Bridge Over Troubled Water Greenkeeping Resilience at an Eventful Open Championship

Greenkeeper International GI Published by the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association £5.50 AUGUST 2015

Exclusive GOLF AT RIO 2016 Jacobsen in Brazil Bridge over troubled water Greenkeeping resilience at an eventful Open Championship

Also Inside... OPM : HEIGHT OF CUT : ROYAL WIMBLEDON Welcome from BIGGA

BIGGA

BIGGA President Sir Michael Bonallack, OBE

BIGGA Board of Management Chairman Les Howkins

BIGGA Vice Chairman Stuart Greenwood

BIGGA Past Chairman Chris Sealey

BIGGA Board Members Rob Welford, Andy Baker, Scott Reeves, Kenny MacKay, George Barr, John Keenaghan

BIGGA Chief Executive Officer Jim Croxton

BIGGA General Manager Tracey Maddison [email protected] 5 COURSES. BIGGA Finance & Procurement Manager Steve Wragg [email protected]

Contact Us BIGGA House, Aldwark, Alne, York, YO61 1UF Zach Johnson with the St Andrews [email protected] greenkeeping team (courtesy of Tim Johnson) 81 TOTAL HOLES. www.bigga.org.uk Caption Tel – 01347 833800 | Fax – 01347 833801

Greenkeeper Praise for Open greenkeepers International 365 DAYS A YEAR. The official monthly magazine of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers I must begin by paying tribute to the will do more to shout about in order for the Association Limited. awesome job done by the St Andrews profession to get the recognition it deserves. Production Links Trust greenkeeping team on the Design & Brand Old Course for the Open Championship, Another opportunity for industry Executive the golf course was immaculate recognition is the BIGGA Awards, Tom Campbell Tel – 01347 833800 throughout the tournament, producing inaugurated last year in association with ext 513 [email protected] low scores and a thrilling climax. the IOG and this year going it alone. @TomDesignBrand On the Friday morning the transformation The 2015 Awards were launched recently Editorial from a course besieged by rain to perfect and the winners will be announced during Communications conditions in just a few minutes was testament the BIGGA Welcome Celebration to be held Executive to both excellent preparatory work and the in the historic Harrogate Royal Hall during Steve Castle Tel – 01347 833800 heroic efforts on the day to shift vast quantities BTME. Last year’s Awards showcased some ext 510 outstanding achievements and it is no [email protected] of standing water. @SteveCas12 exaggeration to say had a profound effect on Advertising I’ve always loved the fact that the Head the careers of some of the finalists and winners. Business Development Greenkeeper of the venue is invited to I urge all of our members to consider Manager be part of the official presentation party nominating themselves, colleagues or friends, Jill Rodham Tel – 01347 833800 and I’m sure I wasn’t alone in smiling at there are no limitations on size of club or ext 519 scale of facilities – the Awards simply seek [email protected] the TV when Zach Johnson appeared to @JillyPops12 be flanked by Gordon Moir and Gordon to recognise outstanding achievements in

Printing McKie for what seemed like most of the greenkeeping. Warners Midlands Plc, The Maltings, Manor proceedings. I am convinced that as an industry we can do ONE BRAND Lane, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH more to celebrate the fine work of greenkeepers Tel – 01778 391000 | Fax – 01778 394269 To hear Zach Johnson praise the greenkeeping team so fulsomely in his winning and I sincerely hope these Awards are OF TURF EQUIPMENT Contents may not be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission. Return speech was immensely gratifying. embraced by our membership and that the To keep its 81 holes of world-class golf in awless shape every day, Pebble Beach uses only postage must accompany all materials submitted judging panel have a very difficult job at the end if return is requested. No responsibility can be Tribute must also be paid to the BIGGA Jacobsen turf equipment on every inch of every hole. assumed for unsolicited materials. The right is Support Team who endured a testing week of the year. reserved to edit submissions before publication. with so many delays. The group maintained a Enjoy the read. For more than 90 years, Pebble Beach has been a national treasure. Its ve breathtaking courses Although every care will be taken, no responsibility is accepted for loss of manuscripts, fantastic spirit and as usual friendships were contain some of the most iconic golf images known to the game. Six major championships photographs or artwork. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Association, made and cemented. helped create an indelible image of majestic beauty and striking contrasts. and no responsibility is accepted for such For so many to change their plans in order to content, advertising or product information that may appear. Circulation is by subscription. take part on the delayed final day was superb For more information about Jacobsen or to nd a Jacobsen dealer near you, visit jacobsen.com. Subscription rate: UK £50 per year, Europe and and once again made me proud to be part of Eire £65, Rest of the World £95. The magazine is also distributed to BIGGA members, golf clubs, this great industry. . local authorities, the turf industry, libraries and central government. This is the volunteering time of year for greenkeepers and I have been amazed to see, mainly on social media, just how many of FOR A LEGENDARY PERFORMANCE our members give up their time to support ON YOUR COURSE, CALL 01473 270000 colleagues particularly for tournaments. This applies at every level including events as parochial as Captain’s Day or Club

www.ransomesjacobsen.com ISSN: 0961– 6977 Championships, this is truly unique in my © 2015 British and International Golf experience and is something we at BIGGA Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO Greenkeepers Association Limited GI/PB1/08/2015

@BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 3

GI Pebble Beach A4.indd 1 29/06/2015 11:55 CONTENTS A look at what’s inside the magazine this month

GI WIMBLEDON AUGUST 2015 Royal FEATURES Wimbledon

20 The Open 2015 News, photos and quotes from a memorable Open Championship at St Andrews 26 Olympic golf in Rio Exclusive on Jacobsenat the 2016 Olympics

30 Height restriction As Royal Wimbledon Golf Club celebrates its Should we be cutting less? Vinny 150 year centenary, Laurence Pithie visited Tarbox from The Grass Group this unique club to find out about its past, a match for current work programs looks at the debate and what it plans for the future 32 OPM – Who sprays any course 38 26 and who pays? 38 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 39

Dr Terry Mabbettlooks into the GI_AUG_15_v3.indd 38-39 30/07/2015 10:43 Oak Processionary Moth 38 Royal Wimbledon – a match for any course REGULARS Laurence Pithie finds out what the GREENKEEPER greenkeepers are working on and 3 Welcome from BIGGA future plans INTERNATIONAL 6 Chairman’s Word Published by the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association GI £5.50 AUGUST 2015 8 Newsdesk 44 Meditation and greenkeeping - nominations open for Course Manager Ian Tomlinson the BIGGA Awards 2015 explains how this ancient art has 14 Industry Update changed his life 16 Membership News 46 Back to the future 18 L&D News Paul Miller looks at soils and turf 58 Around the Green quality and explores Scotland for - news, views and the history of soil characteristics 20 32 44 Exclusive photographs from your GOLF AT 50 Mind the (gender) section and region RIO 2016 Jacobsen gap 66 Greenkeepers in Brazil Andy Wight speaks to a female Training Committee greenkeeper and tries to work out why there are so few females in the 68 Buyers’ Guide Bridge over industry 70 Recruitment 74 @BIGGALtd 52 The Final troubled water Countdown - a selection of the best Greenkeeping resilience at an eventful Open Championship A preview of the Toro Student tweets to us this month ALSO INSIDE... OPM : HEIGHT OF CUT : ROYAL WIMBLEDON Greenkeeper of the Year GI_AUG_15_v4.indd 1

competition 30/07/2015 14:32

54 Social Talk Published by the Two BIGGA members explore British and International the importance of social media in British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association Ltd greenkeeping 46 52 54 Golf Greenkeepers Association

4 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 5 Chairman’s Word Funding BIGGA National Chairman 2015, Les Howkins MG, gives his thoughts for the month your future The funding and assistance provided by BIGGA Partners and BIGGA Credit for a testing Open Education Supporters underpins the Association’s considerable investment in Continuing Professional Development and all our July was dominated by one thing and educational activity. They are investing in the future of BIGGA members, one thing only, the WEATHER! The we are hugely grateful and urge you to show them your support start of the month down south saw temperatures well into the thirties and the dry spell continuing. At the same time greenkeepers further north were reporting exceptionally high, unseasonal rainfall. And of course we all witnessed what the weather can do to one of the world’s leading sporting events. The hottest July day on record gave large areas of the country a great summer feeling, as many sunbathed in London’s parks and filled the south coast beaches. For greenkeepers it was a bit different, we started to think about soil temperatures, managing soil moisture, dry patch and maintaining grass cover to produce good putting surfaces. Whilst we have always had to face these challenges, recent years have seen a rise in the popularity of testing tools. Thermometers, moisture meters, stimpmeters, smoothness testers. These tools have given us the ability to measure the conditions and manage them accordingly. Having the data gives us facts (ammunition) to deal with committees, GM’s and owners. The guys further north dealing with heavy rain also have these tools and can “What the St Andrews team achieved on use them to justify the continued work they are doing to reduce OM levels and the world stage was a monumental effort” improve the drainage capacities of their greens and other areas of the our industry, it highlighted what other We really can’t win at times. All we course. teams do week in week out without the can do is to continue the best we can, What the weather did to The Open recognition. communicate the best we can and try was nothing short of tragic. It started We do it because we love it. and turn a blind eye to some of the poorly with torrential rain on Friday morning. On Saturday the weather threw the informed nonsense. At 6.15am I was at the 1st tee trying to Old Course another curveball with strong My final thought on The Open, it convince a scorer that the St Andrews winds that led to a very lengthy delay. was great to spend time with a group of Links would be fine and would happily The delay was unusual but once again members, they all worked extremely hard soak up all the rain. highlighted an issue we all have to deal and were a credit to our association. Also, How wrong I was, the rain became very with. plaudits to the St Andrews team led by the heavy and play was halted shortly after Many of us have to deal with the Bar two Gordons. the second match of the day teed off, and a Room committee, on this occasion I The course was amazing, the greens 3 hour 30 minute delay ensued. heard TV pundit Mark James state the were smooth and true and the team dealt What it did do was give the world problem was down to “mower happy brilliantly with all challenges they had to a chance to witness the resilience of greenkeepers”. Really? face. A true team effort, well done to all. greenkeeping teams. The following morning the scoring Contact details What the St Andrews team achieved was amazingly low for a while and the Individual Contributors: Steven Tierney MG, Chris Lomas MG, Andrew Campbell MG CGCS, W J Rogers, Espen Bergmann, Nick Gray, Steve Dixon, Richard McGlynn, Douglas Duguid, Jaey Goodchild, Michael Beaton, on the world stage was a monumental TV pundits were telling us how great the Les Howkins MG David Barker, Greg Evans, Frank Newberry effort, one that made me very proud of greens were. Email: [email protected]

6 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd GI NEWSDESK GI NEThe latest newsWSD from around theE globeSK CONFERENCES BIGGA AWARDS ANNOUNCED BIGGA are delighted to announce two new Regional Conferences for LAUNCHED 2015 in the Highlands and Solway (North Cumbria and Dumfries & Galloway). The first annual BIGGA Highlands Conference will take place at Nairn Dunbar GC on Thursday 11 November. Beginning at 9.30am, a terrific and varied range of speakers are planned. After an introduction from Iain MacLeod, Paul Murphy from Fife Golf Trust will be presenting a seminar focusing on ‘Working with Trust’. This IT’S CLOSE FOR PGA SENIORS will be followed by a presentation from Gordon McKie, Course Manager The greenkeeping team at Close completed The Yearling 9 hole both during preparation and He completed 4 rounds at 12 on the Old Course at St Andrews. House showed professionalism, pitch and putt course adjacent throughout the tournament. under par, Gordon Manson He will be discussing before, during pride and an excellent work to the Filly Course and The winner of the event was (Austria) finished second, and after The Open 2015 from a ethic during the recent PGA continue to maintain the Peter Fowler (Australia) who three shots back, with Carl greenkeeping perspective. Seniors Championship. parlkand, gardens, six football continued his recent form by Mason in third place at eight After lunch, STRI’s Richard Close House was built in pitches and four rugby pitches, claiming a second consecutive under par. Windows will be talking about 1779 for the private use of the this is no job for the feint European Senior Tour title. Sandra Raper ‘Dealing with Organic Matter’ in Bewicke family on the site of an hearted. what’s sure to be another educational earlier monastic house, and only It was the Championship technical presentation. A terrific day is became a golf venue on 2005. Lee Westwood Colt course that rounded off by Steve Chappell, Head Brian Clark is Golf Course & hosted the ISPS Handa PGA Greenkeeper at the PGA Centenary Estate Manager and Stephen Seniors Championship in June Blakey as Brian’s Deputy. 2015 and it is testament to the Now’s your chance to honour the fantastic work International Centre’s Royal Hall during BTME Course at Gleneagles, who will be These two gentlemen have team that the PGA requested of greenkeepers as nominations open for the 2016. The Celebration begins at 5.30pm on presenting his hugely popular look at developed a 27 strong team only minor modifications prior BIGGA Awards 2015. Tuesday 19 January 2016. hosting last year’s Ryder Cup over the last ten years that have to the competition. Greenkeepers will be vying for three Sponsorship is still available for the BIGGA The cost is £25 for members and included the parkland re-design The course was prepared by categories aiming to recognise outstanding Championship Greenkeeping Performance £35 for non-members. Registration and reopening in 2007 of the the team working from 4am to achievement, skill, dedication and excellence of the Year and BIGGA Greenkeeping is at 9.30am. To reserve your spot Lee Westwood Filly Course. The 8.30am each morning and 4pm in greenkeeping – with the winners being Achievement of the Year. please contact John Young on 07776 redesign included 18 USGA to 10pm each evening. announced live during the prestigious For more details on this fantastic opportunity 242120 or [email protected] specification greens, the course Having met the team towards ‘Welcome Celebration’ at BTME 2016 next please contact BIGGA’s Business Development The next new event is the BIGGA Easy to install is 6000 yards in length and a the end of the competition it January. Manager Jill Rodham on 01347 833800 or jill@ Solway (North Cumbria & Dumfries par 70 from the medal tees. was clear that they took great The three categories are BIGGA Young bigga.co.uk and Galloway) Conference, which With no time to rest on their pride in preparing the best FLOATING Greenkeeper of the Year sponsored will take place on Wednesday 25 laurels the team moved on to playing surface possible. by Jacobsen, BIGGA Championship November at Smiths Hotel in Gretna. develop The Championship Lee For the competition the Greenkeeping Performance of the Year and BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton will FOUNTAINS Westwood Colt Course, opened cutting regime was to cut BIGGA Greenkeeping Achievement of the Year. welcome everyone attending then by Lee Westwood in May 2011. greens both morning and The Awards are open to all Full Members of introduce the first speaker, BIGGA Available in 2 sizes! The design of The Lee Weswood evening at 3mm and roll BIGGA, whether they are employed at large Chairman and Course Manager at The Colt tips its hat to the great every morning, tees at 8mm, multi-course facilities or smaller venues. You Richmond GC Les Howkins MG. Les English golf architect Harry approaches 9mm and can easily nominate an individual greenkeeper will be followed by David Cole MG, FROM Colt, who designed Wentworth, fairways 13mm. Lloyds of or greenkeeping team by completing a short Course Manager at Loch Lomond GC. St Georges Hill, Sunningdale Throtley loaned several pieces questionnaire at www.surveymonkey.com/r/ Henry Bechelet, Technical and Swinley Forest among of equipment to assist the ONLY BIGGAawards2015 Manager at Everris will also present awards a seminar with another speaker to others. While nothing is copied preparation with the team The closing date for nominations is directly, the rectangular tees, using Toro 5010H on Fairways, Wednesday 30 September 2015. A panel from be confirmed as GI went to press. £295 the bunker forms, and the Toro 3100 Triples on greens BIGGA will review all the nominations before Registration is at 9.30am, £25 for www.fishkit.co.uk variety in Par threes are all and hand cut tees. selecting a shortlist of three for each category, members and £35 for non-members. Nominate features conceived from the Brian and Stephen were then deciding on one winner for each Award. To reserve your spot contact Sandra distilled themes of this most keen to state their pride in The winners will be announced during the Raper on [email protected] or brilliant architect. the teams professionalism, popular ‘Welcome Celebration’ in the Harrogate now 07866 366966. 01473 327085 Only recently the team have pride and excellent work ethic

8 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 9

Fishkit-CLA-Advert-FNL.indd 1 12/05/2014 09:18 GI NEWSDESK GI NEWSDESK FEGGA GREENKEEPER KICKSTART FOR BIGGA AMANDA NORTHERN IRELAND INTERVIEWS EXCHANGE SCHEME …STEVEN CARMICHAEL Amanda chats to Steven Carmichael, Deputy Head at Dumfries & Galloway GC, about his career and more

AD: Hi Steven, great to meet you and thank you for agreeing to be interviewed for this month’s Greenkeeper International. SC: Thanks Amanda, it’s great to meet you too. A successful working group established earlier this year has AD: How long have you been in KEVIN’S RIGHT kickstarted the BIGGA Section in Northern Ireland ahead of the your current role and where did BIGGA Northern Ireland Golf Championship in October. you begin your career? Current members of the working group include BIGGA ROYAL HONOUR SC: I have been in my current members Aaron Small (Donaghadee Golf Club), David Forbes role as Deputy Head at Dumfries & (Faughan Valley Golf Club), Chris McArthur (Portstewart Golf Current Toro Student Livery Companies in 1878 and Galloway Golf Club for about ten Club), Paul Campbell (College of Agriculture, Food and Enterprise) Greenkeeper of the Year maintain a close link with them, years. Before that I was at Dumfries and John Young (BIGGA’s Scotland and Northern Ireland Regional FEGGA’S Greenkeeper Exchange scheme • Reflection and re-evaluation of the Kevin O’Neill recently rubbed and Kevin was nominated due to & County Golf Club. shoulders with royalty as he his outstanding Level 3 work. Administrator). Further input will be provided by Jason Podris is aimed at Assistant and Senior Assistant challenges of the job position (Fortwilliam Golf Club) and Gary Crawford (Royal County Down Greenkeepers who wish to develop and • Refresh and reinvigorate key staff picked up another award in Kevin, who is secretary of AD: How many greenkeepers Golf Club). progress their careers. The scheme aims • To become more influential what’s been a memorable BIGGA’s London Section, said: are employed at Dumfries & The prime aim of BIGGA Northern Ireland will be to provide to simultaneously exchange a pair of The scheme is designed for golf clubs and year for the Rochdale-born “I’ve got to be honest, when I Galloway and are jobs rotated? members with a broader range of opportunities and a higher greenkeepers between two participating clubs their Senior Assistant Greenkeepers or other greenkeeper. first got a call from someone SC: We only have four profile within the Association. for a set period of time e.g. anything from four Greenkeepers who are aspirant in their careers. Kevin, Deputy Head representing the Worshipful greenkeepers here so all the Most importantly, the Section will seek to engage with current, to sixteen weeks. The applicants must have at least two years Greenkeeper at Muswell Hill Golf Company of Gardeners I thought jobs are rotated but I feel that it is former and future members to ensure that those individuals gain The objectives are to increase greenkeeping of experience at their present club, be in good Club, had already won a City it was a wind up! important to have job variation. & Guilds Medal of Excellence “So, my partner Jude and I got benefit from being part of BIGGA. skills, share experiences and life skills; and to health with a clean driving licence. They should A calendar for the next 12 months has been developed with give each participating club the benefits of new be capable of keeping records and writing Award for his studies after our glad rags on and headed to AD: How important is it to you two education events in the pipeline, the first of which will be in ideas and initiatives coming in from established reports, and be proficient in any languages successfully completing his NVQ the palace! It was a fantastic day. to further your education? November and will be free to everyone that would like to attend greenkeepers. that may apply in the case of cross-border Level 3 in Sportsturf at Oaklands I got to have a chat with Princess SC: I feel that it is essential both members and non-members. When established, the Scheme may be used placements. College. Anne. We talked about her for me to further my education, This event will have two speakers along with representatives to help golf and greenkeepers from the smaller, The Clubs must be willing to participate and But he was amazed to also becoming an honorary member not only am I continuing my own from BIGGA to explain the current plans for the association. The more remote countries to develop by bringing will agree to the pre-set criteria governing the receive a prize from one of of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club development, it gives me extra second event, the BIGGA Northern Ireland Conference, will aim to contact with the larger and more established placement available from FEGGA. the City of London’s Livery of St Andrews which was really motivation and confidence. I was be the highlight of the calendar and work is underway to engage countries. Where possible during this pilot phase, Companies – the Worshipful interesting. recently selected for the Future Turf with potential speakers. A year-one pilot initiative between suitable FEGGA will meet all reasonable expenses Company of Gardeners – which “I met all sorts of people Managers Initiative which was an Our first event though is the first BIGGA Northern Ireland golf clubs will test the mechanism by which the incurred by participants although this will be he collected from Princess Anne from various professions intense three days of training but it Golf Championship that will be held at Clandeboye Golf Club, Scheme will benefit the European golf industry, by negotiation. Participants and clubs should at St James’s Palace. – goldsmiths, blacksmiths, was an amazing experience. Livery companies were needlemakers and even paviors Bangor on Friday 2 October. Leaflets will be issued to ALL current and deliver the following: be aware that some expenses will inevitably members in Northern Ireland providing further details but please • Career development apply. established in the City of who work on the roads and AD: What are your biggest get the word out to anyone that may be interested in attending. • The building of inter-club and staff FEGGA invites applications by August London hundreds of years ago, highways. I felt really proud challenges and how do you work This promises to be an excellent event to kickstart BIGGA in relationships, and sharing of skills and 20. These should be made via email to Dean and represent various trades and humbled to be representing through them? Northern Ireland again. experience Cleaver [email protected] who will supply and professions which have greenkeeping on the day, and SC: The biggest challenges we We are obviously looking for further help in getting the section • The opportunity to experience new a detailed application form and a full set of been established for centuries. this sort of event just shows face are the weather and financial established and if you would like to take part in the working challenges and problem-solving Ground-rules. Each company is governed by what a proud, long-standing constraints. Regarding both, there group then contact John Young on 07776 242120 or by emailing a Master, with Bernhard & Co profession greenkeeping really isn’t much we can do but as a team [email protected]. Executive Chairman Stephen is.” we try to be as flexible as we can so Please be assured that we are NOT looking for committee Bernhard the current Master Stephen Bernhard added: our standards don’t drop. of the Worshipful Company of “Fostering career development is members at this time although that will be the aim in the future. From this month Northern Ireland will also have a slot in Gardeners. the basis of the City and Guilds AD: How many rounds of golf ‘Around the Green’! The correspondent is myself, Chris McArthur, NEWSDESK Each year a number of the qualifications. Education is per year are played at Dumfries so please contact me with your news, events and anything else of Livery Companies award prizes very dear to my heart and this and Galloway? GI interest on [email protected]. I can say with confidence to people they feel have excelled is yet another excellent example SC: Approximately 22,000 to The latest news from around the globe... to feature on these pages please that things are on the up for BIGGA in Northern Ireland! in their particular fields. City of young talent excelling. My 25,000 rounds a year. contact Steve Castle on 01347 833800 or email [email protected] & Guilds were founded by congratulations to Kevin.” Chris McArthur

10 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 11 GI NEWSDESK Scotland struggles to For aeration use Toro® Tines 5% contain chalara ASH OFF ENDS Until recently Scotland’s ash trees and 31 AUG woods looked as though they might escape Recovery tine * the worst of chalara ash dieback disease but the distribution of new outbreaks since January shows Scotland is now as hard hit as anywhere in the UK. Forestry Commission’s (FC) new interactive map, and in operation since autumn 2014, is divided into 10km x 10km squares (hectads) each with its own unique Ordnance Survey Reference. Hectads where chalara has been confirmed in the For a speedier return to play after aeration, Genuine Toro tines are designed for durability, lasting longer than ‘will-fit’ tines ‘wider environment’ appear in different Genuine Toro® tines deliver every time. and maintain consistent aeration depths – reducing costly change outs. Plus, colours relating to the year when first the optimised core removes more thatch for maximum topdressing and Good aeration is vital to the health and found. Infections recorded in ‘recent ash produces a superior hole, improving turf recovery for a speedier return to play. plantings’ which had been shown on the presentation of your turf. So don’t Toro tines – genuinely better, all round. old style map are absent. compromise with inferior quality tines. Between 1 January 2015 and 6 July 2015 155 more hectads had been identified *5% discount applied where any one type of tine is ordered in multiples of 25. with chalara ash dieback across England, Scotland and Wales and of these 117 (75.4 Lely. Your partners in turfcare. Call 01480 226870 per cent) were in Scotland. This compares Lely not only brings you Toro. Talk to us, too, about TYM compact tractors and Otterbine water management systems. with just 40 hectads in Scotland infected between October 2012 and December 2014. FC Scotland was sufficiently confident to establish a ‘sheltered’ area in northwest Toro Commercial Products are distributed by Lely (UK) Limited, St. Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 1QH. Tel: 01480 226870 | Email: [email protected] | www.lelyturfcare.co.uk | www.toro.com Scotland and protected by an adjacent ‘buffer zone’. This was set up as part of the TP00126 Greenkeeper Int CS - Tines.indd 1 17/07/2015 10:06 government’s ‘Chalara Action Plan 2013’ to delay infection reaching mature woodlands in north-west Scotland. The designated % ‘sheltered’ area essentially occupies FINANCE 0 * the land north and west of a line from AVAILABLE Inverness in the north to the Isle of Arran in the south. By May 2015 the disease had been found SUPERB RANGE at three locations within the ‘sheltered’ area. Two of the three locations were in Morvern in south west Lochaber on the UNBEATABLE VALUE west coast of Scotland and the third in Glen recent plantings or the wider environment, Nant, a Site of Special Scientific Interest spores, and affecting such a frequently The TYM compact tractor range. Powerful, reliable, four-cylinder or indeed where they are. After initially and National Nature Reserve south east of occurring wild tree as common ash, it is not diesel engines available from 23 to 100hp mean these superb recording how many cases had been workhorses can cover a wide variety of tasks on the golf course, Oban. By 6 July chalara had been reported surprising that such a policy soon becomes found in a particular hectad the only while offering outstanding value for money. in at least 7 more locations within the untenable. information now available is the date (by ‘Sheltered Area’. Minister McLeod said: “I have asked Packed full of innovative features such as easy-to-read LED display, year) of the first chalara finding in the wider hydrostatic power-steering, optional weather cab, and much more, Environment Minister Dr Aileen McLeod Forestry Commission Scotland to review

the Chalara Action Plan, with advice from environment for each hectad. TYM tractors make the ideal choice for any discerning golf club said: “FC Scotland and the forestry sector A spokesperson for ‘Strategic and greenkeeper. have worked extremely hard over the past the Scottish Tree Health Advisory Group, to development’ at FC England told three years surveying, investigating and assess what more can be done to promote Put us to the test. For a free onsite demonstration, Greenkeeper International how current managing ash woodlands in a bid to slow adaptive action and to consider the call Lely on 01480 226800. operational policy is to record (following down the rate of spread of this disease and appropriateness of current actions within laboratory confirmation) one wider prevent new points of infection from recent the sheltered and buffer areas.” environment infection per hectad. “Once plantings, particularly in the ‘sheltered Adaptive actions that could be a single infection is recorded in a hectad area’.” undertaken might include finding trees we will not proactively seek to record Maintenance of the ‘sheltered’ area in with lower disease susceptibility, as well as collecting ash seed from across the country any more [disease outbreaks]”, said the TX25 T293 T353 T433 T754 T1003 north-west Scotland was based on removal * Terms and conditions apply. Finance is for business purposes only and is subject to acceptance. UK only. For a limited period only. MODEL SHOWN TYM T433 WITH TURF TYRES spokesperson. Available on all TYM machinery. Includes listed accessories on new machines. Terms current at date of publication. and destruction of all recently planted to help preserve a wide gene pool for future The UK plant health authorities appear ash trees on infected sites under the use says FC Scotland. to be accepting that a disease spread Lely. Your partners in turfcare. Call 01480 226800. terms of Statutory Plant Health Notices. Meanwhile the plant health authorities by airborne spores and infecting one of Lely not only brings you TYM compact tractors. Talk to us, too, about Toro turf maintenance equipment, Toro irrigation and Otterbine water management systems. The associated “buffer” area also saw the in England appear to have caved in. As of Britain’s most widely spread and frequently removal and destruction of recently planted May 2015 it is no longer possible to obtain occurring wild trees is beyond logistic and ash trees showing signs of infection. [from the FC website] the total number economic control. Faced with a disease spread by airborne of chalara outbreaks recorded to date across the country whether in nurseries, Dr Terry Mabbett TYM official distributor, UK & Ireland | Lely (UK) Limited, St. Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 1QH. Tel: 01480 226800 | Lely Ireland Limited, Kilboggin, Nurney, Co. Kildare. Tel: 00 353 (0)45 526170 | www.lelyturfcare.co.uk

TR0093 Greenkeeper Int CS.indd 1 15/07/2015 16:56

12 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 13 INDUSTRY UPDATE NEW FACE AT The latest turf industry news from around the globe JOHN DEERE a demonstrator in July that year, followed by assignments as a training instructor and area manager product support (AMPS). GI is largely focused around advising industry In February 2001 Bob accepted professionals with general management a field service position at the John best practice advice and he’s the first port Deere harvesting equipment MEET BAYER’S TURF of call if there’s an issue, disease, or insect factory in Ottumwa, Iowa, USA problem. and in June 2003 he moved Colin is former Head Greenkeeper at to Zweibrücken in Germany SOLUTIONS TEAM North Weald Golf Club, technical officer to become a senior service for the New Zealand Sports Turf Institute engineer. After returning to the and technical manager for artificial surface UK in January 2005, he held the specialists Sweepfast. He has a degree in positions of harvesting product landscape and amenity management, a support specialist, manager masters degree from Cranfield University technical services/customer MOVING WITH THE TINES in sports surface technology, and an support and division customer Engineering Doctorate in irrigation and soil support manager. As any greenkeeper or groundsman will know, frequent management on racecourses. Colin is also Stuart Minter joined John aeration ensures turf is kept in peak condition all year round. BASIS qualified. Deere Limited in 1979 as a service And, following the high traffic that comes hand in hand with Greg Collins – Greg has 17 years of trainee and technical instructor summer, it’s especially important to aerate now. practical hands-on experience in the at the UK training centre. He However, Dan Dubas, sales and marketing for Toro industry. Greenkeeping is in his blood. was subsequently area service Parts at Lely UK, says that aside from frequency and an understanding of how the seasons affect turf compaction, He worked in Germany as an assistant John Deere Limited has appointed manager and then territory one of the most important factors in aeration is the quality greenkeeper for two years, and for a Bob Holt as branch customer manager for southern England and condition of the tines in use. further three years as Head Greenkeeper support manager for the UK and before becoming division service “In order to maintain your course standards, it’s vital to at Schloss Schwobber Golf Hotel. He then Ireland, replacing Stuart Minter, manager for the UK and Ireland in ensure you have the best equipment to meet all of your returned to Ireland where he was head who has retired after more than 36 1986 and then customer support aeration needs successfully,” he said. greenkeeper for 11 years at Charleville GC, years with the company. manager in 2010. Engineered and designed to fit the entire Toro ProCore Cork. Bob has a Diploma in Stuart was responsible for range and get the best results from an aeration programme, Neil Pettican – Neil has worked in the Agricultural Engineering from developing John Deere’s national Toro has over 150 tines to choose from; one to suit every turf professional turf and amenity sector for Caythorpe College and a BSc dealer service standards, and was application, soil situation and season. nearly 20 years. A graduate of Cranfield in Agricultural Technology and closely involved with the industry- Until the end of August, Lely is offering golf clubs in the University with a masters in sports turf Management from Cranfield wide ‘Look Behind You’ campaign UK and Ireland a 5 percent discount when ordering multiples technology, Neil has both hands-on and Institute of Technology. He began to promote safe tractor and trailer of 25 of the same type of tine. To take advantage of the management experience in greenkeeping, his career with John Deere braking. He was also a chairman promotion, end users simply need to get in touch with their groundsmanship and construction, Limited as a branch management of the AEA service managers local genuine Toro parts dealer or service centre. gaining a diverse mix of sports turf trainee in April 1994 and became committee. experience in the UK and abroad. Dave Orchard – His career started with Rigby Taylor and from here he worked for eight years as a technical representative HIGHSPEED LAUNCH COURSECARE.NET for Gem Professional. And Dave has been To meet increasing demand for online purchases, Highspeed Group BASIS qualified for 18 years. Ltd has launched their new website CourseCare.net His role at Bayer is to offer a support As part of their ongoing development program review, the company function for turf and amenity professionals. recognised the need for an easy online purchase option. The new He advises both distributors and end web store, created and maintained by Highspeed’s Business users, and does a lot of problem solving. Development Manager, Ryan Anderton, features many of the The experience and expertise of the Bayer products and services Highspeed are renowned for: Workwear, Tools, Turf Solutions team provides a thorough Janitorial items, Safe Storage, Oils and associated products but understanding of the greenkeeper and new is the vast array of equipment. This includes fans and heaters, groundsman’s roles; enabling them to offer welding sets, compressors, portable lighting and spill products to the very best technical support and advice name but a few. With the regulatory environment changing We understand the rapid shifts that are to customers, in all areas of management A huge new Safety Catalogue is available too offering a at a phenomenal rate for greenkeepers taking place in the industry, and we’re in best practice. comprehensive range of safety products including thousands of and groundsmen, they need fast, accurate a pivotal position because of our expertise The Bayer Turf Solutions team will be signs for virtually every eventuality. advice on turf matters, more than ever and experience, to offer workable solutions attending a number of events in the coming Special offers are a regular feature on the site and, as one before. when performing integrated pest and months so please come and meet them to impressed customer put it: “I didn’t know Course Care did all that; Help is at hand from Bayer in the disease management.” discuss your specific turf matters. it’s amazing!” This is one aim of the site; to let customers new and form of an experienced team of former The new Turf Solutions team is made Colin will be at BIGGA’s South West old (and not just those in golf and turf maintenance) know what greenkeepers and groundsmen to make up up of four professionals, all with extensive & South Wales Regional Conference at Highspeed Group and Course Care can and do provide. their Turf Solutions team. backgrounds in the sector, meaning they Somerset CCC, Taunton on November A quick search on the new site will often save long winded searches Bayer Product Manager Steve Bishop are experts in their field. 18, and the entire team will be heading to and phone calls. Highspeed are quick to point out however that they said: “The role of the Turf Solutions team Dr. Colin Mumford - With wide-ranging Harrogate for BTME 2016 with Colin due to are more than happy to take phone calls as they always have! The is to support professionals in the industry experience and qualifications in the present another seminar on the Continue number is still the same too: 0845 600 3572 and the new website is in a changing working environment. amenity and sports turf sector, Colin’s role to Learn education programme. www.coursecare.net

14 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 15 Membership The latest news AberMajesty News from BIGGA Exclusively Bred

_ A unique mixture combining the characteristics of two of our top UK bred varieties. _ The result, a sward that is extremely fine leaved with a very high shoot density. _ All Germinal products are supported by Contact Details our expert technical sales representatives. Tracey Maddison _ It’s not just a bag of seed, contact us to General Manager traceymaddison@ get the best from our products. bigga.co.uk

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BIGGA’s Tracey Maddison and BIGGA Rachael Duffy with Gordon Moir Regional Offices

This month’s Membership page BIGGA HQ did too. From photos for much of the week and worked Scotland could feature nothing else but the on the sunny Wednesday evening long hours to ensure all the guys & N. Ireland John Young fantastic efforts of the BIGGA Open and the tour of the maintenance were fully briefed and prepared 07776 242120 Support Team. facilities, to walking up the most for their rakes. Thank you also [email protected] Brush up well! They came from far and wide – famous fairways in golf alongside to the Board members who put Northern from USA, Germany and all across some of the world’s greats. in great shifts on the first tee and Sandra Raper 07866 366966 The new Speed-Brush is very effective at grooming, top dressing and multi-tasking. the UK - and spent even longer “They can truly be proud of their reassured the team members [email protected] than expected at the 144th Open efforts and we’re very proud to about to go out – they were terrific @BIGGANorthReg It can make for a superior putting surface by lifting lateral shoots on golf greens to allow for an even Championship in St Andrews as be involved with an Association at calming any nerves!” Midland cut .... makes light work of brushing sand into aeration holes .... and can even redistribute infill into the tournament extended into which can boast members who We would also like to take this Roger Butler 07525 593 359 an artificial playing surface. Monday evening. will go so far for their industry. opportunity to thank the entire [email protected] BIGGA’s General Manager We’ve seen this sort of commitment team at St Andrews. From the @BIGGAmidlandREG Find out more about the new Speed-Brush today. Tracey Maddison said: “It was a before, and we will do again, but moment the BIGGA team arrived South East week which really showcased the hopefully the prestigious nature at the Home of Golf, everyone was Clive Osgood 01737 819343 very best of the Association, what of The Open meant both the home made to feel part of the entire team 07841 948410 we’re all about – commitment, greenkeeping team and the BIGGA working towards the success of the [email protected] @cliveosgood professionalism, career support team enjoyed a bit of event. Special thanks to Gordon development, hard work and some long overdue media coverage and Moir, Gordon McKie, Simon South West & fun thrown in! exposure for greenkeeping. Connah and Paul Armour who South Wales Tracey Harvey “You can’t emphasis enough “We also had many ‘first were regular visitors to the BIGGA 07841 948110 Designed for durability the lengths the team went to as timers’, who despite naturally marquee during the week and gave [email protected] @biggaswsw the weather affected play on the being nervous at their first Open up their time to chat to the team 01428 661222 | www.charterhouse-tm.co.uk Friday and then for 11 hours experience, adapted brilliantly to who were fascinated to find out on the Saturday. They lived in conditions throughout. more about preparing the famous waterproofs for the week! “I’d also like to thank Rachael links for the tournament. OTHER USEFUL “Many of the team paid out of Duffy and Steve Castle for their Gordon Moir also found time NUMBERS their own pocket to stay for the efforts during the week, and also to give the entire team a tour of (Full Members only) Personal Accident Helpline extra day, rearranging flights and Scotland and Northern Ireland the venue’s hugely impressive 08000 516583 Designed for durability Greenkeepers Legal trains, and faced long journeys Regional Administrator John maintenance facilities on the Assistance through the night to get home. Young and Midland Regional Wednesday. 0800 177 7891 Lifestyle Counselling Helpline “The team gained memories they Administrator Roger Butler. They A week truly to be proud of for all 0344 770 1036 will never forget, and the team from were stationed in the first tee cabin concerned. www.arclegal.co.uk/carefirst www.charterhouse-tm.co.uk | 01428 661222

16 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 17 L&D NEWS L&D News The latest from the Learning and Development department at BIGGA golf FTMI 2016 UPDATE A reminder that the application process for the Future Turf Managers management Initiative made possible by Jacobsen will be opening in September. This unmissable career development opportunity takes place at Ransomes Jacobsen’s headquarters in Ipswich. For more on the FTMI trophy and how it can boost your career head to the BIGGA website and click on Education> Future Turf Managers Initiative. We’re also putting the finishing touches to the Continue to Learn sponsored by Everris programme at BTME 2016! The programme will be officially launched at the beginning of October and we are hoping to feature over 230 hours of the most varied education available in the industry. SCHOLARSHIPS Congratulations to Joe Button from Meltham Golf Club, who has been awarded a Ransomes Jacobsen Higher Education Scholarship. Joe will be studying a FdSc in Sportsturf/Surface Management at Askham Bryan College.

3 July St Mellion International BENEFITS OF TRAINING Higher Education Resort Stuart Green, BIGGA’s Head manage time and workload Jacobsen and the Refund of Fees Scholarships 8 July of Member Learning, provides efficiently, which increases scheme. Cradoc Golf Club productivity and motivates staff to “For more information on us with a clear rundown of supported by how investing in a training achieve more. these as well as how to apply, 22 July programme at your club has visit the BIGGA website, click on huge benefits on many levels Competitive Advantage the Education tab and click on Minchinhampton Training gives staff the skills ‘Funding Opportunities’. Golf Club Benefits of Training to handle your customers Training will boost the morale professionally and increase Individual Contributors: Steven 19 August Tierney MG, Chris Lomas MG, of your staff, increase their customer satisfaction. Training Andrew Campbell MG CGCS, may be awarded if you are a full Dunham Forest Golf Club productivity and give your also improves internal efficiency, to W J Rogers, Espen Bergmann, Nick Gray, Steve Dixon, Richard BIGGA member studying for the organisation the competitive keep you ahead of the competition. McGlynn, Douglas Duguid, Jaey 7 September Goodchild, Michael Beaton, following qualifi cations: advantage it needs in these tough David Barker, Greg Evans, Frank John O’Gaunt Golf Club economic conditions. Lower Recruitment and Newberry APPROVED • N/SVQ Level 4 Training Costs 1 October Contact Details • Higher National Certifi cate Improved Staff Morale Effective training lowers MEMBERS Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club Training is a commitment staff turnover, which reduces Sami Strutt • Foundation Degree/HND CPD Approved Head of Member towards developing the skills recruitment and training costs. Brett Moggridge – Kirtlington GC Development • BSc Turf Management 19 October 2015 of your staff and cements their Stuart added: “Remember 07818 405606 Craig Boath – Carnoustie Golf Links [email protected] The BIGGA Golf Management importance to your organisation, that BIGGA offers many funding Robert Curry – Hockley GC opportunities to receive funding Stuart Green BIGGA MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT which improves staff morale and Scott Parnell – Saffron Walden GC Head of Member Trophy 2015 Final is at Frilford loyalty. towards your individual learning Learning Thomas Williamson – Pavenham [email protected] To fi nd out more contact BIGGA L&D Heath Golf Club and development. Park GC @Stuart_BIGGA Increased Productivity & “The main three are the Level on 01347 833800 (option 3) Deb Burnett Motivation 3 Scholarship supported by L&D Administrator CPD Approved and Milestone [email protected] Training provides the structures, Baroness, the Higher Education Achieved – Steven Rowett, Stowe techniques and awareness to Scholarship supported by 01347 833800 (option 3) School (GC). www.bigga.org.uk

18 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 19 GI13_FILLER_RJ SCHOLARSHIP_1.4.indd 1 15/05/2015 14:49 THE 144th OPEN

On the fifth day

Heavy rain and winds challenged everyone at the 144th Open, forcing MAIN IMAGE: The home greenkeeping team clearing water the tournament into the Monday for only the second time ever. Here’s on Friday morning how the superbly resilient greenkeepers adapted to a tumultuous week INSET: Chris Sealey briefs the many first timers on the team

20 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 21 THE 144th OPEN 1000 REASONS...

Zach Johnson with the St Andrews greenkeeping team courtesy of Tim Johnson

Upon being crowned champion Just 12 hours later, in rather fell on Friday morning, with 12mm BUNKER STATS at around 8pm on Monday cold and overcast conditions, the arriving in one thirty-minute burst. Thursday – 209 bunkers. evening at St Andrews, Zach honour of accompanying the first Thanks to the home greenkeep- Closest guess – Stephen Ives (Louth GC) on 215. Johnson credited patience and match fell to David Rieck from ers’ sterling efforts and the remark- Friday/Saturday – 163. perseverance with helping him Golfclub Schloss Monrepos in Ger- ably quick-draining course, play Closest guess – Asa English (Rothley Park GC) on 162. claim the Claret Jug – qualities many. The first day saw them rake was able to resume at 10am. Images Sunday – 70. which the BIGGA Open 209 bunkers. Many left the course of the St Andrews’ greenkeepers Closest guess – Richard Hood (Sharpley Springs GC) on 74. Support Team also showed in on Thursday nervously eyeing the sweeping water into the iconic Swil- Monday – 81. abundance during a hugely next day’s forecast, with heavy rain can Burn were beamed around the Closest guess – Simon Torr (Bearwood Lakes GC) on 81. unpredictable tournament for and winds predicted. world and they were widely praised TOTAL – 523. Day two dawned with the for their amazing efforts in ensuring Closest guess – Paul Griffiths all. (Seaford GC) on 525. BIGGA’s presence at the Home weather even worse than feared. play could resume so rapidly after Well done to all five and thanks to of Golf began with little hint of the The first three golfers had com- the deluge. all for entering. drama and upheaval to come. pleted just one hole when the The delay in play meant that 15 COURSE SETUP An early morning visit to the Old decision was taken to suspend play Round Two matches had not been Course on the final practice day at 6.46am with torrential rain and completed by the end of Friday, Friday & for Round Three Tees, Fairways and Rough proved fruitful. heavy winds battering Fife, and the with hopes high that Saturday - Tees and fairways cut at 7mm home greenkeeping team grabbed would see Round Two completed, First cut semi rough, approx. width On a chilly and grey morning, the 4.5 metres cut at 50mm daily huge TV screens shone dazzlingly squeegees in an attempt to mop up the cut made and Round Three Greens - Greens single cut in the morning at 4mm and rolled. bright above as the home green- the water. Around 20mm of rain begin. However, the weather had its Running at 10 feet 3 inches. keeping team worked to prepare the course. Director of Greenkeeping Gordon ..to buy a Kubota B50 Series Moir and Gordon McKie – Course * Manager on the Old Course – were TALES FROM THE RAKES £1000 relaxed as they monitored the work, Tom Smith from Wickham Park GC was raking Lingmerth went out in just 29 strokes – eight threes with McKie noting green speeds on for Kevin Streelman on the first morning when the and a five on the par five fifth. The Swede couldn’t B50 SERIES 20-31HP JOB DONE, EVERY TIME. CASH-BACK a notepad. American found a bunker. The golfer was clearly repeat his miraculous opening nine but finished Test drive a Kubota B50 Series compact tractor this autumn Following the bunker raking annoyed, and pulled his sand wedge out of his with a credible three under 69. The next day Stuart On B50 Series tractors ordered demonstration in the evening, and bag with such force it flew into the bunker too! was raking for Anthony Wall when strong winds and you’ll find a thousand reasons why these highly productive, with sunshine casting a stunning Remarkably the random draw for day two placed blew Wall’s name from the scoreboard carrier’s robust and reliable machines may be the right tractor for you. 1st August-31st October 2015 golden light across the famous Tom with exactly the same trio – Streelman, Shane board – this proved an ominous sign of things to What’s more, to get you started we’ll give you £1000 cash-back on links, Moir kindly led the entire Lowry and Retief Goosen. come as the next morning saw play suspended BUILT TO LAST. GUARANTEED team on a tour of the huge mainte- Kaye Pierson from Pinehurst Resort was due to the breezes. cabbed models or £500 cash-back ROPS models when you order a nance facilities. following fellow American Morgan Hoffmann when Last but not least…imagine you’re on the B50 Series by 31st October 2015. Described by one greenkeeper as a woman in the crowd suddenly shouted to the first tee at St Andrews, waiting to rake for Adam Economic to run, reliable and highly efficient to operate; these compact, more akin to an aircraft hanger and scoreboard carrier. It turned out to be Hoffmann’s Scott and eventual winner Zach Johnson, eagerly *£1000 cash-back available robust tractors are packed full of innovative standard features designed for on B50 cabbed models /£500 ALL BACKED BY KUBOTA’S OUTSTANDING another as “mindblowing”, Moir mum telling the carrier they had missed an ‘N’ off awaiting your chance to walk the fairways at the AFTERSALES AND DEALER SUPPORT TO outlined the history of the facilities the end of his name! Home of Golf…when a seagull does its business high productivity and low running costs – ideal for 1000’s of different tasks. cash-back for ROPS B50 models. KEEP YOU WORKING + and how they operate before the Stuart Ferguson from Dundas Parks Golf Club right on your head. This fate befell poor Simon Conditions apply to 2nd year see dealer for details excited team explored the machin- was in pole position to see some of the week’s Torr…although at least rain later in the round ery, jobs list and much more. best golf early on the first morning as David washed it off! For more information Call: 01844 268 000 Visit: www.kubota.co.uk 22 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd

B50 A4.indd 1 23/07/2015 18:36 THE 144th OPEN Feature

say again as strong winds caused English and Nigel Colley helped out to ensure they could remain at golf balls to oscillate on the course’s hugely by raking for two matches. the course on Monday, and we are more exposed greens, and play was The honour of accompanying the incredibly grateful to them for their again suspended extremely early. final match went to Sam Bethell, flexibility and outstanding commit- This caused much frustration Deputy Head Greenkeeper at ment. We congratulate the entire to everyone present as the sun Chipstead Golf Club, and Sam team for their sterling efforts during was shining, but even the heroic joined Simon Torr, First Assistant the week, covering very long hours greenkeepers could do little about Greenkeeper from Bearwood Lakes in many cases. the fierce gusts which led to a total Golf Club, in joining the dramatic “Everyone at BIGGA would delay of some 11 hours. play-off to rake if required. also like to congratulate Gordon In the meantime, enterprising Thank you to each and every Moir, Gordon McKie, the whole Team members Graham Ives, Sam member of the Team who were greenkeeping team at St Andrews ABOVE: Graham Ives, Andrew Voss and Andy Naismith used the patient, professional, good- and all the other volunteers who Naismith and Sam Voss hit the break to explore the St Andrews’ humoured and hugely enthusiastic responded wonderfully well to beach! beach! Play eventually resumed at throughout. A particular thank you almost unprecedented challenges BELOW: Inspecting machinery in 6pm, although by this time it was to Gordon Moir, Gordon McKie and to ensure an absolutely outstand- the maintenance facilities clear that the tournament would the entire St Andrews greenkeeping ing links course was presented for require a Monday conclusion for team who made the Team feel so the 144th Open.” the first time since 1988. Remark- welcome and part of the operation ably, Round Two began at 6.32am during the tournament. on Friday yet did not finish until The final word goes to BIGGA just after 9pm on Saturday. CEO Jim Croxton who said: “This It was a huge relief to all when has been one of the most chal- Round Three resumed on Sunday lenging Opens the BIGGA Support in benign conditions, with the team Team has faced. Inclement weather raking 70 bunkers. Sadly some of led to constant logistical issues the team had to depart at this point and the abandonment of the best due to plans which could not be laid plans, yet without exception rescheduled, with everyone hugely they adapted superbly to two days grateful for their terrific efforts of uncertainty and delays and the during the week. extension of the tournament into Monday saw the remaining mem- Monday. bers excited about the prospect of “Many of the team put personal potentially raking for the eventual and professional plans to one side winner, and Tony Bartram, Asa and paid out of their own pockets The BIGGA Open Support Team 2015 SeaMax

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24 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 25 OLYMPIC GOLF

MAIN IMAGE: Course staff It’s the premier sporting None of the grass on the course mowing a green with a Jacobsen Eclipse 2 in Rio, February 2015 occasion on the planet, has been grown ‘in situ’ from seed; watched by a global TV all the grass cover has been laid as BOTTOM RIGHT: UK built Jacobsen TR3 in action on the 16th audience estimated at over 3.6 turf or sprigs. Marcello Matte is the hole in Rio, December 2014 billion, and Jacobsen products owner of Green Grass Brazil, who will play their part as golf are responsible for producing the returns to the Olympics in Rio grass that has been used across the Olympic golf de Janeiro next year, after a 35 hectare (85 acre) site. The Zeon 112 year absence. Zoysia cultivar, explicitly for use on The golf course has been con- golf courses, has been developed structed in Barra da Tijuca, a dis- by grass breeder David Douget of trict of Rio de Janeiro that contains Bladerunner Farms in Texas, USA. the largest number of Olympic The planting of the golf course Games venues located 7km from began in May 2014, using three returns to Rio the Athletes’ Village. different approaches; the majority Gil Hanse and his team won the of the Zeon Zoysia areas – tees and battle to design the course and fairways – were planted using large An exclusive article on how BIGGA Partner Jacobsen have were awarded the contract follow- rolls of turf, but some areas were teamed up with BIGGA member Neil Cleverly to prepare ing submissions from seven other planted using oblong shaped turf the course in Rio as golf returns to the Olympics high profile entries – Gary Player sods. The SeaDwarf Seaside Pas- Design, Greg Norman Golf Course palum used on the greens were all Design, Hawtree Ltd, Nicklaus planted as sprigs. As well as being Design, Renaissance Golf Design, drought tolerant, Zeon Zoysia has Robert Trent Jones II and Thomson low fertiliser requirements and Perrett. Hanse was voted ‘Architect grows in a dense mat, which helps of the Year’ by Golf Magazine in with weed suppression. 2009, the same year that one of his Course Superintendent Neil designs, Castle Stuart in Scotland, Cleverly, International BIGGA won the accolade of ‘Best New Inter- Member and International Super- national Course’. intendent Member of the GCSAA, After a delay due to a Customs- is the successful Englishman who related issue with the irrigation landed one of the most sought-after system, construction began jobs in the industry in June 2013. towards the end of 2013. Based on With a portfolio that encompasses a typical layout found in Australia’s Europe, Asia and the USA, he is sand belt around the Melbourne extremely experienced in the man- area, the course features natural agement of warm season grasses. vegetation, extensive bunkers, a Commenting during a conversa- lagoon and sandy rough ground tion with Goldom magazine back lining the fairways. in October 2014, Gil Hanse said: “I The mix of grass species is an didn’t meet him until after he was interesting one with Zeon Zoysia selected. He was interviewed at the used extensively on tees and GCSAA show in San Diego, which fairways while SeaDwarf Seaside I did was unable to attend. Jim Paspalum is used on the greens. Wagner from our company went Both species are drought tolerant down and was part of the team that and the Paspalum is also saltwater interviewed him. Neil did a great tolerant, which is important as the job, he’s got a ton of experience quality of the irrigation water will be overseas, primarily with warm variable. season grasses.

26 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 27 OLYMPIC GOLF

“Although he doesn’t have expe- for ‘promoting a positive legacy from a particularly important win for us, rience with Zeon Zoysia, which is THIS IMAGE: Neil Cleverly the Olympic Games.’ as it marks the return of golf as an (standing) with grass the primary grass on-site, he’s well breeder David Douget Post-Games the course will be the Olympic sport after more than a equipped to deal with it and he has in May 2014 as planting only 18-hole public facility in Rio de century, and is sure to be one of the been a Godsend. During the early begins Janeiro and Brazil. The Clubhouse high-profile events at the Games. parts of construction it was basi- BELOW: Construction will become a multi-purpose venue “We were appointed back in on the course with a cally myself and a couple of guys maintenance facility being used for public meetings and social the spring of 2014 and one of the who work with me down there. built (inset below right) engagements, while the driving deciding factors was that we have Working without a project manager range and golf academy will be a distributor in Brazil. ProGolf has and trying to make sense of it all used for golf practice, instruction represented the Jacobsen brand in was difficult, and then Neil showed and education. Brazil since 2012 as well as Ryan, up and immediately took over as Perhaps the most important Turfco and Smithco; three compa- project manager. legacy will be the implementation nies with whom we have excellent “He got very involved in the earth of a youth development programme working relationships across the moving and quickly demonstrated dedicated to providing young people globe. ProGolf’s core business is golf what he could bring to the project. of all backgrounds opportunities course construction and they are He was not only a great turf man- to continue their education and working as sub-contractors at the ager, but also an excellent project develop their character through Olympic course. manager from the construction stands with space for a further ABOVE: The grow in, July 2014 golf. Funding from the Brazilian “Our Regional Sales Manager, standpoint. So he has been the 17,500 around the course. Olympic Committee to the Confed- Frederico Santa-Barbara, has BELOW: The maintenance team rock of the construction part of the ‘Legacy’ is an important word in with their Jacobsen equipment, eration of Brazilian Golf will be used worked extremely diligently in both project.” Olympic circles and the Rio Olym- course in the background for junior golf initiatives around the run up to our appointment and With turfing underway in May pic Golf Course is no different. The BOTTOM RIGHT FIRST: Initial Brazil. in the 18 months since. He visits 2014, the initial delivery of 18 International Golf Federation (IGF), turfing in May 2014 From an ecological and environ- the course at least once a week to Jacobsen machines followed a who successfully lobbied for golf’s BOTTOM RIGHT SECOND: mental perspective degraded land ensure that everything is progress- Shaping bunkers in October 2013 month later. This consisted of return to the Games, will organise will be restored by the creation of ing as it should and, of course, we three Eclipse2 walking greens the two events and are responsible green space with local access. The have ProGolf on course perma- mowers, two Eclipse 322 hybrid venue will be certified as environ- nently in their course construction powered ride-on greens mowers, mentally sustainable by creating a capacity.” four Greens King walking mowers, watershed and providing attenu- “With just a year to go before the one SLF1880 super light fairway ation, natural filtering and water first club is swung in anger, every- mower, two LF3800 fairway treatment. The biodiversity of the thing now looks in place to ensure mowers, three Turfcat out-front area will be enhanced by managing that golf’s return after a century’s ride-on rotary mowers, two UK- the water run-off, thereby conserv- absence will have a positive influ- built TR3 reel mowers for tees and Total fleet ing the soil structure and restrict- ence on the game. From Jacobsen’s surrounds and a GA30 pedestrian (supplied ing erosion. Improvements in the perspective we are delighted to be aerator. ecosystem will increase native involvedin this historic event.” “The Eclipse mowers are an by ProGolf) plants and encouraging the local important part of the package,” wildlife. said Jacobsen’s Frederico Santa- Cushman Hauler utility The return of golf has the poten- Barbara. “Neil and his team con- vehicles -14 tial to increase awareness and sider them to be the best greens Jacobsen Truckster heavy interest in golf, increase accessibil- mowers on the market; they are duty utility vehicles-2 ity to play due to the public nature the only mowers with total control Jacobsen Eclipse2 hybrid of 18-hole course and, eventually, over the number of cuts per metre walking greens mowers-6 increase participation in golf. and the reels on the walking ver- Jacobsen TR3 trim & At the IGF Olympic Golf Forum sions can be used on the ride-on surrounds mowers-2 at the 2015 PGA Merchandise machine, providing great flexibility. Jacobsen Eclipse 322 Show, held in Orlando in January, The other key element is that there hybrid ride-on Peter Dawson, President of the is absolutely no possibility of an oil green triples-3 International Golf Federation said: spill on the greens, because these Jacobsen SLF 1880 super “We began this project of bidding are hybrid machines and do not light fairway mowers-2 for golf to return to the programme use hydraulic oil.” Jacobsen Spraytek of Olympic sports because so many By the time the first test event DS-175 spray vehicle -1 small countries, small in golfing takes place early next year a total Jacobsen Spraytek terms, really needed some help of 35 Jacobsen turf maintenance DS-300 spray vehicle- 1 to grow the game…the growth of machines will be employed at the Jacobsen Groom Master the game is worldwide and the course. In the interim, Jacobsen’s bunker rakes-4 inclusion of golf in the Olympic Product Support Manager Andrew Redexim Vertidrain 1530 Programme is the biggest ‘grow the Echenique will be providing techni- aerator-2 game’ opportunity we had and that cal training for Neil’s team and he Redexim Vertidrain 7115 continues to be the case.” will be part of a team of Jacobsen aerator-1 The final word is left to Alan technicians who will be running the Turfco CR-10 top dresser Prickett, Ransomes Jacobsen’s maintenance facility to ensure that and spreader-1 Managing Director. He said: “What every piece of equipment performs Turfco 1550 WideSpin top an accolade to be confirmed as perfectly. dresser and spreader - the preferred supplier of mowing At the Games, over a two-week Tru-Turf RS48-11E greens equipment for the Rio Olympic golf period the course will host two roller & spiker-2 course. 60-competitor tournaments with Buffalo Cyclone KB4 “We are, once again, delighted to the women’s event following the blower-2 be involved in the Olympic Games men’s competition. It will accom- Husqvarna HD725E as it continues a tradition that goes modate 2,500 spectators in grand- walking rotary mower 3 back over many decades. This was

28 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 29 Feature THE GRASS GROUP

Vinny Tarbox, Sales and Marketing when lowering the HOC using the own out on the course as the height as being able to switch quickly and front roller, and decreased when of cut is able to be changed with effectively from cutting fairways to Manager at The Grass Group examines the lowering via the rear roller. A plant one tool. Infinite cutting height semi rough areas without the need always controversial height of cut issue that is under stress should not be adjustment from 0.25 inches to 4 to return to the shed to change and asks – should we be cutting less? cut with a cutting unit set with a inches is easily accomplished with machine or height. The infinite vari- very aggressive attitude angle as the on board tool and the threaded ation also allows you to tailor your this will further compound the adjustment system. This means a height of cut to your requirements stress problem. In this scenario the high quality finish to the fairway on the day subject to conditions if HOC may be correct for the situa- can be matched to the conditions of necessary. All Progressive mowers tion but the unit set-up is nullifying the course. A tractor trailed option, can be configured in many ways to any positive effects. such as the Progressive TDR12 is provide a good quality, aesthetically As we move into the winter period easy to set up and use and is a great pleasing finish. then the slower growing condi- value option having the flexibility of As with greens, the HOC on fair- tions will necessitate an increase a separate power unit. ways in the autumn should raise in the HOC. A common issue However, for greater flexibility as the grass growth will usually encountered here in the UK may the Progressive ProFlex 120 has slow down along with the change in also be soft greens caused by water ABOVE: Height contour following abilities as well weather conditions. retentive surfaces. When a green is adjustment system on soft the ‘effective’ HOC will be much the Progressive less than the bench setting due to the weight of the unit pressing in RIGHT: The to the turf. To lessen this effect it is Progressive Pro-Flex a good idea to use mowers with a 120 has great contour lower ground pressure. Pedestrian following abilities mowers as opposed to triplex’s, and in particular floating head pedestrian mowers like ATT’s INFiNiSys- tem, are probably the best solution here. For fairways there’s not really a ‘right’ height of cut as it depends on course and conditions but around 15mm to 18mm is popular – links courses are of course usually lower. Progressive mowers, from Height The Grass Group, come into their restriction TM UNIQUELY

The correct height of cut much a business of compromise rolling during these slower growing (HOC) of any grass sward and trade-offs. It’s probably fair periods. Similarly, other forms of ADVANCED to say that the best Course Man- plant stress such as wilt, drought, is a subjective issue and ™ dependent on a vast number agers/Head Greenkeepers are excessively wet periods or an occur- The INFiNiSystem is available in two widths, 22” & 26” and is the of variables. To suggest what those that manage this continual rence of disease may necessitate ultimate tool for greens, tees, cricket wickets, bowls greens etc. the correct HOC for golf greens trade off in the most effective way. an increase in HOC. The reason • The floating head mechanism has ‘dynamic return’ minimising actually is would necessitate The demands of the golfer for fast increasing the HOC helps to ground pressure and enhancing contour following a measurable conclusion; but smooth greens needs to be consid- combat plant stress is simply due • Set bedknife B.C.D. and attitude angle on the SMARTCut™ the question arises as to what ered against overall plant health, to the fact that the increased HOC for an unsurpassed level of cut quality variables would the result be putting surface consistency, sus- means more leaf is left on the plant measured against? tainability, amount of player traffic, and thus a greater surface area is • Programmable variable clip rate to put you If we look at just two different cost etc. Greenkeepers make these available for photosynthesis. in control DIAGRAMS: The ATT Has several exclusive SMART cassettes that aspects of greens management: decisions on a daily basis. As the INFiNiSystem floating head is When discussing changing the • sward pace and plant health then most frequent maintenance pro- ideal for soft greens HOC it is important to consider how will tackle everyday problems experienced you can see that both of these are cedure on greens is mowing then the HOC is mechanically altered on fine turf measured in different ways and HOC is at the forefront of that deci- as this in itself can have a positive • In-field ability to swap power source from are affected by HOC. They are not sion making process. or negative effect in way the leaf engine/generator to battery however both affected in the same There are of course some fun- blade is cut. The HOC is normally way. A lower HOC will undoubtedly damental guidelines with respect changed by moving the front or increase pace, a positive effect if to HOC. A less vigorously growing rear roller up or down – only one that is the intention, but the effect plant is not able to recover from the for micro adjustments, and the TM on plant health may be negative. stresses of a lower HOC and hence other for macro adjustments. Using Therefore, the conclusion here is during the colder months the HOC either the front or rear roller for that there is no actual overall ‘right is increased and the frequency of daily adjustment is fine, but each height’ but rather a ‘right height’ for mowing is also reduced. In order to will alter the attitude angle of the aerate brush de-thatch groom maintain decent ball roll and pace, unit differently. The aggressiveness a given circumstance. level mow scarify top dress www.advancedtt.com Golf course management is very cutting may be supplemented by of cut is progressively increased

30 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 31 OPM UPDATE

Oak processionary moth for OPM and to take action. The (OPM) is an alien invasive pest Forestry Commission (FC) says presenting high risks to public the landowner will not be legally health as well as defoliating required to do any work. But, it oak trees. OPM first arrived in reserves the right to issue Statu- the UK on oak trees imported tory Plant Health Notices requiring from the Netherlands in 2005 the removal of OPM infestations in and planted in the London the Core Zone which could spread Boroughs of Richmond into and become established in the and Ealing. This outbreak Control Zone. has since spread across a FC says that it will (in general significant area of London and terms) take charge of all aspects into parts of Surrey. of treatment with no costs to the Two later introductions, one at owner for infested trees on privately Pangbourne in West Berkshire in owned land in the Control Zone. For 2010 and another in 2012 at West all other infested trees in the Control Wickham (Bromley) in south east Zone, such as those in public parks London, are also ongoing. The and streets, OPM management jury is still out on the most recent will still be mandatory. However, introduction identified in 2014 at any work will have to be done at the Olympic Park. the expense of the local authority The West London and Bromley owner. Golf courses owned by local outbreaks continue to spread with authorities will presumably fall into increased numbers of golf courses this category. affected or immediately threatened. Core Zone and Control Zones Protected Zone status The ‘2015 Core Zone’ now European Union legislation comprises the whole of Richmond, recognising those parts of the UK Hammersmith and Fulham, outside of OPM affected areas as a together with parts of Ealing, Houn- ‘Protected Zone’ was introduced last slow, Kingston Upon Thames, October. The government now has Merton and Wandsworth. a statutory duty to prevent infesta- The surrounding Control Zone tion of the Protected Zone and has covers those parts of Ealing, Houn- restructured its OPM survey and slow, Kingston Upon Thames, management programme accord- Merton and Wandsworth not in the ingly. Core Zone, together with the entire The original outbreak is under land area of Hillingdon, Harrow, containment. Future management Brent, Barnet, Kensington and is based on a new ‘2015 Core Zone’ Chelsea, Westminster, Camden, surrounded by a redrawn and Haringey, Islington, Hackney, City expanded ‘buffer area’ called the of London, Tower Hamlets, South- ‘Control Zone’. Action required by wark, Lambeth, Bromley, Croydon landowners, and who pay for any and Lewisham. Four districts in remedial OPM treatments carried Surrey (Elmbridge, Spelthorne, out, depends on whether affected Epsom and Ewell and Runnymede) trees are in the Core Zone or the and Slough in Buckinghamshire OPM - who Control Zone. are also included. Within the Core Zone it is the Inclusion in this Control Zone of tree owner’s responsibility to check the London Boroughs of Bromley,

LEFT: Oak trees being sprayed on The Richmond Golf Course in May 2011 – sprays and a powerful jet of spray is required to reach the tops of tall oak trees

INSET: OPM has spread across London at a rate of 0.7km per year which is testimony to the distances covered by these night- flying moths(Picture courtesy who pays? Forestry Commission)

Dr Terry Mabbett updates us on the threat of Oak Processionary Moth to golf courses, and discovers how BIGGA Chairman Les Howkins MG and his team are coping with it in Richmond

32 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 33 Feature OPM UPDATE

Close-up on the ‘culprit and offender’ – an oak leaf eating OPM larva equipped with thousands of stinging hairs (Picture courtesy Bartlett Tree Experts)

Croydon and Lewisham recognises population is unknown. So there is and safety reasons mechanical (butterflies and moths) but is also of these older and more developed infestations recorded there in 2014 ABOVE: There are two distinct no Core Zone but a relatively large nest removal should only be carried widely used around the world in larvae becomes too resilient for the dimensions to this insect and which have spread from West pest – oak tree defoliation and Control Zone covering the whole of out by specialists. agriculture and public health to bacterial toxin to ‘punch’ through. Wickham. FC appears confident the public health risk from the West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire Three insecticides are approved control, among other insect pests, Spray timing is critical and both urticating (stinging) hairs borne of having eradicated the newest by larvae from the L3 stage and Reading. for ground based spray applica- cotton boll weevils (Coleoptera), spray applications are essentially introduction at The Olympic Park. onwards (Picture courtesy The rest of the UK outside of the tion to control OPM. They are houseflies (Diptera), grasshoppers required while OPM larvae are still Bartlett Tree Experts) Neither Newham nor Waltham Core Zone and these two Control deltamethrin, diflubenzuron and (Orthoptera) and mites (arachnids). at the L1 or L2 stages. Forest and Redbridge are included INSET: Mechanical nest Zones is the ‘Protected Zone’. the bacterial insecticide Bacillus This means insects belonging to Deltamethrin is clearly first removal should only be carried in the Control Zone, despite adult out by specialist operators thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki. insect groups other than Lepidop- choice when the fastest and most equipped with the full required male moths having been secured complement of protective Control options There are significant differences tera and some other arthropods effective kill of OPM across the there in pheromone traps during clothing (Picture courtesy Royal Proactive control options for between these three insecticides in the oak tree environment may widest spray window is required. late summer 2014. Botanic Gardens, Kew) OPM are mechanical nest removal in potency and persistency as well be affected. Diflubenzuron shows BTk will be preferred if least pos- Geography behind demarca- and spraying with insecticide sup- as potential collateral damage to activity against some aquatic wild- sible effect on environmental and tion of these ‘OPM Management ported by insect pest monitoring. non-target organisms. life with freshwater crustaceans ecological integrity has a higher Zones’ in and around London is The latter will include deployment Deltamethrin is a highly potent among the most susceptible. priority than most rapid effect and not altogether logical with regard of pheromone traps during the and persistent synthetic pyrethroid Diflubenzuron is not persistent in eradication. Diflubenzuron would to the 2014 distribution of OPM. late summer adult flight period to insecticide acting through contact the environment and requires a appear to offer a ‘middle way’ The Northolt area of Ealing and the secure male moths, early spring and ingestion. Only one application follow up second spray for effective between these two. Golf courses Feltham area in Hounslow are not monitoring to pinpoint appearance is usually required. Deltamethrin OPM control. in the Control Zone served with in the Core Zone even though a high of the new larvae in March/April, will kill the larger and more resilient Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. Skin, respiratory and other Statutory Control Orders and with allergies caused by the stinging infestation was recorded in both and post spraying surveys starting later instar larvae. Downside is a kurstaki (BTk) is an entomopatho- hairs borne by OPM larvae are FC taking charge of control opera- places in 2014. Conversely Ham- in June to locate surviving OPM very broad spectrum action affect- genic bioinsecticide based on a nothing to be ‘sneezed at’ (Pictures tions should enquire as to whether courtesy Forestry Commission) mersmith and Fulham was essen- nests. ing a wide range of arthropods commonly occurring soil bacterium they have any choice about which tially OPM free in 2014 except along Mechanical nest removal is by far including most insects groups, acting on OPM larvae through insecticide is used. the River Thames on the border the most expensive and hazardous arachnids (spiders and mites) and ingestion only. It is highly specific with neighbouring Wandsworth, option and usually only carried out terrestrial crustaceans (woodlice). against Lepidoptera but lacks per- Hands-on OPM management although the entire borough has when OPM nests are found too late Deltamethrin is highly toxic to a sistence because it is easily washed at The Richmond Golf Club been placed in the Core Zone. in the season for insecticide spray- wide range of aquatic organisms. off of the oak foliage by rainfall and To find out what’s been The situation at Pangbourne is ing to be effective - or in ecologically Diflubenzuron is an insect is not photo-stable. A follow up happening on the ground I visited completely different because FC and environmentally sensitive growth regulator acting via contact application around two weeks later The Richmond Golf Club in the still believes it can eradicate OPM areas such as Sites of Special and ingestion, thereby killing is therefore required. OPM larvae heart of the Core Zone to speak from the area, but is no less dif- Scientific Interest (SSSI) where immature (larval) stages of the much beyond the L2 (second instar) with Course Manager and BIGGA ficult to fathom because the exact spraying with insecticide is not an target insect pest. Diflubenzuron stage are increasingly unaffected Chairman Les Howkins MG who location of the small residual OPM option or very limited. For health has specificity towards Lepidoptera by BTk because the stomach wall has been battling OPM since 2010.

34 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 35 OPM UPDATE

The Richmond was one of the first golf courses to sustain OPM infestation, and no-one has greater hands-on experience of managing it. Being inside the Core Zone is bad enough but the course adjoins Richmond Park which exacerbates the OPM problem. Richmond Park is a SSSI which limits insecticide spraying. Les and the team have sprayed and successfully controlled OPM since 2011. However, adult moths from Richmond Park fly in during late summer to lay eggs on some of the hundreds of oak trees across the golf course, causing infestation the following year. OPM was first found on the course in 2010 but too late in the season, and the insect pest’s life cycle, for insecticide spraying to be effective. Specialist contractors were hired for mechanical nest removal, a lengthier and more expensive procedure. In 2011 the club hired a contractor to spray all with the newly assigned EU ‘Pro- ABOVE: Early forming OPM nests seen at the Richmond in May 2015 the oak trees on the course using tected Zone’ status for UK. were sprayed within days using deltamethrin insecticide. I visited The Richmond towards deltamethrin insecticide for a quick and complete kill of the larvae Les said: “The health and safety the end of May when oak trees of our members has always been around 100m from Richmond Park our top priority and that is why were already carrying significant we use deltamethrin insecticide. It numbers of early formed OPM offers the quickest and most effec- nests on the main branches. “We tive control of OPM and with just will spray during the next couple of a single spray”. Deltamethrin was days using deltamethrin insecticide used again in 2012 and 2013, this to clear all these larvae and nests,” time carried out by the greenkeep- said Les. Larvae were already well ing team. into the L3 stage and well within “We researched the requirements the ‘window’ and control capability carefully and invested in new safety of deltamethrin but outside of the INSET ABOVE: Pheromone traps (the bucket-shaped funnel trap is equipment including face shields safe (effective) window for spraying shown here) are suspended in oak fitted with visors. We have been with BTk. trees during the late summer flight period for OPM adult moths. The able use our existing sprayer set Les explained how the club is trap contains a female pheromone up - a John Deere HD200 sprayer fortunate to have a qualified arbor- lure used to attract male moths which are subsequently caught mounted on a John Deere ProGa- ist on its greenkeeping team - Tony in the trap. The number and distribution of moths caught will tor - equipped with a hand lance Bartram - who starts to inspect the give a good indication of how to deliver a powerful jet.” He added trees for hatching larvae early in successful insecticide spraying has been and the amount and spread they completed the operation at a spring. of insect infestation to be expected fraction of the £5,500 that it cost to Just days before I visited The the following year. spray in 2011. Richmond a team from Syngenta ABOVE: Syngenta Tree OPM larvae feed on a wide range had experimentally treated a single Micro Injection Kit used to experimentally treat an oak of oak species including the two mature oak tree using the com- tree at The Richmond with English oaks (Quercus robur/ pany’s new micro-injection system systemically acting emamectin benzoate insecticide (Picture pedunculate oak and Q. petraea/ for the application of emamectin Courtesy Syngenta) sessile oak) and Q. cerris (Turkey benzoate, a systemic insecticide Treatment with the Syngenta oak). All these species are sprayed that controls OPM. Les and his Tree Micro Injection Kit is but some individual trees are left team will observe the tree over the complete showing minimal impact at the tree injection site untreated for ecological reasons. next few seasons. (Picture Courtesy Syngenta) “We have some Ancient English There are many potential oaks around 500 years old with advantages of using a tree injection exceptional ecological richness and system but the one that sticks out which are therefore not sprayed, in my mind is all about application and we leave a 50 metre unsprayed timing in relation to larval hatching buffer zone between the course and and feeding. Richmond Park’s SSSI.” The advantage of using tree injec- FC issued a Statutory Control tion is that the insecticide is already Order and paid for a contractor to inside the tree when the newly spray The Richmond Golf Course hatched, most vulnerable and easy in 2014 but not this year under the to kill L1 larvae start to feed on the new system set up in accordance new oak foliage.

36 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd

AW17773_Interface_advert.indd 1 12/06/2015 15:40 ROYAL WIMBLEDON Royal Wimbledon

As Royal Wimbledon Golf Club celebrates its 150 year centenary, Laurence Pithie visited this unique club to find out about its a match for past, current work programmes and what it plans for the future any course

38 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 39 ROYAL WIMBLEDON

The club which was formed in 1865 by the London Scottish Rifle Volunteers on Wimbledon Common first consisted of seven holes, before being fully extended in 1871 under the auspices of Tom Dunne, who was appointed as the club’s first professional. In 1907, the club commenced construction of their own course, designed by Willie Park on 240 acres of nearby Warren Farm; the reason being to escape ‘picnic parties’ and nursemaids with ‘perambulators’. In 1919 the club approached Harry Colt, who was a former member of the club to redesign the course which opened for play five years later. Other than a few small changes since WW2, the ‘Colt’ layout remains largely the same to this day. Throughout its history, Royal Wimbledon has played a key role in influencing the game of golf. As well as being the third oldest golf club in England, it was one of seven sponsors for the Amateur Champi- to ensure objectives are achieved. onship. JH Taylor was a previous In April last year, Australian Sean professional, while past members Whipp, former Course Manager have included Bernard Darwin, at Coombe Hill, was appointed, Roger Wethered and the Duke of eagerly accepted the challenge and York. To date eight members of the opportunity to make an impact RWGC have served as Captains of on this famous course. the R&A. The formation of Royal Prior to working as a Deputy and St Georges in Sandwich and the then Course Manager, Sean had course layout in 1887 was the spells working at Wentworth and Working Progress: Main removed and then mown at apron brainchild of Henry Lamb and Peter St Andrews after learning his trade playing areas height. This required aerifying and Purves; both influential members at Merimbula GC in Australia. Sean continued: “The challenge top dressing these areas as well of RWGC. The club has a rich his- The move from Coombe Hill was in regard to greens performance as ensuring there was sufficient tory and is one of 65 clubs in the UK much shorter - just 513 metres was to reduce an OM layer located irrigation coverage to avoid major with Royal patronage. from course to course. The other at a depth below 25mm which drought stress. Taking this route, key aspect of the strategic plan was was out of reach for deep scarify- the ‘running’ approach shot is now Club Objectives the appointment of course archi- ing. During August we deep tined a viable option and makes the game First and foremast Royal Wimble- tect Tom Mackenzie, to examine the greens to over 200mm depth more interesting and challenging, don is a club for its members, being all aspects of course design and using 17mm tines, then back filling albeit with larger putting surfaces; only eight miles from the centre of integral features: his brief being to with sand which required around this being one of the architects London. Tasked with its smooth maximise the potential of the site. Head Greenkeeper, Sean Whipp hand, turf quality, course set-up 90 tons in total. This was largely objectives. Work to tees and fair- running and efficient management and presentation. This would hand brushed into the holes to ways was more of a tweak in terms is Robert Brewer, a former Course Strategic Plan help focus attention on raising avoid being too aggressive on the of intensity to frequencies of cut, Manager at St Mellion, before taking Mackenzie’s review will include standards, culminating in the turf. Once complete, the greens presentation, divot filling and so on management responsibility at a the overall design and length of the team being more flexible in working were solid tined with conventional on, while bunkers continued to be number of clubs including South course as well as individual sight practices and achieving a higher 13mm tines at 50mm spacings and raked daily with sand faces being MAIN ABOVE: 13th hole after weed control along with preparing Essex, Merrist Wood and Knole lines, bunkering, tee positioning skill set; these being fundamental then sand dressed and brushed smooth raked and occasionally tree clearance areas for heather establishment; Park. Robert’s overall experience and greens surrounds. for the club to progress. again; the latter by powered brush. rolled.” INSET ABOVE: 13th hole pre tree the latter being at an early stage of clearance in 2014 in course and club management One key aspect will be to compare “With ten full time staff and two “Recovery at this time of year was development. has been instrumental since his the aerial photographs of 1926, seasonals it was down to me to good and after a few passes with Working Progress: Roughs and “The most notable difference is appointment in 2011. A key objec- with the current layout; the most make this happen. However, start- the turf iron along with sufficient Trees on the short 13th where hole vis- tive has been the need for the club noticeable difference being the loss ing work in April, the emphasis foliar feeds, putting surfaces were “Part of the strategic plan is to ibility has vastly improved. In order to develop a ten year strategic plan of heather and the increase of trees was on a gentle start and focusing soon restored and with increased return as much of the course as to establish heather, the ground to ensure that members enjoy a and general scrub. Sean takes up on the priorities during the main firmness and pace. At the end possible to one of a heathland was cleared of all unwanted vegeta- first rate golf course commensurate the story. summer season, which required a of the season we also took the environment as identified in past tion, loosely cultivated and ‘brash- with the club’s traditions while “Since I already knew the course higher standard of course condi- opportunity to extend the greens aerial photographs. Tree and ings’ applied by hand after being adapting to the needs of the modern reasonably well and the challenges tioning and presentation, especially to their original size which meant scrub encroachment has gradually collected previously. The existing game. faced, it was essential that manage- on greens, tees and fairways. gradually lowering the HOC, fol- changed this course by affecting areas of heather and grassland An essential part of this plan ment standards had to improve. “This would also give me time to lowed by coring and dressing to sight lines, causing shading and have been treated with varying was to appoint a qualified and Rather than explain what I wanted familiarise myself with the agro- improve the existing profile. The tree root issues as well as making systemic herbicides such as Laser, experienced Course Manager who to achieve, I invited all of my team nomic challenges on the greens, next challenge was to introduce some areas of rough impregnable. Dow Shield, Rescue and Relay; could implement this strategy and to make the short trip across the while formulating plans in line with more run-off areas around many Key areas were identified for tree this depending on what vegetation form part of the management team A3 to Coombe Hill to witness at first the clubs and architects objectives.” greens whereby longer grass was removal, scrub clearance and needs to be controlled and where.

40 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 41 ROYAL WIMBLEDON

This is an ongoing programme TOP LEFT: Hand brushing top dressing into tine holes since not all areas within this large TOP RIGHT: Green extension and site are easily accessible by conven- work completed ABOVE LEFT: Presentation on tional sprayer. 11th approach ABOVE RIGHT: View over 2nd “Other course work completed to green date has been the provision of a 174 LEFT: ‘Mackenzie’ styled fairway bunker on 9th metre deep borehole which provides BELOW: Rubber modular path on sufficient water to meet the needs of 13th walkway RIGHT: Power Harrow set up at our extensive Rainbird Nimbus 2 25mm deep for heather prep work system; delivering water to greens, BOTTOM: Spraying rough and heather with Laser herbicide tees, surrounds and fairways. This is stored in three tanks with a total capacity of 600 cubic metres. We also installed a rubber modular path on hole 13, whereby it is filled with soil and seed and provides an all-purpose ‘grass’ path. “Our first bunker trial was completed on hole nine where a ‘visual’ fairway bunker was remodelled. We developed, especially in regards will probably ‘fine-tune’ this bunker to agronomy and grassland man- style and examine available options agement while changes are being for future lining.” planned for extending and improving both storage and staff facilities. Summary New equipment has already been Planning, teamwork and progres- purchased for use on greens, sion spring to mind when reviewing grassland and woodland which are the changes that have taken place central to the clubs progression. at Royal Wimbledon during the past Strategic planning is well underway year. There is a good ‘feel’ within and once submitted to the club for the team that things are happen- approval, many more changes will ing both on and off the course and follow. This is an exciting time for a for the better. New skills are being club with a unique history.

42 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd MEDITATION

all of us live a very different type of I had no idea what meditation to let this sensation of inner peace life and one that I am experiencing was just five months ago. A member to remain for as long as possible. at the moment. It was by chance at my club who is a personal friend Everyone has the ability to that I came across meditation. I of the Dalai Lama got me interested change the way they think. With know many people’s reaction may in it. I went along to the Clear Light daily meditation at home and Meditation and be to scoff at this, yet it has changed Centre in Copenhagen and met a instruction at a Kadampa school my life. But how? teacher named Adam Starr, who (of which there are many – see the Meditation is a Buddhist practice was trained by a Tibetan Monk - the end of this article for more details) that is thousands of years old. Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. we all have the ability to let go of our You train the mind to build inner Gyatso has opened 1,200 centres in negative thoughts and worries and peace, relaxation and happiness. 40 countries promoting Kadampa replace them with inner peace and greenkeeping You learn to let go of all the negative Traditional Meditation. happiness. thoughts that are constantly flying I started by taking a meditation In time, the problems we encoun- around your head. class one evening a week. I was ter will no longer blight our minds. It has been scientifically proven basically taught how to meditate, We are taught how to let these kind that by training the mind in medita- and now I practice with guided of situations go so that they will Ian Tomlinson tion, depression and anxiety can meditation CDs every day for 20 never penetrate your mind again. If Ian began his greenkeeping become a problem of the past to minutes at home. One Saturday a you are suffering from depression, Ian Tomlinson, Course Manager at career at Scarcroft Golf Club in 1976 before spending 14 never return. When was the last month I attend a full day workshop. anxiety, panic attacks or stress years at Lausanne Golf Club Rungsted Golf Club in Denmark, has in Switzerland. He returned time you actually sat down without My first workshop was given by a these illnesses can be eliminated briefly to the UK before any noise and had inner peace? special guest - Gen Kelsang Tub- by meditation training over a period recently discovered the ancient art of taking up his current position at Rungsted Golf Club in The purpose of meditation is to chen, a Buddhist nun, who is the of time. meditation. Denmark. He is a member of ensure the mind is calm and peace- Spiritual Director for Scandinavia What this training does is follow the ‘Sons of Turf’ – a group of Here, he explains how it’s helped Scandinavian greenkeepers ful. If the mind is peaceful we shall based in Norway. Tubchen was a tradition which is a few thousand who meet regularly to discuss be free from worries and mental also trained by the Venerable Geshe years old. In modern day terms it him cope with some of the stresses turf diseases and pesticide control. discomfort and so experience true Kelsang Gyatso. is like having the hard drive wiped Ian’s wife and children live greenkeeping – and life – has thrown with him in Denmark. He loves happiness. I was spellbound by the wisdom in your computer and having it the lifestyle and scenery, but Usually we find it difficult to con- and experience she shared with us reprogrammed. at him and his experience during a loathes the Danish taxman who ensures that the cost trol our mind. If things go well, our that day. She invited me to a five The mind is trained to let go of five-day ‘silent retreat’ of living is incredibly high, mind is happy, but if they go badly, day silent retreat over Easter this all the years of negative thoughts, with two thirds of his salary disappearing in taxes! it immediately becomes unhappy. year on ‘Concentration Meditation’ anger, frustration, criticism and By training in meditation, we which she specialises in. problems of the past and bring you create an inner space and clarity It is very difficult to put into into the present day. Something that enables us to control our words what I experienced during bad that happened years ago is in mind regardless of the external those five days. What I can say is fact just a thought in your mind. circumstances e.g. a problem with it was very powerful stuff which Let this thought go and it no longer a Chairman, committee or an angry has changed my life. There were 19 affects you. If it comes back let it go member. people there altogether including again. All of this is possible through Gradually we develop mental four nuns. The retreat was focused training. LEFT: Monk Kelsang Sanglam equilibrium, a balanced mind that on concentration. Our aim was to It’s important to understand that studying more on his practice ABOVE: Gen Kelsang Tubchen is happy all the time, rather than hold an imaginary object in our this is not about pushing religion and Ian Tomlinson BOTTOM RIGHT: Gen Kelsang an unbalanced mind that oscillates mind and focus upon it without onto anyone. You do not have to Tubchen teaching between the extremes of excitement losing it. become a Buddhist to follow this BELOW: The group in deep meditation and despondency. Normally, our minds are so busy training. we get distracted thinking about other things like what we’re having for lunch. We then lose our concentration and our object so we need to start again. This process went on until we had control of our mind without getting distracted and losing our object. Something special happened to me during the last two days of the retreat. I had turned so deep into my mind that my mind went totally quiet and peaceful. No distractions - just total calm existed in my body. The more you train and practice, When I tell people I work on cut and greenkeepers losing their It is not just our industry that is there is a slow transformation of a golf course for a living, so jobs. The use of pesticides is also facing these situations but society your mind and attitude of how many reply “wow, what a great being reduced by the authorities, in general. Take a look at our daily you look at life. I spoke to another job, outside in the sun cutting adding to the difficulties associated lives in 2015. member of the group afterwards grass without a care in the with producing disease-free greens We all have smartphones which who told me his family and friends world!” If only this was true. all year round. ping and vibrate constantly as Further information remarked how he’s a much happier The reality is very different. The All of these issues have a negative emails, texts and social media Further information on this form of mediation is at and calmer man six months after modern Course Manager or Head effect on morale and you can see updates pour in - adding to our nkt-kmc-manjushri.org discovering meditation. Greenkeeper is under increasing how greenkeepers – like anyone already busy day. To find your local mediation centre, visit kadampa. I drove home with a doctor after pressure from Committee mem- else - can succumb to depression, Having experienced the whole org – you can book a session online or pay on the door. the retreat. Neither of us wanted to bers and golfers with sometimes anxiety and stress. Of course, this range of emotions during 40 years Don’t forget that BIGGA membership allows you talk afterwards, we were so calm. unrealistic expectations. The recent all affects your personal well-being in this industry I would like to tell access to FREE helplines including the Lifestyle It took us six hours to turn our economic downturn saw budgets and in turn, your family life. you about something that can help Counselling Helpline on 0844 770 1036. phones back on as we both wanted

44 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 45 SOIL ANALYSIS

Back The 2015 US Open at always show variation between and construction, finishing with some Chambers Bay, whilst within each and every golf course. speculation about the future. producing some fantastic golf, The purpose of this article is to So, early golf places, where are an extraordinary finish, and look a little more closely at one of they are what are they like? The a most worthy champion in these elements, the soil, and I hope earliest associations of golf with Jordan Spieth, was not short to offer a perspective gained from specific places connect the game to of controversy in our world looking at and understanding the locations including Dornoch, Aber- to the and beyond, with the subject original landscapes for golf, the deen, Montrose, Carnoustie, St of turf quality never more links land of eastern Scotland. Andrews, Elie, Leith and Gullane, prominent. Having grown up in the east of dating from the early 16th to the I haven’t visited Chambers Bay Scotland and living and working early 18th centuries. and am unlikely to ever have a full just 10 miles from St Andrews I am If we ask what those places have insight into its development and bound to take a traditional view of in common we find them adjacent preparation, but the whole event golf and golf courses, and believe to expanses of links land. It’s dif- got me thinking about turf qual- that it does no harm to look back- ficult to find links land today which future ity and where it comes from. One wards in order to understand the isn’t occupied by golf courses, interpretation is that turf quality present and the future; it is with caravan parks or military airfields, results from each unique combina- those thoughts in mind that I take however one such place is St Cyrus tion of climate, soils, grasses and this particular look at soils for fine in Kincardineshire, where we can maintenance, and unless we as an turf. We’ll have a look at the soils of find the natural landscape and Paul Miller returns to look at turf industry end up using artificial turf early ‘golf places’ and see what we landscape elements for golf. The quality through the lens of soil and in our in-play areas turf quality will understand from that in modern picture looks south-west with the explores the east of Scotland for the history of soil characteristics

A worm’s eye view of the natural fine turf at Askernish

46 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 47 SOIL ANALYSIS

Pie chart 1:

Pie chart 2:

by the sizes and shapes of the but what does that look like? In Graph 1 individual mineral particles. general terms when sandy links Typical Links Sand -‐ Par2cle Size Distribu2on Let’s now try to connect that soils drain to field capacity in their 100 idea with the soils of the links. As natural setting they reach a pore 90 previously mentioned sand is the space distribution shown by pie 80 70 predominant size fraction within chart 1, showing the internal space 60 links soils, but bear with me as it of the soil to be evenly distributed 50 gets a little bit more involved than between air and water. It’s all very 40 that. Sand particles range in size well knowing that, but what can we 30 20 from 2mm down to 0.05mm in take from it, how can we use it in 10 diameter, which is quite a wide modern golf course management? 0 range and which therefore means In the early 1960s the United Very Coarse Medium Fine Sand Very Fine Coarse Silt Fine Silt Coarse Sand Sand Sand and Clay nature reserve in the foreground ABOVE: St Cyrus National Nature Only a few well-adapted plants can of these three components give us that considerable ‘packing’ of States Golf Association were clearly Sand and beyond the links of Montrose, Reserve particles can take place. So in our concerned about the winter con- BELOW: A broad view of the 18th survive and reproduce in such a ‘texture types’ for example loam, an ancient golfing venue. green at Askernish harsh environment, among them silty clay, sandy loam and quite a industry we look far more closely dition of golf greens, specifically Graph 2 Typical USGA Rootzone -‐ Par6cle Size Distribu6on There are many attempts in of course our highly prized fescues few others. at the sands, and sub-divide them with poor internal drainage and textbooks and websites to define and bentgrasses, which when We know instinctively from those into five sub-bands, indicated in water movement, and set about to 100 links land; for me it comprises the table 1. research the topic and propose a 90 grazed or mown short provide us names that these soils have differ- 80 expanses of sandy soil, always with the basis of fine turf. ent properties including drainage When we then run a links sand solution. 70 adjacent to the sea and at sea level, The natural fine turf of Askernish rates, susceptibility to compaction through a set of sieves we typically I am unfamiliar with the whole 60 found in the cool and moist climate Golf Club is on deep deposits of and so on. These characteristics find a particle size distribution as process, but the solution to the 50 illustrated in graph 1, where we can problem was a recommendation 40 typical of Britain and Ireland. shelly sand - can there be a more are not conferred on the soil by the 30 Such land is by nature swept natural golf course anywhere? size of the particles per se, but more see that we have a predominant for a method of putting green con- 20 by salt-laden winds, is subject to Taking a social history perspec- specifically by the size and connect- fraction commonly in the ‘fine struction, or ‘The USGA Green’. 10 erosion, and can have fertility ‘prob- sand’ or ‘medium sand’ categories, This has effectively become the 0 tive it is no wonder that such land edness of the spaces between them. Very Coarse Medium Fine Sand Very Fine Coarse Silt Fine Silt lems’ (when see from an agricul- was never taken up by agriculture Of course the two are related; frequently 70% or more on a single industry default position for greens Coarse Sand Sand Sand and Clay tural perspective) owing to all that (other than some minimal grazing large well rounded particles pro- sieve and upwards of 80% on the construction, other than where Sand sand, sometimes also with a high value) thereby being available for duce large well connected spaces, two ‘most loaded’ adjacent sieves. sandy soils can be found on site, but shell content leading to pH issues. non-agricultural uses, one of which through which water can pass In other words the particles are often even in those circumstances, of the links, producing conditions evolved as golf. rapidly and which, once excessive pretty uniform in size, don’t pack and among the aspects of that rec- favoured by the fine turf species, FRACTIONS WITHIN So what of these soils? What water is drained away by gravity, very well together (visualise a shoe ommendation is one for the particle and by doing so aims to facilitate ‘SAND’ characterises them and provides are filled with air – the so-called ‘air box over-filled with glass marbles size distribution of the artificially the production of turf of a similar 2.0 – 1.0mm – Very that specific niche for our fine spe- filled porosity’. and you’re trying to get the lid on) manufactured growing medium, quality to those old places for play. Coarse Sand cies? Of course, not all water is drawn and therefore have large spaces or ‘rootzone’. Not surprisingly the Not for the first time the technologi- 1.0 – 0.5mm – Coarse A fundamental starting point out of any soil by gravity, what between them. This manifests itself rootzone has a high sand content, cal solution mimics mother nature! Sand for soils, and in many respects the remains occupies the small spaces in fast drainage (percolation) rates and typically shows a particle size What we have looked at in this 0.5 – 0.25mm – underpinning characteristic from between particles – the so-called and high air / low water soils at distribution as shown in graph 2. article is strictly the physical char- Medium Sand which so many other properties ‘capillary porosity’. So what we field capacity. To connect this idea It looks familiar, 70% or thereby on acteristics – air and water content – 0.25 – 0.125mm – Fine derive, is texture, or particle size are saying is that every soil, after further I’ll state quite clearly that a single sieve, and 80% + on the of nature’s growing medium for fine Sand distribution. Soil mineral particles gravitational drainage has occurred these are the soil physical proper- two ‘most loaded’ adjacent sieves. turf (the links sands) and the scien- 0.125 – 0.063mm – are defined as being smaller than (a state known as ‘field capacity’) ties favoured by fescues in particu- More importantly, when it drains tific solution (the USGA rootzone) Very Fine Sand 2mm in diameter i.e. they pass has some of its internal pore space lar, and by bentgrasses, two grass into its gravel carpet it reaches a but we’ve mentioned nothing of the types whose natural habitat is the pore space distribution as shown in nutritional or biological aspects of through a sieve with a mesh size occupied by air, and some by water, STRI – Sands for Sports of 2mm. the proportions of which are deter- sandy environment of the links. pie chart 2. these soils. Turf Construction and Maintenance Further sieves can be used to mined by the size and distribution OK, so far so good – we’ve got My interpretation of this is A second article will provide some the idea of these sandy soils with that the USGA green attempts to thoughts on those aspects of soils separate those particles further into of the spaces (pore space distribu- Table 1 sand, silt and clay. The percentages tion) which in turn are determined a certain pore space distribution, emulate the original sandy ground for fine turf.

48 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 49 INTERVIEW

where they are only seen by green- There are a number of issues that Perhaps just as importantly keepers already in the industry or contribute to the lack of females in they will talk about it with their are not necessarily promoted to the industry, perhaps one of the friends opening up the possibility encourage female applicants. I am most important is recruitment. Golf of other females considering it as a not alone though – I know there are a club owners and managers have career option. Clubs should work handful of female BIGGA members often said to me that women never with their local colleges and train- working on courses across the UK apply. The thing many seem to miss ing providers and offer to deliver and three at clubs in Berkshire is that this is most likely because presentations to get the club’s alone. they haven’t actually seen a job name known to the students so the Mind the advertisement. I also think a lot of thought of applying for a job there is What do you think could females probably believe the job is less daunting. attract more women to not advertising for women so skip Interviews need to be conducted greenkeeping? over the possibility that they could fairly. To make an interview fair it’s A greater awareness about the apply. important to prepare a set of ques- profession and the professional and To overcome this issue, clubs tions that you ask each and every (gender) personal opportunities it offers. I need to consider how they advertise candidate and vary from these as personally believe that greenkeep- vacancies. They should think about little as possible. ing is losing out by not having more what their advertisement says This way everyone is judged females in the industry. Most indus- about their club’s culture. They on equal criteria. Also, if possible tries now recognise the importance should also think about the skills ensure that the interview commit- gap of diversity in the workforce and the they have listed as required by the tee has a balance of gender and different skillsets they can bring. applicant. By making the advertise- this balance of gender is used when ment less specific, they may find drawing up the list of interview So if female workers have so a more diverse set of candidates questions. much to offer then why are there so apply for the post. Of course although these points few in the industry? Having a clear diversity state- have all been aimed at female Andy Wight from Oaklands College This answer is not as straightfor- ment in the advert can provide employees they could equally speaks to BIGGA member Susan ward as you might think. a message to potential female apply to other minority areas of our Reeve, First Assistant Greenkeeper Many other closely related indus- employees that an application is at diverse population. I have spoken tries that were once considered least worthwhile. to lots of people about the culture at Castle Royle Golf & Country male-dominated occupations are Another way of increasing the of greenkeeping and I really believe Club, to discuss her career and experiencing increasing num- diversity of the workforce is to it has the potential and wants to bers of women in the workforce. create a pool of potential e.g. work- become more inclusive. I believe it’s why there are so few female Construction and engineering ing with a local college might help to not about the industry not wanting greenkeepers in the industry have seen increased numbers of attract female students to a club. If to be more diverse it’s more about female employees yet greenkeeping they have a good work experience the industry making itself a more remains an almost exclusively male at a golf club, there is a chance that attractive career option to close that BELOW: Susan Reeve (front row, workforce. they might consider it as a career. gender gap. second right) with the team at Castle Royle There is no denying that Susan, how did you get into water resources to name but a few, ABOVE: Susan checking irrigation women are few and far greenkeeping? which I have found to be very useful arcs on the second tee between in the greenkeeping My journey into greenkeeping in my current studies as well as ranks. I recently completed began when I started taking golf giving me a better understanding an audit of how many female lessons. I initially began working in of turf management. I am currently greenkeepers are currently in the pro shop, the following summer I completing my Work Based Diploma training. worked with the greenkeepers and at Level 3 and I am finding that Five of the larger UK colleges loved every minute of it. It has been the course has helped me develop responded and although between the only job I’ve had where I have important fundamental skills. them they have hundreds of always looked forward to my day. greenkeepers in training, the total What are the most satisfying of female students was just two. To What are your key aspects of your role? be honest this is a pretty dire situa- responsibilities? Assessing course conditions and tion with the proportion of males to One of my main roles is joining treating problems effectively are females lower than in traditionally Course Manager Chris Brook in parts of the job that I find reward- male orientated industries such as treating pests and diseases as well ing. But there is no denying that engineering and construction. as regular applications of nutrients ensuring the course is set up at its When discussions are held with for the greens, tees and approaches. best for competitions, particularly Course Managers and Head Green- I am required to run the team of in the summer, has to be the most keepers on this issue, they say they eight when Chris is away as well satisfying. have absolutely no problem with as inducting and training new the thought of employing females, team members. I assist putting the Does greenkeeping run in your and the standard response is “we monthly newsletter together. I’m family? never get any female applicants, so also responsible for keeping the Yes, my husband is a Course what can we do?” health and safety files (particularly Manager and my brother-in-law is a To look into this further I the COSHH files and the spraying Golf Professional. interviewed Susan Reeve, First records) up to date. Assistant Greenkeeper at Castle Why do you think there are so Royle Golf & Country Club, an What qualifications do you few women in the industry? 18-hole championship course near hold? Well, it’s pretty much always been Maidenhead in Berkshire. She is I have a BSc in Environmental a male dominated industry and few currently studying the NPTC Work Science. The modular degree course people (outside of golf) really know Based Diploma Level 3 Sports Turf allowed me to study soil science, exactly what greenkeeping entails. at Oaklands College. plant pathology, cell biology and So, quite often jobs get advertised

50 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 51 TORO AWARD 2015

SIX OF The final THE BEST countdown FOR TORO Who will win the first prize in the Toro Student Greenkeeper of Congratulations to the Year competition? A Toro Scholarship to the University of the final six who have Massachusetts plus visits to the Toro Company and the Golf made it through to Industry Show in San Diego await the final of the Toro Student Greenkeeper One of the industry’s most enduring competitions returns of the Year Award. next month as we wait to Here are pen profiles find out who will succeed Kevin O’Neill as Toro Student of the group Greenkeeper of the Year. The final will begin on Monday 14 September and after a series of introductions, the candidates will STEFAN CARTER SUSAN REEVE STEPHEN THORNE join a discussion group hosted by Assistant First Assistant Deputy Course BIGGA Chairman Les Howkins Greenkeeper Greenkeeper Manager MG. This will focus on various The Wentworth Castle Royle Golf & Rushmore Golf Club industry issues. Club Country Club Myerscough College Tuesday sees the finalists take Myerscough Oaklands College Nominated by Nick part in a multiple choice quiz, College Nominated by Andy Lush complete an essay question and Nominated by Nick Wight be interviewed by a panel from Lush Stephen’s first Toro and BIGGA before the winner After taking golf lessons at Castle Royle, greenkeeping role was at Salisbury & is announced. Two runners up Stefan started his greenkeeping career Susan started working in the club’s South Wilts Golf Club in 2007, before will be invited to the Continue to six years ago at Forest Hill Golf Club in pro shop part time. She then joined the leaving to start his own lawn care business. Learn programme at BTME 2016, Leicester, and after completing his NVQ greenkeeping team one summer and “loved He then desired a return to greenkeeping and all six will be given BIGGA Level 2 he steadily rose up through the every minute of it”! and applied for a role at Rushmore, and he membership for a year. ranks to Deputy Head Greenkeeper. This led to her securing her current role joined the course in Salisbury in 2012. Good luck to all the finalists! He then moved to Bowood Golf & as First Assistant Greenkeeper. She has Stephen and the team have completed Country Club before recently joining the a degree in Environmental Science and is a variety of agronomic projects in the greenkeeping ranks at Wentworth. He currently studying her Level 3 Diploma in meantime and he was promoted to Deputy has plenty of tournament experience Sports Turf through distance learning at Course Manager in January 2014. He is after volunteering at the British Open, Oakland College. currently Secretary of the BIGGA South the Senior Amateur Championship Coast Section Committee and also pens the and has now worked at two BMW PGA Section’s Around the Green notes. Championships.

SAM SWEETZER DAVID STEWART JON-JO PITTS Assistant Greenkeeper 15 weeks to BTME Assistant Greenkeeper Walmley Golf Club GREENKEEPER Greenkeeper West Hill Golf Club Pershore – Royston Golf Myerscough College Warwickshire

INTERNATIONALrs Association OCTOBER 2014 GI Published by the British and International Golf Greenkeepe Club Nominated by Simon College Oaklands College Dadge Nominated by Karen Inside... FLEXIBLE Nominated by Martin WORKING Steve Allen Sam began working at Royal Ascot Golf How changes in the law could affect you Club as a greenkeeper before heading to David has spent three and a half years PHOTO COMP Jon-Jo is a relatively recently arrival into university to study Psychology. However, working as a greenkeeper at Walmley, a RESULTS BIGGA Members’ top 12 inside the greenkeeping industry and has been he realised he still loved greenkeeping parkland course in Sutton Coldfield. working at Royston – an 18 hole heathland and after university returned to the He has been involved in several course in Hertfordshire – for two years. greenkeeping team at Royal Ascot. He then major projects on the course including O’Neill Prior to becoming a greenkeeper at the secured a role at West Hill, a heathland constructing new tees, redesigning old club he worked part-time in the pro shop course in Surrey. tees and creating a new drainage nails it as he studied for his A-Levels, then during He has extensive tournament experience system. Muswell Hill’s Kevin O’Neill rounds off 25 time off from university he joined the including twice volunteering at the BMW He is currently studying his Level 2 years of Toro winners greenkeeping team helping with regular PGA Championship, twice at US Open Horticulture and Sportsturf diploma. tasks such as bunker maintenance and Qualifiers at Walton Heath and also the ALSO INSIDE... MACHINERY TIPS : PROBLEM WEEDS : BASIS Kevin O’Neill

01/10/2014 14:50 strimming. Ladies British Masters. GI_OCT_14_v3.indd 1

52 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 53 SOCIAL MEDIA Social talk Two BIGGA members – Matt Nutter and Dan Lightfoot MG it, or risk getting left far behind - very quickly, warns Matt Nutter, – explore the importance of social media in greenkeeping, Course Manager at East Berkshire offer tips and discuss some of the challenges it poses Golf Club. A keen advocate of the technology outside of work, it has been a natural progression to uti- lise Facebook and Twitter to help communicate what he is doing on the course. Social media has opened One of the challenges is which Golfers - even the older play- up a whole new world of the plethora of social media ers - are increasingly tech savvy. of communication. For platforms to choose? You can Yik They are perfectly adept at using greenkeepers and course Yak, Whisper, Shout or Tsu. Even Facebook to see pictures of grand- managers, often working in Bebo’s back. Almost every day children; tweeting the latest offers the close confines of a club there’s a new app or tool linked to at Lidl, or looking up tee-time infor- environment, it brings the social media, and as the technology mation online. There are as many opportunity to talk to each moves forwards so rapidly having members in the clubhouse viewing other and share experiences an established on-line presence their iPad using WiFi, as reading quickly and easily. It also has becomes more important than ever. the paper. the ability to reach direct It’s going on all around, in every “Social media lets us reach them to players, to give a better business, leisure activity and every- in one go, whether they be regular understanding of what they day life. It’s certainly not going to go players at the club most days, or are doing, and why. away, so we may as well embrace just occasional players who want to know what is going on,” said Matt. “If we tell them what we are doing, we very rarely get any problem or complaints. The club’s Facebook page has been invaluable for that, and using Twitter we can instantly keep them up to date with progress and results.” Matt finds that Twitter is the more effective route to let people know what is happening, but Facebook is his preferred way to share information and develop discussion - both with golfers and other greenkeepers. Other discussion groups, such as the BIGGA forum, provide valuable contact and conversation of experiences. However, some chat rooms are dominated by a limited number of individuals, of varying ability, who are only too willing to pontificate their opinion on every subject. He remains wary of posting too much advice in open online discussion. “Some topics are highly technical and need talking through, rather than a short post that could be taken out of context or interpreted in the wrong way,” he warned. “If I see there is a question posted by a greenkeeper where I might be able to help, I’d rather give him a call and discuss in person.” Matt remains clear that an online message cannot replace the value of personal contact. “We still have the blackboard in the clubhouse, detailing the current activities and

54 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 55 SOCIAL MEDIA

course report. I also believe that been some of Matt’s GoPro movies, right. Communication is really part getting the Green Committee and where members have been fasci- of the job, so anything that makes Club Manager out on the course nated to watch the greenkeeping that easier and more effective has is irreplaceable to explain what we operations in practice, which had to be welcomed.” want to do and how the investment created great respect for the team. Social media provides an will benefit the club.” He reports that social media can incredibly valuable resource for Golfers always gripe at any dis- be extremely rewarding in giving greenkeepers to gain, and to share, ruption through the maintenance instant feedback on a message technical information and experi- programme, but where he can now posted, and that seeing what other ences, believes Syngenta Business tweet or Facebook post pictures of greenkeepers are doing can trigger Manager, Daniel Lightfoot MG. before, during and after essential a reminder or stimulate an idea. As a former Course Manager operations it reminds them of just Matt is also aware that to be cur- and Master Greenkeeper, he fully what was done and why – and how rent and topical demands regular embraced and utilised the oppor- they are now enjoying great condi- updates and activity, which has to tunity for education and learning tions because of it. be balanced. – as well as the social aspect of That’s proven especially success- Twitter takes a while to learn interacting with other greenkeep- ful with projects such as bunker and fiddly to refine, but is now ers. reconstruction, for environmental very quick and easy to operate, yet Dan cited his use of @green- initiatives and Rescue treatments within hours posts can be history castuk to Twitter news of what to thin out rough, for example. and gone. Facebook was extremely has been seen in trials and what Sending a picture of the team easy to set up, and has the advan- is happening on course, as well as working in the mud on a miserable tage of a longer presence. to re-tweet greenkeepers’ experi- wet day in winter is an invaluable The key for Matt has been to link ences, a route to instantly providing reminder of what goes on behind together the Twitter and Facebook relevant information quicker and Matt Nutter (left) and the scenes, and the effort that goes accounts, saving time and giving more effectively than ever before. Dan Lightfoot MG on all year round to enhance the a broader reach, and plans to inte- Using pertinent hashtags - such as course playing conditions. grate with a new club website that #turfunderthemicroscope – gathers “We will still be doing meetings, enCast, for example, enables the Matt believes the secret of on- will further help communicate with together topical turf management briefings and events, such as Turf experiences to be shared far wider line communication to members members. information and links. Science Live and BTME, where and reach even more people,” is to keep messages simple and “Most of the social media activi- “Social media is a main area of personal contact is so important he added. focussed on the benefit to them. ties are virtually instant within focus as a future communication to deliver a depth of knowledge and “With more information readily “It is very easy to overcomplicate the working day,” he reported. tool for the industry, so it is impera- understanding. available to help enhance turf man- what we write and assume too “However, I do spend more time tive that all involved get connected “But social media, combined agement, it’s a really exciting time 420mm muchx 148mm knowledge + 3mm bleedon their (L/R part,” hand sidecompiling + base) the blog entries that are with appropriate links,” advised with details from on-line video to learn and exploit the potential of he advised. The only exception has more detailed and we want to get Dan. and website information on Gre- social media.”

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Syngenta UK Ltd. Registered in England No. 849037. CPC4, Capital Park, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5XE E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.greencast.co.uk Heritage Maxx® is a Registered Trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Heritage Maxx® contains azoxystrobin (MAPP 14787, PCS 03978). All other brand names used are trademarks of other manufacturers in which proprietaryrights may exist. Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. For further product informaton including warning phrases and symbols refer to www.greencast.co.uk. ©Syngenta AG March 2011. GQ 06068. 56 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 57 Distributed in the UK and Ireland by Everris Ltd. Tel: 0844 809 4470 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.everris.co.uk Section Notes Please email your notes to All the latest news from your Section, EAST steve.castle Mopping up at The Open, courtesy of Craig Boath @bigga.co.uk WOW! What a week at Gullane, I was fortunate enough to be by the 10th in your new-look notes pages... of the month volunteering at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open and heard so much positive feedback from spectators, both local and overseas. Congratulations to Stewart Duff and his team and Gullane Golf Club for a fabulous week. Good luck Colin Irvine and his team at Muirfield for the Scot- tish Amateur Championship, being played as this rolls off the presses and Chris Yeaman and his team at The Royal Burgess for Around the green the Scottish Boys, a week earlier. Congratulations to Ross Ovens at The Roxburghe on his promotion and also to Derek Fullarton at Murrayfield Golf Club on gaining his BSc (Hons) in Sportsturf Science and Manage- ment via online study through Myerscough College. The weather certainly tested the field at Gullane but hasn’t prevented us getting on with work at our home venues, members and visitors shouldn’t have any complaints going by the pictures Scotland on social media except for the idiots who do this kind of thing! Both photos are in the middle of a green! Anyone wishing to have news added or are willing to write & Northern a short topic of interest for the GI Magazine then please get in touch. Again a reminder that if your contact details have changed Ireland please feedback ASAP. NORTHERN IRELAND Bigga Scottish Region Last month CAFRE held their annual graduation ceremony. Its Greenmount campus is home to Northern Ireland’s Golf and Greenkeeping Academy which was opened in 2009 by Rory The weather has been challenging throughout the South West Contact your Section correspondent with news, of Scotland as all of you will be aware of, so fingers crossed for events or anything else for Around the green... McIlroy. Graduation day is the culmination of students’ hard work. Special prizes for top student on their respective courses some sunshine for the remainder of the summer holidays. went to Chris McArthur of Portstewart G.C. and Conchobhar Thank you in advance to Derek Wilson for hosting the upcom- Kerr of Royal Portrush G.C. The event was attended by John ing board meeting at Bogside on 13 August. The meeting minutes Gordon Moir and Gordon McKie flank McKie Gordon and Moir Gordon O pen winner Zach Johnson Young from BIGGA who presented the BIGGA award for best will be circulated in due course. student in the Level 2 Diploma in Sport Turf Greenkeeping to Ian A social event was suggested at the last meeting, so if anyone SOUTH WEST OF SCOTLAND Ross of Malone GC. has any ideas then please get in touch at the above email Autumn Golf Outing 3 September Brodick GC. address. CENTRAL SOUTH WEST OF SCOTLAND EAST Speaking of Malone, I write this on the back of visiting Malone Craig Boath Amanda Dorans & Ian Smith Hamish Campbell Pre Open course walk 24 September Royal Troon 8am–10am GC, Belfast, where the Vagliano Trophy was held on 26/27 June. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Autumn Outing cboath@ [email protected] / greenkeeper@alancampbell. at Brodick GC and the course walk at Royal Troon. As always carnoustiegolflinks. [email protected] demon.co.uk followed by 2 course lunch Anchorage Troon 11am. Course Manager, Mike Norman, and his team deserve special co.uk Ecology Course Walk Powfoot GC 10 November with Bob Taylor praise for setting the course up exquisitely for this LGU team please get in touch with your news or photos via email Facebook or Twitter. Bigga South West Scotland Bigga Scottish East STRI. event. Bigga Central @BIGGA_ES Section One of the tightest Vagliano Trophy matches for many years News ended with the Continent of Europe extending their possession of Thanks to Patrons the cup but in a terrific final session of singles, Great Britain and NORTH Ireland went down fighting. The final result was: Continent of CENTRAL I spent a day down at Gullane for the Scottish Open, the course Europe 12.5; GB and Ireland 11.5. Special thanks to Toro, Barenbrug, Syngenta, Aquatrols/ was in awesome condition and the pros seemed to relish the A BIGGA Northern Ireland Facebook page has now been Farmura and Aitkens for the support in the lead up and during challenge. It’s always great to spend a day with other greenkeepers, created and it would be great if you could add pictures or The Open at St Andrews. NORTH WEST NORTHERN IRELAND information. Paul Sharp & Neil Sadler Stuart Taylor Chris McArthur chatting and extending your knowledge about course manage- [email protected] stuart.taylor@ [email protected] EAST [email protected] glasgowgolfclub. ment. It always helps when the sun is shining also! com Bigga Northern The Open Championship will have also come and gone at St. SOUTH WEST OF SCOTLAND Remember our sponsors Circle Golf provide 4 spaces at our Ireland Andrews by now and again, I’m sure it will have presented a Fantastic Open Championship despite the weather! The bad Scottish Golf Championships, 2 from the Autumn meeting and 2 Events Coming Up challenge to the best players in the world. Although I haven’t seen weather actually showcased the massive efforts from Gordon from Spring. Next year’s Scottish is at Ladybank in August. the course, I’m told it is as good as it’s ever been from an agronomic Moir and his team who worked tirelessly battling the rain. NORTH point of view. The committee have sent out the entry form for the Autumn Not much to report within the North Section regarding staff Welcome New outing at Kemnay Golf Club. We expect this one to be very popular moving around, but can I remind everyone to please send any so get your form in early to ensure a tee time. Kemnay is a lovely information to myself and Neil. Members track and always in great condition, so if you have never played in an outing before, so please come along. CENTRAL Jason Scott, Greenkeeper, Well, what a week at The Open. The only thing that was missing Buchanan Castle Golf Club, CENTRAL from the weather was snow and hail! Gordon and his team were Colin Macfarlane, Greenkeeper, The Autumn Outing at Drumoig Golf Course is on Tuesday 8 hard at it to get the course cleared of water on the Friday only to Fereneze Golf Club, Colin September. be hit by wind delays on the Saturday leaving a Monday finish. McAdam, Greenkeeper, Glasgow Open week also meant a bit more income for clubs around about GC Gailes, Steven Horsburgh, EAST St Andrews, with the demand for tee times more than doubling. Greenkeeper, The Duke’s The Willie Woods at Broomieknowe is on August 20, entry forms Meanwhile at Leven Links they were trying to get more water on St Andrews, Steven Clarke, in ASAP please. Autumn meeting at Cardrona on September 22. the course with an update to the irrigation system. Greenkeeper, Glasgow GC By the time you have read this there would have been a few other Gailes, James Taylor, Head NORTHERN IRELAND tournaments played around the region. I hope the weather played Greenkeeper, Wick Golf Club, Entry forms for the BIGGA Northern Ireland Golf Championship along with Dundonald Links for the Ladies Scottish Open, Murcar Jordan Harrison, Greenkeeper, at Clandeboye Golf Club on Friday 2 October will be issued in due Links for the Paul Lawrie Matchplay and Trump Turnberry Resort Clandeboye Golf Club. course. for the Women’s British Open. Greens divots courtesy of Hamish Campbell

58 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 59 Around The Green Around The Green

Goodall’s nearest the pin, the ball lipped out and finished 20cm News Tom Ince away! The day was most enjoyable and a big thank-you must go to Brough Golf Club for their hospitality. Rob Clare and his team did NORTH WEST a fantastic job and the course was superb, also thanks to Judith We held our Summer Tournament at The Mere Golf Northern for providing us with a lovely two course dinner. Resort And Spa on Monday 6 July. We tried a new format Thanks must go to Ganton Golf Club for allowing the course out of 11 holes and a machinery demo with food afterwards. walk and to Phil Baldock who gave a superb tour of a beautiful The Committee would like to thank the 28 people who course. Thanks also to Ian Collett of Rigby Taylor for providing played and sponsors Cheshire Turf Machinery for making refreshments for everyone and to everyone who attended. the day a huge success. Lastly for this month a big thank-you to our regional official We would like to congratulate Steve Hemsley, Andy Sandra Raper for her recent help with this section. Thanks Sandra Merry and Tim Johnson on completing the 52 mile Great from all the Northern committee. Manchester Cycle. Also we’d like to congratulate the North West Section on beating the North Wales Section in the CLEVELAND annual cricket match. Contact your Section correspondent with news, All very quiet in the Cleveland section this month. Hopefully Gwynn Davies, Course Manager of The Mere Golf Resort events or anything else for Around the green... everyone enjoyed the brief hot spell and managed to top up their And Spa, would like to thank John McLoughlin & James Yorkshireman’s tan - head and forearms! Dudley - Warrington GC, Ash Griffiths - Wrexham GC, Alistair Whitby of Lloyds held a very successful day watching Richie Stevens - Flixton GC and Chris Trimble - Royal Local senior league cricket at Darlington Cricket Club. In total 25 Liverpool GC for their help during the open qualifier. people attended from all aspects of the industry and it was great to Congratulations to Tom Ince who celebrated working at catch up with a few faces that I hadn’t seen for a while. Thanks to Wigan Golf Club for 25 years in July. Also congratulations Darlington cricket club for the superb teas and To Alistair Whitby to Chris Harding from Prestwich GC on his graduation. NORTH EAST NORTH WEST CLEVELAND NORTHERN SHEFFIELD North Wales for organising these events. Glen Baxter Tom Wood Anthony Chris Goodall Ian Whitehead Pete Maybury glen.baxter@ & Tim Johnson McGeough christopher admin@ petemayb66@ Barnard Castle Golf Club’s maintenance facility was broken rigbytaylor.com tomwoodtmw@ amcgeough@ goodall11@ hillsborough aol.com gmail.com/tim_ aol.com hotmail.com golfclub.co.uk into and numerous power hand tools were taken. Hopefully [email protected] this is just an isolated occurrence and not the start of a spate of Bigga North East North Wales @NEBIGGA BIGGA Cleveland BIGGA Northern BIGGA Sheffield B.I.G.G.A. thefts. Needless to say be vigilant and report anything that looks BIGGANorthWest Section Section Section @Bigga suspicious. @BIGGA @Sheffield NorthWales NorthWest Bigga If you have any news or information you want to share with the section let me know and I will put it in. The last couple of months have been quite difficult to gather anything to write about. The more information you can give the better the around the green Events Coming Up section could be. I can be contacted on my mobile 07974458640, email [email protected] or alternatively post on the BIGGA Cleveland section Facebook page. NORTH WEST Chris Harding We have our Autumn seminar coming up at Myerscough College on 28 SHEFFIELD October, more information will follow regard line up etc. The Section held their Summer Tournament at Abbeydale Golf where Warwick and the team presented the course beautifully. NORTH EAST Results: Best gross Paul Bracey with 80, Paul also won the On 9 September there will be an educational day at Whitley best nett trophy with 68, runner up Richard Marshall with 82, Bay Golf Club with the line up expected to be Jonathan Gaunt, third place Mike Schouler with 85. Nearest the Pin on 10th went James Hutchinson, Eddie Ainsworth, Paul Lowe and there will be a to Gordon Brammah and on the 18th Neil Peters. Thank you to demonstration from Campey. The presentations and course walks will everyone who attended. cover construction, grow in and ecology. Full details will be distributed via email, Facebook and Twitter. NORTH EAST The date for the autumn tournament is at Ponteland GC on The section would like to congratulate Hexham’s David Thanks to Sponsors September 22. Thompson and his wife Heather on the birth of their son Connor. Also congratulations to Simon Olver (above) on his NORTH WEST NORTH WALES graduation. Thanks to Cheshire Turf Machinery for sponsoring the The autumn tournament takes place at Chester GC on 17 September, We would like to wish Steve Cram the best of luck in his summer tournament, and to Bathgate Amenity and Nick Gray entry forms are downloadable from our section Facebook page North new job as he moves from Slaley Hall GC to course manager for organizing and sponsoring the cricket match. The North West Wales BIGGA. of Archerfield GC in Scotland, Steve has been a great advert section would like to thank all of the section sponsors for the for greenkeepers in the north east, and will be an asset to continued support that they provide, thank you. NORTHERN Archerfield. 9 September will see an educational event take place for apprentice NORTH WALES greenkeepers at Selby Golf Club sponsored by Rigby Taylor. Arrival for NORTH WALES Thanks to Bathgate and Nick Gray for sponsoring the cricket 2pm for a bacon roll and coffee. Stuart Green from BIGGA will give a The annual North West v North Wales cricket match match. presentation of learning and CPD points. Another speaker also to be took place on 8 July at Ashley Cricket Club and in a tight confirmed soon. Afterwards there will be a course walk followed by a tour match the North West won the game by 1 run with 2 balls NORTHERN of the maintenance facilities. remaining. A massive thank you to Greentek, Sheriff Amenity and Tacit for We hope this free event will prove popular. If you would like to put Well done North West and it was agreed by all that it their sponsorship of the Invitation Day. forward any of your apprentices please contact [email protected] as was once again a roaring success, a great big thank you to places will be limited to 15. Ashley cricket club for hosting. SHEFFIELD Next golf event is Presidents day on 24 September at Ilkley GC. Thanks to Mansfield Sand for sponsoring the summer 10:30am for a bacon roll and coffee followed by 18 holes of golf and a NORTHERN tournament. meal for £15, hope to see a great turnout to support this event. June saw the Invitation day held at Brough GC. In the morning a demonstration was held by a representative from SHEFFIELD Greentek showing their latest offerings. This was followed Welcome New Members Join us for the next golf day at Tankersley Park GC on Thursday 17 by 18 holes of golf, results: September. If you are interested in a visit to the potash mine in Cleveland 1 N Coultish & D Goodall, 2 I Collett & S Dale, 3 K Smith Peter Fell, Affiliate, Aitkens Sportsturf Ltd, Luke Roberts, on 14 October then please contact Neil Peters to register your interest as & P Neve, 4 T Coultish & M Greive. Nearest the Pins: 9th A Greenkeeper, Llanymynech Golf Club, Jake Storey, Assistant the trip will only be organised when 8 names are received. Slingsby, 13th D Goodall. A mention must be made of Dean Greenkeeper, Alnmouth Golf Club.

60 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 61 Around The Green NATIONAL CHAMPS

is a magical place to be. East Mids BIGGA section seems to have a good base of volunteers! The summer tournament was held at Rothley Park GC, firstly the course was in great condition and a credit to Nigel Midland and the boys, thanks to everyone at the club for having us. I Be BIGGA’s best must say there needs to be handicap cut/check for Martin Hickling “technically speaking”. The BIGGA National Championship 2015, sponsored by Winners on the day were Martin Anderson division 1 and Charterhouse and Kubota, is at Fulford Golf Club, York, on 12-13 Martin Hickling division 2. Trade winner who called it on the putting green Carl Chamberlin. Nearest the pin also went to October 2015. You can win £500 worth of vouchers - just fill in the Martin Anderson. Clean sweep, congratulations. It would be form below to book your spot... great to see some new faces at the next day and supporting the efforts of the section and the trade sponsors for the up and coming days. Contact your Section correspondent with news, Please remember to send in anything from the section or events or anything else for Around the green... if there is anything you would like to see in added in at all. Thanks to Sponsors

MID ANGLIA Tuckwells Machinery, Avoncrop Amenity, Headland Amenity, Amtech Amenity, Farmura, Everris, Countrywide, BB&O - The Stick MID ANGLIA MIDLAND EAST OF ENGLAND EAST MIDLANDS bboscribe@gmail. Darren Mugford Dave Collins Steve Beverly Matt Gilks Banks Amenity, ALS and Rigby Taylor. com or Matt Nutter d.mugford@ greendave2004@ steveimmingham@ [email protected] The Mid Anglia Section would like to thank their bbosecretary@gmail. rigbytaylor.com hotmail.co.uk aol.com com wonderful sponsors for 2015 and we are very grateful for East Midlands BIGGA your continued support with funds for our section. Bigga Mid Anglia Bigga Midland EastofEnglandbigga @biggaeastmids BB&O Greenkeepers Section @bbogreen @BIGGA EAST MIDLANDS keepers Midlands A massive thank you to Mansfield Sands, Rigby Taylor and Farol for their sponsorship of the summer tournament. Events Coming Up Welcome New Members

EAST MIDLANDS Thomas Williamson, Deputy Head Greenkeeper, Due to unforeseen circumstances please note a date change of the Pavenham Park Golf Club, Sam Bower, First Assistant, Midland Region Golf Championship from Wednesday 5 August to Redditch Golf Club, Paul Tildesley, Greenkeeper, Hollywood Wednesday 16 September. If you have already sent in an entry form Golf Club, Dean Gregory, Greenkeeper, Beaconsfield Golf along with a cheque, or have paid by BACS could you please let Roger Club, Wayne Morgan, Greenkeeper, Bromsgrove Golf Butler know if you would like to added into the revised date. Centre, Thomas Kilby, Greenkeeper, Gainsborough Golf If you can no longer make the new date then please let Roger know Club, Harry Guile, Assistant Greenkeeper, Mount Pleasant and he will return your cheque or BACS payment. There are still Golf Club, Samual Shuttlewood, Assistant Greenkeeper, plenty of places available. The revised entry form is attached and is Leicestershire Golf Club, Leigh Cummings, Assistant BIGGA National Championship, Fulford Golf Club, 12-13 October 2015 Entry Form also available on the events section of the BIGGA website. Greenkeeper, Magnolia Park Golf & Country Club. Please select the relevant category: Payment method (please tick) Deadline for entry is 4th September 2015 News q Full Member q I enclose my cheque made payable to q Affiliate Member Completed entry forms should be sent to: MID ANGLIA ‘BIGGA Ltd’ value £95 BIGGA National We would like to wish Dale The entry fee of £95 includes all golf fees, q Please debit my Mastercard / Switch / Championship, BIGGA House, Aldwark, Housden, Course Manager lunch both days and dinner on Monday Visa / Delta card with the fee of £95 Alne, York YO61 1UF from Caddington GC, all the evening. Please note that there is no best for his new venture in accommodation provided. The main tournament for the Challenge Birmingham and thank him Card number...... Trophy will be played over 36 holes, medal for his support to the section Name...... play, with the best overall gross score over the last decade...... producing the BIGGA National Champion, Address...... EAST MIDLANDS who must be a greenkeeper member. Start Date...... Expiry Date...... Well summer is here at long ...... The greenkeeper player with the lowest nett last the season seems to well Last 3 security digits...... score will be presented with the BIGGA under way, The Open will have ...... Post Code...... Challenge Cup. been and won and I stuck my Issue No. (Switch/Delta only)...... money on Spieth. Mobile...... There will be prizes for the first five over 36 I’m writing this on the holes in the gross category. The top three in 14/7 BTW) and I know there E-mail...... Signature...... the nett competition will also receive prizes. is support at the Open from After each day of 18 holes there will be the East Midlands section, Membership No...... Date...... prizes for winners of handicap divisions. to those that are first timer, I hope you enjoyed it and for Handicap...... The BIGGA Regional Team Cup and prize the regulars, I also hope it was Or E-mail your details to: will be calculated from the 8 best nett enjoyable. BIGGA Section...... [email protected] scores over the first day of play. There will The home of golf certainly Summer Tournament at Rothley Park GC, courtesy of Matt Gilks Ensure you receive confirmation of entry also be various nearest the pin and longest Golf Club...... by return email. drive competitions, featuring prizes.

62 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd Around The Green Around The Green

Those who did master the course however are: big thank you to all our patrons whose support allowed the day to 0–9 Handicap: 1 Michael Sharp 37pts, 2 Mike Virley be free of charge, and thank you to Roger Davey at Irritech Ltd for 36. 10–18 Handicap: 1 Richard Brown AKA Nodzy 39, 2 contributing to the day’s proceedings. Richard Plummer 37. 19–28 Handicap: 1 Andy Baker 35, The Open was a brilliant week, eventful with some typical South East 2 Steve Freestone 32. T&G: 1 Simon Stevens 38CB, 2 John British summer weather. A great time was had by all on the team O’Connell 38. Nearest Pin: 4th G Shillings - 9th Lewis South West including the South West guys Ed Parsloe, Joe Curtis, Tom Wright, Batch - 14th Alan Ward – 18th Asa Barber. Darren Moxham, Chris Sealey and myself. There was no ‘longest drive’ which was a bit of a shame Finally congratulations to the South West & South Wales really as someone else could have won it in Michael Buck’s & South Regional Administrator Tracey Harvey and her fiancé Leighton absence! Walker who are getting married at the end of August, best wishes Pause for thought: I am sitting in my back garden waiting from all in the South West. for some great tits to fledge - they are less than 10 yards Wales away. The only sound I can hear is the chicks chirping and SOUTH WALES their parents calling. It is a welcome change from some A ten man team headed across the bridge to Bristol on Tuesday Contact your Section correspondent with news, golfer telling me how fast the greens have become since it Contact your Section correspondent with news, 16 June to play for the Rigby Taylor challenge match. A great events or anything else for Around the green... rained! They don’t need any green staff, just rain. See you all events or anything else for Around the green... day, great course and company, dare I mention we came last. at Swaffham on 3 September. The GCMA South West came second and BIGGA South West triumphed first place, congratulations. We will hopefully regain the SURREY match when you come to us next year. McMillan Tankard Sunningdale GC 30th July results: 1 A reminder again to all members of sponsored places for BTME Gary Ogilvie 35, 2 Joe Sexton 34, 3 Joe Curtis 32. Longest and Regional Conference if interested please contact P. Handy or Drive Gavin Kyle, Nearest Pin Joe Curtis. S. Lloyd. Great to see Billy and Bob McMillan together celebrating Congratulation to Pontardawe GC & Llanishen GC 1st & 2nd SOUTH WEST – SOUTH COAST – DEVON & SOUTH WALES SURREY KENT SUSSEX EAST ANGLIA Essex LONDON 30 years history of the McMillan Tankard which is held Jaey Goodchild Steve Thorne CORNWALL Andrew Hatcher place at BIGGA Golf Management Trophy played at Cradoc GC. 10 Mark Day Rob Holland Joe Dormer Mick Lathrope Arnold John Wells j.goodchild@ rachandstevewalk Cameron McMorrin andrewhatcher1@ mark@ premiergolf josephmichael lil.lathrope@ Phipps-Jones j.wells1@sky every year at Sunningdale. Big thank you to Bob from the bowood.org [email protected] cjmcmorrin@gmail. msn.com teams played I heard the course was in excellent condition thanks daylinks.co.uk 2012@hotmail. dormer@gmail. ntlworld.com essexbigga@ .com Artisans, Jamie Wilson and all the Sunningdale team who com to Robin Cheney. A good day had by all. co.uk com talktalk.net provided courtesy of the course, great food and ensured we Bigga Southwest Bigga South Coast Bigga South Wales Surrey BIGGA BIGGA East Bigga London had a superb day. Gareth Roberts managed the barbecue @Bigga @BIGGA Bigga Devon and @BIGGASouth SOUTH COAST @surrey BIGGA Sussex Anglia Essex Bigga @Bigga Southwest southcoast Cornwall Wales bigga Section @BIGGA @essex London serving up flame grilled delights to all. A great day was had by all at our recent Summer Tournament EastAnglia bigga held at Southwick Park Golf Club. The event was a “Yellow Ball” LONDON competition that proved to be fun for members of all golfing Events Coming Up The London section had a great spring tournament abilities. Congratulations go to Dave Smart, Russell Riley, Simon on Wednesday 24th June which was the qualifier for Events Coming Up Justice and Bev Blair who won the day with 33 points. A big thank SURREY the national tournament, held at the very nice Bush Hill you to all at Southwick Park for giving us such a warm welcome 16 Sept Match v Reps Hankley Common GC Park. Course Manager Graham Capeford had the course SOUTH WEST and in particular James Fancy and his team for delivering us a 6 October Tri Counties Match Windlesham GC presented in excellent condition and this was reflected in Once again the section is sponsoring places to BTME course in such great condition. 3 November England v Scotland Hankley Common GC the scores: in January 2016. This is a fantastic opportunity with The Open will have been and gone by the time this reaches you, 18 November Match v Secretaries The Berkshire GC 1 Robin Toovey 42, 2 Paul Homes 42, 3 Adam Clark 40. accommodation provided, please email our section but congratulations once again to Tom Smith from Wickham 4 December Turkey Trot Guildford GC NTP was Robin Toovey with a hole in one. L/D Graham address before 1 November with a short piece on why Park GC and Luke Elgie from Rushmore GC for representing our Jones. Trade winner was Simon Banks with a average you would like to attend for your chance to benefit. section and being part of the support team this year. LONDON round scoring 46 points! The South West Summer tournament is at To help us maintain a successful section, please remember The summer tournament will be at Highgate in September date still to Bristol & Clifton GC on 10 September. All entries to to settle all accounts relating to fixtures and training events be set and the Xmas tournament is on 8 December at Moor Park GC. [email protected] promptly. Please do not hesitate to contact any of the committee Thanks to Sponsors 18 November Regional Conference at Somerset members if you are unsure of how, where or when to pay. Country Cricket Club News EAST ANGLIA 15 December South West Section Christmas The main sponsors at Dunston Hall were Bartram Tournament Thanks to Sponsors EAST ANGLIA Mowers and the prizes were presented by Mr Alabaster. It was a lovely day at Dunston Hall. The course was in fine fettle thanks Other donations came from Jacobsen, Toro, Ben Burgess, SOUTH COAST SOUTH WEST to Steve Crabb and his crew. Fifty or so tried to do the course justice (most Earnest Doe, Tacit, Headland, Aitkens, SGI, Everris and This month sees our third Turf Club of 2015 taking A big thank you to our patrons for their continued support – failed miserably). Rigby Taylor. place at Hockley GC on the 18th. A lot of our section Ecosolve, Headland Amenity, Countrywide Farmers, Irritech Ltd, are enjoying the informal nature of these events and H Curtis & sons, TH Whites, Greensman and Farmura. LONDON are enjoying the networking potential that they provide. Many thanks to the main sponsor Bank Amenity and to The support given to these events has been more than Welcome New Members Bush Hill Park for great hospitality and food at the spring encouraging. Based on this success, some exciting tournament. ideas regarding the Turf Club were discussed at a David Thomas, Affiliate, Complete Weed Control, Meirion Lloyd recent committee meeting - watch this space and our Martinson, Greenkeeper, Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, Levi Pethick, section Twitter and Facebook accounts for upcoming Welcome New Members Greenkeeper, Stoneham Golf Club, Daniel Dimond, Greenkeeper, announcements! Tidworth Garrison Golf Club, Jon Arthur, Greenkeeper, Tidworth Michael Mead, Course Manager, Littlehampton Golf Club, Garrison Golf Club, Martin Pope, Greenkeeper, Tidworth Garrison Thomas Bissett, Greenkeeper, Swinley Forest Golf Club, News Golf Club, James Fancey, Head Greenkeeper, Southwick Park Gavin Sinclair, Mechanic, The Wentworth Club, Oliver Golf Club, Adrian Heckford, Student, Kingston Maurward College, Lewinski, Assistant Greenkeeper, Cuddington Golf Club. SOUTH WEST James Tibbles, Assistant Greenkeeper, Parkstone Golf Club, Great news from the Rigby Taylor Team Challenge Matthew Redgrave, Assistant Greenkeeper, Tidworth Garrison with South West Section taking the honours, many Golf Club. thanks to the South Wales Section and South West Please send your news and photos in secretaries for the stiff competition – particularly from Welcome New International to your section correspondent or Steve Jim Croxton - and the team at The Players for their Castle ([email protected]) by the efforts. Members 10th of each month Thanks to Matthew James and the team at Cumberwell Park GC for hosting the latest Turf Club, Andrew Sprunt, Florissant Golf Club (USA), David Perdisatt, the afternoon was a success with nearly 40 delegates. A Naas Golf Club (Republic of Ireland). Surrey McMillan Tankard

64 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 65 s Trainin er g p C e o Greenkeepers Training Point of Play e m k m Tee Markers n

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Contact Eagle for more information Octagonal Marker 150 Markers Hazard Markers t + 44 (0)1883 344244 e [email protected] w www.eagle.uk.com Plumpton College, one of David Golding, GTC Education employers to work in partner- the GTC’s Quality Assured Director, added: “I am extremely ship to begin delivery of the first Centres, has a long history pleased that Plumpton College are of these new apprenticeships. in delivering greenkeeper working with the GTC to develop The role of the golf club’s Course education and continues and deliver the new Apprenticeship Manager/Head Greenkeeper is to ensure its programmes in Golf Greenkeeping. extremely important as they will be meet the requirements of the “This new apprenticeship was responsible to give the apprentice the day to day training and sup- industry. developed by industry and will be BIGGA ® The Government’s Trailblazer ideal for those employers looking port required to ensure progress The GTC is funded by: Apprenticeship reform policy has to train up the supervisors and is made. Plumpton College will be TURF miceconcierge also looking to support employers firmly put employers in the driv- managers of the future. This new MANAGEMENT meetings incentives conferences events ing seat for apprenticeship design Golf Greenkeeper Apprenticeship manage the new funding initiatives and delivery. Plumpton College has is ideally suited to those appren- announced by the Government. EXHIBITION been involved in several meetings tices looking to develop the skills, Through the GTC Trailblazer with the GTC Trailblazer working knowledge and the employment group, there are two more appren- groups and is pleased to be one of attributes to become Assistant ticeships under development; these Discover the new official concierge service partner for BTME 2016 the first colleges in England to offer Greenkeepers and who would are the Advanced Golf Greenkeeper the new GTC Golf Greenkeeper be looking to make a significant Level 3 and Golf Course Manager apprenticeship programme from contribution to the business’s which is likely to be accredited at Take advantage of our unique online booking platform and expert offline support September. performance.” Level 5. This new Trailblazer Apprentice- So, who are these apprentice- If you are interested in putting ship follows employer led standards ships aimed at? forward a strong candidate for this and is specifically developed for the The Golf Greenkeeper Appren- opportunity, please contact James What’s in it for you? Enquire today! golf industry. The new apprentice- ticeship is designed to take people Pashley Head of Horticulture at ship scheme is tailored to develop- with dedication and a good Contact Details Plumpton College, or Corrine Hills • The assurance of working with the trusted official partner for the event. potential to learn from a basic Work-based learning manager. ing new apprentices who have the David F. Golding • Conveniently plan your entire trip: hotel, restaurant, transfers and more. drive, enthusiasm and business start point to become a budding GTC Education Director James Pashley: Tel 01273 www.miceconcierge.com/events/BTME and Standards Director, 892044 Email: pashleyj@plump- • Access the best rates in town. acumen to make strong contribu- Assistant Greenkeeper within two Greenkeeper Training tions to business performance. years. The qualification will provide ton.ac.uk • Maximise your networking opportunities. 01347 838640 Corrine Hills: Tel 01273 892049 +44 (0)1438 908770 The apprenticeship will include candidates with strong progres- [email protected] • Quick and easy booking journey. an improved Level 2 qualification sion opportunities within the work Email: [email protected] GTC with all the skills, knowledge and place and also onto further levels Aldwark Manor www.plumpton.ac.uk • Unique price comparison tool. [email protected] Near Alne behaviours required to become a of apprenticeship. A high standard York • Live chat support. golf greenkeeper. James Pashley, of delivery and assessment both at YO61 1UF • Access to team of friendly specialists. Head of Horticulture, said: “This college and within the work place www.the-gtc.co.uk is an exciting opportunity for will set these candidates in good www.greenkeepertraining.com • Fully managed group requirement service. anyone wishing to pursue a high stead for a bright future career. flying, prestigious career in the golf Plumpton College is now looking MICE Concierge Ltd, Registered in England at: Regency House, 45 - 51 Chorley New Rd, Bolton, Lancs, BL1 4QR. Co number: 08121988 industry.” for enthusiastic golf greenkeeper You can follow the GTC on Twitter @TheOfficialGTC

66 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 GI 67 MACHINERY WANTED ALL WEATHER SURFACES CONSTRUCTION TURF

M.Downes Invicta Groundcare Earthworks Equipment Ltd • Golf Course Construction Services 20 years of golf turf experience • Green and Tee Reconstruction We buy used golf BUYERS’ GUIDE 5 golf grades including high bent • Lakes and Reservoirs • Cart Paths Greens on USGA rootzone, RTF for • Bunker Remodelling • Drainage course machinery stabilisation/drought tolerance, To advertise contact James on 01347 833 832 • Lakes and Reservoirs Wildflower Turf, and new Low Maintenance turf 07753 856510 01829 781767 Contact: Steve Dyne ALL-WEATHER SURFACES FOR SPORT or email [email protected] [email protected] Tel No: 01474 874 120 Tel: 01904 448675 www.turf.co.uk •Course Tee Mats •Sidelines/Warm up Email: [email protected] •Range Mats •Landscaping Grass •Putting Greens •Pathways DRAINAGE GI_JULY13_BG_MDOWNES_4x1.indd 1 26/06/2013Invicta4x1.indd 13:23 1 7/5/10 15:29:46 Categories... Tel: 01476 593050 TOP DRESSINGS Email: [email protected] Positive Response to EU www.greenacresartificialgrass.uk Golf Course Drainage Golf Course Drainage Specialist Specialist Growers of Water Framework Directive! AERATION / Survey / Design / Installation / Greens / Fairways / Bunkers / Complete Courses FOR ALL YOURFor fast BULK and SUPPLIES friendly UK Turf for Golf Courses AGRONOMY / ALL Plastic Pipe / Turfdry Drainage System NATIONWIDE DELIVERIES service call: Rootzone Turf for Greens For fast and friendly Nationwide Service 01858 464346Melvyn / 433003 Taylor Grown on USGA rootzone, WEATHER SURFACES www.banksamenity.co.uk Contact Melvyn Taylor: 01283 551417 on 01283 551417 top-dressed throughout the year, and mown at 6mm. To advertise contact 07836 259133 / [email protected] or 07836 259133 / ANTI SLIP / BUNKER Predominantly bent sward www.turfdry.com www.turfdry.com / CONSTRUCTION / Turf for Tees, Surrounds, James Approaches and Fairways CLOTHING FOOTWEAR Various mixtures including on 01347 833 832 ryegrass/fescue, 100% fescue, / COMPACT TRACTORS Traditional and bent/fescue grown on sandy loam topsoil. / CONSTRUCTION / drainage and or email Bunker revetting turf DRAINAGE / HEDGES/ Lytag banding 40mm thick [email protected] Small or big roll TREES / IRRIGATION of greens and fairways Free loan of big roll / IRRIGATION laying frame CONSULTANTS / LAKE Tel: 01652 678 000 www.tillersturf.co.uk CONSTRUCTION PREMIER ALL-WEATHER SURFACES FOR GOLF Tel: 01785 812706 LINERS / MACHINERY E: [email protected] www.northstaffsirrigation.co.uk Pioneering the development and As I am sure you are aware from extensive without the burden of proof required under WANTED / RUBBER production of high quality sand-based products for over 150 years USED MACHINERY publicity the EU Water Framework Directive criminal proceedings: CRUMB / SOIL FOOD implementation period from 2009–2015 Criminal & Civil penalties for non- IRRIGATION expires soon! compliance include: WEB / TOP DRESSING This legislation requires preventative • A criminal fine of up to £50,000 / TREE MOVING / TREE www. measures to be taken to ensure there is (previously £20,000). irritech limited no risk of causing groundwater pollution. • Up to 3 months imprisonment for the CLEARANCE / TURF Huxley Practice Tee at St Andrews Links usedturfmachinery.com Independent Irrigation Consultants Installing a Waste2Water Recycling Wash-Off most serious pollution incidents. USED MACHINERY Top quality practice tees, golf course tees, putting System ensures compliance and avoids the • Civil Powers – Variable Monetary Penalty & pitching greens, pathways, patios, cart tracks Specialising in:- Contact Sharon Morris on and lawns professionally designed and installed. risk of a criminal offence as it is illegal to allow (VMP) of up to £250,000! / VERTIDRAINING / ● Existing system evaluation ● 07932342044 or email substances including mineral oils, detergents Installing a Waste2Water Recycling Wash Tel: 01962 733222 System design & upgrade To advertise contact WASTE / WASHWATER [email protected] ● Project management [email protected] and chemicals to enter surface drains, System Ensures Compliance www.huxleygolf.com www.mansfield-sand.co.uk watercourses or Soakaways. In addition to providing a superb wash TREATMENT Contact Roger Davey on: James A large number of clubs have already acted facility, the Recycling Wash-Off System Photo courtesy of Rudding Park 01823 690216 to comply with the legislation but, if you have rapidly treats potential pollutants arising Repton Short Course ‘Signature Island Green’. www.irritechlimited.co.uk HB_14_MANSFIELD SANDS_1.4.indd 1 21/10/2013 12:11 on 01347 833 832 not already installed a dedicated wash area, from golf course maintenance operations. we strongly recommend you do so as soon Equipment Wash-Off, Refueling, Degreasing, as possible as time is running out to ensure Chemical Mixing and any other potentially WASTE/WASHWATER environmental compliance. polluting activities can all be undertaken on TREATMENT “We are delighted so many clubs are the pad, removing any risk of groundwater To advertise contact To advertise contact taking their environmental responsibilities pollution. seriously with record numbers installing our If you haven’t already upgraded your James James Waste2Water Recycling Wash-Off System equipment wash facilities, call us now for a in the last 12 months”, commented Tim free no-obligation site visit! on 01347 833 832 Tel. 0116 2696766 on 01347 833 832 Earley, Managing Director, Waste2Water. “The upturn started in the middle of 2014 TIM EARLEY (Waste2Water ) or email or email and enquiries have continued to flood in ever To advertise contact since!” For further info on the Waste2Water [email protected] Non-compliance is a criminal offence System or a copy of the Pollution Prevention [email protected] James and this is now further backed up with civil Guidelines please call. 01782 373 878 or powers to levy penalties on transgressors e-mail: [email protected] on 01347 833 832

68 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd@BIGGALtd AUGUSTAUGUST 2015 2015 GIGI 69 69

GI_AUG_15_v4.indd 69 30/07/2015 14:55 Recruitment

Recruitment Deputy Course Manager The Scandinavian (www.thescandinavian.dk) in Copenhagen is an exclusive, privately owned golf club, which offers a golf experience Technical Sales Representatives The Greenkeeper out of the ordinary. The two 18-hole golf courses were designed by International recruitment Robert Trent Jones II. The Scandinavian is seeking a Deputy Course – UK wide pages are here to help you Manager with 5-6 years greenkeeping experience, preferably in a match the right person to senior role. Experience of growth and soil conditions in a climate Rigby Taylor Ltd, the UK’s leading supplier of products and the right job. similar to Denmark, and experience of maintenance of creeping bent services to the Sports, Amenity and Landscape market and one With a monthly circulation grass is a definite advantage. of the sectors key innovators, are seeking to recruit additional reaching over 15,000 people, Interested? Please call Pernille Bregenhoej (+45) 2221 5538 at Technical Sales Representatives across the UK. targeted direct to your industry, Qvist Executive Search (www.qvist-search.com) for more information Rigby Taylor’s guiding principle is that it sells its products regarding the job and the recruitment process. you will be guaranteed to find a direct to end users through a highly qualified sales force. By high calibre of candidates to fill maintaining very close links with the users of its products, we your positions. ensure the development of our product range is focused very The magazine is read by clearly on customer needs. greenkeepers across the UK Assistant Greenkeeper We are looking for highly motivated, dynamic individuals, and the world at a huge variety ideally with a proven record in technical sales and a passion of facilities, by turf managers of Tyrrells Wood Golf Club is looking to recruit an experienced and to deliver targets. Knowledge and experience of the industries various experience and different qualified Assistant Greenkeeper to join our skilled team on a full time mentioned above would be favourable as would industry roles. It is also delivered to the basis. We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual who qualifications such as FACTS or BASIS. trade, to educational facilities will be involved in the daily presentation of the course, project work and many more establishments. and other aspects of grounds maintenance to ensure the course and We offer a competitive package of salary and bonus, plus company car, pension and holiday entitlements. Its unrivalled reach across estate are presented to a consistently high level. the turf management industry Working under the direction of the Course Manager the successful Applications should be made by emailing a CV and covering means it is the perfect place to candidate should expect excellent development and training letter to [email protected] opportunities. Applicants should already have significant green- advertise your vacancy. Just As part of The Origin Enterprises PLC, Rigby Taylor offers a keeping experience and a sports turf qualification. contact BIGGA’s Sales Team to career opportunity within a global business. place your ad. Please apply in writing or via email, to include both CV and cover letter to: Paul Sheather, Course Manager, Tyrrells Wood Golf Club, Closing date for applications is 31st August 2015 The Drive, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8QP Strictly No Agencies E: [email protected]

Landscape and Industrial Business Development Manager Everris UK & Ireland Turf & Amenity

About you Area Sales Manager – Golf Sector We are looking for a high calibre individual to join our Turf and Amenity division in this exciting If you’re the person we’re The Scope; new Landscape and Industrial business development role covering the UK and Ireland. looking for: With exemplary technical and sales skills and a proven background within the Landscape, Lely (UK) Ltd is the exclusive distributor in the UK and Ireland for the world leading range of Toro professional turf maintenance Industrial or Local Authority sector, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a robust knowledge We offer a substantial benefits equipment and irrigation systems, as well as the TYM brand of tractors. Our blend of product offering is well suited to a diverse range of and understanding of landscape and industrial products and practices including vegetation package including: customers in the sectors of ‘fine turf’ golf sports and grounds maintenance sectors including landscape contractors and local authorities. management, hard surface maintenance, landscaping and turf management. Competitive salary plus bonus You will be highly-motivated and relish the opportunity to grow new business and deliver first-class We pride ourselves on offering an exceptionally high standard of pre-sale and after sales back up for all of the products we distribute. customer support whilst also working as part of a team to develop new products and initiatives. Company car As part of the role you will be responsible for working closely with industry bodies and associations 26 days annual leave in order to represent the Company and ensure opportunities and challenges are handled efficiently Contributory pension scheme The Role; and effectively. Subsidised private medical and The Turf division is looking to recruit an Area Sales Manager, ideally South East based to support the sales team in promoting and selling You will be IT literate and have excellent interpersonal skills, engaging confidently and professionally dental insurance with people in a range of environments in order to support new and existing relationships. our turf maintenance equipment brands specifically to end user customers within the Golf club and Irrigated sports areas in the county of Detailed knowledge of the Landscape and Industrial amenity sectors and an industry-recognised Excellent development and career Surrey and South London. opportunities that come with being qualification, such as BASIS/FACTS and/or a HND/BSc in a relevant discipline, is preferable, as is a Reporting to the Regional Sales Manager, the successful candidate will have a proven track record in negotiation skills and selling to end comprehensive understanding of the marketplace. There will be a requirement for flexible working part of a global business and spending time away from home on occasion. user customers, within the grounds maintenance sector. Experience is required in negotiating with golf customers and fleet users. To apply, please send a résumé and Candidates will be highly motivated professionals with a proactive approach and who enjoy working as part of a team. You will need to application letter to: Matthew Hart, About us display good oral and written communication skills and be able to create and maintain strong working relationships at all levels including Senior HR Manager, Everris Ltd, Boulby You will know our brands, but you might not realise the strength of the business behind them. good time management, presentation and reporting skills. Everris®, formerly known as Scotts, is an ICL Specialty Fertilizers Company, part of the ICL group that Mine, Loftus, Saltburn, Cleveland, employs more than 11,500 people globally. We are world-leaders in the ornamental horticulture, TS13 4HP or email the same to This position carries a full remuneration and benefits package including a company vehicle. turf and amenity, and specialty agricultural sectors. [email protected] Our factories produce market-leading brands including Sierrablen, Greenmaster®, Levington and If this challenge appeals to you and you feel you have the necessary experience and qualities to take on this role you should apply in Osmocote® which are used and trusted by horticultural professionals around the world and we are writing providing a full CV including salary expectations to; a key partner to some of the worlds leading agrochemical manufacturers. Our team is passionate Jayne Ambler, HR Manager, Lely (UK) Limited, 1 Station Road, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 1QH or Email [email protected]. about optimising plant and turf performance. We are a customer-orientated organization and take great pride in the integrity and precision of our world-class product portfolios, and our commitment We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. Closing Date for applications is 14th August 2015 to research and development.

AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd @BIGGALtd AUGUST 2015 70 GIEVERISS ICL_REC ADVERT_artwork_185x130.indd 1 24/07/2015 13:17 GI 71

Recruitment

JOB DESCRIPTION Turfcare Equipment Vocational Work Based Tutor (Horticultural) JOB ROLE: Vocational Work Based Tutor LINE MANAGED BY: Operational Manager Experienced Greenkeeper REPORTING TO: DirectorLINE of Operations MANAGED BY: Operational Manager

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB:REPORTING To instruct, TO: assess and carryDirector out of other Operations pedagogic activities which contribute towards high quality, effective and relevant learning Copthorne Hotel Effingham Gatwick is currently looking for an experiences that are appropriateMAIN PURPOSE to the needs OF JOB: of IndividualTo instruct students., assess and carry out other pedagogicexperienced activities and which qualified Greenkeeper to join our team to look after our contribute towards high quality, effective and relevant learning SALARY: £21,000 up to £24,000 depending on experienceexperiences and that caseload are appropriate (Home to the needs of Individualpopular students. 9-hole golf course. The successful candidate will have a wide range based with Company Car, Fuelcard and Westfield Contributory health of responsibilities and be passionate about golf course maintenance and scheme) other benefits includeSALARY: mobile phone, laptop,£21,000 dongle, up tomobile £24,000 depending on experience and caseload (Home based with Company Car, Fuelcard and Westfielddriving Contributory the course health forward. printer. 28 days holiday plus bank holidays scheme) other benefits include mobile phone, laptop, dongle, mobile All candidates will be required to complete an enhancedprinter DBS. 28 checkdays holiday and provide plus bank at holidays The ideal applicant will possess the following attributes and qualifications: least 2 referees • Full driving license KEY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES: (may include) Slic Training are an Equal Opportunities Employer • Flexible and able to work at weekends when required N.B Slic follow a safer recruitment1. policyProvide and learning procedure support for students across a wide geographical area which• Self-motivatedwill include overnight Interested candidates please send theirstays CV to [email protected] • Excellent interpersonal skills, and an ability to communicate with 2. Deliver and assess relevant vocational courses in the workplace including preparation of lesson plans and learning materials. members as well as colleagues • Strong time management skills 3. Follow Slic “your time your place” motto and be prepared to travel • Ability to operate a range of green keeping equipment 4. Generate and maintain a minimum caseload of 40 learners. • Basic mechanical and machine maintenance skills

5. Establishing contacts and appropriate networking on work sites with relevant staff• Relevant qualifications JOB DESCRIPTION • A strong work ethic and ability to demonstrate they can work as part 6. Supporting learners with additional learning support. of a team and as an individual 7. Ensuring timely completion of learners. In return we will offer the successful candidates a number of fantastic Effingham Golf Club is 8looking. toEngaging recruit with a qualifiedlearners as requiredAssistant by fundingGreenkeeper and contract to join. benefits such as:

our skilled team on a full9 .time basis.Completing The successful all paperwork candidate as required will by be contract expected, including to attendance registers,• Free progress meals reviews, on duty ALS records, ILP’s. contribute to the ongoing development of this Open Qualifying course. • 50% Discounted Food & Beverage • Discounted Employee Hotel Stays Applicants should10. have anContributing NVQ level to the 2 sports effectiveness turf qualification. of teams. JOB ROLE: • Friends and Family Discounted hotel rates Vocational Work Based Tutor If you would like the opportunity11. ofParticipating becoming in a personal positive professional member developmeof our professionalnt following appraisal of individual needs. • Share save Scheme maintenance team and possess a strong desire to join this forward thinking golf club, 12. Meeting agreed targets. Please forward a CV along with a covering letter and salary expectations apply in writing or email, with CV and cover letter to: 13. Undertake other tasks as assigned by the Chief Executive. to HR Department, Copthorne Hotel Effingham Gatwick, West Park Road, Jonathan Budd, Effingham Golf Club, Guildford Road, Effingham, Surrey 14. Attend staff meetings and contract meetings as appropriate. Copthorne, West Sussex, RH10 3EU. Alternatively, please send via email to KT24 5PZ [email protected] with ‘Greenkeeper Vacancy’ E: [email protected] Promote and Monitor Health and safety including safeguarding in all aspects of the role and LINE record healthMANAGED and safety issues that may arise BY:as the subject line. Operational Manager

16. Promote and monitor Equality and Diversity in all aspects of the role and record issues that may arise. Royal Worlington HEAD GREENKEEPER & Newmarket Golf Club FORMBY LADIES GOLF CLUB REPORTING TO: Assistant Greenkeeper. Director of Operations Founded in 1896 – oldest independent Reporting to the Head Greenkeeper. Ladies Club in the world. Highly motivated Head Greenkeeper Full Time, or Part Time Contract available. Salary dependent on experience. required to maintain the excellent standards in place Royal Worlington and Newmarket Golf Club is an exclusive Private Members Requirements: Ability to lead, manage and develop the existing team Club based in Suffolk. The “Sacred Nine”, as it is often known, has 9 holes steeped Computer literate, manage costs within agreed budgets in history and tradition. The Club was formed in 1893 and is also home to the A sound knowledgeMAIN of green keeping PURPOSE machinery and maintenance OF JOB:Cambridge University Golf Club. To instruct, assess and carry out other pedagogic activities which A detailed knowledge of Health & Safety regulations The Club require a full, or part time experienced Assistant Greenkeeper to join our Essential Qualifications:5 years Greenkeeping supervisory experience Greenkeeping team to assist the team in providing a first class Golf Course to its NVQ 3 , PA1, PA2, & PA6 Spraying Certificates members and visitors. contribute towards high quality, effective and relevant learning Excellent salary package dependant on qualifications and experience. To Apply - Applicants are required to submit a CV together with a covering letter Please email your CV with covering letter to [email protected] outlining their suitability for the role to Scott Ballentine, Secretary Further details at www.bigga.org.uk Email [email protected] Closing date 28thexperiences August 2015. that are appropriate to the needs of Individual students. The Baroness LM2700 fairway mower your For more than 100 years the Kyoeisha Co. of Japan has been To find out how you too can benefit from the SALARY: Advertise £21,000 upmaking to first -class,£24 high ,000 quality, user friendlydepending machinery for its onremarkable experience cost savings experienced byand caseload (Home customers. Since late 2007 customers in the U.K. have been owning a Baroness mower, call or e-mail for Qualified Assistant Greenkeeper recruitment here (Full time 40 hours per week with seasonal variation plus overtime) sharing in that experience, finding out just how low the whole your demonstration today! based withlife serviceCompany costs of Baroness mowers Car, can be! Fuelcard and Westfield Contributory health An exciting opportunity has arisen at The Mere Golf Resort & Spa to join our ... and online dedicated greenkeeping team, working to present our golf course to a championship standard. Working under the direction of the Course Manager, you will be for one month e-mail: [email protected] responsible for the daily presentation of the course, project work and other aspects scheme) other benefits include mobile phone, laptop, dongle, mobile of maintenance that will improve and enhance the course. at www.bigga.org.uk/careers tel: 01256 461591 Ideally you will have at least 3 years previous experience in a similar position and hold a minimum NVQ level 2 in sports turf. from £595+vat for an 1/8 advertprinter . 28 days holiday plus bank holidays PA1, 2 & 6 Spraying Certificates would be desirable If you are interested in the opportunity to join our professional team, and have a Contact Jill Rodham on strong desire to work at our luxury resort then please send your CV and cover letter Kyoeisha UK Ltd. a subsidiary of via email or in writing to the HR Department ([email protected]) 01347 833 812 www.baronessuk.com Kyoeisha Co. Ltd. of Japan

AUGUST 2015KEY@BIGGALtd TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES: (may include) 72 GI

1. Provide learning support for students across a wide geographical area which will include overnight stays

2. Deliver and assess relevant vocational courses in the workplace including preparation of lesson plans and learning materials.

3. Follow Slic “your time your place” motto and be prepared to travel

4. Generate and maintain a minimum caseload of 40 learners.

5. Establishing contacts and appropriate networking on work sites with relevant staff

6. Supporting learners with additional learning support.

7. Ensuring timely completion of learners.

8. Engaging with learners as required by funding and contract.

9. Completing all paperwork as required by contract, including attendance registers, progress reviews, ALS records, ILP’s.

10. Contributing to the effectiveness of teams.

11. Participating in personal professional development following appraisal of individual needs.

12. Meeting agreed targets.

13. Undertake other tasks as assigned by the Chief Executive.

14. Attend staff meetings and contract meetings as appropriate.

15. Promote and Monitor Health and safety including safeguarding in all aspects of the role and record health and safety issues that may arise

16. Promote and monitor Equality and Diversity in all aspects of the role and record issues that may arise. @BIGGALtd A new page featuring the best Tweets and pics from the industry – don’t forget to tag @BIGGALtd to give yourself a chance of being featured!

Our favourite tweets this month... ‪@gavinwhiteNI‬ ‬ ‪@TheHomeofGolf‬ ‬ New construction fully 6 hours after ‪#raindelay‬ we’d under way for the Open like to ‪#thankgreenkeepers‬ Championship ‪@royalportrush‬ everywhere. Work tirelessly ‪@greenkeepingire‬ ‪@BIGGALtd‬ and overcome Mother Nature too! ‪@TheHomeofGolf‬ ‬ What a week and what an ‪@avrogreenkeeper‬ ‬ Trusted by the best courses on earth. Open Championship! Huge Do find myself watching the credit to these unsung heroes background more than the Lahinch, Ireland - our Greenkeeping team. golf, at The Open. To see ‪@ ‪#TheOpen‬ BIGGALtd‬ members :-)

‪@gord_mckie‬ ‬ ‪@ivers1983‬ ‬ ‪@TheHomeofGolf‬ ‪@TheOpen‬ ‪@BIGGALtd‬ Dan Mcguckin Top job by top men & girls been a busy boy this morning! ‪#oldcourse‬ ‪#teamwork‬ ‪#TheOpen‬ @ConnahSimon ‪@RobSandilands‬ ‬ ‪@ConnahSimon‬ ‬ Last (unexpected) day for the ‪@ Hope all the ‪@BIGGALtd‬ BIGGALtd‬ ‪@TheOpen‬ support Volunteers & Staff have team at ‪@TheHomeofGolf‬ . A a fantastic week here in great team effort and a credit to St.Andrews. Welcome to the the industry. ‪@TheHomeofGolf‬

‪@paul_armour‬ ‬ ‪@Tracey_Maddison‬ ‬ Last morning ‪@TheOpen‬ ‪@ Great to watch the BIGGALtd‬ ‪#greenkeeping‬ team swing into action early this morning ‏‪@ZBTurf411‬ ‬ ‪@BIGGALtd‬ ‪@TheHomeofGolf‬ Great article on ‪@DMGCCSupt‬ ‪@TheOpen‬ in Greenkeeper International, a ‪@BIGGALtd‬ publication. @ActonJaime‬ Totally worth the membership! Congratulations to ‪@lukeelgie‬ of ‪@RushmoreGolf‬ for being ‪@PaulLawriegolf‬ ‬ part of the ‪@BIGGALtd‬ Open Unbelievable job by all support team 2015. Have a greenkeepers onsite ‪@TheOpen‬ safe journey and amazing @Tracey_Maddison this week for play to re start time!

There’s a reason why the best courses trust in John Deere: our mowers deliver unmatched cut quality, creating an ideal playing surface on tees, greens, fairways and roughs. See for yourself. Contact your dealer for a demonstration. Freephone 0800 085 25 22 OFFICIAL @ GOLF COURSE @TheHomeofGolf @gavinwhiteNI John Deere Golf: Trusted by the best courses on Earth BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MA JEST Y THE QUEEN EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS OF AGRICULTURAL, GROUNDSCARE SUPPLIER AND HORTICULTURAL EQUIPMENT

– Video on www.johndeere.co.uk/bestcourses/ C6003.1 ENG_GB_FPH_LET14_PGA_RW JOHN DEERE LTD NOTTINGHAM JohnDeere.com

74 GI AUGUST 2015 @BIGGALtd

C6003_1_FPH_LET14_PGA_RW_ENG_GB_Greenkeeper International_dispatch.indd 1 7/3/15 12:22 PM The Toro® ProCore Series Total Aeration The Toro ProCore aerator series. The complete choice for the perfect ﬁ nish, everywhere.

TYM THE PROCORE 1298 FOR LARGER AREA AERATION IS THE IDEAL PARTNER FOR No matter where – healthy turf starts down at the roots. That’s why Toro developed the complete THE PROCORE SERIES range of walk-behind, tractor mounted and deep tine aeration products, giving you the machines to professionally aerate your turf from tee to green.

Toro know regular aeration relieves soil compaction, increases drainage and promotes deeper root growth for vigorous, and healthy turf. And with years of research, customer input, testing and unrivalled attention to detail – the expansive Toro ProCore aerator series is the most productive and efﬁ cient on the market. So whatever the application, the ProCore series from Toro ensures your course maintains a perfect ﬁ nish.

Full product details at www.toro.com Put us to the test. For a free onsite demonstration, call Lely on 01480 226800

PROCORE 648 PROCORE 864 PROCORE 1298 PROCORE SR54-S PROCORE SR72

Lely. Your partners in turfcare. Call 01480 226800. Lely not only brings you Toro. Talk to us, too, about TYM compact tractors and Otterbine water management systems.

Toro Commercial Products, UK & Ireland | Lely (UK) Limited, St. Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 1QH. Tel: 01480 226800 | Lely Ireland Limited, Kilboggin, Nurney, Co. Kildare. Tel: 00 353 (0)45 526170 | www.lelyturfcare.co.uk

TC0903 Greenkeeper International - ProCore.indd 1 15/07/2015 15:33