NEW COURSE CARD

HOLE FRONT NINE HOLE BACK NINE 1 East Berkshire Club 10 Portstewart Golf Club 2 Doonbeg Golf Club 11 Queenwood Golf Club 3 Hanbury Manor G & CC 12 Royal Golf Club 4 Hendon Golf Club 13 Royal Lytham St. Annes GC 5 Henley Golf Club 14 St. Andrews Bay Development 6 Marriott Sprowston Manor Hotel 15 Southern Gails Golf Club 7 Moor Park Golf Club 16 The Grove 8 Northwood Golf Club 17 Tandridge Golf Club 9 Palmerstown Golf Club 18 Woodbury Park

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Rain Bird Europe S.A.R.L.. Rain Bird U.K./ireiand Saies Rain BirdU.K./ireiand 900 Rue Ampere Phone: 01273891326 Technical Services B.P. 72000 Fax: 01273 891327 Phone: 01283 841023 Aix-en-Provence, Cedex 3 FRANCE Fax: 01283 841024 Phone: (33)4 42 24 44 61 Fax: (33)4 42 24 24 72 Work Tel: Golf Email: Postcode Mailing Name Position Tel: 01347 833800 Fax: 01347 83380 1 Email: [email protected] www.bigga.org.uk British andInternational Gol f Greenkeepers Association, BIGG A HOUSE, Aldwark Aine,YorkY06 1 1UF MEMBERSHIP REQUEST CARD Club/Company/College Subscription Greenkeeper Associate/Compan y Membership Yes, I'minterestedinjoiningBIGGA . Pleasesendmdetailsof: address atClub/Company/College includes Membership greenkeeping, orinvolvedinanywawiththefinturfindustry about membership,fillinthiscardansenoutoday. then BIGGAmembershipcouldbenefityou.Tofinoumore If youareemployedasgreenkeeper,tcollegstudying magazine Subscription includes Membership magazine CorporateStudent Subscription includes Membership 4magazines Subscription includes Gl 07.02 magazine BUSINESS REPLY SERVICE Licence No. YO 331

Membership BIGGA HOUSE Aldwark i Aine York Y061 1UF A guide to Advertisers9 Index July 2002 who's who Advertiser Page at BIGGA Allett Mowers 11 Your next issue of Greenkeeper International Berkshire College 28 will be with you by August 9, 2002 President Bernhard & Co 9 Sir Michael Bonallack, OBE Cranfield University 11 Regulars Greensward 51 News BIGGA Board of Management Hartpury College 28 Chairman - Richard Barker Pages 4, 5, 6, 8 & 9 Vice Chairman - George Brown Inturf 23 8 Letters Past Chairman - Clive Osgood Kubota 52 Board Members Ledbury Welding Engineering Ltd 11 10 Education Jan Semple Education and Training Manager, Ken Richardson, unveils part Paul Jenkins Myerscough College 28 of the Continue to Learn programme for Harrogate 2003 Ian Holoran NPTC 11 David Waiden lain Macleod Oatridge College 28 12 Membership Rainbird 2 Executive Director Neil Thomas Rolawn 23 14 BTME Email: [email protected] Starting the countdown to next year's Harrogate week Administration Manager John Pemberton 32 New Products Email: [email protected] Showcasing some of the great new products recently released Editorial/Media onto the market Scott MacCallum Email: [email protected] 36-49 Around the Green Education & Training Manager Ken Richardson Email: [email protected] 48 Enough is enough Sandy McDivot gives you an insight into the McDivot turf Membership Services Officer Rachael Palmer maintenance philosophy Email: [email protected] 50 Features Listing Helping you track down some of Greenkeeper International's Contact us past articles

You can contact The British and 62 As I see it... International Golf Greenkeepers Association in any number of ways: BIGGA National Chairman, Richard Barker, takes in the Post: BIGGA HOUSE, Aldwark, BIGGA Golf Day and prepares for the Scottish National Golf Alne, York, Y061 1UF Championship and The Open Championship at Muirfield Email: [email protected] Internet: www.bigga.org.uk Tel: 01347 833800 Features 16 What's up Doc? Fax: 01347 833801 INVESTOR IN PEOPLE Steve Isaacs delivers some help in the education of golfers in the matter of turf maintenance

18 Field of dreams Scott MacCallum talks with Colin Irvine, Course Manager at Muirfield, about the impending Open Championship

The official monthly magazine of the Mrifisit S lwlerftallmM 22 Turf quality Robert Laycock takes a look at the development of turf Editorial and gives some advice as to what to look for when Editor: Scott MacCallum purchasing turf Tel: 01347 833800 Fax: 01347 833801 Email: [email protected] 29 It's a gas Advertising Roland Taylor takes a look at pollutants and how Sales & Marketing Department: emission control is now such an important issue Jennifer Whichello, [email protected] Cheryl Broomhead, [email protected] Tel: 01347 833800 Fax: 01347 833802 32 Making the most of rotary Email: [email protected] Maureen Keepin reports on the dramatic developments Design in engineering have resulted in the production of highly Headline Communications durable rotary mowers with an improved cutting finish Tel: 01904 610611 Fax: 01904 643074 Email: [email protected] (^2?) Turf quality 39 A public disgrace Printing Warners Midlands Pic, The Maltings, Sandy McDivot suggests that the USGA missed an Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH opportunity when it hosted the US Open on a public Tel: 01778 391000 Fax: 01778 394269 course

Tim advertising copy deadline for Inclusion in the Au gust 20Ô2 ecfittem of €Sreenkeeper international is Monday, July 15, 2002

Greenkeeper International: Contents may not be reprinted or otherwise reproduced Emissions: It's a gas without written permission. Return postage must accompany all materials submitted ifreturn i s requested. No responsibility can be assumedfor unsolicite d materials. The right is reserved to edit submissions before publication. A GOLF CLUB TOUR Although every care will be taken, no responsibility is accepted for loss of manuscripts, photographs or artwork. This is your chance to win Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the a fantastic Golf Club Tour Bag' in our Association, and no responsibility is accepted for such content, exciting new Buyers' Guide competition in advertising or product information that may appear. association with GreenLink International Circulation is by subscription. Subscription rate: UK £38 per & Green-Releaf year, Europe and Eire £50. The magazine is also distributed to BIGGA members, golf clubs, local authorities, the turf industry, libraries and central government. ISSN: 0961-6977 (^3?) The Rotary Club © 2002 British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association A unique treble for Kingsdown GC

Members, staff, family and friends gathered recently at Kingsdown Golf Club to cele- brate a unique treble. The Club, which was rounded in 1881 and is the second oldest club in the West of England, was celebrat- We are halfway through the "Major" season and, ing yet another ground breaking what do you know, Tiger Woods is halfway to the record. Grand Slam. It used to be considered all but an Two of the Green staff have impossibility. The original Grand Slam, as com- already served over 25 years, and pleted by Bobby Jones, in 1930, comprised the Mark Ford, appointed Head US Amateur, US Open, British Amateur and Greenkeeper in 1989, was cele- Open Championship, but only Ben Hogan had brating the completion of his 25 previously got close to the modern day slam of years service. Led by Club Masters, ub Open, The Open Championship and Captain, David Rawstrone, trib- USPGA Championship winning three and, in utes were paid to Mark and his those days, not being able to get back to the States staff and it was clear that such Head Greenkeeper Mark Ford (centre) with his staff, Phil Jones (26 years in time to play in the USPGA. Tiger has made collective loyalty has played a service) and Dave Seabright who has completed 27 years service at Kingsdown the impossible, seem possible, even probable. major part in ensuring the rep- He became the only man to hold all four at the utation of Kingsdown as one of trained at Lackham and of Greenkeeping. same time when he won the 2000 US Open, Open the premier courses in Wiltshire. Cannington Colleges and is a He was runner-up in the Championship and USPGA then won the Masters Mark, who joined Kingsdown fully Qualified Greenkeeper and national Greenkeeper of the Year in 2001 but some, not me I hasten to add, con- when he left school in Corsham, NVQ Assessor for the Institute competition in 1997. sidered this to be an "imperfect" Slam as they hadn't been won in the same calendar year. This year, having perhaps suffered a mental reac- tion to that imperfect Slam and gone a few Majors BIGGA looks without winning, he is back on form and has already clinched the Masters and the US Open to the Future and he will tee up at Muirfield as overwhelming favourite. The first meeting of BIGGA's That is not just because of his phenomenal abil- Futures Sub-Committee took ity but the fact that, even those who would place at BIGGA HOUSE in consider themselves to be closest to him in terms May. As its name suggests the of talent - Duval, Mickelson, Garcia and Els - seem future for both the individual to capitulate when they go head to head against greenkeeper and the profession the Tiger in a Major. will be the theme for the Sub- So is he a guaranteed winner at Muirfield, a Committee. course where the cream has invariably risen to the In setting it up, BIGGA's Profession, Education and Highgate Golf Club, James top? Well no, golf is probably the only sport where Board of Management is look- Training and Communication Braithwaite - Long Ashton Golf the top player in the world loses far more tour- ing to generate fresh ideas and with the Industry and the Game. Club, Andy Campbell MG naments than he wins - a wonderful season, even proposals on the way forward for Recommendations from the CGCS- De Vere Carden Park, for the likes of Jack Nicklaus, would always have both the Association and the Sub-Committee will be subject Jonathan Cleland - Helensburgh been regarded as five wins out of probably around profession and to secure greater to Board of Management con- Golf Club, Euan Grant - St 22 events - although Tiger's strike rate is signifi- member input. The Sub- sideration and approval. Andrews, Duncan McGilvray - cantly higher than that. Committee is set to meet twice Members are welcome to con- Potters Bar Golf Club, Billy It only takes one hole to dent severely an Major a year under the chairmanship vey their individual views to McMillan - Mannings Heath Championship challenge - do you recall Tiger's of Elliott Small and its members members of the Sub-Committee Golf Club, Huw Morgan MG- bunker problems at Royal Birkdale in '98 and will embrace modern technolo- on the above or any other rele- Wildernesse Golf Club, Andrew gorse problems at Carnoustie in '99 which cost gy to work as groups between vant topics. Members of the Pledger - The Hertfordshire Golf him probable victories. Even then he came with- meetings on agreed topics. The Sub-Committee are Elliott Club, John Ross - Laleham Golf in a couple of shots of Mark O'Meara and Paul first topics being considered are Small, Chairman - Tulliallan Club, Peter Wisbey - Woodhall Lawrie. Since then, however, Tiger has developed the Development of the Golf Club, Richard Andrews - Spa Golf Club. the knack of keeping the ball in play and not hav- ing to play outrageous shots to make a score. He can have an off week when the ball doesn't run care and landscaping sphere. As for him and the putts don't disappear, as at Royal Charterhouse with any diverse operation, Lytham last year, but his "average" is better than some people only know us for most rivals' "brilliant" and if he is maps out its one or our ranges or products. within striking range by We are strongly associated with Sunday he doesn't often fail... future in detail the Verti-Drain, which has if he's atop the leaderboard become a generic term for deep at any stage of the week, for- aeration, but in fact we have no get it, he's already home and Philip Threadgold, a founding less than 60 other products in dry. Director of Charterhouse Turf the Professional Turf Machinery So a win at Muirfield Machinery, has announced Division! We aim to project an would complete three legs of plans for the company's future image that better reflects our the perfect" Slam and development and expansion. breadth and depth, which means who would then bet Philip, who for the last five significant, positive changes. Above: Philip Threadgold against him at the years has been working for the That's why we feel as if we're USPGA? company's parent, Redexim looking far ahead to the 22nd have modified our field staff Charterhouse, setting up the Century." operation, so that sales people Sooft North American operation, took He has already implemented are now responsible for all prod- MacCallum over at the helm of Charterhouse plans to move Charterhouse for- ucts within their regions, rather this January. ward, while maintaining than covering the whole coun- Speaking a a press lunch in operational control of Redexim with just one line, as before, The Reform Club, London Charterhouse USA. is means dealers see only one Philip said, "Charterhouse Turf "My job, aided by my dedi- representative instead of three, Machinery should be seen as a cated staff, is to integrate and and maximises efficiency: Our group of four mini-companies maximise our resources, and staff also relish their additional operating within the grounds exceed customer expectations. I responsibilities." Golfs Environmental role gets boost from Minister SW/Wales Course Management Scottish Golf took another step for- ward as the European leader in the Trophies field of environmental management of golf courses at These are being held at Cumberwell recently. Park on August 7, Salisburv & South The event was organised by the Wilts on August 31 ana Tredegar Scottish Golf Environment Group, Park on August 28. Entry is by invi- where the Deputy Minister for tation and if you have not received Environment and Rural one and wouíd like to enter please Development, Allan Wilson contact Paula Humphries on 01288 announced a new strategy for Golf 352194 and the Environment. The Group is funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, the SGU, the R&A and the Scottish Hayter's new MD Greenbelt Foundation. " is endowed with over Derek N. Boulton is the new 530 golf courses - areas of permanent Managing Director at Hayter, taking green space within cities, in green- over from the recently retired Tony belts, along our coastlines, buffering Bourke. The appointment was nature reserves. These golf courses announced by James C. Pelletier, provide a very important function in CEO of Murray Inc. the conservation of Scotland's rich The new MD has had wide experi- natural heritage. In many cases they ence of engineering, particularly in do this by their very presence, pro- tions in Scotland, reinforced this mes- The Environmental Awards are the automotive and diesel engine tecting areas from other forms of sage - that golf courses can be both a national and international industries. He has held various sen- harder development. However, we developed and managed in harmony award through the links between the ior positions with Cummins and are increasingly in need of golf cours- with nature - for the benefit of golfers. Scottish Golf Environment Group Komatsu Cummins Engine Co. and es to find ways to assist in the Duncan Weir of the R&A also gave and Committed to Green. It means has managed operations in the US, conservation of wildlife and habitats. a presentation which recognised the that when awards are made in Africa ana Japan among others. He We need Clubs to consider the needs ongoing support of the R&A. Scotland they are to a standard that served his mechanical engineering of wildlife in their management and Following the launch of the is matched across Europe. apprenticeship with British Leyland where possible to provide new habi- Strategy, Environmental Excellence Many other courses across and holds Diplomas in Management tats. I am pleased to say that many Awards were presented to four cours- Scotland and throughout Europe are Studies and Mechanical Engineering golf courses are taking this forward," es: Mortonhall Golf Club, now working towards this standard. from Teeside Polytechnic and said the Minister. Edinburgh; The Duke's Course, St Cochrane Castle, Peebles and Ratho Bromsgrove College. In addition he He went on to say that on the evi- Andrews, Fife; Pumpherston Golf Park Golf Clubs received received his MBA from INSEAD, dence of previous work, and the Club, West Lothian and Fortrose and Environmental Certificates in recog- Fontainebleau, one of Europe's lead- content of the new strategy, the golf- Rosemarkie Golf Club, Inverness- nition of their progress. ing business schools. ing sector in Scotland was a leader shire Details of the criteria to be met and He is married with four sons and in the field of environmental man- They followed on from Elmwood, further information on the Scottish intends to relocate from the US to agement. Gleneagles, Kilmacolm and Golf Environment Group can be Bishop's Stortford at an early date. During the day the Minister, along Linlithgow who were among the first obtained from Jonathan Smith on "Mr. Boulton's wide business expe- with representatives from the main 12 in Europe to receive the Award in 0131 660 9480 or e-mail: scot- rience should give ample impetus to golfing and environmental organisa- 2001. golf, [email protected] the next phase of Hayter's develop- ment. He is joining a company with a fine pedigree and is looking forward to building on the achievements of Myerscough Foundation Degree in Sportsturf Science the past 55 years" said Kim Macfie, Sales & Marketing Director of Continuing its tradition of innova- September. Underpinned by a sand- "Honours" year students undertak- Hayter. tion in the development and delivery wich placement period, the ing sportsturf research. of education and training in qualification is targeted at those indi- Colin Stanfield, Sportsturf sportsturf, Myerscough College, viduals seeking to develop Programme Leader at Myerscough John Deere near Preston in Lancashire, has suc- operational, technical and manage- said, "We are extremely proud of our cessfully validated a new two year ment careers in sportsturf. provision for Sportsturf here at awarded official foundation degree in Sportsturf Crucially, the course will allow suc- Myerscough, and our students are supplier status Science and cessful candidates to "top up" to provided with wonderful facilities. A Management. Myerscough's full Degree award - new 2 hectare sportsturf trial site is Building on the success of its well (already firmly established as the currently under development here, John Deere has been given official established Higher National only specific sportsturf degree in the which will allow our students to ben- supplier status for the 2002 British Diploma, the Sportsturf Department UIC) - with an additional year of efit from hands on experimental and Open at Muirfield. This means Deere at Myerscough will offer the study and two "new bridging mod- research work in close collaboration is supplying course maintenance Foundation Degree from this ules ' aimed at supporting those with the industry". equipment for three of this year's major international golf tournaments in the UK - in addition to the Open, the Brabazon Course at The De Vere Royal IriVQPdlVOt GO*** StripCartoonistoftheYear www.tonyhusband.co.uk Belfry is being maintained by John Deere machines for both the Benson & Hedges International and the Ryder Cup. John Deere's first Open as preferred machinery supplier was at last year's championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes. As part of a large fleet of course maintenance equipment, three of John Deere's new3235B fair- way mowers fitted with fairway tender conditioners (FTCs) were used without grass boxes, due to the efficiency of the FTC reels in cutting and recutting the fairway grass in one pass. Old Tom watches over Textron delivery

The Grand Old Man of Golf, respon- sible for the modern look and design of the Old Course at St Andrews, watched over the delivery of the a new batch of mowers to the Home of Golf, today In a move designed to support the highest level of on course presentation, the St Andrews Links Trust, which is responsible for the six public links courses at St Andrews, has awarded a fairways equipment contract to Scottish Grass Machinery (SGM). The delivery of the new equipment was overseen by Old Tom Morris, played by actor David Joy, who was custodian of the Links at St Andrews for over 40 years until 1902. The 50 St Andrews Links Trust be used exclusively by the Trust's dressers for greens and fairways. greenkeepers still base their working greenkeepers to maintain and improve Gordon Moir, Links Superintendent practices and methods on the princi- the high quality fairway environment at St Andrews Links Trust, said, ples of Tom Morris. Morris was at St Andrews Links. This is the lat- "Through this agreement the Trust has influential in developing the present est in a series of investments in the secured the use of what we believe to shape and form of the Old and New Home of Golf by St Andrews Links be the best fairway mowers for our Courses, and is remembered for using Trust, which has also recendy installed courses, the Jacobsen LF series, sup- sand to encourage the fine indigenous a £2.5 million irrigation system on the ported in the field by Scottish Grass JULY 1992 grasses that characterise the world Links and has a programme in place Machinery personnel. We believe that famous Links. It is this same turf that to tackle coastal erosion from the the Trust nas secured a deal which will Key findings of the BIGGA/Golf the SGM supported equipment has North Sea. benefit all golfers at St Andrews." Research Group maintenance survey were been brought in to maintain, with the The Trust's order with SGM has David Mclnroy, managing director, published in 'Golf Course Maintenance in machines being used to cut around seen it take delivery of a range of Scottish Grass Machinery, added, "It the UK'. The survey showed the UK 250 acres of fairways twice a week, equipment, including: Jacobsen is a real feather in the Scottish Grass greenkeeping business to be of a with the grass ranging in height from considerable size, worth £187 million LF3400 Fairway Mowers; Jacobsen Machinery cap that our customer- annually and employing over 10,000 people. 9mm to 14 mm. AR250 Semi-Rough Finishing focused approach in providing the Labour was the largest single component of SGM will supply the Trust with Mowers; Ransomes rotary mowers right equipment, finance and mainte- this expenditure, accounting for £92 million Jacobsen mowers and equipment for and trailed gang mowers; Ryan green nance packages has been rewarded annually. Capital spending was the second the next five years on a three-year and fairway aerators; Cushman gen- with a significant new contract at the largest item accounting for £36 million. Two thirds of this spending goes on new replacement cycle. The equipment will eral purpose trucksters and top home of golf." machinery, one third on course projects such as extending tee boxes and re-laying greens. Golf came out of the survey looking very 'green'. On average a golf course New National Turfgrass Conference Promotion for spends £16 per acre per year on chemicals (pesticides and fertilisers) whereas arable Textron's Glynn agriculture spends £75. The survey Cranfield University at Silsoe and Presentations cover a range of sub- suggested this as a very important area the National Turfgrass Foundation, a jects, including recent research from Glynn Patrick, who recently indeed, one where golf could say that it is newly formed charitable trust with Newcastle upon Tyne University into rejoined the Textron group as Sales environmentally friendly - all the more important in the current climate when new the aim of funding research projects enhancing drainage rates by the use Director for Europe, Middle East and golf development is increasingly under and raising awareness of turfgrass of electrokinetic geosynthetics, and Africa, has been appointed Executive attack as being evil incarnate. research, have joined forces to stage details of a UK golf green construc- Director, Sales and Marketing. With the Open Championship upon us, it a major conference. tion specification. The effectiveness As part of this co-ordinated drive is interesting to recall Chris Whittle's Entitled 'In Pursuit of Excellence of plant growth regulators and the to achieve market domination of preparations for the 1992 Championship the conference will be held at the emergence of new diseases are other these sectors, his new post includes when Muirfield was previously host to the great event. Asked about his plans for the Southport Theatre and Floral Hall highly topical subjects. responsibility for Product Open, Chris ventured that it was really Complex, and the Prince of Wales Environmental management of Management and Communications business as usual, but more of it with more Hotel in Southport from November links courses, and turfgrass stress & Promotions. He will also deputise intensive maintenance. 18-21. management will be of particular for Managing "Obviously we are protecting the greens Martyn Jones, originator of the interest to some greenkeepers. Turf Director, Steve and not cutting them quite so low - normally at this time we would cut at 3/16 on an NTF and organiser of the managers who wish to undertake a Chicken when inch, mowing six days a week with three Conference, announced that, "The programme of advanced education or business com- handcuts and three by machine, but at the Conference has been designed to aug- who would like to learn how they mitments result moment we are cutting at 1/4", though ment the education programmes might contribute to turfgrass research in his absence obviously we shall gradually lower to 1/8 of provided by BIGGA an d the IOG by will also benefit enormously. from the an inch when the Championship approaches Ipswich head - it will all be very gradual, ending up with a focusing on the results of recent and "Those who have attended similar twice daily cut using both hand machines current research into a wide range of programmes will be aware of the office. and the Jacobsen Triplex, which we turfgrass topics. Delegates from all tremendous knowledge that can be "I am relishing stipulated should have extra blades in the backgrounds who wish to keep gained, not only directly from the pre- the challenge of verticuts from 3/4 of an inch to 1/2 inch abreast of the latest developments sentations but also from socialising spacing." taking the busi- will receive up-to-date information Drought had been of particular concern. with the speakers and fellow delegates ness forward and "We have a lot of browning-off and moss from internationally renowned during out-of-conference hours. building on the success of our cor- is a recurring problem. It's been difficult to researchers, agronomists and educa- Greenkeepers will also have an oppor- porate branding initiative where we eradicate as we've had no growth to speak tors from all over the world. This is tunity to discuss The Vintage Years' have successfully positioned our of until a few weeks ago - just a typical East the largest programme to date and with Walter Woods, OBE and Jack orange Jacobsen equipment exclu- Lothian cold, dry spring - so we just get on will feature 25 speakers, sharing their with it. During the season we don't fertilise McMillan, MBE. In addition to the sively in the golf sector, while our much, maybe two light feeds of an 8-0-0 on vast knowledge on 36 topics." comprehensive learning programme, green Ransomes brand provides a full greens and tees, and this year we've Among the line up of speakers are entertainment has been organised for range of specialised products for our dressed the fairways with a farmyard type Dr Stephen Baker, Professor Joseph each evening to help delegates and municipal clients," said Glynn slurry dressing, followed perhaps next year Vargas, Jr., Dr Alan Gange, Professor speakers relax in preparation for the with a seaweed formula'. A1 Turgeon, Dr Kate Entwistle, following day," said Martyn. Today Chris Whittle is Head Professor Karl Danneberger, Stanley For further details contact Martyn Email press releases and Greenkeeper at Royal Birkdale Zontek, Professor Bill Adams and Jones on Tel. 01995 670675 or email: new product updates to; Professor Peter Dernoeden. [email protected] scott@bigga .co.uk Available October this year

Tillers Rootzone Turf If you're planning to turf your new greens, talk plan ahead as it takes 6-8 months from to us now. sowing to delivery. Our new Rootzone Turf produces firm, fast, Trouble-free establishment free draining greens. It ensures compatibility Maintained at a height of 8mm, all with the rootzone used in your construction. Tillers Rootzone Turf is regularly top-dressed And avoids the problems of layering and soft, with the same rootzone that it's grown in. waterlogged greens associated with normal turf. This produces a dense, firm sward that can Tillers Rootzone Turf will be available this be brought into play within a short time after October. It's grown on three commonly lifting and relaying. Compared to washed turf, specified rootzones: root damage is kept to a minimum, leading to 1. USGA spec rootzone from Prestige, using healthy, trouble-free establishment. sand from Messingham, plus peat. 2. USGA spec rootzone from Banks, using Main agent Rigby Taylor Tillers Rootzone Turf can be ordered sand from Leighton Buzzard, plus Fensoil. now through our main agent, Rigby Taylor. 3. 1742 Grade rootzone from Rufford, Please call your local representative, or using sand from Messingham, plus soil. Freephone 0800 424919. Or contact us on A full particle analysis for each rootzone 01652 678000. can be supplied on request, or visit our website. Further information is available on our The grass used in our rootzone turf is a website at tillersturf.co.uk Barenbrug 50/50 bent/fescue seed mixture, giving a bent dominated sward at maturity. Custom-grown Rootzone Turf In addition we can grow any mixture Tillers Turf of grasses on any rootzone to match your 1 growers o f f i n e turf individual specification. But you do have to Tel: 01652 678000 www.tillersturf.co.uk St Andrews Bay John Deere Championship tees off Agreement Twenty-six golf clubs will be taking Yamaha Motor (UK) Ltd have on the challenging Brabazon course signed an exclusive three year contract at The Belfry in August, having won to supply the St Andrews Bay Golf their regional qualifier in the inaugu- Resort and Spa, St Andrews Scodand ral 2002 John Deere Team with over 40 Yamaha Golf Cars. Championship golf tournament. St Andrews Bay will take delivery The competition is being well sup- of their fleet of Yamaha Ultima 48- ported by BIGGA regional volt electric golf cars and petrol administrators, and is likely to raise service vehicles in June and July this over £9000 to support the year. Association's educational activities - John Deere will be donating £25 for every British team entered at the World Congress qualifying stage. Each winning team from the The four World Scientific Congress regional qualifiers - consisting of two of Golf will take place at St Andrews members of the club's board or com- The photograph shows a team member teeing off at the 2002 Team Championship regional qualifying golf tournament organised by John Deere Midlands dealer Henton in the week immediately following mittee, plus the club professional and & Chattell at Cotgrave Place Golf Club in Stragglethorpe, Nottingham, in May, which The Open Championship at greenkeeper - goes through to the attracted 23 teams - the biggest entry to date - and started with breakfast at John Muirfiela. Great Britain and Ireland national Deere Limited's headquarters in Langar. Among the topics which will be dis- final at The Belfry on August 19, a cussed are golf course construction, month ahead of the Ryder Cup, to these dealer organised competitions Camelford in Cornwall; Carden Park turf grass breeding, pests, biotech- play for a place in the world final at are due to take place in June and July, in Cheshire; Chipping Norton in nology and golf environment while Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, with over 190 more teams planning Oxfordshire; Felixstowe Ferry in the week will also include golf at Arizona, USA in November. Teams to take part. Suffolk; Glen Lodge, Bawburgh in Kingsbarns, as well as an alternative will be joined at The Belfry by a rep- Winning golf clubs so far include Norwich; Pryors Hayes from Oscroft, Ryder Cup, a three club tournament resentative of their local John Deere Currawest from Loughrea in Co Chester; Ramsdale Park from and a range of other social activities. dealer. By the end of May, 15 region- Galway and Thurles from Co Calvaton, Nottingham; Rodway Hill Further information, including a al qualifying tournaments had been Tipperary in Ireland; Ardglass from from Highnam, Gloucester; booking form can be obtained on the completed, involving 207 British and Co Down in Northern Ireland; and Sherborne in Dorset; Wheatley in World Scientific Congress of Golf 55 Irish teams - with the host club's in England, Boothferry in East Doncaster; and Windmill Village in Trust website: www.golfacts.org team winning in four. Another 11 of Yorkshire; Bowood Park from Coventry.

ülPdLBAG MAIlfi^

Address letters to: Scott MacCallum, Editor, Greenkeeper International, BIGGA Letters HOUSE, Aldwark, Alne, York Y061 1UF, or email them to: [email protected]

That Old Chestnut A need for Ken's Key Skills Corner

When Duncan McGilvray wrote After reading the responses to Ken tem so I can cover areas such as cal- encouraging people to seek help in his original letter late last year, he Richardson's article on grammar ibration later in the course. improving these key areas. hoped for a response and he's had basics, I feel that I must respond in Many students do not know how For Greenkeepers to accuse Ken of some. However he also knows the Ken's defence. I simply fail to under- many millilitres are in a litre or how dumbing down is outrageous, how vast majority of the membership nev- stand why Ken has been attacked. many square metres are in a hectare. are we expected to encourage people er even read it, as witnessed at a Those attackers are obviously Those of you who are now think- to seek help if they perceive that they recent seminar at Carden Park. unaware of the fact that one in four ing that this is because they have are stupid and should have learnt It's that old chestnut apathy again. adults in the UK have some land of learned the imperial system can for- these skills when at school. Look at the job section and throw the literacy problem (Government fig- get it, as most students have no Those with high levels of literacy magazine to one side. Well at least ures). For representatives of the concept of the imperial system at all. who find such articles condescending we have a mag and that's because we industry to state that none of its I have extensive contacts within should simply ignore them and get have an Association, one that was members need this kind of support Further Education Colleges and they on with their own lives and not inter- formed by determined men for the is simply blinkered and ill informed. all report similar problems. fere with those who try to offer some betterment of us all. Look how far I work with many young (and often One of the fastest growing areas of small degree of help to others. we've come in such a short time. BIG- older) Greenkeepers who require provision m F. E. Col] eges is for basic I would like to end by saying, "Well GA was formed at exactly the right extensive support in Literacy and skills and must serve to indicate the done Ken", I hope you continue to time as the laws were starting to get Numeracy Some of these students do scale of the problem in all sectors of offer support to those in our indus- more stringent and some would say not know how to form a sentence or UK industry. The government has try who are academically less able and restrictive, but in reality they are produce a simple letter using stan- invested heavily to raise standards of in doing so raise the standard of edu- being put in place to safe guard us in dard layouts. I.T., Application of number and cation for all. what is becoming a litigious society. I often spend several lessons at the Communication skills. Andrew Wight, Lecturer in Greenkeeping Look at the amount of maintenance start of each academic year teaching Indeed you may have noted the Studies, Oaklands College, St. Albans facilities there are now compared to students the basics of the metric sys- recent television advertisements Herts five years ago - a bit different to sheds I would say. Why? Legislation and the BIGGA informing us of it that's Conroversial bunker issue receives response why and that's just one example. It's also good to see BIGGA and Andy Law's article "Shifting Sands" Secondly, I cannot agree that bunker were very few inland golf courses in GTC together about time! in May's Greenkeeper International sand should "be light in colour". May this country with light coloured sand. Education will always be the key to raises some controversial issues. I suggest that the current desire for Personally, I would like to see a return professionalism but nowadays it's as Firstly, why must bunkers be visible? light sand was sparked by the high pro- to tan coloured sands which are not much to do with legality as it is to do There are bunkers all over the world file television coverage of American only less obtrusive, but conceal con- with practicality and when it comes with blind bunkers: does this mean venues such as Augusta National. tamination better that light sands, and to the law apathy and ignorance are that they are architecturally flawed? (Incidentally, this also increased the at the same time remaining perfectly not an option. And what of pot bunkers on our links pressure on greenkeepers for faster and visible to the golfer. faster greens.) Dave Goodridge, Denbigh GC, courses that are basically holes with Richard Andrews, Highgate Golf Club, Clwyd, Wales sand in the bottom? Up until about 20 years ago, there London It never rains - it pours!

Last year, the Greenkeeping dous downpour. Greens started to be Support Team at the PGA Volvo awash, bunkers started to flood. Chris Championship really earned their Kennedy and his Staff were magnif- free shirt and cap in 2001 by slog- icent. And so were the Support Team, ging it out in 80 degrees plus. This no panic, just hard work at a speed. year they were warm enough but All available Members (those who mainly because they carried out their had finished their matches) and any- duties (as well as a rake and a one else available in our tent was squeegee) wearing waterproofs. It armed with a squeegee and dis- precipitated down! patched to distant parts of the course Saturday wasn't too bad, pretty wet to drain bunkers and to keep the but interspersed with sunny spells, greens playable. I would add at this but Sunday. Let me tell you about point that there wasn't one single Sunday. The first ominous sign was moan, even though wives and girl- when Craig Small, from Chris friends were abandoned and Kennedy's Greenkeeping Team, everyone got on with it and helped. delivered 30 squeegees to our tent. The results stand for themselves, At first it seemed that Chris had despite such rain the Championship been over cautious, early matches finished more or less on time and the were returning with the squeegee viewing public were hardly aware that being reported as "something extra to there had been such problems. A bril- be carried and never to be used". liant achievement all round and I Wishful thinking if ever I heard it! know that the PGA European Tour Sure enough it rained steadily for a Tournament Director, David while and then came the first down- Garland, as well as Course Manager, pour. Not too bad, just a hailstorm Chris Kennedy, would like to use turning nicely to torrential rain. The these columns to pass on their appre- greens however were up to it and only ciation to the BIGGA Greenkeeping minimal work with the squeegees was Support Team. Well Done! needed. Play continued without a ...15 minutes floor to floor 1 problem for about half an hour or so Derek Farrington, South East RA and then came the second tremen-

SHARPER SOLUTIONS...with BERNHARD

In agreement with Ronnie A sharper cutting cylinder produces healthier, Having read Ronnie Bunting's arti- you're only going to spray a curative cle on environmental management in treatment on your attack and this will stronger and more attractive grass... the April issue of Greenkeeper not prevent scarring. International I felt compelled to put You can argue that your scarring will pen to paper. I was particularly inter- not be so widespread, but maybe, if To find out how Express Dual and Anglemaster, ested in Ronnie's comments about you leave the disease alone and let fusarium and that "leaving it alone" the green's natural defences work it the world's fastest mower grinders, dramatically may be an option. I would like to say may become strong enough not to that leaving it alone is indeed a very need chemical support. It is an impor- improve your golf course, cut costs and save time... good option. I have not sprayed fun- tant point to remember, you can only gicide on my greens for five years on prevent scarring if you apply preven- the basis that it is a very expensive, tative treatments and this means call OI788 8ll600 today! harmful to the essential and benefi- spraying well before any sign of dis- cial micro organisims and labour ease. intensive. Don't be frightened of fusarium, Ronnie is spot on in pointing these leave it alone and be assured, greens aspects out. do recover on their own and a sound Once the decision to spray no fun- maintenance programme does ensure gicide had been made my club as quick a return as possible to full committee were informed and since grass coverage. then support has come from the club's agronomy advisor. What I have Andrew Phillips, Head Greenkeeper, observed is that when fusarium Glynhir GC attacks come they have become less damaging with every passing year. I If you've got an email account, and want believe a sensible maintenance pro- to keep up to date with the latest news ramme has had a strong impact, and events from the turfcare industry, f drop us an email, and we'll add you to our owever, I also believe that the turf ever increasing list of online subscribers. on my greens is fighting back and its We'll then inform you of any forth-coming natural immune system is getting features and events via email. BERNHARD AMD COMPANY LTD stronger each year. What I do know Simply send an email to: Rugby England CV22 7DT email; [email protected] is that, yes, my greens are left scarred but no more scarred that had I [email protected] sprayed fungicide upon noticing the www.bernhard.co.uk first disease patch. Because, as most quoting your name and Membership of us know, if you haven't sprayed number, and we'll do the rest - it's that easy! before you see the first few patches BIGGA Education and Training Manager, Ken Richardson, highlights the latest education and training available to BIGGA members

Greenkeeper Education and Continue to Learn 2003 Development BIGGA Fund Plans for Continue to Learn 2003 its success around the Regions, this trates on the benefits of an integrat- GOLDEN KEY and SILVER KEY are progressing well. The programme Workshop introduces delegates to ed foliar feed programme closely MEMBERSHIP will again allow delegates to 'pick and the mysteries of soil science. An ide- followed by Keith Happ, from the mix' various learning options to al first course in soil science or as Unlock the doors to progress through USGA, wno considers what to do BIGGA's Education and Development Fund ensure that all delegates gain the max- revision for those who have not stud- about Pesticide Runoff. - the key to a great future for greenkeepers, imum benefit from their time in ied for some time. Dr Richard Earl and Justin Smith, golf clubs and the game of golf. Harrogate. both from Turftrax Ground Golden and Silver Key Membership is The Continue to Learn Programme Management, start the afternoon ses- available to both companies and individuals. Very good course, easy to follow, includes: sion with a look at Aspects of Soil For details, please contact Neil Thomas on straight to the point. Science and Soil Water Movement 01347 833800 or via [email protected] Monday 20 January and followed by Master Greenkeeper, I gained a lot of knowledge from this Golden Key Supporters Tuesday 21 January course. Steve Cook, describing his technical preparations for holding the Ryder Two day Workshops A good day. Very good value. Cujp at Oakland Hills in 2004. Golf Course Design 2 with Howard The final paper of the Conference Swan and Simon Gidman. Continue is presented by Ken Siems, Course to discover the secrets of golf course National Education Manager at Golf Club. HA/TER design, presented in this hands on' Conference Ken will describe the Research on workshop. Note, delegates should, Attend the Conference on both Grass Species, recently completed at previously, have attended a Golf Monday 20 January and Tuesday 21 Loch Lomond. Course Design 1 Workshop. January or attend either Monday or Watch out for more details in Tuesday, the choice is yours. the next edition of Greenkeeper The theme for the 2003 Conference International. I gained a tremendous amount from is Golf Course Management. this workshop. Regional Training Howard and Simon are very Monday 20 January 2003 The deadline for the Autumn and TEXTRON TURF CARE PRODUCTS enthusiastic and I gained a lot of Monday continues in the theme Spring series of Region and Section knowledge. of Management with Master Training Courses is approaching. Greenkeeper, Kerran Daly, describing If you would like to see a training An excellent sequel to Golf course Design 1. his Management Style at Gog Magog course in your Section then speak to Golf Club, followed by Tony Mears your Section Secretary, Regional Golden Key Company Members An extended version of last year's looking at the Course Manager's Administrator or contact me direct at Company Tel: Head Office Workshop, Golf Course responsibilities for Training and BIGGA House. We are planning a Bernhard and Company Ltd 01788 811600 Environmental Management, with Development. Frank Newberry com- range of courses, already, including Gem Professional 01254 356611 Bob Taylor, Jonathan Smith and pletes this session by looking at the Essential Management Skills, Tractor John Deere Ltd 01949 860491 Fiona Maclntyre. Learn how to sur- link between a Business Plan and a Driving, Health and Safety, Pesticide Hayter Ltd 01279 723444 vey your course, how to produce an Management Plan. Application, Basic Computer Skills Massey Ferguson (AGCO Ltd) 02476 851292 environmental management plan etc. PGA European Tour 01344 842881 and how to manage your course with Tuesday 21 January 2003 Rigby Taylor Ltd 01204 377777 an environmentally sympathetic The theme of Management con- NPTC Assessors Scotts UK Professional 01473 830492 regime by attending this extended tinues in this session but looks more The National Proficiency Test Textron Turf Care 01473 270000 workshop. closely at Managing the Golf Course. Council are looking for volunteers to The Toro Company/Lely UK 01202 319987 John Nicholson, from John fill a number of vacancies for asses- TurfTrax Group Ltd 01722 434000 Nicholson Associates, start the pro- sors. NPTC assessors can be used to Very useful, it made me think. ceedings by describing the Course assess greenkeepers in a range of skills Golden Key Individual Members Manager's role in Tree and Woodland eg. Forestry, Machinery Operation Mike Eastwood; J H Fry; J H Greasley; WJ Rogers; Had to absorb a lot of information in David S Robinson; Stuart Townsend; Douglas Smith; one day Management. Simon Barnaby, from and Pesticide Application. Andrew Cornes; Andy Campbell MG, CGCS; Scotts UK, considers how Course Anyone interested in taking on this Managers will cope when less and less challenging role should send their CV [ Silver Key Supporters One Day Workshop chemicals are available for Fine Turf. to David Golding at the GTC, Soil Science with Dennis Mortram. Following the break, Chris Byrd, Aldwark Manor, Alne, York. Y061 Introduced at Harrogate, following from Milliken Chemicals, concen- 1UF.

The powerful organiser which keeps your golf course green!

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