Greenkeeper International GI JUNE 2010
Inside... Inside... LEATHERJACKETS Focus on The insect pests targetting turf Fungicides Featured Dr Terry Mabbut Greenkeepinggets technical Pebble - TheArt Unseen or Science? Beach HoIrrigationw to achie v e those cutting heights An intern works at System the US Open venue Irrigation matters uncovered Horses (and Tennis) for Courses Epsom and Wimbledon under the radar
A dream
Golf fulfilled Course Celtic Manor, home to the Feature 2010 Ryder Cup, is this month’s Course Feature There’s One Tool You Won’t Need When You Service Hunter Sprinklers!
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Penketh Place, West Pimbo, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, WN8 9QX T: 01695 556222 E: [email protected] www.revaho.co.uk Welcome from the editor BIGGA
President Sir Michael Bonallack, OBE
Board of Management Chairman – Paul Worster Vice Chairman Andrew Mellon Past Chairman Peter Todd
Board Members Chris Sealey, Gary Cunningham, Archie Dunn, Ian Willett, Tony Smith, Elliott Small, Mark Dobell
Chief Executive John Pemberton [email protected]
Head of Learning & Development Sami Collins [email protected]
Head of Membership Department Tracey Maddison [email protected]
Contact Us BIGGA HOUSE, Aldwark, Alne, York, YO61 1UF [email protected] www.bigga.org.uk Tel – 01347 833800 | Fax – 01347 833801
Greenkeeper International
The official monthly magazine of the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association Limited.
Editorial What a few
Communications Manager / Editor Scott MacCallum Tel – 01347 833800 Fax – 01347 833801 months in store [email protected]
Design Design and The sporting season is now very much in This month you can be sure there will be Production Editor Tom Campbell full swing and hopefully, we are enjoying more English flags, hanging out of windows the long-promised weather to showcase or attached to cars, than were seen when Tel – 01347 833800 Fax – 01347 833801 the wonderful work of the country’s St George arrived home to a hero’s welcome [email protected] sports turf professionals. having slain his dragon. Advertising As I write, people will be taking in their first On the subject of negative headlines, the
Sales Executive look at the new Wentworth, on the eve of the Wembley pitch has been right up there with Kirstin Black BMW PGA Championship, and Chris Kennedy Lord Triesman recently. I certainly don’t profess
Tel – 01347 833800 and is team will hopefully we enjoying the to be an expert, but I would suggest that the Fax – 01347 833802 plaudits for a supreme task, successfully reason the Emirates Stadium, not too far from [email protected] completed. Wembley, doesn’t suffer in the same way is because it was built with some consideration to Sales Executive Two weeks later one of Chris’ protégé’s, Jill Rodham Jim McKenzie, will welcome the Tour stars to the fact that it would be home to an area of turf;
Tel – 01347 833800 Celtic Manor for the Wales Open which will that it is used as a venue much more sparingly Fax – 01347 833802 give spectators, who haven’t been fortunate than Wembley and that its role as a football [email protected] enough to get a ticket for the Ryder Cup, the pitch is placed about all other commitments. opportunity to walk the 2010 course. The fact that Wembley is used by so Jim doesn’t make things easy for himself many different sports and events to satisfy Printing because not only is he coping with a Wales commercial partners, and generate the revenue Warners Midlands Plc, The Maltings, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH Open and a Ryder Cup in the space of 16 weeks required to repay the £750 million bill it came Tel – 01778 391000 | Fax – 01778 394269 he is also getting married this month - right with, may or may not be the only problem, but Contents may not be reprinted or otherwise in the middle of it all. Good luck to you, Jim, it certainly doesn’t help. reproduced without written permission. Return postage must accompany all materials submitted and the future Mrs McKenzie. I’m sure the There are many wise people working if return is requested. No responsibility can be honeymoon will have been put on hold for a few on resolving the problem and I’m sure assumed for unsolicited materials. The right is reserved to edit submissions before publication. months! that ultimately they will come up with a Although every care will be taken, no Elsewhere there is sport going on everywhere solution, even if it does mean sacrifices and responsibility is accepted for loss of manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Opinions expressed with Wimbledon, Test cricket, the World Cup, compromises. are not necessarily those of the Association, and no responsibility is accepted for such in South Africa, not to mention the European But in the meantime sit back and enjoy the content, advertising or product information Athletic Championships, in Barcelona, and the feast of sport we have to look forward to over that may appear. Circulation is by subscription. Subscription rate: UK £50 per year, Europe and Commonwealth Games, in Delhi. the next few months. There will be excitement, Eire £65, Rest of the World £95. The magazine is As an avid sports fan I’m not sure if my lady thrills, spills anticipation and the odd also distributed to BIGGA members, golf clubs, local authorities, the turf industry, libraries and wife will be too happy that some of my regular disappointment… and no doubt, at some stage, central government. chores may be neglected because I’m glued to a penalty shootout! the much anticipated New Zealand – Slovakia clash, later this month. It just shows how much sport can impact on society and, while it often comes with negative headlines attached, in the main there is little Scott MacCallum ISSN: 0961– 6977 that can galvanise a country more than sport. © 2010 British and International Golf Editor Greenkeepers Association Limited
JUNE 2010 GI 3 CONTENTS GI A look at what’s inside the magazine this month
JUNE 2010 COURSE FEa t URE 18
FEATURES
18 A dream fulfilled Scott MacCallum meets up with Celtic Manor’s Jim McKenzie, a man with a hectic few months A dream ahead of him. fulfilled
Jim McKenzie bought into the dream of a Welsh businessman in 1993. In October that 25 Greenkeeping dream becomes a reality. Scott MacCallum – art of science visited Celtic Manor to hear the story Greg Evans MG reveals the secret
Back in 1993, a wealthy The land, in a South Wales valley days time would host the Ryder worked under Chris Kennedy, and the time since he sat with Jim in est sporting event in the world in aBOVE: 18th on the Roman to cutting his greens at 2mm. businessman talked on the outskirts of Newport, was Cup, listening to that same young heading west. that house – where he’d been born terms of television viewers after the Road at the Celtic Manor resort, Newport, South Wales passionately to a talented beautiful, but it had never echoed greenkeeper recount how he felt “Within an hour, though, if he’d incidentally - looking out at the Olympics and the World Cup,” said young greenkeeper about to an anguished cry of “Fore!”, nor when he listened to Sir Terry Mat- asked me to punch my way through beautiful Usk Valley. Jim, who is now the third longest his vision of building a golf had it heard the satisfying sound thews, the owner of Celtic Manor the wall I’d have asked him which Five golf courses, 10 Wales Opens, serving employee of Celtic Manor. course. It was a tough pitch, of a ball dropping four inches into a Resort, explain his dreams for the hand he wanted me to use. He a superb five star hotel, two incred- “As Wales will never host an not because the idea of cup, but this man was talking about future. was that much of an inspirational ible clubhouses, a Golf Academy, Olympics or a World Cup this is as building a course over the holding European Tour events over “When he started to talk about character.” a home for the Welsh Golf Union, big as it gets.” land surrounding the house it. He was even talking about host- golf tournaments and Ryder Cups It would be fair to suggest that innumerable world class events All the work that has been car - where the meeting was taking ing a Ryder Cup! and I thought he was absolutely even Terry Matthews, and his and, at the beginning of October ried out at Celtic Manor has been 29 Leatherjackets place, was so outrageous, but Some 17 years on I sat in a nuts,” said Jim McKenzie, who was reach for the stars philosophy, this year, the pinnacle of it all – that done with a view to hosting the Cup. because of the sheer scale of luxury clubhouse overlooking the in the process of considering leav- would never have envisaged what R yder Cup. The first golf course built was the continue to what he was describing. magnificent golf course that in 141 ing The Wentworth Club, where he ultimately has been achieved in “The Ryder Cup is the third larg- Roman Road which was followed GI GI undermine turf 18 JUNE 2010 JUNE 2010 19 Dr Terry Mabbett casts his expert eye over the pesky leatherjacket.
33 “Hard work, learning new skills and great reward – it’s part for the course on the Ohio programme” Intern, Joe Buckley, describes his time working at some of the finest clubs in the US including this year’s US Open venue, Pebble Beach. 25 29 41 “What’s so different about how you apply nutrition? David Snowden looks at the various methods used to apply nutrition
44 Anatomy of… Kubota Grand L5740 HST Plus tractor James de Havilland looks under the bonnet of a compact tractor 41 44
4 GI JUNE 2010 33
REGULARS GREENKEEPER 6 Newsdesk GI INTERNATIONAL 13 Chairman’s Word JUNE 2010 14 GTC Inside... Inside... 15 Learning and LEATHERJACKETS Focus on The insect pests targetting turf Development Fungicides Dr Terry Mabbut Featured Greenkeepinggets technical 16 Industry update - TheArt Unseen or Science? PEBBLE HOWIrrigation TO ACHIEVE THOSE BEACH CUTTING HEIGHTS 38 Dealer of the System An intern works at Irrigation matters the US Open venue Month – Cheshire uncovered 16 Horses Turf Machinery (and Tennis) for Courses 48 Around the Green Epsom and Wimbledon 53 Chief Executive’s under the radar Column 54 Diary of Events A dream 55 Membership
Golf fulfi lled 57 Assistant Profile Course Feature Celtic Manor, home to the 2010 Ryder Cup, is this and What’s your month’s Course Feature Number
58 In the shed GI_JUNE_10.indd 1 19/5/10 16:18:41 66 Soapbox TheThe official official monthlymonthly magazinemagazine of of – Donald Steel, thethe British British & & International International Golf Golf GTC Chairman. GreenkeepersGreenkeepers Association Association Limited. Limited. 6
JUNE 2010 GI 5 NEWSDESK GI The latest news from around the globe John Deere Chalks Up Five Million Lawn Tractors
John Deere’s five millionth lawn tractor, Museum of American History in durable and reliable products that are now from the X700 Ultimate range, recently Washington, DC; a fully restored, working used throughout the world.” rolled off the assembly line at the Horicon, example of this pioneering lawn tractor is The millionth John Deere lawn tractor, Wisconsin factory in the United States. also on display in the foyer of John Deere’s a 318 model, was produced at Horicon in Production of the company’s first lawn UK headquarters at Langar. 1984. The second million was reached by and garden tractor began at Horicon in “Reaching five million lawn tractors is an LX188 in 1992. 1963, when John Deere built 1000 units of a major milestone for us,” said Horicon The factory achieved the 3 million mark the 110 model. factory Manager, Dan Hoffman. in 1998 with the LT133 lawn tractor, and An original 110 can be seen at the “Over the last 47 years we have the 4 millionth machine was produced in Smithsonian Institution’s National established a reputation for making March 2003.
01788 568818
170MM X 30MM 6 GI JUNE 2010 No Vacancies at the JCB Academy
THE JCB Academy has opened The Academy, based in the a waiting list for places at the renovated historic Grade II listed unique £22 million regional centre Tutbury Mill, close to JCB’s World of learning after becoming fully Headquarters at Rocester, will subscribed months ahead of its welcome 120 Year 10 students September opening. (14-year-olds) who over two years A total of 170 young people will study for the new Diplomas in have enrolled for Year 10 and the Engineering and Business as well Sixth Form places at The Academy as GCSEs in the core subjects of which will help nurture the UK Maths, English, Sciences, a modern engineers and business leaders of foreign language and ICT. the future. In addition 50 Year 12 Sixth The enthusiastic response of Form students have been awarded parents and students to the only places to study for Advanced learning establishment of its kind in Engineering and Advanced the UK means applicants now going Business Diplomas. Eventually, on a waiting list in case some of the the world-class learning facility allocated places are not taken up at which is the only education the start of the inaugural term. provider of its kind in the UK, will JCB Academy Principal, Jim cater for a maximum of 540 young Wade, said, “We are delighted that people. The Academy is fully subscribed Like other state schools, the and that it has proven to be so JCB Academy is funded by the popular that there is now a waiting Department for Children, Schools list for places. I am sure this kind and Families, but as main sponsor of interest will continue in the JCB contributed 10% of the capital future.” and donated Tutbury Mill.
Sponsors Wanted for 200 Mile Bike Ride from Hartley Whitley to Paris
Agronomist Bruce Jamieson’s relentless pursuit towards physi- cal perfection, which started with a diet of protein filled shakes and not much else in the early part of last year, has continued into 2010 with another project, Erewash Retiree one which only those mad, Graham Arnold, Course very fit, or both would consider Manager at Erewash Valley, undertaking. was the surprise recipient of a Together with his 16 year glass tankard at the end of the old daughter, Alice, Bruce is recent East Midland Section taking part in a charity 200 mile day. Graham who has been at sponsored bike ride from Hartley Erewash for over 40 years retires Wintney to Paris in September. next year and the Section felt that The Charity is raising money their visit was the ideal occasion for an extension to the local to pay tribute to him. St John’s Church and the As far as Graham was overall target is approximately concerned BIGGA Past £2,000,000. Chairman, Richard Barker, “We would really appreciate was going to give a short talk on you sponsoring us. Please think BIGGA and the Section but very kindly of me as I have started quickly it became apparent that training and the bike saddle is far Graham was the one and only too small,” said Bruce subject of the tribute. Anyone wishing to sponsor Richard highlighted some of Bruce and Alice should visit the work that had been carried www.justgiving.com/Bruce-and- out on the golf course over the Alice-Jamieson last four decades.
JUNE 2010 GI 7 GI NEWSDESK
PGA Praise
Former European Tour chief Ken Schofield has hailed the standard of PGA coaching as pivotal to the success being enjoyed by many UK-based players on When the Circus Comes to Town... the world stage. Ken delivered a glowing endorsement The South Wales Spring Seminar again was truly fascinating. After an Harmer, MD of the event sponsor, of the PGA’s coaching entitled ‘When the Circus Comes excellent lunch we where treated to Farmura Environmental, who programmes in the to Town’ took place at Royal a presentation by John Reynolds chaired a Q&A session. week that Northern Porthcawl Golf Club in April with and a demonstration by Dan Price, Thanks go to all the speakers Ireland’s protégé Rory 45 delegates in attendance. of the Vertigo Drainage System. for their participation on the McIlory following a The day started with Huw The afternoon session was day, particularly to Gordon and brilliant victory at Quail Morgan MG giving a presentation then taken by Ian Kinley, Course Richard who had to drive down Hollow. on the restoration of the links at Manager of Royal Porthcawl, from Scotland as their flights McIlory, who is Ashburham GC for the return of who discussed his maintenance where cancelled, and to Jim for coached by Bangor championship golf, highlighting regime for the Royal during 2009 giving up his time during this very Golf Club PGA the importance of good and in particular his success with busy year. Well done to Tracey professional Michael communication and the use of a overseeding and establishing from HQ for a great round of golf Bannon in County Course Policy Document. fescue into the greens. Last, but on the Wednesday and to Sami Down, is among a This was followed by Gordon not least, Jim McKenzie from the for staying awake during the clutch of top players Moir, of the St.Andrews Links Celtic Manor Resort gave us a great seminar, it was to great have you whose games have Trust, who gave a fascinating insight into the running of this both with us and thank you to been honed and insight into the preparations for incredible resort which covered not the staff and members at Royal developed with the aid The Open at the Home of Golf. only the preparations for the 2010 Porthcawl GC for allowing us to of expert advice from Richard Windows, of the STRI, Ryder Cup but also a wide range use their fantastic venue. Finally PGA coaches. then took the stage by storm and of other events including tennis to the guys at Farmura for their Other well-known entertained us all by explaining tournaments, political events and continued support of the South players include Lee the STRI’s new programme for various other sporting events. Wales Section. Westwood who measuring performance which The day was closed by Jonathan Steve Chappell has enjoyed a long association with PGA Master Professional JOHN QUINTON JOINS RJ Pete Cowen while Open championship John Quinton has been appointed with RS Bird and three years silver medal winner Regional Sales Manager at as Machinery Manager with Chris Wood works with Ransomes Jacobsen. Glendale. Bristol & Clifton PGA Reporting to UK and Ireland He lives in Monmouth with his pro Paul Mitchell. Sales Manager, Rupert Price, he wife, Victoria, and two daughters, Ken paid tribute will be responsible for business Sophie and Emma. to the skills of PGA development, equipment sales “We are obviously delighted that professionals during a and dealer support across his John has joined us at this exciting panel discussion at the territory which includes the time for the company. London Golf & Tennis southwest and northwest of “He joins an expanding sales Show which also saw England and all of Wales. operation in the UK and his a team of PGA pros For the past four years he held experience of the turf industry deliver nearly 300 free the position of Territory Manager will certainly add strength to our lessons over the three West with Hayter. Prior to this he territory management team,” said days. spent a year as Sales Manager Rupert.
8 GI JUNE 2010 GI NEWSDESK Benidorm or Bust Jim Cook attended an eventful Club Managers’ Conference in Spain
The International Congress they are doing it. At the Beach on Club Management Club we have a raffle, where was this year held near all the staff remember all the Benidorm, Spain, organised other staff member’s names by Club Manager Spain for cash prizes. We have The intrepid five with their trusty car and the Club Manager’s dishwashers who walk away Association of Europe. with $400.” but sent The eruption of the Icelandic Gregg made a final point. prog- a statement stating that only volcano and subsequent “Use your club for more than ress towards Britain. simple fine-tuning of golf clubs airspace closures meant that just golf because people say they Taking regular breaks to would be needed to turn them alongside thousands of other don’t want to be in a club that stretch our legs, switch drivers, into environmental community stranded travellers around the is boring. Find out what your drink coffee and fill the petrol assets. world, delegates attempted to people want and give it to them. tank we made relentless prog- Rounds of golf at La Finca and blunder home via any means Members have to have a great ress through the rugged Span- Villaitana showed the quality possible. experience. If the only thing your ish countryside, with its Wild of presentation on these two On the first day of the confer- club has to offer is golf then you West style villages dotted amidst courses. ence, we media representatives will be in trouble.” fields of oranges and olives. After the conference, news played Bonalba golf course Jim Callaghan, Club Manager The Mediterranean Sea was of more and more flights being courtesy of our hosts, the Tour- at Bothwell Castle GC, and always in view to our right, until cancelled meant we all had ist Board of Costa Blanca. As CMAE Scottish Region Presi- darkness fell and we branched to think seriously of finding well as enjoying a round on the dent, spoke about the problems off, after Barcelona, toward the another means home. News well-maintained course, we also of golf courses run by commit- Pyrenees. reports full of doom and gloom were given the chance to try out tees. At the French border a lengthy seemed happy to mention that the club’s new GPS systems, “There are clubs going out of queue of HGVs reminded us the last time this volcano erupted installed in carts. business because they are not that freight carrying aircraft in 1821, it lasted two years. Next day, at the conference, run in a professional manner. were grounded. The general feeling of anxiety the CMAE Chief Executive If a committee makes a mistake With directions printed out at the resort was offset by the Officer, Jerry Kilby, spoke about there is no accountability, but from Google maps, and Simon’s inventive spirit people were communication between staff. if a manager makes a mistake; knowledge of the route, we flew using to find ways home over “We must remember to have he’s out.” past Lyon, Dijon and Metz and land. Some rented cars to drive regular interactions with all Mike Lehmuis, Chief Operat- entered Luxembourg at the to France, while others arranged members of staff. We are often ing Officer at the Congressional break of day. a bus to take them 1,300 miles guilty of forgetting the guys who Country Club, in America, After an inevitable lull in to Malmo, Sweden. rake the bunkers. They are as started a lively debate. spirits, these were soon raised Some planned to stick it out important as anyone as repre- “I don’t play golf at my club by not only the sun but the at the resort and others virtually sentatives of the club.” unless I absolutely have to. The realisation that we had nearly set up camp at Alicante airport. He also stated that social last thing a player wants to see is made it to our drop-off point in Unsurprisingly no-one took interaction was the key factor to me standing on the driving range Belgium – Antwerp. Gordon Brown’s warship very a person joining a new golf club. or teeing off with my friends on A steadily rising engine tem- seriously. Gregg Patterson, General an afternoon. My advice is to go perature caused some concerns, The prize for the most original Manager of The Beach Club, in and play at another club.” but after twenty hours on the plan must go to Simon van Boxtel California gave two energetic per- At which point, a Spanish road, the old Mitsubishi brought of the EMS. With the necessary formances which commanded Club Manager in the audience us in. contacts, he managed to buy a attention. Of all the seminars in stood up. The two Dutchmen carried 1995 Mitsubish Lancer estate, the congress, Gregg’s, although “Here we see the social dif- on to Holland as we made the with Dutch number plates, in delivered superbly, demon- ferences from the US to Spain. relatively short train journey to Benidorm, and made plans to strated most of all the cultural Many members have wanted to Zeebrugge, where we became drive the 1,000 miles back to differences which exist between play with the General Manager three of the scores of stranded Holland. Europe and the USA. here, so they see it as a privilege travellers picking their way Alongside, Lodewijk Klootwijk, “Building up team spirit and not something to be avoided. I through midday traffic to a port Chief Executive of the European education comes from shared think it is only good for staff to designed for cars not pedestri- Golf Club Owners Association, anecdote. It is the stories told play on the course.” ans. Keith Lloyd, Chief Executive of afterwards that are the key thing The final session looked at And so, by the next morning the Golf Club Managers Asso- to people learning off each other. environmentalism on the golf we were back on English soil ciation and Ben Evans, Editor Council staff individually. Some course. Benjamin Warren, of feeling dazed but not unsure of of Golf Business Development, people may serve the food in the the GEO, had been grounded what had stolen the show at this I jumped at this chance to make restaurant but not smile while because of the volcanic ash cloud Club Managers’ conference.
JUNE 2010 GI 9 GI NEWSDESK
The inaugural CONNECT (Conwy (North Wales) CONNECT at Conwy exhibition for clubs and trade) took place at Conwy Morfa Golf Club in April. The two day event showcased machinery and products of many national and international brands such as Textron, John Deere, Toro and Wiedenmann, these products where shown by local distributors, who have a greater insight into local needs and preferences. The practice area was given over to hands-on demonstrations. Traders offering other services were also present at the show, with amenity companies such as Sherriff, Crocodile and many others offering a full range of their wares
St Andrews to Honour Golfing Greats
Three of the world’s greatest golfers “This will be an opportunity are to be honoured by Scotland’s for St Andrews and Scotland to oldest university on the eve of honour their determination and The Open Championship at St achievement in the game of golf Andrews. and the pursuit of excellence. Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson “We are absolutely delighted and Padraig Harrington will be that they have agreed to accept awarded Honorary Degrees by the these Honorary Degrees at the University of St Andrews. home of golf on the eve of the The University will award each 150th anniversary of the Open of them the degree of Doctor of Championship.” Laws honoris causa in recognition Previous recipients of Honorary of their achievements and Degrees from St Andrews include outstanding contributions to the Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, game of golf. Gary Player, Colin Montgomerie, The degrees will be conferred by Nick Faldo, Peter Thomson and University Chancellor Sir Menzies Peter Alliss. Campbell. All have been invited to this University Principal Dr Louise year’s ceremony to witness their Richardson said, “Individually and fellow professionals receive their collectively, Arnold Palmer, Tom degrees. Watson and Padraig Harrington Among its Honorary Graduates exemplify excellence, drive and are Bob Dylan, Benjamin achievement at the highest levels Franklin, Michael Douglas and the of professional sport. Dalai Lama.
10 GI JUNE 2010 GI NEWSDESK
SUCCESSFUL UK TRIALS OF OXYGEN GENERATOR HELP GREENS THROUGH HARSH WINTER
Grants Awarded to Darren Woodward on one of the greens at Tylney Park Golf Course. Young Athletes Trials of a new oxygen generator top dressing. Proof that Oxy-Rush Ransomes Jacobsen continues to sponsor the Suffolk have helped bring a prestigious, was working came within a week of SportsAid Foundation with two young Suffolk athletes, Hampshire golf course through application. Joe Bloomfield and Keiran Clements, receiving grants to one of the hardest winters in recent “We have a monthly fertiliser help fund their training as they progress their careers at memory. programme during the growing national level. Tylney Park Golf Club, 200 season,” he continued. “We’d Joe Bloomfield, a hammer thrower from Ipswich, was acres of privately owned estate at applied fertiliser in March and presented with his grant by David Withers, Managing Hook near Basingstoke suffered the greens were due another Director of Ransomes Jacobsen. 20 inches of snow from the end of application that week, but having “It’s a pleasure to present Joe with his grant,” he December to the end of January used Oxy-Rush we found that they said. “Ransomes Jacobsen are pleased to be a business followed by nearly nine inches of didn’t need feeding for another two supporter of the Suffolk SportsAid Foundation and in rain to the end of March. weeks.” doing so play our part in helping talented young people “For Hampshire this was Darren repeated his application from the county, like Joe and Keiran, to realise their unusual to say the least,” of Oxy-Rush in August, again sporting ambitions. says Course Manager Darren following hollow coring and kept Everyone here at the company looks forward to Woodward, who has been at the up his aeration regime – monthly following their progress as they compete at national level club since 2006. solid tining with 6mm tines during and eventually on the international stage.” “The greens have stood up the summer and 9mm tines Joe Bloomfield, 19, who is aiming to participate in the vey well. They’ve got a nice, dry during the winter – using Pervade 2011 European Under 23 Championships and 2014 firm surface and considering the penetrant five times over winter to Commonwealth Games is ranked 2nd in Great Britain, weather we’ve had they’re not keep excess water off his greens. and holds the number one spot in Scotland in the holding much water in the top ¾ to David Snowden, MD of Agronomic Hammer at under-20 level. 1 inch.” Services, who visited Tylney Park Keiran Clements, 16, is ranked first on the ‘Power of 10’ Keen to get more oxygen into his in the middle of March, says that rankings in his age group for the mile. Fescue dominated USGA greens; he personally hasn’t come across Darren was one of the first UK turf firmer, better looking greens this managers to use Oxy-Rush, the year. new soil stimulant that increases “I took out my knife and cut a O2 levels accelerating the activity sample slice out of one of them and NEWSDESK of beneficial microbes. He applied the soil smelt sweet. I could also GI the product to all 18 greens at the see good, strong rooting. A true end of April last year, following credit to Darren and his teams’ Please email your news items and press releases hollow coring, over seeding and hard work.” to the editor, Scott MacCallum: [email protected]
JUNE 2010 GI 11 BIGGA Golf Day 2010
Monday 14th June 2010 at Aldwark Manor
For further details, please contact Kirstin Smith on 01347 833832
GI JUNE 2010 BIGGA GOLF12 DAY_1.2P.indd 1 25/3/10 12:10:43 Chairman’s Word Chairman Paul Worster addresses an open letter of thanks to all the clubs and individuals that support BIGGA.
To: Golf Club Owners and Operators, Secretary/Managers, BIGGA can and will use its leverage in the golf industry and in the ‘game Cc - Course Managers and Greenkeepers. of golf’ to help institute protocols and From: Paul Worster, BIGGA Chairman guidelines that will enable employ- Subject: My personal thanks ers to recruit and select people with confidence at all levels in the profes- Dear Colleagues, ing conditions and circumstances. sion from Assistant Greenkeeper to I am writing to express my For the future, BIGGA is taking Course Manager. personal thanks to you for strides towards becoming the very In short you will be able to com- supporting the Association and best membership Association it can, pare Greenkeepers qualifications to let you know how BIGGA can so that your greenkeepers can also with confidence because those help your club. I would like a become the very best. qualifications and the status that few moments to outline how BIGGA’s Mission Statement they bring to each individual will be we can help your greenkeepers compels it to be at the forefront of upgraded and updated every year. to be the very best. efforts to advance the greenkeep- The game of golf needs to uti- If you pay for your greenkeepers to ing profession. It reads: ‘BIGGA is lise BIGGA’s services like never be members of this Association you dedicated to the continuing profes- before are providing for them: sional development of its members In this way BIGGA will enhance • Access to the best professional and in serving their needs will strive its services to employers. In these skills training and development through education and training recent difficult times – both economic available in Europe for standards of excellence in golf and climatic – the game of golf has • Personal Accident Cover course management throughout suffered badly and may continue • Access to professionally the greenkeeping profession’. to do so for the foreseeable future. developed, custom designed ‘best You should be able to check More than ever the game needs to practice’ tools and techniques or validate the standards you respond, and that response must • A modern CPD Scheme designed expect of the people you employ be to provide better services to the to promote full engagement in the The Association is keen to help golfing customer. To do this clubs Association employers by enhancing its Continu- need better and more highly skilled • Legal, Stress, and Debt Coun- ing Professional Development (CPD) people. The success of the Course selling Helplines for them and their scheme. BIGGA is keen to establish Manager and his team are integral families to use a CPD accreditation scheme that to the success of the facility. In short if you pay for your will enable you to recruit and select This Association wants every club greenkeepers to be members of the greenkeepers whose professional in the UK to be ready to face the Association you are providing for standards have been tested and future with the best possible chance your club a Greens Team that has recognised. Just as you personally of expansion or consolidation, of the potential to be the best informed can choose to hire a qualified and improved courses and facilities, and the best educated in Europe. accredited gas fitter or electrician offered at the best possible price. Having a well trained, motivated you should be able to check or vali- BIGGA wants every club in the UK greenkeeping team will produce date the standards you expect of the to be able to say to its immediate for you a high standard of course people you employ. neighbouring population – “We maintenance and will help your golf Greenkeeping has always been a belong here. We are a resource to club to achieve a reputation for fine profession that has to be up to date, this community. The community is conditioning and excellent presen- responsive and qualified. The ever welcome here. All ages, all fitness tation. I believe that this will make changing and developing UK and levels. Come in and be a part of it.” your club a more attractive option European Legislation on things like On behalf of the Association I not only for potential members but pesticides; health and safety and the again say ‘Thank you’. If you want also those golfers looking to play search for ‘Best Practice’ are just a to know more about how BIGGA different golf courses. few examples that clearly indicate can help you and your club I say BIGGA is also keen to support the need for continuous professional ‘Come and join us’. Come along to a every club in the UK regardless of improvement. BIGGA Regional Open Day. One will location or status Lawyers, doctors and people in be coming to a venue close by in the The Association is not just for other professions have long been near future. Course Managers. It places exactly expected to have to undertake a If you prefer to write you can the same importance on every certain number of days training and contact me direct on talktopaul@ greenkeeper. BIGGA is also keen to development each year to make sure hotmail.co.uk. I look forward to tell- support every club in the UK regard- their skills and knowledge stay up to ing you how BIGGA can serve you less of location or status. date. Greenkeepers are no different. better by advancing the greenkeep- BIGGA cannot help you to control You will be able to compare ing profession. the weather, but it can help you to Greenkeepers’ qualifications Yours faithfully, react and respond to rapidly chang- with confidence Paul Worster.
JUNE 2010 GI 13 Greenkeepers Training Committee
David Golding, Education Director, updates the position on formal qualifications
Regular readers will be well inspected and only funded on full and private providers to register aware of the support the qualification achievers...this has In Brief as Approved GTC Centres and GTC has given to the Skills to change! This month David explains Training Providers. Agenda and the various At recent Lantra SSC meetings how, after many years of Not only Centres which offer ensuring greenkeeping government schemes to in England and Scotland various has its own set of national the formal qualifications but schemes to fund initiatives occupational standards, training provider companies and ensure employers and finally the industry kite students are well catered which are employer led have mark will be included on individuals who offer training for by various formal been discussed and are top of certificates. courses to the sector. qualifications and courses the agenda with the government If Centres meet the GTC’s delivered by GTC Approved representatives and we in the criteria, one major benefit to The GTC is funded by: Centres. land based sector particularly our them will be to use the GTC’s QA The work based and college Centres must be prepared to react logo (including supporters logo) delivered courses are still being by having short courses ready to on all of their course literature supported by employers even go and this is not difficult. and website. during the ongoing recession with Colleges and private providers So from September we will be Apprenticeship registrations in have to be prepared to use Units promoting the Quality Assured our sector still on the increase. as short courses. Scheme and we hope that The popularity of the on-line From September of this year employers and greenkeepers will Foundation Degree with Course the revised NVQ’s will become welcome this initiative by the GTC Managers and Deputies, with the Work Based Diploma in to maintain quality provision. very busy work schedules, are still Greenkeeping and the Diploma The criteria and list of GTC looking at their own Continual in Golf Course Supervision. Approved Centres and Training Professional Development (CPD) SVQ’s Levels 2 and 3 Providers will be available from and this is to their credit. Greenkeeping will remain in the GTC and will be maintained Funding of courses is always Scotland and the GTC has been on the website: a thorny subject and will in the working with City & Guilds – NPTC www.the-gtc.co.uk coming months be a political and SQA, the leading Awarding football post election, especially Bodies for our sector, to have the for Higher Education fees. GTC logo included on certificates The GTC’s attendance and from September. persistence at the various I am pleased to confirm that meetings to lobby for funding to an agreement has been reached be made available for apprentices with NPTC and negotiations of all ages and to be allocated to are advanced with SQA to have Units of qualifications is finally the Quality Assured logo on the starting to filter through to Work Based Diplomas and Centres and this again will be an SVQ’s. attractive option for employers This really is recognition for the and greenkeepers. GTC and its representative bodies I know full formal qualifications BIGGA, the English, Scottish and are not for everybody but if Welsh Home Unions, who under employers and greenkeepers the umbrella of the GTC, show could choose, from what I call a how the employer representative menu of Units, from craft level to bodies and professional body management and there are short can work together to ensure bite-size courses available with the standards be can developed funding support, then there will and reviewed to suit everybody’s be no excuse to gather CDP. A win- requirements. Trainin win for employers, greenkeepers With the GTC’s Quality Contact Details rs g C e o Assured logo on the Work ep m and the Centres plus the fact the e government will see their targets based qualifications we are now David Golding k m GTC Education Director n i of having more people on training looking at working closer with e t t e 01347 838640 e
r the Awarding Bodies to ensure e programmes increase. [email protected]
I have for many years the qualifications are delivered G GTC complained that the government by Centres to the required Aldwark Manor has been obsessed with standards. Near York YO61 1UF students having to complete full The GTC Quality Assured Q www.the-gtc.co.uk u d qualifications and the colleges logo will become the Kite Mark al re and private providers being of quality as we invite colleges ity Assu
14 GI JUNE 2010 Learning & Development Sami Collins, Head of Learning & Development, gives an overview of the work currently being undertaken in the L&D department
June... already! How on earth ments of the National Occupational Ealing Golf Club, who has achieved did that happen? All we need Standards. the Master Greenkeeper Certificate. now is some warm, sunny The updated Specifications are Greg completed his Golf Course weather and then I’ll truly now available in the Careers’ section Inspection last year and passed the believe that Summer is on its on the new BIGGA website - under final Examinations in April. Greg way. Job Descriptions - and also from The funding provided becomes the 52nd BIGGA Member by Golden and Silver the online BIGGA Training and Key Sponsors is used to to achieve Master Greenkeeper Continuing Professional Development Manual (accessed produce training and career status. aids, DVDs, CD Roms, Development through the Members’ area of the field guides and provide If you would like further informa- website). A document listing all refunds for training fees and tion on the Master Greenkeeper subsidised learning and three Specifications is available development courses. The Certificate, please do not hesitate to within the ‘Sub Text’ area of Hole funding also helps support contact the L&D Department. seminars, workshops, For those of you active on the 1 – Trainee/Apprentice. courses, the lending library, careers advice, posters and Continuing Professional Develop- A Quick Guide to accessing manuals. Certified Club Manager ment (CPD) scheme, it’s that time documents from the Training and Many young greenkeepers of year that the reminder letters will Development Manual is available owe their career Congratulations go the on the website by going to the Edu- progression to the Andy Campbell MG, land on your doormat reminding assistance they’ve had you that the CPD year is coming to cation area, clicking on Resources from the Learning and CGCS who has com- and then on the BIGGA Training Development Fund. An pleted the Certified a close on June 30. equal number of established With this in mind, you need to and Development Manual. The greenkeepers have also Club Manager (CCM) been able to access the forward any outstanding CPD credit downloadable document is at the fund to continue their qualification through claim forms to Rachael, so that she bottom of the page. professional development the Club Managers Association of thanks to the donations of can update your record and your the Golden and Silver Key Europe (CMAE). Andy can now add CPD Certificate for 2009/2010 can BIGGA Training and Sponsors. the initials CCM to his name. You’re be produced. Development Manual going to need a bigger business card For those of you heading towards Andy! your fifth consecutive Certificate, it For further information on Certi- also means you’ll be getting notifi- fied Club Manager visit the Club cation of receiving your Diploma for Supported by John Deere Managers Association of Europe Continuing Professional Develop- page in the Qualifications area of the ment. Another of the projects that the Education section of the website. If you have any queries regard- L&D Department is working on is ing CPD, please contact Rachael updating the information available Higher Education Scholarships on 01347 833800 (Option 3) or by in the Training and Development email to [email protected]. Manual. Watch this space for fur- Contact Details ther updates. Sami Collins Job Specifications Head of L&D Master Greenkeeper [email protected] Supported by Ransomes Jacobsen David Golding, of the GTC, and I Rachael Duffy L&D Administrator have spent some time updating the [email protected] The most recent scholarship has
Job Specifications for Golf Course 01347 833800 (option 3) been awarded to: Greenkeeper, Golf Course Supervi- James Stevens – Foundation sor and Golf Course Manager to Congratulations go to Greg www.bigga.org.uk Degree in Sportsturf (Online) ensure that they reflect the require- Evans, Course Manager from
Thank you to our Golden and Silver Key Sponsors
Golden Key Individual Members: WJ Rogers; Andy Campbell MG, CGCS; Iain A Macleod; Tom Smith; Frank Newberry; Christopher Lomas MG, Lee Strutt MG; Silver Key Individual Members: Ade Archer; Iain Barr; Hamish Campbell; Steve Dixon; Paul Jenkins; Robert Maibusch MG; Richard McGlynn; Stephen Pope; Jason Sarna; Steven Tierney; Neil Whitaker; Graham Wylie, Michael Beaton, Douglas Duguid
JUNE 2010 GI 15 INDUSTRY UPDATE GI The latest turf industry news from around the globe
NEW SISIS AERATORS
SISIS Equipment has introduced two new aerators to its range of tractor mounted machinery. The SISIS MULTISLIT 1500 has a working width of 1.5mtrs and is supplied fitted with sharpened tines with alternative slitting tines available to suit different ground conditions. The angle of the tines and spiral design of tine shaft assist penetration giving maximum underground cultivation with minimum surface disturbance. Football Pitch Renovations The SISIS MULTITINER 180 has a working width of 176cm End The European Demo Tour and a maximum working depth of 100mm. There is a choice of interchangeable tines. The roller Campey Turf Care Systems profile prior to the renovation Richard Campey, made the can be used for extra weight in hard has concluded its seven with the Imants Penetrometer following observations about conditions or raised when hollow week European Demo Tour, compaction meter, which the venues they’d visited, tining. Both aerators use standard completing their final two full revealed that it was almost “The six pitches we category 1, 3-point linkage for use pitch renovations at football impenetrable past the initial renovated consisted of on most compact tractors. clubs in The Netherlands and two inches. approximately 95% poa Belgium. The team headed south annua brought about by the The team began work on Wednesday, crossing excessive use of irrigation and at Kozzaken Boys’ ground the border into Belgium to fertiliser and lack of regular New Dealer in Werkendam on April their final destination – the mechanical maintenance, 26, stripping the surface home ground of Belgian First something we simply don’t see John Osman Groundcare, with the Koro by Imants Division side KVC Westerlo. at professional level in the UK,” has been appointed by Topmaker. This revealed The team’s training said Richard. Wiedenmann UK as dealer for returfed goalmouths suffering pitch, adjacent to the main “The tour was a significant Mid and NW Wales from extensive matting and stadium, was approximately investment for us in time, “We are really happy to compaction, a problem 90% poa annua and materials and manpower but be working closely with remedied by the use of the severely compacted. Prior we feel it’s important that Wiedenmann UK. From Terra Koro by Imants Cultiroll. to the renovation, it proved others have the opportunity to Spikes to turf conditioning and Fifty guests, including impossible to push the learn about the exceptionally mowers they are recognised for groundsmen from a number Penetrometer even a short high standard of renovation leading edge design and quality of top Dutch clubs were distance into the surface in work carried out in the UK. which fits with what we do. welcomed to the venue the some areas, even under the Visitors to all the events were The Wiedenmann range will following day by staff from pressure of the operator’s full as eager to learn about the be received well here because Campeys and their Dutch body weight. process as we were to share our customers want reliable, distributor, The Verschoor One the team’s arrival back our knowledge.” efficient machines,” said John Group. Guests were invited to at Head Office in Macclesfield Osman, Managing Director of test the compaction in the soil on Friday, Managing Director, the family-owned company.
16 GI JUNE 2010 New Agreement Set to Increase Brand Awareness
Club Car has signed a marketing agree- estate developments where Black Knight fit,” said Robert McElreath, Club Car’s Vice ment with Gary Player and Black Knight is affiliated. Club Car also will develop President of Global Marketing. International to promote the companies’ strategies to promote the company and its “We are excited to be working with Club respective brands throughout the world. golf car and utility vehicle lines through an Car especially as it moves to increase its Under terms of the agreement, Black association with the Gary Player brand. international presence. It is quite simply Knight International, will work with Club “As Club Car strengthens its presence a fantastic company with a team who are Car to introduce the company’s vehicles, in international markets, our association committed to excellence,” said Marc Player, equipment and services at courses and real with Black Knight International is a great CEO of Black Knight International.
Speedcut Contractors has completed the aeration of Speedcut Stay on the Pace West Chiltington Golf Club’s 27 holes with its Gwazae deep-probe aerator. with Deep-Probe Aerator The machine provides deep soil and subsoil decompaction through the injection of compressed air. “The results have been fantastic, both on the main course and the nine-hole course. We tried Gwazae treatment on one hole back in 2006 and I was doubtful of the results at first – but that hole, which had been unplayable for half of the winter months previously, was only closed for a short time the following winter,” said Course Manager, Adam Hartley. “It has been consistently good ever since, so we took the decision to do every hole after the terrible winter we have had, not able to get on the course for several months with snow and ice.” Barry Pace, Speedcut Contracts Manager, said, “We were pleased at the results at West Chiltington and it was a delight working the Adam and his team. “The Gwazae is proving more and more popular on golf courses, particularly those with compaction problems, as clubs start to recognise the process and its benefits.” Speedcut Contractor’s tractor-trailed Gwazae, manufactured in New Zealand, decompacts soil to a depth of up to 700mm using a probe and compressed air Barry Pace of Speedcut with the added ability to inject amendments into the soil Contractors in action with the Gwazae on one of the greens profile if required.
JUNE 2010 GI 17 COURSE Feature
A dream fulfilled
Jim McKenzie bought into the dream of a Welsh businessman in 1993. In October that dream becomes a reality. Scott MacCallum visited Celtic Manor to hear the story
Back in 1993, a wealthy The land, in a South Wales valley days time would host the Ryder businessman talked on the outskirts of Newport, was Cup, listening to that same young passionately to a talented beautiful, but it had never echoed greenkeeper recount how he felt young greenkeeper about to an anguished cry of “Fore!”, nor when he listened to Sir Terry Mat- his vision of building a golf had it heard the satisfying sound thews, the owner of Celtic Manor course. It was a tough pitch, of a ball dropping four inches into a Resort, explain his dreams for the not because the idea of cup, but this man was talking about future. building a course over the holding European Tour events over “When he started to talk about land surrounding the house it. He was even talking about host- golf tournaments and Ryder Cups, where the meeting was taking ing a Ryder Cup! I thought he was absolutely nuts,” place was so outrageous, but Some 17 years on I sat in a said Jim McKenzie, who was in because of the sheer scale of luxury clubhouse overlooking the the process of considering leaving what he was describing. magnificent golf course that in 141 The Wentworth Club, where he
18 GI JUNE 2010 worked under Chris Kennedy, and the time since he sat with Jim in est sporting event in the world in ABOVE: 18th on the Roman heading west. that house – where he’d been born terms of television viewers after the Road “Within an hour though, if he’d incidentally - looking out at the Olympics and the World Cup,” said Photographs in this article courtesy of The Celtic Manor asked me to punch my way through beautiful Usk Valley. Jim, who is now the third longest resort, Newport, South Wales the wall I’d have asked him which Five golf courses, 10 Wales Opens, serving employee of Celtic Manor. hand he wanted me to use. He a superb five star hotel, two incred- “As Wales will never host an was that much of an inspirational ible clubhouses, a Golf Academy, Olympics or a World Cup this is as character.” a home for the Welsh Golf Union, big as it gets.” It would be fair to suggest that innumerable world class events All the work that has been car- even Terry Matthews, and his and, at the beginning of October ried out at Celtic Manor has been reach for the stars philosophy, this year, the pinnacle of it all – that done with a view to hosting the Cup. would never have envisaged what Ryder Cup. The first golf course built was the ultimately has been achieved in “The Ryder Cup is the third larg- Roman Road which was followed
JUNE 2010 GI 19 COURSE Feature
2010 Ryder Cup Captain, Colin Montgomerie, with Jim McKenzie
Cup Captain, Colin Montgomerie, in 2001 and originally earmarked “Within an hour though, if he’d and carrying his name, was also for 2009. The postponement of the asked me to punch my way built. 2001 match because of 9/11 meant “At one stage we had between 200 the rescheduling of all subsequent through the wall I’d have asked and 300 contractors on site at the matches to even years. him which hand he wanted me same time building the Montgom- Much of Celtic Manor’s bid suc- erie Course and remodelling bits of cess was founded on the golfing to use. He was that much of an the Wentwood Hills course.” legacy that would be left by the inspirational character.” It’s a quirky factoid that over a match. The benefits of that will be four year period – ’04 to ’08 - the seen in Welsh golf for years to come Jim McKenzie Wales Open, which is owned and but much of what Jim and his team promoted by Celtic Manor was have dealt with is of a more immedi- played over three different golf ate nature. courses – Wentwood Hills, Roman “We opened a bridge in November by Wentwood Hills, over which the Road and the 2010 course. Not bad last year which is basically to take first five Wales Opens were played for one venue. members and guests to the new, and which was originally intended But Jim is used to dealing with temporary, practice ground which to be the Ryder Cup course. logistical problems during a career has been built because the exist- “Half way through the bidding pro- which has seen him at one stage ing practice ground will house the cess it became clear that something hold the title of Director of Golf, tented village.” would have to be done to alleviate dealing with all of the playing side of The scale of the Ryder Cup can the 104 metre drop that course was the game as well as the greenkeep- be seen from the statistic that the famous for. More land was acquired ing side. tented village for the Wales Open and plans for what is now the 2010 He is currently Director of Golf requires three articulated lorries to course were drawn up.” Courses and Estates Management bring in the scaffolding – the Ryder Not content with ensuring that - as well as being an official spokes- Cup needs 890 lorries! the 24 players would have a course man for the Welsh Assembly on the Road ways for newly tarmaced worthy of the most famous team Ryder Cup and being interviewed television compounds, and event in sport, another course, this by media from all over the world. throughout the site, have been built one designed by the 2010 Ryder The Ryder Cup bid was secured while the massive car and coach
20 GI JUNE 2010 COURSE Feature
parks will probably only be fully uti- service the Roman Road course and to the pressure. I don’t envy Scott lised for that one week in October. its 12-16 staff. (Fenwick) at Gleneagles in 2014 and “There is a semi permanent feel “Towards the end we had more I know this is why Sweden pulled to the whole thing and we will need than 50 working out of it with three their bid – it gets dark in Sweden at every one of the 141 days we have fleets of equipment and it was taking 6pm in October. left to get everything into shape,” half an hour for a triple to drive to “Here daylight will be 7am and the said Jim, who had the additional the 1st tee of the 2010 course. We 1st tee time is 7.45am. As it stands problem of dealing with a 20% staff went through an extraordinary the Home Captain doesn’t have to reduction through redundancy last number of tyres and a lot of fuel be decide if he wants to start with year as the Resort took action to while guys were spending perhaps Foursomes or Fourballs for some preserve its long term future. an hour and a half each day just time yet. If Monty goes for Fourballs To compound matters further travelling between the Maintenance a round will take about five hours the annual Wales Open is still facility and the course.” ABOVE: 9th green on the Roman and I will have a bit more breathing Road being held at the beginning of this The purchase of a farm in the MAIN ABOVE: 14th on Twenty- space to ready the course, but if he month. middle of the 2010 course has ten decides to go for Foursomes they “We decided that May Day was cut that travel time to 90 seconds will be round in four hours and at the cut off for any significant and provided a superb facility for BELOW: 1st on the Twenty-ten every green much earlier and my changes we wanted to make to the machinery, aggregate, administra- guys will have to be really, really course because of the Wales Open. tion as well as home for three of the quick,” explained Jim, while in the If it hadn’t been in the calendar we team. room behind us Europe’s newest could have made changes much Although completely different superstar, Rory McIlroy, was taking closer to the date,” explained Jim, events the Wales Open will be used part in a photo shoot. who has turned 2010 into an even to hone some of the areas they “We have to assume that it is more special year by getting mar- will need for the Ryder Cup and is Foursomes for the sake of planning. ried on June 20. particularly useful when it comes to The first game will be on the 2nd One problem, caused by the rapid timing certain tasks. green by 8.10am so by that time I growth and expansion of Celtic “The Ryder Cup is three weeks will have had to have had the 1st, Manor, which has recently been later than its traditional slot, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, resolved is that of the Maintenance because of events which have been 13th and 14th cut and by the time facility which was originally built to added to the US Tour and this adds they get to the 5th I’m going to have
JUNE 2010 GI 21 Feature
“With supervision and worked on all 10 Wales Opens and sion and mechanical support people been involved in the building of the reading the magazine will work it out mechanical support, people golf courses. for themselves. We will have a team “The three Head Greenkeepers, of around 120 working on the golf reading the magazine will Gary Connell, on the 2010; Paul course.” work it out for themselves. We Davies, on the Roman Road, and That additional work force will be Nick Vickery, on the Montgomerie, made up of volunteers drawn in the will have a team of around 120 as well as Neil Shepherd, the Irriga- main from golf clubs in Wales and working on the golf course” tion Technician and Cal Callaby, our the South West and a few trusted Workshop Manager are all excellent. friends from further afield. Jim McKenzie You never hear me talking about my “The reason for this is two-fold. team. They all work with me, not for One, it is only fair that Welsh me.” greenkeepers who have invested to have had the 17th cut. So it looks The logistics and the sheer their heart and soul into the Welsh like we will have one huge team on numbers involved is quite mind Ryder Cup can be a part of it, and the practice ground – which for the boggling. two, logistically accommodation is first time ever will be floodlit – and “We can’t have someone cutting a problem so most of the local guys six or seven separate teams work- the 1st green then moving to the 4th will travel from home and car share ing on the golf course.” because that would be too noisy and wherever possible. South Wales Jim also points out that Celtic too visual by that time, and if he broke Section Secretary, Steve Chappell, Manor is not like Wentworth where down on the 1st we’d have a real and Regional Administrator, Jane you could have 100 people working problem. We’ll have two guys cutting Jones, have been instrumental in on the 4th fairway with golf on the the 1st then going to the 9th and two pulling this together.” 3rd and no-one would know. guys cutting the 2nd then going to the Although the match itself lasts “This is a big open site and basi- 10th so that they can get away, and for just three days the volunteers cally they don’t want to see us and so on. Then there will be between 12 have to report to Celtic Manor on the they don’t want to hear us if it can and 14 guys cutting fairways so that Saturday before – six days before a be helped.” the fairways of the first six holes will ball is struck in anger. The Celtic Manor team is very be cut within 20 minutes, the same “They will be inducted on the strong with many guys having number cutting tees. With supervi- Saturday with insurance issues
22 GI JUNE 2010 Feature
addressed and risk assessments “I’ve recently been given my sched- carried out and we go into lockdown ule for the week and to be honest on the Sunday. On Monday evening I’ve put a line through a lot of it. I’ll the teams arrive and they start have a lot of close friends here that practice on Tuesday before a ticket week so I’d like to think I’d have time paying gallery of 45,000. with them. I’ve been fortunate to visit “Monday therefore is the only Ryder Cups at Valhalla, the Country opportunity we have for our volun- Club in Boston and The Belfry and teers to work out there and learn spoken to Superintendents. who the ropes. It wouldn’t look profes- have had Ryder Cups. I have also sional to be teaching guys in front visited Augusta for The Masters, as, of the players or the galleries,” said like us, they own and operate their Jim, who has struck deals with the own event.” Match’s official suppliers including One of his abiding memories, Pro Quip for uniforms and has also however, was four years ago when worked closely with his own sup- he spent a week at K Club during pliers, including Toro, Bernhard’s last European Ryder Cup. ClubCar and the like. “Jerry (Byrne) did an incredible job Weather permitting – and while at the K Club and dealt amazingly the course has proven itself to be with a hurricane coming through well draining fog is an issue that during the week. My main memory seen. People who didn’t even know can’t be so easily resolved – the work of that week was not the match itself him but must have thought he was will involve some very intense period but an hour after it had finished. I important were cheering him.” of activity followed by long periods was in the tented village and some of I’m sure that on the evening of of downtime and so arrangements the players and caddies were up on October 3 there will be two such have been made for table tennis, stage singing Amarillo with a band. bottles of champagne. One in the pool tables, dart boards etc. I heard a cheer and turned round hands of Sir Terry Matthews and the So what will Jim be doing during to see Jerry come into the village on other being clutched by the man he the week and what will he be the back of a buggy holding the big- convinced to buy into his dream – 2feeling? gest bottle of champagne you’ve ever Jim McKenzie.
JUNE 2010 GI 23 Photography Competition 2010
BIGGA’s Photographic Competition, supported by Syngenta, is back...
Calling all budding resolution, at the largest size photographers! capable by the camera, as it may Are you proud of your course? ultimately be scaled up to A3 print Do you catch yourself size (42cm wide x 29.7cm high). admiring it in a certain light? Please try to avoid reducing the The BIGGA Photographic Com- file size to fit on email as this will petition, supported by Syngenta reduce the quality of the image. and back for its fifth year, creates If the file size is too large to send, an opportunity for greenkeepers we recommend using a compres- to display their artistic flair, while sion facility such as Stuffit (www. also earning some publicity for stuffit.com) or a website such as their club. mailbigfile.com The winner will receive a full Also please note, cropping may course profile in Greenkeeper occur if photos are to appear in the International and a special prize, magazine or calendar. Also ensure while the 12 best pictures will digital photos do not show the be selected for the 2011 BIGGA time/date display! Calendar. Photographs will be accepted in three forms. Prints, transparen- Anyone wishing to enter should cies, or digitally. email them to: Digital pictures need to be high [email protected], entering ‘BIGGA PHOTO COMP 2010’ as the email subject header. Alternatively post to: Tom Campbell, BIGGA BIGGA Calendar 2010 HOUSE, Aldwark Manor, Featuring the Top 12 Entries for the 2009 BIGGA Alne, York, YO61 1UF. Photographic Competition, sponsored by Syngenta All entries need to be received by July 31, 2010. Only BIGGA members are eligible to enter. Please note Syngenta will have access to the winning pictures and will credit them when and if used. ART OR SCIENCE?
Greenkeeping – art or science?
Greg Evans gives an insight into his greenkeeping philosophy and how he goes about achieving his much talked about cutting heights
When I was a young If we relied on that, we would never facts! Hard facts, the sort that a greenkeeper coming in to the open up the surfaces to be played NASA scientist would be proud of. profession I was always told on at all. In my eight years as a Course that you can’t beat experience Over the years I have often Manager, I have come to the con- and that greenkeeping was a thought about whether greenkeep- clusion that the main reason Poa simple art. ing is scientific or just a simple art Annua has got such a bad name Reduce water, don’t feed and form. The traditionalists say that in this country is because it has embrace the finer grasses was all it’s not rocket science and tell you to been mismanaged and not fully that you need to do and the rest keep it simple, while the scientists understood. Colleges, Agronomists would look after itself. Oh what a tell you that it is anything but simple and research bodies have always dream. If only it was that simple. and you need to be a scientist to preached that Poa should be about the author The problem is that we prepare understand it all. eradicated from playing surfaces. Greg Evans is a newly these beautiful surfaces and then As you may have read, I have Like Creeping Bent, we have been qualified Master Greenkeeper. the golfers expect to come and play caused quite a stir over the past few told that you need big resources He also leads the consultancy company, Complete Golf on them, compacting the hell out seasons with my aggressive mainte- and budgets to keep Poa happy. Solutions, which provides of them as they do. Then we have nance method based around a low What rubbish! Like any grass, the practical advice and assistance to clubs and their machines running all over them cutting height. Over several years I Poa species needs a maintenance greenkeepers in the golfing trying to maintain these top quality have seen it work with my own eyes, regime tailored to its needs. If it industry. He can be contacted on greens, so that the customers are but many are dissatisfied with this does, it will produce top quality 07951 157 208 or by email at happy. As for the weather, forget it. anecdotal evidence. They demand putting surfaces. [email protected]
JUNE 2010 GI 25 An automatic irrigation system
Height of cut? Who dictated evidence?” I hear you ask. With this and greater disease pressure. The it, Agronomists or machinery in mind I have started to compile rootzone needs oxygen in greater manufactures? data on my regime, with special quantities during this period, but emphasis of the cutting heights and like many turf managers across the Have you ever wondered how plant health. country, I didn’t want to upset my we arrived at our greens cutting The thing that was really starting customers by going out and pump- heights? Whether you chose two, to frustrate me was that I knew my ing lots of holes in the greens during three or even five mm as your pre- method worked but was unable to the playing season. ferred cutting height, where did this prove it scientifically. I had to have a Another question concerned my number come from? The figure is way to turn my ‘soft’ data into hard, irrigation inputs. ‘How much water probably based on the machinery solid, concrete factual evidence. I should you irrigate with nightly to capabilities of the day. If the soil also wanted to make sure that keep the plant healthy?’ Do you scientists had their way you would every maintenance procedure was go to the nearest green and bang be lucky if we got in to single fig- based on solid information and your foot on the ground to see how A prism gauge – used to tell the ‘true’ cutting height. ures! I am able to bring my height not just guesswork based on past hard the turf is? Or do you apply of cut down low because modern practices. five minutes per night, because machinery allows me to do so. The The first thing I did was to the club up the road does and their skill is then to make this new cut- ask myself some questions. For greens seem good? ting height sustainable. Just like example, ‘When and why should Historically greenkeepers have they did in days gone by. I use tech- I aerate?’ or, ‘How deep should I applied our automatic systems in niques such as summer aeration aerate?’ My aeration programme, minutes and not millimetres. This and liquid foliar feeding to help keep like many across the country, had is so wrong and probably one of the plant healthy. “Where is your always been based around tradi- the main reasons why automatic tion. It would inevitability happen systems have got a bad name in during the winter months, the past. Five minutes at my course with little or no aeration in the could be one millimetre of water. summer. This was when I had But at the course up the road, most time available for staff five minutes of watering could be to do the work and also, more double that amount. importantly it would be when After asking myself these sorts of the golfers would ‘put up with it’. questions, I started to look at areas But if you look at this from an that I wanted to know more about. agronomic point of view, when is The three areas that I’ve listed below the grass plant under the most dictate how a green will perform stress? Summer of course, when in terms of ball roll, reaction and there is more traffic, less moisture reliability.
26 GI JUNE 2010 ART OR SCIENCE?
1. Plant health Sanding and aeration are the backbone to my greens perfor- There has been a lot of negative mance. However, I need to make press aimed at the 2mm cut height. sure that what I am doing is The argument is that the grass achieving my goals. The following plant is put under additional stress actions allow me to monitor these because there is less root mass and procedures: a reduced chance for the plant to • Infiltration tests photosynthesise. However, recent • Soil moisture deficits research from America has con- • Irrigation calculations cluded that Poa Annua’s biotype, •Evapo-transporation calcula- Reptans, only really requires a tions 100mm root depth mass to grow. • Sprinkler auditing There’s even talk of reducing the • Water quality tests rootzone depth in a U.S. specifica- tion green from 300mm down to 3. Compaction 100mm. This is still a long way off, but the point is that there is no added Compaction is the sin to any value in adding a 300mm rootzone sports surface. If soil is compacted, at considerable cost, if Poa Reptans plant heath and infiltration rates only requires a 100mm root depth! will be affected. How many of us There have also been studies that know whether our soil is com- have concluded that Poa Reptans pacted or not? Simple tools such takes in 23% more Carbon than as the Penetrometer give us this Creeping Bent grass. Plus, it also has information. The readings can be a greater shoot density. So Reptans taken ‘in house’, so that when you seems to be photosynthesising and decompact next time, you know tillering quite rapidly. Where other the right depth and angle that you plants are putting their energy into should be using. their root depth, Reptans channels To ensure that decompaction is ABOVE and BELOW: A hole core BELOW: Summer aeration – 8mm tines, followed by its energy into new shoots. It’s a channelled in the right area two in various stages a sand dressing dominator! things are measured: With these issues in mind I have • Compaction levels based my data around the following: • Bulk density levels Suggested picture of data tools I am trying to investigate and •Current carrying capacity record my results in plant health, (density) infiltration and compaction sci- •Organic matter levels down to entifically and will continue to do 100mm so over the next few years. I have •Nutrient levels – both soil and some thoughts and theories that tissue analysis will hopefully be proved by the col- • PH and CEC levels lection of this data. • Disease frequency and type Over the years there have been • Root depth and mass many advances in technology, • Height of cut – Bench setting especially in machinery. But the versus actual tools that the greenkeeper uses to • Stimp meter readings relating to maintain his turf have been slow to moisture deficit and height of cut. change. The addition of measure- The aim is to see how each area is ment tools such as the prism gauge affected by a sustained low height of and weather stations don’t devalue cut over the next few years. The plant the turf manager’s ability, but allow visually looks to be improving year him to make the right call at the on year, but we would like to know right time, based on facts instead of how its health is being affected. just guesswork. I’ve always regarded greenkeep- A petrometer Collating data 2. Infiltration ing as a pure skill or art. However, over the years I’ve seen how science Water movement through the soil has come in to our profession and is the most important function of improved our surfaces greatly. We a rootzone. Forget grass species or all need to embrace and under- thatch levels; without a good, well stand the science of greenkeeping. draining soil medium, your greens Each grass species has positive and performance just won’t function. negative aspects. There is no single Sanding and aeration are the two grass type that is the answer to all most vital tools in achieving a well our prayers, so each grass species drained soil. One of these in isola- has to be managed in a different tion is pointless. If you go out and fashion. punch loads of holes in a green Based on my research I hope to without backfilling it with sand, provide additional information on after several weeks the holes will be the Poa Annua biotype, Reptans, filled in. The sand is there to prise that will allows us to maintain it them apart. more effectively in the future. Poa Reptans putting green surface
JUNE 2010 GI 27 Last few places BIGGA Golf Day 2010 remaining Monday 14th June 2010 at Aldwark Manor
For your chance to play in this Charity Fun Golf Day please contact Kirstin on 01347 833800
Photography by Helen Fannan Feature
Leatherjackets continue to undermine turf
Dr Terry Mabbett casts his expert eye over the leatherjacket
By definition and description logically better host plants than be wild mammals like foxes and professional turf is a well cereals which are essentially annual badgers or wild birds (especially nourished and nurtured sward ‘grasses’ grown for a single season in corvids including rooks and crows), but the crisply low-cut grass the farmer’s three to four year crop all seeking out the larvae (grubs) as shoots and leaves offer slim rotation on the same piece of land. food and tearing up the turf in the pickings for insect pests, Lots of invertebrate animals feed process. because the green above- on grass roots and thatch while ground pristine biomass is only causing little if any damage to Leatherjacket life history clearly limited in scope. the turf, but a select few can rise to But underground is an extensive economic pest levels and threaten Crane flies (Tipula sp) the Dipter- dense and highly efficient fibrous sports turf as a commercial playable ous (double-winged) insects popu- root system, established over many surface. Invertebrate animal pests larly known as ‘Daddy Long-legs’ years and active virtually year round, do not possess backbones but these are among the most short-lived and collecting and pumping water and two insects in particular – chafer delicate of insects, but this doesn’t nutrients for stem and leaf growth grubs and leatherjackets – have the stop their robust, long-lived and to replace the clippings sliced off by capacity to ‘break the back’ of fine ‘hungry’ leatherjacket larval stage regular mowing. Chafer grubs and professional turf with it the spirit of from becoming a serious insect pest leatherjackets are the two important greenkeepers. about the author of turf. Mass appearance of adult insect pests of professional turf in The larval stages (grubs) directly crane flies during the perceptibly Dr Terry Mabbett has the United Kingdom (UK), and both damage grass plants through their experience in grassland cooling and shortening days of late predictably target turf grass roots voracious feeding on the roots and agronomy, and tree August and September marks the protection in forestry, Root zones of perennial grass indirectly, and usually more seri- horticulture and amenity. He beginning of a year-long life cycle species like fescues and bents, ously, by attracting wild predator has worked as consultant with rapid appearance of large, long- and technical writer in these the key component species of UK animals to feed on the larvae and fields for 20 years with a lived, robust and damaging larvae professional turf, are ideal terri- causing penetrating collateral strong focus on pest, disease and the complete antithesis of adult and weed management tory for invertebrate animals. And damage in the process. These may crane flies.
JUNE 2010 GI 29 L&D Feature
Population dynamics
Leatherjacket populations vary from year to year, with prevailing conditions at key points of the life cycle affecting numbers and result- ing damage levels in turf during the following months and into the next calendar year. Climate and weather clearly impact on adult emergence, movement and egg lay in September, autumn feeding of newly hatched larvae and their ability to survive the winter and resume feeding in spring. The same leatherjackets are important insect pests of agricul- tural grassland and cereal crops with the farming community keep- ing a watchful eye on populations from year to year. This information can prove useful to greenkeepers by giving a strong indication of what they are likely to expect. For instance in spite of the very cold winter of 2009/2010, calculated in many parts of the country as the coldest for around 30 years, SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) is predict- Adult crane flies emerge from Affected turf is easy to lift having ing high numbers and significant pupae in dew-covered turf on early lost its firm anchorage due to damage from leatherjackets. And autumn mornings and almost extensive leatherjacket damage to this in the coldest part of the UK. immediately lay eggs in turf. With the root system. Rapid weed growth According to SAC Ecologist Dr. hard winter conditions just several in spring will take advantage of the Davy McCracken two-thirds of months away and no time to lose weakened and thinner turf, and all the fields sampled harboured larvae hatch within 14 days and unusually large numbers of birds populations greater than 0.6 million promptly start to feed on the grass including corvids (crows, rooks, grubs per hectare (ha), while over roots. They feed at a low level through magpies and jays) and starlings may half were well above that at 1 mil- winter then step up a gear in spring, start to take an unhealthy interest, gorging on new root growth sus- pecking down into the turf to secure tained through winter by autumn the grubs. application of fertiliser. More fierce Early symptoms of leatherjacket “The severe winter weather feeding resumes in the warmer feeding and damage can be mistak- will not have had any impact conditions of spring on growth kick- enly taken for poor water relations, started by spring fertiliser especially nutritional imbalance or even on reducing grub numbers. the phosphate components. disease, but when large numbers Leatherjackets are are able to Leatherjackets continue to of particular birds at key times of increase in size and voracity, cutting the year take up residence on turf reduce their feeding until the through turf grass roots and stem this is a pretty accurate indicator of soil warms up again” bases with sharp biting mouth parts turf pests like leatherjackets and the through spring and into summer. signal for greenkeepers the signal to Dr. Davy McCracken Now approaching maturity and act quickly. ready for pupation, they are ‘greasy’ Lifting segments of the damaged lion/ha. “It means the damage and looking, earth-coloured grubs, leg- turf reveals the leatherjackets but loss of yield could be serious when less and several cm long with a tough there are easier ways to locate and hungry grubs start feeding as soils and leathery cuticle (outer covering) identify them. Soak part of the warm up, said McCracken. and a correspondingly appropriate affected area with water and cover “Unfortunately, the severe winter common name. overnight with black polythene or weather this year will not have had Leatherjackets feed on and old carpet which encourages the any impact on reducing grub num- damage grass roots through leatherjackets to the surface by the bers,” he says. autumn and winter, but first tell next morning. “Leatherjackets are very resilient tale signs of damage do not appear Detailed examination reveals leg- to cold and frost and all they do until spring when feeding acceler- less, segmented grubs with black under such conditions is reduce ates and cumulative effects become retractile heads; a pair of horny jaws their feeding until the soil warms apparent. In spite of the now warm with two dark coloured spiracles up again.” moist conditions growth by dam- (breathing holes), surrounded by And this in spite of their shallow aged plants is sluggish and yellow six cone-shaped projections, on the position in the soil where they eat the patches of stressed and dying turf last body segment. Leatherjacket roots of grasses, cereals and other start to appear. Problems become damage is most severe on poorly plants. SAC’s annual surveys shows painfully obvious during hot dry drained soils and made worse by leatherjacket densities fluctuate spells when already damaged grass wet autumns. Any management from year to year, but there has been is put under even more stress, dies practice that improves drainage is a consistently higher trend over the and turns brown. beneficial. last 13 years linked, it is believed, to
30 GI JUNE 2010 Feature
climate change and wetter, milder ing insect pests in the UK, cannot important food resource for farm- autumns. escape increasingly important land birds. Golden Key Sponsors environmental and biodiversity Greenkeepers should use the Management and control considerations and implications. behaviour of birds on turf to their Leatherjacket grubs are clearly advantage. If species like rooks, On balance chafer grubs are important food sources for a variety crows and starlings are showing generally regarded as the bigger of birds but the adult crane flies or an unhealthy interest in the turf pest problem for professional turf daddy long-legs are equally impor- then it is a sure sign of ample food but that is probably because were tant food sources for bats. just beneath the soil, probably in traditionally the more difficult to When the National Trust says it the form of leaherjackets requiring control. Greenkeepers have ‘always’ was a bad year for crane flies they immediate control. been able to rely on the ‘old’ stalwart mean adult emergence in Septem- Biopesticides based on nema- insecticide chlorpyriphos that could ber was low with correspondingly todes which infect leatherjackets have been tailor-made to deal with reduced food available for bats. with a lethal bacterium are avail- leatherjackets. When an agricultural or amenity able. Like all natural enemies and Silver Key By acting in three different ways survey says it will be a bad year for biocontrol products they are density Sponsors - contact, fumigant and ingestion leatherjackets they imply wide- dependent. action – chlorpyriphos is the ideal spread and heavy damage to turf, This means the number and effect all-round insecticide for use against pasture grass and cereals. of the entomopthogenic nematodes most soil-borne pests as seen That said SAC and other agri- will rise in response to increases in from its continued use after many cultural monitoring bodies are very the leatherjacket (host) population, decades worldwide in agriculture mindful of the biodiversity implica- only to fall away again as leather- and horticulture as well as turf and tions of leatherjacket control with jacket numbers decline. They do not amenity. chemical pesticides. act as quickly as dedicated chemical What’s more chlorpyriphos resists SAC has conducted an annual insecticides and require more exact- leaching which allows it to stay in survey each winter since the ing soil conditions (temperature and the uppermost layer of the soil to kill mid-1970s and says their latest moisture) for optimum activity. That shallow-seated leatherjackets feed- 2009/2010 results show once said, the rate at which chemical This article comes to ing on turf grass roots just below the again the value of such long-term pesticides are disappearing from the you courtesy of the soil surface. surveillance and the data gener- marketplace in the face of broad- BIGGA Learning and Development Fund. But even the control of leather- ated. front EU legislation means that Thankyou to all our key jackets, one of the oldest, most In addition to the risk posed to biopesticides almost certainly have sponsors recognised and persistently damag- grassland leatherjackets are an their ‘best days’ yet to come.
JUNE 2010 GI 31 Join the Association for Sports Turf Professionals
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SPORTSTURF_MEMBERSHIP_NEW_FP.indd 1 21/4/10 12:58:57 PEBBLE BEACH “Hard work, learning new skills and great reward – it’s par for the course on the Ohio programme”
Intern, Joe Buckley, will be working at Pebble Beach during the US Open this month. Here he talks through his time in America and what he has learned while there
Having served my and met with Mike during Harro- and asked us what we would like to apprenticeship at Woodsome gate Week. He told me that I would achieve during our time there. We Hall Golf Club in Huddersfield, spend my first nine months at Oak were then taken to our home for the I progressed to the position of Hill Country Club in Rochester, NY next nine months - a two bedroom First Assistant. Coupled with along with a fellow student – Steve apartment in a town called Fairport, my development at Woodsome, Paul, from The Castle Course, at St. about 10 minutes from Oak Hill. I completed my NVQ Level 3 at Andrews. The Superintendent was The first few weeks involved Askham Bryan College. It was Jeff Corcoran. mostly clean up jobs, bringing the then that I looked for a further Soon after the placement had been course back to some sort of normal- career move. confirmed I handed in my notice at ity after the winter snows. I spoke with lecturers from the Woodsome Hall. The following weeks were admit- College, who told me about oppor- I arrived in Ohio late into a March tedly tough; it was something of a tunities in States on the Ohio State night. Steve had already arrived and shock to the system and set a chal- Programme and I attended a pre- rested up for the orientation the lenging precedent for the months sentation from Mike O’Keeffe, the next day, where we completed the ahead. The greens were aerified, Programme Manager. necessary paperwork, before being gradened, topdressed and then the I was instantly impressed with shown round the campus, the foot- dryject was used. Tees and fairways Mike’s approach and enthusiasm. It ball stadium and the Jack Nicklaus on both courses were aerified and was impressed upon us that the pro- Museum. greens compounds on the East gramme was challenging, but that Two days later we arrived in Roch- Course were also aerified. the rewards would be significant. ester. I was met at the airport by the Aerifying greens compounds I began to exchange emails with East/West Course Supervisor, Mike was one of the toughest jobs I had Mike and was required to gather Lopresti, Mike took us straight to the ever carried out; by the time we had references and fill in various forms. course to meet Jeff who told us what finished all 18 holes I was aching I prepared a personal statement we would be carrying out at Oak Hill all over. The process involves three
JUNE 2010 GI 33 in fertiliser applications, carried out irrigation repairs, as well as a lot of “At $500 a round, and with hand mowing when it was too wet to each guest required to stay take out the ride ons. Once we had proven ourselves at in one of the hotels, playing our current courses Mike O’Keeffe Pebble doesn’t come cheap, started trying to place us on a second course. Pebble Beach has but it still takes 70,000 been my favourite course since I rounds per year” saw the 2000 US Open, where Tiger ran away with it. With the 2010 US Open, and the chance to benefit from real tournament experience, I much the same, with us shadowing pedestrian aerifiers and six people; asked if I could be placed there. No the PGA agronomist around and three to operate the aerifiers and promises were made but Mike was mowing the greens that were not three to hold the ropes that kept happy to assist. stimping at the required pace. them from falling in the bunkers! As there was no tournament at In October, Steve and I made Put simply, we had to run around Oak Hill, Jeff sent all turf employees the trip to The Sea Pines Resort, the inside of the bunkers, steering to various courses to assist during Hilton Head, South Carolina, for the the aerifiers round the contours tournament weeks. I was placed at annual short course for the interns while pushing the aerifyer up; the Liberty National for The Barclays that year. ropes were attached to a bar at the Open. It was the first tournament The course started off with a tour front of the aerifiers and the indi- that I had worked on and I thoroughly round Harbor Town Golf Links about the author viduals holding them would stand enjoyed it; seeing what is required, where we were given a guided tour on the flat and pull the ropes tight the organisation that is needed to by Superintendent, Jon Wright. At to help keep them from falling in the have a successful week and meeting Joe Buckley, 23, is currently the end of the tour Jon brought out taking part in the Ohio State bunker. people from the industry. Intern Programme, and is some clubs, a bucket of balls and My morning assignment was hoping to get a placement let us have a shot on the par 3 17th. Throughout the Summer I was in New Zealand, before involved in boom, hawk and knap- mowing greens; we were in pairs and, returning to the UK Out of 43 turf grass students Steve depending on the stimp reading, the was the only one to hit the green, sack spraying, topdressing appli- For further information on the cations, handwatering all playing greens would either be mowed once Ohio State Intern programme probably the first par 3 he’d hit all surfaces including greens, took part or double cut. My afternoon job was link to: www.ohioprogram.org summer!
34 GI JUNE 2010 PEBBLE BEACH
It was then that I found out that eter to set the spreader instead of Mike had secured me an internship just going off the letters), holding at Pebble Beach meaning I would be “tarps” down over the 2 pass and working The AT&T, US Open and rough so the Kentucky Bluegrass The First Tee Open. did not get damaged from the Looking back at the Oak Hill place- Embark spray are examples of ment, I realise that Jeff invested a what we did at Oak Hill. All these significant amount of time with all things may seem over the top - of the interns, setting out questions they did to me when I first started and giving mini projects such as put- – but, after being on the course, ting together a spray programme. If, it is these things which set the on the rare occasion, disease was course apart from others. spotted he would let the interns After flying home for Christmas know and make a “burrito bet” - if we I arrived at Pebble Beach just could find the disease he would buy before New Year. I was picked up us a burrito; if we couldn’t, we had to from the airport and taken to my buy the management team burritos! new home. I would be sharing the The disease was usually something house with Tyler McMurtrey and trivial, such as brown patch on a Bubba Wright, both of whom I Owned by a consortium of busi- fairway, but it kept us thinking and would work with at Pebble. nessmen led by Peter Ueberroth, ensured we were vigilant at all times The next day I had my drug test Richard Ferris, Arnold Palmer and - we were usually the ones paying at Pebble Beach’s Health and Well- Clint Eastwood, it consists of four up, though. ness Center, by Pebble Beach First golf courses, three hotels, numerous Getting in so early to groom the Assistant, Billy Hausch. Once I had bars and restaurants, a spa, and greens that you needing to wear been given the all clear I was taken to currently employs 1600 people. waterproofs because the irrigation meet Pebble Beach Superintendent, At $500 a round, and with each system was still running, carrying Chris Dalhamer, and had a tour guest required to stay in one of the out drill and fill by hand using power around Pebble Beach for the first hotels, playing Pebble doesn’t come drills to drill the holes and watering time - it didn’t disappoint! cheap, but Pebble still takes 70,000 cans full of sand to fill the holes, cali- Pebble Beach is the jewel in the rounds per year. brating fertiliser applications to the crown of The Pebble Beach Com- Chris told me that I would be oz (which involved using a microm- pany.
JUNE 2010 GI 35 PEBBLE BEACH
starting off doing “sections”, which been added on the 3rd, 4th and includes mowing greens, raking bun- 6th. New tees have been added on kers, fixing ball marks, spot watering; the 3rd, 5th, 9th, 10th, 11th and in its simplest form maintaining five 13th to increase the yardage from greens compounds. My section holes 6828yds to 7040yds. Over 20 acres were the putting green, 3, 7, 11 and of Kikuyu grass has been removed 16. Mowing the 7th green for the first from in play areas and replaced time was an awesome experience, with rye grass. it has been my screensaver for the This was done by hand by a past few years and mowing the green team of four picking small spots as the sun came up and the waves on greens and tee compounds and came crashing in is something I will outside contractors excavating never forget. larger rough areas. A programme Shortly after I arrived, the prepara- has also been implemented to turn tions for the AT&T began; tents and the rough into predominately rye so stands went up, woodchip went we can achieve the thick 3-5 inch down to form paths for player and rough that the USGA prefer. spectators, and throughout all this In addition, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the storms hit hard. Throughout 15th (one green per year) have been January we had eight inches of rain; rebuilt to USGA specification with this meant rebanking bunkers on a sub air systems and the greenside daily basis, and a lot of hand mowing! bunkers have been altered where At one point the storms were so necessary. intense that the waves were hitting Rebuilding one green per year the sea wall, crashing up in the air means that those which are USGA and then being blown by the 50mph specification dry out a lot faster than winds onto the 17th and 18th. In the push up greens on the course, order to flush the saltwater the heads but closing down the course isn’t a
“Mowing the 7th green for the first time was an awesome experience, it has been my screensaver for the past few years and mowing the green as the sun came up and the waves came crashing in is something I will never forget” were run on the 18th fairway and viable option. The knock on effect to we were out with hoses on the 17th the hotels, shops and other revenue green, 18th tee and 18th green streams would have been too much Fortunately, though, the weather for the company to bear. was pleasant during the week prior In the run up to the US Open, to the AT&T, allowing the course to I familiarised myself with many dry out and be in great condition for different aspects of the golf course. the time of year. During the AT&T This includes the calibration and my morning job was to mow greens application of fertilisers, cultivation and rake bunkers on the back nine. techniques such as aerification and After morning assignments there topdressing, handwatering, and was breakfast for the staff and mini projects like installing all new volunteers back at the shop - it was tee yardage markers. so good Bill Murray came by to grab Seeing what goes into a tourna- a bite. Throughout the day, we did ment as big as The US Open has minor jobs and watched some golf, been a real eye opener, if the AT&T before returning for another meal ranked as a 7 on tournament prep after this we were out on the evening The US Open is a 15. same firmness. The tests showed assignment. These were generally Tents and stands started to go up that the 5th and 15th approaches just minor detail works undertaking around 12 weeks before the tourna- were softer than the rest, these were such tasks as bombing divots and ment, including the merchandise graden and topdressed to firm them fixing ball marks. Everything went tent on the Par 3 course that was up and get them up to the levels of well with the course looking great for bulldozed flat, greens included, and the others. Rough is fluffed back up the cameras and the weather held will be rebuilt after the US Open. every time someone drives over it off for Dustin Johnson to retain his The scale of the detail that is gone with a machine so there are no tyre title with a 16 under par total. into is extremely impressive; for tracks. In the years running up to the example, the different heights of cut The course has been watched 2010 US Open all bunkers have for the rough on different holes so on a night by security guards from been rebuilt to include stalok; they play easier or harder, cleggom- May. Tags have been placed on trees drainage and new sand. As well eter tests to make sure each section around the course and the guards as this, bunker compounds have of every green and approach is the have to clock in at various check
36 GI JUNE 2010 points every hour to make sure Despite their differences they If you are eager to learn and Acknowledgements they’re not sleeping on the job. share the same dedication to train- are willing to put in the effort, the Dave Fellows and all the staff at Fortunately there’s a lot of ing young greenkeeepers. Both rewards can be great. I started at a Woodsome Hall, Jeff Corcoran, Mike Lopresti, Fred Doheny experience on the staff, none more Jeff and Chris always make time decent, smart course in Hudders- and everyone else at Oak Hill. so than Jack Holt having worked - sometimes sacrificing their own field, but had the ambition and the Chris Dalhamer, Jack Holt, Billy Hausch and all the staff at three US Opens at Pebble before, he time - to sit down with their interns drive to do more. Pebble Beach, Mike O’Keeffe knows what the deal is and having and answer any questions, and I’ve learned and experienced more and Jacobsen for sponsoring the programme. My thanks to someone with experience has been both have created a great learning than I ever thought I would and all of you. invaluable. environment. through hard work and dedication Working at Pebble has been a Through the Ohio State Pro- I’ve been given the opportunity to completely different experience to gramme I have gained invaluable work at one of the greatest sporting Oak Hill, as you would expect from career and life experience and would tournaments in the world, the pres- a public and private course, but one definitely recommend it to any tigious US Open a memory, along that I have thoroughly enjoyed. young greenkeeper back home. with others, that I’ll never forget.
JUNE 2010 GI 37 DEALER OF THE MONTH
A new series aimed at celebrating the great work done by dealerships up and down the country De a l e r o f t h e Ch e s h i r e t u r f Mo n t h m a c h i n e r y Franchise(s) held Toro, Kioti, Kawasaki, Grasshop- per, Greentek, Gambetti, Amazone and Husqvarna
Location and size Based at Weybourne Drive, Bredbury, Stockport, Cheshire, SK6 2DN. Annual turnover of £4.5million.
Employees and size of premises 18 employees. Premises are 15,000sq ft
No. of service vans Three.
Brief history Key services What would Major The business started in Reddish, Providing customers with tailor- you like to see Stockport, as Cheshire Light Trac- made solutions to their problems changed?: customers: tors in 1956, and at that time sold by offering good advice, the right Carden Park two-wheel tractors and motorisedmachine for the job and value for We have worked hard to develop Worsley Park – Marriott cultivators. money. our own service staff by introduc- The company kept pace with ing apprentices in recent years, Royal Liverpool Golf advances in garden machinery as which has worked well for us. Lancaster Golf Club leading franchises were added to Specialist services However, it would great to stimu- Pleasington Golf Club the portfolio. late even more awareness of career Wilmslow Golf Club Between them, the three direc- One of these – Flymo – was to opportunities to young people. Hallamshire Golf Club become particularly significant. tors of the company have over 70 Hallowes Golf Club Firstly, it provided a wholesaler years experience of the industry Ashbourne Golf Club activity to the thriving retail busi- and are all involved in dealing withDo you support Matlock Golf Club ness. customers on a face-to-face basis. customers who Rotherham Golf Club Then in 1970 Flymo started to have in-house Manchester United FC distribute the Toro brand to the Has the dealership Manchester City FC UK giving CLT access to the golf service facilities Liverpool FC. market. changed over time?: (ie OEM parts The company was acquired by Since establishing CTM almost Electrolux (Flymo’s parent company) supply): 14 years ago, we have focused on To nominate a GI in 1980 and remained part of the the professional market. Without Yes we do. As well as working Dealer of the Month group for 16 years before the cur - the distraction of domestic or with regional corporate accounts contact Scott rent directors, led by Steve Halley, wholesale customers we can such as DeVere Hotel and Mar - MacCallum with took the business back into private concentrate on the core business,riott, we are happy to assist and your reasons why the ownership in 1996 as Cheshire rather than trying to be ‘all thingssee this as part of our customer dealer of your choice Turf Machinery, reflecting the focus to all men’. In 2001 we created care commitment. should be featured... on the professional groundscare Yorkshire Turf Machinery as a Email: market in the north west. sales division covering the South [email protected] Yorkshire area.
38 GI JUNE 2010 Official Microsoft Training
Available at low cost to BIGGA Members
• Each course takes only 4-6 hours to Fancy improving your IT skills? complete • There is no limit to BIGGA members can access an official Microsoft® Office 2003 Training Library how many times you that includes programs such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook. complete the course • You have 12 BIGGA are able to offer these practical and effective online courses at a discounted cost of £15 (+ VAT) (usually months access to the £20 + VAT) to BIGGA Members, and £30 (+ VAT) to non-members, thanks to support from the Learning and programme Development Fund. For further information contact the Learning and Development Department on 01347 • All your learning 833800 option 3. takes place online and can be taken at a place and time to suit you • A certificate can be given upon 100% completion Unlock the potential of greenkeepers
Become a key sponsor The funding provided by Golden and Silver Key supporters means that BIGGA can continue to produce training and career aids including DVDs, CD Roms, fi eld-guides, as well as refunds for training fees, subsidised learning and development courses, the lending library, careers advice, posters and manuals. To fi nd out more, contact BIGGA HOUSE on 01347 833800
I really wanted to develop my education but had to fund my own training, so I contacted BIGGA to ask for fi nancial support. A refund of my course fees has enabled me to complete my chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting, felling of small trees and my PA6 spraying certifi cates. I really do appreciate what BIGGA, with the support of the Golden and Silver Key Companies, has done for my career.
Murray Mannall, Greenkeeper
The support for this fund has enabled BIGGA to enhance the value of being a member, and it has previously given many greenkeepers the opportunity to further develop their careers. As an association we owe our Golden and Silver Key sponsors a huge vote of thanks.
John Pemberton, Chief Executive
Thank you to our Golden and Silver Key Sponsors
Golden Key Individual Members: WJ Rogers; Andy Campbell MG, CGCS; Iain A Macleod; Tom Smith; Frank Newberry; Christopher Lomas MG, Lee Strutt MG; Silver Key Individual Members: Ade Archer; Iain Barr; Hamish Campbell; Steve Dixon; Paul Jenkins; Robert Maibusch MG; Richard McGlynn; Stephen Pope; Jason Sarna; Steven Tierney; Neil Whitaker; Graham Wylie, Michael Beaton, Douglas Duguid
KEY SPONSORS_FP NEW.indd 1 19/5/10 12:04:12 SPRAYING
“What’s so different about how you apply nutrition?” (And why you will deserve a wage rise)
David Snowden looks at the various methods used to apply nutrition.
The advances in spray are largely determined by the com- broken down into a solution, there- equipment, have enabled position of the soil, meaning the soil fore becoming available for root Course Managers, and their physically allows for the continual up-take, if you have an adequate spray technicians to apply movement of Nutrients, Oxygen root system! nutrition, and other chemicals (and CO2), and water throughout Healthy microbial activity is with greater accuracy, and the soil profile. dependent upon Nutrients, Oxygen, efficiency. Most chemical reactions and Water, and temperature. This is Sports turf, and, in particular, activity in the soil take place in and a never ending process, ensur- high maintenance golf turf requires around the clay partials and organic ing adequate levels of nutrition, all the correct nutrients, in the matter, so changes in the physical Oxygen, and water in a favourable correct forms, on a continual basis conditions will always affect the balance. throughout the growing season. chemical characteristics of the soil. Here is a commonsense rule of However, there are three main i.e. compaction and aeration, etc. thumb to understanding nutrient areas, which will influence what Microbial activity is vital in the application. you apply, when you apply it and it soil, without microbes there will be Soils are generally low in oxygen, in what form. These are - Physical, no oxidation, which is essential for cold, with a reduced root system Chemical, and Microbial. nitrogen conversion, and certain after winter, and low sunlight in The physical aspects of the soil other fertiliser compounds to be spring and autumn, reducing
JUNE 2010 GI 41 Feature
microbial activity, photosynthetic umes which are designed to apply they help the element stay available process, and therefore nutrient soluble, and soil liquid products to for longer. up-take. the crown and root zone area. Most chelating agents (EDTA, Here is the Catch 22. Is there Spray solutions are applied HEDTA, etc.) have a molecular size any point of applying something to under pressure, whether it’s for too large to be effectively absorbed the soil when all the conditions are high volume or low volume. Large by leaf tissue. telling you not to at that specific orifice spray nozzles produce “rain- • One other reason for a product time year? drop” type spray droplet most often to be watered in after application is Granular, Organic & Controlled encountered with high volume to prevent leaf burn from unwanted Release Fertilisers are vital for a sprays. This type of droplet size does residue. base feed, and specific soil amend- not provide maximum leaf cover- • These types of products are ments. age, and makes it nearly impossible valuable for soil applications, The technology in producing high for a large water droplet to stay on but are far less affective for foliar quality granular products has also the leaf surface to be absorbed. applications. Do not be mislead, as advanced tremendously. There is much more chance of there is a big difference between leaf But REMEMBER you still need run off, into the crown area, where applied nutrition, and soil liquid roots, the right temperature, with it is designed to be used effectively applications. good physical and microbial envi- by the upper root system of the So, if a container has any of the ronment, to ensure the products are plant. above written on it, that product converted it to a solution, and work You will often see written on a is designed for crown and root with good efficiency. If this is not product label the following informa- up-take, and not as a foliar applied the case then the product efficacy tion. product. Soil Liquids are an effec- will be compromised, and not a cost • Apply product in 400-1000lts of tive way of providing Nitrogen, effective way of applying fertiliser, water per hectare. Potassium, Organics, Seaweeds, So it may be worth looking at some • Lightly water in after applica- Humic Acids, etc. form of liquid application, whether tion. Using low volume of water is it is a foliar which by-passes the • For higher volumes of water to important for foliar applications. growing medium completely, or a secure the products into the crown; When applied correctly foliar soil liquid, which can address the soil area. e.g. (Tee jet White 11008 products provide the course man- interim gap before granular soil VS; 2 bar 5 km/h gives 600 L/ha; ager with a high degree of control, applications become effective. Hardi white 08-110; 2 bar 5 km/h for a much more accurate way of Soil liquid applications;They gives 620 L/h) feeding the plant. can be faster acting than granular • If labels have EDTA, HEDTA, For a cool season grass, the best applications, but are still tempera- etc. written on them, they are time to spray is early morning or ture driven. forms of Chelate, these chelates are late evening. These are the times Good for NPK, and have a rela- designed to protect, for example, when the stomata are open, and tively quick response depending on trace elements from other elements remember to remove any dew. the nitrogen source. binding them together once they Two main points to remember Let’s look at the high spray vol- come in contact with the rootzone, when applying a foliar application.
42 GI JUNE 2010 SPRAYING
“I believe the best management L/ha; Hardi blue type 03-110; 3,5 State University, using radio active bar 5 km/h gives 310 L/ha) tagged nutrients, proved that foliar approach to maximising By applying a foliar fertiliser and feeding can be 8 to10 times more certain other elements directly effective than soil feeding, when soil nutrient availability is to to the grass leaf, it increases the conditions are not favourable. ie. develop a balanced soil nutrient activity in the leaf and plant, at the cold soils, low microbial activity, same time increasing chlorophyll reduced root system. That is why reservoir, supplemented by and thus photosynthesis, this is you need a combination of foliar regular and strategic foliar the most important function of the and granular. plant. Depending on the quality of prod- applications of nutrients” Because of this increased activity uct, and if it is a true solution, not a within the plant, it increases the suspension, it can be immediately need for water by the leaf. In turn available in the plant. This makes this increases water uptake by the them perfect for correcting nutrient 1. You must have a fine spray plants vascular system, which in deficiencies. mist (small droplet size) to ensure turn increases the uptake of nutri- It is worth remembering that as much of the product stays on the ents from the soil. foliar spraying stimulates the leaf for as long as possible. This shows the importance of plants to create exudates in the 2. The total spray volume should both soil and foliar applied fertilis- roots which excite microbes to work be no more than 350lts/ha, ideally ers. The need to maintain the bal- harder and thus increases nutrient 250-350lts/ha ance of the correct nutrients in the uptake from the soil. The pH of the spray tank is also soil, the use of foliar fertilizers can When purchasing foliar products important; remember the “ideal” increase their effectiveness, and the ensure you use high quality, safe, soil pH is around 6.5, as this is plants efficiency at using them. non-toxic fertilisers from a com- where most nutrients are available, How does foliar spraying work pany you trust. A lot of companies about the author so it makes sense to have your when common perception is, that are selling fertilizers with, cheap plant nutrition is a one-way move- ingredients, low nutrient concen- David Snowden spray cocktail at a similar pH. Managing Director This is to secure uptake and ment from the roots to the leaves? trations, which are not designed to Agronomic Services Ltd. 01765 658021 absorption through the leaves, and A vascular network runs through be taken up by the leaf. [email protected] will be beneficial if you are applying the leaf, providing the cell walls You can use foliars nearly any soil liquids. with water, and removing the food time during the year with great effi- You do not want rain or irrigation products of photosynthesis, as well ciency It’s one of the most efficient water within 3 - 4 hours after appli- as nutrients, to other parts of the and effective methods to deliver cation. Otherwise the mix could be plant. many key nutrients. washed off the leaves. In simple terms the vascular It does not substitute a granular If your water source has a pH system runs from the roots up and program, rather work along side, higher than 7.0 use a pH adjuster from the leaves down, providing two and will improve the overall strength to increase spray tank efficiency. ways for nutrients to be distributed of the plant in periods of stress, Spray nozzles (Tee jet blue type to areas of the plant. i.e. spring, disease pressure, heat 11003 VS; 2 bar 5 km/h gives 283 I believe that the best manage- stress, nematode attack, autumn/ ment approach to maximising winter prep, etc. nutrient availability is to develop Soil Liquids; Are an effective way a balanced soil nutrient reservoir, of providing liquid soil amendments, supplemented by regular and stra- some NPK products, seaweeds, tegic foliar applications of nutrients. humic acids, etc. for the plants to Managing nutrient levels in this take in by the upper root system. manner provides for linear avail- They are still somewhat dependant ability of all nutrients, and allows on temperature, and a healthy root for precise adjustment to specific system. nutrient levels being delivered to the Granular products; Granular plant. It will not produce flushes of nutrition is the main source of NPK, growth, which are directly related to and other bulk amendments to help increase in disease pressure. balance the soil reserves. In order to Having a diverse range of applica- maximize the efficiency of granular tion methods, will give the Course fertiliser you need a number of Manager far greater control, and things to be in order; adequate soil accuracy of what is applied and temperature, the correct balance of when. Oxygen, CO2, Water, and therefore Foliar applications are an excel- microbial life, and a root system. lent way of correcting nutrient defi- If any of these are compromised ciencies, and supplying the plants then the efficiency of a granular will with a small amount of Nitrogen, reduce. and other nutrients which are So by using the correct applica- designed to help the plants get tion method, combined with the going in spring and summer, at a right nutrients at the appropriate time when soils have the inability to time of year, this will greatly improve supply nutrients. the percentage of nutrition the Tests have shown that up to 90% plants receive, and in the long term of a foliar fed nutrient solution can be be much more cost effective. found in the smallest root of a plant Meaning all Greenkeepers & within 60 minutes of application. Course Managers can and should A project conducted at Michigan have a wage rise!
JUNE 2010 GI 43 James de Havilland takes a closer look at the intricacies of current machinery The anatomy of... Kubota Grand L5740 HST Plus tractor
Fixed speed cruise for working precision When Kubota introduced its Grand L40-Series tractors in early With HST Plus, Kubota enables 2008, the company’s all-new HST Plus transmission was a the operator to precisely manage the relationship between forward speed and engine rpm using the highlight feature. So what makes HST Plus different? transmissions cruise control. The aim is to offer hydrostatic ease of operation with mechanical tractor precision.
44 GI JUNE 2010 THE ANATOMY OF... Step-by-step Analysis... Kubota offers its HST Plus Kubota Grand L5740 HST Plus tractor hydrostatic transmission on two Grand L40-Series tractors, the nominal 52hp L52040 and 58hp L5740. Complementing the mechanical transmission 16F/16R or 24F/16R 36hp L5040, the L5240 can be specified with or without a cab, the range topping L5740 having a cab as standard. With the HST Plus system, the transmission can be set using the Cruise function so it in effect ‘locks’ to match the forward speed and engine rpm, just like it is with a mechanical drive. This enables the transmission to be set up to offer the same repeat- ability as a mechanical transmis- sion. This enables the operator to set a fixed speed and for this then to be accurately maintained. The Cruise Control lever is positioned next to the low, medium and high range The steering column is home to the throttle (right), H-DS control (upper left) Kubota is not claiming this ‘fixed’ selector. Once the desired engine speed and working ratio have been chosen, and (below left) the Auto Throttle Advance. The latter enables the HST travel the lever is progressively eased forward to increase and then fix the forward pedal to also control the throttle, matching engine speed to the tractor speed drive be a unique feature HST speed. in transport. Plus. Both the John Deere eHydro hydrostatic and New Holland EasyDrive CVT transmissions offer similar abilities. Where Kubota feel its system has an edge is in ease of set-up. All the operator has to do is push the dash mounted Mode control to select Cruise and set the desired engine speed on the hand throttle. The tractor speed is then set up by firstly selecting the working ratio and then using the Cruise control lever to set the forward speed. The latter appears on the LCD display within the main dash. “In work, most operators set the Cruise for aeration work by look- ing at the work done,” adds Dave Roberts.
Where Kubota’s HST Plus hydrostatic cruise control differs from normal The servo-controlled travel pedal allows the operator to override the Cruise “Once the desired settings are hydrostatic drive is its ability to monitor and fix the forward speed using the Control setting when making a turn or to alter the forward speed to meet a tractors intellipanel.The digital display above the tachometer shows selected ratio change in terrain or conditions. Once the pedal is released, the transmission will noted, it is easy to replicate the hole on the left, a hare or tortoise symbol in green showing the selected high low split . revert back to the cruise settings. spacing by setting the throttle to the right engine speed for the PTO, selecting the right ratio and then setting a Cruise speed to get exactly the desired spacing. What is useful with the HST system is that the travel pedal can still be used to adjust the tractor’s speed. This enables the operator to raise the aerator and then speed the trac- tor up to make a faster turn. The transmission will revert to Cruise when the pedal is released and the operator does not need to re-set the desired operating speed.” It is not just in this fixed Cruise mode that the HST transmission differs from a ‘traditional’ hydro- static. In transport, for example, the The HST transmission response is adjusted via a rotary knob (left), a push- Hydro Dual Speed, H-DS, is operated via a steering column mounted lever. H-DS button key (right) switching between transmission modes. Setting the tractor up essential adds a high – low split which can be selected on the move. A typical operator can set the throttle to Auto to exploit various modes is not difficult. The transmission can be worked just use would be when using a loader, selecting ‘low’ for digging and ‘high’ when Throttle Advance. like a conventional hydro using just the throttle and travel pedal. shuttling back and forth.
JUNE 2010 GI 45 THE ANATOMY OF...
In outline, this marries engine and transmission speeds to the tractor forward speed. Come to a stop, and the engine speed will drop back to idle. Depress the travel pedal, and the engine speed will pick up in relation to how far the HST travel pedal is pressed. In addition, there is a separate “Stall guard” feature that can be selected for applications like loader work. With a conventional hydrostatic drive, the operator can ‘stall’ the engine by driving into a heap and not backing off on the travel pedal as the load on the tractor increases. This load Sensing system detects a drop in the engine speed and simply bypasses the hydrostatic pump to “When turning or moving This is again not a new idea, but Kubota suggests its HST Plus transmission is well suited to loader prevent the engine stalling. between loads, a faster travel speed setting the system up is simple. work, a Response Control enabling is desirable. All that is needed is a twist of a the operator to adjust how quickly “The operator can also choose to the transmission reacts to travel “This can be done by simply using dash mounted knob. pedal movement. A Load Sensing use the (H-DS) Hydro Dual Speed ‘stall control’ can also be selected control to select a high and low ratio the H-DS lever to select a higher So, Kubota is able to offer those for optimised loader performance. on the move,” adds Dave Roberts. ratio”. who demand the fixed speed abili- “This is done by simply moving a The HST transmission has a ties of a mechanical transmission steering column mounted lever. An further control that allows the with all the convenience and ease of example of how useful this can be operator to select how aggressively operation more typically associated is to consider how you work during the transmission takes up drive. In with hydrostatic drive. a turn or shuffling back and forth outline, soft for work on fine turf, The downsides? when loading. In work and when a more aggressive setting helping HST is not offered on many loading into a heap, a low ratio is boost take up in transport or when models for a start. engaged. using a loader. If you are after a sub-60hp
Headway brings you two of the worlds most Headway successful turf fungicide active ingredients in protects from one package – protecting the plant inside and Raising the game out, from leaf to root. Easy to use and cost effective, leaf to root Headway is approved for control of key foliar and soil Headway is the first borne turf diseases. multi-active turf fungicide The Headway combination of two powerful approved for the control for disease control actives gives: of both foliar and soil • Complimentary power • Broad spectrum activity borne diseases. of two actives • Trials have shown over • Long lasting results eight weeks control • Protects the plant as of Fusarium it grows
Syngenta Crop Protection UK Ltd. Registered in England No. 849037. CPC4, Capital Park, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5XE E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.greencast.co.uk / www.greencast.ie Distributed in the UK and Ireland by Scotts Professional. Tel: 01473 201100 E-mail: [email protected] Headway® is Registered Trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. Headway (MAPP 14396, PCS No. 03557) contains azoxystrobin and propiconazole. Always read the label. Use pesticides safely. ©Syngenta AG December 2009. GQ 00731. Outline Specification: Kubota HST Plus L5740 tractor
Engine type E-TVCS 4cyl diesel Max power ECE-R24 (kW/hp) 41.5/55.6 HST Plus transmission 3 range hydrostatic plus H-DS splitter Speed range (km/h) 0-30.7 fully variable 2 and 4 wheel drive Selectable Guide gross weight (kg) 1920 Kubota with HST you can only have you will not be too wide of the mark. Cruise control can set up to operate in conventional hydrostatic mode Guide rear linkage capacity it on the L5240 and L5740. So is HST worth it? for mowing, with load sensing accommodating changes in terrain (kg) Kubota also concede the trans- The answer will depend upon to keep the engine speed constant. mission does sap some engine how you use your tractors. Versatility is a key feature of modern 1750 hydrostatic and CVT drives. power. Realistically, if you need a But if you want a power unit that Dimensions (L : W : H) (mm) 52hp tractor it should be the more you can set to operate at a speed 3245 : 1470 : 2375 powerful 5740 that you should be you want to do a job, and not be tied Minimum Turn radius (m) looking at. to the speeds dictated by the avail- 3.20 And then there is price. It is always able ratios in a mechanical gearbox, Fuel tank capacity (litres) difficult to do a comparison when HST is well worth a look. 54 there are no like for like alternatives It will also be a versatile choice, Standard turf tyres (F:R) on offer, but consider HST to carry ideally suited to loader work, trans- 29x12.00-15:475/65-D20 a premium of around £3,000 over a port as well as operating mowers, List price conventional mechanical tractor and spraying and top dressing. £24,600
Headway brings you two of the worlds most Headway successful turf fungicide active ingredients in protects from one package – protecting the plant inside and Raising the game out, from leaf to root. Easy to use and cost effective, leaf to root Headway is approved for control of key foliar and soil Headway is the first borne turf diseases. multi-active turf fungicide The Headway combination of two powerful approved for the control for disease control actives gives: of both foliar and soil • Complimentary power • Broad spectrum activity borne diseases. of two actives • Trials have shown over • Long lasting results eight weeks control • Protects the plant as of Fusarium it grows
Syngenta Crop Protection UK Ltd. Registered in England No. 849037. CPC4, Capital Park, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5XE E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.greencast.co.uk / www.greencast.ie Distributed in the UK and Ireland by Scotts Professional. Tel: 01473 201100 E-mail: [email protected] Headway® is Registered Trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. Headway (MAPP 14396, PCS No. 03557) contains azoxystrobin and propiconazole. Always read the label. Use pesticides safely. ©Syngenta AG December 2009. GQ 00731. Section Notes Please email your notes to [email protected] by the 5th of the month All the latest news from your Section Around The Green
George, glad your getting back Our Chairman thanked Scottish Region into the swing of things! Paul Casley, General Manager, Northern Region I hope all your courses are for having the East Section at coming along and things are this great venue , and the Head going well. If not, you know Greenkeeper, John Arbuckle, where I am. Any news big or and staff for the excellent condi- small don’t hesitate to contact tion of his golf course. me. johnmair982@btinternet. The Chairman thanked all the com & 07500874449 patrons for their continued sup- Ayrshire Northern John Mair port and wished everyone a safe journey home, hoping to see all Hey folks. Wednesday, April Hello everyone, hope you are at the Summer Outing - the 27 saw 30 Greenkeepers travel to all enjoying the spring sunshine. Willie Woods, at Gullane GC Largs Kelburn Golf Club for the The first golf event of the new Until next month Spring outing. A typical Ayrshire season was a great success. The Tom Murray day greeted us with wind and event was held at Sandmoor rain - par for the course! Not that GC, played on a fine sunny day, the wind or the rain was a worry on a superb playing surface. On East for us hardened weather beaten behalf of the Section I would like boys...... A certain greenkeeper to pass on our thanks to John This month’s report starts must have woken up with a and his staff, and everyone con- with our Spring Outing to Kil- sore head this morning as those nected with the golf club. spindie Golf Course. pin positions were challenging The competition was a medal Our Chairman, Stewart Central to say the least! Nice one Lefty! off the white tees. Winner of the Crawford, welcomed everyone A great day was had by all and Scratch Cup. T Gerrard. Div 1. to Kilspindie on Tuesday, April Hands up, I got well caught our thanks must go to Iain and 1. A. Court; 2. N. Coultish; 3. 13. Notable attendees were, out last month saying how good George for having the course in A. Baxter. Div 2. 1. J. Watts; our Scottish Chairman, John the Stan Zontek/USGA seminar great condition for us. Thank 2. A. Holroyde; 3. N. Booth. Div Geddes, and, ever present, our was when in the end it had to be you! 3. 1. G. Street; 2. B. Knowles– Regional Administrator, Peter cancelled because of the volcanic Results: 1st Class. 1. Ian Jackson; 3. P Colley. The winner Boyd. Thank you both for sup- ash situation. Unfortunately they Mcdonald, 36pts; 2. Robbie of the trade prize was G. Potter; porting the Section. were stuck in the States but as Macbeth, 35pts; 3. John Mair, 2. I. Collett. Our thanks also go List of prize winners: Scratch I write they are busy trying to 30pts; 4. William McMeiken, to Tito, and Sherriff Amenity, for Winner. Scott Corrigan, Green- reschedule for September so 29pts. 2nd Class. 1. Dale their sponsorship. If anyone has burn GC, 70 gross. 1st Class. 1. watch this space. Saying that, as I Norquay, 38pts; 2. Colin Murray, got a trophy to be played for at Mark Pagan, Eyemouth GC, 76 write this at the beginning of May, 32 pts; 3. Ewan Grant, 30pts; future events, would they please nett; 2. Keith Burgon, Goswick Irish and some Scottish airports 4. Duncan Gray - 29pts. Trade try to get them to a member of GC, 69 nett. 2nd Class. 1. Ryan are shut again which can have a Prize. Derek Duthie, 33pts. the committee before the event. McCulloch, Goswick GC, 65 huge impact on Scottish tourism Well done boys! Keep it up for As usual if you have any news or nett; and as a result financial implica- the Autumn outing at Dumfries gossip PLEASE pass it on to me, 2. Robbie Murdoch, Dundas tions for a lot of golf clubs. & County. Frank Stewart, 72 West Park Park GC, 67 nett. Trade Winner. Luckily I was much more accu- A big thank you must also go Grove, Roundhay, Leeds, LS8 Gray McCandles, Rigby Taylor, rate predicting the winners of the to Derek Wilson, Peter Boyd and 2DY. Tel. 07947401278. 64 nett BIH. Best Nett. Tom Spring outing and got them all Jim Paton for the running of the Frank Stewart Murray, Ratho Park GC, 67 nett. correct! Well done to Kevin Muir day. A lot of work is put in by Veterans’ Prize. George Aitchi- and his staff for getting the course these guys for our section which son, Duns GC, 70 nett; Guest so good following the recent floods is greatly appreciated! Thanks Prize. Derek Scott, Scoonie GC, he had to cope with. Things are gents. 61 nett. Longest Drive. David well under way on the Old Course News has filtered through Greenshields, Barenbrug. Near- in preparation for The Open. A the industry about Mr Gordon est the Pin. Jim Darling, Aitkens number of stands are already Peebles. Gordon has recently Seedsman Ltd. up and the tents begin to go up became the proud owner of a North East Well done to our two Course towards the end of May. The senior bus pass... like to see him Rangers, Jimmy Neilson and Central section has organised a ditch the old Tacit van & go on a Well it’s that time again Jack Dalrymple, for making sure Course Walk with Gordon McKie bus...lol. already for Section news. What that we all kept a steady pace and me on June 23. Meet at the Also Mr George Brown has have we got this month? Fun- round the golf course and help- Jubilee greenkeeping sheds at been spotted hitting a ball in nily enough the phone did ring ing out with any stray golf balls to 4pm, and members from other anger again after an operation this time, in fact, several times. be found .... those was the ones Sections are also welcome. to get a new knee. Hats off to you Doesn’t news travel fast via which stayed on dry ground. Gordon Moir
48 GI JUNE 2010 mobile what a wonderful inven- Trophy in our Section. This is a best took to the really well man- tion. Anyway let’s get down to four man team event - Captain, aged turf. I believe all, including the nitty gritty. On April 21 we Secretary, Green Chairman and myself, where very pleased with had our Spring competition either Head Greenkeeper or the course that Martin Roberts, at the City of Newcastle GC. A member of his staff. Somehow Charlie Land and co. provided couple of records were broken this would have been a good for us. Well done, we were all there. Firstly I believe that it’s competition to have a few years Cleveland exceedingly grateful to you and the first time we have had a ago but now I don’t think so your preparation of the course. competition there – I certainly considering the turnouts we Hi everyone, hope you are all A big thank you also has to cannot remember playing there have had and it’s likely to be held fit and well. How bizzare is the go to the catering for the quality in recent years. Secondly, it was in the summer so it might be a weather?. Its just so cold at the (and quantity) of the food pro- the first time that I had actually good idea to pass it on to another moment as i write this piece, vided on the day. It’s not very won a Spring event - the best Section to consider. second week in may and still got often we are given the choice of nett, and, thirdly, it was the Well that’s the lot for another winter long johns on! Very little four main courses and four des- worst turnout ever for either serts, Andy Acorn nearly tried month. growth on the greens, up to a Spring or Autumn comp. all the desserts, he, I believe, got Jimmy Richardson week without any rain at times In fact, very embarrassing, to and a frost forecast for tonight. as far as three but had to give up the point that an apology was Not exactly as most of us would to help me and Terry Adamson made to the club and the stew- work out the scorecards. I feel I like it i am sure but none the ard for lack of support. What do must point out that I’m sure we less, the show must go on. we have to do? We have changed normally have a better turnout A little bit of news for you this the day, changed the teeing off at the Spring tournament and month as follows. Congratula- time to an afternoon maybe we I’m afraid anyone who didn’t go tions to james parker and his should change the month. By because of travel concerns really wife sarah on the arrival of a the way, only seven people both- Sheffield missed out on an excellent day. new baby boy. Oscar arrived ered to turn up with only one or Results of the day were: 1. on saturday 24th april i am two regulars missing. I’m just I know I say this every month Paul Stanley, 36 pts; 2. Nigel told, all fit and well. Secondly, looking through my comp. file. but I really do hope that when Green, 32 pts; 3. Rhys Butler, 29 james has landed a new job at We have averaged 15 players you read this we will have pts. Best gross also went to Rhys Close House, he will be leaving since 2008, the last time we had finally had a decent spell of Butler with a score of 76. Best Blackwell Grange and starts on over 20 playing was in 2006 at nice weather. It seems that the guest went to J. Richards, with the 10th may. Well done Stocksfield and the largest field most things have been against 31 points, and best trade went On Wednesday 21st April a was at Matfen Hall in 2004 with us at the start of 2010, im sure to John Mooney, with 30 points. seminar/workshop was held 30 persons playing. My how though that everyone is working Paul Stanley and Rhys Butler at Llyods of bishop aukland times have changed. Mind you hard and remaining positive to now qualify for the National and the subject was Cutting we have lost a few members on get through this difficult time. Championshp, sponsored by the way to other Sections and Our Spring competiton was Technology and After Cut Kubota and Charterhouse Turf different professions. Anyway held at an excellently presented Appearance, as well as operator Machinery, at The Berkshire let’s get to the results. Chesterfield G.C. saftey and fault finding on ride later this year. The CONNECT Best nett J.S. Richardson Mark and his staff provided on equipment. The event was trade show at Conwy golf club 79-8-71 (T.S.L. Trophy) Hexham us all with an excellent course organised by Alister whitby and seemed to be a success with local was presented by Ian Sumpter GC; Best gross J. Gibson 74 to play on the day, thanks must suppliers showing big brands of Toro. It was a very good day Salver, Northumberland GC; G. also go to the catering staff who and what was even better it was and im sure those who attended Brown, 73, Wooler GC also provided us with an excel- hands-on with demos on the came away a bit more wiser. S. R. Pope, 75, Tyneside GC; lent meal to finish of a good day. practice area. A big thank you Well i did, but that doesent really R. Black, 77, Westerhope GC; I would also like to say a massive has to go to Dave Lewis, and all take much doing!!. Dinner and R. Reid 80 Prudoe GC; G.Lee no thankyou to Pro turf for once at Conwy, for holding hopefully refreshments were provided by return. again sponsoring our Spring the first of many years of this Llyods. There was also a talk for My thanks to the City of New- event. event. Pictures of the golf day the Cleveland section held at castle Golf Club for giving us The results: 1. T. Strong 40 and the CONNECT event now Billingham golf club in the eve- courtesy of their course and to pts; 2. D. Coop 38 pts; 3. L. available to view on facebook ning. Thanks to Lloyds, alister Barry Walker Head Greenkeeper Davies 36 pts; Trade T. Dodson group north Wales bigga. In local and his staff for presenting a and ian sumpter for putting on news we send our thoughts to the Personally I would like to thank the event. course in tip top condition as all Andy Bunting for continually friends, family and colleagues who played agreed. Consider- That is it for now, no more of Les Gower, of Penmaenmawr giving me news to fill my column. ing the winter and dry spring news to report, Golf Club, who died in tragic Andy has recently taken over at we have had it’s a credit to you Any news circumstances on April 27. Les Kenwick Park G.C which is near Barry. [email protected] had been in greenkeeping for 35 Louth. Good luck Andy we all Lastly, to our sponsors on 07921817857 years. hope it goes well for you. the day,T.S.L.(Terry Charlton); Gareth “Bronco” Williams, of On the section front we are in Rigby Taylor (Glen Baxter); Tacit Portmerion, was on television in (Peter Marshall). Thanks lads. the first stages of planning this a silent hero show on s4c where Right what else do we have? Winters lecture programme. Im he and his wife, Janet, where Yes more moving around. First sure you will agree that these treated for their selflessness in Craig Parkinson, formally of events provide a vital part of our giving over 100 foster children Matfen Hall, has moved back Learning and Development. This a welcome place to stay in their to working as a greenkeeper at years events are being carefully North Wales time in fostering, Well done, Slaley Hall and Aidan Love has planned by your Committee Bronco, perhaps Portmerion will moved from Loch Lomond to so that everyone will find them Well at least we have got a be known for you being on televi- Close House. Good luck to the beneficial. reasonable column for you sion instead of The Prisoner. both of you in your new jobs. Thats all from me this month. his month. To start the spring Well I think that’s about it all Now only one item left. At a I hope June goes well for you all tournament golf day took place the best until next month recent regional meeting I was and I will speak to you again in at Caernarfon Golf Club on April Pete Maybury petemayb66@ asked if we would consider July. 28 and on a beautiful, if rather aol.com 07756001187 having the Golf Management James Stevens windy day 24 of North Wales’
JUNE 2010 GI 49 Around The Green
asks the greenkeeper. “No, he’s the Bromsgrove Golf Centre geared up for the kick off to the Midland actually a merchant banker with two of my best friends on a World Cup. The schedule looks by profession, but a very good weekly basis. They were always pretty good so hopefully you golfer, his name is Warrington flabbergasted on a Sunday won’t need to change hours/ Smyth” said the Secretary. morning that I had been to work shifts etc, you have just got to (Put a ‘Y’ in Smith and he’s an prior to our morning tee off time. watch how much alcohol you expert – thinks the greenkeeper). I always found the course to be consume if you are on an early. After four cups of tea and three in great condition and enjoyed Failing that, you could always Chelsea buns he’s read all about such every time. It was only nine ask an Irish, Welsh or Scottish East Anglia cutting greens to within 1mm holes then, but such has now colleague to stand in for you. I of their life and using vibrating become a full 18. Ted Evans shouldn’t be so smug as I am Purdis Heath had the dubious vibrating rollers every other day has over the last 19 years been sure at some point we will honour of being the first venue and three times on Mother’s Day, the Head Greenkeeper and manage to snatch defeat from for the motley crew of the 2010 usual squit. Secretary returns, instrumental in its success and the jaws of victory or fail to nego- season. Norman Fenwick had “What do you think?” he asks. development. Ted is now retir- tiate a penalty shoot out. Maybe the task of getting the course in “You’re right about one” thing ing and perusing his passion for I need to trace my family history some sort of order following a replies the greenkeeper, “He is golf, Angling (good form), and so that I may discover a long lost severe winter and a spring that definitely a merchant banker!” to do all of those jobs his wife Spanish/Brazilian/German didn’t turn up. Norman and the Mick Lathrope has been waiting to be done. relative so that I have a fall back crew did a very good job. Pauline, keep him busy lass position. Oh well, the anticipa- It would seem the winter (sorry Ted). From the directors tion is great, we could still win it break did some good for the and the Section, enjoy your well at this moment in time! trophy hunters as the scores will deserved retirement mate. Ted’s Craig Spooner show. Half of the winning scores successor is Mark Cunningham craig.spooner@limagrain. were 40 points or more. The real and all the best to you in your co.uk golfers scored the usual amount new position. Well done Mark on 20 – 30. Midland your new post. The ‘who’s who’ of our section Now just a reminder, our are as follows:- 0 – 9 Handicap Well what can we talk about summer tournament is to 1. Nick Brewster, 43 pts; 2. this month then? Fishing, not be held at the lovely venue of Peter (I’m retired) Howard, 38 again Mac (not Paddy Bill!). Edgbaston GC on July 19, start pts BIH; 3. Mark Henderson, 38 Perhaps the opportunities that time: 2pm, at a cost of £25. pts.10 – 18 Handicap. 1. Mark our fine profession can, and Please get your entries into Gary East of England Clements, 41 pts BIH; 2. Tony does, offer us. I cite the great ASAP to avoid disappointment. Thacker, 41 pts; 3. Jonathan accomplishment of one of our What a great venue. Apologies for the lack on notes Smart, 37 pts. 19 – 28 Handicap long standing members, Dave Now we come to our wonderful in the last magazine, the timing – Real Golfers 1. Roy Britton, Gibbons, Deputy at Little Aston sponsors of our superb calendar to get them in was all a bit hectic 40 pts; 2. Paul Ashcroft, 38 pts; G.C, Four years ago he and John for this month. Such being our for me. 3. Graham Broughton, 36 pts. Ganley asked me to join them old friend’s North Staffs Irriga- April began with getting the G&Ts. 1. Lewis Blois, 43 pts; 2. in undertaking a Foundation tion Ltd. Please consider them golf course ready for the first big Reg Claydon, 40 pts; 3. Chris Degree so that the course could for all of your irrigation and open event of the year. This was Cushnaman, 38 pts. Nearest be run. Unfortunately my then drainage requirements. Please followed by greens hollow coring the Pin. 10th Steve Millard, 15th boss prevented me from under- see their web page on: www. and topdressing. The course Nick Brewster. Longest Drive. taking such. However Dave was northstaffsirrigation.co.uk then had to be prepared for its 7th Ben Wallace, 17th Glen able to complete his foundation Until next month. Cheers. first ever Pro-Am just two and Rayfield and then continued with a B.Sc. Sean McDade a half weeks later. Conveniently The recipient of our brand HON’s in Turf Grass Science. He, timed in the midst of all this was new loo seat was Lewis Blois. by his own admission, was not the safe arrival of our second Although he scored the most academically interested at school child, the beautiful Violet Lily points, he also managed to hit or indeed talented in such. Yet Beverly, who arrived safe and the clubhouse on the 18th. Said greenkeeping stimulated his wish well on April 10. he hit the road and it bounced – to study further and improve his The weather continues to Yeah Right! Hero to Zero in one skills and understanding of this baffle all at the moment with tem- afternoon! exacting science and art. Dave Mid-Anglia peratures up near 20 degrees a All the prizes were presented would like to thank Andrew few weeks ago, yet this morning by Neil Ellis, Club Manager. Boristion and Little Aston for Apologies for no Section there was a “white over” frost! The day was sponsored by their support of him while com- report last month, I had to move However while many are crying Bartram Mowers/Textron and pleting his Degree. home office and everything out for steady temperatures to well supported by:- Aitkens, It shows what can be achieved, was packed up! Upcoming golf get the grass growing, Here at John Deere, Headland, Rigby and the levels available but we tournaments are at Stocks the Immingham grass factory Taylor, Bailey’s of Norfolk, Sher- all must start at the beginning GC on Monday June 14 with we have been growing steadily iff, Collier Turf Care, Mike Lish and work our way through to a barbecue and smart casual for weeks and this cooler spell (Stumpbusters), Tomlinson, the level we wish. Our Section dress code. Berkhamsted GC is is being welcomed to slow the Tacit, Doe’s. offers many courses, and indeed on October 20 and Ashridge GC growth down. I am sure that the 70+ who is open to putting-on what is will be the venue for the Turkey By the time this is read our turned up had a good day – wanted and required. Please Trot. The first tournament will first golf day of the season will Thank you Purdis Heath once contact our newly-appointed have been held at Bedford and have been and gone, hopefully again. Education Coordinator, Kim County Golf Club by the time all will have been well at Newark You might like this one. Blake, with you thoughts for any this goes to press so look out for Golf Club. A full report will be Secretary asks greenkeeper to education and training needs: the report next month. here next time. read an article from a magazine 07540 771 924. Not much news this month As I write, Gordon Brown about fast greens, “Is the author Many years ago I use to play but no doubt everyone is getting has just resigned and David a greenkeeper or agronomist?”
50 GI JUNE 2010 Around The Green
Cameron is about to take over Lucia. Due to the volcano dust On what was polling day for the North Kent coast. Before that running the country. It will Jason and Melissa were delayed our new National Government, I’m sure we’ll all be glued to our be interesting what the effects but are by now a happily mar- our members decided to vote tellys watching England’s latest this new government will have ried couple. with their feet and take up attempt to win the World Cup on the country and how it will Wednesday May 5. Golf again nearly all the available slots that (for the first time since West Ham hopefully help the golf business and this time Burhill GC was the Wildernesse had offered us. Kev won it). So enjoy your work, your somewhere down the line. venue. Excellent and with greens did his best to organise the start golf, pray for an England victory All the best for summer. so slick and borrows so difficult sheet, prizes, bacon rolls and and fly the flag for our team. Steve Beverly, Immingham to read, Ron Christie’s gross 75 score cards and, despite many COME ON ENGLAND! Golf Club was easily enough to win the of us offering moral support, All the best scratch prize. The nett competi- steam was billowing from his Rob Holland South East tion was won by Gary Pitfield, ears soon into his day’s duties. www.kentgreenkeepers.com 71, second place Roger Glazier, Kev was also charged with being 74 and Paul Bacon again 74 on official photographer on the countback. National Champion- 1st tee and took action shots of ship, sponsored by Kubota and everyone as they started their Charterhouse Turf Machinery, rounds. Vic, from Ernest Doe’s, qualifiers are Gary Pitfield and also made a welcome return with Wayne Sewell. Longest Drive his junior snack wagon loaded Surrey winner, Rob Surgey and Nearest with fizz pop and candy bars. Essex the Pin, Stewart Clayton. Next Unfortunately for most, Kev’s Thursday May 6. We should all competition is the Cresta Cup, new hi-def camera exposed the The Spring Trophy at South be voting today so will one Party June 15, at Hoebridge GC. effects of what eating too many Essex Golf Club went off like a win outright or will David, Nick Remember, there is space candy bars can result in around dream. The nice warm weather and Gordon be playing Deal or available in the July edition for the waistline area. Pictures that greeted us on our arrival No Deal with each other to form any news, views or humorous should be online by now on our made the day even more enjoy- a Hung Parliament? If hung, it is happenings. Please let me know, website. If you would like yours able and the forecasted rain a bit like television’s Masterchef, or my holiday memoirs will start removed, and you are willing to stayed away. with three cooks inventing a re-appearing. You have been make a donation to my favourite Our thanks go to South menu or, in our Leaders’ case, warned. charity, give us a call! Essex Golf Club for a day that inventing a manifesto. Brian Willmott Although, as I’ve said, the ran smoothly, the food and Three Leaders, one being told standard of golf was not great hospitality was excellent and the you are not staying and leaving on my part, we had a great time course was in a condition that the other two to cook a new at Wildernesse. Larry Pearman the staff should be proud of. Our menu, and not the books, as in gave us the laugh of the day thanks to Peter Dawson and the same old way. Of course, by when he asked us to keep an his team.The full results are on the time you read this all will be eye on his ball when attempting our website but the main win- decided and so will our fate for to play a shot 12 inches behind ners of the day were as follows: the next five years. Kent a pond then proceeding to drill Spring Trophy Winner. Anthony Golf at Laleham on April it under the water three feet in Kirwan, 41 pts Division 1 (0- 15 27 was a fun Texas Scramble Now that the spring has finally front of him! handicap). 1. Ray Clark, 35 pts; followed by a running buffet. arrived, all seems well again in The course was in pristine 2. Dominic Rodgers, 34 Thanks to John Ross and his the world of golf. condition as ever and it was inter- pts; 3. Stewart Rogers, 32pts merry men for being game Tiger Woods is back on the esting to talk to Lee Relf, Mark’s (count back). Division 2 (15 – 18 enough to have such an event scene, albeit with his (prover- deputy at Wildernesse and (once) handicap). 1. Dougie Ferniie, 37 so early in the year when growth bial) tail tucked firmly between owner of an extremely dodgy pts; .2 Mark Stopps, 36 pts; 3. has been so slow, due to the cold his legs. Warmer weather has handicap, about the changes Sam Anderson, 35 pts. Trade. and dry conditions. My team also returned after an all too that have been instigated at the 1. Neil Peachy, 36 pts; 2. Mick (Willmott’s Bankers) played long stay of absence and my golf club on all the woodland areas. Fance, 31 pts (count back); 3. a steady game but could not clubs have actually seen the light Our group certainly took full Ian Denny, 31 pts. Guests. 1. get anywhere near “Christie’s of day! Indeed, my first round for advantage of getting a close look James Tuckwell, 43 pts; 2. Barry Cockerels”, who took first prize. several months saw me hitting of pretty much every tree on the Larcombe, 40 pts; 3. James Lilly, Dave Guy’s team were runners the woods better than ever, but course as one duff drive after 36 pts. Nearest the Pin. Stewart up. Dave did tell me the team’s I had terrible trouble getting out another headed straight for the Rogers and Simon Barber. name but modesty forbids me of them! And my irons found the lumber yard! At the end of our An improved prize list and from repeating it here. Longest water hazards so regularly that round came a great meal and raffle prizes, with a first prize Drive was hit by Wayne Sewell I’m thinking of getting my ball we would like to thank everyone worth winning, rounded the day and Nearest the Pin was struck retriever re-gripped. at Wildernesse for a fantastic off nicely and our thanks once by Gary Rowe. I have never been one to day. Local knowledge played a again go to all that helped mak it Baby of the Month, Jude Gal- go overboard on practising, big part in the results as you’ll an enjoyable event. We intend to loway, 8 lbs. 4 oz was delivered however, and the distinct lack see: 1. Mark Todd, Wildernesse; follow the same format of prizes to Donna and Lee Blackburn, of input on my part certainly 2. Steve Gunner, Wildernesse; and raffle for all our events this Blackmoor GC, on February 8. showed at our second golf day 3. Malcolm Gofkin, Hadlow year. Congratulations to both mother of the year. The venue was the College. Trade Prize was won by The website continues to and father and the stork for majestic Wildernesse Golf Club Neil Pullen who also achieved improve with pictures from our being on time. for our National Qualifier and the Longest Drive first golf day, a small number of Jason Hunt was missing from despite some iffy weather pre- In a couple of weeks we’ll be pictures from the BMW at Went- his usual team (Christie’s Cock- vailing leading up to this event, posting an application form for worth. A full list of results from erels) at Laleham because he the clouds parted and the sun our next event at Herne Bay so the Spring Trophy, the Order of was getting married to Melissa shone down on Kent’s finest as please get your entries in early Merit so far, plus the Knockout Brady, in Orlando, on April 20, we made our way to Mark Todd’s to secure your place as our Draw and job section. followed by a honeymoon in St. great course. increasingly popular group visit This this month brings us the
JUNE 2010 GI 51 Around The Green
Summer Trophy, June 22, which in a planning application for the wedding! Though good luck and also to Huw Morgan MG of Ash- is being played at Channels Golf construction of another nine best wishes to Debbie and Jim burnham GC who are staging Club. It’s a Blind Pairs competi- holes and a new clubhouse, so if for that.) No, The Ryder Cup, The Welsh PGA Open, also this tion with the pairing drawn after successful, it looks like we will be the third biggest sporting event month. play has finished so that makes it busy, sorry, busier for a while. in the world, and it’s coming to good fun and gives you a chance That’s all the news I have for Wales! It was a great night and a Have a great June! of winning even if your round now, Tony Gadd is your colum- great way to round off what has Ceri Richards 07831 168645 was not up to scratch. Plus we nist next month so if you have been an excellent series of winter are having a Bar-B-Q afterwards any news, give him a call. evening lectures. Thanks to Jim, so get your entries in and come All the best for the rest of the Chris Sealey and Martin Nash and have a great day. There are season or as an old guy I worked for their presentations. Also to also three stabs at getting to the with in Scotland used to say The Celtic Manor Resort for their National later this year with the “Never weaken, don’t let the ----- hospitality, and finally to Martin blind pairs and overall winner --- grind you down”. Townsend and Peter Holstrom, receiving a place. Ian Noble of Countrywide, for their contin- Devon and Cornwall Book early as it looks like it Moors Valley Golf Course ued sponsorship of this Section will be well attened and you via the evening lectures. May I Hello all. It’s our quiet time would not want to miss out on take this opportunity to assure so no events to report. The next this one. all companies that sponsor this event will be the Summer meet- The following month July 20. Section that they will never be ing at St Mellion on Tuesday, P. Tuckwell Ltd are holding the taken for granted and that all June 15. There will be a Golf Tuckwell Golf Team Challenge will be thanked at both Section Match between Devon and to be held at Bentley Golf Club, meetings and in this column. Cornwall. If you prefer, Mike you should all be getting an South Wales The Spring seminar at Royal Bush, Courses Manager, will be entry form through the post very Porthcawl GC was a big success, leading a Course Walk, showing shortly if you have not yet had Hi Everyone with over 40 attendees. There off all the new redevelopments on one. Details from Neil Peachey. I regret that I have to start this were some really informative both courses and facilities. This Please note that inadvertantly column with some bad news. presentations on preparing will be followed by presentations the following Sponsors were My old colleague and friend from courses for major tournaments and a BBQ on the terrace. Those left out of our fixture list: BMS my days at Mountain Ash Golf given by some excellent speak- who haven’t already put their Products Ltd, contact Matthew Club, Andrew Matthews, lost ers. So a big thank you from name down, please let me know Corbould – 07973-155.408 and his long battle with cancer and the section to Huw Morgan asap, as I’m sure it is going to be Blade Amenity, contact Richard died on April 17, just short of his MG, Richard Windows of STRI. very popular. Lewis – 07715-588.861 we apol- 40th birthday. Andrew worked Gordon Moir, of St Andrews One of our stalwart members, ogise for any inconvenience. as an Assistant Greeenkeeper Links Trust; Ian Kinley, of Royal Buster Lewer, has retired at the If you have any news for the at the club for 20 years and I Porthcawl, and Jim McKenzie, age of 65. Buster is very well website or for GI please contact can honestly say that he was a of The Celtic Manor Resort. Also known in the Section and has me on 07764-862.337 or via pleasure to work with. thanks to Steve Chappell for supported many BIGGA events e-mail [email protected] We both had a similar taste in all his hard work in organising since moving to the region. Buster Arnold Phipps-Jones music, Andrew used to tape some the event; to John Reynolds was Head Greenkeeper at Dain- Press Office of his Cd’s for me (What with for demonstrating the Verti Go ton Park, Devon, having been me being too tight to buy them drainage system on the putting appointed at the very start of its South West and myself!). He could sometimes be green; to Royal Porthcawl GC for construction back in September late for work, even though he only hosting the event and providing 1991. Coming from Wells GC with South Wales lived 50 yards from the sheds! an excellent lunch and finally to a strong recommendation from Andrew leaves behind a son, Jonathan Harmer, David Binks Nigel Pring, Oake Manor, who Christian, who was probably and Peter Lacey, of Farmura had worked with Dainton’s owner the tallest person at the funeral, Environmental, for sponsoring David Wood, he has worked tire- and who wore a Liverpool shirt the day. Gerald Orme sent his lessly to grow and mature Dain- to the service to honour his dad’s apologies as he was unable to ton Park to become one of Devon’s devotion to Liverpool FC and make along the event. most popular clubs. Inheriting an who often took the trip up the The following night saw the “Arable desert”, Buster has help South Coast motorway to watch his beloved return of the IOG Dinner and plant 20,000 trees and install reds. Condolences also to his Dance which was held at Taff’s up to 5,000 Railway sleepers as Hello everyone and welcome dad, Geoff, who was Secretary Well RFC. A large attendance, well as a period of endless stone to the South Coast Around the at Mount for many years, and all including a ‘Fact Finding’ del- picking, all in-house. David Wood Green. It seemed like a good idea his family, including his uncle egation from our Section, were described Buster as having a in late 2009 to share the writing Bernard, Head Greenkeeper at treated to a lovely meal and an tremendous work ethic, second to of these articles between the Tredegar and Rhumney GC. exciting raffle. There was then a none. The whole Section wishes committee but as I’ve left it to the Rest in peace mate! performance by Graham Cox, or Buster every happiness in his last minute I’m not so sure now, News from the Section now. ‘The Singing Greenkeeper’ as he retirement and we still hope to but here goes. On Wednesday, April 14, is known locally. Graham thrilled see you at future events. Also, We are currently constructing around 80 people attended many (and startled some) with best wishes and every success to a facebook page, so look under The Celtic Manor Resort as his singing, and I have to say Alan Potter in taking over as Head bigga south coast and join the part of the Section’s series of that his rendition of ‘Danny Boy’ Greenkeeper at Dainton Park. group – get involved. evening lectures. It was a very and ‘Nessum Dorma’ were truly Again, any notes, stories or We will have had our first golf interesting night with Director memorable. events you would like me to outing at Bramshaw Golf Club of Golf, Jim McKenzie, giving Good Luck to Ian Kinley, of include, please let me know. by the time you read this so the the gathering of Greenkeepers Royal Porthcawl GC, in prepara- George Pitts results will be in next month’s and Groundsmen an insight tion for the Ryder Cup Wales Section Secretary magazine. into the preparations for the big Seniors Open which is being 07929 754401 At Moors Valley we have put event (No, not Jim’s forthcoming staged there this month and [email protected]
52 GI JUNE 2010 Around The Green
Morgan & Colin Snell, 44pts; 2. Simon Pearce & Mike McGarr, 43pts; 3. Roger Neale & Kieran Hector, 41pts. The Nearest the Pins were won by Tim Morgan, John Pemberton at the 15th, and Mike McGarr, South West at the 17th. It was great to see Chief Executive a rather impressive turn out for Hi people, hope all is well! this event. Great stuff guys! You’ll all remember me talking Remember that our next More and more I see the term ‘One show’ being bandied about a new set of workshops, golfing day is at Lyme Regis, about in relation to BTME and SALTEX, almost as if it is a that I’m sure will become avail- on June 23. Lyme Regis was foregone conclusion that the two events are going to merge. able to you all, these being the featured in last month’s Green- The reality is that a number (as yet to be quantified) of work of Lawrence Pithie. In the keeper International, (read it, it’s companies are finding the current market place in turf South West the first workshop pretty impressive). Set on edge of management difficult and are therefore looking at ways of took place at Minchinhampton Dorset, built on the biggest land spending less, while at the same time trying to raise product New course. This workshop was slip in Europe. This will be our awareness. titled “Planning & Budgeting”. Summer tournament and as Pitchcare, wishing to broker a solution to the exhibition It covered all aspects of the always a place for the National debate, invited exhibitors from BTME and SALTEX to golf course a manger would Championship is available to a meeting at the NEC in March so that concerns by ‘the need to take into account, from the winner. This year National Trade’ could be aired. I hasten to point out that I had a leadership skills to making Championship, sponsored by senior member of the BIGGA staff attend merely to listen to your budgets in all the areas on Kubota and Charterhouse Turf what was being debated and not as a measure of support. and off the course. I attended Machinery, will be played at the Following the meeting I have had representations by a the workshop myself and have Berkshire. number of companies that were deeply concerned about to say how great it was and I’m For those of you that don’t the direction the meeting took and are not at all in support sure that it will only help me to know, but I’m a football referee of the proposals made on the day. There remains a great better my career (as it would for in my spare time. On the bank deal of support for the status quo and I do not go along with anyone who attends I’m sure). holiday Monday I had a trip to the claim that there is an overwhelming support for a single This month we also reintro- Luton Town v York City, in the show. duced our Section’s greenkeeper blue square premier play off The industry is divided I admit but in some ways that is amateur. This was held at Wood- second leg. This fixture really the nature of the industry. Everyone is looking for something lands Golf Club. At Woodlands was the most amazing experi- different and as I keep on saying there is no one solution that they have 36 holes and we had ence I’ve had on a football pitch. will suit all. I know from my own research that the major the pleasure of playing the “sig- In front of just under 10,000 manufacturers (often colloquially referred to as ‘the Big Boys’) nature course”. It’s just a shame screaming fans, the noise, the would like to see one show but they are settled into a pattern that we played in heavy showers, atmosphere...... everything was of alternate years and are not pushing the issue. BIGGA although this did not affect a just amazing! The ground is set and the IOG have been invited, somewhat under duress, great day enjoyed by all. Wood- up so the crowd are right on top to attend a meeting with this anonymous group styled ‘the lands is mainly a pay and play of you. The noise just echoed. Trade’ to listen to their concerns and discuss the options, golf, this is clear to see that it is I remember walking under the although I understand that we are going to be presented with set up this way. With little rough tunnel and onto the pitch and the option of moving towards one show or ‘the Trade’ will and fewer bunkers and a huge it just hit you, I had the hairs on abandon thoughts of attending BTME and SALTEX and form fleet of golfing buggies, it makes the back of my neck standing its own new event. We have agreed to meet ‘the Trade’ and a for an enjoyable round of golf for on ends. I can’t really comment date has been set for late July. all levels. This is by no means on the game too much (nor the In the meanwhile plans continue as normal for Harrogate a criticism, far from it, David afterwards... as it went by before Week 2011. There are already a significant number of stands Knight (the owner of Woodlands I knew it. You go the whole sold and if at any time you wish to see who is attending then golf club) has done a fantastic season wondering, is this really visit www.harrogateweek.org.uk where there is a floor plan. job in achieving such a popular worth it, so much time, so much The site can also be accessed from the home page of BIGGA’s venue for golfers in Bristol. I had travelling, sometimes work- main website. the pleasure of partnering with ing with people who just hate Bigger and better things are in the pipeline on the Kyle Knight, playing alongside referees...yes it’s worth it, every education front, building on the success of the event earlier Chris Sealey and his Greens minute of it. More of this please! this year with some high profile international speakers Chairman, Pete Schrader, I can Look forward to hearing from already booked. The full programme will be available in only say that the weather on the you guys. due course but it is guaranteed to contain something for day was more consistent than Adam Matthews everyone. our golf, but we still had an enjoy- adam.l.matthews@hotmail. A word of caution to those companies that think it is clever able day, cheers guys. co.uk not to book a stand but prefer to mix with the visitors and The results for the greenkeeper 07732503855 sneak sales talks in at every opportunity. That is not playing amateur are as follows: 1. Tim the game fairly and we will not hesitate to ask anyone caught doing this to leave. One show or two shows it really does not count for anything if the visitors do not attend with their enquiries or cheque books. Over the years BIGGA has done a tremendous amount of work for the greenkeeping profession which Around The Green has helped improve the status of the job and the quality of facilities. Has BIGGA really got it that wrong or do we need a Please send your notes to Scott MacCallum by the wake up call to the members, their non member colleagues 5th of the month. Email: [email protected] AND their employers about the consequences of holding back support?
JUNE 2010 GI 53 The National Championship 2010
at The Berkshire Golf Club The BIGGA National Championship 2010 is back again this Autumn; taking place at The Berkshire GC on the Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th of October. To play at the event, please fill in the form below...
Please select the relevant category: Payment method (please tick) Deadline for entry is 31 August 2010. q Full Member q I enclose my cheque made payable to q Affiliate Member Completed entry forms ‘BIGGA’ value £95 should be sent to: The entry fee of £95 includes all golf fees, q Please debit my Mastercard / Switch / BIGGA National lunch both days and dinner on Monday Visa / Delta card with the fee of £95 Championship, BIGGA evening. Please note that there is no House, Aldwark, Alne, York YO61 1UF accommodation provided. Card number...... The main tournament for the Challenge Name...... Trophy will be played over 36 holes, medal Start Date...... play, with the best overall gross score Address...... producing the BIGGA National Champion. Expiry Date...... The player with the lowest nett score will ...... be presented with the BIGGA Challenge Last 3 security digits...... Cup. Affiliate members will compete for the ...... Post Code...... BIGGA Challenge Bowl. Issue No. (Switch/Delta only)...... Mobile...... There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd over 36 holes in both the nett and gross categories, E-mail...... Signature...... additionally after each day of 18 holes there will be prizes for winners of handicap divi- Membership Number Date...... sions. The BIGGA Regional Team Cup and ...... prize will be calculated from a minimum of Or E-mail your details to: 4 best nett scores over the first day of play. Handicap...... [email protected] If you have a poor first day an alternative Ensure you receive confirmation of entry Stableford competition will be held on the BIGGA Section...... by return E-mail. second day of play.
54 GI JUNE 2010 Diary of Events
More Details of your Section’s forthcoming upcoming dates can be found at events in 2010 can be found here... www.bigga.org.uk Just click on events
Date Event Venue Contact JUNE Thursday June 3rd South West Section Event Dainton Park Golf Club Adam Matthews at adam.l.matthews@hotmail. – Match v’s Secretaries co.uk or mobile: 07732 503855 Wednesday June 9th North Wales Section V’s Carden Park Golf Club Jeremy Hughes at [email protected] or 01978 North West Section Golf (De Vere) 860109 Mob: 07876 776265 Match Monday June 14th BIGGA Annual Golf Day Aldwark Manor Golf Sandra Raper at [email protected] or 01347 and Country Club 833800 Tuesday June 15th Surrey Section – Cresta Hoebridge Golf Club, Ron Christie at [email protected] or Cup Old Woking 020 864 43061 Tuesday June 15th Devon v Cornwall Golf St Mellion Interna- George Pitts at [email protected] or Match and Course Walk tional, Cornwall 07929 754401 followed by BBQ Thursday June 17th Scottish National Tourna- Murcar Golf Club Peter Boyd at [email protected] or 0141 616 ment 3440 Thursday June 17th East Anglia Section Event Diss Golf Club Ian Willett at [email protected] or mobile: 07929 205398 Tuesday June 22nd Essex Section Event Boyce Hill Golf Club Dominic Rodgers at [email protected] or mobile: 07929 205398 Wednesday June 23rd Central Section Event Old Course, St Andrew Mellon at [email protected] or Andrews, Course Walk mobile: 07780 995602 start 4pm Wednesday June 23rd South West Section Lyme Regis Golf Club Adam Matthews at adam.l.matthews@hotmail. Summer Tournament co.uk or mobile: 07732 503855 Wednesday June 30th Northern Section Event Scarborough North Cliff Frank Stewart at 07947 401278 Golf Club Wednesday June 30th Midland Region Golf Erewash Valley Golf Peter Larter at [email protected] or 07866 Management Trophy Club 366966 JULY Wednesday July 7th North West Section Event Blackpool North Shore Chris Sheehan at [email protected] or Golf Club 07840 706738 Wednesday July 7th East Midlands Section Rothley Park Golf Club Andrew de Wet at [email protected] Event or 07730 713895 Wednesday July 7th Sheffield Section Event Hillsborough Golf Club James Stevens at [email protected] or 07738 719614 Wednesday July 14th Northern Section v’s Woolley Park Golf Club Frank Stewart at 07947 401278 or James Stevens Sheffield Section Event at [email protected] or 07738 719614 Thursday July 15th East of England Section Tydd St Giles Golf Club Bruce Hicks at [email protected] or 07931 Event 714922 Thursday July 15th South Coast Section Event Stoneham Golf Club Chris Bitten at [email protected] or 07796 887633 Thursday July 15th – The Open Championship St Andrews, Scotland http://www.opengolf.com/ Sunday July 18th Wednesday July 21st London Section Event Muswell Hill Golf Club Matt Plested at [email protected] or 07818 410333 Tuesday July 27th South West Section – Marlborough Golf Club Adam Matthews at adam.l.matthews@hotmail. Scotts Management co.uk or mobile: 07732 503855 Thursday July 29th – Ricoh Women’s British The Royal Birkdale Golf http://www.ricohwomensbritishopen.com/ Sunday August 1st Open Club
JUNE 2010 GI 55 Membership Tracey Maddison, Head of Membership, provides a departmental update
BIGGA Website It’s here…..the new BIGGA BIGGA welcomes the website has arrived! following new members
Look out for the redesigned Scotland BIGGA website, it’s packed with Contact Details Colin Berry, Ayrshire; Christopher Boyd, West new features, improved navigation, Tracey Maddison David Braid, Central; Mike Braidwood, North new content and enhanced design. [email protected] Iain Cameron, Ayrshire Keith Donald, North; George Gunnell, West The website includes an improved Brad Anderson Darren Henderson, Central security login and members will [email protected] Ross Hodge, Ayrshire; Philip Pelham, North Ross Prowse, East; James Sharp, Central soon have the facility to make online Tel: 01347 833800 Gordon Smith, East; Blair Somerville, West; payments including membership (option 1 for Membership) Brian Toall, East renewals. Northern Region Regional Offices Section Events – Why attend a involved at the highest level of Gary Anderson, Northern running two of the most prestigious Ryan Blemings, North East Section event? Scotland & Kevin Burke, Cleveland; Alan Connor, Northern golf tournaments to be held this Northern Ireland Mark Davies, North West year! Peter Boyd Ryan Finch, North West Last month Sami Collins and Tel: 0141 616 3440 Christopher Harding, North West It then occurred to me that here I James Heap, Northern I were invited down to the South Mobile: 07776 242120 was playing golf and chatting with [email protected] Christopher Lewis, North West Wales Spring Seminar held at Nicholas Raine, North East two guys who, arguably are at the Graeme Sanders, Northern Royal Porthcawl Golf Club. Northern & Midland Ken Ward, Northern ; Stuart West, North East Peter Larter top of the career ladder, but were, Philip Young, Northern What a great day this was, Tel: 01476 550115 with respect, two regular guys Mobile: 07866 366966 well done to Steve Chappell and chatting about their families and [email protected] Midland Region the Section for organising a very jobs and had a passion for the same David Anslow, Midland informative day. South East thing, managing a golf course! Clive Osgood Andrew Barker, East of England The title of the day was ‘When Tel: 01737 819343 Michael Barnes, Berks/Bucks & Oxon I realised then what a special Mobile: 07841 948410 Jon Brownsell, Berks/Bucks & Oxon the Circus Comes to Town’, an professional membership [email protected] James Burberry, East Midland intriguing title which involved Mark Elliot, East Midland association BIGGA is, there are no Gavin Hackley, Midland Huw Morgan, Course Manager at South West & Wales Steven Hardy, Midland real airs and graces, these guys are Jane Jones Ashburnham Golf Club; Gordon Tel: 01454 270850 Billy Hayes, East Midland prepared to chat to all members Mobile: 07841 948110 Christian Houghton, East Midland Moir, Director of Greenkeeping, [email protected] Stewart Jeffs, East of England and share advice and experiences Tom Mapes, Mid Anglia St Andrews Links Trust; Richard at all levels, Section, Regional and Brett Moggridge, Berks/Bucks & Oxon Windows, STRI; Ian Kinley, Course Gary Moore, Mid Anglia National. Andrew Rafferty, Midland Manager at Royal Porthcawl Golf So, the moral of the story…… Daniel Robinson, Midland Club, and Jim McKenzie, Director Lyndon Shaw, Midland You never know who you are Brian Steele, Berks/Bucks & Oxon of Golf Courses and Estates Paul Trafford, Midland; John Walshaw, Midland going to meet and what you are Peter Boyd Peter Larter Management at Celtic Manor Ian Whiteley, Midland going to learn at a Section event, so Oliver Woodcock, Mid Anglia Resort. why not go along to one? All of these speakers provided S East Region I guarantee you will always be the audience with a very interesting made to feel very welcome and find Darren Baker, Essex; Paul Barry, London insight into the preparation for, Joseph Blake, Surrey; David Burrows, Sussex somebody who you have something Clive Osgood Jane Jones Ashley Churchill, Surrey management during and recovery in common with. Richard Hill, Surrey ; Jack Medlicott, Surrey from a top golfing event. Andrew Nye, Surrey, James Rattenbury, Essex Scott Roberts, Surrey; Michael Taylor, Surrey I was invited to play Royal Stephen Thompson, Essex; Tom Wear, Kent Porthcawl Golf Club the day before, Richard Wood, Essex thank you to Ian Kinley and his S West/S Wales Region team, the course was in fabulous Sean Bennett, Devon & Cornwall condition and the weather was Other Benjamin Bishop, South Coast perfect. BIGGA is now on Facebook Sebastian Cavilla, South West useful Andrew Day, South West I found myself in what I can only numbers Joseph Frampton, South Wales describe as a dream three ball; With over 350 million users Daniel James Cornish, South Coast (Full Members only) Kevin Sturney, South Coast I was in the esteem company of worldwide we didn’t want to be left Gareth Thomas, South Coast Jim MacKenzie and Gordon Moir behind. Personal Accident Helpline 02075 603013 Northern Ireland (thanks Gordon for the pot bunker If you have a Facebook profile Greenkeepers Legal why not search for us by typing Assistance lesson!). 0800 177 7891 Peter Roberts At one point I found myself in the search field British and Greenkeepers Support Services Overseas stepping back and listening to International Golf Greenkeepers 0800 174 319 them both chat about the trials, Association and join the BIGGA Debt Counselling Helpline Bradley Anderson, USA 0800 174319 tribulations and the pride of being Group. James Graham Prusa, USA
56 GI JUNE 2010 Assistant What’s Profile your Number? Each month we take a light hearted look Our regular and random profile of an industry figure into the life of an assistant greenkeeper... continues with this month’s lucky number...
Senor~ Fluffy knows Mike Coleman of how to look after Fuschia Exhibition & himself and enjoys Conference Services throwing himself out comes under the of planes! spotlight
Name: Paul Healy What is your position within Age: 27 the company? Club: Worlebury GC I founded Fuchsia Exhibition & Position: First Assistant Conference Services and have Nickname: Senor Fluffy (Thanks been Chairman/Managing to Frank Newberry!) Director. I am handing over to my son, Nick, but will remain as Chairman.
How long have you been in greenkeeping? How long have you been in the industry? 11 years. I became involved with SALTEX when it first moved to Wind- sor and BTME from the first exhibition in what is now Hall A! What was it about the career that attracted you? I liked the idea of working outdoors. How did you get into it? By chance, we were doing PR for a company when their stand If you weren’t a greenkeeper what would you be? builder did a midnight flit - we stepped in. I’ve always liked the idea of being a sky diving instructor. What other jobs have you done? Which task do you enjoy doing and why? I demonstrated Land Rovers in Trinidad; joined the British I’ve always enjoyed mowing fairways, particularly before South Africa Police, in Rhodesia. I launched newspapers a big event. in Buckinghamshire; was Group Production Controller for Haymarket Publishing and Publisher. Which task do you least enjoy doing and why? I’ve never enjoyed vertidraining fairways. It can be a long What do you like about your current job? and boring job. Not knowing what the next call or e-mail is going to bring.
What one thing, other than a pay rise, would What changes have you seen during your time in the improve the greenkeepers’ lot? industry? As a single man I’d have to say some slightly younger, Cutting a wheat field with a scythe; asking the operator to female members! connect me, cutting grass with a Royal Enfield Mower. A lot has changed. Hobbies? I enjoy golf, sky diving, kick boxing and long distance What do you like to do in your spare time? running. Member of a drama group, Chair of the Friends of my Church, 18 years as Chair of Govenors of local Primary School, also Favourite Band? sailing a 37ft Bavaria out of the Canaries. I don’t have a favourite band but Michael Jackson is a legend in my eyes. Where do you see yourself in 10 years time? Hopefully sailing more and I might give up a lot of the physical Which team do you support (football or side of exhibitions. otherwise)? Not a big fan of team games. I prefer my more dangerous Who do you consider to be your best friends in the sports! industry? I am not a great believer in ‘best friends’ or classifying friend- What is your claim to fame? ship by degrees. I once held a couple of kick boxing titles here in the south west and, as a result, appeared in some fighting What do you consider to be your lucky number? . 7. magazines. Always has been. As I get nearer to the big 70 I would like it to remain so. You’ve chosen... Pick a number. 21 Mike King of Vitax!
JUNE 2010 GI 57 intheshed Our monthly puzzle page to keep you entertained when you’re forced indoors..
CROSSWORD QUICK ‘NINE HOLE’ QUIZ World Cup Mania
1. Against which team did David 5. What was the final score in the Platt score a famous last minute Scotland-Holland 1978 match goal to enable England to progress which featured Archie Gemmill’s to the quarter finals in the1990 famous goal World Cup? 6. On what exact date did England 2. Name the goalkeeper who was win the 1966 World Cup. widely held to have cost England their place in the semi finals of the 7. Against whom was Gazza playing World Cup after the holders had when he famously burst into tears? gone 2-0 up against West Germany. 8. Who won the very first World 3. In the same World Cup which Cup? player scored in every game on the way to his country’s victory? 9. Excluding Penalty Shoot-Outs what is the greatest number of 4. Who scored England’s goal in the goals a World Cup winning team Maradona’s famous Hand of God has scored in a final? game in 1986? MONSTER SUDOKU Fill in the grid so Across 4 1984 film starring Val that every row, every 1 Type of festive song Kilmer in his first feature column and every (9,5) film role (3,6) 4x4 box contains the 10 Edible according to the 5 In relation to those numbers 0 to 9 and principles of Islamic law (5) originally from Angeln, the letters A to E. 11 Play featuring Eliza Germany (5) Doolittle and Professor 6 Collar bones (9) Henry Higgins (9) 7 Name of the hamster 12 Rocks and minerals in 2008’s Bolt (5) used primarily in the 8 Method of restarting making of steel (4,3) the game in rugby union 13 South American river not used in rugby league (7) (4-3) 14 The first words spoken 9 High-pitched and by God (3,5,2,5) piercing (6) 18 Bust, waist and hip 15 Coin worth two SUDOKU measurements (5,10) shillings and sixpence (4,5) Fill in the grid so 20 Chooses (7) 16 A military unit, that every row, every 23 One not seeking usually commanded by a column and every 9 payment for his services (7) Lieutenant Colonel (9) box shape contains 25 Voice of the people 17 The first to experience the numbers 1 to 9. (Latin) (3,6) an experimental procedure 26 To urge (5) (6,3) 27 As used by the 18 Face to face (3-1-3) foul-mouthed and 19 Move text across or blasphemous (6,8) down a computer screen (6) Down 21 Egyptian city built on Puzzle 2 Instrument used to the ancient city of Thebes Answers reflect the sun’s rays in a (5) on constant direction (9) 22 The head bone (5) page 59 3 Traditional dwelling of 24 A farewell remark (5) the Inuit (5)
58 GI JUNE 2010 ’
QUICK ‘NINE HOLE’ QUIZ ANSWERS:
1. Belgium 2. Peter Bonetti 3. Brazil’s Jairzinho 4. Gary Lineker 5. 3-2 to Scotland 6. July 11 intheshed answers 7. West Germany 8. Uruguay 9. Five, Brazil 5-2 Sweden in 1958
CROSSWORD MONSTER SUDOKO SQUIGGLY SUDOKO
JUNE 2010 GI 59 BUYERS’ GUIDE
Buyers AERATION guide categories GENUINE PARTS & TINES • AERATION • AGRONOMY • ALL WEATHER SURFACES • BRIDGES Deep Aeration - Pure & Simple • CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR OLD & NEW MODELS • CONSTRUCTION Tel: 0845 026 0064 • DE SILTING [email protected] • DRAINAGE • GRINDERS • IRRIGATION • IRRIGATION ALL WEATHER SURFACES CONSULTANTS • LAKE CONSTRUCTION LINERS Irritech Limited • MACHINERY FOR SALE • PLANT PREMIER ALL-WEATHER SURFACES FOR GOLF • PUMPS Irritech Limited is an independent irrigation consultancy • RUBBER CRUMB practice specialising in existing irrigation system appraisal/ • SLEEPERS evaluation, and new irrigation system design. • SOIL FOOD WEB Irritech operates throughout the UK, Europe, and the • TOP DRESSING middle East working with existing golf courses who need • TREE MOVING advice regarding irrigation upgrades or new golf courses who • TREE CLEARANCE are seeking to install an irrigation system. • TURF Huxley Practice Tee at St Andrews Links A full irrigation system appraisal and evaluation covers all • VERTIDRAINING HIRE aspects of system operation from watering sourcing and stor- Top quality practice tees, golf course tees, putting • WASTE/WASHWATER & pitching greens, pathways, patios, cart tracks age, through to sprinkler uniformity and system efficiency, TREATMENT and lawns professionally designed and installed. enabling the client to pinpoint areas of concern and imple- ment changes to improve operation and fine turf quality. Tel: 01962 733222 [email protected] Recent projects include St Mellion Golf & Country Club, www.huxleygolf.com The Berkshire Golf Club, Aintree Racecourse, and Liphook Golf Club (where all aspects of irrigation system operation including borehole prognosis/water storage reservoir design Visit www.bigga.org.uk have been undertaken to ensure a bespoke solution for the AERATION and check out the Client). latest chat The role of an independent irrigation consultant is to allow from the AGRONOMY the Client to procure the correct products for the golf club greenkeeping HYDROJECT industry through a fair and even tender process; using a specification AERATION AND CHEMICAL INJECTION SERVICE provided by the consultant, the Client can go to the ‘market (WITH NO SURFACE DISTURBANCE) place’ and achieve like for like competitive pricing. KEITH DRIVER Irritech is an established practice (approximately 9 years (SPORTSTURF CONTRACTOR) Tel:01273 679994 Mobile:07958 532008 ARTIFICIAL GRASS old) that have offered tailored designs and appraisal packages 124 Warren Road, Woodingdean, Brighton BN2 6DB to over 350 Clients, improving irrigation system operation and in many cases reducing operating costs, for example Wildernesse Golf Club which has procured a borehole and 600m³ water storage tank to supplement their mains water Looking to buy or sell supply – this in the event of a hosepipe ban will act as an Second Hand insurance policy, protecting the Club’s investment in the fine Machinery? turf areas for many years to come. TOPTURF IRRIGATION Advertise on the BIGGA website IS THE LEADING DEALER Irritech can be contacted on:- INSTALLER & SERVICING AGENT FREE this month Tel: +44 (0)1823 690216 FOR OTTERBINE BAREBO www.bigga.org.uk/classifieds Email: [email protected] AERATION EQUIPMENT Or call Kirstin on 2006, 2007 & 2008 01347 833800 Call us on 0044 (0) 870 8720081 www.ttirrigation.co.uk
60 GI JUNE 2010 CLOTHING / FOOTWEAR DRAINAGE DRAINAGE DRAINAGE
Greenkeeper Traditional Wear Advertise here drainage and Golf Course Drainage Golf Course Drainage from as littleSpecialist as £250 www.gkwear.co.uk Survey / Design / Installation / Greens / Lytag banding Fairways / Bunkers / Complete Courses for a FULLFor 6 fast MONTHS and friendly, UK Plastic Pipe / Turfdry Drainage System Shop Online of greens and fairways full colour, pleaseservice call call: For fast and friendly Nationwide Service Melvyn Taylor 25% Discount for Contact Melvyn Taylor: 01283 551417 Kirstin on 01347on 01283 833 551417 832 BIGGA Members - Register Now 07836 259133 / [email protected] or 07836 259133 or email FOR FREE CATALOGUE www.turfdry.com www.turfdry.com Phone 01334 653733 [email protected] Tel: 01785 812706 E: [email protected] www.northstaffsirrigation.co.uk CONSTRUCTION Philip Dixon Contractors Ltd Scotland Based Established 1978 Sportsturf Drainage Specialist Meiklem Drainage Drainage • Construction • Renovation Contractors Ltd Sportsturf Drainage Golf Course Construction Specialists Slitting • Banding • Maintenance Remodelling & Alterations Golf Courses - Sportsfields Water Engineering Tel 01772 877289 (Preston, Lancs) Drainage * Construction Email: [email protected] [email protected] * Slitting/Banding www.dixondrainage.co.uk www.lakelandearthworks.com Contact Meiklem Drainage on: 01400 251605 T: 01383 830217 07900693705 M: 07808 897 300 E: [email protected] SPEEDCUT Advertise here CONTRACTORS LTD from as little as £250 Construction Remodelling SPORTSTURF Water Features for a FULL 6 MONTHS, Construction Tel: 01604 468908 full colour, please call Drainage Fax: 01604 474853 Renovation www.deltagolf2000.co.uk Kirstin on 01347 833 832 Sandslitting 180 Ruskin Road, Kingsthorpe, or email Contact: Kevin Smith Northampton NN2 7TA [email protected] OXFORD 01865 331479
Photo courtesy of Rudding Park Repton Short Course ‘Signature Island Green’.
To advertise within Greenkeeper International please contact Kirstin on GOLF COURSE & SPORTSGROUND 01347 833 832 CONSTRUCTION or email RENOVATION & MAINTENANCE DESIGN : INSTALLATION : MAINTENANCE [email protected] Pitch Construction : Piped Drainage Systems : Sand Slitting IRRIGATION SYSTEMS Blec VibroPitch Sand Banding Construction : Koro Surfacing : Piped : Vertidraining Drainage : Topdressing Systems : Overseeding Sand Slitting : Blec Vibro Sand Banding Visit www.bigga.org.uk Koro Surfacing : Vertidraining : Topdressing : Overseeding LAND DRAINAGE SCHEMES Advertising rates: If it’s drainage, it has to be Duncan Ross! and check out the If it’s drainage, it has to be Duncan Ross! WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 1/4 page - £570 latest chat from the Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancashire WN6 9DT 1/2 page_ £790 AGRONOMY Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancashire WN6 9DT Tel. 01722 716361 t 01257 255321 f 01257t 01257 255327 e [email protected] 255321 greenkeeping e [email protected] Full page - £1500 www.duncanrosslanddrainage.co.uk www.mjabbott.co.uk industry www.duncanrosslanddrainage.co.uk
JUNE 2010 GI 61 BUYERS’ GUIDE
IRRIGATION IRRIGATION FINANCE & LEASING CONSULTANTS Advertise here from as little as £250 2010 Machinery Finance for a FULL 6 MONTHS, No Deposit irritech limited full colour, please call Payments from April 2010 Independent Irrigation Consultants Kirstin on 01347 833 832 Specialising in:- ● Existing system evaluation or email ● System design & upgrade [email protected] Design & installation of irrigation ● Project management *New and used equipment* Call today for a quote systems for all sportsturf & landscaping projects. Contact Roger Davey on: 01620 890200 01823 690216 Golf Finance Ltd Phone: 01427 874200 Visit www.bigga.org.uk 4 Church Road www.irritechlimited.co.uk North Berwick Fax: 01427 875333 and check out the EH39 5NP latest chat All finance subject to status licensed credit bokers from the AGRONOMY Written detail on request. LAKE CONSTRUCTION LINERS greenkeeping industry
Comprehensive advice GRINDERS regarding design and LEADING THE WAY IN IRRIGATION construction of water areas • DESIGN Looking to buy or sell • INSTALLATION Tel: 01206 262676 • SERVICING Second Hand www.geosynthetic.co.uk To advertise within FOR GOLF COURSES, STADIA, RACECOURSES, BOWLING GREENS, Machinery? Greenkeeper International PRIVATE GARDENS & LAKES. Advertise on the BIGGA website please contact Kirstin on Please call 0870 8720081 M12471AACH LelyINERY Ireland FOR SQRL SALE classified 4 01347 833 832 www.ttirrigation.co.uk FREE this month www.bigga.org.uk/classifieds or email Or call Kirstin on [email protected] FOR SALE. 01347 833800 Advertising rates: New Turfmech SQRL 600. Sellf--propelllled debriis 1/4 page - £570 collllector for greens,, tees and sports surfaces.. 1/2 page_ £790 PLANT ED Full page - £1500 REDUC TO * CLEAR Advertise here from as little as £250 Visit www.bigga.org.uk and check out the for a FULL 6 MONTHS, latest chat full colour, please call from the AGRONOMY ** IIncclludeess ffullll maanuffaacctturreerr’’ss waarrrraanttyy.. greenkeeping Kirstin on 01347 833 832 industry RETAIL £10,695+VAT or email NOW £6,000+VAT Visit www.bigga.org.uk Contact Dermot on 00 353 87 6820183 [email protected] and check out the Lely Ireland Limited, Kilboggin, latest chat Nurney, Co. Kildare Tel: 00 353 (0)45 526170 HEALTH & SAFETY from the AGRONOMY Email: [email protected] greenkeeping www.lely.com RUBBER CRUMB industry
BIGGA GCMA SMS The use of RUBBER CRUMB on Registered as a user and grass as top dressing has been using the system? Advertise here Irrigation granted a PATENT in the UK and Xact can act as your from as little as £250 Ireland under Number EP0788301BI External Competent Person providing: for a FULL 6 MONTHS, TEBBUTT ASSO. ARE THE LICENSEES • Onsite Support LIQUID ASSET full colour, please call • Risk Assessments & Control with CROWN III rubber crumb Turf Measures MANMANAAGGEMENTEMENT Kirstin on 01347 833 832 Reinforcement, the licensed product • Action Plans Call Lely: 01480 226848 or • Ongoing Audit Service or email Contact Tebbutt Asso. email: [email protected] on 01253 342003 or Fax 01253 346644 Contact Xact on 0845 665 3006 [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] www.xactgroup.co.uk www.toro.com www.tebbuttassociates.co.uk
62 GI JUNE 2010 VERTIDRAINING TOP DRESSINGS TURF VERTIDRAINING HIRE HIRE
To advertise within Greenkeeper International please contact Kirstin on 01347 833 832 or email [email protected] Advertising rates: 1/4 page - £570 1/2 page_ £790 Full page - £1500 Advertise here from as little as £250 for a FULL 6 MONTHS, full colour, please call Advertise here Looking to buy or sell Specialist Growers of Second Hand Kirstin on 01347 833 832 from as little as £250 Turf for Golf Courses Machinery? or email for a FULL 6 MONTHS, Rootzone Turf for Greens [email protected] Grown on USGA rootzone, Advertise on the BIGGA website full colour, please call top-dressed throughout the year, Kirstin on 01347 833 832 and mown at 6mm. FREE this month Predominantly bent sward www.bigga.org.uk/classifieds or email WASTE/WASHWATER Turf for Tees, Surrounds, Or call Kirstin on TREATMENT [email protected] Approaches and Fairways 01347 833800 Various mixtures including ryegrass/fescue, 100% fescue, and bent/fescue grown on sandy loam topsoil. Hydrotech Solutions FOR ALL YOUR BULK SUPPLIES NEWNEW forfor 2010 2007 • Golf Machinery Wash Water Treatment NATIONWIDE DELIVERIES TurfRTF for turf bunker for pathways revetting • Positive Filtration – Non-Biological and bunker banks.lining. • 200 + Systems Installed Worldwide 01858 464346 / 433003 Tees supplied and laid, with Tees supplied and laid, with • Simple, Low Cost Installation www.banksamenity.co.uk optional laser grading. optional precision laser grading. • Low Running Costs Shirley Aldred & Co.Ltd Tel: 01652 678 000 Tel: 01925 758099 Suppliers of high quality www.tillersturf.co.uk Fax: 01925 757519 granular charcoal for over 200 years www.grassgrabber.com Email: [email protected] ■Use one of the oldest ■ Totally organic product products known to man to treat black layer ■ Large stock levels of all grades Visit www.bigga.org.uk ■Prevent thatch build up ■Delivery anywhere in Advertise here and check out the ■Improve drainage mainland UK within and rootzone 3-4 days from as little as £250 latest chat from the AGRONOMY Tel: 01433 620003 for a FULL 6 MONTHS, greenkeeping Fax: 01433 620388 full colour, please call industry Kirstin on 01347 833 832 or email [email protected]
Look at the latest... Second Hand Machinery ...for sale www.bigga.org.uk/classifieds
JUNE 2010 GI 63 Recruitment
Clevedon Golf Club The course to play in Somerset Course Manager An exciting opportunity has arisen for the role of Course Manager at our Royal Cromer Golf Club picturesque parkland course overlooking the Severn Estuary. invites applications for the position of The successful candidate will be responsible for the continuing development of the course and its recently laid sand based greens. HEAD GREENKEEPER You will require to be suitably qualified with the experience to assume Royal Cromer is a Private Members Club founded in 1888 with the Prince of responsibility for the management of the club’s course and practice areas. Wales, later Edward VII, being the Club’s first Patron. The “challenging,” cliff- Accommodation may be available top, 18-hole course lays between Cromer and Overstrand. Originally developed Please apply with c.v. and covering letter to: by old Tom Morris, the course was later improved by James Braid and more recently by Donald Steel. The Secretary, by email: - [email protected] or to Clevedon Golf Club, Castle Road, Clevedon, BS21 7AA. Due to the impending retirement of the current Head Greenkeeper, the Club is Closing date: June 30th 2010 seeking to appoint an experienced Head Greenkeeper to deliver the high course standards members and visitors currently enjoy.
Reporting to the Greens Committee and the Secretary/Manager, the successful candidate will require the following skills and qualifications:
• Qualified to NVQ Level 3 or equivalent and spraying certificates PA1/2/6 • Full knowledge of Health & Safety and Environmental legislation • A comprehensive knowledge of machinery and irrigation systems • The ability to communicate, work alongside, motivate and lead an established Online jobs go to green-keeping team • Experience of implementing and working to a budget and management plan www.bigga.org.uk • A sound understanding of the needs and interests of members and visitors For instant online advertising please contact • Experience and/or knowledge of coastal golf courses Kirstin on 01347 833 832 Salary will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate. Part month £300 Full month £500 Please apply in writing no later than 30th June 2010 including a full C.V., stating present salary and salary expectations to: The website is updated regularly with new vacancies Secretary/Manager, Royal Cromer Golf Club, 145 Overstrand Road, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 0JH. Get online now! Web Site: www.royalcromergolfclub.com
Work Based Learning Tutor in Amenity Horticulture/Green keeping Imagine working in one Salary: £16,968 - £21,967 pro rata (dependent on hours) of the most picturesque Hours: Part Time (0.4) up to Full Time Post (1.0) Set in acres of rolling countryside, Duchy College, Stoke Climsland is looking to and outstanding appoint someone with a passion for amenity horticulture and green keeping to locations in Devon inspire learners of different ages, experience and capability. This will be a key role in developing our apprenticeship/work based learning and Cornwall. provision and will principally service golf clubs in Devon and East Cornwall. The successful candidate will have experience within the industry and Are you ready for a new demonstrate an enthusiasm for the subject that will captivate learners. A challenge? relevant level 3 qualification is essential and the successful applicant must hold or be willing to work towards a teaching and assessing qualification. Access to a car and a driving licence is essential. For an application pack and more information on the above roles please visit: www.cornwall.ac.uk/jobs or contact the HR Recruitment team on 01209 617637. Closing date: Friday 18th June 2010
Cornwall’s College CORNWALL COLLEGE GROUP oF the Countryside Charity by statute
Greenkeeping mag 180mm x 127mm
64 GI JUNE 2010 Recruitment
Course Manager Olton Golf Club is an 18 hole private members club, established in 1893, set in nearly 100 acres of parkland in Solihull, West Midlands. An exciting opportunity is approaching for an experienced and ambitious Golf Course Manager to assume responsibility for management of the Harry Colt de- signed course & to continue to improve its standard, already one of the best in the Midlands. The vacancy arises due to the planned retirement of our long serving Course Manager at the end of this year. We are now seeking applications from persons who are interested in the position and can demon- strate strong abilities in all aspects of greenkeeping. The successful candidate will be capable of organising, motivating and managing the greenkeep- ing team. He/she will have a fine eye for attention to detail to bring the highest standard of presentation to the course. Whilst the role is to manage the greenkeeping team a willingness to be “hands-on” when required is essential. Candidates will possess all relevant green keeping qualifications (minimum NVQ Level 3 or equivalent), have a history of success in a similar position and will:
• Have a comprehensive knowledge of current Health & Safety regulations and environmental issues and be able to implement all relevant legislation. • Manage all aspects of the course and clubhouse surroundings to the highest standards (including preparation, presentation, maintenance and im- provements). • Understand and assist in the preparation of an annual budget, manage the agreed budget and contribute to the preparation of longer-term capital expenditure plans. • Have a proven record in leadership and man management skills to motivate, manage and lead the greenkeeping team. • Have excellent communication and negotiation skills. • Be computer literate, able to use email & software such as Microsoft Word & Excel. • Prepare and implement a plan for the establishment of a sustainable environmentally friendly course. • Prepare and implement training plans to meet the needs of the existing staff. • Manage and maintain the course machinery and automated irrigation system. • Be able to demonstrate a knowledge of construction methods to carry out general improvements to the parkland golf course. • Plan and implement large scale improvement projects, managing contractors where required. A competitive package is available, dependent on qualifications and experience.
Please apply in writing with full CV to: Ian Phipps, Chairman of Greens, Olton Golf Club, Mirfield Road, Solihull, West Midlands B91 1JH Alternatively by email to [email protected] Closing Date for applications is 16th July 2010 with first interviews to be conducted in the week commencing 16th August.
www.oltongolfclub.co.uk
Amenity Specialist
Sherriff Amenity is the specialist amenity division of Agrovista UK Ltd. We are the leading supplier of turf care and amenity products in the UK.
We are currently looking for an amenity specialist, based in the North East of England, to join our team. This challenging opportunity is a technical sales role in which you will develop and maintain business in your trading area by offering sales support and technical advice to new NVQ Assessor – Horticulture and existing customers. (Sportsturf/Greenkeeping) Our comprehensive training programme provides professional support, leading to a BASIS qualification, in addition to a full commercial skills Salary range £22,776 to £28,050 per annum training programme. To succeed, not only in our training programme but also as an amenity specialist, you will need to be self motivated, able 37 hours per week, Fixed Term Contract until to work on your own initiative, demonstrate commercial awareness and 31 December 2010 with the possibility of extension have a flexible approach towards working in an industry where seasonal fluctuations frequently dictate the working pattern. Ref : LBSA Knowledge of the fine turf and amenity industry, along with industry Do you have a passion for horticulture in general and sportsturf/greenkeeping recognised qualifications, would be advantageous but not essential as in particular and working in the industry? full training will be given. Do you have commitment to educational values? We are looking for an assessor to advise and support candidates through the assessment process This role also offers an excellent package including company car, from entry point to external verifi cation. The successful candidate will also have contributory pension scheme and 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays experience of increasing the number of students within this curriculum area. per annum.
Ideally you will possess Assessor’s award A1 or D32/D33, have a minimum To apply, please forward your curriculum vitae and covering letter to of a Level 3 Horticulture qualifi cation with Sportsturf or Greenkeeping [email protected], alternatively call our specialism and have recent industrial experience. HR department on 0115 921 8427 Ability to travel is essential. for more information.
If you want to work for a forward-thinking college with sites in St. Albans and Welwyn Garden City then please visit our website at www.oaklands.ac.uk for application forms and more details. Closing date: 11th June 2010
Sherriff Amenity, Cambridge House, Nottingham Road, Stapleford, NG9 8AB Tel: 0115 9390202 Fax: 0115 9398031
JUNE 2010 GI 65 OnOn thethe SoapboxSoapbox GTCA new Chairman, vehicle for Donald people Steel, within takes the to the soapbox and looks atindustry how greenkeepers to express theirlearn viewpoint and keep updating their knowledge
It has long been open to wonder It is unquestionable that, in addition to greenkeeping is a mystic art, the industry whether Club golfers are aware of the organised training, course conditioning has become more complex. annual contribution they pay to the has been revolutionised by the ability of The principles are the same. It is the way coffers of their County and National modern mowers to cut grass as low as of implementing them that is different. Unions. conceivably sensible together with new ( or Co-operation and camaraderie is more Even more doubtful is whether they know replacement ) strains of grasses that allow evident, showing itself, for instance, in the how it is spent. impeccable playing surfaces. voluntary efforts of neighbouring support The major proportion is directed at causes It bears out five time Open Champion, Peter teams who assist with on course work, from which they derive no benefit but there Thomson’s, contention that greenkeeping is including bunker raking and divoting is one glorious exception. the art of keeping grass down rather than during a major tournament. It lies in the support they lend to The getting it to grow. Not that all the mechanisa- There is a greater pooling of knowledge in Greenkeepers Training Committee which tion has replaced the need for long hours. road shows, conventions and exhibitions to has brought about a transformation in The daily schedule during a European highlight the shop window but the main aim the way our golf courses are prepared and Tour event that I attended last year consisted is to please the golfer. presented. of cutting greens before and after play, being One look at any golf course is enough to All of a sudden, everyone is a winner. on hand in case heavy rain necessitated reveal whether it is tended with love and In 25 years, the standard and quality of emergency measures and maintaining a care. the greenkeepers’ art has improved to a 24-hour vigil that for some meant sleeping The same impression is apparent on point where, in many cases, results are little on the premises. entering any house or hotel but at least short of perfection. Normal routine at any Club in summer golfers can identify that it is all being directed At the same time, the standing of involves getting ahead of the golfers and at them and that their money is being well greenkeepers in the golfing world has risen casting a wary eye over the small items that spent. accordingly. make the difference between mediocrity and It would be cheap at twice the price. There are several explanations but none excellence. more deserving of praise than the education received both from the GTC and the respected band of Course Managers who set such an excellent practical example. Cheap at twice the price All golfing administrative bodies exist to promote the playing of the game but, without our golf courses, there would be no game. The need for better education dates Courses are a Club’s priceless asset, back to the urging of one or two notable the sole reason for bringing us together. individuals in the 1970s and 1980s and They are the fount of our inspiration and to awareness of golf course architects who enjoyment but, as standards rise, so, felt there was no point building fine new too, do expectations. Golfers have always courses if there weren’t enough qualified had plenty to say (much in ignorance) on green keepers to look after them. conditions they confront but, as they travel This led to the establishment of the GTC more, and see more on television, most no whose Technical Committee compiled a longer tolerate less than the best. syllabus for lecturers at chosen Colleges Not long ago, greenkeeping was more to dispense. By that means, young of a job than a calling. Workers were greenkeepers, attending the courses, had often agricultural recruits on a basic new recognised qualifications by the end of wage, operating from headquarters them. that were little more than barns and These became more and more important sheds. as passports to jobs, an increasing number Head Greenkeepers invariably had long of young men and women setting out their experience and were undoubtedly men of stall in making greenkeeping a career. the soil although they were often reluctant Clubs can put forward their own to share their secrets and many took them candidates for little more than a registration to their graves. fee or the initiative can come from the Donald Steel is Chairman of the In consequence, those under them individuals themselves. Greenkeepers Training Committee learned as best they could but they weren‘t However, nowadays lecturers from the frightened of hard toil. Those used to the colleges make things easier by visiting the Donald Steel technical age might shudder at the thought Clubs to impart knowledge or students of cutting greens with push-mowers and can study from the internet in their own walking between holes, raking bunkers on greenkeeping complexes. the way. Without conveying the impression that The views expressed within On The Soapbox are not necessarily those of Greenkeeper International
66 GI JUNE 2010 TC0036 Utility Ad Greenkeeper:Layout 1 17/5/10 12:40 Page 1
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WORKMAN HDX PROPASS 200 MULTI PRO 1250 SPRAYER WORKMAN MDX PRO FORCE DEBRIS BLOWER GKI Eclipse 322 A4 v2:Layout 1 14/05/2010 09:55 Page 1
The new Eclipse 322 The world’s first diesel electric hybrid greens mower with no hydraulics
• Reduced noise, low fuel consumption and minimal maintenance means a lower cost of ownership • Electric drive systems mean no hydraulic leaks causing damage to greens • Diesel hybrid version • Cutting performance can be infinitely adjusted to any course condition • Ergonomically designed operator station reduces fatigue and provides an unobstructed view The Eclipse 322 – the green solution to precise greens mowing
Want an even better finish to your greens? Then contact Ransomes Jacobsen for further information Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd West Road, Ipswich, IP3 9TT UK +44 (0) 1473 270000 www.ransomesjacobsen.co.uk Driving Environmental Performance Code: GKI/06/10/E322