OUR QUALITY IS ON COURSE

No one can accuse John Deere of standing The 220A is the latest addition to John still. Since 1995, we've added 8 quality Deere's quality line of walk-behind greens machines to our line. Another strong state- mowers. 220A improvements include an iso- ment about our commitment to your busi- lation-mounted engine for reduced vibration, ness. New this year are the Turf Gator and improved operator-presence safety system, 220A Walk-Behind Greens Mower. and an easier-filling grass box design. The Turf Gator's unique combination of Add superior parts support and our toughness and quietness make it perfect for existing line of quality mowers, tractors, the course. Toughness comes from uni- aerators, root zone injectors and utility body construction and one-piece forged vehicles and you see why John Deere is the axles. Quietness comes from a large volume fastest growing golf and turf equipment silencer, internal sound absorbing mate- name in the world. Talk with us soon rial, and golf-car-style transmission. for a first-hand look.

NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE

AD John Deere Ltd., Harby Road, Langar, Nottingham NG 13 9HT, Telephone 01949 863299 (answerphone) REF 103 • The next edition of a* Greenkeeper International should be with you by April 9

BIGOX

President The Rt. Hon. Viscount Whitelaw K.T., C.H., M.C., D.L.

BIGGA BOARD OF MANAGEMENT Chairman: Patrick Murphy Vice Chairman: Gordon Child International Past Chairman: Dean Cleaver BOARD MEMBERS MARCH 1997 Richard Barker FREE READER George Ban- Robin Greaves REPLY SERVICE Jim Paton Use the post-paid David Milbourne Reader Reply EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Contents Card facing Neil Thomas B.A. Page 2 for further mû ADMINISTRATION MANAGER information on John Pemberton Facelift for the products and EDUCATION OFFICER services Ken Richardson Musselburgh advertised in this issue. Just state ^J-S®""' SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER James McEvoy Mary Queen of Scots the companies' Ad Ref numbers, post the card to us MEMBERSHIP SERVICES OFFICER played there in 1567 - and and we'll arrange for further Janet Adamson information to be sent to you while there have doubtless direct. Where to contact BIGGA Aldwark Manor, Aldwark, Alne, been other changes since ADVERTISERS' INDEX York, North Yorkshire Y06 2NF then, current improvements a quick reference guide Tel: 01347 838581 are being hailed as a big success. Scott MacCallum visited the Ad Ref Page Fax: 01347 838864 Baileys 339 32 course recognised as the oldest in the world Pages 26-28 Banks 168 42 Barenbrug 172 34,38 Bathgate Silica Sands 543 36 C8>P Soilcare 46 8 Making machinery last the distance Charterhouse 130 40-41 Picture the scene: the day of a major club tournament and a Force Limagrain 507 45 Glen Heat 280 24 International vital piece of machinery fails. Take steps to lessen the chances of Hardi 25 64 is the official monthly magazine Hayter 90 6 of the British & International such a nightmare with the Learning Experience ..Pages 10-11 Hoofmark 539 12 Golf Greenkeepers Association IC Irrigation 541 24 EDITORIAL J Gibbs & Co 542 12 Editor: Scott MacCallum A decade of progress John Deere 103 2 Johnsons Seeds 540 10-11 ADVERTISING BIGGA is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year and Kawasaki Sales and Marketing Manager: 544 51 James McEvoy Greenkeeper International together with the Association's first Kubota 86 49 Sales and Marketing Assistants: Lely 61 18-19 Amanda Freeman Chairman Walter Woods, step back in time Pages 13-15 21, 46-47 Jenny Panton Levington 102 21 Telephone: 01347 838581 Leisure 493 12 E-mail: [email protected] Logic Irrigation 545 24 PRODUCTION Inside the STRI Marlwood 501 8 Design and Production Editor: The Sports Turf Research Institute commands the utmost Miracle 54 28, 37 Tim Moat, telephone 01904 610611 New Holland 165 52 E-mail: [email protected] respect from our industry. But what really goes on, on a day to North Staffs Irrigation 217 24 PRINTING day basis? We look behind the scenes Ocmis 360 23 Hi-Tec Print, Unit 7, Universal Crescent, Pages 30-32 Pattissons 35 8 North Anston Trading Estate, Ransomes 9 29 North Anston, Sheffield S31 7NZ Rhone Pouienc 59 16 Tel: 01909 568533, fax: 01909 568206 Risboro Turf 386 36 Greenkeeper International: winner SGI 491 22 of Certificate of Merit in Magazine Regular features Service Chemicals 304 30,35 of the Year category, Editing for Industry Awards 1994 and 1995 Sisis 176 50 Sovereign Turf Contents may not be reprinted or otherwise Scott MacCallum The Greenkeeper International editor reflects on BIGGA's 435 38 reproduced without written permission. Return first decade with a sideways glance at other events happening in 1987... days Standard Golf 421 34 postage must accompany all materials submitted Weed Free 504 if return is requested. No responsibility can be when Major and Blair meant Farrah Fawcett and Lionel Page 4 31 assumed for unsolicited materials. The right is Wessex Machinery 210 34 reserved to edit submissions before publication. News Turf grower's plans for the new millennium... a greenkeeper's revenge... Westurf • 8 Although every care will be taken, no responsibility is accepted for loss of manuscripts, new faces... worthy winners... details of the new Hayter Challenge plus a way of Buyer's Guide • 54-58 photographs or artwork. Opinions expressed are Classified • 59 not necessarily those of the Association and no controlling the rabbit population on golf courses Pages 5, 7, 9 responsibility is accepted by the Association for Job Shop • 59 such content, advertising or product information Education Ken Richardson with a run down of the awards and competitions Recruitment • 60-61 that may appear Circulation is by subscription Subscription which could transform your career in 1997 Page 36 rate: UK £34 per year, Europe and Eire £44. The nagazine is also distributed to BIGGA members, olf clubs, local authorities, the turf industry, and central government. Cover £50 CASH IN OUR ISSN 0961 - 6977 Musselburgh, acknowledged to be the BUYER'S GUIDE © 1997 British & International COMPETITION: ADVERTISING WORKS Golf Greenkeepers Association world's oldest - and now TURN TO PAGE 54 IN GREENKEEPER enjoying a facelift Picture by Brian Morgan KÜ31 INTERNATIONAL: ^^ Hepworth Minerals and Greenkeeper Education and Development Fund BB Chemicals Ltd has The Fund provides the key to the future for greenkeeper, golf club ^^^ found Greenkeeper and game. Individuals and companies can join the Golden Key Circle /"«¡iTx v' jjt International an invaluable asset and Silver Key Circle. For details, contact BIGGA on 01347 838581. in the promotional campaign for GOLDEN KEY CIRCLE COMPANY MEMBERS: HMC Pro-Sport rootzone • Amazone Ground Care • Bailey's of Norfolk • Hardi Ltd • Hayter Ltd products • Jacobsen E-Z-Go Textron • John Deere Ltd • Kubota UK Ltd - TREVOR • Levington Horticulture Ltd • Miracle Professional • Mommersteeg International • Ocmis Irrigation UK Ltd • PGA European Tour • Ransomes LEADBEATER, • Rhone Pouienc Amenity • Rigby Taylor Ltd • Supaturf Products Ltd BIGGA Hepworth Minerals and %,Th e N ^ • The Tore Company GOLDEN KEY Chemicals Ltd SILVER KEY CIRCLE COMPANY MEMBERS: and SILVER KEY FOR MORE DETAILS CALL: SEMINÒ • Avoncrop Amenity Products • Fenchurch Insurance Brokers Ltd Minerals & Chemicals Ltd • H Pattisson & Co Ltd • Rola wn Ltd • Sisis Equipment CIRCLES James McEvoy, Amanda Freeman or Jenny Panton at You can book your exhibition space NOW for BTME 98 - for details call Amanda Freeman on 01347 838581 BIGGA HQ on 01347 838581. SCOTT MacCALLUM As I see it... BY PAT MURPHY BIGGA CHAIRMAN

Ten years? ince becoming SChairman my feet haven't touched the ground. No sooner Seems like had I finished BTME 97 then I was off to Las Vegas for the GCSAA Conference yesterday and Show. BIGGA had a t the risk of sounding a 100 metres in a world record stand at the show Alittle like that Edmonds time; Mike Tyson became the and it was an bloke, in Noel's Telly Years, youngest winner of the World outstanding what were you doing a decade Heavyweight title; Lester Pig- success with a ago and what can you remem- gott was sent to prison for tax great many ber about 1987? evasion and Mike Gatting membership The reason I ask is that, as went nose to nose with Pak- enquiries. you no doubt know, this year istani umpire Shakoor Rana. Interestingly, our is BIGGA's 10th anniversary Looking at these events it is Master and it's interesting to look perhaps surprising how some, Greenkeeper back 10 years and recall what at least, seem like only yester- Award scheme life was like when BIGGA was day, and it does help to rein- appeared particular born. force the fact that, when popular with quite a number of superintendents. In the interests of this col- recalling the formation of It was a busy week with functions every day and I made umn, I've undertaken some BIGGA, we're not uncovering presentations to Joe Baidy, President in '95 and Paul extensive research of a time ancient history. McGuiness, the incoming President. when the names Major and The Association has made I also had the privilege to sit beside Jaime Ortiz-Patino, Blair conjured up images of Far- huge strides in a relatively the President of Valderrama Golf Club during the Gala rah Fawcett and Lionel, the short space of time. From vir- Dinner and he chatted to me about preparations for the Berlin Wall was still in place, tually a standing start the in September. I also met both Robert Trent Nelson Mandela was still inside Association now boasts almost Jones Senior and Junior. and Melinda Messenger was 6,500 members; a progressive A speaker at the opening session was the astronaut only 12... or should that be 16? and wide ranging education Jim Lovell, whom Tom Hanks played in Apollo 13. He gave Well, back in 1987 Europe programme the envy of many one of the best talks I've ever heard. won the Ryder Cup at Muir- other industries; a trade show field Village, the first time ever which has grown to be the Another highlight of the Conference was the in the . Nick largest indoor of its type in International Symposium. Neil Thomas and Per-Olof Ljung Faldo hadn't even won a Major Europe and a successful maga- both spoke excellently about FEGGA and generated quite at the beginning of the year zine (I hope!). a bit of interest among the other nations represented. but by the end of July was Add to this the fact that the It was good to meet up with Toro Student of the Year being acclaimed for his 18 next two years should see Fintan Brennan, who was at college in the States as part straight pars and victory in The BIGGA move to new custom- of his prize while Miracle Professional Premier Open at the other . built offices and you have an Greenkeeper of the Year Cedric Gough was part of our What else happened in golf? Association which will con- group and appeared to enjoy himself. We also met George Larry Mize produced the chip tinue to move forward and Brown, from Turnberry, and our five American Master of a lifetime to deny Greg Nor- look after members' needs for Greenkeepers who were at the Show. man in the play-off for the many more decades to come. The Show itself was enormous and, while not being Masters, while Wales got the Those who helped to create knocked sideways by any one new product, it was better of Scodand in the World this success have every reason interesting to see hand tools and some of the extensions Cup of Golf (Neil Thomas to feel extremely proud. which are unavailable in this country. made me put this in). I also brought back some of the soft spikes for my The year also saw the Scott MacCallum Chairman of Green to try out. I do think they will be huge deaths of two legends of the in this country soon. Not only do they protect the course game, Sir Henry Cotton and but also the car park, walkways and the clubhouse. Bobby Locke, while high pro- Las Vegas is some place. The light shows in Freemont file courses like East Sussex Street have to be seen to be believed while Caesar's National, The Wisley, Loch Palace Hotel has an amazing show every hour. We visited Lomond, The Oxfordshire and the Valley of Fire where the Star Wars film was made and Collingtree Park were mere also went to the Hoover Dam. twinkles in an architect's eye. I also went to the infamous World Heavyweight fight Elsewhere in sport Coventry with Lennox Lewis and Oliver McCall but we were seated won the FA Cup; Rangers had- n't started the run which now so far back my wife saw more than I did watching it on threatens Celtic's nine in a row television. It was the first world title fight record; Martina Navratilova I've been to and will probably be claimed her sixth consecutive the last. I did have a drink with Wimbledon single's title; Jim Watt and Reg Gutteridge Ben Johnson won the though. World Championship

4 GREENKEEPER INTERNATIONAL March 1997 Bill voted personality A BIGGA welcome of the year by BTLIA to Jenny At the recent AGM of the British recognised Bill Hawthorn's out- Association's highly regarded Visitors to BTME Turf and Landscape Irrigation standing contribution to the turf "Guide", now in its fourth edition, may have Association the incoming Chair- irrigation industry over a period which defines a code of ethics already met man, Gerry Wilkins, presented of more than 30 years and his and minimum standards of sys- BIGGA's latest Bill Hawthorn with the Associa- work in developing the BTLIA tem design and contract imple- recruit, Jenny tion's "Personality of the Year' since its formation in 1978. mentation to which members Panton, as she award for 1996. The annual Bill was part of the founding bind themselves. He also helped spent a couple of award was established in 1995 committee of the Association and to establish the Diploma Course days at the show prior to and is made on the basis of mem- served as its first Secretary/Trea- in Turf and Landscape Irrigation joining the staff on a full time bers' nominations. surer during the early years. He is run jointly by Myerscough Col- basis, replacing Louise Lunn. In congratulating him on being also a past Chairman and is cur- lege and the Association. Jenny joins the Sales and only the second recipient, the rently a member of the committee Bill is Chairman of Waterma- Marketing Department as Chairman said that the honour He was a major contributor to the tion Sprinkler and Controls Ltd. Sales and Marketing Assistant. Before joining BIGGA 27 Scottish Region's worthy winners year-old Jenny worked for the Turf grower York and County Press alongside Amanda Freeman whom she joins up with again has plans at Aldwark Manor. Coincidentally, Tony Cocker, BIGGA's part time Accounts for the new Assistant, also worked for the same company. millennium As well as working in the advertisement department Inturf has announced plans to Jenny spent time in the produce Millennium Turf promotions department which will go on sale from 1 organising wedding fayres January 2000. and other similar events. Millennium Turf will be Prior to that she spent five mature cultivated turfgrass years working for Thomas grown using ten different Cook in the Harrogate and grasses and the main feature York offices where she of this new turf is that it can worked in the flight centre be used in a multitude of situ- and was also ski coordinator. ations. Jenny lists photography While some of the species among her hobbies. present in Millennium Turf The recipients of the Scottish Kohler, Swanston; Bryan Cocker, Tony Mears has will flourish, some may Region 1996 Patron's Awards were Alyth; Scott Ballantyne, Cowglen; been appointed diminish in vigour, so all the presented with their awards at a Drew McKechnie, Douglas Park and Service time adapting to conditions recent luncheon. in front, Andy O'Hare, Leven Links. Manager for in which the turf is placed. Pictured are, from left, Stephen Three others, Jimmy Johnstone, Allen Power Inturf plans to market Mil- Sullivan, Craigie Hill; Alan Russell, Turnberry; Lee Blackburn, Souther- Equipment. A lennium Turf in the first Torphin Hill; Sam Morrison, Scot- ness, and Gordon McRae, Ratho Chartered instance for landscape and tish Regional Chairman; Martin Park, were unavailable. Mechanical Engineer, Tony, lawn applications but there 59, will be responsible for all will also be uses for sport and technical aspects of both the special projects. Allen and Echo range of The first batches of Millen- products. nium Turf will be sown dur- Greenkeeper Alex Wright has ing the autumn of 1997 to been appointed allow good time for all Amenity grasses to establish and to be Technology's ready for sale early in 2000. turns taps on new Office No artificial reinforcement Sales Manager. will be used (ie free from Alex, who plastic netting) and it will be sneaky golfer graduated from Reading available in conventional University in '94, will be square yard, square metre Hero of the month is Mike Osley, Mike switched on all the sprinklers overseeing and developing rolls, Big Rolls for TIM Course Superintendent at a and soaked Mayor, Ron Weaver. office sales and customer machine laying and Lay 'n' municiple course in Tallahassee, Mike was suspended for a week support. Play Turf Tiles. Florida, who took action when without pay but the locals were so Wiedenmann UK Millennium Turf will con- the town Mayor consistently incensed with the way he was has appointed form to the new TGA (Turf- sneaked onto the course for a few treated that they raised money to David Bate as grass Producers Association) practice shots before the official make up for his lost wages. Sales Manager Standards for turf and the opening time despite being The point got through to the for England and company is registered for ISO warned. Mayor who said, "I'm embar- Wales. 9002. As reported in Michael McDon- rassed that I broke the rules. I nell's Golf Diary in the Daily Mail, won't ever do it again." Every club should have a professional

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John Deere Ltd, the UK arm of ters at Langar, Nottingham and the products sold, but also in main purpose in wanting to the world's largest manufacturer the John Deere Training Centre at John Deere's relations with its achieve certification is that it of agricultural and amenity equip- Bingham have received separate customers, dealers and suppliers. forms part of our overall plan to ment, has achieved certification LROA certificates of approval. "While ISO 9002 certification is continuously improve our services to ISO 9002:1994, the quality Certification to ISO 9002 an important criterion in cus- to meet or exceed our customers management system assessed by demonstrates that both sites oper- tomers' purchasing decisions, changing needs," said Alec Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance. ate formal procedures which lead especially in bids for governmen- McKee, Managing Director of Both the company's headquar- to improved quality, not only of tal and institutional sales, our John Deere in the UK and Ireland. Dealers are HAYTER recognised CHALLENGE with bubbly You could at BTME be playing At BTME Jacobsen acknowl- edged the sales and service in America achievements of a number of With the golfing season now their dealers. virtually upon us the annual The following dealers were Hayter Challenge gets under awarded with plaques and way in earnest. This year bottles of champagne by Peter there is a huge incentive to Bell, General Manager, Jacob- spend a few extra hours sen E-Z-GO UK. Ready for some night-time action: MG Wildlife pounding balls on the Steve George, BS Mowers, practice range or honing your received their award for Out- skills on the putting green as standing Parts Performance in there are places on offer to 1996 Steve Williment, Scats, Night working represent the Rest of the received their award for Out- World team to play against - standing After Sales Service the Americas in the Hayter Care in 1996 Steve Pullman, International Cup to be Sharrocks received their award keeps rabbits played in the USA next year. for Outstanding Sales in 1996 The player with a Ian Bridges, Jacobsen Business of 12 or better, who Manager, accepted the award represents and resides in on behalf of GreenCare who under control each of the home countries were given an award for top A Home Counties-based company survey the ground and monitor and who performs best in this dealer in 1996. Mick Shaw, is making a name for itself in the nocturnal wildlife including bad- year's Hayter Challenge Final, Abbey Mowers, received their field of conservation and the con- gers, which are protected by law, will be selected for the Rest award for Outstanding Sales trol of wildlife. and deer," said company Director, of the World team in the Performance in 1996. MG Wildlife, 15 years old and Max Gizzi. second Hayter International At the presentation cere- based in Hayes, Middlesex, spe- "Grey squirrels are also a problem match, to be held at the mony, Peter Bell commented, cialises in work on golf courses, and we use feeder hoppers to poi- Cherokee Town and Country "I am pleased to present a council parks and open land. son the boisterous males who tend Club, , , in number of dealers with these As these areas tend to be popu- to be the ones which cause most of October 1998. awards and I feel it not only lated during daylight hours the the problems by gnawing bark." A rare opportunity indeed, shows the high calibre of our company works at night using its Special emphasis is placed on particularly as the team will dealers but also their commit- own silenced all-terrain vehicle the conservation aspect of MG have the chance to avenge ment to providing their cus- adapted for night work and Wildlife's work as it wishes to the narrow defeat inflicted on tomers with not only a range silenced rifles to control animals maintain a natural balance of the Rest of the World by the of excellent machinery but such as rabbits and foxes. wildlife which means it is neces- Americas at West also with first class after sales "We expect to be able to cover a sary to thin a particular species. Golf Club last year. service and support. Customer radius of 50 miles in a single three The company is fully licensed As ever some excellent golf Care is of paramount impor- to four hours session during and insured to undertake conser- clubs are hosting Sectional tance to us." which they can go round the golf vation and control duties both day Qualifiers while the venues for course three times and a by-prod- and night. For further information the Regional Qualifiers form a uct of our work is an ability to Tel: 01895 824395. group of clubs which it would be hard to better. Jim Paton, Head Greenkeeper • South West and South at West Kilbride GO, has Wales - Burnham and Berrow uncovered a new talent at his club GC, June 11. in the shape of 93 year-old Peter • Midland - Warwickshire McNab, who drew this cartoon. GC, June 26. Peter, who was the Club Captain • South East - Ham Manor during West Kilbride's 50th GC, June 27. anniversary and was also around • Northern - Matfen Hall GC, for the club's centenary three years July 9. ago, is a retired banker but could • Scottish - Loch Green GC, easily have enjoyed a successful Peter Bell, seated, and winners Troon, May 27. career with pencil and sketch pad. WESTURF TRADE EXHIBITION A-Z of TURF CARE Amenity Land Services • Amenity Technology • Avoncrop Amenity Products • Barenbrug • Better Methods Europe • Bourne Amenity • SOILCARE Bowcom Ltd • British Seed Houses • Cannington College • Complete Weed Control • Course Care • DGM Turf Equipment • Encore Leisure Ltd • Farmura Ltd • Gem Professional • H Pattissons & Co • Hartpury College • Headland Amenity Products • Huxleys Grass Machinery • Institute of Groundsmanship • Levington Horticulture • Lindum Seeded Turf • Logic Irrigation • Lubrication Engineers • Maxicrop International • Medland Sanders & Twose • Miracle Garden Care • Ocmis Irrigation • PJ Flegg • Pencoed College • Pipewise UK Ltd • Pro-Seed Equipment • RS Bird • Ransomes • Rhone Poulenc • Rigby Taylor Ltd • Rocol Site Safety Systems • Roffey Ltd • Ruffords Top-Dress Supplies • Scotts UK Ltd • Shelton Trenching Systems • Sisis Equipment • Sovereign Turf • Sparsholt College • Supaturf Products Ltd • Swan Plant Sen/ices • Tildenet Ltd • TH White • Tonick Watering • Turf Irrigation Sen/ices • Vitax Ltd COMPACTION? 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35 8 GREENKEEPER INTERNATIONAL March 1997 Outstanding FLYING DIVOTS • Banks Horticultural performance Products Ltd (founded 1961) and its Associate Company applauded in Fen Turf Dressings Ltd (founded 1980) have been supplying construction and dealer award top dressing materials to the Four dealers have picked up spe- golf course industry during cial awards from Toro in the that time. The two firm's annual dealer awards companies have now scheme. Top award for "Best merged to form a new Dealer Overall" went to AT Oliver company, Banks Amenity & Sons Limited of Kings Langley Products Ltd and will trade in Hertfordshire. The award is under this name. TORO made in recognition of outstand- • Barenbrug ing performance in all aspects of has appointed customer sales and after sales. ing After sales', and Ian Kerry Products general manager Peter Ben Petitjean Three other dealers in the (Machinery) Limited of Godalm- Mansfield (right) presenting the as new Area national network also receiving ing in , whose John Cole- 'Best Dealer' award to AT Oliver & Manager to awards were A M Russell Limited brook won the 'Best Dealer Sons' sales manager John Cock- cover East of Edinburgh, and County Mow- Salesman of the Year' award. burn (seated) and salesman Tony Anglia, ers Limited, Leeds, for 'Outstand- The picture shows Toro Turf Martin. Midlands and West Midlands. • Blackley GC has appointed Hugh Gavin Jones as Course Manager. Diploma course is a He was previously Head Greenkeeper at Disley GC, Stockport. • Pleasington GC, first for architecture Blackburn, has appointed First Assistant Gary The British Institute of Golf College, supplemented by project BIGCA Diploma will be the first Thomlinson as Head Course Architects broke new and practical work will see the 12 formal accreditation in the profes- Greenkeeper. ground at the beginning of Janu- work throughout the year sion. • North Manchester GC has ary when 12 students commenced towards graduation in December. Martin Hawtree, President, appointed Martin Finney as their professional Diploma in Golf It is the first time in the world, BIGCA, said, "I am delighted that, Head Greenkeeper. He was Course Architecture at Merrist it is believed that a specialist after five years of our own stu- previously Head Wood,Surrey. course in golf course architecture dent programme, we have, with Greenkeeper at Crompton The nine week course at the has been organised and the Merrist Wood, put on the Diploma and Royton GC. course. In this way the Institute is • Upton by Chester has able to ensure professional educa- gone overseas to appoint its tion for those wishing to join the new Head Greenkeeper in field and continue to ensure that the shape of Robert Gee, proper and correct standards are previously of Faith Legg GC. met".

(mis)adventures of Cordon the Greenkeeper

Elmwood graduation Elmwood College, in Cupar, of the Barenbrug & Toro/PGA held a graduation ceremony for Greenkeeping Awards; Graeme students who achieved awards Taylor with the Gleneagles Tro- of the Higher National Certifi- phy for Golf Course Manage- cate or Higher National ment; Graeme Simmers OBE, Diploma of the Scottish Voca- Chairman of the Scottish WORRIED BY CONFLICT AT WORK? tional Education Council. Sports Council and Principal The can advise you Photo taken at the recent Col- Guest; Robert Kane, BIGGA STRESS HELPLINE lege Awards Ceremony shows, Award for 1st Year Golf Green- Greenkeeper Members call the STRESS HELPLINE from left: keepers; John Myles, BIGGA for FREE advice: 0990 234999 Carol Borthwick, Head of Award for 2nd Year Golf Green- keeper and Steven Ewing, win- Yet another benefit of Greenkeeping Section, Elm- BIGGA membership wood College; Fintan Brennan, ner of the St. Andrews Links Student of the Year and winner Trust Award. Making machinery last

nyone underestimating the A thorough understanding of machine. It is in their interest to Aimportance of having sound, the machine is essential if one is ensure that the product is per- reliable machinery need only ask to extract maximum benefit from forming to its maximum potential themselves how they would man- it. User and bystander safety is and they will want to hear about age if a vital piece of equipment also vital, so do not allow anyone any shortfall in user training or failed or performed below expec- involved with the equipment's instruction. tations on the day of a major club operation or care to skip a train- Regular, planned servicing and tournament. No matter how ing session. And if you feel maintenance in accordance with quickly your workshop or local ^^ * RANSOMES Or unhappy or are unsure about any the manufacturer's schedule is dealer is able to sort out the prob- CUSHMAN Wm^ part of the instruction, ask the something which should happen lem, any delay is likely to affect person responsible to go over the as a matter of course. Full infor- the whole maintenance pro- points again. mation will normally be provided gramme on the course, with diffi- The dealer should also be will- within the machine's instruction cult questions to be answered at working life and a higher value ing to provide training at a later book and this can be supple- the end of the day. for the investment when the time date for new members of staff or mented with guidance from the In an ideal world, every eventually comes for change. to refamiliarise operators with a dealer. Ensure that the people machine would start first time, The first step for anyone want- machine which is used infre- responsible for using and looking operate at the required setting ing their machinery to remain in quently. This latter point is also after the machine have access to and maintain peak performance peak condition for as long as pos- particularly important when spe- the appropriate manuals. They throughout its working life. In the sible is to ensure that those cialist equipment is hired-in for are of little use locked away in a real world, any machine can only responsible for using and looking short periods. cupboard or drawer. deliver the goods if it is properly after the machine receive proper Any concerns over the level or Many end-users are surprised used, regularly maintained and training and instruction. This standard of instruction received at the amount by which machin- treated with care and respect. should normally be carried out by should be reported initially to the ery maintenance standards can be Apart from the tangible benefits the supplying dealer and can take supplier's sales representative. If raised simply by ensuring that that will result from having place at the course or as part of that course of action is not possi- storage and servicing areas are equipment perform as near as an organised session at the ble, then contact the dealer's sales kept tidy and the machine is regu- possible to its initial design speci- dealer's premises. In some cases, manager or managing director. As larly washed down. Not only will fication, one can also look for- the manufacturer will also be a last resort, speak directly to the a clean machine be easier to look ward to extracting a longer involved. manufacturer or distributor of the after but it will maintain its value

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