The Official Magazine of the GCSAIl www.gcsai.org l March 2011 Greenside

An inside view of the aviva stadium

Sportsturf Ireland Conference and Trade Exhibition preview

repairing goalmouths

Also in This Issue l The Irish Abroad l Course Feature - Bandon Golf Club l Preparing the Pitches for the World Cup l Preparing for the 2010 PGA Championships1 l Regional Reportsgreenside l Trademagazine News | December 2010 Greenside

www.gcsai.org 2 Greenside

A ‘Super’ way Contents Sportsturf Ireland Conference and Trade Exhibition 8 of running the The Irish Abroad 12 Repairing Goalmouths 22

Preparing for the 2010 country PGA Championships 26 was chuffed to hear, in Course Feature - January, that the game of Bandon Golf Club 30 golf came to the forefront Iof the national media, not Regional Round-up 36 because of its sporting news but because of its importance Aviva Stadium 42 in Irish politics. Even the ‘Greens’ got a Why Won’t You be Open with Me 46 mention! It just goes to show how golf can play an 2010 World Cup Pitch Preparations 48 important part in peoples lives, right up to that of the Nature on the Golf Course 54 Brian Cowen and his government have seen too many wet days. leader of a country. It also goes to show that you have to Trade News 56 be careful what you say (or not say) when out playing an innocent game of golf. You are probably on your way to the polling booths right now, with your copy of Greenside in one hand and the candidates profiles in the other, to vote on who you think should lead the country. I am sure you are thinking (and hoping) that whoever gets into government, will bring us out of our economic woes. Whatever the make up of the new government, they have a tough task ahead of them. It is just like being a Superintendent really. I see the Superintendent as a Prime Minister - he leads the way. His front bench are his staff – each one with a specific portfolio. Between them they have to manage the country - the golf course and its members. As with many governments at this time, money is not as plentiful as it used to be and therefore the Superintendent has to keep his course in the best shape he can with less money at his disposal. This is not always possible and somewhere along the line, cut-backs will have to be made. Not only is the Superintendent responsible for looking after his ‘country’ but he must think of the Tourist Industry – the visitor and society players. He must also be mindful of employment levels – who must he let go and/or put on short time? If he gets any of this wrong, then he will be struggling to keep his seat and could be replaced by a new leader. So you may think that the new Taoiseach will have a tough time ahead - perhaps he will. Maybe he should work with a Superintendent for a day and see how it is done!! Front cover photo by Alan Mahon

Greenside designed by: S DESIGN Tel: 00 44 28 9096 2804 Email: [email protected]

REMINDER The views expressed in contributed articles are not necessarily the views The deadline for receiving Back issues of Greenside advertising and editorial can now be seen on the expressed by the editor of this publication. GCSAI website: for Greenside is: Editorial content and photographs www.gcsai.org cannot be reproduced without prior April 22nd 2011 permission from the editor.

3 greenside magazine | March 2011 Safety News

THE NEW GREEN PASS TRAINING SCHEME

The Initial Green Pass training scheme was launched in 2009. by a further 20% in most cases. The aim was to produce a comprehensive training programme • Module 1, The Green Pass, which is a FETAC Level 5 training programme, to serve the entire needs regarding safety & health within the will continue to be available to the Industry. This would create a very high standard of training across industry and we intend to continue the industry, where employers would be ensured compliance its promotion. and employees would be much more aware. There have been You are of course welcome to discuss any numerous successful courses run since its inception. changes to this programme, or choose certain sections only which might suit your training needs and budget. For Since then, as we all know, there has been • The entry requirement where you example, it might suit you to do Manual a serious downturn in the economic had to do Module 1, (the 3 Day Handling or Abrasive Wheels only, which conditions of the country. With this in Green Pass programme), is now we would be delighted to quote for. mind, we carried out a review of The Green gone. If you wish to do the GCSAI We feel these changes are responding to Pass scheme in late 2010. Pesticide Handling (Module 2), the dramatic changes within the Industry The results are a changed Green Pass Chainsaw (Module 3), or UItility and economy in general. format, with much less stringent entry Vehicle/Tractor Safety courses, you We would be delighted to discuss these requirements. can choose any of these programmes with you at any stage or quote you if you that suit you. wish. These changes include the following: - • The entry costs have been reduced Many thanks.

Kieran Linehan Matthew Browne

Court Award Tel: 1890 600 666 | email: [email protected] | www.thegreenpass.ie A 17 year old Offaly boy has received €625,000 for an accident which occurred when he was only 6 years old. He slipped under a ride on lawn FOR SALE mower which was being operated by an employee of Tullamore UDC. This Poa Greens Sod resulted in a below knee amputation of his leg. For more details contact: The council was mowing lawns at the Mark Harris of location of the accident in Tullamore Harris Turf Improvements when these dreadful injuries occurred. Mobile: 087 2540166 It was claimed that the operator had not been trained to operate the machine and that an adequate Email: [email protected] look out for children/the public had not happened. It was also claimed that the driver should have stopped cutting immediately when children were seen or they approached the cutting area. As is pointed out on all training programs delivered by Health & Safety Services as part of THE GREEN PASS, operators must ensure that they take adequate precautions when working in areas adjacent to the public, which may even include ceasing to operate when in such close proximity that contact with the public or others may occur. This once again highlights the necessity for adequate and appropriate training for all golf clubs and workers in the industry.

www.gcsai.org 4 Education Report

very warm welcome to Knightsbrook Ahotel and country club for the GCSAI annual conference also incorporating a trade show hall and stand exhibition. This is the first of its kind in Ireland and we hope to grow the event in forthcoming years. A very special thank you must go out to the exhibiting trade members who are very supportive of this new approach and in what Bobby we (GCSAI) feel will be Left: Paul Fitzgerald, Robert McDermott, Frank Newberry, David Callanan, McDermott the premier Golf Industry Eddie Connaughton at the Motivation Day seminar at Castle Golf Club Show moving forward. Foxrock During November we held a motivational day for aspiring Assistant Superintendents in the Castle Golf Golf Club Club, which was very well attended. I would like to thank Paul Fitzgerald (Castle Golf Club) and Dave Callanan (Beech Park Golf Club) who, on the day, gave two very informative talks on the role they play in their respective golf clubs and a synopsis of their careers to date. It was highly entertaining and with Frank Newberry (career motivator) there to give advice and direction to all, it made it a very successful day. Unfortunately we had to cancel a second such event which was due to be held in Glasson Golf Club, but we will endeavour to organise one in the future for those interested.

Please feel free to contact me on: 0862627839 or email: [email protected]

5 greenside magazine | March 2011 News

McHale Park Approved European Golf Industry Unites for Floodlit Games to Resolve Thorny VAT Issues

epresentatives from over nine administration of VAT is carried out in national golf course owners an unfair way,” says Klootwijk. “This is associations and the English Golf substantiated by the argument that golfing Union met recently in London for in-depth facilities (both commercial and non- discussions on European VAT regulations commercial) operate in a similar way and, and their implications for the golf industry. in essence provide the same services to the The meeting, hosted by the European Golf general public. In Denmark, for example, Course Owners Association (EGCOA), member-owned courses are VAT exempt, took place on 2. December 2010 during the but commercial courses are required to European Golf Business Conference, held pay 25% on their memberships and green McHale Park has finally received permission at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London’s fees. The working group has set in place from An Bord Pleanala to host floodlit matches. Victoria. an action plan to challenge the current Mayo had planned to host age-old rivals Lodewijk Klootwijk, Director of the situation on both a national and EU level.” Galway in a match last year, but those plans EGCOA said: “The goal of this working “As I have said in the past, legislation were dashed when McHale Road residents group is to exchange information, and from the European Union forbids objected to the ground’s broadcasting tower and where possible to take action to achieve an governments to give parts of an industry floodlights. improved VAT regime for golf in Europe.” an advantage over others in the same Mayo secretary Sean Feeney said: “We’re During the meeting Alexander Hagen of industry, but from our perspective, this happy enough with the decision of An tax advisory company, Leisure & Tax (www. appears not to apply in the golf business.” Bord Pleanala. We went quite a distance to leisuretax.com) presented a dossier on VAT During the meeting, it was agreed that accommodate the residents, but they still went issues encountered in various countries group members would be provided with ahead and appealed to An Bord Pleanala and across Europe. Representatives from each a letter outlining details of the case of most of what they appealed was rejected. The country also gave a summary of their distortion of competition, which they first thing we’ll do is get the lights adjusted to situation, and any legal action planned or would then forward to their national tax comply with that so that we’ll be able to use the already in progress. authorities. Other joint actions agreed, lights. After that, we’ll proceed with the tower “According to the general consensus included the benchmarking of property and make the modifications there. There are amongst the group, we find ourselves in tax in various countries, and investigations other modifications that we have held back on, a situation where the commercial golfing into tax deductibility on golf courses. like putting in extra turnstiles. It’s not going to sector in most countries feels that the cause any major hassle from our point of view.”

Down Memory Lane his photo was sent in by Eddie Donlon which dates back to Tthe early 1970’s. We can name a lot of people in the photo but we cannot identify nine of the people. Do you know who they are and what was the occassion? We suspect that the photo may have been taken after a meeting held at Elm Park Golf Club but we are open to correction. If any of you can fill in the missing names Greenside would like to hear from you. The names in the photo that can be confirmed are: Front row: Owen O’Connor, Jim Byrne, Unknown, Unknown, Matt Carroll, Unknown, Phil Cullen, Mick Swan, Paddy Cowl, Unknown, Finian Garry Second row: Chris Nolan, Unknown, Shamie Kelly, Third row: Unknown, Unkown, Unknown, Tom Clarke Back row: Unknown

www.gcsai.org 6 Greenside

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7 greenside magazine | March 2011 Sportsturf Ireland Conference and Trade Exhibition

Speaker Profiles

Sportsturf Prof James B Beard, PhD, DA, VMM Professor Emeritus, Texas A&M University

Ireland The leading world authority on Turfgrass maintenance. Author of 356 scientific papers and 564 popular technical articles. Authored Conference in collaboration with his wife, Harriet, seven books and a laboratory manual. Provided the vision and leadership in the formation of the Noer Turfgrass Collection at MichiganState and Trade University, the International Turfgrass Research Conference/ Society, and the USGA Research Fund. Presented numerous invitational papers at international conferences and Exhibition symposia, and served as a technical advisor to turfgrass organizations in the U.S., Argentina, Canada, Europe, Far East, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, South Africa, Ireland and Dates: 2nd & 3rd March 2011 United Kingdom. Elected President of the Crop Science Society of Venue: Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim, Co. Meath America and the International Turfgrass Society. A sample of the many honours and awards: Veitch Memorial Medal, Royal Horticultural Society - London, Donald Rossi Award, Golf Course Builders Association Founders Award, Sports Turf Managers Association, Presidential Award, Turfgrass Council of North Carolina, 1994, Distinguished Service Award, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Crop Science Research Award, Crop Science Society of America, Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Green Section Award, United States Golf Association, Turfgrass Science Award of Crop Science Society of America, Turf Master Award, Grounds Maintenance.

Greg Evans

Greg Evans achieved a very high standard in amateur golf winning several county and national events. During this time, he began a career in greenkeeping and got his first Course Introduction Manager’s job at Northwick Park in 2003. He ‘grew in’ this course from a rubbish tip to the The GCSAI are delighted to introduce Sportsturf Ireland highest course standards. It featured brand new Conference. This event brings together the established GCSAI U.S. specification ‘creeping bent’ greens. It was conference, expanded to include a trade exhibition. It will be a at this time that he started to experiment with a different outlook on show case for all involved in the Sportsturf industry. course maintenance with an emphasis on aggressive verti-cutting, The event will consist of: heavy sand dressings and very low heights of cut. • Educational seminars - delivered by expert speakers, The regime has now been taken to Ealing Golf Club, West London, • Discussion session - to debate the most critical challenges to where Greg currently works. It is a 110 year old clay based course the golf industry, with poa dominated greens. Here he has continued with his ‘greens • Trade exhibition - featuring all the top brands in the industry, methodology’ with outstanding success. • Workshops - Small sessions to facilitate open discussions, His latest project is to start a consultancy business called Greg Evans • HR Consultation - Opportunity to have a 1:1 consultation - Complete Golf Solutions. He gives advice to golf clubs who want to • Social Events - Complimentary Drinks Reception, Conference achieve championship standard greens in a sustainable manner. Dinner

www.gcsai.org 8 Sportsturf Ireland Conference and Trade Exhibition

Richard Hayden Environmental Forum Mr. Trevor Myles Pesticide Control Service Department of Starting out in the sportsturf industry as Agriculture a tractor driver in Mount Juliet, Kilkenny Mrs Kelli Jerome, Director of Marketing and Programme 14 years ago, Richard pursued certificates, Development, GEO degrees and masters in various forms of science and engineering before starting Superintendent’s Forum to work in STRI 5 years ago. Since his Discussion group on the current pressing issues facing appointment, the STRI has grown its Irish Superintendent’s and international client base considerably, supported now by three staff in Ireland. In 2010 Richard was appointed Director of Operations of STRI Limited and a member Consultations of the executive management committee, the first employee ever In order to ensure that you have an opportunity to discuss HR to do so in the companies 80 year history. Richard is well known topics, gaining invaluable advice, the GCSAI are providing free for his “hands on” approach to problem solving and has delivered access to an expert. Attendees will have the opportunity to some of the most challenging and controversial projects nationally reserve a 20 minute session with Fiona Brown Johnson. Fiona will and worldwide in recent times. With a truly global theme Haydens have a consulting room to facilitate confidential sessions. There clients range from Moscow to Mallow, from FIFA to the the GAA. will be limited sessions over the two days therefore booking early Current projects include the National Stadium Baghdad, Olympic is absolutely essential. Stadium Kiev, Donbass Arena Ukraine, Euro 2012, Brazil 2014 and many more closer to home. Sponsors The GCSAI would like to thank their partners in the event – Bayer Headline Discussion and Ransomes Jacobsen, whose generous support enables them Session to run this show case event.

Topic: `Challenges to the Industry` Bayer Environmental Science is a business unit of Bayer Crop Science and is dedicated An open session for all to voice their opinions on the most to the development of formulations destined current issues facing the golf industry. The panel will begin for professionals in the Industrial and Amenity the conversation, however it will be an open forum for all in sectors. Its distinct innovative spirit, combined attendance to contribute their views on the most controversial with decades of experience, has positioned Bayer Environmental challenges to the industry. Science as a world leader in its field, with its well-known brands Chipco Green, Longbow, Finale, Merit Turf, Pistol, Dedicate, Panel Spearhead, Festival and Scorpio. Secretary / Manager - John McCormack, Castle Golf Club For more information visit www.escience.bayercropscience.co.uk Course Owner - Tom Reid, Glasson Golf Club Superintendent - Michael Loughran, GCSAI Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd manufactures Maintenance Contractor - Carr Golf Services and markets a range of utility vehicles GUI Representative - Frank Bowen and turf maintenance equipment for golf courses, contractors, landscapers, municipalities and local authorities and professional lawn care markets that include Workshops the following: Jacobsen golf course maintenance equipment; We are delighted to introduce our workshop sessions. To move EZGO utility vehicles and golf cars; Ransomes municipal turf away from very large lectures we have added smaller forums, maintenance equipment; Cushman, Ryan and Smithco turf which will be much more suited to open discussion. Sessions will maintenance equipment and Iseki compact tractors and mowers. run alongside each other therefore you will get to choose which For more information visit www.ransomesjacobsen.co.uk topic you would like to attend.

Links Forum Michael Murphy, Waterville Golf Links George Browne, Retired Golf Course & Estate Manager Turnberry Hotel Golf Courses 9 greenside magazine | March 2011 Provisional Programme Wednesday, 2nd March 2011

Seminars

8.30 - 9.30am Registration 9.30am Introduction and Welcome President, GCSAI 9.35am Official Opening, President, Golfing Union of Ireland

9.40am Prof. James Beard, ‘Turfgrass Maintenance the Past, Present and Future Part I’ 10.20am Questions & Answers 10.40am Greg Evans, ‘The Short Cut to Better Greens’ 11.05am Q&A 11.15am Tea & Coffee Break 11.35am Forum Discussion: ‘Challenges to the Industry’ Panel Secretary / Manager - John McCormack, Castle Golf Club, Course Owner - Tom Reid, Glasson Golf Club, Superintendent - Michael Loughran, GCSAI, Maintenance Contractor - Carr Golf Services, GUI Representative - Frank Bowen 12.15pm Questions & Answers 12.30pm End of Morning Session Trade Stands Open 1.15pm Lunch served on the trade floor

Workshops

2.30pm-3.10pm Room 1: Links Forum Michael Murphy, Waterville Golf Links, George Browne, Retired Golf Course & Estate Manager Turnberry Hotel Golf Courses

2.30pm - 3.10pm Room 2: Mr. Trevor Myles, Pesticide Control Service Department of Agriculture

3.20pm - 4.00pm Room 1: Superintendent’s Forum Discussion group on the current pressing issues facing Superintendent’s

3.20pm - 4.00pm Room 2: Mrs Kelli Jerome, Director of Marketing and Programme Development, GEO 5.00pm Complimentary Drinks Reception on Trade Floor

8.00pm Conference Dinner

Thursday 3rd March 2011

10.00am Brief Introduction 10.05am Richard Hayden, STRI 10.45am Questions and Answers 10.55am Prof. James Beard 11.40am Questions and Answers 11.50am Closing Address 12.00pm End of Conference Trade Exhibition Continues Throughout the Afternoon 1.15pm Lunch 4.30pm Close

www.gcsai.org 10 the exhibitors (in alphabetical order)

Amenity Turf Supplies (ATS) Emerald Lawns REEL-TECH Suppliers of products to the Turf Industry. ATS have Turfgrass sod grower, providing a Nationwide “next day” They will be showcasing a large range of their sole distribution for the Spring Valley range of Granular service. Their range of sportsturf, grown on their new farm “GOLFHIRE” fleet including the new Gwaze Air Probe Fertilisers and they have sole rights for Growth Products (“sand” classified growing medium), will be shown incl., and Ondina Bunker sand cleaner. Reel-tech, the Toro range of liquid feeds & Supplements. BAR GT, Barenbrug’s new “glyphosate” tolerant dwarf Main Dealers for Meath, Louth & Dublin will also be Contact: 045 482 747 ryegrass + fescue mix. displaying some of the latest innovations from Toro. Mobiles: Tom Burke 087 6756752 Address: 45 Point Road, Magilligan, Limavady, Address: Dunboyne/Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath Shay Phelan 087 2765259 Co. Derry, BT47 3JW Tel: 01 8240709 E-mail: [email protected] Contact: Colin Sherrard/Dawn Gallick Mobile: 087 6388955 / 086 1741217 [email protected] Tel: ROI 048 77750297 NI 028 77750297 Email: [email protected] Address: Amenity Turf Supplies, Block 2, Unit D, Email: [email protected] [email protected] The Link Business Park, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare Web: www.emeraldlawns.ie Web: www.reeltech.ie www.golfhire.ie Aquaturf Solutions Goldcrop Ltd Sports turf irrigation contractors, the company Goldcrop bring the signature range of organic fertilisers Scotts specialises in the design and installation of irrigation and Signature range of grass seed. They also have BEST Suppliers of fertilizer, plant protection products and solutions to the sports turf industry. fertilizer. seed. It is renowned for its controlled-release fertilizers, Address: Tankardstown, Clonalvy, Co. Meath. Address: Goldcrop Ltd, Springhill, Carrigtwohill, Sierrablen + SierrablenPlus, with one application Contact: Stephen Daly Co Cork provides nutrition for up to nine months. Mobile: 086 0838747 Tel: 021 488 2800 Contact: Colman Warde, Country Manager – Ireland Tel: +353-1-8355714 Fax: 021 488 3427 Address: Scotts Professional, Paper Mill Lane, Fax: +353-1-8355712 Email: [email protected] Bramford, Ipswich. Suffolk, IP8 4BZ, UK Email: [email protected] Web: www.goldcrop.ie (coming soon) Tel: 087 779 9527 Web: www.aquaturf.ie Contacts: Keith Boland, Denis Collins Fax: 00 44 1473 830386 Email: [email protected] Barenbrug UK Harris Turf Improvements Web: www.scottsprofessional.com Specialises in grass seed breeding, production and This is a company offering specialised maintenance marketing to the agricultural and amenity markets. They services to the golf and sports ground industries. Spraychem Golf are synonymous with the introduction of grass seed offering verti draining, hollow coring, overseeding, Suppliers of grass seed, fertilisers chemicals, golf course solutions and is involved in the research and breeding spraying, scarifying, sand spreading, shockwave, leaf and driving range equipment. of forage and amenity grasses. collecting, growing poa greens sod. Address: 14B Stadium Business Park, Ballycoolin, Dublin 11 ROI Regional Sales Manager: Neil Pettican Email: [email protected] Contact: Yvonne Ritchie Sales Manager 087 2365858 Mobile: +44 (0) 7909 786916 Web: www.harristurf.ie Conor Egan 086 2643001 Email: [email protected] Address: Lyons Road, Newcastle, Co Dublin Aisling Kilcullen 087 7858050 Contact: Mark Harris Tel: 01 8293990 Bayer Environmental Science Fax: 01 8829111 A business unit of Bayer Crop Science, dedicated to the John Deere Email: [email protected] development of formulations destined for professionals Focusing on its new E-Cut hybrid mower technology Web: www.spraychemgolf.ie in the Industrial and Amenity sectors. and QuickAdjust (QA) cutting cylinders, as featured on a Contact: Kenny Liddell new 220E walk-behind greensmower. Syngenta (UK & Ireland) Email: [email protected] Address: John Deere Ltd., HarbyRoad, Langar, Produces turf management products, including a full Mobile: +447939 353923 Nottingham, NG13 9HT, UK range of fungicides, growth regulator, Primo Maxx Office: 00800 1214 9451 Tel: +44 (0)1949 860491 and herbicides. All supported by the web-based turf Email: [email protected] management support system - www.greencast.ie - and Breslin Brothers Ltd. T/A Fairway Sands Web: JohnDeere.com the environmental initiative, Operation Pollinator. Relatively new to the golf industry their origins as a Dealers: Dublin Grass Machinery, Johnston Gilpin & Syngenta Turf Products are distributed in Ireland by The family business go back to 1950. Still maintaining their Co, Mid West Mowers, Seamus Weldon Scotts Company. roots in machinery, horticultural and bunker sand began Contact: Dr Simon Watson, Technical Manager Turf & to feature on their portfolio some 10 years ago. Their Kevin Broderick Ltd Landscape bunker sand is proving a welcome success story. Distributors in Ireland for Ransomes Jacobsen, JCB Simon Elsworth,Turf & Landscape Business Address: Brannockstown, Naas, Co. Kildare. utv, Turfco, Smithco, Redexim Charterhouse, E-Z- Manager Email: [email protected] Go, Bernhard, Iseki, Kawasaki, Vandaele and Logic Address: CPC4, Capital Park, Fulbourn, Cambridge, Web: www.breslinbrothers.com Equipment. UK. CB21 5XE Address: Kevin D. Broderick, Kevin Broderick Ltd, Unit J, Tel: +44 (0)1223 883400 Cropcare Aerodrome Business Park, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin Fax: +44 (0)1223 281166 Suppliers to the sportsturf industry, they provide for golf Tel: 01 2572255 Web: www.greencast.ie courses, pitches and landscapers a range of specialist Fax: 01 2572250 fertilisers, gress seed, chemicals, protective workwear, Mobile: 086 2797786 Toro/Lely Irl. Ltd. line-marking paint and equipment, coupled with a Email: [email protected] Distributors for Toro commercial turfcare machinery, consultative backup. Web: www.brodericks.ie Address: Kilboggin, Nurney, Co. Kildare Address: Willowgrove, Delgany, Co Wicklow. Tel 045 526170 Tel: 01 2874485 Martyn’s Grass Lawns Fax: 045 526649 Fax: 01 2871249 Formed in 1987 by Brian Martyn, they offer an extensive Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] range of Lawn Turf products and also provide advice on Web: www.lely.com Web: www.cropcare.ie how to prepare and maintain your turf. Contact: Rose O’Donovan 01 2874485 Address: Gort Na Leam, Dunmore, Co. Galway TurfCare Group Email: [email protected] Tel: (093) 38012/38037 They will be showing new for 2011 ProSeed 365 which Brendan Scott 086 2547678 [email protected] Fax: (093) 38062 contains “Winter Active” technology and will give Colm Ryan 085 2547678 [email protected] Web: www.martynlawns.com growth and recovery during the Irish winter months. John Killoran 086 2225543 [email protected] Also products from The Andersons, Grigg Brothers, Áine Daly 087 2547678 [email protected] MSK Gro-Power They provide effective and innovative solutions to Tel: 045 409 330 DAR Golf the specific needs for golf course sand. MSK provide Web: www.turfcaregroup.com Contractors for Golf Course and Sports Fields products from bunker sand to top dressing sand and developments. Showcasing their new Bunker product divot mixes as well as other speciality sands. TurfCare Irrigation SportBond at this years show. Contact: Michael Kelly 087 2887016 Servicing of irrigation needs from the smallest repair to Address: Tuckmill, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow John Kelly 087 2821894 installing a new system. Installation of Toro or Rainbird. Mobile: +353 (0) 87-2573550 Tel: 0539137126 They can replace or repair pumps, controllers, valves, Tel: +353 (0) 59-6481509 Fax: 0539137126 sprinklers or complete systems. Fax: +353 (0) 59-6481723 Email: [email protected] Tel: 045 409 330 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Web: www.msksandwexford.com Web: www.turfcaregroup.com

D’Arcy Sands National Agrochemical Distributors Ltd Providers of construction and maintenance materials An extensive range of products carried ex stock incl. across the full range of sports and leisure markets. pesticides, growth regulators, fertilisers grass seed, GCSAI Working with Superintendents, Ground Staff and personal safety equipment. They offer contract spraying The GCSAI will also occupy a stand. You can Agronomists. services, soil and water analysis, supply waste water Address: Coolruss, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow recycling systems. visit us where one of our representatives will Tel: 0402 38261 Address: Blakes Cross, Lusk, Co. Dublin be glad to talk to you about the benefits of Fax: 0402 38489 Contact: Liam McMahon Email: [email protected] Tel: 01 8437808/8437484 being a GCSAI member. Fax: 01 8437909 Email: [email protected]

11 greenside magazine | March 2011 Life in Sunny France Most couples have dreams and our dream, ever since we spent a holiday in the Charente Maritime region near Royan in 2003, has been to move to France with our three children.

By Conor O’Gorman

e fell in love with the country, all the logistics of moving, following the landscape, the pace of life, our disheartening trip to Nice. It the outdoor living. The climate, made us realize that this move was WI suppose being the most important factor. going to be a real challenge and After every holiday in France we would we would have lots of hurdles to come home and spend our evening’s climb but this only made us more searching property websites to see what determined to move to France. I house we could potentially buy and sit there got my CV translated into French, dreaming about how one day we might just researched all of the golf clubs in do it! the Cote D’Azur and sent my CV But with two of us having steady well off to each and every one of them. paid jobs we carried on with our daily But within 3 months each of them lives putting the “dream” to the back of responded negatively. We contacted our minds. However to our astonishment several French estate agents, but of Áine (my wife!) then lost her job in Xerox course they weren’t interested when in June 2008 where she had worked as a they realized that we weren’t even Business Analyst for 10 years! While she living in the country, not to mention having was searching for another job she travelled possible job opportunities in the Nice area. It no permanent jobs there. back and forth quite a bit to Nice and was proving more difficult than we thought Áine started working again in December Antibes, where two family members had because it wasn’t just a case of picking a 2008 on the French team in HP Financial recently bought properties. Áine was able house we liked or a school we felt would be Services. So during early 2009 we didn’t to help them out with some translation and good for the children as in order to rent a spend as much time researching our plans interpretation work as she has been a fluent house we needed to have a permanent job to move. But there was another huge French speaker ever since au-pairing in Paris and in order to enrol the children in school change around the corner that was really in her late teens. Of course these trips really we needed an address in the locality - it was going to impact on our lives. In February started to put our “dream” to the forefront a vicious circle! We also learnt that the cost 2009 I was handed my “at risk” notice from again. The more time spent in Nice the less of renting a house in the Cote d’Azur was South County Golf Club where I had been we would want to get on the plane to come extortionate. We remember coming home working as the Course Superintendant since home again!! So we booked a “working” from that trip feeling a little disillusioned; but September 2000! This really shook me, but break in October 2008 to Nice and started we weren’t ready to give up! quite honestly I wasn’t surprised, given the our search for schools, a house to rent and We began to invest more time in looking at state of the economic climate that was hitting www.gcsai.org 12 Ireland then, and I was also beginning to see “I got my CV translated into French, researched all of the a lot of cutbacks in the industry, so I knew golf clubs in the Cote D’Azur and sent my CV off to each that it would only be a matter of time. I dreaded telling Áine that evening, because I and every one of them. But within 3 months each of knew the panic that would set in, as she had them responded negatively. We contacted several French just started her new job and it was only an 11 month contract - job wise it was a bleak estate agents, but of course they weren’t interested ...” situation for us. She arrived in at about 7pm that evening and when I told her the news, she looked at me, almost relieved, and said “well if this isn’t a sign that we’re going to move, then what is?!! It was like fate. In all honesty, at the time, we felt that the move was our only option, now that both our permanent jobs were gone there was nothing to stop us moving and following our dream. Well apart from the hurdles that we would have to cross to get there, but nothing is impossible. Our children were 6, 8 and 15 at the time. Thankfully they were all excited about the possibility of moving to France. To them it was like one big adventure. We were so lucky that Kelly, our eldest, was as eager as the younger ones because usually teenagers will refuse point blank to move anywhere far from their friends (and boyfriend!). We began to play French CD’s in the car so that the French language would start becoming familiar to them. Kelly’s French was already Having a reliable irrigation system is vital on a golf course located in a warm region Our Bunker Sand - simply the best. Our Fairway Sand - as good as the rest.

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13 greenside magazine | March 2011 and where our “dream” of moving to France began. We have always loved the Charente Maritime area on the south west coast of France, and sure enough, after viewing just a few properties on the internet, that same evening, it proved that rental prices of houses in this area were half the price of Nice! So we pretty much changed our plans that evening to give up our search in the Cote D’Azur and start putting all our efforts into the Charente Maritime area. It was a big decision but once we decided this, our instincts immediately told us that we were finally on the right track! Coincidentally before knowing anything about my imminent redundancy we had a two week holiday booked since January 2009 to go to La Palmyre in Charente Maritime in early August 2009. So while we were in the

3rd fairway before “It was a time of mixed emotions - excitement for our new venture ahead, the worry of whether it would all work out and the heartache of having to say goodbye to our family and friends. “

area we hoped to find either temporary or permanent accommodation for the big move which would happen 6 weeks later. My brother was also heading to the Charente Maritime area in early July 2009 for a family holiday and asked me for a few of my CV’s to hand into the local golf courses there. There were only two golf courses in this particular area so I wasn’t holding out much 3rd fairway after hope knowing that I had already sent about 25 to the golf courses in the Cote D’Azur without one positive response. I will always fairly good because she has been back and we were actually going to do this!! So the be grateful to my brother for this because to forth quite a bit to France in recent years and date was set…….28th September 2009! We my astonishment I got a phone call from the always had a passion for the language. booked the ferry from Rosslare to Cherbourg owner of the La Palmyre Golf Club within I was very fortunate that John Breslin took so I could travel over with the “heavily” days of receiving my CV to say that he would me on as a sand rep for his company shortly loaded car and Áine would fly out on 30th like to meet me. So to my delight I would after my redundancy from South County. September with the children. have a job interview on the first few days of I started working for John in May 2009 For the next few months our work and our holiday in August. and I helped him build new relationships accommodation searches were proving more The interview went very well, the course with some golf clubs that hadn’t yet had the and more difficult! At this point we realised was so impressive and its setting by the coast privilege of using his sand products one of two things (a) we would more than likely was breathtaking. But I was informed that which being his bunker sand. have to leave Ireland without finding jobs I would have to wait a few weeks following So the next step in our plan was to set a in France and (b) the rental market in Nice the interview for the response. The position date for our departure. Even though we didn’t was proving too pricey for us. It dawned was for Assistant Green keeper. The rest have jobs, accommodation, or schools sorted on us late one evening that maybe the Cote of our “holiday” was taken up searching in France, we had to work out how much D’Azur was not going to be the place for us! for accommodation for our move but time we had to get everything done and So we started to think about the Charente unfortunately after our two week holiday also to prepare ourselves mentally for when Maritime where we had spent our holidays ended we had to go back home with yet no www.gcsai.org 14 house located. The following 6 weeks at home were stressful to say the least. We were both working fulltime up to a day or two before our departure on 28th September. We had endless boxes to pack and a million and one things to sort out and there were times Trees form am integral part of the golf course One of the many large tee boxes on La Palmyre Golf Course during this when we asked ourselves “are we mad?, “are we enquired in the local mairie (mayor’s office) their lack of the French language but we doing the right thing?”, “is it fair to put the how to go about this and after providing promised them it would get better and they children through this and take them away birth and marriage certificates, passports and would begin to pick up the language after from their family, their friends, their home, our temporary address, an appointment was three months. We needn’t have worried their language? Three weeks before our made for us to meet the principal of the local because they ran out of school that first day departure we still had no house and no jobs! primary school for Adam and Chloe. We met with beaming smiles much to our relief So between loading boxes, working fulltime, her the following day and explained that we because we had spent the day fretting over getting the children to and from school, were only renting in this area for 6 weeks them! When we asked them how they got on doing the homework, saying our goodbyes and didn’t know if we would be able to find they explained to us that they hadn’t a clue we were still scanning the internet each night another address in the same town following what anybody was saying all day but had in the hope of finding a house where we that but nonetheless they were allowed to an absolute ball playing in the school yard could install ourselves for at least 6 weeks start in the school the following day. We will during break time. on our arrival. This would hopefully give us always remember the morning of their first Finding a secondary school (a “lycee”) for enough time to sort out a more permanent day at school because it felt like home and a school for the children when we we were sending the lambs into got there. To our huge relief just two weeks the wolves. We were petrified before our departure date we secured a house for them. They only had a few for 6 weeks in La Palmyre and I got the words of French and we knew phone call from Mr Dormeuil in La Palmyre they wouldn’t have a clue what Golf Club to say that I had the job!! Finally was going on in the classroom things were starting to fall into place. 28th or the playground. We had, or at September came around so fast; cases and least tried, to mentally prepare boxes were packed; car loaded to the hilt; them for this over the previous yes we are really doing this! It was a time of few months by explaining to mixed emotions - excitement for our new them that their new lives would venture ahead, the worry of whether it would be difficult initially because of all work out and the heartache of having to say goodbye to our family and friends. But it was time to say Au-revoir Irlande, Bonjour La France! After an emotional departure from Ireland we arrived at the house we had booked for 6 weeks in the town of La Palmyre. It was a perfect start to our new lives in France. We took 10 days to install ourselves before embarking on yet again the exhausting search of finding a permanent house and schools for the children. The weather was lovely - in the low 20’s, so we walked to the beach each day, began to unwind after our hectic few months in Ireland and began to enjoy our new life in France. After a relaxing few days on the beach it was back to business and time for the children to get into the schooling system. We

15 greenside magazine | March 2011 Greenside

find on the coast, it’s like “a parkland course by the sea”. With its location right on the coastline bordered with cycling and walking tracks the views are spectacular. Also with that comes the power of the elements, which we experienced in February 2010, when a severe storm hit the area with 170kph winds forcing the sea onto the course, resulting in bunker wash outs, and bad salt burn to the fairways and rough along with several fallen trees. It was all “hands on deck” with the course staff of four, club professionals and the owner there to lend a hand in the clean up, to get the course back in play. Wildlife is plentiful with an La Palmyre Golf Course is located very close to the sea abundance of red squirrel, lizards and wild boar to Kelly was a very difficult process. It took us a name but a few. With the local zoo located further 2 weeks before we could get her into quite close to us it is not unusual to hear one, after several meetings with the principal the roars of lions and elephants while out and various educational counsellors, not to changing holes! mention the poor girl having to sit through “It was all “hands on deck” My progress learning the French language 4 hours of intensive entry exams all in has been slower than I hoped as most of the French. She was placed into the Baccalaureate with the course staff of time I am working alone and don’t get much Literature program which is the equivalent four, club professionals exposure to the language, so listening to the to the Leaving Certificate and based over two radio as much as possible while working years. and the owner there to helps, as well as four hours intensive French I started working on the La Palmyre Golf lend a hand in the clean classes every week. I am far from being fluent Course on a three day week on 20th October but I am working on it! My biggest faux-pas 2009 and was made full-time as Assistant up, to get the course back to date with the French language was when Greenkeeper in April 2010. On arrival in in play.” I went to pick up the children from school France I had a very basic level of French and on one particular day when Áine was sick. working on the course was a challenge in When one of the teachers asked where she itself as the other members of the team spoke Luckily we have a good supply of recycled was: instead of saying that she was at home no English, so this made it imperative that I water from the local towns of La Palmyre and sick I mistakenly said that she had a disease. progress with the language. Les Mathes which is in abundance during the I wondered why she gave me a strange look Situated on the South West coast of France summer season, when most required, but at until I told Áine when I got home. one hour south of La Rochelle, La Palmyre a price. The cost of water is 30 cent per cubic It’s been now 17 months since we moved Golf Club is a 9 hole course built on 28 metre and with an average use of 500-600 to France. We have settled in really well to hectares. Construction started in May 2008 cubic metres per day the average water bill the French way of life, and have made some with the course opening in May 2009. The for irrigation is €35k annually. Consumption lovely new friends (English, Irish and French) development was undertaken by developer- was almost double this during the grow in along the way. It hasn’t been easy with lots of entrepreneur, Mr Emmanuel Dormeuil. The with the winds and heat making germination hurdles and challenges to overcome. However site is densely populated with evergreen oaks very difficult. Some of the disadvantages our children are now fluent French speakers and pine trees through which the holes have faced with using recycled water is the high with perfect French accents. They are so been shaped, and with the land basically levels of bicarbonates and salts causing settled now, have made lots of new friends being a giant sand dune, an extensive discolouration and/or die back of grass if and spend their days playing outdoors in irrigation system was a vital requirement not treated. To prevent this happening we the warm sunny weather. The pace of life is for this project (a contrast to what I was used products to implemented a regular definitely slower here and more relaxing. Our used to in South County where an extensive program of flushing the root zone. Having summers are spent on the beach and we have drainage and sanding program was a must). used these products over the last 12 years, many bbq’s with our new found friends. It’s With over 450 sprinklers installed constant in conjunction with Frank Dargan, it has been an amazing experience and, summing it testing and monitoring for correct coverage been a great help to understand the English all up, it has been the best thing we have ever is vital, as temperatures can reach up to 40 labels on the bottles and be familiar with the done and are so glad that we followed our degrees and, combined with a sea breeze, product. Greens have been sown with L93 “dream” of moving to France. grass comes under stress very quickly. While creeping bent grass with tees, fairways and Feel free to contact us at: acogorman@ having state of the art irrigation is important, rough sown with a fescue ryegrass mix. Not eircom.net if you have any questions and are more important is an ample water supply. a typical grass mix that you would normally ever over in our direction. www.gcsai.org 16 17 greenside magazine | March 2011 Lowest Temperatures, Lowest Rainfall

ount Juliet recorded an air temperature of -16.4˚C on the night of December 3rd 2010. This was the lowest temperature Mever recorded in Ireland at the time, for December. However Mount Juliet only held this record for seventeen days as a temperature of -18˚C was recorded at Castlederg, County Tyrone on 20th December 2010. Galway Bay Golf resort recorded an air temperature of -12.6˚C on the night of 27th December while Killarney Golf & Fishing Club clocked -14.0˚C on 20th December. It was not only air temperatures that broke December records, rainfall amounts were also at record lows in some places. The rainfall total of 29.2mm for December 2010 in Mount Juliet was the driest December since they began recording in 1990. The previous driest December was 32.9mm in 2005. Galway Bay Golf Resort also had one of their driest Decembers. They recorded a total of 36mm in 2010. Their next lowest rainfall during December was 66mm in 2008. Below is a sample of recorded air temperatures and rainfall amounts around various golf clubs in the country. Greenside would like to thank Michael F. O’Connor of Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, Aidan O’Hara of Mount Juliet, Damien Coleman of Galway Bay Golf Resort, and Joe Findlay of Royal Portrush Golf Club for providing us with this valuable information.

Golf Course Lowest air Date Total rainfall temperature for December Killarney Golf & Fishing Club -14.0˚C 20th December 59.00mm Mount Juliet -16.4˚C 3rd December 29.20mm Galway Bay -12.6˚C 27th December 36.00mm Royal Portrush -8.6˚C 20th December 51.80mm

www.gcsai.orgA view from Wexford Golf Club. Photo Alan Mahon 18 Many people suffered through the cold snap last December but it provided others with photo opportunities to capture the wonderful scenery. The photos speak for themselves.

Snow at Beech Park Golf Club. Photo courtesy of David Callanan A view from the 10th fairway looking back towards the 10th tee and clubhouse at Belmullet Golf Club. Photo courtesy of Eamon Mangan

Killarney Golf & Fishing Club: View of frozen lake with clubhouse in the background. Photo courtesy of Paul Downey Benbulben from 5th tee at Strandhill. Photo courtesy of Jason Kelly

19 greenside magazine | March 2011 News

Castle Golf Club Seminar There were over thirty greenkeepers in attendance at the ‘Motivation at Work’ seminar held at Castle Golf Club on 16th November last. Speakers included two Course Superintendents - Paul Fitzgerald (Castle GC) and David Callanan (Beach Park GC) and conference speaker Frank Newberry, who many will remember from last years GCSAI Annual Conference in Limerick.

Esther Charters of Castle Golf Club keeps a watchful eye on the training exercise

David Callanan (Beech Park GC), Andy Sheehan (Miltown GC), Paul Fitzgerald (Castle GC) and Larry Roe (Stepaside Golf Centre)

aul Fitzgerald gave an insight on an enteretaining practical demonstration how to prepare and manage budgets on the importance of working together as a within a golf club operation and team and how communication is vital within Phighlighted the importance of explaining the workplace. He also gave some amusing Stephen Dunne, Niall Morgan and Esther where the requested money will be used and, examples of how we see ourselves and , more Charters all from Castle Golf Club if during the year, one has gone over budget, importantly, how others see us – sometimes explaining the reasons why this is the case. not always in the same way. David Callanan described how formal Robert McDermott, Education Officer with education is important for the Course the GCSAI, thanked Paul, David and Frank Superintendent and encouraged anyone on their excellent presentations and to Castle interested in pursuing a career in Golf Club for the use of their premises. greenkeeping to apply for work experience It was unfortunate that a proposed similar in the US with any of the American State seminar, that was planned for Glasson Golf Universities. Club the following week, had to be cancelled Frank Newberry, on the other hand, gave due to lack of numbers. Left: David Grehan (Castle GC), Ed Checkley and Darren O’Reilly (Milltown GC)

www.gcsai.org 20 News

U sing Google Earth to help you GAA Continue To Invest measure irregularly shaped Millions In Stadium he GAA has continued to invest in stadiums throughout the areas with surprising accuracy country despite having to operate in very difficult conditions at present. Recent statistics show that the organisation he USGA Green Section Record recently drew attention Tcontinues to work hard on projects in every corner of Ireland and to the use of Google Earth to help with estimating costs GAA fans are seeing the benefits. of golf course projects. One of the most important steps is Semple Stadium was recently redeveloped at a cost of €18m and Tto accurately measure the area involved. This is easier said than is now a 53,000 seater venue. Limerick’s Gaelic Grounds has also done given the irregular shapes of greens, bunkers, fairways, benefited from the governing bodies investment and floodlights etc. Fortunately, there is an on-line tool that makes the marking were recently installed to the original redevelopment bringing the and measuring of such areas extremely simple and surprisingly overall cost to €15m. accurate. Plus, you can save measured areas for future reference. Google Earth is a program that most golf course superintendents have utilized to get a bird’s eye view of their courses. While the free version allows you to perform liner measurements (is the 100 yard marker actually 100 yards from the center of #7 green?) it does not provide the ability to measure the area of polygons. By upgrading to the paid version, Google Earth Pro, any portion of the course can be easily outlined and the area calculated. Outlined areas can be saved and used in presentations and other documentation. Google Earth Pro costs $399 per year and Google offers a free seven-day trial period. Check it out for yourself at the Google Earth site.

Up North, Casement Park (above) is currently being redeveloped at a cost of €100m. The new 42,000 seater stadium is one of two such Course Maintenance projects in the province. The Armagh Athletic Grounds are set to open shortly, with €4.5m having been pumped into the 19,500 seater Volunteers Required stadium. Mayo county board have seen McHale Park redeveloped at a cost Killeen Castle invites industry professionals to sign up for the of €10m but they must raise an additional €730,000 in 2011 as part tournament week of The 2011 Solheim Cup, which takes place of the repayments plan. on September 23rd – 25th. This will be a valuable network- In Kerry, Fitzgerald Stadium was revamped at a cost of €4.8m ing opportunity and a chance to gain high level experience in while the county board recently announced plans to proceed with a tournament preparation and execution. centre of excellence near Currans. In return for your participation, the Ladies European Tour, Other counties are currently working on proposals to upgrade Killeen Castle and John Deere Golf will provide the following: their facilities or built new stadiums. A new 60,000 seater venue • 1 event season ticket costing €30m has been proposed for Cork. Louth are looking at • Volunteer golf day at Killeen Castle plans to build a new stadium estimated to cost around €24m. • Uniform Longford GAA officials are hoping to develop a centre of See • Catering excellence near Longford Town, while a new stadium in Kildare advertisement looks set to be built at Broadford. Clare County Board had on page 47 You can register online at: considered a €30m stadium to hold 42,000 fans but eventually www.solheimcup.com/maintenance decided to upgrade Cusack Park and build a €3m centre of excellence. www.sportnewsireland.com

21 greenside magazine | March 2011 Repairing your Goalmouths! By Donal Kearney Irish Institute of Sports Surfaces

Coming into this time of year the goalmouths on most pitches will be under severe pressure from matches been played in the dormant season. They actually receive more wear and tear from training sessions and pre-match warm-up’s, much to the dislike of many groundsmen.

ne of the most thankless tasks of groundsmen is the Damaged or worn areas can be replaced by using traditional turfing renovation of surfaces after play. Greater understanding methods or utilizing a Turf Doctor which takes out an exact square of and communication is required to ensure that the surface is either 150mm (6ins) or 230mm (9ins). The tool cuts out an inverted Oplayable at a consistent standard all year round. pyramid shaped turf, which offers several advantages. The criteria used for the assessment of goalmouth and/or turfgrass repair on your playing surface. identifies the following points: 1. Replacement turf taken from the nursery should fit tightly into the hole taken from the worn area. 1. The quality of the renovation or repair should enhance the turf 2. Surface levels should be easier to maintain. area. 3. The playing surface is held firmly in place by the wedges of 2. The surface is made suitable for the particular sport undisturbed soil. 3. The renovation and repair should be carried out in an efficient 4. A complete repair can be made with no gaps left between the and effective manner. turfs. 4. The site should be left in a clean and tidy condition 5. All aspects of health and safety should be observed at all times. To replace small areas of turf by traditional methods the following tools should be made available. Renovation will be required where the turf cannot be improved by routine maintenance methods. Turfing Iron - used to make the horizontal cut in the turf, sometimes called a ‘float’ U se of Turf for Renovation Edging Iron - used to make the vertical cut to the turf. Turf Box - used for trimming the turf to a regular thickness The selection of suitable turf for renovation work is the first criteria Garden fork - for preparing the ground to lay the turf and pulling in to be considered. When considering what turf to use it is useful to the turfs to each other when laying have a ‘turf nursery’, or an area on your facility that is unused and Measuring Rod & Straight Edge - required for marking out the turf may contain good quality turf. This is an area of land set aside for prior to cutting growing turf in similar conditions and using the same maintenance Shovel & Besom Brush - for applying and working in the top programme so that the turf is as near identical to the original as dressing. possible, that way no patches are clearly visible after the repair. Some other examples of the need for renovation can relate Turf should not be used for repair work until it is adequately to inappropriate activities on the turf, such as refuelling! More established so that the root will hold the turf together without commonly renovation is required after vandalism. tearing when handling. The turf should be uniform and of high shoot

www.gcsai.org 22 density, free from weeds or disease and without thatch. The area for Deeper indentations will require a different process to rectify the harvesting the turf should first be measured out so that the turfs can levels. be cut to a uniform size. This example is where the turf is sunk to a deeper level and the The worn area should be removed so that it corresponds with the levels cannot be returned by lifting. Deeper indentations may size of the new turfs. The ground should be prepared by loosening require additional soil to be added underneath the turf. The the soil with a fork so that a true, firm and level surface can be soil should be the same as the rootzone so that grass routes can achieved. The new turf can be laid onto the soil so that it is level with develop in the repair. If soil of a different texture is used it will not the surrounding surface. Any cracks should be filled with a suitable be compatible and will likely create root-breaks. The turf is lifted top dressing similar to the existing soil. The top dressing should be slightly so that the soil can be placed below and firmed before well brushed into the cracks so that it does not settle and leave holes returning the turf. To finish off the repair ensure the surface levels at a later date. are correct.

Repairs to turf surface Surface scratching

Damage to the turf surface may be created while sports are played The damage shows like scratches or scarification lines on the by pushing the turf surface down, creating an indentation to the surface created by the spikes of the footwear. The grass root may surface. This may typically occur in the bounce of a ball on a soft be removed to some extent. The first step to take with this type of cricket pitch, a ball landing on a golf green or a bowl accidentally damage is to give the area a thorough brushing to remove any loose dropped on a bowling green. The result may be that the grass is debris. Before doing any repair the site should then be watered if it not removed from the surface but the soil pore spaces below are is dry. Prick the area with a fork to create a suitable seed bed and compressed. remove surface compaction. Then apply a mixture of soil and seed, To repair such damage the following action may be taken: ensuring both are compatible with the surrounding area. The soil/ Slight indentation can be rectified by lifting the turf systematically. seed mixture should be worked in to the surface and levelled with The tines of a fork can be pushed into the soil below the indentation a lute. The use of pre-germinated seed will reduce the germination and the handle lowered to lift the tine/s and the turf. This is repeated period. Seed can be pre-germinated by mixing the seed and soil in a circular action surrounding the indentation. The purpose is to together in a bucket and allow to stand for three days prior to when lift up the soil below as well as the turf. This is essential to remove the repair work is completed. Make sure that the seed does not dry the soil compaction, the cause of the indentation. It is usual to bring out during the germination process. It may benefit by covering with the surface slightly higher than the surrounding area so that it can a germination sheet in hot weather conditions. then be pushed gently down with the foot to the required level.

23 greenside magazine | March 2011 News

Record number of Playing Surface of the workplace farm deaths Year Award

during 2010 St Lachtains GAA Club Freshford Co. Kilkenny have won the Irish Institute of Sports Surfaces Leinster GAA Club playing The Health and Safety surface of the year award 2010. Authority (HSA) has released This award was proudly sponsored by Barenbrug sportsturf figures showing a dramatic grass seed specialists, who will provide a very prestigious prize increase in the number of of 1000 euros worth of specialist grass seed for sports pitches. workplace deaths on farms in Each assessed playing surface had industry recognised 2010. Twenty five people were performance standards used to objectively assess and the killed on farms last year, the following assessment tests were undertaken. highest number on record, Grass Coverage, bareness, weeds/moss, desirable grass compared with ten deaths in 2009 and twenty one in 2008. species, compaction, soil pH, root depth, rootzone profie HSA says it will work closely with farmers to improve health depth, thatch depth, pests/diseases. and safety management and lower the amount of fatalities. The Presentation for this award took take place in January at a HSA says tackling the high fatality accident rate is a priority GAA members awards function night. and has established an inspectorate for the sector. The authority is reported to be planning to increase the number of farm inspections it carries out this year from 1,700 to almost 3,000. The HSA says it will work with farmers to improve health and safety management, but warns that enforcement action will be taken against those who do not comply. Forty seven people died in workplace accidents last year, an increase of four compared with 2009.

Irish Open A Century of Greenkeeping Author: Gordon Witteveen Publisher: Wiley Price:$45.14 2011 Media: Hardcover Killarney Golf & Fishing Club will play host to the Irish Edition: 1 Open in 2011 from 28th - 31st July . The idyllic setting of Pages: 210 the lakeside Killeen course with it’s tight tree lined fairways, Dimensions (in): 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.8 many water features and fast undulating greens will provide ISBN: 1575041618 a good test to the worlds best golfers. Situated next to the National Park with the spectacular Publication Date: June 1, 2001 backdrop of Ireland’s highest mountain range, the A celebration of the history of The MacGillycuddy Reeks, Killarney is one of Ireland’s oldest Ontario Golf Superintendents courses with golfer’s roaming the fairways there since the Association. A unique story of the 19th Century. unsung heros, and an interesting look at the development of the profession.

Weather or Not Three retired gentlemen, each with bad hearing, are playing golf on a blustery afternoon. One remarks to the other, ‘Windy, isn’t it?’ ‘No,’ the second man replies, ‘it’s Thursday.’ And the third man chimes in, ‘So am I. There’s a pub just round the corner.’ www.gcsai.org 24 JOIN NOW ON N L A IN C E U

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25 greenside magazine | March 2011 P repARING S eapoINT for the 100th PGA Championship

In mid April 2010 I received an email from the Course Convenor at Seapoint Golf Club advising that the Irish PGA were keen to use Seapoint Golf Club as the venue for the 100th PGA Championship. The date for the tournament was the 23nd of September with a Pro-Am to be held on the 22nd, the Committee wanted to know if we were equipped to host the tournament, if there would be much disruption to play in the weeks prior to the tournament and, as all Superintendents would know, the final question was “the budget”.

By Declan Branigan

lthough the date did trigger alarm bells in my head, I did convince them that we should accept the Ainvitation, we were equipped to handle it, there would be little disruption to play and that the budget would not exceed € 8,000. Confirmation on the venue arrived shortly afterwards. Preparation for the tournament began with this confirmation. T ime frame My first priority was to obtain the relevant information on the schedule for the tournament, start times, two tee starts or not and whether or not there would be two sessions each day. The schedule was confirmed by return and was as follows: Pro-Am Two tee start in the morning commencing at 7.30a.m. and again in the afternoon commencing at 1.00p.m.

Days 1 and 2 of the tournament: 2 tee starts Course Condition • Most green collars had varying amounts of at 8.00a.m. and 1.00p.m. We carried out an intensive review of the golf course in order to identify any areas that required ryegrass, as had some approaches and this looked quite untidy. We decided to treat these Saturday and Sunday: 1 tee start at 8.00a.m. significant upgrading prior to the tournament. Although the PGA, being a closed event and areas with Pinoxaden; scarify vigorously; overseed with a fescue mix and apply preseeder. I then googled sunrise/sunset for that week restricted to Irish professionals, would not These areas were then treated as a grow-in and discovered that sunrise would not be receive the same attention from the media as the during the summer. A number of collars had until 6.50 and sunset would be at 7.10. We Irish Open, it was our opinion that it was still low areas due to subsidence following on from therefore had the information we required to a professional tournament and that the highest the installation of a new irrigation system, these plan for the tournament. possible standards were demanded. We identified the following areas in need of attention: would be raised and then topdressed. www.gcsai.org 26 • Fairways were quite good, with very little lateral growth, nevertheless, we decided to verti-cut every six weeks to within one month of the tournament.

• Normally we edge bunkers on a need- to-do basis but we decided to carry out this work one month prior to the tournament.

• Greens would be treated as normal - monthly light top dressings after verti- cutting. Course Set-Up All aspects of course set-up, excepting tee and pin locations, were left to us and we had many discussions on this prior to reaching agreement.

Fairways As an aside, it might be useful to note that therefore, divots are not a huge problem. Even though we have always cut the fairways all professionals surveyed on this during the However, when we had any spare time we at Seapoint on a diagonal, we did consider the tournament, preferred the diagonal pattern went out to divot again. Members were traditional “up and down” method as most of cut. Fairways would be cut every day of the encouraged to repair pitch marks and replace courses hosting a tournament used the old tournament week at a height of 10mm. divots properly and this was a big help. traditional cut. We agreed on the diagonal Probably the most unfair end to any tee shot cut as we were of the opinion that such a finishing on a fairway is to find a divot. At Greens pattern, when coupled with contrasting lines Seapoint, the entire golf course, including We normally hollow tine in late August of semi-rough, gave much better definition. semi-roughs is divotted every Monday, each year but we were not willing to take

27 greenside magazine | March 2011 Feature

any chances in this regard and decided to quadra tine every four weeks to within a month of the tournament. Given the daylight hours towards the end of September and our staff numbers for the tournament, it would not be possible to hand cut greens. Therefore, we elected to use two ride-on mowers set at 3mm, but we also needed to iron greens on a daily basis to produce a roll of 11 on the stimpmeter. We would review the speed prior to the tournament if wind was forecast. Some greens had moderate infestations of moss, an application of Carfentrazane-ethyl during June would sort this out. We also decided, regardless of weather conditions at the time, to apply a preventate dose of propiconazole one week prior to the tournament. Even though we would not normally use any fertiliser from late August on, we decided to apply nitrogen at 2grms/m2 by way of a liquid feed two weeks before the tournament just to give some colour. We did consider iron as a substitute but were of the opinion that the colour would be darker than we would like. Late September is probably a bit early for leatherjackets, we have never had a problem with Chafer Grubs, nevertheless, we were not taking any risks - the Merit Turk went out 1 week prior to the tournament. Finally, pitch marks were repaired on a daily basis even though this is the responsibility of the golfer. However, when they do not repair them we do not feel that A 6.45am start for the greenkeeping staff it is an option to simply leave them. Luckily enough, the dry summer was a big help Irrigation were increased and this was noticed by here. The long range forecast for the Summer was members as the bounce on pitch and runs was softened. Once this was explained there Tees for plenty of heat and not that much rain. It turned out to be accurate for a change, were no further comments. We decided to Championship tees would be closed off therefore, we had to think of irrigation. We lower the heights to 9 mm one month before six weeks prior to the tournament, but are not great fans of allowing grass, even the tournament. we also decided to rest some medal tees on a links course, to burn to a crisp, as We did notice that some ryegrass did re- on our longer par fours, just in case the there is such a thing as “Permanent Wilting emerge. As we could not blanket treat the PGA officials decided to move some tees Point”, which we found out about in 1995 areas again, we made up ten litre containers forward. This proved to be a wise move as and we did not want to take this chance. of a mix and used a small paint brush to dab some tees were moved forward during the The regular veti-cutting would also open the isolated ryegrass plants and this proved to tournament. All tees were divotted with up the surface, thereby allowing more be very effective. sand/seed/natgrow mix but very deep divots evaporation. Therefore, we agreed not to We commenced edging the bunkers in late were plugged, and tees were top dressed allow the moisture deficit to pass beyond July and completed this, eighty eight bunkers heavily. Tees would be cut and boxed off 9mm below Field Capacity, this would retain in total, by mid-august. As Seapoint is a links, every second day with an old standby greens the links character but would keep grasses regular raking and removal of any weeds was mower. in reasonable vigour. Other than this, work all that was required. Shortage of sand was would proceed as normal. never a problem. Approaches All-in-all, I was very pleased with progress There are five approaches on two par fives Progress and even started to relax, we all fear and three of the longer par fours that are As the Summer months passed the course vandalism, oil leaks scorch, dry patch, chafer particularly well suited to be prepared as started to look very well with the fairway grubs etc but we were lucky, no problems false greens and we decided to cut these at verti-cutting producing a nice tight upright arose 9mm in 2 directions for the tournament. growth on fairways that supported the ball Along with improving presentation the tight very well. Areas treated for Ryegrass took Tournament Week cut would make the pitch shot much more five to six weeks after treatment to show At Seapoint, we maintain the course with five difficult for players who came up short. results; hand watering was essential here with full time staff and myself but we knew this These approaches would be cut the same spoonfeeding of N and K being necessary, was not enough. Volunteers were out of the way as we cut tees. despite the preseeder. Heights of cut here question, and I do not particularly like the www.gcsai.org 28 Feature

idea of volunteer work - “a fair days work for Pro-Am Day cut each day with not one hitch with a a fair days pay”, and all of that. The Greens The entire course was cut the day before machine, no interference with play and not Convenor, John Garvey, was a huge help and and greens were ironed. All that remained one complaint from the professionals. The organised two crews of ten to divot fairways that morning was to cut greens, change final day was a warm sunny Sunday that and empty litter bins each day. My son Ronan holes on the back nine, the front nine showed our work to best advantage and the who deals with the Ashbourne contract was were cut the night before, rake bunkers, tournament climaxed with David Mortimer drafted in for the week, my daughter Niamh, repair any pitch marks and dew sweep holing an eagle putt on 18 to edge out who works her summers on the course, was fairways. We commenced work as dawn Damien Mc Grane by a shot. A perfect end in charge of roughs and semi-roughs. Finally, was breaking at 6.45am and the golfers to the week. a young golfer, Ben Reynolds, who resides in never saw a worker on the course. Now We were all tired but enjoyed a drink a house on the golf course, was brought in for we worried about the evening work as the and the feel-good factor of a job well done. voluntary work, he proved to be a great little 1st and 10th tees would not be clear until The Greens Convenor came over and worker. We were ready for anything thrown 4.15pm at the earliest. We were all due to congratulated us, “ It would be great to get at us. report at 4.00pm. But, nothing ever goes to this again next year” he says. Nobody hit The weather, with the exception of a rain plan and there was a rain delay of forty five him, we were probably too tired. delay on Pro-Am day, proved good for the minutes, something we definitely did not week and we commenced trial runs the week need and we did not get out until prior to the tournament. Ashbourne supplied 5.00pm. We got the work done and us with a second ride-on machine for the the members dealt with the divots greens and this allowed us to start on each all week, and the litter. That night nine and be finshed within eighty minutes. we finished under lights but our The balance of the course could be prepared regular cutting on the fairways had within three hours to include divotting. burnt the stripes in very well and Morning work would include cutting there was no problem seeing the greens, changing holes, raking bunkers, dew line. Some greens had to be ironed sweeping fairways and tees. Evening work the next morning and some tees would be cutting fairways, ironing greens, and approaches were also cut the cutting tees and approaches, divotting tees following morning. and fairways, cutting semi-roughs, cutting The rest of the week went roughs on a need to do basis. like clockwork. The course was

29 greenside magazine | March 2011 Bandon Golf Club Established back in 1909 as a nine hole course, Bandon Golf Club is set on the grounds of the Castle Bernard Estate, situated in the valley of the magnificent Bandon River. It is built around a magnificent old ruined castle which dates back to 1604.

C oURSE Feature and Photography by Alan Mahon www.gcsai.org 30 31 greenside magazine | March 2011 A view of the ninth green with views of the beautiful surrounding countryside

“The castle adjacent to the golf course dates back to 1604 but, alas, in 1921, during the time of civil unrest in Ireland, it was burned to the ground. Despite being awarded £123,000 compensation the castle was never rebuilt and it lies in ruins to this day. “

arrived at Bandon Golf Club in early As mentioned before, the castle on the greens. There are plans to convert the 10 January, one week after the snows had estate dates back to 1604 but, alas, in 1921, soil greens to sand giving the club 18 sand melted, on a lovely sunny Wednesday during the time of civil unrest in Ireland, based greens. Weekly operations involve Imorning, but not all was well in the it was burned to the ground. Despite being mowing tees and fairways (twice), mowing camp, as I had been informed that 2,500 awarded £123,000 compensation the castle rough, moving and sanding roped off areas litres of diesel had been stolen the day was never rebuilt and it lies in ruins to this and removing debris on tees, fairways and before. The gardai were present carrying day. in bunkers. out an investigation. It reminded me of a The 10ft high dry stone walls, which act as The par of the course is 71 with some of time when I had diesel stolen from the a boundary to the course, were built during the par four holes being rather short but course where I used work, the day after I the 1600’s and are starting to show their age. tight, leaving very little room for mistakes. had ordered a full tank delivery, so I was Two large sections adjoining the 9th hole Many of the holes are bordered by evergreen sympathetic to the situation that befell the collapsed on 25th November 2010 due to trees mainly pines, cypress and spruce. club. the snow and frost. They will be rebuilt in- However, the newer holes (5th, 6th and 7th) house over the coming months. This will test play longer with larger greens and tees and History the stone wall building skills of the staff. are mainly lined with broadleaved trees The lands on which the course is built Bandon is a busy ‘Members Club’ boasting such as oak, beech, birch, hornbeam and are leased and owned by the family of the one thousand two hundred members. sycamore. late Fifth Earl of Bandon. It appears that Membership has remained steady during a private 9-hole course belonging to the 2010 with competitions and green fees up Maintenance Fourth Earl of Bandon was in place since on 2009. Each day of the week is taken up The current economic downturn has taken 1893.This was the ground that the Earl first with some form of competition: Monday is its toll, with staff numbers and working made available to the club in 1909. In 1972 the Senior Ladies, Tuesday the Senior men, hours being reduced along with a smaller the Fifth (and last) Earl of Bandon, known Wednesday is Ladies day, Thursday is the maintenance budget. But life goes on and locally as ‘Paddy’ Bandon, granted a lease to Fourball and Open Singles, Friday stages one has to make do as far as possible with the golf club which facilitated its extension the Mixed Foursomes. With this hectic the resources that are made available. to eighteen holes. The new eighteen hole schedule, the daily course maintenance in The course, in general, faces north and course was officially opened in 1978. In summer consists of changing markers and experiences colder conditions, which means 2001, the daughter of the Fifth Earl, the flag positions, raking bunkers, emptying that the course takes longer to warm up in late Lady Jennifer Bernard, granted a lease bins, blowing away debris on greens and Spring. At this time of year the greens can on more land which allowed the club to hand mowing greens. The golf course now be a week or two behind in growing terms. develop the beautifully landscaped 5th, occupies around one hundred and twenty 6th and 7th holes, with the ruins of Castle acres, consisting of 10 soil and 8 sand based Greens Bernard castle creating a stunning backdrop. greens along with 3 soil based practice Greens (and tees) are hollow tined each www.gcsai.org 32 Left: How Castle Bernard looked in its heyday circa 1912. Photo from The Lawrence collection which is included in Bandon Golf Club’s centenary book

Above: Castle Bernard as it stands today

Spring and Autumn but the greens are problem from multi-tined approximately eight times in September to between. Around ten applications of sand November each topdressing is applied to the greens. year as they have to The greens fertiliser programme includes be regularly blown a granular feed in March, May, July and away. It takes up a September with liquid feed given in lot of man hours between when needed. Approximately three and last Autumn/ applications of a plant growth regulator is Winter saw the applied each year. greensstaff at Bandon blowing Fairways leaves off the course Fairways are mown between 12mm and during January 14mm and are given a granular feed twice 2011. The last of per year. One application of a plant growth the Autumn leaves regulator is given. Each year approximately remained buried six hundred tonnes of sand are applied to under the snow the fairways in April but this year it will be which fell during reduced as the budget for sand has been November and curtailed. December, and were unable to be blown Rough away until after the Rough areas do not get any feeding and thaw. are mown at 80mm (3 inches). When the During 2010 fairways are being sanded, the heavy worn the club President traffic areas in the rough are also given an organised a application of sand. ‘Sponsor a Tree’ Each year the lower branches of the program offering trees are pruned. This makes it easier members the for maintenance around the trees and opportunity to buy it also allows golfers to easily find stray their own specimen golf balls, which in turn speeds up play. tree to be planted The broadleaved trees cause a serious leaf out on the course.

33 greenside magazine | March 2011 The par 5 15th fairway

Approximately ninety members subscribed to the successful scheme where different tree species were sourced and purchased locally. The cost of trees purchased ranged from €50 to €100 and included golden ash, silver birch, redwood, copper beech, various maples, purple flowering plum, whitebeam, and weeping willow. The land that Bandon Golf Club occupies is generally free draining. The course dries out quickly after heavy rain However springs are a problem locally and plans are in place to have these areas drained. Rabbits Every morning James and his staff arrive to the sight of rabbit holes in all of the 55 bunkers around the course. Sometimes the rabbits decide to scrape out holes on some of the tees and banks. Repairing the damage is done regularly but James has no intention Leaf blowing continued well into January 2011 due to the snow in Nov./Dec. 2010 of killing any of the rabbits. He takes the view that the rabbits are part of the wildlife and they should be left roam the coarse. as a deterrent. James tried this and to his (Dundrum). But James is a native of Bandon However during the construction of the amazement the rabbits have never dug on and he started his greenkeeping career at 5th, 6th and 7th greens in 2006, there was a the greens ever since! Bandon Golf Club as an eighteen year old lot of damage done to the grass which had back in 1989 where he worked for four to be repaired each day using turf sod. The Staff years before moving to Dundrum in 1993. rabbits persisted and dug into the edges of James Burns has been the Course He quickly settled into the role of ‘top man’ the newly laid turf. Now you hear many Superintendent at Bandon for five years, where his priority is to improve the overall remedies for stopping rabbits from digging when he was appointed after the retirement standards of the course. James is very on grass, from the bizarre to the ridiculous. of his predecessor Jim Madden. You could fortunate to have six quality staff working A member of the club at the time suggested say James is the ‘returned exile’ as prior to with him, the longest serving member being placing human hair around the repaired turf his appointment in 2006 he was greenkeeper Mickey Lynch who has been working on for 13 years in Co. Tipperary Golf Club the course for thirty six years, an incredible www.gcsai.org 34 Machinery used

• John Deere 220A pedestrian mowers x 3 • Saxon (Baroness) LM56G pedestrian mowers x 3 • Toro Greensmaster 3250D greensmower • Toro Reelmaster 3100D tees mower • Toro Groundmaster 4100D rough mower • John Deere 8700 fairway mower • John Deere 3235C fairway mower • Hayter T44 • John Deere F1145 front deck rough mower The centuries old boundary wall fell victim to the snow in 2010 • John Deere gator • John Deere progator “A member of the club at Meet the course staff • Shibura ST33 compact tractor • Ford 6610 tractor with front loader the time suggested placing • Ford 1920 compact tractor human hair around the • Toro Procore hollow tiner repaired turf as a deterrent. • Tru turf greens iron • Unigreen 400 litre sprayer James tried this and to his • Scout 60 litre sprayer (battery amazement the rabbits operated) • Oleo mac stimmer x 3 have never dug on the • Allen hover mower x 3 greens ever since!” • Agri metal PTO driven leaf blower • Ultra topdressers x 2 (3 tonne & record. James has great admiration for 0.5 tonne) Mickey. “He is a quiet, hardworking man; • Ryan sod cutter he knows more about the club than most; Course Superintendent Mickey Lynch has • Terr-aetor logic fairway slitter his dedication is second to none; he shows James Burns served the club for leadership to the younger staff and has thirty six years never been on sick leave. I learned a lot from Mickey when I started my career back in 1989”. Bandon Golf Club is health and safety conscious. It sent its course staff on a Green Pass safety programme last year where all participants were successful. “This course was a great asset to each member of staff and to the golf club. It showed us the dangers and hazards within the workplace and opened our eyes” said James. “At first some of the lads were quite apprehensive about taking part, as they had been away from school and attending courses for a long time but it was not long before they found it enjoyable and worthwhile” he concluded. James and his staff feel privileged to be working in such beautiful surroundings and they are held in high esteem by the golf club. Here’s to the next one hundred years. On January 12th James became a proud father for the second time. His wife Lily gave birth to a Left, Mickey Lynch, Sean Wilmot, Martin Lovell, Adrian Wilmot, baby girl Rhea. Congratulations to them. James Burns, Patrick McCarthy, Timothy O’Regan (insert)

35 greenside magazine | March 2011 SouthwestGreenside Report by Michael F O’Connor, Killarney Golf and Fishing Club

“In the Bleak Mid-Winter etc, etc.” ‘In the bleak mid – winter, frosty winds made moan; Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; Snow is falling, snow on snow, snow on snow, etc’. . . .

Enough of the winter doom and gloom! We have to be optimistic! We will be hoping that a long hot summer will make up for the severity of the harsh winter season and coupled with a big improvement in the economic situation, we can look forward to a more productive 2011, with enthusiasm. Conference 2011 The annual conference takes place in Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim, County Meath on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd March 2011. This is a conference with a difference as it also includes a trade show. An excellent programme is in place with a fine selection of speakers coupled with a wide variety of topics which have something to suit everybody. I would encourage as many as possible to attend. There is strength in numbers and we all need to support the G.C.S.A.I. and our profession as well as ourselves in these challenging times. Your’s Truly on the 1st green Killeen with frozen lake in the background Photo courtesy of Paul Downey Hope to see you there!

hese are a couple of lines from an old Christmas carol which could be called upon to describe our harsh winter weather, especially in recent times. The Irish Winters have changed Tdrastically over the last number of years with Arctic conditions becoming the norm for all parts of the country. Snow and ice has become a common feature during December and January and a White Christmas is no longer a rarity, in fact you could say ‘we almost look forward to it’. Freezing conditions have set new records reaching the lowest temperatures since weather data was first documented. Temperatures in Killarney and the south west plummeted to a new low of minus fourteen degrees centigrade, whereas areas of County Mayo reached as low as an unprecedented minus seventeen point nine degrees. A thick layer of ice covered a large area of Loch Leane which borders on two of Killarney’s three golf course complex and a man A Stag is silhouetted against a background of glistening snow who was out walking his dog , got the crazy idea of walking across Photo Michael F. O’Connor the frozen lake. Luckily he reached the other side safely. ‘Definitely, not a very wise thing to do’. Next time he may not be as lucky! But these conditions definitely have a very serious downside! People have to travel to get to work, shops etc. Then you have the frozen and burst pipes situations where many houses are left without water, mainly due to the fact that some of the materials were never suited to the cold, harsh conditions which are now the norm. Golf course and other sporting facilities also have their problems! Normal maintenance and off-season renovation work cannot be carried out, therefore shortening the amount of time available before the new season begins. On the other hand, in Killarney, we had the driest December since we started keeping records which is quite a few years ago, registering just fifty nine millimetres for the entire month. The total rainfall for the entire year was one thousand and sixty six point five millimetres which is the equivalent of forty three inches. It normally would be in the region of between fifty six and seventy five inches approximately, The Frozen Lagoon at Killarney G.C. depending on the year. Photo Michael F. O’Connor www.gcsai.org 36 SouthwestGreenside Report

Killarney Venue for Irish Open 2011 Position Name Club Contact Killarney’s Killeen course has been confirmed as the venue for Chairman Michael F. O’Connor Killarney 0871276764 the 2011 Irish Open for the second year in a row, making it the Secretary Finbarr O’Mahony Kanturk 0877728720 fourth time in total at the Killarney complex, as it was also held there in 1991 and 1992. Preparations are ongoing and all going Joint Michael F. O’Connor Raffeen 0872745953 well it is hoped that it will surpass the outstanding success it was Treasurers Dermy Jones Creek in 2010 when almost 90,000 spectators attended over the fabulous Committee John Rouine Lahinch 0876836016 weekend of world class golf to see Ross Fisher take top prize. Simon O’Hara Fota 0877777467 Looking forward to another great, extended August weekend in Edwin Hannon Douglas 0879802994 Heaven’s Reflex! Sincere Thanks Our sincere thanks to all our sponsors for their outstanding support over the years. We know times are not the best but hopefully that will all change and we look forward to a more positive 2011. We would sincerely appreciate your continued support now and in the future. We also urge all involved in the turfgrass industry to give our sponsors all the support they can, no matter how small. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir!

Winter scene at Killarney G.C. Photo Michael F. O’Connor

Some deer foraging for food in the snow. Photo Michael F. O’Connor

View of the 13th. Hole Mahony’s Point Photo Michael F. O’Connor Annual General Meeting Our Annual General Meeting will take place at our first outing of 2011. More than likely, it will take place in April. Time and Venue were not confirmed at time of Greenside going to press. More details will follow later. The present officers are as follows:

37 greenside magazine | March 2011 Northwest Report by Damien Coleman Galway Bay Golf Resort

T he Wild, Wild Northwest Though the headline might suggest it, I wont be writing about Clint Eastwood’s exploits in the north west of Ireland, so apologies to any Dirty Harry fans.

5th tee at Strandhill with Knocknarea in the background. Photo courtesy Jason Kelly

question which many course of the year, spring brings new life, fresh growth is the most efficient manor of creating good managers are asked is “what is your and of course, fresh challenges. By now most root depth, reducing thatch, less compaction greatest challenge on the course?”. of us will be planning and implementing our and increasing percolation through the AWhilst some might say disease or maybe pest spring aeration and fertilisation programmes. rootzone. Today, however, due to budgetary problems, the predominant response is “the Having sufficient resources for these constraints, many clubs have opted to reduce weather conditions”. For course managers in programmes will present the first hurdle of the this traditional method to just once a year. the West of Ireland and indeed all of Ireland new year. In an ever changing environment, From the perspective of members and greens this is most accurate. It’s fair to say that in where greens committees and indeed golfers, committees this may be favourable as it the past year we have experienced almost expect a higher standard of product for a reduces costs. However what effect is it having everything mother nature has to offer us. lower cost, and we must balance what is on the turf? Course closures resulting in lost revenue will sufficient for them and what is sustainable for Reducing our aeration programme can have affected most, if not all, clubs severely. the golf course. Therefore, our aeration and lead to compaction and increased thatch. There was a low of -13ºC experienced on fertilisation programmes will play a major role The build up of a thatch layer will not only Christmas Day in Galway. This rose to 11ºC in creating such a balance. produce a spongy surface but will also result and higher in the early days of January. Many After such a harsh winter the grass plant is in our nutrition programmes being less of us suffered from outbreaks of disease, going to be very weak and without, as a former effective. A large build up of thatch will result especially fusarium, following these dramatic colleague of mine called it, “a kick in the ass” in nutrients being tied up in this organic temperature swings. it will not reach the sort of standard sought by matter layer, which may never reach their our members and greens committees. desired location at the root of the plant. Preparing For Spring Added to this, less frequent aeration will Having battled through one of the most severe Aeration; Once or Twice a Year? affect the percolation through our rootzone. winters for years, we must prepare for the It is traditionally believed that aerating greens Regular aeration such as hollowcoring or spring. For me, this is the most exciting time twice a year, once in spring and then autumn, verti-draining will open up pore space in the www.gcsai.org 38 Northwest Report by Damien Coleman Galway Bay Golf Resort

rootzone and allow for sufficient movement Like Father, Like Son of water through the profile. A reduction in I would like to wish all the best to Jason such practices will lead to these pore spaces Kelly of Strandhill GC in County Sligo being packed together through compaction who recently stepped into his father Declan’s and lead to poor percolation. Hollowcoring shoes as Course Superintendant. His father once a year is paramount to the overall health has been a member of staff at Strandhill for of our fine turf areas. In conjunction with this, twenty years and has served as Superintendant replacing hollowcoring with solid tining in the for the last seven. Jason has worked at spring may suffice, when implemented along Strandhill for seven years and became Deputy with a regular programme of less intrusive Superintendant to his father four years ago. aeration such as slitting or micro-tining. The At just 24 years old Jason has a wealth of solid tining will reduce costs in the areas of experience behind him, not only as a Deputy labour, fuel and machinery and may free up Superintendant but he has also volunteered at extra revenue for fertilising. There are also the Ryder Cup in the K Club in 2006 and at other aspects in relation to aeration which the cost of sand may not be so easily reduced. the U.S. Open of 2008. Well done and good can reduce costs without having a negative Using the appropriate sand, which has the luck to you Jason! effect on the turf. The high labour input same characteristics as our rootzone, is very of hollowcoring means that keeping costs important, as replacing it with a lesser quality GCSAI Annual Conference & to a minimum can be quite difficult. It has product will result in layering in the profile. Sportsturf Ireland been observed in the past that neighbouring This happens as a result of the sand particles The GCSAI annual conference and Sportsturf clubs may work together in completing not having the same particle distribution Ireland will be held in Knightsbrook Hotel their aeration programmes. The practice of as the rootzone and therefore there is no and Golf Club in Trim Co. Meath on the 2nd “borrowing” staff for a day can means such continuity in the profile. This will have and 3rd of March. I would like to congratulate tasks as hollowcoring are completed in a lesser negative effects on several other characteristics Damian McLaverty on being nominated for time scale so that course disruption is kept to on our fine turf areas. the role of President of the GCSAI for the a minimum. Returning this favour therefor It is essential that we get value for money in coming year and good luck to him. See you in means that both clubs are much better off than today’s economic environment but striking the Knightsbrook! I would also like to thank all of they would have been had they worked solely balance between input and output is what we our sponsors for their continual support. on their own. Reducing labour costs may be all strive to achieve no matter how we manage achieved through such practices; however to achieve it.

39 greenside magazine | March 2011 NortheastGreenside Report by David Callanan, Beech Park Golf Club

Northeast Regional Report

The winning team was Eddie Connaughton, John Egan, Ken McManamon and myself. We enjoyed a clean sweep by taking the Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive. Fair play to Eddie for answering the captain’s call on the 18th tee for the longest drive. Many thanks go to Pat Murphy from D’Arcys Sand for sponsoring the event and for his continuing support throughout the year. Club Championship For 2011 the committee has decided to start a club championship that will run in conjunction with our regular Golf Outings. Teams of 2, with players from different categories (Cat 1: 0-9, Cat 2: 10-18, Cat 3: 18+) will represent one Club. The winners of the Club Championship will automatically qualify for the Presidents Cup next Autumn. For further information please contact Alan McArdle (085)1510566. Up Coming Outings The committee are busy organising a Gerry Byrne (Newlands GC) and Paul Russell at the 5th green in Rosslare calendar of outings for the coming year, we

ay I start by wishing everyone, on behalf of the NE region Committee, a belated happy New MYear and best wishes for 2011. The weather conditions for December brought with it a great deal of difficulty for all of us and with fingers crossed I hope we have seen the last of the snow for this winter. Last year we were given the opportunity to visit and play some interesting courses. The NE region would again like to thank all the people involved with looking after the various courses, for the time and effort they put into making each event both enjoyable and successful. Here is a list of the courses we played during the year. • Sutton • Newlands • Westmanstown • The Hermitage • Good-Counsel Pitch & Putt • Beech Park hope to have a few of the old favourites, as • Rosslare (Christmas Outing) well as one or two new courses on the list. If you are interested in holding an outing please Rosslare Golf Outing contact: John Egan (086)3470388 or This annual golf outing was once again a Dave Callanan (086)3201763 successful event with everyone having a good time. Rosslare was not all about golf, as some Above: The winning team from the Rosslare great craic and debate went on both before outing, left: John Egan (Rathfarnham GC), and after the game was played. Pat Murphy (Sponsor Anthony D’Arcy Sand The golf course was in excellent condition, Ltd.), David Callanan (Beech Park), Ken but not easy, as the scores proved and it McManman (Martyns Lawns). Missing from was great to see work being carried out on photo Eddie Connaughton. restoring bunkers to their former glory - to say Iain Wakeman and his team are doing Left: One of the bunkers being prepared for great work is an understatement. revetting at Rosslare www.gcsai.org 40 Southeast Report by Trevor Dargan, Woodenbridge Golf Club

Southeast Regional Report It’s great to survive the winter, (you can only be happy to see sunshine after that winter). It has been the coldest since records began, so the met office tells me. I love that type of statement “since records began”. I am not really interested now in how cold it was, I want to know when the growing season will start and when our members will get out and play.

Satellite image of Ireland, December 2010 showing the country covered on snow are intent on damaging the members clubs that rely on casual golf. On a more positive note our golfer of the year was Robert Killduff. Robert is the assistant in Beech Park Golf Club. He attends nearly all the outings and is a current member of the South East Region committee. Well done again Robert. We are having a brutal time running our golf days, thanks to the weather. Our Arklow golf day was cancelled until the end of the year. I would like to thank Martin Lipsett for his help and use of the course. The Rosslare Golf Club outing was on 11th February and the results will be in the next issue of Greenside. A text will go out to remind our members when the outings are on and our Facebook page at G.C.S.A.I will keep you up to date with all that is current in the GCSAI. If you would like anything mentioned or have any information that applies to the green keeping community please make contact with me. Finally, congratulations to Duncan O’Shaughnessy and his lovely wife Jackie on their wedding last January. BEST OF LUCK in your future together. Duncan is the course superintendent in Bunclody Golf and Fishing club.

s I write this while there is a my surprise I found that we were within a hard frost on the ground for the few euro of each other, which would mean last five days and I am sick of that the casual golfer might come and play, Alooking at my, dare I say it, TEMPORARY as our clubs did not price themselves out of GREENS AGHHHHHHHHH. Yes, most the market. However of the courses now in the south east will the great institutions have temps - how times have changed. that are our banks have I remember three years ago when I was really put a spanner roasted by fellow green keepers for having in the works resulting temps. We have to adapt to our members in €10 green fees needs/wants, versus what is truly the right in some of the best way to manage our own courses. I would courses around or a love to have no temps, however, needs must steak dinner for €30. and that’s what I give them. This means you are not I looked at a few club web pages recently charging for the golf. to view green fees and to see what the clubs Isn’t that just typical, surrounding me were planning to charge the banks mess up our for some of the best courses in Ireland. To country and now they

41 greenside magazine | March 2011 THE Pitch Protector By Alan Mahon With a new stadium, a new pitch, and new equipment, Majella Smyth is the guardian of the impressive Aviva Stadium football pitch.

arrived to visit Majella three days before the Leinster V Clermont makeover costing €410 million (including a government funding Auvergne Heineken Cup rugby match, so preparations were well of €191 million) he is now responsible for the maintenance of one under way to have the pitch in ship shape condition. The previous of Europes finest football pitches with facilities seating 50,000 Ifive months took their toll on the pitch. From the 30th of July to people. the 18th of December there have been 13 matches (7 rugby and 6 Back in March 2007 Greenside featured Majella as he was soccer), 2 Michael Buble concerts (which involved covering the pitch preparing to say a final farewell to Landsdowne Road before it was with super tracway flooring), and 25 training sessions. It had been a to be demolished the following May to make way for what is now busy time for the Cabinteely native groundsman but he took it in his called the Aviva Stadium. The old stadium was demolished over a stride and had the pitch recovered for the next onslaught of matches. two-month period; most of the existing structure was crushed on This is the the normal way of life for him. site and 25,000 tonnes of concrete blockwork and brickwork were Majella started working on what was formerly known as the re-used as fill on site. Over 15,000 tonnes of steelwork from the old Landsdowne Road pitch in 1993. Eighteen years later, with a stadium were recycled. www.gcsai.org greenside magazine | March 2011 4242 Photo courtesy of Filip Naum By Alan Mahon

The impressive new Aviva Stadium and football pitch.

How the old Landsdowne Road stadium and pitch looked like in 2007. Photo: Alan Mahon

Space for the redevelopment was created by a realignment of the pitch (rotating it 15 degrees). The former two rear pitches, which ran East-West, were also realigned and combined into one pitch running North-South. This pitch is called the 3G pitch which is an all weather Majella with his assistant Stewart Wilson. pitch, regularly topdressed with Photo courtesy Filip Naum rubber crumb and used mainly as a training pitch. topdressing was given as too much sand Now furnished with an elaborate would bury the fibre elastic. This fibre elastic underfloor heating system, the pitch Majella’s old office was located upstairs which overlooked will be renewed every two to three years and was the last thing to be constructed. the pitch. Photo: Alan Mahon will mean having to take the top off the pitch, Work started on it in November mix of sand and soil; the soil used was from turn it over and reseed it. A recovery time of 2009 and the seed was sown in March 2010. the old Landsdowne Road pitch; fibre elastic between 8 and 12 weeks will be needed for The official opening of the stadium took place was mixed into the rootzone to improve this. on 14th May 2010. the soil structure; the seed used was 100% The recognisable landmark glass structure The pitch was constructed using an 80:20 Ryegrass MM60. A very light dusting of sand that is now the Aviva stadium, took almost three years to build and had to be built before There are 15 irrigation sprinkler heads the pitch. During these years Majella looked located on the pitch, with another 18 situated Interesting facts about after the maintenance of the RDS pitch in around the perimeter. Each head can easily the Aviva Stadium Ballsbridge but when work on the new Aviva be turned on or off from his iPhone. Now pitch commenced, he was involved from that is using technology at its best. One • ‘State of the art’ beer systems were the very start, including the grow-in. This other clever technique associated with installed which are capable of was so important to him as it meant that the irrigation system is the source of the dispensing a pint in four seconds he had a direct input with the grow-in. A water. The water used to irrigate the pitch allowing 2,000 pints per minute to huge advantage as he is the man that will be is rainwater gathered and saved from the be dispensed across the stadium. responsible for its maintenance. stadium roof in a 320,000 litre tank stored Majella has a full time assistant, Stewart in darkness indoors inside the stadium • The roof area covers Wilson. Stewart is also an experienced complex. This allows for 280,000 litres of 19,000 sq.m. groundsman having come from the Emirates water to be made available immediately. stadium before working with Majella. When The water is treated using an Ultra Violet • Over 6,000 people I arrived to interview Majella, he and Stewart steriliser to remove contaminates. It takes were employed on the project in various capacities over a three- year period. The project consumed approximately 4,000,000 man-hours. At peak construction just over 1,300 people were on site on a daily basis.

• 450km (280 miles) cabling was installed including all power data and controls cabling along with 150km (100 miles) of pipework both internal and external.

• There are 1,150 fire detection devices

40,000 litres of water to give a Machinery used 3mm depth covering of the pitch. This puts no demand on the, now fragile, Dublin mains system. • 2 x John Deere Gators 6 x 4 The most recognisable feature • Kubota B2530 compact tractor of the Aviva Stadium is the amount of glass that makes up • Kubota DL5040 with front loader the structure. Yet despite this, Majella has to resort to having • Toro Reelmaster lights placed over the grass during • Toro Coresweeper the winter months as the stadium creates shading over the pitch. The • Dakota 10 ton topdresser lights are left on for 24 hours and • Sisis Aeraid (1.6m) The control room of the underground heating system an SGL analyser is placed beside showing the pipe work. Photo: Alan Mahon the lights. This analyser records • Charterhouse Vertidrain (1.6m) the soil moisture and light levels. had just finished mowing the pitch using Because the pitch is made up of 80% sand, • Toro Procore 1298 pedestrian rotary mowers which took them the turf demands that extra bit of feeding. four hours. I was curious about the pitch’s A 18:6:18 granular feed is given in summer • Charterhouse Speedseeder (1.2m) underground heating system, particularly which changes to 7:0:14 in winter. Majella • Sisis Litamisa leaf collector how it handled the severe arctic conditions also uses foliar feeding approximately every last December. The 25mm diameter pipes month during the growing season. The sward • 4 x Honda pro rotary pedestrian are laid 25cm below the surface. This allows is cut at 28mm in summer and 36mm in mowers Majella to carry out any verti-draining up to winter. • 2 x Denis premier cylinder 20cm deep. “The thermostat is set at 19˚C There has been great feedback from both mowers to 20˚C so the ground never freezes” said soccer and rugby players on the condition of Majella. “However we still got a three inch the pitch and Alex Ferguson is reported to • 2 x Denis G8 cylinder mowers covering of snow in December but it was have said that it is one of the greatest pitches • Hardi 600 litre sprayer much easier to remove as the snow did not to play on. The pitch at Aviva is another jewel freeze over. Because we set the thermostat in the crown of Irish sportsgrounds together • Cosmo fertilizer spreader at 19˚C to 20˚C we get summer growing with Thomand Park and Croke Park which conditions during the winter which means are highly thought of in Ireland but also we mow a bit more often than normal.” throughout the world.

Photographer Filip Naum’s work can be viewed at: www.coldtwentyfour.com F.E.G.G.A. REPORT By Dean Cleaver CEO

Belated Happy New Year to you all, and lets hope for a successful year ahead …

It was nice to spend some valuable running of the association, BIGGA hosted a inspiring to all, greenkeepers being really time in Harrogate at BIGGA’s recent volunteer’s workshop run by the experienced honest with the problems they felt might Frank Newberry. The template of the exist and what the potential solutions might Show and Exhibition and although workshop was taken from a session that be. There is no doubt in my mind that the exhibition was smaller in size, FEGGA introduced at our past this kind of workshop is very there was definitely a more positive Conferences, a format that beneficial to all associations and feeling coming from both people seems to have worked very all who attended in Harrogate well in recognising problems were in agreeement. It brought and organisations about the year and finding solutions. I was a network of greenkeepers ahead. There is no doubt that the very pleased to be asked to together, to learn a little more Harrogate Show came at a good participate in this workshop, about the business elements time. It brought greenkeepers along with a real broad of running an Association, selection of people from the and made them realise the together and created a good golf industry who provided prominent role they have in achieving our environment to discuss their own opinions and specialised views on some goals. It will be very interesting to see the challenges and the challenges that of the key issues facing associations, and finalised data that will be produced from highlighting the role that volunteers play in the individual group work and I hope that I others are also facing, and how our Associations. can share some of this data with you in the they are dealing with them. future. These specialised areas include: - I am now busy preparing for the next t’s always a nice feeling to know that you FEGGA Conference, which will be held are not the only one feeling the pressure • Customer S er vice Culture in Iceland, ironically the first location for of these challenges in these very testing • Alignment of Products and Services our successful run of FEGGA Roadshows Itimes. with Mission some years ago. This years Conference will One other aspect that is not always • Data Driven Strategies see FEGGA host the International Summit recognised, especially for the larger • Di a l ogu e and E ngagement and we look forward to taking it into a new associations is that they are also a business • C EO s e r v e s a s a b r o k e r o f g o o d i d e a s direction and really making it into a working and not exempt from the realities of this • O rganisational Adaptability group that can make a difference to a global financial crisis that has affected all of us • Alliance Building profession. Iceland is, as I have spoken about during the last two years. It needs a strong in past editions of Greenside, a very special approach, good financial management These are all major areas of the business country, and it has some great case studies and the use of a network of members to that make up a successful Greenkeeper that we can learn from. It will also offer our provide support and maintain the essential Association and there is no doubt that family of delegates a memorable experience. ingredients of an association where its main volunteers can and should play a significant product is people - you the members. role. We had a very diverse group of Well, time to continue the work and I look In recognising the challenges ahead and greenkeepers within our group and what forward to talking with you in the next trying to get more members involved in the transpired over a number of hours was edition.

45 greenside magazine | March 2011 Why won’t you be open with me? I Can’t Tell You!

Frank Newberry explores how we can so easily become our own worst enemy in the workplace. He defines the words ‘defensiveness’ and ‘defensive routines’ and challenges us to always strive for openness and honesty in the workplace.

Because just blurting something out only eases the et us pause for a moment and frustrations of the blurting person, it rarely helps the make a mental list other person or the situation they are in. Lof some of the things that we would like to be able to discuss team discuss the boss’s performance but managers had previously been in the RAF more openly in the never include the boss in these discussions? where, during the war, because of very high workplace: wages and I can vividly recall the remarks of a fellow security levels, people were only told things salaries perhaps; terms and conditions; job consultant called Nick who had been called on a ‘need to know’ basis. The person who security; promotion prospects; why we need into a big airline company to help with their had information to share would decide who to do some tasks in a certain way; how key communication problems. There had been needed to know the information and would decisions are made; why some decisions some serious and embarrassing breakdowns then tell only them. If they were in doubt are delayed; how are we getting on as an in communication, leading to concerns about whether a particular person should enterprise in the recession; what about those about the way information was shared in be told, the rule was - don’t tell them. This people who are not pulling their weight in the company. Part of any consultant’s work led to a culture of secrecy as the company the team and favouritism, to name but ten. is diagnostic and so Nick asked questions grew after the war, which lasted until the Why don’t we talk about these topics openly about how long they had had the problem present day. Nick then began to go through at work? Why do things have to reach a (ever since anyone could remember); what something like the list above to check what crisis point before anything is said? Why do had been tried already (nothing much) and was discussable by people at all levels in the some supervisors keep so many things to what sort of information was not being company. He got as far as wages and salaries themselves? Why do team members gossip communicated effectively. On this last point and was interrupted by a person who said about a colleague but will not tell the person Nick gained some real insights. The company ‘You can stop right there Nick. You need to his/her face? Why does everyone in the had been formed after World War II and the to know that there are some things in this www.gcsai.org 46 Feature

organisation that are so un-discussable that person, it rarely helps the other person or the their very ‘discussability’ is not discussable’. situation they are in. Research tends to suggest that we resist As I have said in these pages before, it is being open because of fear. First we fear great to be kind and good natured, as are the reaction we might get in the moment most people in the turfcare profession, but and second we fear the consequences that sometimes things have to be said clearly might follow afterwards. Unfortunately and openly so that we can have effective frustrations can lead to disappointment and communication in the workplace that disappointment can lead to cynicism and the can lead to improved morale and a better belief that no positive changes will ever occur. performance from the work team. Wouldn’t it be great if we could feel confident enough to say whatever we like to anyone, without fear, or worry that it will be taken the wrong way, or used against us? Of course we sometimes come across people who are very blunt and declare to everyone that they like to ‘call a spade a spade’. However this ‘spade calling’ if often done in a crude ‘there you are, I’ve said it now’ kind of way can cause people to take offence at what is said and worse still they can harbour a grudge thereafter or never ever take that person seriously again. Why? Because just blurting something out only eases the frustrations of the blurting

Frank Newberry has been helping people in the turfcare sector to get better results for over 20 years. His clients include BIGGA, the IOG and Pitchcare.com. If you are facing a conflict situation and if you think it might help to speak to someone you can contact Frank by e-mail at [email protected] or visit his personal website www.franknewberry.com

47 greenside magazine | March 2011 By Richard Hayden STRI

The machinery had scarcely cooled down after the 2009 reconstruction of the Croke Park stadium when the phone call came from South Africa requesting me to do a tour of the stadiums. I must admit I was sceptical about South Africa, particularly about security, as the only thing we ever hear is negative press. The period of time between the call and landing in OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg was approximately three days. Little did I know from that call what was ahead of me.

Irish Man Gets Lucky

often meet people, particularly back home in Kilkenny, who say “Jasus haven’t you a great job flying around to all these Iexotic places, wining and dining, while the rest of us struggle to make ends meet”. No doubt it is a great job and I love it. The romance associated with travel however, ended abruptly for me when I landed in Johannesburg August 19th 2009 - it was the volume of flying that we did in such a short period of time; about 15 flights in 11 days. A Loaded Deck

A 10,500 mile round trip over seven days involving ten stadiums and around twenty flights is was a challenge. In every big project it is easy to pick up on small operational issues, no matter how well they are run - this wasn’t my role here. The task was to see if the overall strategy of pitch delivery was correct and subsequently

“Jasus haven’t you a great job flying around to all these exotic places, wining and dining, while the rest of us struggle to make ends meet”. No doubt it is a great job and I love it. The romance associated with travel however, ended abruptly for me when I landed in Johannesburg August 19th 2009.” Soccer City before (top) and after (below)

www.gcsai.org 48 The Koro in operation sports pitches in Africa. There is South African people and that I wasn’t in no book available that tells you favour of high profile travelling groundsmen how to manage it so I relied heavily parachuting in at the last minute - it does on the warm season expertise nothing for legacy or motivation within the of John Lockyer, Agronomist at industry. This led to considerable criticism STRI. The construction of the on the industry websites and chatrooms. pitches was variable, some ok, To this day I still maintain that this was the some poor. The majority of them best decision that was made in the World used reinforcements, which proved Cup. Everything I had worked for in my ineffective and didn’t provide twelve year career, however, was on the line pitch stability, particularly when if it didn’t work. I was informed by one of grass cover was lost. Machinery the contractors that I was playing with “a A sample of the Kikuyu grass availability was a problem and there loaded deck”. How true that was. As in any were a few stadium pitches which I good gamble, the key issue is to make the measure the risk for all of the stakeholders, felt needed to be reconstructed. numbers work in your favour. Risk analysis including the local Organising Committee. From an early stage, a great sense of pride pays off. From bad diesel in machines to Risk management and mitigation is almost amongst the contractors and consultants last minute staff mutinies, every possible a daily part of my job at STRI. Most of the regarding the South African turf industry outcome or risk must be numbered, valued time you can identify and manage risk, - after all, South Africa boasts some of and mitigated. There are plenty of guys to rather than eliminate it. If you can stack the the best stadiums and golf courses in advise on mowing grass but few who partake numbers in your favour, great, if not you are the World. As a consultant who travels in the “beat the banker” approach of risk in trouble. a lot to various countries I have learned management. The key risks identified from As the tour progressed I was impressed that it is important to keep everyone on my initial visit were machine availability, with the infrastructure that the South side, regardless of the seriousness of the pitch constructions, the conversion of the Africans had built. One of the key situation. I try to put myself in their shoes: dreaded Kikuyu grass swards to ryegrass issues established on the tour was the “imagine if Ireland was hosting the World swards and staff training. predominance of the native Kikuyu grass, Cup and some consultant flies in from the most aggressive, coarse, wiry, organic abroad to tell us all how to do it”. In my South Africans Don’t Like matter, producing puffy warm season grass first report and meetings with the South Swearing I had ever encountered. Native to South African sports turf industry leaders I stated Africa, the grass is considered an invasive that the pitches should be delivered by Before Christmas 2009 I was in and out species and is used on the majority of the South African contractors and by the of South Africa quite a few times and was

49 greenside magazine | March 2011 Germination begins at Ellis Park Soil profile showing layering experiencing the frustration of “African The next issue was that the saying “We need to fix this, we need to fix time”. This is where things are done in this”. Having spent so much money on what peoples own time rather than yours. Any surface levels were terrible. In could only be described as the world’s most contractor who had worked with me in the fairness, the pitches had been bizarre stadium, with its zebra coloured seats and giraffe pillars, the rumour was that the past would know that that doesn’t exactly gel built by another contractor, and with how I try to get things done. A private venue could be pulled. engagement by the English FA in Rustenburg both myself and Dave Kirkby We agreed a plan. I would take over as allowed me the platform I needed to knew that we would be judged site foreman, we would bring a 20 tonne demonstrate that great pitches could be tracked machine in, remove the pitch and delivered in South Africa. on these, regardless of whether grade it out to make it look in some way With the help of Dave Kirkby and his they were ours or not. presentable. We would then, over the coming renowned company Topturf, we set to work. days, replace the upper rootzone, cultivate Over the coming months we had many a pure ryegrass sward and stitch in Desso meetings with Fabio Capello and various as it started to look good, I would send the reinforcement. Nelspruit is a Malaria zone, officials within the English FA. The English guys out to ‘hammer it’ in two directions with so I stayed in the cab for most of the night, FA come in for a lot of criticism in the press the Peruzzo. as the production line removed the pitch but my first hand experience of them was (just like we did in Croke Park months one of efficiency, honesty and just good 100 Day Tour: South Africa is before). Arriving at the hotel for a shower I people to work with. The key issue with the Ready felt confident about what we had done. No English FA site was that it had been sprigged one could say it looked a mess. There was with Kikuyu and wasn’t looking all that good, As the second tour of the stadiums started in just no grass. with references to “jungle grass” from the February 2010 I knew that there was a huge As the worlds press arrived at Mbombela Italian with broken English. problem looming. It was a stage where South Stadium, pictures of “the dust bowl” The next issue was that the surface levels Africa was under fire for everything from the appeared around the world. Minutes later were terrible. In fairness, the pitches had international media, hotel rooms to security. I was talking to one hundred journalists been built by another contractor, and both And now, on the 100 day tour, which aimed all asking questions about how this had myself and Dave Kirkby knew that we would to show the world that South Africa was happened. When chaos erupted in the press be judged on these, regardless of whether indeed ready, the pitches looked terrible. conference the journalists were put into line they were ours or not. Local consultant Nelspruit is a little town on the edge of the by Dr. Danny Jordaan. I made a statement Johan Van Vuuren represented the client in Kruger Park. I had heard that the stadium that “great pitches, not good pitches were any decision making. Getting the irrigation had encountered problems in relation to required for the World Cup. This pitch will system installed and operational was a huge the pitch which had been removed three be seeded tomorrow, it will be green in five task. On one occasion I remember being on a times already. One of the tricks of the trade days, in four weeks we will stitch hybrid site in Athlone, taking a call on this, swearing is observation. Whenever I land in a strange reinforcement and in eight weeks this will be profusely at the caller who eventually hung part of the world I observe everything on the the best pitch of the FIFA 2010 World Cup.” up on me.” There is no point in having an way to the venue - what plants are growing? Three hours later I had two extra STRI staff irrigation system without a tank and without Is there drainage in the roads? Are certain on a plane from London to base themselves a water feed” I remember saying. But they got types of grasses growing? Any sign of a on site, as disease pressure would be a big it done. In African time but they got it done. tractor or a power harrow anywhere? By the factor here. The press conference came and The Royal Bafokeng complex was the first time I landed in the stadium, to my surprise, went, and low and behold, five days after set of pitches to start a regime of improving the pitch was being removed for the third seeding the pitch was green. “Miracle” and the Kikuyu grass, chemically controlling time in six months. With senior FIFA officials “Pitch is Alive” were the headings on the it, shaving it down and overseeding with looking on in dismay we sat and discussed local newspapers. Amazing what warm ryegrass. And what a result. We had a very how it would look in just twelve hours time, weather, water and good seed can achieve. strict nutrition and growth regulation with the banner “South Africa is ready” on From there on we based one of our staff in programme on the Kikuyu and regularly used the pitch. I will never forget “Brains” the local Nelspruit until the arrival of Liverpudlian, a machine called a “Peruzzo” to scarify. Just schoolteacher coming to me almost crying Phil Luxon from Turftek. From there www.gcsai.org 50 the challenges of disease and pests were monitor the training camps in particular. twenty people. Apart from the construction overcome and we had the first game six hours Aidan has a steadiness about him that was of so many pitches we had pitch renovations after stitching in the Desso on a ryegrass useful on a job like this. to consider. We imported a second hand pitch just six weeks old. The pitch did end When it rains in South Africa it pours. Koro and angle ground the lugs off the tyres up one of the best pitches of the World Trying to construct and grow-in nearly thirty of a Landini tractor shaving ten stadium Cup. When I came back for a game I was new training pitches from scratch was some pitches and thirty other existing pitches treated to fantastic hospitality and “Brains” challenge, most of them just had basic pipe needed for the tournament. Everything in particular used to come and personally drainage. At this stage the ten strong crew was planned to the minute with 2 crews collect me at the airport. were up every morning somewhere between operating the machines and travelling 4am and 6am and hit the road to beat the from site to site by night. Hollow-coring Pulling a Team Together snarling Johannesburg traffic. Three to four and overseeding and in some case sanding site visits were possible in a day with each followed. Following the infamous February tour of site rated on a risk of one to four, one being 2010, STRI was awarded the consultancy low risk and four being high risk. As the days Approach for Landing and project management associated with all and weeks progressed the pressure for scores Seatbelts Fastened of the pitches, (numbering about seventy), of one and two was immense. Slowly but including team base camps, stadiums and surely the stadium pitches ‘came right’, with As the pitch project began to show dividends venue specific training sites. With STRI being plenty of battles. One of the biggest issues the colder weather set in with temperatures very busy on domestic work in Ireland and in any scenario like this is the amount of plummeting to -4˚C just before the the UK, I enlisted my old boss Aidan O’ people involved in a decision; up to four tournament. With a warm season Kikuyu Hara to come out for a few months and help stakeholders often represented by up to base in many of the pitches, protection

Ellis Park before Richard Hayden & Aidan O’Hara

Ellis Park after 51 greenside magazine | March 2011 with covers was the only option. As the the venues at least once, and at this stage my and having it looking perfect for the final. Easier opening ceremony of the World Cup final role was more on checking up and tweaking said than done on a sand-based pitch with a approached a new problem appeared. STRI things rather than crisis management. As the Kikuyu base in dormancy at -4˚C. Turf wasn’t were expected to be at each stadium for the tournament came and went we continued to available for the goalmouths so we had to cover preparation of the pitches the day before and work hand in hand with the South African up the wear with clippings as best we could. the day of the game. With the resources we contractors, who were as good as any But the pitch played exceptionally fast and true, had it meant driving or flying many nights. contractors I’ve worked with. particularly after a splash of water. As the curtain Soon attendance at matches is no longer a came down on the World Cup final my adventure treat. Ladies and Gentlemen, came to an end. I can only thank the South Initially the two problem pitches for the African contractors and my own staff for the task tournament were Durban and Port Elizabeth Welcome to the 2010 FIFA that was achieved. In 2010, the South African with the former improving by overseeding World Cup Final sportsturf industry delivered seventy three pitches with annual ryegrass mid tournament and in one hundred days without the use of turf and the latter worsening due to no sunlight in As the final approached, we had some time to produced pitches (apart from one) that were as the stadium and no available supplementary relax and catch up on sleep, as the majority of good as the best in the world. It was a special lighting. I visited Soccer City at least three the team base camps and stadiums were now moment for the natural turf industry worldwide. times during the tournament and the rest of out of use. The focus remained on Soccer City I’m glad STRI played their part.

Stablisation at Mbombela in January 2010 Laser levelling at Mbombela in March 2010

Mbombela 7th April 2010 www.gcsai.org 52 News

Padraig Harrington Announced as First R&A - Working for Golf Ambassador

Padraig Harrington amongst junior golf hopefuls at the Working for Golf launch in Dun Laoghaire Golf Club Photo Alan Mahon

wo-time Open Champion Padraig Harrington is the R&A’s first Working for Golf Ambassador, using his position in the global game to promote the work of the St Andrews-based governing Tbody. Harrington will display The R&A working for Golf logo on his clothing or equipment on Tour periodically during the season. He will coach young people in R&A-funded golf development programmes, appear in Rules of Golf multimedia productions, promote the etiquette of the game, take part in biomechanical equipment testing sessions and support the work of The R&A Foundation at events spread throughout his global playing schedule. Announcing the appointment, The R&A Chief Executive, Peter Dawson, said: “Padraig is a role model in the game and, when he offered his time to support our golf development and rules education activities, we recognised the potential to reach the widest possible audience. His active involvement in golf’s bid to rejoin the Olympic Games was an important factor in our success in what is a key development for the future growth of the game”. “The R&A has been a constant feature of my development in the game, from playing in boys and amateur events through to winning The Open Championship, and I appreciate all the guidance and opportunities they provided along the way. I am delighted to have this opportunity to give something positive back to the game, particularly in those countries around the world where golf is still in its infancy, introducing boys and girls to golf so they can benefit from the values that the game teaches you,” said R&A - Working for Golf Ambassador Padraig Harrington. “I am constantly amazed at how much The R&A do for the game worldwide from development to the rules, etiquette and other areas. The more I learnt, the more I wanted to get involved in their work, and, given that I play a global schedule, I am well-placed to assist on various projects around the world.” In his first act as R&A - Working for Golf Ambassador, Padraig Harrington announced The R&A’s continued support for grassroots development programmes at Dun Laoghaire Golf Club, worth more than €250,000 over the next three years.

53 greenside magazine | March 2011 Nature on the Golf Course

We’ve just one Type of Frog, and Numbers are Declining

Research findings indicate, depending on the prevailing weather of course, that frog spawn usually appears in ponds and drains in Ireland in the last week of January or the first week in February.

By Jim Hurley

urthermore, the same findings level involves the participation of the suggest that the south-west of the general public. Help is needed from country tends to have the edge on members of the public to report frogs Fthe rest of our green and pleasant land and frogspawn this spring. If you in that reproductive behaviour among know of a pond nearby you could frogs in that neck of the woods starts contribute useful scientific data. If earlier, thereby heralding one of the first you see frogspawn in your local area signs of spring. in the coming weeks you are invited We have only one species of frog to go to www.arc-trust.org/loscan and in Ireland: the Common Frog. Other fill in the survey form giving details countries have a number of species. such as the date and location. This will Concerns have been expressed that help add to a database of frog records frog populations in general have the European Commission on the species’ and may fill in missing areas on the undergone recent declines across Europe. conservation status. To assess the state of our national distribution map. The reasons for the decline are not entirely frog population, a National Frog Survey is The National Frog Survey is being clear. One obvious issue that requires being undertaken by the National Parks and coordinated by Dr. Ferdia Marnell, head of further investigation is the loss, through Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department animal ecology in the National Parks and development, of many of the ponds and other of the Environment, Heritage and Local Wildlife Service. Any reports you submit will wet places in which frogs formerly bred. Government. The survey operates on two assist him and the NPWS to identify threats The Common Frog is listed on Annex V levels: one level involves frog scientists, and assess conservation priorities, and will, of the EU Habitats Directive. Consequently, wildlife consultants, and the national corps hopefully, help ensure that our frogs remain a Ireland is required to report regularly to of NPWS Conservation Rangers; the second familiar sight. www.gcsai.org 54 News

Rush Christmas Outing here was a good turnout at the 25th Rush Christmas outing on December 17th last. For once, the weather was on the Tside of Eddie Donlon as the event took place in between the two big snow falls of November and December. The day, though, was still cold, as frost prevailed for most of the morning. The golf was played using temporary greens but, to be honest, no-one really cared, it is a special event. It is a time of winding down for the year, a time for people to wish each other a ‘Happy Christmas’ and to say ‘I hope all goes well for Left: Derek Downey (Sutton GC), Noel Walsh (Whites Agri), Simon Lewis (Sutton GC) you in the New Year’. Yes, Rush is unique, there and Gerry Daly (Malahide GC) is something different about it. Long may it continue. Joe Hanney from Corballis Golf Links was the winner on the day with 40 points, which he won on the back nine. Dean Brock from Grange Golf Club came second, also with 40 points, and finishing third was Simon Lewis of Sutton Golf Cub scoring 37 points. Peter O’Callaghan of NAD won the Trade prize while Gerry Daly of Malahide took the visitors prize. Eddie Donlon presented Michael Nolan, the captain of Rush Golf Club, with a GCSAI tie and lapel in appreciation for making the course and its facilities available to the GCSAI.

Eddie Donlon (Rush GC), Michael Nolan (Captain Rush GC), Owen O’Connor (Honorary GCSAI member)

The deadline for receiving advertising and editorial for Greenside is:

55 greenside magazine | March 2011 TradeGreenside News

Blinder Bunker Lining Scotts Miracle-Gro to Sell System Launched its Global Professional he Blinder Bunker Liner Ltd, a new name in the golf industry, based in Ascot, Surrey, launched a Business to ICL in All-Cash new patented bunker lining system, Blinder, at the TBTME Exhibition in Harrogate recently. The new system is Transaction Valued at environmentally sound and uses rubber crumb made from recycled tyres mixed with a binding agent to produce a bunker $270 Million lining that provides a solution to many of the problems associated with maintaining bunkers. Blinder was developed he Scotts Miracle-Gro Company by the experienced and highly-respected golf course manager announced that it has received a Murray Long, who was looking for a viable option to reduce binding offer from ICL to acquire Tthe shares and substantially all the assets bunker maintenance hours. Rubber crumb is mixed with a binding agent and then of ScottsMiracle-Gro’s Global Professional spread onto a sub-base at a depth of 25mm. It is then business for $270 million (US), subject to smoothed by hand to provide the perfect base for the bunker certain adjustments in an all-cash transaction. sand. It can then be sprayed to match the colour of the sand, if The Global Professional business markets required. professional products to commercial nurseries The liner is resistant to club strikes and burrowing animals and greenhouses for ornamental horticulture; sports fields, golf and drains at a rate up to 2,400 ml per hour. It also minimises courses and public parks for professional turf applications; and contamination to the sand, which can create substantial specialty agriculture in North America, Europe, the Middle East, savings in sand replacement and reduces the possibility of Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. The U.S. professional stones on the fine turf areas surrounding the bunkers. It seed business is not included in this offer. Global Professional will also offers protection to the drainage system, extending the continue to develop its grass seeds activities in Europe. timeframe for drainage replacement programmes. The proposed sale is expected to close in the Company’s Highly durable and flexible, it can withstand extreme second quarter of fiscal 2011, subject to regulatory review and changes of temperature and the expansion and contraction the satisfaction of certain conditions, including works council of the surrounding soil due to prevailing weather conditions. and employee consultation. The Company intends to apply It also minimises wash from the bunker face reducing net proceeds of the sale toward capital investments and debt maintenance time after heavy rain. The new system can retirement. be easily installed when renovating existing bunkers or Both companies said they will have teams in place to ensure a constructing new ones. smooth transition for associates, customers and suppliers.

Imants Shockwave

The Imants Shockwave is designed to remove surface water and revitalise heavy wear areas by relieving soil compaction, improving aeration and removing surface water. The PTO driven rotary decompactor features a no-chains direct drive design, maintenance free ‘sealed for life’ bearings and mechanical drive overload protection provided by TORQUE LIMITER PTO. Working widths are 1.00m - 1.55m - 2.10 - 2.2m & 2.5m with working depths of 120mm to 530mm depending on model. The blades range from 12 at 12mm thickness (1.00mt machine) to the 27 at 25mm on the heavy duty (Shockwave 250). The Imants Shockwave will create a surface and soil structure that drains well and remains dry, with minimal impact on the playing surface so play can be resumed soon after treatment. It can be used on golf greens, fairways, tees, pitches etc to relieve compaction. Groundsmen and greenkeepers who have used the Shockwave throughout the winter have commented favourably on its ability to cope with the undulations on golf courses without leaving marks and with little surface disturbance. The Imants Shockwave also works in conjunction with existing pipe drainage schemes and allows water to drain to the existing sub-surface systems. It also leaves a continuous slit allowing the operator to slit back to drains, ditches etc. Campey Turf Care Systems is one of Europe’s largest independent grounds care machinery suppliers, and this year celebrates providing specialist equipment for turf professionals for 25 years. The company acts as a new equipment dealer for some of the most respected grounds care machinery manufacturers including Dakota, Imants, Koro, Raycam, Vredo and Omarv. The company also has a thriving used machinery business and a subsidiary company, Tines Direct, which supplies replacement tines, blades and replacement parts for a wide range of turf care machinery.

For more information visit www.campeyturfcare.com. Campeys are now on facebook – www.facebook.com/campeys www.gcsai.org 56

Trade News

B arenbrug’s Second Golf Ransomes Jacobsen introduces Trial at Ballybunion electric version of eclipse 322 rass seed breeder Barenbrug continues to greens mower demonstrate its support for the Irish greenkeeping industry by establishing a second golf trial at ansomes Jacobsen, GBallybunion Golf Club in County Kerry. has introduced The Ballybunion greens and fairways trial complements a the latest edition golf green differential input trial underway at Druids Glen Rof its greens mower, the Golf Resort – Barenbrug’s first regional trial investment in Jacobsen Eclipse 322 in Ireland. This second trial is investigating the performance of an all-electric format. 24 current and in-development mixtures and monocultures Previously available on greens and fairways under the influence of a links in hybrid format with management programme and environment in indigenous either a small diesel or sand. petrol engine powering The vastly contrasting locations of the two trial sites – with a 48-volt continuous Ballybunion an exposed links course on the southwest coast generator, the new all- and Druids Glen in County Wicklow a classic parkland electric version features six 8-volt deep cycle lead acid batteries with a course on the east - are expected to yield valuable data on the single point battery filling system for easy maintenance. differing course and climatic conditions across the country. Ideal for areas that require early morning mowing such as greens close to hotels and houses, the battery Eclipse 322 can lower operating costs by 86%, when compared to traditional greens mowers using s larger diesel engine and hydraulic drive. To determine savings potential, Ransomes Jacobsen has a website www.eclipse322.com, which provides detailed information that demonstrates the return on investment that can be achieved from this new technology. The battery Eclipse 322 is totally free of hydraulic oil and generates up to 98.5 litres less waste oil each year and a saving of up to 2,385 litres of fuel annually. Battery powered equipment also has fewer moving parts and in the Eclipse that can result in labour costs reducing by up to 15 hours. Like its hybrid counterparts, there’s no chance of hydraulic oil leaks on greens, no valves or hoses to check and maintain and it provides greater control of mowing regimes. Frequency of clip (FOC) can be set to suit the prevailing conditions and individual control allows lift/lower and engagement of one, two or all three of the cutting units. A swing-out centre unit allows easy access for adjustment and maintenance; the automatic parking brake is self-actuating, maintenance free and engages automatically when the accelerator is released. Pictured at the sowing of the Ballybunion trial are, from left, For more information on Ransomes Jacobsen products visit: course superintendant Mike Hartney, and Barenbrug’s Jayne www.ransomesjacobsen.com Leyland and Neil Pettican.

While Druids Glen is a bents-based trial, Ballybunion – with its sand loam and windswept location – will focus on finding the ideal fescues to cope with these challenging conditions. The outcomes of the two trials promise to be of great use for Another first forT urfCare Ireland’s course superintendents seeking grass seed solutions to cope with individual course requirements as well as the Irish TurfCare has introduced ProSeed 365 which is a “Winter country’s increasingly adverse weather. Active” 100% Perennial Ryegrass Blend. ProSeed 365 contains 50% Barenbrug’s investment in Ireland doesn’t stop there. Colosseum, a medium-fine, mid-green, perennial ryegrass that The company is also launching a Sports & Amenity Grass incorporates Mediterranean genetics. The Mediterranean genetics Seed 2011 catalogue specifically for its Irish customers. gives the turf active winter growth in cold weather and rapid Packed with product details and expert advice, the star of germination in cold temperatures. ProSeed 365 is ideally suited to the catalogue is a new mixture for Ireland – BAR Medal. winter sports grounds, golf tees, golf fairways and lawns receiving Part of the new BAR Range, this innovative blend of 60 heavy wear, especially winter wear. Colosseum was bred in New Bargold perennial ryegrass and 40 percent Viktorka slender Zealand, from grasses crossed with European cultivars which were creeping red fescue promises to bring wear tolerance and capable of withstanding extreme adverse conditions. Colosseum establishment combined with a very fine-leafed appearance to is the first from this family of winter active perennial ryegrasses to tees and greens. be made commercially available in Europe. Its key benefits are fast germination at low temperatures, winter growth and good wear For further information – or to order your copy of the 2011 recovery. catalogue for Ireland – call +44(0)1359 272000, email info@ For more details ask your TurfCare rep or call 045 409330 baruk.co.uk or visit www.barenbrug.co.uk Alternatively, visit Barenbrug at the GCSAI show 2 and 3 March. www.gcsai.org 58 Trade News

rollers shaking apart under normal Imitation ATT use. The imitations are manufactured from poor quality materials, not predominately stainless steel as the TMSystemTM original ATT product, and therefore rusting and corrosion of the imitation Chassises parts has also been encountered. Luckily these imitations are easy to Detected spot as the top bar is not black and does not bear the TMSystemTM logo. MSystemTM manufacturer, Advanced Also the adjuster top cap doesn’t have Turf Technology (ATT), have recently the ATT logo and overall the poor become aware of an inferior imitation standard of engineering, materials and Tchassis purporting to be for use with their market manufacture are obvious, particularly leading product. the finish and gaps in roller The TMSystemTM is a cassette based turf construction. maintenance system for use with most These imitation products do not mainstream triple greens mowers. have the benefit of an ATT guarantee The inferior chassis is a poor attempt to and after sales service and may be replicate an old ATT chassis and is not made dangerous in use. Advanced Turf with the precision engineering and attention to Technology can be contacted if detail, build quality and materials of the market anybody has concern or suspicion leading TMSystemTM chassis. Purchasers have they may have been sold an imitation, inadvertently bought these imitations believing and would suggest those persons them to be genuine ATT chassises and have return the product to the supplier and experienced problems. One such purchaser seek a full refund. confirmed to ATT that the imitation was “a very ATT are taking steps to stop any poor product which was not fit for purpose”, and more imitations being manufactured from first use reported “the front adjusters kept and to protect their intellectual falling apart”. property rights, their reputation and most importantly their customers. They would also ask for any Other problems identified include poor fit to information on imitations seen so that action can be taken against the source. ATT products are TMSystemTM rollers and equipment, and front exclusively marketed in the UK and the rest of Europe by The Grass Group.

59 greenside magazine | March 2011 Trade News

GCSAI Trade Members The GCSAI thank each and every one of our Trade Members for supporting us throughout these challenging times. Please support them when purchasing goods or services.

Company Name Contact Telephone Email

Advanced Landscape Services Karl Dooley 087 9402650 [email protected] Amenity Turf Supplies Shay Phelan 087 2765259 [email protected] Anthony D’Arcy Ltd Patrick Murphy 0402 38261 [email protected] Aquaturf Solutions Ltd Stephen Daly 086 0838747 [email protected] Atkins Grass Machinery Mark Wolfe 021 4933420 [email protected] Barenbrug UK Ltd Paul Warner 00441359 272000 [email protected] Bayer Environmental Science Kenny Liddell 00441223 226680 [email protected] Campey Turfcare Systems Ltd Brian O’Shaughnessy 087 9274521 [email protected] Cropcare Ltd Rose O’Donovan 01 2874485 [email protected] Dar Golf Construction Ltd James D’Arcy 087 2573550 [email protected] Drummonds Ltd Rosalyn Drew 041 9838986 [email protected] Dublin Grass Machinery Robert Mitchell 01 8386867 [email protected] Eddie B. Connaughton Ltd Eddie Connaughton 01 6283300 [email protected] Emerald Lawns Colin Sherrard 01 6852655 [email protected] Enrich Kevin McCabe 086 8392508 [email protected] Fairway Sands John Breslin 087 2772770 [email protected] Goldcrop Ltd Mark Booker 087 9580110 [email protected] Harris Turf Improvements Mark Harris 087 2540166 [email protected] Horta Soils Ltd Priscilla McFarland 048 38852888 [email protected] Irish Grass Machinery Ltd Michael Smyth 01 8624188 [email protected] James Coburn & Son Ltd Bertie Bell 048 40662207 [email protected] JFB Golf Supplies Ltd Frank Byrne 087 2374285 [email protected] John Deere Ltd David Hart 00441949 860491 [email protected] John Lindsay Professional Sportsturf John Lindsay 048 38339229 [email protected] Kevin Broderick Ltd Kevin Broderick 01 2858011 [email protected] Leinster Lawns Ltd Eamon & Ian Fox 087 7735557 [email protected] Leinster Turf Equipment Ltd Derek Inglis 086 8308033 [email protected] Lely Ireland Ltd Richard harris 045 526170 [email protected] Major Equipment Eibhlin Murphy 094 9630572 [email protected] Martyns Grass Lawns Ltd Brian Martyn 093 38012 [email protected] MSK Silversands Ltd Michael Kelly 087 2887016 [email protected] National Agrochemical Distributors Ltd Liam McMahon 01 8437808 [email protected] Rain Bird Europe Kneale Diamond 00447979 651765 [email protected] Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd Peter Driver 00441473 276368 [email protected] Reel-Tech Barry Drennan 087 6388955 [email protected] Sanrose Ltd Bernard Kinsella 053 9137208 [email protected] SOL Golf Course Construction Ltd. Michael O’Leary 064 7751006 [email protected] Spraychem Golf Ltd Yvonne Ritchie 01 8293990 [email protected] The Scotts Company Colman Warde 087 7799527 [email protected] TurfCare Group Pat Galavan 045 409330 [email protected] Unichem Ltd Niall Dunne 01 8351499 [email protected] Water Detox Solutions Ltd Angelo O’Connor 087 2420195 [email protected] Whites Agri Jer Doran 01 8438521 [email protected]

www.gcsai.org 60 Trade News

61 greenside magazine | March 2011 President’sGreenside Report by Michael Loughran, Hilton Templepatrick

Contact Points

Alan Mahon (Communications Manager) Yesterdays Man Rathjarney Piercestown, Co. Wexford. Tel/Fax: 053 9158606 Mobile: 087 6260889 This is my last report for Greenside as President of the Golf Email: [email protected] Course Superintendents Association of Ireland, as my two

Michael Loughran (President and NI Rep) years as President finish at our AGM. This will be held on Hilton Templepatrick - (0044) 797 4229343 Tuesday 1st March at the Knightsbrook Hotel, followed Email: [email protected] on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd by this year’s newly formatted Sportsturf Conference and Exhibition Show. I Damian McLaverty (Vice- President) Ballinasloe Golf Club - 086 8301048 would, as is expected on this type of occasion, like to thank Email: [email protected] everyone who has passed on their words of wisdom to me over the last couple of years. Michael McFeely (Hon. Sec & FEGGA Rep) Westmanstown Golf Club - 087 234 2051 he last two years, it has to be acknowledged, have, for most people who are Email: [email protected] employed or involved in the golf industry, presented a set of interesting, daunting, unusual, demanding, maybe even sometimes demoralising, but Talso many times a reaffirming set of circumstances. Bobby McDermott (Education Officer) Foxrock Golf Club - 086 2627839 All of the above descriptions have been reflected in issues that I have encountered Email: [email protected] since occupying the position that I stepped into in March 2009. These led issues many times to lengthy phone conversations and an extensive mail trail, though Paddy Holohan (P.R.O. & G.T.C. Rep) happily, most of which resulted in some sense of reward or achievement, as each Dundalk Golf Club - 087 0517043 subject progressed to the next step. Email: [email protected] I would like to sincerely thank all members of the National Executive and Regional Tom Carew (Treasurer) Committees for their continued work for the GCSAI and also to Alan and Maria Craddockstown Golf Club - 087 6260182 for their direction and assistance throughout the past two years. Email: [email protected] The GCSAI has, in recent years, had to make some very bold decisions and has David Behan (Immediate Past President) continually aspired to prepare for the future needs of the profession. We have also Naas Golf Club - 086 8269242 reached further afield to colleagues in other national associations. The benefits of forging strong connections nationally and internationally, especially in the current Email: [email protected] global climate, cannot be over stated.

Michael F. O’Connor (SW Rep) I personally feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to represent the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club - 087 1276764 profession for the past two years and hope to continue to make myself useful, if Email: [email protected] required, for the next two also. I have already received messages reminding me and naming me as Yesterdays Man. It is very much time for me to finish and wish Jason Podris (NW Rep) our current Vice President Damian Mc Laverty all the best for his coming term as Galway Bay Golf Resort - 087 1222697 GCSAI President. Email: [email protected] Many thanks to you all for your good wishes. I am looking forward to meeting you John Egan (NE Rep) at Knightsbrook Hotel in March and the pints will be on Damian!! Rathfarnham - 086 3470388 Michael Email: [email protected]

GCSAI President Trevor Dargan (SE Rep) Golf Course Superintendent Woodenbridge - 086 1721640 Hilton Templepatrick Hotel and Country Club Email: [email protected]

GCSAI Website: www.gcsai.org

www.gcsai.org 62 Greenside

63 greenside magazine | March 2011