FEBRUARY 1985 Greenkeeping and Course Maintenance

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The Official Magazine of the British Golf Greenkeepers9 Association IT'S ON THE GREEN •WHERE IT COUNTS!

... of all the mowing jobs on a golf course, mowing the greens requires the most delicate touch of all. The new GREENSMASTER 300 ensures a uniform cutting height, appearance and playing characteristic while manoeuvring in a tightly defined area. Why not see this exceptional mower in action ... the GREENSMASTER 300 has so much more to offer! NEW GREENSMASTER 300 TORO

x GG/2/85 I

UK DISTRIBUTORS: LELY IMPORT LIMITED STATION ROAD/ST NEOTS/CAMBRIDGESHIRE Tel (0480) 76971 Telex3k. FEBRUARY 1985 470

Greenkeeping and Course Maintenance UNE SITUATION The Official Magazine of the SUR LE CONTINENT British Golf Greenkeepers' Association Founded 1912 Britain's membership of the European Economic Community President: PETER ALLISS means a great deal more than increased trading links with the Continent, a common agriculture policy and the election of a Vice Presidents: Gordon Wright W. Mountain Euro M.P.,it is about people. European people who now have F. W. Hawtree F. G. Catchpole G. Vaughan J. F. R Wilson the freedom to cross frontiers, seek work and earn a living J. Cogan B. C. Jennings T. Scott D. Craig wherever they fancy selling their skills. E. Staniforth, M.B.E J. Field D. B. Hargreaves D. R. B. Hopkins W. Payne R. Bird J. E. Lelean J. Moyce We have seen few Europeans taking jobs in Britain except in Dr. P. Hayes some specialised service industries like hotels and restaurants Chairman: J. Richardson where the Italians have found a niche. The Germans fly in and 20 Aston Way. Clavering Park. out to market their engineering talents, but the British, insular Whickham, Tyne & Wear Tel. 0632 886765 to the last, still treat the English Channel as a moat only to be Hon. Secretary & Treasurer: crossed for two weeks a year on their way to the Costa del Sol. W. Heeles 7 Tentergate Close. Knaresborough. N Yorks We have been saying for months the growing business on the Tel. 0423 863851 Continent is golf. New courses are under construction, Executive Committee: E. Walsh established ones are gaining in popularity, additional sponsors H. Fry R. Gates H. Gillespie W. Pile are emerging to finance professional events, sales of equipment E. James G. Malcolm A. Kite P. McCarron are booming and there is a demand for British Greenkeepers. J. Richardson R. Goodwin A. Gamble

Auditors: Solicitors: Your Association has received a number of enquiries from L. Phillips & Co. Mr. M. Holmes 8 York Place. Topham Phillips & Co. Germany, France, Austria and Spain seeking experienced Knaresborough, 11 Princes Square. N. Yorkshire. Harrogate. British Greenkeepers to manage courses abroad. Because of Tel. 0423 862334 N. Yorkshire. Tel. 0423 66777 this interest the BGGA has decided to set up a register of greenkeepers willing to move to the Continent. The Association is affiliated to the English and Welsh Golf Unions.

Publisher and In the first instance write to the Secretary, Walter Heeles Editor: JOHN LELEAN (address in the left hand column), giving details of your present Editorial A. Gamble position, previous experience qualifications and family details. Panel: H. Gillespie This information will be kept in the strictest confidence, and only sent to a prospective employer with your approval. CONTENTS By joining the register there is no guarantee of a job, but the NEWS ROUNDUP 5,6,7,8 BGGA believes this service will be both useful to its members as well as our friends, the other side of European golfs largest GOLF GREENKEEPING VISITS ST. MELLION 10,11 water hazard.

B.G.G.A. 25YEARSAGO 13 NEXT MONTH MANAGEMENT OF HEATHER MERE GOLF CLUB. The Editor talks to Mike Sheehan, one of ON HEATHLAND COURSES 14 Britain's youngest Golf Course Managers.

SECTIONAL NEWS 15,16 COMPACT TRACTORS, The mini power unit made for golf course maintenance. TRADE DIRECTORY 18 BUILDING THE P.M. GREEN, from Golf Course Constructor, Howard Swan.

Britain's leading magazine The greenkeeper who developed a taste for his cuttings - A short story on golf course management from the pen of Vice-President, Fred Hawtree.

Golf Greenkeeping and Course Maintenance is published by: Wharfedale Publications Limited, P.O. Box 12, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS22 4SR. Telephone: (0937) 63181. Published ten times per year. Copies for non-members by subscription. £10.00 a year. Single Copies £1.50 postage paid. Published for the British Golf Greenkeepers' Association by: Wharfedale Publications Limited. The BGGA, The Editor and Publishers do not necessarily agree with the comments and views expressed in this publication and do not accept responsibility for any personal opinions stated therein. © Copyright 1984 Golf Greenkeeping and Course Maintenance. Printed by: W. Kristall Ltd., Leeds

3 © GOLF GREENKEEPING February 1985 MORRISON GIVES YOU MORE QUALITY FOR YOUR MONEY

MORRISON PUTS MORE INTO A MOWER • All designed and built with precision gearing lor superior cutting quality >ic600 • Excellent clip rate per yard. • Economy of power to operate cutters and independent rollers. • Many optional attachments and accessories. • Full technical back-up and spares always available. Delivery Ex-Stock. MORRISON INDUSTRIES LTD Main Road, Thornham, Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 6LX Telephone (Thornham) 048526-234 228 (24 hours) Telex 818861 GREENKEEPERS MOTOMOP SHOCK LIQUIDATION PRESS FOR Motomop Limited, the company formed FRESH TALKS to market the revolutionary motorised sponge roller has gone into liquidation APPOINTMENTS Both the British Golf Greenkeepers' with debts in excess of £280,000. Association and the English and Inter- The firm started in 1980 under the name Nickerson Turfmaster Limited of national Greenkeepers' Association have of Duskford Ltd, changed to Varram Ltd. Gainsborough, Lincolnshire have requested talks with the Institute of in December of that year and became appointed Jim O'Brien from Poole, Groundsmanship to discuss greater Motomop Ltd. in July 1982. Dorset to represent them in the South co-operation between the organisations. The roller met with early success after West. South Wales and the West T.V.coverageduring the ill-fated Bob Hope Midlands. Classic at Moor Park when flooded greens were brought back into use in record He is well known to most machinery Courses in Turf time after a torrential downpour. Ex- distributors in those areas and has American President Gerald Ford was been connected with the machinery Management intrigued with its capabilities and said industry for most of his working life so. Later the P.G.A. bought several representing such well known The Sports Turf Research Institute will machines as stand-bys for alltheir major products as Sheen, Alpina and Ginge hold two, possibly three one-week courses tournaments. Mowers. in the spring on the theory and practice Last year the company entered into a Jim, who is a member of the Institute of turf construction and management. sales agreement with Jacobsen and later of Advanced Motorists, is married with The courses, starting Monday morning gave the American company a licence to two children and spends his spare time and finishing on Friday afternoon, last for manufacture in the United states for ten on archaeology and swimming. five days. They will cover soils, grasses, years. Similar agreements were made for turf diseases and pests, drainage, the Far East markets. Brian Stephens has been appointed watering, fertilizers and machinery. Last year Motomop was displayed at Area Manager responsible for South the International Turfarass Exhibition in Starting on 25th February and 11th Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall March the fees (exclusive of accom- Las Vegas and the Managing director, with Brown and Sons Seeds Ltd the Bob Frost announced a quarter of a million modation and meals) are £85 for members Bristol based distributors of Sports and £100 for non-members (plus VAT). pound deal with Jacobsen and said he Turf and Amenity Products from 2nd hoped it would be doubled by the end A further course will be held if necessary January 1985. during the week commencing 4th March of the year. Brian has joined the company after six year's experience with H. Pattison Details from The Secretary. Sports Turf NEW DEPOT IN LEEDS FOR & Co. Ltd. Research Institute, Bingley, West Yorkshire. Tel: Bradford (0274) 565131 SUPATURF PRODUCTS LTD.

Supaturf Products Ltd, thePeterborough based distributors of seed fertilisers for the golf and sports industry have opened £3 Million worth of grass machinery a new depot on the Normanton Industrial Estate to the south of Leeds. All the northern customers will be for the States supplied from the 5,500 square foot warehouse which is close to both the M1 the trans pennine M62 and the A1 By the end of this year, Ransomes Sims Commenting on the East Anglian firm's trunk road. & Jefferies, expect to have sent £3 million achievement, Managing Director Bob Frank Cookson has been put in charge worth of grass machinery to the United Dodsworth said "There are people who to organise regional distribution but States, 82% more than last year and a say this country should be exporting more expects to be back 'on the road' before massive increase compared to sales of to the USA because of the high valued long. £1 million in 1982. dollar. Whilst it may well have helped us" he said, "we would never have done what wehave,had we not got machines suitable for the American market as well as an When Eric Staniforth joined a small efficient distribution and after-sales M.B.E. engineering firm in Macclesfield as a 13 service network in the country". He went year old apprentice, fifty years ago, it on to say this has only come about as a for Eric Staniforth is doubtful whether he had visions of result of hard work and numerous visits becoming the Managing Director of one to the States by himself and other of Britain's most successful turf grass Directors as well as sales and engineering machinery companies. staff from Ipswich. "What enabled us to In July of this year Eric will celebrate finally crack the market" he said, "was the anniversary of that first day at work when we formed our wholly-owned sub- for the company that has now become sidiary in the USA, Ransomes Inc, which, SISIS Equipment situated in a modern besides giving us a base in the States style factory on Macclesfield's Industrial for the distribution and servicing of Estate. Ipswich-made products, also manu- factures a range of rotary mowers". In recognition of his services to the industry, to British exports and his sterling Containers are loaded with Ipswich- support of golf greenkeepers, Eric made machines at the factory and besides Staniforth was awarded the M.B.E. in the being sent to the Company's subsidiary, Queen's New Year Honours List. An Ransomes Inc. at Johnson Creek in award richly deserved, which his many Wisconsin for unloading and distribution, friends will feel justly proud. they also go direct to well-known destinations including Houston, Texas; No one has done more to support Miami, Florida; Phoenix, Arizona; Salt the B.G.G.A. and in particular the North Lake City, Utah and New York. West Section of the Association, where Eric holds the office of President. Golf The shipments from Ipswich include the Greenkeeping, and the officers of the Company's new Motor 350D self-propelled British Golf Greenkeepers' Association hydraulic gang mowers for use mainly offer their congratulations to Eric on golf courses which number over 12,000 Staniforth, M.B.E. and trust he will enjoy in the States. Costing over £20,000 in many more years as Managing Director the USA, the Ransomes Motor 350D was of SISIS Equipment as well as his Vice- launched in September of last year Presidency of the B.G.G.A. following user trials with two prototype machines in the United States as well as other major overseas markets.

5 © GOLF GREENKEEPING February 1985 HALF-A-MILLION POUNDS FOR Women's Professional Golf Association WPGA TOUR TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE 1985 Despite the withdrawal of Hitachi, Colin Snape, director MAY of the WPGA has announced Prize money of £486,000 for women professional golfers in 1985. 1-4 Ford Ladies' Classic Woburn 8-11 Hennessy Cognac Ladies' Cup St. Cloud, France In 1984, WPGA members played for £347,000 on the 17-19 Ulster Volkswagen Classic Belvoir Park UK and Continental circuit. 22-25 British Olivetti Tournament Moor Hall The continuing growth of interest in the tour in the UK 29-1 and on the Continent has seen an increase in prize June Guernsey Open Royal Guernsey funds "across the board" in a calendar which will include 17 major tournaments to comprise the Ring and Brymer Order of Merit. JUNE Three will be of £40,000 in value, the Hennessy Cognac Ladies' Cup at St. Cloud, Paris, and a new 6-9 Tournament to be announced Belgian Open Championship at Royal Waterloo, 12-15 McEwan's Lager Wirral Brussels, while a third, also destined for the Continent, Caldy Classic Caldy is to be announced shortly, said Mr. Snape. 26-29 Belgian Open Royal Waterloo Among new events on the home front is the £20,000 John Laing Ladies' Classic, to be staged at Stoke Poges, Bucks. JULY The LBS £30,000 German Open for the Fürst von 11-14 L.B.S. Ladies' German Open Metternich Cup, will be played at Braunfels; and a for the Fürst Von Metternich Cup Braunfels Swedish fortnight in August will include the Delsjö Open 24-27 Bloor Homes Eastleigh Classic Fleming Park (25,000) in Gothenburg and the Höganas Open (35,000) in 30-2 Molle. Aug. Colt Cars Jersey Open Jersey The 2nd IBM Ladies' European Open, with a prize fund increased from £25,000 to £35,000 will be staged at the Kingswood Golf Club, Surrey in September. AUGUST The Ford Ladies' Classic - one of 12 existing tour- 15-18 Delsjö Open Delsjd, Sweden naments which continue in 1985 - will again launch the 22-25 Höganas Open Mblle, Sweden 1985 season with its £20,000 (min.) tournament at Woburn, Bucks, on May 1-4. Among 1984 sponsors repeating their tournaments, SEPTEMBER all with increased prize money, are the Ulster 4-7 IBM Ladies' European Open Kingswood Volkswagen Classic at Belvoir Park, Belfast; the British 25-28 Brends Hotels International Saunton Olivetti tournament at Moor Hall, Sutton Coldfield; the Guernsey Open and Colt Cars Jersey Open; the McEwan's Lager Wirral Caldy Classic; the Bloor Homes Eastleigh Classic at Fleming Park; the Brends Hotels OCTOBER International at Saunton, Devon. 9-12 John Laing Ladies' Classic Stoke Poges The tour will again conclude with the La Manga 15-18 La Manga Club Spanish Open La Manga Spanish Open with prize money raised to £20,000.

BIRDS ß COMPANY CHAIRMAN VEALS 0E BRISTOL THESE PREMISES WERE OPENEOJ OPENS NEW CENTRE IT RALPH BIRO ESQ. Sixty two years after selling his first lawnmower, >4 »"A* Of a S S JR , M TEC Ralph Bird officially opened his Company's new OCTOBER lOth <984 professional grass centre at Willsbridge, Avon last October. Over two hundred customers visited Willsbridge to seethe latest grass-care facilities and biggest exhibition ever held in the West of England. To coincide with the opening, Managing Director Roger Bird said BIRDS GRASS-CARE would be the new trading name.

Managing Director Roger Bird and'Chairman Ralph Bird I opening the Willsbridge Centre

* SEWARD GRASS MACHINERY _ Specialists in Professional Grass Care Equipment Acaster Lane, Bishopthorpe, York Y02 1XB

JACOBBEN SALES • SERVICE BUNTON HIRE • PARTS RYAN Telephone York (0904) 704121 (5 lines) Telex 57401 Greens

6 © GOLF GREENKEEPING February 1985 BRITISH GOLFGREENKEEPERS' ASSOCIATION The finest range 1 RECOMMENDED WAGE AND of turf care products SALARY SCALES on earth The Executive Committee of the BGGA are recom- As nationwide manufacturers and •Fertilisers mending an increase of approximately 5% for Association distributors of a wide range of turf •Grass Seed Mixture Members when salaries are reviewed by Golf Clubs at the care products, we at Supaturf offer beginning of 1985. This figure falls in line with the general you a complete caring service for •Soil Amendment trend of wage increases and is just below the official rate all sports or amenity turf. •Top Dressings of inflation. Free professional on-site advice, •Wetting Agents follow up technical reports by our •Moss Control & Weed All salaries remain the subject of negotiation between laboratory, free informative individuals and their employer. The BGuA dows not have catalogues and fast nationwide Killers wage agreements with any of the governing bodies delivery service from our depots •Pest Control representing golf or golf clubs. throughout the UK all add up to the very best turf Plus all sports and care on earth. maintenance equipment too! I Head Greenkeeper (36 hole course) For free catalogue and details of £9885.87 free turf advisory service phone now: plus accommodation and 4 weeks holiday ® (0733) 68384 Head Greenkeeper (27 hole course) £9338.23 plus accommodation and 4 weeks holiday ® Supaturf Head Greenkeeper | Supaturf Products Ltd, Oxney Road, Peterborough PE1 5YZ f Branches at Birmingham Tel 021459 9617 Wakefield. W Yorks Tel 0924 891000. (18 hole course) and Bishopsteignton. De*>n Tel 062 67 2427 (D 0 Hunt Ltd) £8792.78 Advisers and suppliers to the country's premier grounds plus accommodation and 4 weeks holiday

Head Greenkeeper (9 hole course) £8235.86 plus accommodation and 4 weeks holiday

First Assistant £7142.22 or £137.35 per week and 4 weeks holiday

Other Grade 1 Assistants £6591.31 or £126.75 per week and 4 weeks holiday

In addition to an agreed wage or salary it is recommended that as a basic minimum the following conditions should also apply. BUNKER RAKE BARGAINS The working week should not exceed 40 hours. 22" WIDE PLASTIC RAKE £5.25 Wage earners are opposed to salaried staff should be (One year guarantee against fair wear and tear) paid overtime rates outside normal working hours. During the weekend, Saturday working at time and a half, Sundays at double time. 19" WIDE ALUMINIUM A retirement pension of not less than half salary. RAKE £6.50 (Very light, weighs fractionally over 1 lb.) Protective clothing and footwear provided or allowance given. 15" WIDE METAL RAKE £3.30 Travelling expenses on club business at 22p per mile. (Low cost -14 tine) Other expenses including telephone charges at the full (ALL RAKES SUPPLIED WITH HANDLES) rate. ORDER 10 OF A TYPE Day and Block release for new young entrants to the RECEIVE ONE RAKE ABSOLUTELY industry to obtain the appropriate City & Guilds Certificate in Greenkeeping. FREE Time off for other greenkeeping staff to attend lectures, demonstrations, exhibitions and other external activities Write or telephone, for full details and aimed at the development of individual knowledge and prices on C M W. products, TODAY to: skills, including BGGA golf tournaments. C.M.W. EQUIPMENT CO., Provision of suitable washing and toilet facilities at the greenkeepers' place of work. 17 TOTMAN CRESCENT, Payment or reimbursement of the BGGA subscription. RAYLEIGH, ESSEX TEL: (0268) 770311

7 © GOLF GREENKEEPING February 1985 RANSOMES WIN £100,000 BELFRY ORDER Ransomes have won an order worth nearly £100,000 for their grass machinery from The Belfry's Golf Complex. "This is the largest single order we have ever had from a golf club" said Sales Director Guy Catchpole, "and as it is for replacing existing equipment at this important golf centre, we are, of course, delighted". Amongst the many facilities at the Belfry, 9 miles from the centre of Birmingham, are a 168 bedroom Hotel, Conference facilities, Country Pub and indoor Leisure Club. There are also two fine eighteen hole golf courses, the Derby and the Brabazon which is to be the venue of the 1985 Ryder Cup in September. "We went to great lengths to ensure we got the right equipment" said the Belfry's Chief Executive Brian Cash, "and in addition to demonstrations of the machines here on site, we also visited Ransomes' factory to satisfy ourselves of the back-up we expect when committing ourselves to a company for such an Pictured signing the agreement to purchaseu nearly £100,000 worth of Ransomes important part of our operations". ss n _ ° P The wide selection of Ransomes golf grassof thethe machinery1985 Ryder for useCup onis the Chief Belfry Executive Brabazon Mr.and Brian Derby Cash golf withcourses, (left theto venueright) course maintenance equipment, which Belfrfry - ." r ^ . / includes four Triple Greens Mowers, is and RansomesDirector SalesMr. AllanDirector Hunter, Mr. GuyBelfry Catchpole.Horticultural Officer Mr. Jack Broady being supplied to the Belfry through the Company's dealer near Stafford, Burrows (Grass Machinery) who played a prominent role in winning the order. JAC0BSEN LOSE THEIR U.K. Turfworld in DISTRIBUTOR Birmingham Off Marshall Concessionaires, the 'hold the fort' until Orag can organise a Winchester based national distributor satisfactory distribution network in this The proposed 'Turfworld' Exhibition for Jacobsen, Brunton, Ryan equipment country. arranged for the National Exhibition is to relinquish the agency, after twelve Meanwhile, Mike Jones, from the Welsh Centre in Birmingham during the first years. week in March has been cancelled. Section, the winner of the Marshall Concessionaires Greenkeepers Golf In a statement from the Exhibition and All the Marshall's outside staff have Events Division from the NEC it was already been made redundant and the Tournament was waiting to hear who was admitted the response and support has company will just retain their own picking up the bill for his trip to the States. not been translated to make the event dealership at Romsey. This was resolved by Lindsay Marshall fully representative. and Orag's Hans Wurst agreeing to split Orag, the Swiss based European dis- the cost and Mike together with an IOG When the idea was first muted prior tributor, will make their own arrangements apprentice fly out of Heathrow on the to the IOG Windsor Exhibition a ground for UK distribution in the near future, but 6th February. swell of opposition began to emerge, no announcement had been made when both from the organisers of existing Golf Greenkeeping went to press. Marshall Concessionaires have shows, and some of the main manu- struggled valiantly to maintain a service facturers and distributors who believed Plans to involve Charterhouse Turf to dealers but the increasing value of the their expected presence with expensive Machinery came to an abrupt end at the dollar has cut margins to the bone and stands was costing far more than the end of January when Orag's Directors there is now insufficient profit margins business they were generating. cancelled a meeting with the Company's to keep up standards to dealers and Managing Director, David Jenkins. Later customers. Orag's direct involvement in The IOG Exhibition now remains the that week Lindsay Marshall was asked to the U.K. market will ease that problem. major event for the turfgrass leisure industry and is expected to be bigger than ever in 1985 with the introduction Dear Sir, LETTERS of an indoor hall to add to the predom- inately outside stands. We have now finalised the arrangements In order to maintain this centre and its for the 1985 B.G.G.A/A.R.M.S. Charity work a regular income from fund-raising The recently formed British Golf Golf Tournament, sponsored by Bristol is very important. This annual Golf Industry Association have announced Garden Machinery Ltd, and the South Tournament is a small part of that they intend only to support two shows West Section. The Tournament will be essential work. Any Greenkeepers and a year, the event at Ingliston in January held at Henbury Golf Club, Bristol, on their club member friends wishing to and Sandown in November. They would Tuesday, 19th March, 1985, by kind take part please contact me on Bristol put up a 'united front' against any permission of the Management Committee 719361 (office) or Trowbridge (02214) additional golf shows in the U.K. The competition is a Greenkeeper and 5864 (home). Amateur match over 18 holes with prizes We will also be pleased to hear from Sole Distribution for the winning golfers in each category. anyone wishing to sell Draw Tickets on As an entry condition we ask each our behalf even if they are unable to play participating player to sell £20 or more of in the Tournament. Half of the money Withdrawn 25p draw tickets in the form of sponsor- raised will be for the National A.R.M.S. A recent announcement from both ship. We are also contacting our Charity and half for the Therapy Centre. Maxicrop and their associate company, Colleagues, Manufacturers and Conces- Each 25p ticket represents its full value Walkover, who manufacture and distribute sionaires in the industry to raise sponsor- as a donation to the Charity, no expenses Walkover Spraying machines of a sole ships for the 18 holes and extra prizes will be deducted by the organisers. distribution agreement with Rigby Taylor for the table. Limited, has been withdrawn. Should any of our members wish to The Tournament raised £18,000 in 1984 know more about the Tournament or the Both companies now say their products for the Midwest Friends of ARMS (Action charity I will be pleased to hear from them. will continue to be available from all the for Research in Multiple Sclerosis) New Please join in and make this event even existing trade outlets and in the case of Oxygen Therapy Centre. This is now in full more successful for 1985, I know you the Walkover Spraying machines, direct operation and treating patients who are will enjoy yourselves. from the manufacturers as well. receiving tremendous benefits. My wife Thanking you all in anticipation of The Chairman and Managing Director Lesley has improved considerably since your support. of both companies, Mr. P. W. Ridgeon receiving treatment and the quality of life said although formulas are prepared by for many other Multiple Sclerosis sufferers Yours faithfully, Maxicrop for Rigby Taylor for this amenity has been improved. We have some patients PETER HAMPSON, market, no sole distribution had been now walking who were previously confined Professional Sales Manager, agreed or intended. to wheelchairs. Bristol Garden Machinery Ltd.

8 © GOLF GREENKEEPING February 1985 Introducing THE VITAX KEY RANGE grass seeds • turf feeds and conditioners • lawn sand and specialities developed purposefully for sports grounds and recreational areas THE KEY "ZERO-PHOSPHATE" PHILOSOPHY Our KEY series includes three zero-phosphate compounds Fine 'X' the top-quality 8:0:6 + Iron powder for all fine turf areas. Micro-Gran 3 a highly-convenient micro-granular 12:0:9 -I- Iron for use on greens, cricket wickets and tennis courts. CF4 the handy granular 12:0:9 for outfields and other gang-mown areas.

KEY DISTRIBUTORS

[T] E. T. BREAKWELL LTD. BROWN AND SONS [3] ROFFEY BROS. LTD. 814 STRATFORD ROAD (SEEDS) LTD. THROOP ROAD SHIRLEY 101 WHITELADIES ROAD BOURNEMOUTH SOLIHULL BRISTOL, AVON DORSET WEST MIDLANDS Tel: (0272) 736831 Tel: (0202) 523752 Tel: (021) 744 4477

[£) SPORTS TURF SERVICES SPORTS TURF TOWN & COUNTRY (NORTHERN) LTD. SERVICES LTD. HORTICULTURAL BRADFORD NEWBRIDGE INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES WEST YORKSHIRE ESTATE, NEWBRIDGE 201 MALTINGS LANE Tel: (0274) 729575 MIDLOTHIAN WITHAM, ESSEX Tel: (031) 333 2345 Tel: (0376) 517601 61864

Steetley Minerals Limited Vitax Department, Liverpool Road North, Burscough, Ormskirk, Lancashire L40 0SB By Appointment to Her Majesty the Queen Telephone Burscough (0704) 893311 Manufacturers of Fertilisers and Insecticides Telex: 677124 Steetley Minerals Limited. Vitax Department. Ormskirk areenstaff under head greenkeeper, Roy Battishill. The St. Mellion greenkeepers Visits are involved in the finer part of con- Golf Greenkeeping struction such as building and seeding the tees and greens as well as maintaining the existing eighteen holes in its parkland setting. ST. MELLION The autumn of 1985 was the scheduled target for opening the new course, but it will be surprising if this date can be met, particularly after the very wet Autumn and the snow that has affected the West Country in January. It must be remembered that every piece of ground from the greens sown with Penncross bent to the areas of rough have had to be seeded. Unlike many course construc- tions where the fairways have been adapted from agricultural pasture, the new St. Mellion course has had every inch of playing area taken down to the sub-soil or many feet below the sub-soil level and contoured to suit the design of the Nicklaus organisation.

The greens are, of course, the American sand greens which have attracted increased favour in the United Kingdom, because of their excellent draining capabilities and resistance to thatch. All greens have been excavated to the sub-soil, herringbone drained and covered with a layer of pea-gravel approximately 4 inches deep. A layer of finer gravel is laid on top about an Surveying progress at St. Mellionfor inch deep before the growing surface the new eighteen championship of 80% sand and 20% peat is laid on top. course, to be named after the The sand, grey in colour comes from the architect - Jack Nicklaus. English China Clay works in central HT 111 ^ Cornwall. An interesting addition is the insertion The west country has never had a reputation for championship of polythene sheeting around the edge of the green to stop moisture being pulled golf, in fact, only Saunton on the north Devon coast made the from the sand into the green fringes. recently published, top fifty courses in the British Isles, but by the On the greens already constructed and beginning of the 1990s a new name will surely emerge - the sown, Roy Battishill has been using Fisons Nicklaus Course at St. Mellion. Super N and Supaturf's Spring and Summer. Again to encourage growth he Hamilton Stutt designed the original by the potential of the land and started has cut every day, easing to every other eighteen hole course in 1976 on land by getting the Bond brothers to buy day as the growing season come to an farmed by the Bond family. Herman and another 200 acres, mainly woodland from end. Martin Bond are Cornishmen who have the Duchy of Cornwall estate. The site combined their knowledge of agriculture, for the new course was then planned and a love for golf, with a very astute with all the opening holes around the eye to business, to develop a leisure outside of the existing course and the complex at St. Mellion, which could well finishing three coming onto the old course be a pattern for the future of British golf. with the eighteenth green in front of The original course has already attracted the club house. a healthy family membership to the If there is a theme about the Nicklaus club, whose extensive sporting facilities plan it could be described as water, trees are shared by the modern hotel alongside. and carry, with a touch of fade. The trees The family involvement is quite apparent are already there, growing on the natural to any visitor to the swimming pool, slopes surrounding the streams which squash courts and snooker rooms. wind through the valleys and mini gorges Although the existing St. Mellion Course surrounding the existing course. What attracted the Benson & Hedges Inter- Nicklaus has done is to shape and national in 1979, a T.V. industrial dispute sculpture this land using motorway bull- killed off the national publicity they were dozers as his artist's tools. Streams have expecting, but even then both brothers been opened up to form lakes, hillsides had visions of a St. Mellion on a much have been carved away to form greens, grander scale. The rolling countryside and tees and fairways made from the with deep gorges lined with spruce and thousands of tons of surplus soil stripped native Cornish trees, was a natural setting from the surrounding land. for one of the most picturesque demanding golf courses in the world if Considering the magnitude of the onlythey hadthe right architect toproduce operation those directly involved seem it. The best and most sought after, was few in number. In addition to Jack Jack Nicklaus and although he had Nicklaus who makes periodic visits, flying designed courses in America, Australia, in for the day by Concorde to Heathrow the Far East and other Europeancountries and private plane to Plymouth, on site he had never been lured to Britain. are two of his American staff, Jim Lipe, Herman and Martin Bond set out to put the resident architect and Bob Steele that right. the man who drives the excavator to fashion the land into the shapes dictated Jack Nicklaus inspecting the site for one of the A fee of quarter of a million pounds by the design. They are backed up by a the sand is clearly visible. This is put in betwet went some way to bring Jack Nicklaus firm of sub-contractors from Launceston, being "pi to St. Mellion, but he was much attracted Talastone Gardens and the resident

10 © GOLF GREENKEEPING February 1985 There are so many differing contours on the new course particularly around the greens, with humps and hollows and steep ST. MELLION banks to trap the loose shot, the cost of maintenance once the course is in playing condition is expected to be much higher than most inland golf courses. It is certain to be labour intensive because there is no ride-on machine capable of tackling the green fringes and a considerable amount of 'flymo' work will be needed to keep the course in a manicured condition. Most of the best American courses are kept in immaculate condition because they are labour intensive. There is plenty of labour available in the United States because golf is very expensive by British standards and that money is used to good effect on the golf course. Understanding the American philosophy was part of the deal agreed between Jack Nicklaus and the Bond brothers and Head Greenkeeper, Roy Battishill, then first assistant to Jim Rowlands was sent to the USA for eight months between 1982/3 to study the American methods of greenkeeping. He worked with the superintendents at both Muirfield Village in Ohio and the Bear Creek Course in California experiencing all aspects of the Nicklaus Golf Course maintenance. "It was hard work", said Roy, "because keeping golf courses to the standards they require is very demanding, but with my experience of greenkeeping and prior that farming, I was able to tackle any of the various jobs they gave me to do. It was a great experience, but there is a considerable status difference between the American golf course superintendent and the British Head Greenkeeper". Anyone who reads the golfing press cannot fail to have seen that St. Mellion not only has a golf course and hotel but is promoting hard the concept of Time- One of Watermation's irrigation installations showing the even water share. Fifty 'lodges' are planned in a spread across the green village development in the centre of the original course. To say the stone built architect designed bungalows are It was during the Autumn of 1984 that Watermation staff were to luxurious would be somewhat of an injustice as it cannot possibly convey be seen ankle deep (and indeed machine deep) in mud, ploughing the vision of the superb facilities for in the pipelines for the automatic irrigation system for the new anyone wanting to take a family break in accommodation that is entirely their Jack Nicklaus designed 18 hole course at St. Mellion. own for a short period of the year. With the dollar rate so favouring the It is obviously going to be a real Also on a scheme of this magnitude Americans, one would expect the descen- challenge for those lucky enough to play there has to be the confidence that the dants of the Pilgrim Fathers to return to this hill clinging course and during that Company you are dealing with is able Plymouth by the boatload to snap up the wet Autumn it was most certainly a to do what it says it can and certainly bargain of the year. I c- f challenge for those Watermation staff there was no shortage of other quality manually placing sprinklers in muddy courses around the country where the holes under grey skies. Watermation system of irrigation has been working reliably year in and year out. However, hopefully the skies will once Indeed, over the last decade they have again be bright blue as they were during become the leaders in the country for golf last summer and that will be the time course irrigation and their systems are to when Head Greenkeeper, Roy Battershill be seen in several European countries and and his staff will make full use of the the new golfing areas of West Africa. extensive and modern automatic irriga- To prove that their equipment and tion system, with its solidly built impact pop-up sprinklers under the control of the workmanship was the best, Watermation latest computerised two wire controller. installed automatic irrigation on to one of the greens on the existing course, giving This controller has been developed and St. Mellion the chance to see it operating built in this country by Watermation and for themselves. The Greens' staff were is unique in that it only requires two wires very satisfied with the results of this to feed each solenoid valve, instead of "trial" green and the very long, very dry the usual multiplicity. Roy Battershill summer which followed served well to will find the controller accurate to the prove the rightness of the Club's choice. second, but nevertheless simple to Perhaps a deciding factor was that operate and at the same time clear to much of Watermation's equipment, like read and he will be left with time to do the their unique computerised two wire important tasks of greenkeeping. controller, has been designed and The irrigation contract was won by manufactured in Britain, which is unusual Watermation during the Spring of 1984 in this industry. This will obviously be when the course was little more than a helpful in the future should service be design on paper. The competition was required. There is no doubt, Water- fierce for this prestigious and unusual mation's technical ability was apparent course and several companies tendered from the beginning when assessing the for the watering needs of the greens, situation and necessary changes on the tees and fairways. Watermation soon existing course. discovered that St. Mellion required above When completed, St. Mellion Golf and all robust, reliable equipment, simple to Country Club will be an exciting and ew greens. The polythene sheeting surrounding use and straightforward to service. So beautiful place to play golf. The owners i the green and surrounds and to stop moisture when it came to awarding the contract have certainly gone in for the tops in iled" out. for the irrigation, although important, design and equipment to make sure it price was not the only factor. is right up there with the leaders.

11 © GOLF GREENKEEPING February 1985 Take away the comfortable seating, powerful hydraulics, effortless steering, reliable engine and mode™ ctx/li

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further information on the Turfmaster range. NICKERSON Name TURFMASTER | Company | | Address . GREAT BRITISH GRASSMANSHIP Nickerson Turfmaster Ltd., Gainsborough, Lincolnshire Tel: (0427) 4776 Telex: 56429 B.G.G.A. 25 YEARS AGO In answer to popular request another page of nostalgia from the British Golf Greenkeeper of 25 years ago

By W. H. BARTLE WELSH

of The Sports Turf Research Institute By J. CVGorman HE EFFECT OF GOLF SHOE WEAR ON THE PUTTING SURFACE AND, IN PARTICULAR. THE SPRING MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE the characteristic marking of ripple sole shoes have often created discussion. at the Clyne Golf Club, Swansea, on Wed- T nesday, 22nd April. Will all Members who In a recent issue of the U.S.G.A. Journal, information on this subject was are taking part please let me know soon as published from experiments carried out at the Texas A. & M. College. Com- catering arrangements have to be made. I parisons were made between spiked, rubber cleated and ripple soles on a sward am looking forward to a record attendance and I hope, fine weather. of seaside bent. Lectures. Constant, regulated traversing of the experimental plots was carried out from As the Winter Lectures are almost finished 29th April to 3rd June. Wear and tear were observed and recorded and, by observ- I would like to thank the National Associa- ing the roll of a ball delivered from a curved aluminium tube released at a constant tion of Groundsmen (Cardiff Branch) for height, the following conclusions were reached. kindly inviting us to all their Lectures during the season. There was a gradual decline in the turf subjected to traffic until 13th May. During the following week, there was a rapid decline of plots traversed by spiked shoes and rubber cleats. The plots traversed by ripple soles continued to decline SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS. They only gradually. support your magazine. Show this copy to Although all types of traffic produced your Chairman or Secretary when next dis- cussing orders. some injury, the least damage resulted The measurements on the effect of from use of ripple soles. THE MOST ripple sole footprints on the direction of CLASSIFIED : SEVERE DAMAGE WAS PRODUCED BY travel on a rolling ball showed that the SPIKES and an intermediate amount by result is the same whether the footprint rubber cleats. is near the point of release or near the MISCELLANEOUS point where the ball stops rolling. There PROFESSIONALS and GREENKEEPERS having It was also noted that ripple soles stocks of used golf balls contact Sparkbrook made a slightly wider path, whilst spiked was no appreciable effect upon the rop- Golf Co., 295 Highgate Road. Stoncy Lane. soles made a slightly deeper path. From ing ball provided it had no spin. Birmingham, with a view to filling export ratings and measurements it was con- As A RESULT OF THESE TESTS, THERE orders. cluded that spikes wear out turf more WOULD APPEAR TO BE NO BASIS FOR DIS- quickly and completely than the other CRIMINATING AGAINST RIPPLE SOLE SHOES shoes tested, and that RIPPLE SOLES AND EVERY REASON TO HOPE THAT SPIKES SITUATIONS VACANT PRODUCED THE LEAST DAMAGE ON TURF. WILL GROW NO LONGER. BATH GOLF CLUB—Opportunity for young energetic Groundsman to take ovei duties of Head Greenkeeper. till) 10s. 0d. per week plus unfurnished accommodation. MESSRS. J. GIBBS LTD., "AT HOME", 2nd & 3rd MARCH, 1959 Applications giving age and experience to the Hon. Secretary, Bath G.C., Inverness by Harry Bennett Batheaston, Somerset. IN THEIR INVITATION, the old-established firm of J. Gibbs Ltd. said "The idea HEAD WORKING GREENKEEPER required by the Bedfordshire Golf Club. Biddenham. is to show you we are equipped to give first-class service with every type of parks Bedford. Competent to take charge of and ^orts ground tackle*'. This they achieved most effectively. Ground Staff and mechanical equipment. The morning was devoted to inspecting a comprehensive static exhibition of the Wages il 10 per week with free accom- full range of Ransomes gang, motor, and hand lawn-mowers, including all the new modation. Replies to the Secretary. models. There were also David Brown tractors, garden cultivators, trucks and tools. Members of the Gibbs staff were at hand with helpful explanations of new features and modifications. UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY Lunch was in the Bedfont Public Hall where Senior Partner. Mr. R. H. Gibbs. GREENKEEPER. FULLY EXPERIENCED, requited welcomed guests. for Golf Course in Near Ea*t for a mini- mum pc.iod of 9 months. Full particular A film show followed, showing all types of Ransomes machines in use in Belgium a» to age, expeiience, etc., to: Box 321. including the Brussels Exhibition, and the same machines in this country. The British Golf Greenkeeper. commentary on the second film was given by a member of the firm.

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13 © GOLF GREENKEEPING February 1985 MANAGEMENT OF HEATHER ON HEATHLAND COURSES

Heather on a golf course has always produced mixed emotions to both golfer and greenkeeper. To the golfer who finds his ball resting amongst its wiry stems it brings a chill of fear, but at the same time he must also marvel at the sight of the course ablaze in in drifts of colour.

The greenkeeper too appreciates the The rate of application for Dalapon attractive features of heather, but where varies very much according to the crop heather is inundated with grasses the being treated, e.g., 6.75-28 kilos per area is in fact very unattractive. Heather hectare (6-25lbs. per acre), and so various and grasses battle it out and neither wins. rates were tried to establish a rate that Occasionally the coarser grasses will would kill grass but not heather. Treat- gain the upper hand but more usually ment commenced in February at St. the appearance is patchy weak heather Georges Hill and March at Walton Heath; with grass foliage and flower stems a knapsack sprayer fitted with a flooding sticking out with large clumps of grass, jet and set at low pressure 1 bar (10 p.s.i.) particularly along the sides of paths. was used at St. Georges Hill.theCushrnan fitted with size 0 nozzles was used at The traditional management of heather Walton Heath. does little to control the grass. Cutting hard back in the spring will encourage The results indicated that when the the grass at the expense of the heather, Dalapon was applied at between 10-11.2 autumn trimming will improve the appear- kilos per hectare (9-10lbs. per acre) in ance but in mild winters especially the February-March in a water volume of grasses will continue to grow slowly. 337-560 litre/hectare (30-50 gallons per A close examination of the rough in a acre) a good kill was achieved with most natural heathland soil will show a diversity of the grasses. At Walton Heath the of young plants including young heather treated areas showed a marked difference seedlings, but they appear to be sup- in their untreated surroundings. The pressed by the mat of more vigorous majorty of the grasses were killed and grasses and only young sapling trees by mid-season, there was a proliferation and gorse-seedlings appear to be able to of wild flora giving a colourful appearance compete effectively for light and nutrients. and a considerable increase in growth The solution to this problem would seem from the established heather and also in to be the represssion, or removal of the the young second generation heathers grass, to allow the heather to dominate. growing out of the areas of dead grass. JON ALLBUTT The site at Walton Heath was inspected Some text books on the subject talk again in October and November and the John Allbutt is the Technical Manager only in terms of eradication of heather treated area was still easy to identify by at Synchemicals. Before joining the with little or no advice on the manage- its lack of long grass. A close inspection company three years ago he lectured in ment of heathland rough. An historic showed the Fescues in particular, were horticulture subjects at the South London example of this is a section on heaths in coming back, but as yet only as young College. Mr. Reginald Beales book 'Lawns for plants. This application rate seemed to Sports', published in 1924. He says "Some be the best from the point of view of A love of plants and gardening combined of the best and most beautiful inland tolerance by the heather, very little effect with a gift of 'putting it over' has earned courses have been won out of rough was noticed and they grew well after him a regular spot on two radio stations. heaths such as Sunningdale and Walton treatment. Heath". He goes on to describe the preparation in the following way "the Some important lessons were learned Work will continue on this project in gorse, bracken and heather should be during these trials particularly when January and February 1985 when we hope cut, and the ground broken up by steam using the Cushman. Great care is to gather more specific information on tackle and allowed to lie fallow for as needed to avoid any spray drift onto heather and grass species treated. We long as conveniently possible!" fairways, tees etc. When spraying has would be very pleased to hear from any been completed avoid driving or walking In 1984 some preliminary work was club who proposed to carry out their own across other areas until sprayer wheels trials and with this in mind we have carried out at St. Georges Hill to assess and feet have been washed cfown. As a the potential of Dalapon as a controller prepared a trial report form which will general precaution it is best to avoid be supplied on request. of a diverse range of grasses whilst spraying near greens, and other fine leaving the heather undamaged and free grass areas. Cleaning out of spraying We would record our grateful thanks to togrow into a thickcover. At Walton Heath equipment, paying particular attention Wing Commander McRea and Clive some spraying was also carried out with to nozzles and filters, is very important Osgood at Walton Heath and also Wing the same aim, but here Clive Osgood to avoid the possibility of spray damage Commander J. G. Marshall at St. Georges decided to try larger areas using the with later treatments. Hill for their help and co-operation. Cushman. Dalapon is not recommended for over- spraying any plant and spray guards Dalapon was introduced in 1965 as a systemic non persistent grass killer for the should be used to prevent accidental control of annual and perennial grass species in borders, amongst top and bush spray drift. However there have been fruit, around trees and also to clean up neglected grassland prior to cultivation. reports that when applied as an overall spray before heather growth commences in January/February there is no damage. It is available in 25 kilo containers and although a powder it does mix readily with As there are a number of different water being a 'salt' formulation rather than a wettable powder. application rates for Dalapon and some of these are applied as dormant sprays, Dalapon is an efficient Couch grass killer particularly when applied to active growth the objective was to find a rate of in the spring. It is suitable for use in large or small pressure sprayers. With small application and a time when the grasses sprayers the rate of application is 3-4 ounces over 40 square yards using one gallon would be controlled or suppressed of water. allowing the heather to flourish.

14 © GOLF GREENKEEPING February 1985 SECTIONAL mm Next evening meetings will take place NORTHERN on February 21st (Chris Watmores Turf- DEVON & CORNWALL land and Brouwer Machinery) and on March 14, a Safety Executive: Health and Hon. Sec: D. C. Hannam, Safety at Work with special reference to Hon. Sec: Bill Pile, 12 Moorfield Avenue, golf courses. All at Moor Allerton Golf 33 Knowle Drive, Menston, W. Yorks. Club 7.30 p.m. Exwick, Exeter EX4 2DF. Telephone: (0943) 72008 Our Annual Dinner is in the process Telephone: 214053 And yet another New Year quietly slips of organisation. It will be held at the Christmas feelings of goodwill were in, tickling thoughts and aspirations. Harrogate Golf Club, Starbeck, very Another period of the unknown and certainly in abundance when nearly one probably during March. Please watch out hundred per cent of our section met at speculation. Will we have a good Summer? for fresh details - better still give me a Will the Spring be a dry one? What new Okehampton Golf Club on Wednesday 5th call - 0943/72008. December. diseases might appear this year? Wonder Editor's note: where the Sheffield Match will be held!! The weather was once again kind to all Laying off full-time staff during periods who competed in the greensome stable- A contentional area this if ever there of inactivity is perfectly legal and applies was one. I'll tell you what though, Frank, ford, for a new trophy to our section, equally to those who work outside or to The P. J. Flegg Ltd. Cup. it was won by Titter ye may, but did you know that your production workers in the factory. favourite track was voted 1984 Course of that inimitable pair Mike Pike (Elfordleigh) the Year in the Bradford Union? - What do The employer has to pay his employee and Gerald Ayliffe (Staddon Heights) with you think of that Young Man? £10.00 a day for the first five days of lay 36 points. Two watches kindly donated off (less if the average weekly pay is by Lely-lseki were presented to the A rousing gathering upwards of 50 below £50.00 a week) and then has no converged on MoorAllerton last November winners by the workshop manager of further obligation for three months. P. J. Flegg Ltd. to listen to Mr. Alan Mason, Head Meanwhile the employee can claim gardener to the Earl and Countess of £28.45 unemployment pay, plus £17.55 2nd B. Summers (Carlyon Bay) Harewood speak on his horticultural for his wife. R. Whyman (Bude) 34pts. BB9 pedigree. Aided by a series of magnificent An employee layed off for four con- 3rd R. Braund (Bude) slides, Alan provided what almost secutive weeks or whose wages in a six M. Board (East Devon) 34pts. amounted to a cabaret spot in the shape week period are less than half his of a witty, colourful and very entertaining average, can declare himself redundant After a sumptuous Christmas Dinner of account of his work. and claim the appropriate payment. gargantuan proportions the afternoon's Further glamour was added to the entertainment was provided by the 'Wag As David Hannam has hinted a club from Widecombe' who put it simply gave occasion by our chaps being accompanied committee contemplating reducing their by their wives. A nice extra touch to a staff by one, for three months, to save a us an effervescent parody of parochial first-class evening. weekly wage at the expense of green- mirth par excellence! An excellent journey into the micro- keeper loyalty, must be somewhat short All who attended I am sure, retain fond biological forest was conducted on sighted. If the Green Chairman of the memories of friendly Okehampton Golf December 6th by Mr. Roy Woolhouse, club concerned would care to contact Club, with its course kept in fine fettle Biologist to the Sports Turf Research this magazine we would be delighted to by Richard Wisdom. Its warm and Institute. Roy, no stranger to the Northern prepare a programme of winter main- hospitable clubhouse clad in Christmas Section spoke in his usual precise, tenance which would beneficially and livery with the sound of log fire crackling authoritative way imparting information industriously occupy the time of an and glasses tinkling and the noise of on treatments of turf diseases, changes 'extra' greensman. friendships being renewed. in nomenclature and the increasing PRESIDENT'S Those who were present will surely incidence of pathogens hitherto not SILVER ANNIVERSARY BALL have felt the goodwill and comradeship experienced by greenkeepers. Harrogate Golf Club extended to all involved in greenkeeping Many thanks Roy for a thoroughly on Friday 8th March and the allied trades at what has become DINNER - CABARET a very special date on the calendar for absorbing lesson. Tickets from David Hannam - £9.00 It gives me pleasure to announce that the Devon and Cornwall section. 1985 marks the 25th consecutive year that Lastly I would like to take this oppor- our President Mr. William Mountain has SOUTH COAST tunity to wish all involved in greenkeeping held office. a Very Happy, Peaceful and Harmonious Many congratulations Bill, it's not too Hon. Sec: J. R. Dennis, New Year. early to begin celebrating. Let us hope Hampshire College of Agriculture, this year ahead will continue in the same Sparsholt, Winchester, happy vein. Hampshire S021 2NF SHEFFIELD For those of you with an eye for fashion Telephone: which must include everyone, I have a The Second Meeting of the Winter Hon. Sec: Frank Barratt, good range of super lambswool sweaters Lecture Programme was held on the 46 Lister Avenue, various sizes and colours complete with 5th December, when the Section was the BGGA insignia for a cool ¿16. There pleased to welcome Martin Hawtree of Sheffield S12 3FP. are also ties in green and the NEW BLUE Hawtree & Son, Golf Course Architects. Telephone: (0742) 399941. for £4. Beautiful blazer badges for £6. Martin's talk provided an interesting Members of the section will be pleased Smaller round badges for 75p AND the insight into the cost of establishing new to hear that Harry Herrington ex Lindrick latest adhesive car badges. Get on the golf courses, both by direct labour costs Head Greenkeeper and long time member blower and put in your order. of enlarging an existing course, to the of the Sheffield Section, has recently For those of you not able to make 18 in cost of land, construction, machinery, etc. been made Manager of the two courses 5 last October, a complete blow-by-blow Such a huge investment clearly requires at John O' Gaunt. account is available from the above a skilled labour force, sadly many Clubs Harry took the position of Head address for a mere £5. The work consti- do not recognise the skills and know- Greenkeeper at John O' Gaunt when he tutes a definitive volume on golf green ledge required by Greenkeeping staff, was made redundant by the Lindrick construction, including advice specifi- where golf has developed into an inten- club two years ago. The old saying cations, technical points on drainage, sified business. appears to be true "You can't keep a good design, soil and aftercare: an absolute It was interesting to note that Martin man down". snip. was not only following in his father's On behalf of the Sheffield Section Harry, The BGGA wish to express thanks and footsteps, but also his grandfathers, may I wish all the best of good fortune in praise to Sisis Equipment (Macclesfield) and often visited courses designed by your new position. Ltd. and in particular Mrs. Jane Bailey, his family. for producing the above manuscripts. Our next meeting will be on February An outrageous affair was recently 6th, 1985, with a visit from Bob Young reported from a North Humberside golf with the final winter meeting and AGM I learned recently of the death of Mr. club. The plan concerned putting the on the 6th March, 1985. John I. Fearn of Fearnco Ltd. Mr. Fearn green staff (all long serving members) This Section is pleased to welcome into was a good friend and benefactor to the on short-time for the winter period. It was membership the following new members:- Sheffield Section and will be greatly proposed that the three men would each Mr. K. Hann, Mr. K. Gale, Mr. G. Cutler, missed. take one week off in three with a payment all with Brian D. Pierson, of £50 per man for the first week then Mr. S. Richardson, Head Greenkeeper nothing at all for subsequent weeks. at the Salisbury & South Wilts. Golf May I wish a belated Happy New Year Is this legal? The club do not deserve Course, to all members of the section and a green staff for even thinking such Mr. Christopher Brown, First Assistant apologise for not including these wishes thoughts!! at Alresford Golf Course. in the Dec/Jan issue.

15 © GOLF GREENKEEPING February 1985 Our thanks to Ivor Toon for making MIDLANDS the arrangements, ensuring the evening WELSH was such a worthwhile experience. Also Hon. Sec: D. W. Keen, to Moor Hall Golf Club for the use of their Hon. Sec: Philip Swain 31 Rothley Close, Clubhouse. 6 Locke Street, Radbrooke Green, To all our members of the Midlands Newport, Shrewsbury, SY3 6AW Section and all our many friends who Gwent NPT 5HL Telephone: (0743) 247864 assist us with our endeavours throughout the year a happy and successful New This month's notes is to inform all the The Bloxwich Golf Club was the venue Year from The chairman and Committee. members the Section is still healthy. Sorry for our annual Christmas "Bring and Win to miss entries in the journal's but the FORTHCOMING EVENTS: same cannot be said for your Secretary. Stableford" Tournament. The day was February 12th & 13th well supported by our members both on (Full Cost £15) We recently held a committee meeting the golf course and later in the afternoon to discuss venues for the new year and when we all enjoyed a traditional Ransomes Ipswich. Guided tour of the the possibility of a lecture or film in Christmas dinner. Works. Contact Hon. Sec. D. Keen on February details to be circulated later. In this competition everyone brings a Shrewsbury 247864 address above. To ensure the reservation of your seat on We have had replies to some appli- prize and then receives the pick of the cations concerning venues, but as usual the coach and the booking of the overnight prize table depending on their finishing some take longer than others. position. Mr.Stewart Hill from Leamington accommodation, please send a deposit of £5 per person. We would like to congratulate Mike & County was the winner again this year Jones on winnina the trip to the USA in for the second year running. The Section March 11th Telford Hotel Golf & Country Club the Marshall Concessionaires final. was privileged to havethe late Ray Smith's All our best wishes for your visit to son and daughter present at the dinner, Great Hay Drive, Sutton Hill, Washington - Mike my apologies for the Ian and Heather. They presented a trophy Telford, Shropshire brevity of this report, but life is quite in memory of their father Ray and also 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. boring working for the local authority. their grandfather Stan Smith a green- First Aid keeper in Yorkshire. (Shropshire Ambulance Service) If you have anything that can be published in the journal please send it This trophy will be awarded annually 4.00 p.m. - 4.30 p.m. The History of Fertilisers on to me. It is better to read something to the lowest gross aggregate scorer rather than nothing! in our three major competitions, Spring - (Owen Jones) Summer - Autumn. Alan Lewis from The remainder of the afternoon and Llanymynech was the winner in 1984, evening is a social occasion, swimming, presented by Ian & Heather. squash, snooker, etc. So don't forget CLEVELAND The Chairman thanked the family for your gear. Please Contact D. Keen on their kind gesture. It was fitting that this Shrewsbury 247864. Hon. Sec: J. B. Burnell, should all be taking place at Bloxwich 2 Clarence Road, Golf Club, as their late father had worked Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees, here for about fourteen years before NORTH WEST Cleveland TS16 ODE moving to Stourbridge Golf Club. Many Telephone: (0642) 780647 childhood memories came flooding back Fourteen members made the trip to St. I'm sure for them both. Hon. Sec: Edwin Walsh Andrews last November to visit part of the We all enjoyed a grand day on the golf 69 Anderson Close, 'Old' Course and see the machinery in use course, sunny and mild and our thanks Pad gate, Warrington, and the composting system specifically go to the Head Greenkeeper (Butch) and Telephone: (0925) 815711 manufactured for the 'home of golf. his staff for the excellent condition of First of all I must apologise to all our Walter Woods, St. Andrews' Links the course considering the very wet month members for missing the notes in the Supervisor made the arrangements for the of November. Our thanks also to the Christmas edition, this was due to ill group to stay at the magnificent hotel Stewardess and her ladies fortheexcellent health, and I would like to take this adjacent to the 18th green and together meal and service provided throughout the opportunity to wish you all the very best with John Phipps, the Head Greenkeeper day. for the coming year. led our party around the world famous To all our friends the trade represen- A letter has been received from Mrs. course. tatives who assist, also many thanks. Vickers thanking us for the donation St. Andrews was a wonderful experience The Vice-Captain of the Bloxwich club received from our section. I am sure that for us all particularly the impressive sight Mr. Pink, was very kind to come along all who knew Reg will miss him, and of an autumn re-seeding programme with and present all the prizes to the com- would like to wish Mrs. Vickers and her perfect germination. petitors on the day, grateful thanks to family all the best for the future. him and the club for a splendid day. On November 28th Mr. Danny Godfrey Now I must regretfully express my presented an illustrated lecture on the Steve Wood was presented with the disgust to all members for the poor plant breeding of grasses. Put over in an nett aggregate shield for the three major support shown this autumn for the easy to understand manner combined competitions run through 1984. Steve lectures, and I would like to remind you with a wry wit and a deal of enthusiasm Wood & Tony Jesson also received the that lectures and functions of any kind the message was certainly taken that to Rigby Taylor Greensome Matchplay are arranged for your benefit and can obtain value for money always buy trophies from David Morgan with replicas. only exist with your support. So please certified seed. The beaten pair, Alan & Andrew Boraston can we see a vast improvement this year. The Spring Tournament will take place received runners-up trophies. The final DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES: was played at the Woburn Golf and at Castle Eden G.C. on 25th April to be Country Club. Our thanks to Rigby Taylor Monday 11th February 8.00 p.m. followed by the AGM at 7.30 p.m. and David Morgan. A lecture at Deanwood Golf Club A one-day Management Seminar is to Monday 4th March at 8.00 p.m. be held at Houghall Agriculture College At the Moor Hall Golf Club on November A lecture at Blackburn Golf Club followed by the AGM at 7.30 p.m. 12th, this Section was very fortunate to have Walter Woods the Links Supervisor Wednesday 27th March The syllabus will include: of The Royal & Ancient at St. Andrews A one day seminar at Mere Golf & Programming, Organisation, Motivation, come along for the evening to talk to us. Country Club. Registration will be £9 communication, Role of the Head to include morning coffee and lunch. Greenkeeper, Role of the Employee, Walter is one of our Section members Please bring along your Greens Budgeting, Health & Safety at Work Act and it is an indication the high esteem Chairman, Club Secretary or even a Please telephone Bruce Burnell which he is regarded, when over sixty club member. people came along to listen to him for a 0642/780647 for further details couple of hours. As an Ambassador for St. Andrews and our profession of Greenkeeping, Walter is the greatest and "D" DAY well worth coming along to listen to. The North West Section of the Golf Greenkeepers Association declares war He brought along a selection of slides to on the 27th March, 1985 at Mere Golf & Country Club, against Thatch and Fungus. illustrate his talk, which covered a wide variety of topics connected with St. This is a one day seminar to be held for all Greenkeepers, Golf Clubs, Secretaries Andrews. Some of the routine jobs on the and anyone concerned with turf culture. golf course, the history of the R.&.A. and The speakers will be Robin Hulme, Dr. Peter Hayes, Ray Woolhouse and of course the vast amount of preparation D. Mottram. for The Open Golf Championship. I am sure this will be both an interesting and educational day for everyone. St. Andrews of course hosted this event yet again in 1984, Walter had seen it all Further details, Registration Fee of £9.00 to: before and so he knew what to expect. EDWIN WALSH, The vast amount of clearing up and 69 ANDERSON CLOSE, PADGATE, WARRINGTON remedial works when the crowds have departed, was an eye-opener for many of Telephone: 0925 815711 us.

16 © GOLF GREENKEEPING February 1985 'VISIT US ON STAND 483 AT THE BGLA'

There's very little we can't cope with ... either on or off the grass!

Clubs and numerous sporting complexes throughout the country LELY ISEKI TRACTORS have nothing but praise for these Please send me comprehensive brochure • truly exceptional tractors and all Nearest Dealer • Demo details • British Built attachments. LELY Name ISEKI is the name you can depend on for reliability, versatility and above all economy. Sales and Service Distributors with fully trained personnel in your locality. Give Colin Address Gregory a call and arrange to see any one of the 16 to 72 hp 4 WD models working under your conditions. Also ask to see the newTX 2160 'HST' 4 WD but don't leave it too late!

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ARTIFICIAL GRASS IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT SOIL STERILIZERS, SIFTERS AND SHREDDERS The Greensward Company, The Old Hall, Langham, Cameron Irrigation, a Division ot Wright Rain Ltd., Oakham, Rutland, Leicestershire LE15 7JE. Tel: Harwood Industrial Estate, Littlehampton, West Sussex Terra Force, Kent Horticulture Engineers, Prospect PI., Oakham (0572) 2923 & 56031 Telex: 34362 Greeco G. BN17 7BA Tel: (09064) 3985 Telex: 877483. Tonbridge Road, Wateringbury, Kent ME18 5NY. Par 4 Irrigation, Ash Grove Industrial Estate, Ash Grove, Tel: Maidstone (0622) 81387 Telex: 965222. Ripon, N. Yorks Tel: Ripon (0765) 2175. Contact John Brough. DRAINAGE Supply, installation and servicing on automatic TUBES AND PIPES irrigation systems Contact: E. B. Simms or L. Oyston SPRAYING EQUIPMENT Sports Ground Irrigation Co., Hereward Lodge', Lamflex coiled perforated drainage pipe to BS 4962 and Paget Road, Lubenham, Market Harborough, Leics. Evers & Wall Ltd., St. George s Way, Bermuda kite marked sizes 60m - 80m - 110m and larger sizes Tel: (0858) 63153. Industrial Estate. Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7QT available. Fittings and junctions available to make up Contact: Mr. M. D. Walker. Suppliers of Hardi Knapsack. Powered and Tractor complete systems. Toro Irrigation Ltd., Unit 7, Millstream Trading Estate. Mounted Sprayers Enquiries for Specials Welcomed Critchley Bros. Ltd, Brimscombe, Stroud, Glo. GL5 2TH. Christchurch Road, Ringwood, Hants. BH24 3SD Tel: (045) 388 2451. Tel: Ringwood 6261/2. TOP DRESSINGS-BULK Watermation Ltd., Monument Way East, Woking, Surrey GU21 5LY. Tel: Woking (04862) 70303. Fen Turf Dressings Ltd., 36 High Street. Market FERTILIZERS & Telex: 859224 Flexon G. Harborough, Leics. LE16 7NL. TOP DRESSINGS Wimpey Laboratories Ltd, Farrods Water Engineering Tel: Market Harborough 64346. Division, Dallamires Lane, Ripon, North Yorkshire. Suppliers of F end res s. Fisons pic, for the comprehensive turf fertilizer range, Tel: Ripon (0765) 4455. and both bagged and bulk peat and peat/sand top Supply and installation of Rainbird sprinkler systems. dressings, delivered nationwide E. A. Yates & Sons (Sandbach) Limited, Betchton, TORO SALES & SERVICE Professional Horticulture Department, Paper Mill Lane, Sandbach, Cheshire. Tel: (04775) 255. County Mowers, Toro Sales and Service, Main Street. Bramford, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 4BZ. Suppliers and installers of automatic irrigation systems Thorner. Leeds LS14 3DX. Tel: 0532-892627 Tel: Ipswich (0473) 830492 Contact: R. M. Hume & D. W. Evans. Contact: David Birdsall. "Maskells" for Comprehensive Range of Fertilizers in Granular, Powder and Liquid form, Bagged and Bulk Peat(s), Pulverised Bark(s). Turf Dressings, Soils, Sands, TREES, SHRUBS & PLANTS Composts delivered U.K. Tel: (01) 476 6321. LIQUID ORGANIC FERTILIZER Notcutts Nurseries Ltd., Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4AF Contact Maskells Golf Course Department Farmura Ltd., Stone Hill Egerton, Nr. Ashford, Kent. Stephenson Street, London E. 16. Quotations by return. Contact: John Dyter, NDH (Tel 03943-3344) Tel: (0233) 76241. Also Incorporating Waterers Nurseries, Bagshot, Surrey Contact: Jonathan Harmer. T. Hilling & Co. Limited, Chobham, Woking, Surrey Tel: (099 05) 7101. FUNGICIDES Contact: Robin Daborn, Tree Sales Manager Fisons pic, for Turfclear combined turf fungicide and MOWERS worm cast control and Filex against pytnium and TREE TIES & GUARDS Phytopthora. Professional Horticulture Department, (SALES-SERVICE-SPARES) Paper Mill Lane, Bramford, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 4BZ. Toms Tree Ties. (J. Toms Ltd.), Wheeler Street Tel: (0473) 830492 Parker & Bellinger Ltd, 71 Hill Village Road. Four Oaks, Headcorn, Ashford, Kent. Tel: Maidstone (0622) 891111 Sutton Coldfield. West Midlands B75 5BH Tel: (021)308 6888 TURF GOLF COURSE ACCESSORIES J. Brailsford, Thrang End Farm, Yealand, Redmayne. Frews Grass Machinery (Scotland) Ltd, NAMEPLATES & PLAQUES Carnforth Telephone: (0524) 781952 30-32 Bankhead Drive, Sighthill, Industrial Estate, Turf suppliers to the Trade for 30 years of all types. Edinburgh EH11 4EH Tel: 031-443-4436. Thos. A. Ingram & Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 305, 68 Soho Hill, Birmingham B19 1BB. Tel: (021) 554 4576. TURF (SPECIALITY) Full Colour Brochure Available GRASS MACHINERY (Commemorative Plaques, Seat Plates, etc.) Fine purpose grown sports and amenity turf. ROLAWN (TURF GROWERS) LTD., Elvington, York RANSOMES DISTRIBUTORS Y04 5AR. Tel: (0904) 85661. Telex: 57796 Rolawn G Henton & Chattell Ltd, London Road. Nottingham, PEAT NG2 3HW. Tel: 0602 862161. WATER STORAGE W. Mountain & Son Ltd., Bank Avenue, Morley, FISONS pic, for good clean sedge peat, bagged and Miline Elan, (Liguid Storage), Station House, Eye. Nr. Leeds. Tel: (0532) 531201-6. bulk, delivered nationwide, Sphagnum bales bagged and bulk also supplied. Leominster. Herefordshire HR6 0DT. Contact A. C. Mountain Tel. Leominster (0568) 3697 Professional Horticulture Department, Paper Mill Lane, Contact: Michael D. Cocket Rogers Engineers Ltd., Great Barford Bedford, Bramford, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 4BZ. Suppliers of Water Tanks for Golf Courses MK44 3LP Tel: Bedford 870201. Telex: 826527. Tel: Ipswich (0473) 830492 Specialised suppliers and installers of Liners for Contact D. Reeder. Ext 46 Also at Telford Way, ornamental ponds, lakes and reservoirs. Kettering Tel: Kettering 82611 and Royce Road, Carr Road Industrial Estate, Peterborough E. A. Yates & Sons (Sandbach) Limited, Betchton, Tel: Peterborough 312771. Sandbach, Cheshire. Tel: (04775) 255. PEAT-BULK Suppliers and installers of automatic irrigation systems. Contact: R. M. Hume & D. W. Evans. Rowes of Chichester, D. Rowe & Co. Ltd, The Hornet, Banks Horticultural Products Ltd., 36 High Street Chichester, West Sussex P019 4JW Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7NL. Tel: Market Tel: Chichester (0243) 788100. Harborough 64346. WEEDKILLERS W. Wilcock & Sons (Preston) Ltd., Walker Street, FISONS pic, for Mecodex and Cambadex. selective turf Preston PR1 2PR. Tel: Preston 53068. herbicides. Herbazin total herbacide range and Green- keeper Extra, combined weed and feed for turf SAND Professional Horticulture Department, Paper Mill Lane, Bramford, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 4BZ. GRASS SEED Joseph Arnold & Sons Ltd., Billinaton Road, Leighton Tel: Ipswich (0473) 830492 Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 8TW. Tel: Leighton Buzzard British Seed Houses Ltd., Bewsey Industrial Estate, (0525) 372264 Pitt Street. Warrington. Cheshire WA5 5LE. Contact: P. R. Windmill. Tel: (0925) 54411. Martin Bros. Ltd., 1A, Clifton Street, Alderley Edge. 'KILMOL'— Portview Road. Avonmouth, Bristol, Avon. Cheshire SK9 7NN. Tel: (0625) 584571 Tel: (0272) 823691. MOLE Camp Road. Swinderby, Lincolnshire. Tel: (052286) 714 David Bell Limited. Eastfield Industrial Estate, Penicuik, BAIT Midlothian. Tel: (0968) 78480. SEMI-MATURE TREES MAKES Mommersteeg International, Station Road, Finedon. Eastcote Nurseries (Solihull) Ltd., Wood Lane off Wellingborough, Northants NN9 5NT. Barston Lane. Solihull, West Midlands B92 0JL CERTAIN Tel: Wellingborough (0933) 680674 Telex: 311234. Tel: Hampton-in-Arden (06755) 2033/2034 Contact: Michael Fisher. Suttons Seeds Ltd., Hele Road, Torquay. Devon. Tel: Torquay 62011. Contact R. W Palln A SAFE AND EFFECTIVE METHOD SEMI-MATURE TREE PLANT & TRADE DIRECTORY LIFT EQUIPMENT FOR HIRE £6 & £16.20 packs (inc P & P) Eastcote Nurseries (Solihull) Ltd-, Wood Lane off Generous discounts for Barston Lane, Solihull, West Midlands B92 0JL. larger quantities Your own heading and Tel: Hampton-in-Arden (06755) 2033/2034. product announcement for Contact Michael Fisher twelve months will cost only CALLISTO AVIARIES (G) £35.00 and it is cheaper for SOIL CONDITIONERS Lapley, Stafford ST19 9JX two or more entries. SOILIFE: Liquid enzymes ROMILT MARKETING for Tel: 0785 840366 your local supplier: North Wyke Farm, Guildford Road. Normandy. Surrey GU3 2AN. Tel: Guildford (0483) 811933

18 © GOLF GREENKEEPING February 1985 HYDRAULIC HY-RANGER RANGER TRAILED & HY-RANGER MOUNTED Triple (7 ft.) & Quintuple (11 ft. 6 ins.) GANGS 30 ins. & 42Vi ins. gangs to give large choice of cutting widths

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Rigby Taylor Limited Rigby Taylor (Midlands) Limited Rigby Taylor (South) Limited Rigby Taylor House, Garside Street, Unit 9A, Warwick Industrial Estate, Unit 7, The Riverway Estate, Bolton, Lancashire BL1 4AE Budbrooke ?oad, Warwick CV34 5XH Peasmarsh, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1LZ Tel: (0204) 389888 Tel: (0926)401444 Tel: (0483) 35657