold, wet, dark days by calling one of the boys: Kev Immingham Golf Club stev- hut with his usual flair. of winter are long gone, there has Pugh, David Shepherd or Rob [email protected] www. A big thank you to Burford already been some nice weather, page (please don’t throw your eastofenglandbigga.com GC for the courtesy of the the evenings are staying lighter dolly out of the pram Rob). course and Jonathan and Jose and the golf courses are literally Well that’s all folks Berks/Bucks & Oxon from the catering department bursting into life. And there is Sean McDade for their gastronomic delights, always the anticipation that, Golf! A full house! As the best of which were well received, and this year, summer is going to be Section Notes the BBO took on a pure delight in to Course Manager, Barry Holt, glorious. the heart of the Cotswolds and a and his staff for ensuring the Please email your notes to It always amazes me how so course was as ever prepared [email protected] fantastic venue to start the season many golfers have such short by the 5th of the month at Burford GC, which was host and manicured to a first class memories about what condi- to the Spring National Qualifier standard. tions in spring can be like and

48 GI JUNE 2009 Around The Green

I hope sincerely that not too special training/courses can be surprise birthday present if they Thanks to Tacit and Turfcare many of you have had the usual arranged. text me with the details. Solutions for recently coming annual discussions/moans Craig Spooner It’s now 5.45pm and time on board as sponsors for our about uneven growth and the [email protected] to close this month’s copy but section. Please call me with any dreaded “Augusta” factor. By the please remember that I only info you want included in this time you have read this it will no have pity for those who have column. doubt have been long forgotten, South East Region managed to finish this article Enjoy the summer while it until spring next year. and only respect for those who lasts! Our spring competition and didn’t start it. Best of British annual qualifier for the National Brian Willmott Rob Holland Championship was held at Hat- 07879474038 07843 410755 field London Club and spring kentgreenkeepers.co.uk had most definitely sprung there too. The weather was absolutely fantastic for the healthy con- Surrey tingent of Mid-Anglian golfers and the presentation of the golf Sunday May 3. I am once course positively surpassed the again using my conservatory as weather. Congratulation to Craig an office in which to write this Kent Gibson and his small, dedicated month’s communiqué and the Essex team for presenting us with a rain, although not expected Hi Guys. I haven’t got any truly superb course. according to the weather news for you this month unfor- The Committee wishes to The day was generously forecast, is pounding on the tunately so this is going to be inform the Section that Don sponsored by Darren Mugford polycarbonate roof, interrupting very brief! Clark has decided to stand of Rigby Taylor who was side my train of thought and will, if By now, with summer in full down from the position of Chair- lined through injury, hang those I’m not careful, turn my usual swing and hoards of golfers man. His hard work was very boots up mate! It was also Dar- words of wisdom into rubbish. adorning our pristine fairways, much appreciated and we wish ren’s first day back to work after So what’s new? I hear you we have all, hopefully, put all to thank him for all he did for the taking some paternity leave for ask after reading my previous thoughts of the long, wet winter Section, over his years as Chair- the birth of the second of his attempts at satire and humour. behind us. Unfortunately, the man. The position will be up for two children, James. Many Well, I’ll tell you what’s new same cannot be said of the nomination at the next AGM in congratulations to you and your and you will all appreciate the economic climate and I know December. We have decided that family. predicament in which I now find some courses are struggling for as a committee we will continue Onto the results, in first place myself. I have been appointed, revenue. I hope you are all able over the next months up until with 39 pts was Steve “Gringo” by her indoors, to investigate, to ride out the storm soon and the AGM, when all officers will Mason, of Stocks GC; Gerald choose and book this year’s be back stronger as a result. be up for re-election. Bruce, from Berkhamsted GC, holiday. I may have brought this As a slight diversification from Hot news in Essex at the was second with 36 pts and in on myself, by not in the past, the norm, at Birchwood we have moment is, that there has been third on 35 pts was Ollie Brown- fully appreciating the difficulties instigated an environmental a spate of break-ins at local ing, also from Stocks GC. Lon- involved in choosing a holiday plan to try and encourage some clubs. The equipment being gest Drive went to Rob Catlin, and by my making the smallest of more indigenous species to taken seems on the whole to be from Pareto, and Nearest the Pin complaints about the resort, the breed and flourish in specially small hand machinery, but loos- went to Woburn GC’s Pete Rutt. food, the room and the weather. I created habitats. Not only does ing half a dozen or so of those Yours truly won the trade prize, am now well and truly in it up to this benefit the golfers as they can cost you £3-5,000. Clubs even a blind dog stumbles across my neck. Initially I accepted the get to see more of a natural envi- that have been hit include, The a bone every now and then. responsibility with open arms ronment, it also raises the profile Essex, Gosfield Lake, Maldon Very many thanks to Hatfield expecting some bright and new of the course within the com- and Three Rivers. Maldon Golf London Club for hosting us, not ideas to flood to my assistance. I munity. Being environmentally Club having been hit twice in only was the golf course excel- have kept reading weekly travel friendly (and having evidence one month, Police investigations lent, but the hospitality and articles in the Saturday papers to back up any such claim) is continue. generosity afforded to us was hoping to find that holiday of a essential, especially at this time The Essex Spring Trophy Golf equally admirable. The sauna lifetime but nothing has stirred of year when we are perceived Day was held at Colne Valley and Japanese baths are not to my loins until Mexico. So it’s not to be the devil incarnate as we Golf Club, on Wednesday, May be missed. difficult, with all the latest about lavish copious amounts of water 13. We would like to thank Tom Thanks also to the usual trade swine flu, to understand why onto our courses. Anything we Smith and his Mother for the suspects for supporting the day, its back, this coming week, to can do to promote our roles as great day that they put on for us. it is very much appreciated. the good old Isle of Wight. Full professional custodians of the Although we could have done The next meeting is yet to details will follow next month. land being prudent with the without Gods watering system, be confirmed but is likely to Did you know that the Mini is natural resources could prove to coming on over the whole course be at Knebworth GC in July/ 50 years old on May 8 2009. The be an invaluable tool when times for most of the time we were out August. Mid-Herts GC host us first production model came off get tough. After all, less than 10 playing. The most annoying in the autumn on October 7 and the line at Cowley, Oxfordshire percent of the population plays thing is that only a mile or so, we go to John O’Gaunt GC in in 1959 and had the registration golf so the non-golfing majority south of us, they had none at all. December for the Turkey Trot. number 621 AOK. I was sev- has a right to know that a golf C’est la vie. If you or your staff are interested enteen when I had my first car, course will be a good neighbour. Thanks to Tom and his green- in participating in any courses a Mini, reg no 9814 PF. It was Anyway, as I said earlier I keeping staff for presenting the or training programs, please light blue and rocketed with its haven’t got any news for you course in such a fine state, (the contact Gerald @ Berkhamsted 850cc engine from 0 to 60mph this month but I look forward greens were very deceptive) and GC to enquire further. There is eventually. Happy birthday Mini to seeing you all in a couple of to the catering staff for the fine quite often funding available and any greenkeeper who has weeks at Lullingstone Park. spread that was put on after the and if not already catered for, the same birthday will win a Results to follow next month. golf. The Vice Captain, Mr Tony

JUNE 2009 GI 49 Around The Green

Beadle, presented the prizes, for 862.337. Also look us up. www. the industry. Laurence has a Kendleshire. And finally - we which we were very grateful. He essexbigga.co.uk huge experience gained from are offering Manual Handling also joined us out on the course Arnold Phipps-Jones running over 50 golf courses, Training and certification – a and played a mean round of golf Press Officer and can help with staff training, half-day course covering han- I’m told. safety, budgets etc. as well as dling techniques and all relevant Overall winner of the Spring agronomy and trouble-shooting. legislation. Give me a call if Trophy plus entrance to the South West & Wales He is available on email at you’re interested. BIGGA National Championship [email protected] and is Paul Worster. - Adam Millward, Orsett Golf ready to give advice as required. [email protected] Club 34 points. 1.1 Tom Smith, Crown Golf gave him a royal Colne Valley Golf Club, 33 pts; send-off with a lunch at Went- 1.2 Antony Kirwan, Lexden Wood worth, and presented him with a Golf Club, 32 pts; 2.1 Ian Wood, useful prism gauge (with which Romford Golf Club, 33 pts; 2.2 he’s keeping a close check on my Simon Cairns, Lexden Wood Golf South West heights of cut!) Club, 32 pts. Guest Prize, Paul Entry forms for the summer Holloway, 39 pts. Trade Prize, I have to start this month’s tournament at Kingsdown, on Neil Peachey, P Tuckwell Ltd, June 24, should now be with report with a double-dose of South Coast 38 pts. Nearest the Pin went to bad news, by reporting on two you – please let me know if you Mark Stopps on the 11th and haven’t received one. This will unfortunate accidents recently The spring tournament was Tom Smith on the 17th. be a great day on a perfectly suffered by Section members. played over the beautiful course Your next golf day is Tuesday, prepared golf course so please Alistair Turner, Deputy Course of Parkstone and was in really June 23, at Burnham-on- do make every effort to attend. Manager at Thornbury Golf great condition. The results are Crouch Golf Club, and is nearly Remember, it gives one player Centre suffered a broken leg and as follows: Played over 28 holes: due. This is the summer trophy, the opportunity to qualify for Roger Neale, Deputy Course 1.1 Joe Cooper, Milton Abbey so look out for the entry forms, National Championship, which Manager at Taunton & Pick- GC, 65pts; 1.2 Alan Magee, they are on the website and we this year is in our Section at eridge has broken a metatarsal. Remedy Oak GC, 64pts; 1.3 will also be sending them both Burnham & Berrow in early Both are likely to be out of action Kevan Glass, Brokenhurst GC, by post and email. I have said October. The Scotts Manage- for a little while, and we wish 61pts. 2.1 Chris Bitten, Stone- it before but we would prefer to ment Trophy will follow, on July them a speedy and complete ham GC, 61pts; Paul Cooper, send them by email, as the cost 15, at Filton, so keep a likewise recovery. Parkstone GC, 60pts; Steve of postage to the Section is astro- sharp lookout for entry forms in I was recently involved in Christopher, Barton on Sea GC, nomical, so please could you the post shortly. a “Sustainable Golf Day” at 56pts; Overall winner of Chalky send me your e-mail addresses Meanwhile back at Minch, it Cannington College where I White Trophy, Joe Cooper, as soon as possible. has been a frustratingly slow joined Richard Whyman, Paul 65pts; Nearest the Pin, Chris We have some new sponsors start to the season – not short of Lowe, Stuart Yarwood, Jane Bitten, Longest Drive, Chris in our section for 2009: Golf daisies, greens still not at their Leyland (Barenbrug Seeds) Bitten. Thanks to the sponsors Mats UK - Grasshopper Hor- best, member’s very patient and Laurence Pithie in talking Avoncrop & Parkstone GC for ticultural - Limagrain UK and (mostly). Important not to lose to students about our various allowing you all to play. Tey Farm Systems, full details the faith and try to push things different approaches to manag- Well hello to you all at what is are on the website. They join on too far. I’ve recently had the ing the golf course in today’s now a very busy time for all of the following sponsors from pleasure of speaking to our economic conditions. It was us! We at Andover Golf Club is last year: Avoncrop Amenity members with a PowerPoint very nice to meet Laurence Gale, playing catch up after holidays Products, Bailey’s of Norfolk show about recent works and from Pitchcare, who covered the and bank holidays. How many Ltd, Banks Amenity Products developments on the course. It day for the his magazine. of you were caught with disease Ltd, Blade Amenity Ltd, CMW went reasonably well with only From Cannington, it was a in your greens this winter? I for Equipment Company Ltd, Col- a couple of thinly-veiled com- quick dash over the bridge to one can’t remember it so bad lier Turf Care, Ernest Doe, GM plaints at the end. Still impor- Royal Porthcawl for the South but we are now recovering. Amenity, Headland Amenity tant to go through the exercise Wales spring seminar. Steve I must remind you all about Products, LiquiTecTM-Fieldfare and meet the members – 60-odd Chappell put together a really the The Isle of Wight meeting on Amenity, Prime Irrigation Ltd, people turned up and had good day with speakers such October 1, it will be sponsored Rigby Taylor, Scotts, P, Tuckwell supper afterwards so also got as Greg Evans, Ealing GC; Lee by our Section - therefore the Ltd, Vitax and Writtle College. some extra revenue through the Strutt, G-West Development; golf and food will be free, all you We would like to welcome the Graham Roberts, Hankley club. If you don’t do this at your have to do is get there, by ferry new sponsors and old ones alike Common, and Alan Patterson, own club but would like some or fly! to our Section and thank them from the Castle Course, St assistance in setting things up, Until next month for their support. Andrews. It was really fasci- do give me a call. Chris Sturgess We have all the up to date news nating to listen to Alan and Obviously times are hard in on our website, keep watching understand how the demand the industry, and BIGGA needs the site. It’s a great way of finding for a seventh course at “The your support more than ever. out what’s happening around Home of Golf” was met with this Please make every effort to talk the section. superb new development. For to greenkeepers you know who The new picture gallery shows example – anyone living within are not Association members – what a great day we had at Colne the St Andrews Town has play- we are one profession and we Valley and we will continue ing rights on the golf courses, need unity and solidarity more to keep the gallery’s updated and for £160 per year has access than ever. Any news you may South Wales throughout the year. to all seven. have of local issues is also grate- Any information for inclusion Here in the Section - Laurence fully received. Hi Everyone. Hope you are all on this page or on our website Pithie has now retired from A forward date for your diaries well and are still employed since should be sent to me at essex- Crown Golf to start on his own is September 30, for the BIGGA/ the last ‘Around The Green’! [email protected] or on 07764- as a consultant and trainer in GCMA business seminar at The Firstly I’m sure that those who

50 GI JUNE 2009 Around The Green attended the excellent spring then please contact Steve. If seminar at Royal Porthcawl Golf eight people or more apply for a Club would like to thank all the particular course then funding speakers who came down and can be available, so have a think gave such great presentations. about it! Maybe many came to listen to Good luck to Jim McKenzie John Greg Evans talk on ‘The Short and his team for the preparation Cut To Better Greens’ which has for this year’s Wales Open (June Pemberton created a lot of interest and asks 4-7) which is to be played on the Chief questions of traditionally held Twenty Ten course. Jim is often greenkeeping beliefs, which I interviewed by the press during Executive think is a good thing. My favou- the tournament, so whatever rite presentation though (they you do Jim, don’t tell them any were all good, mind) was the one of your jokes! You make Chubby given by Allan Patterson, of The Brown sound PC! All members should by now be aware that the Board Castle Course at St Andrews. I Speaking of big golfing has called a General Meeting of Members for Tuesday, just found it amazing how they tournaments, one journalist June 16, to consider, and vote on, a change to the turned a flat area of agricultural described the Augusta course Constitution that will allow Groundsmen who are land into a very natural looking after The Masters as being ‘ The employed in the sports turf industry the opportunity to cliff top links -not only did they prettiest in the world’ which apply for Full and Associate categories of Membership of create a great looking golf course prompted a response by a sports the Association. but they must have ticked all the journalist from The Guardian, All current members who are entitled to vote will have boxes environmentally as well, who wrote that the chap should received a voting form by now and these are starting to be so that even the most bearded go and visit St David’s City Golf returned as I write. Please use your vote if you have not of environmentalists would be Club, in Pembrokeshire, before already done so, it is your Association and this is your chance happy (if that’s possible!) Thanks coming to that conclusion! I to have a democratic say in its future. go out to Richard Blizzard, of have to admit, I’m with the chap At the March Board Meeting the structure of the Sub Soil Harmony, for sponsoring from The Guardian, It’s only Committees was reviewed and it was agreed that more the day, to all the speakers for nine holes, but it is a beautiful representation from outside of the Board would be sought their time, to all the people who course in a wonderful setting in order to better engage the views of the Membership. In attended, to Royal Porthcawl GC and John Phillips, Head Green- future, meetings will be held by way of mixture of conference for the use of their facilities (and keeper, produces consistently calls and round-the-table meetings. In addition a series of a cracking lunch!) and to Steve good greens. Best of all though, sub-groups will be formed that will liaise with the relevant Chappell for all his hard work in he makes a nice cup of coffee to member of staff by e-mail in order to identify members’ views. organising the event. enjoy the scenery with! He now If you would like to be considered for inclusion in either of As promised, here is the draw has a copy of the article on the these then please forward your name and e-mail address to for the 1st round of this year’s notice board in the clubhouse to the appropriate member of staff as below: Rigby Taylor Knockout which remind all the members of how was made at the seminar: Tony lucky they are! General Purposes Horne (14)/Martyn David (15) Swansea City and Ospreys Chairman, Mark Dobell V Nigel Ruck (11)/Mel Leech fans will be pleased to learn that Staff member, Steve Wragg (12) Mark Wiltshire (18)/Mark Dan Duffy, Head Groundsman e-mail: [email protected] Anderson (1) V Peter Lacey (13)/ at The Liberty Stadium, was Simon Lacey (24) Steve Price recently voted Championship Membership (15)/John Knight (5) V Darryl Groundsman of the year for the Chairman, Archie Dunn Bray (9)/Leigh Davies (11) James 2008/9 season. Dan is one of Staff member, Tracey Maddison White (3)/Wayne Benger (20) V the most dedicated Turf Manag- e-mail: [email protected] Phil Thomas (15)/Stuart Jones ers that I know and thoroughly (15) Steve Chappell (22)/Darryl deserved the accolade. How he Learning & Development Jones (5) V Rhys McDonaugh can produce such a good play- Chairman, Jeff Mills (0)/Gary Humphries (0) Huw ing surface when both Rugby Staff member, Sami Collins Morgan (9)/Rob Williams (3) V and Football are played on it e-mail: [email protected] Andy Roach (5)/Gareth Knight (sometimes one after the other) (18) Colin Thomas (15)/James is amazing - well done mate! Communications Rees (18) V Steven Lloyd (6)/ How long is your semi? That Chairman, Tony Smith Mark Wells (11) Adrian Parsons question was put to Julian Bar- Staff member, Scott MacCallum (20)/Ceri Richards (18) V Paul tlett Jones by the Ladies section e-mail: [email protected] Handy (13)/Rhys Norville (4) of Dinas Powys GC recently. Marrion Griffiths (9)/Glyn Jones Julian wasn’t sure so they Environment (5) V Jim McKenzie (9)/Alan Abel went out to measure it. They Chairman, Paul Worster (10) - good luck everyone! concluded that it could be left Staff member, Sandra Raper Steve has also asked me to grow longer to provide them e-mail: [email protected] to thank the 14 people who with more of a challenge. When attended the mole control train- he got home and he relayed ing day at Neath GC recently the day’s events to his partner, and made the event such a Joanne, he found himself sleep- big success. If you would like ing on the sofa! Funny creatures to attend a training day on women! But then height of cut is chainsaws, abrasive wheels, an emotive subject! John Pemberton tractor driving or something else Ceri Richards Chief Executive that is relative to greenkeeping [email protected]

JUNE 2009 GI 51 Membership Tracey Maddison, Head of Membership, provides a departmental update

We are pleased to advise you tional issues such as anxiety, stress, BIGGA welcomes the of a new benefit offered to depression and low self-esteem BIGGA welcomes the following new members BIGGA Full Members and to to family and relationship issues following new members... inform you of an enhancement marital and relationship problems, to the Greenkeepers Support critical illness and bereavement, Scottish Region Helpline (Stress helpline). this list is not exhaustive. Contact Details One telephone call to this hel- Anthony Jinks, East Tracey Maddison Malcolm Kydd, Central pline could be all that someone [email protected] Chris Murray, Central needs to begin to manage their own Lewis Patchett, East Telephone Debt Counselling Brad Anderson Colin Qua, Ayrshire Helpline problems and improve their [email protected] Craig Richardson, East Jamie Robertson, North situation. Tel: 01347 833800 Richard Watt, North Managing money well is some- (option 1 for Membership) times overlooked in the pressures Northern Region of our daily lives. As debt isn’t EGM just a finance issue, but one that 16th June 2009 Ian Gibson, North Wales Andrew Jackson, North Wales feeds into all elements of our life, – Your Vote Counts David Povey, North Wales Mark Rooney, North Wales the solutions are wide and varied; Neill Sidebotham, North West whether it’s cutting interest costs, If you are eligible to vote then Paul Stanley, North Wales Regional budgeting, challenging the legality you should have now received your Administrators of our debts, or simply where to find voting form to vote on the integra- Midland Region real one-on-one help. tion of sports turf groundscare staff Glenn Dyer, Berks/Bucks & Oxon BIGGA Full Members can now into full membership of BIGGA. If Sam Evans, East Midland talk about any financial concerns you do not intend on coming along Graham Henley, Berks/Bucks & Oxon Ralph Holmes, East of England or worries through the Arc Legal to the EGM on June 16, 2009, then Holly Jones, Mid Anglia please make sure you use your Peter Boyd Peter Larter Paul Lawrence, Mid Anglia 24/7 Debt Counselling Helpline. Jonathan Ramsay, Berks/Bucks & Oxon Expert confidential help is at vote and return your form in the James Rawlings, Berks/Bucks & Oxon Chris Watts, Mid Anglia hand through their trained inde- prepaid envelope provided by June James Young, Midland pendent counsellors ready to assist 10, 2009. with counselling, support, advice South East Region and help. Clive Osgood Jane Jones If your debt is complicated the Limited Company Andrew Offord, East Anglia Peter Boyd Thomas Openshaw, Surrey counsellor can also direct your call Scotland & Northern Ireland Ian Pettyfer, Kent On January 21, 2009, the British Tel: 0141 616 3440 Roger Pluckrose, Kent to a team of specialist debt experts Mobile: 07776 242120 Tyler Rook, Sussex who will talk through the stages of and International Golf Greenkeep- [email protected] Phil Rowlett, East Anglia Michael Stott, Surrey prioritising the debts and steps to ers Association (BIGGA) passed a Peter Larter resolution. resolution at its Annual General Northern & Midland Tel: 01476 550115 Importantly, once you are manag- Meeting approving the conversion Mobile: 07866 366966 S West/S S Wales Region [email protected] ing your money concerns the sup- of BIGGA into a company limited Phillip Newens, South Coast port of the counsellors is available by guarantee and authorising the Clive Osgood Richard Pearcy, South Coast South East Christopher Sharp, South Wales 24/7 to help you find better ways Board of Management (the Current Tel: 01737 819343 Sam Starling, South Wales to control future spending and deal Board) to undertake such actions Mobile: 07841 948410 [email protected] with money related issues. as are appropriate to facilitate such Northern Ireland The Debt Counselling Helpline is conversion, for full information see Jane Jones South West & Wales Andrew Foster available to all Full Members, and page 9 of this month’s GI. Tel: 01454 270850 Timothy Graham partners, by calling 0800 174 319 In conjunction with the conver- Mobile: 07841 948110 Wallace Wilmot [email protected] 24 hours a day seven days a week sion to a company limited by 365 days of the year and quote your guarantee, we need your written BIGGA Membership number. consent for you to become a member of BIGGA Limited, you will shortly receive an application form Other useful numbers The Greenkeepers’ Support in the post. (Greenkeeper Members only) Please complete and sign the form Service (Stress Helpline) Personal Accident Helpline and return it to Headquarters in the 02075 603013

This confidential, professional envelope supplied, to arrive no later Greenkeepers Legal Assistance telephone counselling service is than June 30, 2009 (Return Date). 0800 177 7891 now available to all Full Members Greenkeepers Support Services and their partner. The Greenkeep- If after reading the article on Page 0800 174 319 ers’ Support Service can work with 9 you have any questions or queries Debt Counselling Helpline a wide range of concerns from emo- don’t hesitate to contact BIGGA HQ. 0800 174319

52 GI JUNE 2009 Assistant What’s Profile your number? Each month we take a light hearted look Our regular and random profile of an industry figure into the life of an assistant greenkeeper... continues with this month’s lucky number...

Darts lover, Stuart, works at Carholme, or at least This month, he did until his Course Kubota’s Dave Manager reads this! He loves Roberts comes strimming, hates bunker raking and has met David under the spotlight Attenborough...

Name: Stuart Dallas Age: 22 Name: Dave Roberts Golf Club: Carholme Golf Club Company: Kubota Position: Assistant Position: Sales & Marketing Greenkeeper Manager – Kubota Tractor & Nickname: Dallas Groundcare Products

How long have you been greenkeeping? I have been greenkeeping for about three years now. How long have you been in the industry? “20 years.” What was it about the career that attracted you? When I left school I worked on a farm and was outside all the How did you get into it? time, then I ended up working in a shop I did not like working “I trained as an Agricultural Engineer, but joining Kubota inside so when the job came up at Carholme golf course I went took me into the groundscare industry.” for it and got it! What other jobs have you done? If you weren’t a greenkeeper what do you think you’d be? “Various roles within Kubota, but in the commercial If I was not a greenkeeper I would possibly be working some horticultural industry and on farms before that.” where outside. What do you like about your current job? Which task do you most enjoy doing and why? “Getting out of the office and meeting the very diverse One of my favourite jobs is strimming. Sad I know but I find it customer base we deal with.” quite therapeutic. What changes have you seen during your time in the Which task do you least enjoy doing and why? industry? My least favourite job is raking bunkers. I find this job boring “Some changes in machinery trends like the propensity plus I find that alot of our bunkers lack sand thus making it toward self propelled machinery versus tractors with harder to rake them. implements in the golf sector, and the increase in the number of competitors!” What one thing - other than a pay rise - would improve the greenkeepers’ lot? What do you like to do in your spare time? One thing that could improve the greenkeeper’s lot would be “What’s that…? golf (not often enough), motorcycling and cheaper spraying solutions, i.e. for chafer grubs which our holidaying. course suffers from a lot and is quite expensive to keep control of (or maybe a new course manager wouldn’t go amiss!) Where do you see yourself in 10 years time? “Playing more golf, more motorcycling and more holidays… Hobbies? hopefully!” I enjoy fishing and I am also quite partial to game of darts. Who do you consider to be your best friends in the Favourite Band? industry? I don’t really have a favourite band. I have quite a varied taste “Too many to mention (yes…a cop out!).” in music. What do you consider to be your lucky number? Which team do you support (football or otherwise)? “29.” I don’t follow football but do watch England in the Six Nations. I also watch the World Championship Darts, I especially enjoy Pick a number watching Phil (The Power) Taylor. “29.”

What is your claim to fame? Dave has picked Tim Fell from Tillers Turf My claim to fame is being in this magazine but I have met to take part next month David Attenborough!

JUNE 2009 GI 53 A Qu i c k Gu i d e t o ... RECYCLING

Paul Worster, Course Manager at Minchinhampton Golf Club offers some tips on recycling

1. Identify Waste Streams There are any number of waste streams within a golf club, most of which have the potential for at least some recycling - some of these stem from the golf course directly, others from the clubhouse, offices, pro-shop, or kitchen areas.

2. Adopt an Action Plan composted. Hard standing will make this This covers the whole company and setstask easier, and a covered area, or covered8. Reduce the amount a budget. Make no mistake – the polluter bays allow air movement and prevents the of Hazardous Materials pays. Any recycling scheme needs to be build-up of potentially harmful spores. Produced financed, therefore it is essential to link andA chipper will be required and a Once a audit all areas of the club to ensure that front loader tractor for turning. The less hazardous materials used, anything that can be reduced or re-used reasonable degree of decomposition has the less waste is produced for disposal or is taken into account.Recycling ought been achieved, this material can be movedrecycling. “Long-life” synthetic engine and actually to be the last resort. to an out-of-the-way area for storage. hydraulic oils are available which need not be changed at standard service intervals. 6. Golfer Waste At service, the filter is replaced losing 3. Include the members only a small amount of oil.Once or twice Members will be very keen to help with This includes scorecards, plastic bottles,a year a chemical test determines levels Normally, two recycling if the right attitude is given, the banana skins etc. Provide a segregated unitof pollutants building up. right atmosphere projected, and the right in a convenient location, and members willor three seasons will pass, before the oil facilities made available. For example, sort their own rubbish. requires changing. members can be invited to bring unwanted Bare in mind that many pro-shops can Christmas trees for shredding and disposal, sell 300 bottles over a weekend, so the A 9. Use the experts and six months later can purchase the facility must be large enough to cope. compost that has been produced from small subsidy should be added to the cost There is no substitute for expert advice, them, to improve their gardens. of the drinks to finance the facility. readily available nowadays on the Internet. There is a Composting Association with 4. Clubhouse Waste 7. Mandatory Disposal local members close at hand to give advice. of Waste LubricationE ngineers, both independent This will include cardboard, paper, print and from manufacturing companies, can cartridges and glass bottles.Cardboard Some of your waste streams will includegive advice on machinery, lubricants, and and paper can either be shredded into “hazardous materials” that will be coveredfuels. compost, or taken away by a licensed by legislation which dictates that proper contractor for recycling. In general, it is disposal is mandatory. In general, it is 10. Take the initiative, better to re-use paper and envelopes for the golf course Workshop andOperations notes and internal mail before recycling. Do waste which falls into this category. The and take some pride in not assume that the brewery automaticallyclub will need a contract with a licensed your efforts collects empty glass bottles – all too often contractor and a Hazardous Waste these end up in landfill. ProducersN umber from theE nvironment Recycling is not straightforward, it Agency, to allow even Waste Transfer to takes time and commitment to carry out take place. successfully. Your efforts will be recognised 5. Golf Course Waste The contractor will then collect and and highly commended by your members and employers. Your team will buy into the This is generally grass clippings, recycle those items such as batteries, filters, used oil and empty plastic effort also, and take pride in doing so. There branches, bunker edgings, hollow tine are many positives. cores, leaves etc. This can be collected and containers.

54 GI JUNE 2009 intheshed Our monthly puzzle page to keep you entertained when you’re forced indoors..

CROSSWORD QUICK ‘NINE HOLE’ QUIZ

1. Ann Callaway represented Great 5. Linford Christie won a gold Britain in the 1984 Olympics in the medal representing Great Britain women’s eight rowing team, but in the 100 metres at the 1992 what is her other claim to fame? Olympics in Barcelona, but what 2. Who won a gold medal in the country was he born in? 100 metres breaststroke at the 6. Who won the gold medal in the 1980 Olympics in Moscow? heptathlon in the 2000 Olympics? 3. Only one British athlete won a 7. What colour medal did Amir medal in the track and field events Khan win in the lightweight boxing in the 1976 Olympics. This was in tournament at the 2004 Olympics? the Men’s 10,000 metres. Who won 8. Who won a silver medal in the this medal? men’s javelin event at the 1996 4. As a result of finishing fifth Olympics in Atlanta? in the 1980 Winter Olympics 9. Sean Kerly, Imran Sherwani figure skating competition, Jayne and Ian Taylor were all members of Torvill and Christopher Dean gave Great Britain’s gold-medal winning up their jobs in order to skate team in the 1988 Olympics in full-time. What were their previous Seoul. In which sport? jobs?

A 5 0 7 8 B MONSTER 8 B 3 C A D F 1 0 SUDOKU 3 C 5 9 7 F A Fill in the grid so Across Down that every row, every 0 8 4 9 6 5 3 column and every 5 A 7 0 2 1 C D 6 1 Accumulation of 1 Minor interruption, 4x4 box contains the unfinished tasks (7) usually of little consequence 1 3 6 5 numbers 0 to 9 and 5 Marine debris, especially (4) 0 2 8 F 3 9 6 C the letters A to E. that which does not sink (7) 2 Shaped like a cross (9) 6 3 A B 1 5 7 0 E 9 9 Anti-inflammatory drug, 3 Part of the trachea 1 2 4 8 3 0 C F 5 D analgesic (9) containing vocal cords (6) A B D F 8 C 1 0 10 Imperfection; responsibil- 4 Is great for pests (anag.) C 7 3 2 ity (5) (2-6,7) D 5 1 C 9 4 3 8 7 11 Geological feature close 5 Competition based on C D 9 6 7 F 2 to the town of Bushmills, imaginary teams, influenced 7 3 A 5 2 E D Northern Ireland (6,8) by real events (7,8) B 2 D 3 C 8 4 0 9 12 Student who studies 6 In a coarse, contemptible excessively (4) manner (8) 5 0 A 2 9 3 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2009. All rights reserved. 13 Manufactured in such 7 Derogatory name for Monster Daily Sudoku: Wed 6-May-2009 very hard SUDOKU a way as to be available for American Indian woman (5) Fill in the grid so reuse (10) 8 chloride, a volatile solvent 8 2 7 that every row, every 16 Group of delegates; fee (9) column and every 9 paid as a percentage (10) 12 Plant adapted to arid 5 box shape contains 17 Satisfaction, usually conditions, able to store 2 9 1 4 F D A E 6 5 0 3 7 8 B C the numbers 1 to 9. malicious (4) water (9) 84 7 B 6 63 C 12 5 A D E F 9 71 094 19 Food ingredient from 14 In Australia, a stagnant 3 0 C5 5 99 B 4 6 8 23 1 7 D F E A which hydrogen bonds are pool of water (9) A E F D 7 0 1 8 C B 4 9 6 5 2 3 eliminated (11,3) 15 Athletic contest consist- 57 A 7 B E 9 0 284 1 C 8 3 D 63F 22 Be identical to (5) ing of two events (8) 1 F 9 C 8 3 6 7 D E A 2 0 4 5 B 23 Early mechanical version 18 Detestable (6) 0 2 E 8 5 4 7F D 3 9 B 56 A 6C 7 1 of what is now MIDI data 20 Of trains, to transfer D 6 4 3 C A B 1 5 F 7 0 E 2 9 8 Puzzle (5,4) to a different track; minor 91 1 96 2 4 8 7 3 0 C2 F 3A 5 B D4E Answers 24 Infection also called accident (5) on lockjaw (7) 21 Conduit for carrying 4 3 A 7 B 6 D F 2 8 5 E C 9 110 page 60 25 Baked dish using layered away smoke (4) B C 8 F 0 E 5 9 1 7 3 D 4 6 A 2 pasta (7) E D 5 0 2 1 C A 9 4 6 B F 3 8 7 3 5 2 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2009. All rights reserved. C 8 D 9 6 7 E 4 F 0 2 1 B A 3 5 Daily Sudoku: Wed 6-May-2009 7 4 3 1 A F 8 0 B 6 9 5 2 E C D 6 B 2 E D 5 3 C 7 A 8 4 1 0 F 9 JUNE 2009 GI 55

5 2 7 9 6 4 1 http://www.dailysudoku.com/3 8 4 3 6 1 5 8 2 7 9 6 5 9 4 2 3 8 1 7 7 1 2 5 8 6 4 9 3 3 4 8 7 9 1 5 6 2 1 9 5 6 7 2 3 8 4 2 6 3 8 4 9 7 5 1

http://www.dailysudoku.com/ BUYERS’ GUIDE

Buyers AERATION guide HYDROJECT AERATION AND CHEMICAL INJECTION SERVICE categories (WITH NO SURFACE DISTURBANCE) KEITH DRIVER • AERATION (SPORTSTURF CONTRACTOR) Tel:01273 679994 Mobile:07958 532008 • AGRONOMY 124 Warren Road, Woodingdean, Brighton BN2 6DB • ALL WEATHER SURFACES • ANTI-SLIP • BRIDGES • CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR • CONSTRUCTION TOPTURF IRRIGATION • DE SILTING IS THE LEADING DEALER • DRAINAGE INSTALLER & SERVICING AGENT • GRINDERS FOR OTTERBINE BAREBO • IRRIGATION AERATION EQUIPMENT • IRRIGATION 2006, 2007 & 2008 All-weather practice tee at St Andrews Links CONSULTANTS Call us on 0044 (0) 870 8720081 • LAKE CONSTRUCTION www.ttirrigation.co.uk LINERS • PUMPS • RUBBER CRUMB All-weather AGRONOMY • SLEEPERS • SOIL FOOD WEB surfaces for golf • TOP DRESSING B Jamieson • TREE MOVING Golf Advisors Ltd Synthetic turf is now widely accepted as a highly cost-effective • TREE CLEARANCE Bruce Jamieson Golf Advisors Ltd, is an means of delivering good looking, high performing, low • TURF established company offering expert advice on; maintenance playing surfaces and high footfall areas on golf • VERTIDRAINING HIRE ● Golf Course maintenance ● Tournament preparation & presentation courses throughout the year. • WASTE/WASHWATER ● Machinery selection ● Budgeting Major factors behind this acceptance are the huge advances TREATMENT ● Staff recruitment made over the past decade in the quality, durability and con- ● Soil & turf analysis ● Establishment of new golf courses struction of the material, which has moved close to natural Contact: Bruce Jamieson Forth House, Bracknell Lane, Hartley Wintney, Hants, RG27 8QP turf in terms of its appearance, its feel and the way that the Telephone: 01252 844847 surface reacts to the striking of a golf ball. Want to sell However, golf Course Managers and greenkeepers need Second Hand to be aware that synthetic turf does vary in quality and that it is essential that the appropriate type and specification of Machinery? material are selected for the project being undertaken. Advertise all your machines ALL WEATHER SURFACES Additionally, long-term playability, durability and appear- For only £30 per month ance depends also on the level of care and professionalism www.bigga.org.uk/classifieds applied to the planning, preparation and installation of the surface, no matter whether it is for a golf course tee, putting Or call Kirstin on 01347 833800 green, practice tee or pathway. PREMIER ALL-WEATHER SURFACES FOR GOLF Ensuring that you get the optimum all-weather surface for your requirements does not have to be a lottery. Best advice is to deal only with a reputable firm that has AERATION a proven track record and is able to provide sound refer- ences and recommendations from existing customers. Any company worth its salt will be happy to supply you with a current user list or direct you to its website where such a list For better penetration can be found. The website should tell you also if a company has been awarded official supplier status by a reputable golf Huxley Practice Tee at St Andrews Links organisation such as the PGA or EGU. TINES‘R’US Top quality practice tees, golf course tees, putting & pitching greens, pathways, patios, cart tracks Spending a little time and effort on initial research is likely to Order on-line: and lawns professionally designed and installed. save a great deal of time and money in the long run. www.tines.co.uk Tel: 01962 733222 email:[email protected] [email protected] www.huxleygolf.co.uk www.huxleygolf.com Tel: 0114 2513344

56 GI JUNE 2009 ANTI - SLIP CONSTRUCTION DRAINAGE DRAINAGE

SPEEDCUT PHILIP DIXON CONTRACTORS LTD Contractors Ltd Est. 1978 Sportsturf Drainage Specialists SPORTSTURF Golf Course • Sportsfield GRP Anti-Slip Panels Drainage • Construction • Renovation Construction Slitting/Banding • Vertidraining Drainage Groundbreaker • Sand Master GOLF COURSE & SPORTSGROUND Renovation Topdressing • Overseeding www.gripclad.co.uk Spraying • Cultivation Email: [email protected] CONSTRUCTION Sandslitting Tel: 023 8040 4952 RENOVATION & MAINTENANCE Contact: Kevin Smith Tel: 01772 877289 Fax: 023 8040 2563 IRRIGATION SYSTEMS OXFORD 01865 331479 Fax: 01772 877479 (Preston, Lancs) www.dixondrainage.co.uk LAND DRAINAGE SCHEMES Visit www.bigga.org.uk WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS and check out the latest chat Tel. 01722 716361 Traditional from the AGRONOMY www.mjabbott.co.uk Golf Course Drainage greenkeeping Golf Course Drainage drainagSpecialiste and industry Survey / Design / Installation / Greens / Fairways / Bunkers / Complete Courses For fast and friendly UK Plastic Pipe / Turfdry Drainage System Lytag baservicendin call:g For fast and friendly Nationwide Service of greens anMelvynd fair wTaylorays BRIDGES Contact Melvyn Taylor: 01283 551417 on 01283 551417 07836 259133 / [email protected] or 07836 259133 Construction Remodelling DRAdvert_40x40mm:DRAdvert_40www.turfdry.com x www.turfdry.com Water Features LOVELL.D.K. Tel: 01604 468908 MAKING IT EASY 42 Admers Crescent, Gunns Farm, Liphook Hants, GU30 7HP Fax: 01604 474853 Tel: 01785 812706 www.deltagolf2000.co.uk The all new PORTABLE DITCH CROSSING E: [email protected] 180 Ruskin Road, Kingsthorpe, No more wear or damage AFTww wad>.nor thBiggastaffsirr ig40x40mm:.ation.co.uk 6/5/ No more repair before and after ditch Northampton NN2 7TA Your fairways stay the same DESIGN : INSTALLATION : MAINTENANCE Call David on 01428 727 685 Pitch Construction : Piped Drainage Systems or email: [email protected] Specialists Sand Slitting : Blec Vibro Sand Banding OTHER BRIDGES AVAILABLE in Golf Koro Surfacing : Vertidraining : Topdressing : Overseeding Course AFT Trenchers Ltd Construction Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancs WN6 9DT AFT45 Advertise here t 01257 255321 f 01257 255327 For compact tractors from JOHN GREASLEY LIMITED e [email protected] 20hp With chain or slitting wheel, augers from as little as £250 “Ashfield House” • 1154 Melton Road www.duncanrosslanddrainage.co.uk Syston • Leicester • LE7 2HB or conveyor to quickly install for a FULL 6 MONTHS, drainage systems, pipes or cables Tel: 0116 269 6766 as and when needed. full colour, please call Mobile: 07836 553899 Look at the latest... Tel: +44(0)1787 311811 Fax: 0116 269 6866 Email: [email protected] Kirstin on 01347 833 832 Second Hand Machinery www.trenchers.co.uk or email ...for sale www.bigga.org.uk/classifieds [email protected] DE-SILTING GRINDERS Scotland Based CLOTHING / FOOTWEAR Why dredge it! Meiklem Drainage We will pump it. • Ponds Contractors Ltd Sportsturf Drainage StAy ShARp in 2009 • Water Courses Specialists FREE BACK LApping pAStE FAMOUS SCOTTISH GREENKEEPER WEAR • Lakes Golf Courses - Sportsfields With EvERy RE-gRinD Europe’s Leading Suppliers of Drainage * Construction Your project problem is my challenge! Clothing & Footwear for * Slitting/Banding Professional Greenkeepers Tel: JEX PLANT UK LTD 01945 420404 Contact Meiklem Drainage on: MOB:07768 234336 Worth £40 CONTACT US FOR FREE CATALOGUE T: 01383 830217 4,5Kg WEBSITE: www.jexplantukltd.co.uk Tel. 01334 653733 Fax. 01334 653553 M: 07808 897 300 10lb tub Email: [email protected] Ashford: 01233 619 290 Ockham: 01483 286 837 [email protected] E: [email protected] Cirencester: 01285 652 272 Oxford: 01491 838 388 Online Store www.gkwear.co.uk NATURAL ENGLAND APPROVED CONTRACTOR Devizes: 01380 730 003 Reading: 01189 884 888

JUNE 2009 GI 57 BUYERS’ GUIDE

IRRIGATION LAKE CONSTRUCTION LINERS

Independent Professional Liners for lakes, ponds and Key Sponsorship Irrigation, Golf Courses, storage lagoons from the Making a difference to Bowling Greens, Sports, UK’s leading contractor greenkeeper education Racecourses, Gardens Comprehensive advice regarding design and • Design/Advice • Servicing construction of water areas • New Installations • Service Contracts • Contracting • System Upgrades Tel: 01206 262676 • Supply & Sales • PC Systems www.geosynthetic.co.uk Tel. 01765 602175 or 01765 690598 Fax 01765 603488 B T To find out more, Email:[email protected] L www.par4.co.uk I Look at the latest... Call Rosie on 01347 833800 Area Dealer A Second Hand Machinery ...for sale www.bigga.org.uk/classifieds

PUMPS LEADING THE WAY IN IRRIGATION Design & installation of irrigation • DESIGN • INSTALLATION systems for all sportsturf & • SERVICING landscaping projects. FOR GOLF COURSES, STADIA, Phone: 01427 874200 RACECOURSES, BOWLING GREENS, PRIVATE GARDENS & LAKES. Fax: 01427 875333

Please call 0870 8720081 www.ttirrigation.co.uk To advertise within Greenkeeper International please contact Kirstin on Want to sell 01347 833 832 Second Hand or email Advertise here Machinery? [email protected] RUBBER CRUMB Advertise all your machines Advertising rates: from as little as £250 For only £30 per month for a FULL 6 MONTHS, 1/4 page - £570 The use of RUBBER CRUMB on www.bigga.org.uk/classifieds 1/2 page_ £790 full colour, please call grass as top dressing has been granted a PATENT in the UK and Or call Kirstin on Full page - £1500 Kirstin on 01347 833 832 Ireland under Number EP0788301BI 01347 833800 or email TEBBUTT ASSO. [email protected] ARE THE LICENSEES with CROWN III rubber crumb Turf Irrigation Reinforcement, the licensed product Contact Tebbutt Asso. on 01253 342003 or Fax 01253 346644 IRRIGATION e-mail: [email protected] LIQUID ASSET CONSULTANTS www.tebbuttassociates.co.uk MANMANAAGGEMENTEMENT Call Lely: 01480 226848 or irritech limited email: [email protected] Want to sell www.toro.com Independent Irrigation Consultants Second Hand Specialising in:- ● Existing system evaluation Machinery? ● System design & upgrade Visit www.bigga.org.uk Advertise all your machines ● and check out the Project management For only £30 per month latest chat www.bigga.org.uk/classifieds from the AGRONOMY Contact Roger Davey on: greenkeeping 01823 690216 Or call Kirstin on industry www.irritechlimited.co.uk 01347 833800

58 GI JUNE 2009 VERTIDRAINING SLEEPERS TREE MOVING TURF HIRE

Quality RAILWAY Guaranteed SLEEPERS Specialist Growers of • New or used Turf for Golf Courses • Hard or softwood • Crossing timbers Rootzone Turf for Greens Grown on USGA rootzone, Fineturf Products top-dressed throughout the year, and mown at 6mm. TEL: 01702 338686 Predominantly bent sward To advertise within Turf for Tees, Surrounds, Greenkeeper International Approaches and Fairways SOIL FOOD WEB Various mixtures including please contact Kirstin on ryegrass/fescue, 100% fescue, 01347 833 832 and bent/fescue grown on sandy loam topsoil. or email NEW for 2009 [email protected] NEW for 2007 TurfRTF for turf bunker for pathways revetting Advertising rates: and bunker banks.lining. Symbio provides the know how TeesTees supplied and laid, with and biology to develop 1/4 page - £570 optionaloptional precision laser lasergrading. grading. and manage healthy soil. 1/2 page_ £790 Degrade thatch, reduce surface Tel: 01652 678 000 disruption, fertiliser, fungicides, Full page - £1500 water and wetting agents. www.tillersturf.co.uk Tel: 01428 685762 email: [email protected] Look at the latest... WASTE/WASHWATER Second Hand Machinery TREATMENT TOP DRESSINGS ...for sale www.bigga.org.uk/classifieds Hydrotech Solutions

FENDRESS™ TOP DRESSINGS & ROOTZONES. • Golf Machinery Wash Water Treatment DRESSINGS FOR FAIRWAYS AND TEES. SCREENED FENSOIL, LOAM & TOPSOIL. Advertise here • Positive Filtration – Non-Biological BUNKER SAND & PATHWAY MATERIALS. • 200 + Systems Installed Worldwide 01858 464346 / 433003 www.banksamenity.co.uk from as little as £250 • Simple, Low Cost Installation for a FULL 6 MONTHS, • Low Running Costs full colour, please call Tel: 01925 758099 Advertise here Fax: 01925 757519 from as little as £250 Kirstin on 01347 833 832 www.grassgrabber.com Email: [email protected] for a FULL 6 MONTHS, or email [email protected] full colour, please call Visit www.bigga.org.uk Kirstin on 01347 833 832 and check out the latest chat or email from the AGRONOMY TURF VERTIDRAINING HIRE greenkeeping [email protected] industry

Want to sell Second Hand 20 years of golf turf experience Machinery? 5 golf grades including high bent Greens on USGA rootzone, RTF for Advertise all your machines stabilisation/drought tolerance, For only £30 per month Wildflower Turf, and new Low Maintenance turf www.bigga.org.uk/classifieds Tel: 01904 448675 Or call Kirstin on www.turf.co.uk 01347 833800

JUNE 2009 GI 59 HUMAN RESOURCES

BIGGA’s Management Support series produced by Xact www.xact.uk.com FORMAL MEETINGS – PART ONE

During your course of employment it may you know what the issues/’allegations’ are, The decision - a decision should only be the case that you are asked to attend the date, time and location of the meeting. take place when you have been asked ques- the following types of meetings: Formal It will also let you know that the outcome of tions and you are given the opportunity disciplinary meetings, Formal grievance the meeting may be of a disciplinary nature to respond. It may be the case that your hearings or Appeal meetings or it may be and that you are entitled to be accompanied employer has a break and then returns to the case that one of your work colleagues (the role of the companion will be covered in the meeting having made a decision or your asks you to attend with them to the types a future article). If you receive such a letter employer may wish to consider the issues of meetings detailed above as their ‘com- then you should prepare yourself for the overnight before making a decision. panion’. meeting by thinking about what questions In this article we will discuss what hap- you may be asked, what happened, the If a formal warning is being issued to you pens during the disciplinary process. incidents, concerns, issues that are going then you should be given a letter stating In subsequent articles we describe what to be discussed. the reasons for the warning, the level of happens during grievance hearings. In It may be the case that an informal or warning, how long the warning lasts for, the third and final article in the series, we investigatory meeting took place prior to and you will have the right of appeal against describe the role of the companion who you receiving the invite letter. If this is the the decision. can accompany someone at a disciplinary case then the issues discussed with you or grievance hearing. A formal disciplinary at this informal meeting will probably be Appeal - if you have appealed a disci- meeting may be arranged if your employer discussed with you again, in more depth. plinary decision then you will be invited by feels that there are issues with: It may be the case that you have been letter to discuss this in an appeal hearing. • Your performance (how you do your suspended off site on full pay. An employer This letter should let you know the date, job, how you fulfil your role, your capabili- will suspend a member of staff where the time and location of the meeting. It will also ties in your role) issues/allegations are of a serious nature. tell you are entitled to be accompanied. • Your conduct (how you behave at work, The suspension allows you time to think your attitude, compliance with instruc- about the issues and allows your employer The meeting - at an appeal meeting you tions and procedures, how you treat other time to investigate issues further. will be asked to detail the specifics of why people at work including customers) you are appealing. You will have written a •Your timekeeping and your atten- The meeting - you will be asked a series letter prior to this, and your employer will dance of questions at the disciplinary meeting want you to expand upon the information and you should be given the opportunity to in your letter. Informing you of the disciplinary answer. You may Abe shown5 documentation0 7 8 B 8 2 7 meeting - your employer should provide or8 youB may3 haveC beenA givenD Fdocumenta1 0 - The decision - your employer will write you with a letter inviting you to attend a tion3 priorC 5 to 9the meeting that relates7 F to theA to 5you with the decision/outcome of your disciplinary meeting. This letter should let issues/concerns0 being8 discussed.4 9 6 5 3 appeal meeting. 5 A 7 0 2 1 C D 6 4 6 1 7 9 1 3 6 5 0 2 8 F 3 9 6 C 5 9 3 6 3 A B 1 5 7 0 E 9 7 8 3 1 2 4 8 3 0 C F 5 D QUICK ‘NINE HOLE’ A B D F 8 C 1 0 7 QUIZ ANS5WER6S: C 7 3 2 1. She is the wife of Sir Stephen D 5 1 C 9 4 3 8 7 Redgrave 1 9 2. Duncan2 Goodhew3 4 C D 9 6 7 F 2 3. Brendan Foster (winning bronze) 7 3 A 5 2 E D 4. Insurance clerk and policeman1 5. Jamaica intheB shed2 D 3 C answers8 4 0 9 6. Denise Lewis

3 7. Silver 5 2 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2009. All rights reserved. 5 0 A 2 9 3 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2009. All rights reserved. 8. Steve Backley Daily Sudoku: Wed 6-May-2009 Monster Daily Sudoku: Wed 6-May-2009 very hard 9. Hockey

CROSSWORD MONSTER SUDOKO SQUIGGLY SUDOKO

2 9 1 4 F D A E 6 5 0 3 7 8 B C 8 7 B 6 3 C 2 5 A D E F 9 1 0 4 9 8 1 2 3 7 6 4 5 3 0 C 5 9 B 4 6 8 2 1 7 D F E A 5 2 7 9 6 4 1 3 8 A E F D 7 0 1 8 C B 4 9 6 5 2 3 5 A 7 B E 9 0 2 4 1 C 8 3 D 6 F 4 3 6 1 5 8 2 7 9 1 F 9 C 8 3 6 7 D E A 2 0 4 5 B 0 2 E 8 5 4 F D 3 9 B 6 A C 7 1 6 5 9 4 2 3 8 1 7 D 6 4 3 C A B 1 5 F 7 0 E 2 9 8 9 1 6 2 4 8 7 3 0 C F A 5 B D E 7 1 2 5 8 6 4 9 3 4 3 A 7 B 6 D F 2 8 5 E C 9 1 0 B C 8 F 0 E 5 9 1 7 3 D 4 6 A 2 3 4 8 7 9 1 5 6 2 E D 5 0 2 1 C A 9 4 6 B F 3 8 7 1 9 5 6 7 2 3 8 4 C 8 D 9 6 7 E 4 F 0 2 1 B A 3 5 7 4 3 1 A F 8 0 B 6 9 5 2 E C D 2 6 3 8 4 9 7 5 1 6 B 2 E D 5 3 C 7 A 8 4 1 0 F 9

F 5 0 A 1 2 9 B E 3 D C 8 7 4 6 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2009. All rights reserved. 8 7 4 3 1 5 9 2 6 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2009. All rights reserved. Monster Daily Sudoku: Wed 6-May-2009 very hard Daily Sudoku: Wed 6-May-2009 hard

60 GI JUNE 2009 http://www.dailysudoku.com/ http://www.dailysudoku.com/ Recruitment

Head Greenkeeper Letters Salary £26,000 - £28,000 An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head Greenkeeper at Botley Park Hotel, Golf & Country Please email your notes to: Club. A 130 bedroom hotel situated in 176 acres of mature parkland with 18 hole championship golf course and academy practice facilities. The thriving golf operation consists of stay and play, [email protected] or [email protected] golf break residents, casual green fees and 500 members. You’ll make sure every golfer, whether member or guest, playing on the championship golf course has an exceptional experience by presenting the course to its’ highest standard at all times. Managing a team of Greenkeepers, you will be able to demonstrate the ability to lead, motivate ARTICLE CORRECTION and effectively manage a team. You should be able to demonstrate high levels of initiative, be motivated and enthusiastic with sound administrative ability, have excellent communication skills and be IT literate. It is vital that the successful candidate works closely with the Hotel Manage- Dear Readers ment and has a modern and realistic approach to green-keeping. The position would also require experience to include bunker refurbishment and drainage instal- Following the article published last month ‘Soil Wetting Agents’ lation, knowledge of irrigation equipment and modern watering techniques, be knowledgeable of current Health and Safety regulations, machinery maintenance and record keeping and hold PA 1, on page 40 of the May edition of GI, the STRI would like to bring 2 and 6a spraying certificates. A knowledge of USGA spec greens is desirable but not essential. the following to readers attention. The article was a supple- Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK. ment put together to accompany a review completed for The Closing date for applications: Friday 26 June 2009. R&A in 2007, identifying the modes of action of wetting agents available in the UK Amenity market for use on golf courses. The review was completed using product labels and was not Deputy Course Manager as a result of any testing carried out by the STRI. Information on products and Distributors was correct at the time of writing Five Lakes Hotel, Golf, Country Club & Spa is a 194 bedroom but have changed in the intervening two years. stylish resort hotel with two 18 hole golf courses, a driving range and practice facilities. Five Lakes also has the pleasure in hosting the PGA Euro Pro Tour each year. Please see the correct table below: The successful candidate will already be a deputy course manager at

Product Distributor Straight/Blend Chemistry Advertised Uses a similar golf club or a green keeper ready to make that step up. Advantage pellet Farmura Blend Non-ionic surfactant b, e They must have NVQ level 2 (preferably level 3) or equivalent in Alleviate Sherriffs Amenity Blend Non-ionic surfactant and b, e organosilicone sports turf management, PA1 PA2 and PA6 qualification. Basic Aqua-Aid Vitax Blend Non-ionic surfactant e, f, g AquaMaxx Vitax Blend Non-ionic surfactant a, e, f knowledge of irrigation systems is essential along with a sound Aqueduct Farmura Blend Non-ionic surfactant b, e knowledge of H&S legislation. Aquifer Vitax Blend Non-ionic surfactant a, f, g Aqua - zorb Turftech/Sherriff Amenity Blend Non-ionic surfactant a, b, d, g If you feel you are the right candidate for the role please send your Award Osprey Aitkens/Avoncrop Blend Block copolymer a, b, e, f Breaker Advance Rigby Taylor Blend Non-ionic surfactant a, b, e, f CV and covering letter including salary expectation to: Breaker Curative Rigby Taylor Blend Non-ionic surfactant b, d [email protected] Clearing Vitax Blend Non-ionic surfactant c, e Correct OARS Tower Chemicals Blend Non-ionic soil surfactant and d, e, f See careers at www.fivelakes.co.uk/careers for more details organic solvent Dewcure Headland Straight Non-ionic surfactant e The closing date for applications is 12th June 2009. Dispatch Farmura Blend Non-ionic surfactant e, f, g Excel Sherriff Amenity Blend Non-ionic surfactant and b, e organosilicone Fifty 90 Farmura Blend Non-ionic surfactant a, b, e, f, g H2 Pro Scotts Blend Non-ionic surfactant a, b, e, f, g Inflo XL Headland Straight Organosilicone b, e Noburn Novozymes - Yucca plant extract a, e, f OARS Curative Vitax Blend Non-ionic surfactant and b, d, e, f organic solvent Percol-8 Vitax Blend Non-ionic surfactant e, f, g Primer Select Farmura Straight Block copolymer a, b, e, f, g Revolution Farmura Straight Modified block Copolymer a, b, e, f, g TricureAD Headland Blend Non-ionic surfactant a, b, e, f, g Ultraflo Vitax Straight Non-ionic surfactant a, c, e XL Fairway Headland Straight Organosilicone c, e

Table 1: Example soil wetting products, modes of BROOKMANS PARK GOLF CLUB action and distributor. Neither the list of products or Please note the information the distributors is exhaustive. Other products are contained in the above available and each product may be available from table has been taken from Is one of Hertfordshire’s most prestigious golf clubs with over 700 other distributors. the respective product labels. STRI does not accept members and a busy golfing calendar requires: a – To treat localised dry patch preventatively any responsibility for the accuracy of these claims b – To treat localised dry patch curatively Course Manager c – To manage fairy ring d – To strip away organic coatings on sand grains e – Aid water penetration/dew removal The successful applicant will have the following: f – Help ensure even water distribution in the rootzone g – Reduce irrigation requirements • Ability to work with and manage a team developing skills of staff • Excellent communication and Interpersonal skill. This information sheet is of a general nature and is intended • Qualified to N.V.Q. 3 or above only to outline the basic information. Such information is not • Full range of spraying and chainsaw certificates intended to constitute a specification or comprehensive guid- • Up to date on all health and safety aspects ance in relation to any project/subject which should only be • Experience and proven track record in producing a high standard undertaken after consultation with those holding appropriate of course presentation throughout the year qualifications. The STRI employs persons so qualified who • The ability to produce up to date work scheduling, coordinating can provide advice and/or relevant specifications. The STRI works with the General Manager and Greens Committee. accept no responsibility or liability for any claims arising from • Produce and maintain accurate budgeting for the greens work carried out pursuant to this leaflet. department.

If you require any further information, please contact: Closing date: 21st June Dr Ruth Mann Head of Turfgrass Protection Please send your C.V. along with a covering letter, stating your STRI Ltd salary expectation to: 01274 518913 The General Manager, Brookmans Park Golf Club, Hatfield Herts AL9 7AT [email protected]

JUNE 2009 GI 61 On the Soapbox A new vehicle for people within the industry to express their viewpoint

I have been asked many times why Producing similar results on a pure links Over the years, a lot of scary stories have I cut so low and put the grass plant green, with the finer grasses dominating the been circulated about greens being cut at under so much stress. pace of the ball is also easily achievable. 2mm. There are several reasons. As a golfer, I To produce fast greens on a parkland ‘It’s a slippery slope’ or ‘It’s impossible to always like to putt on fast smooth greens. course surrounded by trees is far more achieve this for long periods and still have You tend to find this type of green on links challenging. Cutting at 2mm will help you grass left’ you will be told. and heathland courses with their sandy to achieve them. This is rubbish! Yes, it does need some fescue and bent dominated sward. As soon We all hear the spike bar complaints about understanding and yes, it can be intense as you come inland to clay based, Poa the slow pace of the greens. When you want and hard work, but this is what we as green- Annua dominated swards, the speeds drop that pay rise or new fairway mower, you are keepers are here for; to give the golfers what dramatically. more likely to get what you want if you are they want in a sustainable manner. I have always been amazed that the giving them what they want, fast greens. There’s a lot of talk from bodies such as educational bodies in greenkeeping seem Be warned though, as with any good green, the R&A and STRI, who want you to eradi- to suggest the same height of cut wherever a solid cultural plan must be in place. cate Poa. your course and whatever your soil type. Why? As I have already mentioned, Poa Looking at it logically, if you want a faster Your plan must be based around these six can produce the most fantastic surfaces green, cut it shorter. areas: and is sustainable. Simple! Learn about it and understand it. You Or so you would think. 1. Aeration. As much as you dare. Espe- may not love it but you should certainly The longer the grass plant, the more cially in the summer. This will give the roots respect it. For the vast majority of us, we resistance or drag there is on the ball roll. oxygen that it craves at its most stressful have no choice. The ball will sit in to the turf and not on top time. You will also have better greens for Anyway, on a meadow parkland environ- of it. The majority of courses in England longer in the season. ment, what is the indigenous species? suffer from this. Poa of course! The dominant species on parkland soils is meadow grass which will produce a ‘snakey’ ball roll if cut above 3mm. Looking at it logically, if you want a Cutting Poa Annua at 2mm maximises its potential. Agronomists and research bodies faster green, cut it shorter focus on the negative aspects of Poa. It was actually in the weed idents when I was at college! 2. Sanding. No soil, just 100% sand. It is You hear that it is thatchy, shallow root- at least as important as aeration. If golfers ing, disease ridden grass and will burn out and mowers didn’t compact our greens, as under stress in the summer months. I dis- long as we applied enough sand, we would agree. It tolerates very close mowing under have no need to punch holes in to the greens. all kinds of environmental conditions. Now the golfers would love that! Roots will only be shallow if the soil is compacted, as with all grasses. They 3. Verti-cutting. Essential on a Poa will go down to the bottom of a verti- dominated sward in order to produce an drain tine if given the chance. In fact upright grass plant. Equally important on the density of roots in the top 100mm creeping and velvet bent greens. The distur- (4 inches for you oldies), is quite impressive. bance theorists are questioning the need for Disease is not a problem as long as you verti-cutting. Think long and hard if you are create a firm surface through pure sand thinking of heavily reducing or eliminating dressings. Poa has the potential to produce it. You may regret it later. the most fantastic surface, only bettered by Creeping Bent, if treated with respect and 4. Overseeding. Pure bent. As often as handled in the right way. your budget will allow. This is for greater Greg Evans is the Course Manager at Ealing Golf Club. Poa can be your saviour and not your sward density. He also runs the Complete Golf Solutions consultancy company, which aims to give greenkeepers advice in enemy given the chance. going down an aggressive route. The most important reason for cutting 5. Irrigation and fertility. Little and He can be contacted on 07951 157208 or by email at: [email protected]. low is to give golfers what they want; fast often. The plant must be healthy. Keep true greens in all environments. them lean but healthy. Fast greens on brand new U.S. specifica- Greg Evans tion creeping bent grass are relatively easy 6. Cutting. The most important operation to produce. The cultivar A4 has been bred that you do. As long as you have the above to have a high shoot density under extreme in place, frequent low cutting is a must for close mowing. fast greens. The views expressed within On The Soapbox are not necessarily those of Greenkeeper International

62 GI JUNE 2009 “I’m very impressed with Nomow® - its flexibility, colour, texture and versatility. It allows me to design golf greens that mimic the contours and undulations of a championship golf course, with good speed and realistic borrows. Pitch and chip shots respond realistically to spin and pace. For putting, speed is consistent and true. I highly recommend Nomow®.”

Jonathan Gaunt, international golf course architect

Stroke of genius When you install Nomow® Artificial Grass you unlock the ability to play whenever you choose on a surface which simulates grass play closer than any other artificial surface.

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• Expert installation is guaranteed, so too is impeccable customer service ACCEPTS A TEE ® • The Nomow team has over 30 years’ experience of artificial grass installation • We work with the most respected professional golf architects and create championship golf courses around the world • BS7044 • UV stabilised • Stimp meter 10 -12

Find out more about the advanced technology that has made ® Nomow Premier Tee is a non fill Nomow a leading name in professional golf. artificial grass that accepts a Tee. Durable and hard wearing to Call the Nomow® team on 0800 587 0380 for a free, any shape any size. no-obligation quote or visit www.nomow.co.uk Artificial Grass not Artificial Golf

TT-COC-002619 Environment Flame Repellent Recycling

Green KeeperAd.indd 1 26/05/2009 15:43 SYNGENTA TURF PRODUCTS Primo MAXX cuts the time and cost of turf management

In Brief

• Primo MAXX application will reduce the time and money spent on mowing turf on fairways and sports grounds – potentially saving over £4250 a year • Primo MAXX signiﬁ cantly reduces the volume of clippings removed, typically by up to 50% • Improved turf quality gives a better playing surface = less damage and faster play • Improved root structure means better drought tolerance and greater stress resistance Primo MAXX increases the density of quality sports turf, creating a better playing surface. Reducing the hours spent mowing releases time and money for more productive management.

Save time and money Cutting time spent 4 with Primo MAXX mowing 50% REDUCTION Independent user trials with Primo MAXX 3 LABOUR AVAILABILITY applications on fairways, conducted by STRI, Up to 20 hours per week identiﬁ ed turf managers could typically reduce the frequency of mowing by 50%, whilst still 2 enhancing playing conditions.

Results were consistent under a range of 1 fairway management regimes, often requiring just one cut per week to maintain high quality of mowing (per wk) Frequency

– with reduced evidence of clippings left on the 0 surface. Boxed off clippings were reduced by up UNTREATED Primo MAXX to 65% (below). Source: Observational reports of turf managers undertaking Primo MAXX fairway trials

2000

MOWER COSTS 1500 Down £4250 a year

With the cost of running a 1000 33% mower calculated at over 55% 65% 55% £10 an hour, Primo MAXX 50% could save over £4250 a year 500 in lower fuel, maintenance Reduction in clippings and repair bills – along with the 9th 6th 5th 2nd 1st 0 opportunity to cut your carbon MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER footprint with reduced fuel use. Untreated Primo MAXX Reduction Trial application dates of Primo MAXX

Syngenta Crop Protection UK Ltd CPC4, Capital Park, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5XE Tel: 01223 883400 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.greencast.co.uk / www.greencast.ie The Scotts Company E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 0871 220 5353 Cavity spot (Pythium violae) Primo MAXX® is a Registered Trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Primo MAXX (MAPP 13374, PCS 02273) contains trinexapac-ethyl. All other brand names used are trademarks of other manufacturers in which proprietary rights may exist. Always read the label. Use pesticides safely. Syngenta AG December 2008. GQ 00251. www.greencast.co.uk Primo MAXX is distributed in the UK and Ireland by www.greencast.ie