Greenkeeper International GI AUGUST 2010

Inside...

Focus on Fungicides Dr Terry Mabbut gets technical The Unseen Irrigation System Irrigation matters uncovered FeaturedHorses Inside (and Tennis) Ceciforl Courses Showing the Epsom and GeorWimbledonge Green Way The Recipientunder the of radar Four golf Clubs the BIGGA Lifetime leading the way Achievement Award in sustainability A gamble

Golf Course pays off Feature Donaghadee Golf Club which has turned around its fortunes thanks to some brave decisions Welcome from the editor BIGGA

President Sir Michael Bonallack, OBE

Board of Management There’s One Tool You Chairman – Paul Worster Vice Chairman Andrew Mellon Past Chairman Peter Todd

Board Members Chris Sealey, Gary Cunningham, Archie Dunn, Won’t Need When You Ian Willett, Tony Smith, Elliott Small, Mark Dobell Chief Executive John Pemberton [email protected]

Head of Learning & Development Sami Collins Service Hunter Sprinklers! [email protected] Head of Membership Department Tracey Maddison [email protected]

Contact Us The last thing a golfer wants to see is unsightly excavation BIGGA HOUSE, Aldwark, Alne, York, YO61 1UF [email protected] www.bigga.org.uk scars from typical sprinkler maintenance. All Hunter Tel – 01347 833800 | Fax – 01347 833801

Premium Golf Sprinklers feature TTS - Total Top Service, Greenkeeper International with all serviceable parts accessible from the top which The official monthly magazine of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers helps keep your course looking great like nothing else can. Association Limited. A gifted and Editorial

Communications Manager / Editor Scott MacCallum Tel – 01347 833800 Fax – 01347 833801 talented bunch [email protected]

Design It is so refreshing to have just returned Not everyone is a genuine social animal and Design and from St Andrews and been in the it does come easier to some people than others Production Editor Tom Campbell company of so many committed and but I do know that BIGGA is a very inclusive organisation and the act of making people Tel – 01347 833800 talented BIGGA members. It goes some Fax – 01347 833801 way to offsetting the consequences of feel comfortable in what otherwise might be [email protected] a succession of late nights and early uncomfortable circumstances is almost an Advertising mornings that I only ever face during unwritten paragraph in the constitution. Sales Executive Open week. A member of the Open Support Team, or a Kirstin Black The entire team, and it was drawn from rookie to Harrogate, or qualifier to the National Tel – 01347 833800 members from all over the world, and a wide Championship, supported by Kubota and Fax – 01347 833802 age range, but they gelled tremendously well. Charterhouse will never feel an outsider for [email protected] My abiding memory of the week will be of long and the next time they will be among

Sales Executive gallons and gallons of laughter, especially on those making other people feel comfortable and Jill Rodham some of the late evening mini bus rides back to welcomed.

Tel – 01347 833800 Elmwood College where we were billeted for the Can I also take a few moments to pay tribute Fax – 01347 833802 week. to Cecil George, who has won the BIGGA [email protected] But what struck me was how, in the space of Lifetime Achievement Award. I had the great five days, people who had previously just been pleasure of travelling to Lenzie, just outside a face on a database became interesting human Glasgow, to meet up with my old friend, Cecil, Printing beings in their own right. and his wife, Margaret, to interview him for the Contact Revaho Today for Warners Midlands Plc, The Maltings, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH Having the chance to sit down and chat with article which appears in this issue. Your Nearest Stockist Tel – 01778 391000 | Fax – 01778 394269 so many of them led to discoveries about how Cecil is another example of one of those Contents may not be reprinted or otherwise gifted so many of them were, not just on the golf people who is more than the sum of his parts. reproduced without written permission. Return postage must accompany all materials submitted course but in other areas of their lives as well. From his early life as a para, dropping behind if return is requested. No responsibility can be I uncovered someone who had recently enemy lines, to being responsible for developing assumed for unsolicited materials. The right is reserved to edit submissions before publication. rowed at Henley; someone who had been three a greenkeeping syllabus which was taken Although every care will be taken, no responsibility is accepted for loss of manuscripts, time British Line Dance Champion, a top flight around the world. he has more than earned a photographs or artwork. Opinions expressed football referee, not to mention a host of high Lifetime Achievement Award. are not necessarily those of the Association, and no responsibility is accepted for such class category one golfers. Having been so impressed by so many of content, advertising or product information By the end we all knew an awful lot more the Open Support Team members there may that may appear. Circulation is by subscription. Subscription rate: UK £50 per year, Europe and about each other and it just highlighted the well be some future candidates for Lifetime Eire £65, Rest of the World £95. The magazine is greatest asset that the Association has – its Achievement Awards among them. also distributed to BIGGA members, golf clubs, local authorities, the turf industry, libraries and people. The only way you find that out is by central government. meeting and chatting and that is where the BIGGA networking opportunities come into their own. Whether it be Section, Region or National events there are some wonderful opportunities to meet new people and, if The Scott MacCallum Open is anything to go by, make friends who Penketh Place, West Pimbo, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, WN8 9QX Editor ISSN: 0961– 6977 will last a lifetime. T: 01695 556222 E: [email protected] www.revaho.co.uk © 2010 British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association Limited

AUGUST 2010 GI 3 Welcome from the editor BIGGA

President Sir Michael Bonallack, OBE

Board of Management There’s One Tool You Chairman – Paul Worster Vice Chairman Andrew Mellon Past Chairman Peter Todd

Board Members Chris Sealey, Gary Cunningham, Archie Dunn, Won’t Need When You Ian Willett, Tony Smith, Elliott Small, Mark Dobell Chief Executive John Pemberton [email protected]

Head of Learning & Development Sami Collins Service Hunter Sprinklers! [email protected] Head of Membership Department Tracey Maddison [email protected]

Communications Manager / Editor Scott MacCallum Tel – 01347 833800 Fax – 01347 833801 talented bunch [email protected]

Sales Executive gallons and gallons of laughter, especially on those making other people feel comfortable and Jill Rodham some of the late evening mini bus rides back to welcomed.

AUGUST 2010 GI 3 CONTENTS GI A look at what’s inside the magazine this month

AUGUST 2010 THE OPEN REVIEW

FEATURES

17 A gamble pays off Scott MacCallum visits a club which is reaping the benefits of taking some difficult decisions.

23 Blown away by St Andrews The BIGGA Open Support Team was in fine form at St Andrews. Blown away 28 Showing the green by St Andrews way The BIGGA Open Support Team proved its worth at St Andrews this year when poor weather hit. Jim Cook visits four golf clubs Scott MacCallum reports from St Andrews 23 28 GI GI each of which is taking a positive 22 AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 23 approach to looking after the environment. REGULARS 35 Thanks for the GREENKEEPER education, Cecil! Scott MacCallum spends some 6 News Desk GI INTERNATIONAL time with BIGGA’s latest Lifetime 11 Chairman’s Word AUGUST 2010 Achievement Award recipient, Cecil George. 12 GTC Inside...

13 Learning & Focus on Fungicides 39 Eight years on Development Dr Terry Mabbut gets technical Bob Taylor, of the STRI, looks 14 Industry Update The Unseen back at the work of the English Golf Irrigation 15 What’s Your System Environmental Advisory Scheme. Irrigation matters Number uncovered Inside FeaturedHorses 17 35 46 52 New Products (and Tennis) 43 Championship Showing the CECILfor Courses GEORGEEpsom and conditions, come 55 Around the Green Green Way Wimbledon FOUR GOLF CLUBS The Recipientunder the of radar LEADING THE WAY the BIGGA Lifetime rain or shine 59 Assistant Profile IN SUSTAINABILITY Achievement Award How irrigation is helping keep 61 Chief Executive’s Celtic Manor Resort and St Andrews Column links in perfect playing condition. A gamble

62 Membership Golf Course pays off 46 Wild about heather 63 Diary of Events Feature Donaghadee Golf Club which has Mike Beardall visits Piltdown 64 Dealer of the turned around its fortunes thanks Golf Club to find out more about its to some brave decisions heather restoration programme. Month GI_AUG_10.indd 1 67 In the Shed 23/7/10 11:26:41 47 The anatomy of 74 Soapbox TheThe official official monthlymonthly magazinemagazine of of Tees and Surrounds – Bob Taylor thethe British British and & International International Golf Golf Mowers GreenkeepersGreenkeepers Association Association Limited. Limited. James de Havilland writes again. 39 43 52

4 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 5 CONTENTS GI A look at what’s inside the magazine this month

AUGUST 2010 THE OPEN REVIEW

FEATURES

17 A gamble pays off Scott MacCallum visits a club which is reaping the benefits of taking some difficult decisions.

4 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 5 NEWSDESK GI The latest news from around the globe

Over 2,000 native coastal plants such as Thrift, Sheep Fescue, WILD FLOWERS STRIKE Kidney Vetch, Yellow Horned Poppies and New Scabious have helped GOLD AT HAMPTON the Conceptual Garden Model ‘A Fable for Tomorrow’ take a gold, RHS medal Despite lengthy COURT FLOWER SHOW at Hampton Court talks with various Flower Show. modelling agencies Designed by Sue Sheffield Section Radmore, Electra resisted temptation Sanders and Scarlet and used a model Wheaton for University from among their College Falmouth the own number! Thanks Garden depicts an old, to Ian Whitehead for Cornish seed bank. Success for Marriott Group attempting to model Some seeds have the new Sheffield spilled out to germinate Section polo shirts. around pools while All 10 of Marriott’s UK golf resorts have been awarded and guidance they need to implement stewardship The shirts are others have colonised “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” status in projects and receive recognition for their efforts. available in many the hill itself as they recognition of the hard work they have undertaken The Golf Programme is part of the Audubon sizes and are at the might in the wild. implementing a variety of projects in environmental Cooperative Sanctuary System. It is administered by very reasonable price Linda Laxton, MD areas around the golf course. Audubon International, a non-profit environmental of £10. The Section of British Wild Flower The Award is an international recognition of organisation that spearheads education and has already had a Plants, the specialist environmental excellence bestowed on organisations conservation assistance programs that promote lot of enquiries so Norfolk Nursery that has that are taking a leadership role in conservation. environmental stewardship and sustainability. far so if you would custom grown the plants The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for The Program addresses five key environmental like to order one says that many seeds Golf Courses helps to enhance wildlife habitats and quality areas: Wildlife and Habitat Management, please contact will lie underground protect natural resources for the benefit of people, Chemical Use, Reduction and Safety, Water James Stevens on for years until they wildlife and the game of golf. The programme is Conservation, Water Quality Management and 07738719614 are disturbed and the designed to give Course Managers the information Outreach and Education. conditions are right for them to germinate. “Poppies for example shed their seeds in August and because of Golf Management Trophy Day comes to Erewash Valley the dry conditions fall through cracks in the A Midland Region Golf Management Trophy Day soil where they remain sponsored for the 12th successive year by Scotts UK about one foot down at Professional was held at Erewash Valley Golf Club. a constant temperature Teams from 15 golf clubs enjoyed a great day on a until the field is superbly presented course prepared by Course Manager ploughed. Graham Arnold and his staff. We were blessed with an “When this happens unusually warm day, and all players were relieved to they enjoy light and make it to the clubhouse for a well earned refreshment, rain, germinate and where everyone was made to feel very welcome by all the consequently flower.” staff and members; our thanks are extended to all at the British Wild Flower Club. Plants have also The competition is based on the established supplied ‘Fields of format of four man teams playing stableford with Gold’ part of the ‘Home the best two points scores on each hole to count. Grown’ RHS central The team from Kirby Muxloe Golf Club, with Course exhibit at Hampton Manager Antony Bindley won the event for the Court. second time with a great score of 93 points; Birstall For further Golf Club 2nd with 89 points, and 3rd on 88 points information, contact Wollaton Park Golf Club. British Wild Flower The Midland Region of BIGGA thanks Erewash Valley Golf Club for hosting the event and Scotts for Plants on: Tel: 01603 ABOVE: The winning team from Kirby Muxloe Golf Club receiving 716615 or visit www. their sponsorship. the trophy, with Antony Bindley centre; LEFT: Mark Rayner presenting the main prize, an Accupro Spreader, to Antony Bindley; wildflowers.co.uk

6 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 7 NEWSDESK GI The latest news from around the globe

6 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 7 GI NEWSDESK GI NEWSDESK

JCB has taken the wraps off its JCB FLIES THE FLAG latest digger in patriotic style Sports Ground after a multi-million pound FOR BRITAIN investment to develop a machine Contractor Ups which should cut customers’ fuel costs by up to 16 per cent. The Power The backhoe loader was pioneered by JCB’s founder Joseph Cyril Bamford in 1953. The first of the new range of the British-built diggers rolled off the company’s production line at Rocester, Staffordshire, in Union Jack colours and embarked on a tour of famous London landmarks to celebrate its launch and the company’s approaching 65th anniversary in October. The fuel savings are derived largely though a new hydraulic Tractors designed and built originally replaced a seven-year old 115hp MF consistently good results in a wide system which utilises three for use in agriculture are proving 6265 in spearheading the company’s range of surface conditions and soil hydraulic pumps instead of two, an increasingly important asset for contract drainage operations on sports types, points out Kestrel founder providing the same hydraulic non-farming applications as evidenced pitches and playing fields throughout and managing director, Richard output but at lower engine by the 125hp MF 7465 tractor added the UK. Veitch. speeds. recently to the machinery fleet of Powering an AFT Wizz Wheel 75 “The extra horsepower comes Hampshire-based sports ground wheel-type trencher, the additional in very useful when laying mains construction and turf drainage special- muscle and advanced Dyna-VT drainage pipes measuring up to ist, Kestrel Contracting. transmission of the MF 7465 is 150mm diameter at depths anywhere Supplied by local Massey Ferguson proving invaluable in sustaining between 500mm and 700mm below dealer, Lister Wilder, the new tractor high workrates while promoting ground level,” said Richard.

SPORTS TURF UNITED The Trueness The GTC and IOG have secured turf students and the knowledge Meter an agreement with City & Guilds which underpins the skills NPTC, to have their logos included required within the Diplomas is on certificates for work-based also available through learning diplomas for Greenkeepers and materials in hard copy or CD Groundsmanship, with effect ROM format. from September 1 this year. David Golding, GTC’s Jack Ward, City & Guilds Education Director, believes the NPTC’s Chief Executive confirmed agreement between the GTC, he was delighted that an IOG and City & Guilds NPTC Major Steps agreement had been reached will benefit the sports turf sector for Dennis with both the greenkeeper employers and learners as the and groundsmanship bodies Work Based Diplomas have been Dennis Mowers marked a and hoped that it would be an designed to give greenkeepers significant moment in the exemplar for other land-based and groundsmen and women the company’s history with the open- War Graves Commission receive their New Bushranger organisations to follow. skills and knowledge to maintain The STRI’s groundbreaking Trueness Meter was in use at St ing of its superb new assembly The new Diplomas have surfaces to the highest standards Andrews during The Open. and administrative facility at its replaced the NVQ’s in England, using sustainable best practices. The revolutionary new technology played a pivotal role The Commonwealth War Graves Commission efficient machinery for maintaining the very HQ near Derby. Wales and Northern Ireland and “In 2006, the IOG launched in ensuring all 18 greens were consistent and of an optimal has bought 86 new Bushranger Edgers from high standards we insist on.” Managing Director, Ian given industries the opportunity its six-year strategic Challenging trueness. DJ Turfcare, based in Surrey. DJ Turfcare Managing Director David Howard, cut the ribbon to open to have a stronger influence in Perceptions plan where a key Developed in conjunction with Sheffield Hallam DJ Turfcare is the sole distributors for Jenkins said: “We are very proud of our long the new larger building.. the content of the Diplomas as theme was to identify and University following funding from the R&A, The Trueness Europe and Scandinavia for Powerup Lawncare association with the War Graves Commission. It comes on the back of the well as a Quality Assurance in the establish partnerships. The IOG is Meter is used as an integral part of the STRI Programme. Products of Australia, manufacturers of the “Bushranger Edgers have proved ideal for company’s most significant delivery of the qualifications. committed to promoting the skills The technology is being hailed as one of the biggest steps Bushranger Edger. them because immaculate edges are essential order – 27 mowers for the World In another development the agenda to National Governing forward in the agronomy industry in 30 years and the Derek Parker, CWGC Director of and staff use the machines for long periods of Cup which the 22 strong Dennis GTC, in association with the Bodies of Sport through the new only accurate, effective and efficient method of measuring Horticulture, said: “We have been looking for a time, so stability, strength and lack of noise and team had to build and ship out IOG, has created a Groundsman Diplomas.” smoothness and trueness of a green. machine like this for a long time, since another vibration is crucial.” to South Africa within a tight version of its acclaimed David added: “The GTC is The perfect putting surface tests the player but also gives manufacturer stopped producing theirs. DJ Turfcare, who are also sole UK suppliers four week time frame. They Greenkeepers Training Manual. dedicated to ensuring a range reward for skilful play. STRI’s Trueness Meter™ allows “The Bushranger has the features we need of Viano organic fertilisers, provide the CWGC also provided training for the Approved City & Guilds NPTC of qualifications are available greenkeepers for the first time to forensically analyse the because it is well-designed for operator use. with BTME award-winning fertiliser MO Bacter, Groundsmen at the World Cup Centres will all have access to through a network of Approved greens during an event and refine operations to help them “We have war graves under our care which eliminates moss without leaving debris stadia. the manuals for use with sports Centres.” implement 18 greens of the highest order. throughout the world and staff need the most and does not mark stonework or paths.

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8 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 9 GI NEWSDESK Chairman’s Word Halfway through his term, BIGGA Chairman, Paul Worster, looks back at performance and forward to success

So far, so good? 4: Dialogue and Engagement AD 3 I am grateful to the Board for all that they do to represent the aspira- Six months of my term as a business, and make no mistake – tions of their members at all levels. 20 Years of Chairman have now elapsed BIGGA is a business – and like any I will encourage Board members and the messages people kindly other it needs to be managed well. and HQ staff to ensure that we Unbroken send to talktopaul@hotmail. respond to this key challenge by Service co.uk have prompted me to 1: A Customer Service Culture supporting local volunteers with consider where we are now and I am grateful to the Chief Execu- events like BIGGA Regional Open MURCAR LINKS GOLF CLUB Recognised by where we need to be going. tive for his efforts; particularly the Days; BIGGA Volunteers Workshop Campeys By way of brief explanation personal example he sets with his at Harrogate Week 2011. HOSTS BIGGA SCOTTISH BIGGA has an elected (volunteer) customer focus. Our trade partners Please also see my March, April NATIONAL TOURNAMENT Congratulations are in order Board who are responsible for policy are also our customers as are our and June columns. for Tony Cundall, General making and implementation. The volunteers at all levels. Manager for Campey Turf Care Board determines the duties of Let me be clear now – your Board 5: CEO is a broker of good ideas the Chief Executive (CE) who then and staff members are deeply com- This year’s Scottish National Tournament was Captain Hugh Stuart and his committee for the Systems, as this year marks for the Board administers the Association’s affairs mitted to ensuring that we continue I am grateful to the Chief Execu- held in the North East of Scotland at Murcar facilities and courtesy offered to the players and the 20th anniversary of him under the general instruction of to improve the ways we offer our ser- tive who has not only brokered good Links Golf Club, Aberdeen on Thursday, 17 the support given by the staff and secretary at joining the Macclesfield-based the Board, i.e. the CE produces a vices and interact with our members. ideas but seen their wider potential June, 2010. the club. company. Business Plan and supervises the Please also see my April column. e.g. expanding the ‘Careers Clinic’ at During its 100 years Murcar has hosted Results: SGGA Challenge Cup (Scratch A celebration was held on in professional HQ team to achieve the Harrogate Week into a ‘Careers Fair’ many tournaments and frequently features Champion), David Simpson, Crieff GC, 71; June when Directors Richard Business Plan. 2: The Alignment of Products complete with Job Wall. in the top 100 courses in the U.K, - In 2007, Friendship Trophy (Handicap Champion) Ben and Jean Campey presented It is an honour for me to serve this and Services with the voted the Golf Tourism Scotland “Course of the Brookes, Murcar GC, 79-9-70; Ransomes him with a weekend away for Association and to work with the organisation’s mission Year - 2007”. Trophy (First Class) 1. Derek Green, Royal him and his wife and a bottle 6: Organisational Adaptability Board and the HQ team. At the AGM Our mission statement reads – Although a small outfit like BIGGA Overhead conditions were perfect, with a Aberdeen, 76-5-71; 2. Charlie MacDonald, of Malt Whisky to mark the in January the members attending ‘BIGGA is dedicated to the continu- HQ may be vulnerable to sudden breeze just to make things interesting typical Crieff GC, 75-3-72; 3. George Mitchell, occasion. indicated that they wanted me to ing professional development of its skills shortages requiring an up- links conditions. Entry was slightly down on Newmachar GC, 75-2-73; Pattison Trophy Tony, a well known figure take an active role in the business members and in serving their needs to-date Succession Plan and cover last year but the players in attendance were (Second Class) 1. Richard Pirie, Newmachar within the trade and with and gave me their mandate to work will strive through education and for key roles - its size means it can looking forward to playing this fine links GC, 83-10-73; 2. Billy Craig, Kirriemuir GC, Campey customers, originally with the HQ team and our hard training for standards of excellence more swiftly: - adapt to unforeseen course. After the most severe winter in almost 85-10-75; 3. Gary Semple, St.Andrews Links, joined as a sales representative working volunteers to make BIGGA in golf course management through- market conditions; - optimise the 30 years Brian Anderson and his staff are to 87-11-76. STRI Trophy (Third Class) 1. Lewis covering North Wales, Cheshire the best membership organisation out the greenkeeping profession’. way it delivers its services. be congratulated on producing a course in Birch, St.Andrews Links, 91-20-71; 2. Hugh and the North Staffordshire anywhere (See my March column). Your Board are keen to advance I will actively encourage your excellent condition for the tournament. McLatchie, Peterhead GC, 110-21-89; 3. Brian area and went on to become I freely admit - this is a rather the profession through CPD and, Board to ensure that the Associa- Despite the windy conditions several fine Hunter, McDonald GC, 112-21-91 Dick Aitken General Manager ‘all-encompassing’ vision and one with the expert guidance of Sami tion’s organisation and resources, scores were returned with the BIGGA National Trophy (Best Head Greenkeeper) Archie Dunn, “In an age when strength that will need continuous effort Collins, the Learning and Develop- as well as its products and services, Champion of 2007 and 2008 David Simpson, Auchterarder GC, 77-5-72; M&M Trophy of character, loyalty and and attention. However, six months ment Sub-Committee are working are aligned to its mission. Crieff Golf Club, returning a fine scratch 72 to (Best Assistant) Mike Carson, Caird Park GC, conscientiousness are not ago I expressed the belief that we energetically to expand the take-up win the SGGA Challenge Cup. The Handicap 81-7-74; Souter Trophy (Best Apprentice) Greig always given the recognition already have the leadership, the of CPD. See my June column. Champion was Ben Brookes, First Assistant Patterson, Royal Aberdeen, 86-12-74; SIGGA and appreciation they 7: Alliance Building professional HQ team and the infra- I will continue to strive to meet I am grateful to the Chief Executive at Murcar, who took full advantage of local Trophy (Best Veteran). deserve, we are delighted to structure (populated by really great this ‘take-up’ challenge through key for his hard work over many years to knowledge and returned a fine 79-9-70, despite Elliott Small, Life Member, 85-11-74; St. acknowledge the sheer hard volunteers) to achieve this goal and I activities like: the (soon to be updated) build meaningful partnerships with completing a hard day’s work in preparing the Mungo Trophy (Team Event.. work and reliability Tony has still feel the same. BIGGA CPD Accreditation scheme; key trade and sporting bodies. course for the competitors. Once again we had Best 4 net scores. Central Section. Lewis displayed over the past 20 My confidence that we can achieve and a specific event for Assistant I will actively encourage your a very competitive field, handicap’s ranging Birch, 71; Archie Dunn, 72; David Simpson, years,” acknowledged Richard. this aim was reinforced recently by Greenkeepers at Harrogate Week Board to ensure that we continue from plus 2 to 24. 72; Charlie McDonald, 72. Total=287; Patrons/ “He has never had a day Tracey Maddison at HQ who kindly 2011. See my May column. to form advantageous alliances with Congratulations to all who took part and Trade Jim Smith, Rigby Taylor, 88- 15 – 73; off sick in all that time and gave me an excellent brief on how organisations in the golf sector. we hope to see everyone at the Duke’s Course, Qualifiers National Championship; Scratch. has proved himself a loyal we can all contribute to recruiting 3: Data Driven Strategies St.Andrews, in 2011. David Simpson; Handicap Ben Brookes. and dedicated member of our more members. Her great ideas, and I am also grateful to Board mem- So far, so good. Our Chairman John Geddes thanked, Peter J. Boyd, Regional Administrator team.” more, will feature in a later column bers for their often heroic efforts to In closing let me mention that and I hope will become a major drive formulate clear strategies and make your Board recently honoured Cecil for the Association. For now let’s wise decisions. I will continue to George with the BIGGA Lifetime look at some success measures and encourage Board members and HQ Achievement Award. consider what might still need to be staff to gather the key data that our The vision of Cecil and people like done by your Chairman and Board. three-tiered structure makes acces- him (who helped develop formal At a FEGGA Seminar in February, sible to us. training for Greenkeepers) contin- I gained insights into how success- It is so important that the Board ues to help BIGGA to be where it ful membership organisations are makes informed decisions based on should be i.e. in the forefront of the measured. These measures assess up-to-date information from a wide advancement of the greenkeeping 01788 568818 the way an association operates as range of sources. profession. 170MM X 30MM

10 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 11 GI NEWSDESK Chairman’s Word Halfway through his term, BIGGA Chairman, Paul Worster, looks back at performance and forward to success

10 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 11 Greenkeepers Training Committee Learning & Development Sami Collins, Head of Learning & Development, David Golding, Education Director, with an update on education issues with a monthly update from the GTC

Early indications are that There are far too many apprentice introduced in the early nineties. This last month the L&D 10. Evaluate Training and • Sebastian Cavilla from The Apprenticeships will remain success stories to list in this article In Brief Employers for their part, through Department has been heavily Development Against Goals and Manor House Golf Club, represent- although the new Government but it is still as important today This month, as the new their Course Managers should involved with The Open, the Targets ing Bridgwater College, Cannington has yet to confirm where as it was when I first became an coalition Government sorts keep up to speed with the various Toro Student Greenkeeper of 11. Introduce Continuous Centre out its priority for funding, funding support, if any, will be apprentice in the mid-sixties. Not one thing is clear as David courses and qualifications, as the Year regional interviews, Improvement • Tom Hayward from Frome explains how we all need that I am claiming to be one of the there is no substitute for having a 12. Plan an Induction The funding provided Golf Club, representing Bridgwater focused to benefit employers to work together to ensure the introduction of the new by Golden and Silver golf clubs continue to and learners. success stories! well trained workforce. membership benefit, the “How 13. Prepare a Skills Matrix Key Sponsors is used to College, Cannington Centre benefit from the structure produce training and career The GTC has ensured the Let us hope that within all the opportunities already in Finally, as from the 31st August To...” guides. There is no let up 14. Prepare a Training Record • Robert Mills from Sunningdale aids, DVDs, CD Roms, place for greenkeeper Apprenticeships at both Levels promised funding cuts, training there will be a new look to the GTC in August as the Continue to 15. Prepare for an Appraisal field guides and provide Golf Club, representing Guildford training. 2 and 3 include the skills and doesn’t receive any and our Approved Training Provider section Learn education programme 16. Promote Equal Opportunities refunds for training fees and College subsidised learning and knowledge required by employers employers continue to invest in on the website. hits the top of the ‘To Do’ list! 17. Recruit the Right Staff development courses. The • Gavin Moore from Launceston and whilst these frameworks are their staff of all ages. As part of its ongoing 18. Write a Job Description funding also helps support Golf Club, representing Duchy Col- seminars, workshops, available for all ages, when it comes Not only has the GTC continually The GTC is funded by: commitment to quality the GTC “How To...” Guides 19. Conduct a One-to-One Meeting courses, the lending library, lege UK careers advice, posters and to funding support, it is the young lobbied for support funding for all has written to all of its current manuals. • Andrew Stanger from 16-19 age group, where priority formal qualifications but has also approved providers with a revised Do you ever ask The “How To...” guides are short, Horsforth Golf Club, representing Many young greenkeepers funding is guaranteed. encouraged the take up of Continual criteria and an invitation to join the yourself these handy guides providing practical, owe their career Askham Bryan College I am sure we all agree that Professional Development (CPD) GTC’s Quality Assured Scheme. questions? step by step guidance on the listed progression to the • Stephen Thompson from

UK assistance they’ve had funding should be made available by greenkeepers and employers for Colleges and Private Companies subjects. The guides can be down- from the Learning and Bearsted Golf Club, representing to ensure youngsters either receive short courses which must be the meeting the criteria and offering • How do I conduct a one-to-one loaded and used to help you develop Development Fund. An Hadlow College Development & Training equal number of established support through their employers next target. the formal qualifications will, in meeting? your knowledge and implement new greenkeepers have also registering them as an apprentice These short courses could future, be promoted to employers • How do I conduct a team processes within your workplace. been able to access the My thanks go to our RAs Peter UK fund to continue their with a Centre, or on a full-time easily be funded if the government and learners as GTC APPROVED briefing? Introduced exclusively for BIGGA professional development Boyd, Jane Jones and Clive thanks to the donations of college based course/qualification instructed its funding bodies to CENTRES. • OpenHow Programmes do I prepare for an Members, you’ll find the guides by the Golden and Silver Key Osgood and to our greenkeeping such as a National Certificate allow Centres, including colleges to A new criteria and category for appraisal? accessing Member Resources in the Sponsors. representatives Euan Grant, Gary

when they are unable to gain offer courses using Units grouped individuals and organisations will • How doUK I recruit the right staff? members area of the website. Cunningham, Chris Sealey, Tony employment. together, which can give the learner be GTC APPROVED TRAINING • How do I write a job description? The ‘How To...” guides are brought Smith, Gerald Bruce and Cameron However, what about the a certificate of achievement. PROVIDERS. Support Resources to you thanks to the continuing McMillan who, along with the Toro over 19’s and the mature career In my opinion there has been Watch out for the GTC Quality There are now 19 “How To...” support of the contributors to the representatives selected our eight changes who would love to follow far too much emphasis on full Assured Scheme logo from guides available to help you answer Learning and Development Fund. National Finalists. the apprenticeship pathway? If qualifications and this has been to September, as it will be the kite these questions and more: The National Finals will take funding support is not available to the detriment of many greenkeepers mark by which education and Toro Student place at BIGGA House on 12 and 13 employers they might unfairly be looking to progress their skills and training will be measured in the 1. Cascade Goals to Teams and Greenkeeper of the September. I’m sure you will join me discriminated against! knowledge in association with their future. Individuals Year in wishing all of the finalists the very The GTC will continue to raise employers. 2. Conduct 180º and 360º Apprais- best of luck. this matter and Centre staff have The GTC, in partnership with als The regional interviews for the Contact Details to be prepared to react as and when the new Quality Assured Centres 3. Conduct Team Briefings Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Sami Collins new initiatives are announced. and Training Providers must be 4. Develop a Business Plan Year have been completed and the Head of L&D Ideally we would see funding prepared to deliver short courses, 5. Develop a Training and Develop- eight finalists have been selected, [email protected] made available to support as these underpin all of the formal ment Policy they are: Rachael Duffy Higher Education Scholarships L&D Administrator apprentices of all ages and qualifications and National 6. Develop an Appraisal System • Craig Boath, from Carnoustie [email protected] Supported by Ransomes Jacobsen funding for short courses using Occupational Standards. 7. Develop and Organisational Golf Links, representing Elmwood 01347 833800 (option 3) the Units from within the various If we could just get the Training Play College The most recent scholarship has qualifications. Government to recognise the 8. Develop Succession Plans • Sean Borrett, from Elles- www.bigga.org.uk been awarded to: Andrew Reason – Regular readers of this page demand and popularity for short 9. Evaluate Individual Training and borough Golf Club, representing HNC Golf Course Management will know the GTC, through courses and at least put some Development Myerscough College consultation, maintains the funding towards this area of National Occupational Standards training, I am sure we will see the (NOS) for the greenkeeping Centres move fairly quickly. Thank you to our Golden and Silver Key Sponsors sector from which vocational, Whether we call it CPD or Contact Details Trainin rs g C apprenticeships and centre based progression, learners will soon get pe o e m qualifications are developed. used to this and the GTC will put David Golding e GTC Education Director 2010 m We sincerely hope that the its weight behind this matter at k n i 01347 838640 e t t Government continues to support every opportunity. e [email protected] e r employer led organisations like the At a very recent meeting I heard e GTC G GTC who, despite the bureaucracy that “progression” would become Aldwark Manor and numerous hours of meetings, a government buzzword for Near York YO61 1UF work within the “system” therefore learners. If it does I have to assume Q www.the-gtc.co.uk d the employers we represent should this is just what the GTC has been ua re be supported accordingly. lobbying for since N/SVQ’s were lit su Golden Key Individual Members: Steven Tierney; WJ Rogers; Andy Campbell MG, CGCS; Iain A Macleod; Tom Smith; Frank Newberry; Christopher Lomas MG, Lee Strutt MG; Silver Key Individual Members: Ade y As Archer; Iain Barr; Hamish Campbell; Steve Dixon; Paul Jenkins; Robert Maibusch MG; Richard McGlynn; Stephen Pope; Jason Sarna; Neil Whitaker; Graham Wylie, Michael Beaton, Douglas Duguid

12 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 13 Greenkeepers Training Committee Learning & Development Sami Collins, Head of Learning & Development, David Golding, Education Director, with an update on education issues with a monthly update from the GTC

12 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 13 INDUSTRY UPDATE What’s your The latest turf industry news from around the globe Number? Our regular and random profile of an industry GI figure continues with this month’s lucky number...

Mike Beardall, ROYAL CINQUE PORTS STAYS of Oakfield WITH RANSOMES JACOBSEN Media, answers some searching questions

1. What is your position within the company? Owner and chief Euro Grass coffee-maker. 2. How long have you joins Turfgrass been in the industry? As a journalist for 42 years. In the sports surface Growers management sector 15 years.

Association 3. How did you get into it? From school as a trainee reporter on a local paper. After various newspaper jobs, joined the Daily Mail for 10 years. The Turfgrass Growers Association already has a number of cultivars Entered horticulture in the 80s while running a six-acre has welcomed grass seed breeder, established on the STRI/BSPB smallholding in West Sussex, and later freelanced on producer and supplier Euro Grass seed listings. The Water Gardener and Turf Management magazines, BV as a new affiliate member. Simon Taylor explained: “Our followed by editing The Groundsman for 11 years. Euro Grass is an international membership is very important The Royal Cinque Ports GC, situated on Ian Barnard is the Course Manager and The club have opted for a five year company which is active in as it enables interaction with 4. What other jobs have you done? the narrow stretch of coastline between a former professional golfer who turned operating lease with full maintenance turfgrass breeding and production grower members and to present It’s all been journalism and public relations, plus Deal and Sandwich Bay in Kent, has to greenkeeping following a serious injury contract, which provides them with a in Denmark, Germany and the Euro Grass and its products on a photography – but my family were all farmers so I really added further Ransomes Jacobsen turf that curtailed his career. fixed monthly cost and dovetails with their Netherlands. New to the British professional level. We are looking feel comfortable when working outdoors. I’ve done my fair maintenance equipment to maintain the Commenting on the new equipment he operating strategy. amenity market, its aim, through forward to working with the share of cultivating, growing and harvesting over the years. championship links course. said,“As you would expect from a links “This latest package, with its the recent appointment of Simon Association and turf growers to The club has added four G-Plex III ride-on course we have a very undulating playing combination of equipment, high service Taylor as UK Sales & Marketing tackle some of the challenges which 5. What do you like about your current job? triplex mowers, two with greens cutting surfaces, both severe and subtle, so we levels from local dealer Ernest Doe Manager, is to offer a portfolio of face the industry in current times.” The opportunity to meet so many people who enjoy their units and two for tees, two Fairway 305s need equipment that delivers a high quality & Sons and a finance plan that suits amenity grasses that provides Simon can be contacted on work. Greenkeepers, groundsmen and gardeners all share with cabs and an AR250 rotary mower for finish, while having the ability to work our business plan, is definitely the high level seed cleanliness and 01522 868946 or by email on a common passion for perfection and are all very friendly. maintaining the rough, all supplied by local under these exacting conditions here at best package us,” Ian Barnard unrivalled cultivar performance [email protected]. dealer Ernest Doe and Sons Ltd. Royal Cinque Ports. concluded. for turf production. The company www.turfgrass.co.uk 6. What changes have you seen during your time in the industry? More science, better machinery and an increase in the recognition for people who produce top-notch sports Etesia UK on the Move Sherriff to be Sole Suppliers surfaces and excellent parks and gardens. Etesia UK is celebrating its 15th year of trading with a 7. What do you like to do in your spare time? move to modern, custom built premises at Shennington Sherriff Amenity has signed a new extended agreement with De near Banbury, Oxfordshire. The company required a larger Pottering around auctions, adding to the clutter in my Vere Hotel & Leisure to remain the sole suppliers of chemical, garage, gardening and golf – but not often enough. warehouse and in-house training areas. fertiliser and grass seed to their golf courses nationwide. Etesia UK began in 1995 with only one walk- behind Mark Pyrah, Sherriff Amenity Director said: 8. Where do you see yourself in 10 years time? and one ride-on machine but have grown rapidly and now “We are delighted that De Vere have chosen Sherriff Amenity to offer a wide range of products, that include a variety of Still working! Unless my lottery ticket comes up and then remain their exclusive suppliers. I’ll be on my yacht in the Bahamas. walk-behind & ride-on mowers, and a range of brush cut- “The agreement that has been reached will ensure that De Vere ters. The company is also the exclusive UK dealer for the continue to benefit from volume group purchases, a high level of range of Pellenc lithium-ion battery powered chainsaws, 9. Who do you consider best friends in the industry? sales support and the latest in new product technology within the Cannot name them all – but they know who they are. polesaws, pruning shears and hedge cutters. amenity arena. The move has been brought about by a steady rise in “Sherriff Amenity’s industry leading research and development business and an increase in customers and machinery 10. What do you consider to be your lucky number? programme allows us to provide our customers with the latest 18 – the date of my son and grandson’s birthday. sales since the company was formed. in new technical innovation backed by our unrivalled range of The contact details for Etesia UK are: Greenway House products, selected from regional, national and international 11. Pick a number ...31 Mike has picked Lee Sugarswell Business Park Shennington Oxon OX15 6HW. manufacturers.” Tel: 01295 680120 Fax: 01295 680852 Penrose of the STRI

14 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 15 INDUSTRY UPDATE What’s your The latest turf industry news from around the globe Number? Our regular and random profile of an industry GI figure continues with this month’s lucky number...

Mike Beardall, ROYAL CINQUE PORTS STAYS of Oakfield WITH RANSOMES JACOBSEN Media, answers some searching questions

14 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 15 COURSE Feature

A gamble pays off

Scott MacCallum visits Donaghadee Golf Club which has turned around its fortunes thanks to some brave decisions

16 GI JULY 2009 AUGUST 2010 GI 17 COURSE Feature

A gamble pays off

Scott MacCallum visits Donaghadee Golf Club which has turned around its fortunes thanks to some brave decisions

16 GI JULY 2009 AUGUST 2010 GI 17 COURSE Feature COURSE Feature

70 bunkers which had been well Howard Swan’s received by the members and felt Short-course Plan that Howard could make an impact at Donaghadee. KEY

“I’d been in the club around six A Access to/from months before I approached them Clubhouse to Practice Ground and suggested that we bring Howard B Existing Practice Tee in to take a look and they agreed.” C Artifivial Teeing Area D Grass Tee Area - North Howard visited and the club E tree Planting/Screening agreed that he would look at F x5 Target Greens, Main Outfield, as part of x6 two holes, the visually appealing Hole Course G x11 Bunker Hazards to 6 par-3 13th and the 18th, the two Hole Course holes that would make the biggest H Artificial Teeing Mats x9 J Grass Tee Area - South impact. k Existing Chipping Green “The downhill 13th was a bit & Bunker to be removed L Practice Mounds Area unbalanced with one bunker on the M Practice Hollows Area front, one on the right and another N x1 Main Academy Green doubling up as 3 at the back. Now it looks like a real additional holes 0 Bunker Academy signature hole with bunkers sur- P x1 Target Green rounding the green. With the 18th Q Area of Woodland to be removed it meant people left the course R Range Outfield thinking what a good golf course it was. The club was over the moon

“The club knew that the course was behind the times so the nettle was grasped and money was spent.” Aaron Small

Three years ago Donaghadee the times but credit to the club, they of wages each week which meant and the decision to extend it to the Golf Club, near Bangor, in appreciated that something needed that the machine basically paid itself rest of the bunkering was easy,” said Northern Ireland, took a to be done – the nettle was grasped and we got a better quality finish,” Aaron, or “Bunker Boy” as some of gamble. and money spent. said Aaron, who couldn’t believe the members call him. Losing members, with the course “I knew, coming here, that it was how busy the course was when he After that a programme which not maximising its potential, the going to be a challenge but I certainly arrived. involved Howard visiting twice in the club recognised that a change was wasn’t daunted by it.” “I thought it must have been Open year, in February and October for needed and advertised for a top Aaron had been honest at his week as we regularly have 600 people three days with two holes being done Course Manager to turn around interview, highlighting where he out between Friday and Sunday and each time. its fortunes as well as setting aside thought the problems were, and I’d been used to Clandeboye, which “The course is a little below aver- a significant amount of money to that was music to the ears of the had two courses to swallow up the age length wise and there is no way invest in the course. interview panel, who knew then that golfers.” we can make it longer so really the Local man, Aaron Small, who had they’d got their man. “The greens are our bread and only way we can improve the chal- been number two at Clandeboye Golf “I personally believe that the Head butter. I took out about 210 boxes lenge is to tighten the course up with Club for the previous 10 years, was Greenkeeper needs to play golf other- of thatch and sanded them straight the bunkering and make sure they attracted by the prospect of making wise it’s like a chef who doesn’t taste away to get them running true. It are in the correct places. his mark on the course and took his own food. If I’d been a member of was the best thing for them.” “We put £20,000 in the budget each year which worked out at on the challenge. If it was indeed a Donaghadee I wouldn’t have been Having made an impact on the consistency right than it is green While this has been going on, £5,000 per hole covering all archi- ABOVE AND BELOW: The new gamble for both sides, fortune has happy and I could understand why greens and added definition to the practice grounds consistency. other areas of the course haven’t tect fees; digger man fees, drainage, certainly favoured the brave. people were leaving,” said Aaron, a fairways Aaron then turned his “Category One golfers like them been neglected and have seen an sand etc. I really enjoy working with The course is now in superb 4 handicapper who hits the ball a attention to the bunkers. to be firm but higher handicappers upgrade. Howard because he is on site the condition with an extensive bunker country mile. “I was grubbing a greenside like a bit softer and fluffier. But we’ve “We’ve improved the signage and whole time and can make amends programme nearing completion The first thing he did when he bunker on the 4th when the Captain also got to contend with wind blow made money,” explained Aaron. as we go rather than him leaving which has transformed the golfing started was, as with most new men, came over. I pulled the hand grubber as well as the fact that some bun- “We bought some excellent signs plans for us to interpret.” challenge and a new practice facility turn the greens around, and the club through the first time and it was HS kers drain better than others. Then from Eagle Promotions which have Asked to describe a Swan bunker which will surely become the envy was quick to honour its commit- Masters sand. I pulled it through you’ve got to look at the fact that sun been cemented in. They are wooden Aaron explains that they fit in well of many others. All in three short ment with around £80,000 worth again and it was Wexford White. The facing bunker dry out more quickly, and have a map of the hole painted to the landscape and that they are years. of new machinery, which has since third time it was Silica. So basically while those that are more in play will on them and look great. We got them built in proportion to the scale of the “The course was lacking definition been added to by another £70,000 there had been a problem with the react differently to those that are not sponsored for an average of around golf course. to be honest while the bunkers were worth of kit. Silica sand so instead of digging it found so often. It is an impossible £500 each for two years – more for “Visually they look excellent but in serious need of attention – they “Before I started they had one guy out the Wexford had been put on top task to achieve total consistency.” par-3s as they are studied for yard- they do require a bit of maintainance were old, in the wrong places with stuck on a three unit rough mower and when there was a problem with With the bunkers on track and ages more than others and the 1st as they need to be hand raked.” inconsistent sand,” said Aaron, who and it took him a full week to cut the that the HS was put on top of that. It due to be completed in another four is more as well. For the sponsorship Aaron firmly believes that bun- had played the course a number of rough. We now have a seven unit was good for the Captain to see what visits, there is a steady improvement they also get 20 rounds at Don- kers are the toughest element of a times both as a junior and a senior Toro and we get the work done in a we were up against.” much to the delight of the members, aghadee. This brings more people golf course to get right and that it team player. day and a half. We were immediately Aaron had worked with architect, despite the fact that it has made the into the club to spend money at the is certainly harder to get bunker ABOVE: Aaron Small “Basically the course was behind saving three and a half days’ worth Howard Swan, at Clandeboye on course at least a shot tougher. club or in the shop so we benefit

18 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 19 COURSE Feature COURSE Feature

70 bunkers which had been well Howard Swan’s received by the members and felt Short-course Plan that Howard could make an impact at Donaghadee. KEY

“The club knew that the course was behind the times so the nettle was grasped and money was spent.” Aaron Small

18 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 19 COURSE Feature No.1 IN THE UK FOR HIGH QUALITY STEEL BUILDINGS DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED TO YOUR SPECIFICATIONS DOMESTIC - COMMERCIAL - AGRICULTURAL

there as well. Some people may also hole course,” said Aaron, who added “It was a very poor area, the size of decide to become members having that the project was given funding played the course. They were really by Sports Northern Ireland. a football pitch, and on a slope - you easy to sell and it means when we “There were strict tight deadlines come to renew the sponsorships it’s for every stage of the project which, rarely saw more than two people on all profit having paid for the signage if missed, would have caused the it at any one time” Aaron Small out of the initial deal.” funding to be withdrawn but we met But the really exciting develop- every one.” ment at the club is the superb, The new area will be administered “It seems to me that many, many unique, new short game facility, by the Pro Shop, with a booking golf clubs do not make good use 9 REASONS TO CHOOSE A WEST COUNTRY STEEL BUILDING opened last month, which will be a system ensuring that there are not of their practice facilities, however great addition for the Donaghadee too many people on it at any one comprehensive they might be, and membership as well as being a new time, and schools will be invited to much comes down to the funda- community facility for school chil- bringing enthusiastic children to the mental philosophy of the club to see dren who will be given the chance to area to receive lessons from the pro- new blood coming into the game. 1 VALUE develop a taste for the game. fessionals and hopefully ultimately Donaghadee has been very enter- WE SELL MORE STEEL BUILDINGS THAN ANY OTHER “It was a very poor area, about the become members. COMPANY IN THE UK AND WILL NOT BE BEATEN ON prising in looking at this innovative PRICE OR QUALITY. size of a football pitch and you very “It will also be a great warm up for approach to swell their membership, 5 QUALITY 2 EXPERIENCE BUILDINGS ARE ENGINEERED TO BS6399 (PART2). OUR rarely saw more than a couple of those with a later tee time and we both adult and junior, and they have OUR NETWORK CAN PROVIDE YOU A FULL UK STEEL SUPPLIERS, A.STEADMAN & SON, HAVE IS0 people on it at any one time.” will have matches for the various COMPREHENSIVE HASSLE FREE PACKAGE 9001-2000 ACCREDITATION. OUR CLADDING SUPPLIERS been very successful indeed in doing COVERING YOUR PROJECT FROM START TO OFFER A 25-YEAR WARRANTY. Coupled with a 40 x 40 area of groups within the club – juniors, FINISH. this on both counts,” he explained. 6 SPEED trees which was cleared, on which ladies, seniors etc. It will help to With the new short game facility 3 FLEXIBILITY BUILDINGS CAN BE SUPPLIED WITHIN 4 WEEKS. OUR UNIQUE CONSTRUCTION METHOD ENABLES US an Academy green complete with bring the club closer together while to manage, which requires hand TO BUILD TO VIRTUALLY ANY SHAPE OR SIZE, WITH 7 CLADDING OPTIONS bunkering were built, it amounted sharpening up our short games, A WIDE RANGE OF CUSTOM FEATURES: ROLLER CHOOSE FROM SINGLE SKIN PLASTISOL, FIRE-RATED mowing of the greens, Aaron oper- DOORS, WINDOWS, SKYLIGHTS, PARTITIONS ETC. COMPOSITES OR TIMBER-EFFECT WEATHERBOARD. to an area of around 1600 square said Aaron. ates with a team of six including 4 CONVENIENCE 8 DESIGN metres. Howard is extremely impressed himself with summer help bringing OUR FULLY GALVANISED STRUCTURES ARE AS YOUR LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR WE CAN DESIGN MAINTENANCE FREE. YOUR STRUCTURE IN FRONT OF YOU AND PROVIDE “Howard designed it for us – to by the vision of Donaghadee Golf that number to seven. YOU WITH AN INSTANT QUOTE, OUR UNLIMITED ensure we were eligible for the fund- Club and the commitment that has FEATURES WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A PRACTICAL “I’m over the moon at the way COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTION CATERING FOR YOUR ing we needed to employ a profes- been required to get it done. things have worked out and NEEDS. sional architect – and we have two “The achievement at Donaghadee delighted at the way the club has 9 CONFIDENCE big natural turf tees at each end – the is immense and has been fully VISIT OUR SHOW SITE OR ASK TO SEEREFERENCES supported me. They gave me the job FROM DELIGHTED CUSTOMERS CONFIRMING THE North and the South – which you can supported by the public purse very and let me get on with it which is QUALITY OF OUR BUILDINGS. use to play to six of the holes, which gratefully and it is excellent news for exactly the way to a successful club. have signs telling you the yardage the provinces golf and golf develop- Pay the professionals to get on with WEST COUNTRY STEEL BUILDINGS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL NOW ON: to each hole, while there are also ment that the Government feel it is the job,” said Aaron. 15, HIGH CROSS ROAD, 07970 827 085 ROGERSTONE, artificial tees for each of the holes. important enough to support us in Perhaps it wasn’t such a gamble IMAGES ON THIS PAGE: 07785 322 960 Donaghadee Golf Club as NEWPORT, You can play it as a six hole or a nine this way,” said Howard. after all for Donaghadee Golf Club. photographed by Niall Kerr NP10 9AE 01633896263 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: WWW.WESTCOUNTRYBUILDINS.COM

20 GI AUGUST 2010 COURSE Feature No.1 IN THE UK FOR HIGH QUALITY STEEL BUILDINGS DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED TO YOUR SPECIFICATIONS DOMESTIC - COMMERCIAL - AGRICULTURAL

20 GI AUGUST 2010 THE OPEN REVIEW

Blown away by St Andrews

The BIGGA Open Support Team proved its worth at St Andrews this year when poor weather hit. Scott MacCallum reports from St Andrews

22 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 23 THE OPEN REVIEW

Blown away by St Andrews

The BIGGA Open Support Team proved its worth at St Andrews this year when poor weather hit. Scott MacCallum reports from St Andrews

22 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 23 THE OPEN REVIEW

“The hard work and effort was matched only by the fun and laughter that was had by all” Scott MacCallum

The 150th anniversary Open later than intended which put managed by Gordon Moir, so, John Keenaghan and Jeremy at St Andrews saw the BIGGA pressure on everyone involved. outside of emergencies, the BIGGA Hughes and all those who drove Open Support Team returning The BIGGA team was there to team members were able to mini buses. Their work was to the venue where the very help and a phone call from the concentrate on supporting their supplemented by the Cabin staff, first team started work back R&A’s Grant Moir at 9.15pm matches. of Peter Boyd and Clive Osgood; in 1984. Much has changed in on Friday evening asking for 20 And what a fine job they did. The and 1st Tee team of Richard those 26 years but one thing Support Team members to divot Association should be proud of Whyman and Paul Jenkins. The has remained constant – just fairways ahead of the fairway them all. The hard work and effort responsibility for administration how important the team is mowers at 4.30am the next was matched only by the fun and and the Marquee was carried to the smooth running of an morning was met by a sea of hands laughter that was had by all. out by Rachael Duffy, who was event where you never know volunteering to take on the task. One of the many highlights ably assisted by the Board of what will happen next. Such desire to get in and help, was the presentation of a Lifetime Directors Chris Sealey and Gary whatever the hour, is what the Achievement Award to Cecil Cunningham. Brian Hunter, left, with Scottish This year, for example, a Chairman, John Geddes suspension of play on the second BIGGA Open Support Team is all George (see page 34). National The thoughts of everyone on afternoon because of high about. Chairman, Paul Worster, was the team went out to one of their winds meant matches couldn’t Drawn from a list of BIGGA Master of Ceremonies and number, Anthony Gillis, of Cork be completed until Saturday members who applied for the introduced Past Chairman, Elliott Golf Club, who had to cut short his morning. team at the turn of the year Small, who outlined Cecil’s career. time in St Andrews, almost before The knock on effect meant that greenkeepers came from all points The actual presentation was it had begun, and return home those 30 players left out on the of the UK and Ireland as well as made by BIGGA’s first Chairman, because of a family illness. ABOVE LEFT: Cecil Receives his the USA, Sweden, Germany and Walter Woods, the former Links Next year the team will reform award from Walter Woods course had to play the same course ABOVE CENTRE: Tools of the as the players who had already Slovenia. Superintendent at St Andrews. and be there to help at Royal St trade George’s Golf Club. Look out ABOVE: Back packs kindly completed their rounds. That, in A St Andrews Open benefits Thanks must go to all team donated by Ransomes Jacobsen turn, meant that Gordon McKie from the collective greenkeeping members but, in particular, the for the application form in the LEFT: John Pemberton with December and January issues of Mark Pyrah of Sherriff, who and his team couldn’t complete might of the St Andrews Links Pod Leaders, Billy Merritt, Richard kindly sponsored the TVs Three Nigerian BIGGA their third round prep until much Trust Greenkeeping resources, Saunders, Douglas McIntosh, Greenkeeper International. NEAR LEFT: Walter and Jack, members visited the Marquee doyens of the industry

24 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 25 THE OPEN REVIEW

“The hard work and effort was matched only by the fun and laughter that was had by all” Scott MacCallum

24 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 25 Join the Association for Sports Turf Professionals

Are you employed in the maintenance of sports turf at a sports facility? Do you want to be taken seriously as a sports turf professional? Do you want access to a wide range of bespoke education courses? Do you want to be part of a large network of like-minded people where BIGGA Titbits (by BIGGA Open shared knowledge is a key ingredient? Support Team Members) Do you want to be part of a progressive association that actively works • An early start does have its benefits. In the second match to enhance the professional reputation of sports turf professionals? out Loren Roberts’ caddie spotted a lady watching the golf from the window of a room on the third floor of the Old Course Hotel covered only by her bra. If you answered YES to any of the above questions Bob Maibusch MG, of Hinsdale Golf Club, Illinois, USA. then Membership of BIGGA is for you. • Jean Van de Velde is still serving his apprenticeship as an on-course reporter. In trying to get a better view of Tiger Wood’s putt on the 15th he wandered onto the line of the group teeing off on the 16th. He was met with shouts of “Jean! Jean!” from the crowd, and the golfers, including Why Join BIGGA? Tiger, but as he was wearing headphones it took him a while to realise that he was an obstruction. He turned red and moved out of the way cheers from the crowd and the other • Industry speciﬁ c, education and training • Sports turf industry networking players. Matt Wormald, of Luffenham Heath Golf Club. • Greenkeeper International – BIGGA’s • Commitment to CPD ofﬁ cial magazine • In an eventful day for Tiger he formed part of an • Maintain standard and quality illustrious queue for a portaloo on the 7th. Justin Rose • Careers advice and guidance within the profession went first, Tiger was next in line with Camilo Villegas bringing up the rear. • Regional and national events • Dedicated members’ website Matt Wormald, of Luffenham Heath Golf Club.

• DA Points pulled a bag of beef jerky from his bag during the delay. Once he’d finished he then pulled a roll of dental Look to your future by joining BIGGA today... floss from his bag and announced to the gallery, “The big problem once you’ve eated beef jerky is that you gotta floss!” The Open - Tel: 01347 833800 select option 1, John Mair, of Dumfriesshire Golf Centre. Complete Bunker Stats (1995 to 2010) email: [email protected] • Just as Steve Stricker sent his putt on the way to the hole 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 visit www.bigga.org.uk on the 8th green a hare raced across the green missing the St. A’s Lythm Troon B’dale C’stie St. A’s Lythm M’field St.G’s rolling ball by inches. Billy McMillan, of Tyrell’s Wood Golf Club. Bnkrs 112 185 84 117 115 112 197 148 106 Rd 1 214 501 344 355 539 148 557 359 388 • Ignacio Garrido’s caddie had a bad day on Saturday. Rd 2 201 577 272 406 468 164 547 372 405 Caught short he disappeared into the bushes to do what Rd 3 130 269 107 226 202 65 224 175 149 he needed to do and as he raced to catch up he tripped, fell Rd 4 156 271 136 153 265 71 257 169 181 over and all the clubs fell out of the bag. Jeremy Hughes, of Total 701 1618 859 1140 1474 448 1585 1078 1123 Vale of Llangollen GC.

• BIGGA Support Team member John Mitchell, of 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Pernporth GC, had an unusual working day on Saturday. Troon St. A’s Hlake C’stie B’dale T’berry St A’s With 10 matches still to be completed early in the morning John was part of a small BIGGA team which arrived at Bnkrs 93 112 96 113 123 85 112 the golf course at 5.30am to finish the matches. John was Rd 1 393 252 352 442 472 272 149 allocated the match closest to home and joined his group on Rd 2 371 203 353 482 379 332 200 the 18th tee. With no bunkers on the 18th Henrik Stenson Rd 3 148 100 183 189 219 172 77 asked him why he was there and John told him that it Rd 4 185 121 204 198 198 185 85 was to make sure the team of referee, scorer, scoreboard Total 1097 676 1092 1311 1268 961 511 Promoting best carrier and BIGGA Support Team member was intact. John completed the walk up the 18th returned his rake and, not • Two players completed the four rounds without going into any bunkers practice in sports having been allocated a match on Saturday, had completed at all – Rickie Fowler and Edoardo Molinari. his day’s work by 6.40am. turf management

26 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 27

SPORTSTURF_MEMBERSHIP_NEW_FP.indd 1 21/4/10 12:58:57 Join the Association for Sports Turf Professionals

26 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 27

SPORTSTURF_MEMBERSHIP_NEW_FP.indd 1 21/4/10 12:58:57 ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT

Thorpeness Golf Club, on the east coast of Suffolk, sits within a 300 acre site. Sprawling areas of rough, deep rough between holes, heathland, wetland, copse trees, regenerating gorse and heather create a number of habitats for a multitude of wildlife species and rare plant types. A man-made mere with several islands tends to attract birds you would expect to see, and some you certainly would not. Course Manager, Ian Willett, explained. “What course can you go to at five o’clock in the morning, drive out onto the course in early spring, just as the sun is rising and hear the boom of the bittern? We get that from the north warren which is at the back of the fifth. You’ve got the northern diver out there and we’ve even had a white egret pair nest and rear two young. They got blown off course during the spring ended up here and lived it up. We were running around with cameras thinking it was white herons, but when we got a decent shot in and got the book out we realised they were white egrets nesting on the mere.”

“The team and I know that Showing the everything we do on the course has an environmental impact - large or green way small” Ian Willett Ian is backed up at the club by Ian spoke of how a disastrous this year I think I have seen just a team that has the same attitude situation was turned into a positive one stoat. The rabbit population toward the environment as he does. at the club. has gone absolutely through the Golf courses, far from being the habitat “The team and I know that “Last year we’ve had arsonists roof – there are thousands of them. destroying, carbon churning beasts they are everything we do on the course has in and set fire to various parts of We use a pellet chicken manure sometimes perceived, are often the exact an environmental impact - large the golf course. So we went in this mix though, because the rabbits or small. We are lucky because a year and cleared the site. Literally don’t like the smell of it.” opposite. New eco-friendly technologies member, called Dr Ray Harding, we scrubbed it down to the seed Ian said that one year of that not only boost a club’s environmental has been keeping records over 25 bed took all the timber out and carelessness could effectively undo years and his journals about the piled it to one side which will give 30 years of hard work. credentials, but also help reduce running golf course have been published. us an adder hibernacula, and we “You need staff coming in after costs, are widespread. He has carried out studies and he are trying to encourage a few grass you who think the same way as Sustainability is becoming a key factor keeps us on track, so we discuss heaps around the course. The you and carry on the work.” everything we do with him.” snake population isn’t that great. It was not only on the course and alternative energy sources may now be Dr Ray Harding spoke of Adders we are fine on and we have where environmentalism was viable to clubs that could potentially act as a changing attitudes towards golf hundreds. Grass snakes, we’ve got considered. clubs. them but they are not that active, “We use air jets for the showers, business selling energy to the national grid, as “The Wildlife Trust and other so we decided to leave the odd where it takes a certain amount of well as providing electricity or heating for their organisations always tended to grass heap to try and encourage air into the head so you are look at golf courses as a problem, the females to lay their eggs there.” cutting down the amount of water own use. but now they see it the other way Although all wildlife was you use, but still getting a good From deer to grass snakes, a whole host of round; that they are a reservoir or welcome on the course, some had shower. wildlife species seek golf courses as a haven to a last resort for wildlife, who can become a bit too cosy. We use low energy bulbs and then re-colonise. That’s working “Last year we had about six to have a recycling area, which is also inhabit and as a place to rear their young. Jim quite well so at least we have eight stoats going on the course, used by locals. We also use a water Cook visited four golf clubs to find out more… achieved that.” lowering the rabbit population, but recycling system at the sheds.”

28 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 29 ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT

28 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 29 ENVIRONMENT Feature

Meldrum House Country Hotel it’s just little things like that to from fertiliser and pesticides. This and Golf Club, in Scotland, help keep the carbon footprint spring, carp were introduced to completed a new greenkeeping down. Things are going to change. the ponds and instead of using centre in January which We are going to have less and less chemicals, it was hoped would be a contains a number of eco- pesticides to cure problems so more natural way of clearing pond friendly technologies. we need to start managing how weed. Kenny was looking forward The £750,000 development we run our businesses. It’s long to seeing the results. stores all the maintenance term and it is not going to happen “It is early days at the moment machinery and contains a wood overnight, I mean fungicides will and the fish are only four to six pellet or log burner to provide heat be here for a while yet, but there inches so it will be a little while and hot water for the complex. are less and less available every before we see any results, but if Insulating materials in the walls year. We use a fair bit of organics you don’t try how are you going to help reduce heat loss. instead of synthetics. As far as know if it’s going to work?” Rainwater collected is used to wash machines, and then filtered to be used again. “We think it is extremely important to Kenny Harper, Golf Course and adopt a responsible approach to energy Estate Grounds Manager, said the club was working towards self and water usage and as a result, eco- sufficiency. “At the moment we’re using planning has become an important part pellets for the burners, but we of our business” Kenny Harper hope to use wood only from the estate by this time next year. We fertiliser is concerned, we don’t think it is extremely important to spray pesticides as a preventative, adopt a responsible approach to only as a cure. We wait until there energy and water usage and as a is a problem and if there is no other result, eco-planning has become answer we’ll use them.” an important part of our business.” The golf course at Meldrum Aside from the new centre, House is a thriving eco system. Kenny saw sustainability as the Retired graphic designer and way of the future. starter at the club, Morgan Fisher, “It’s the way everything is going has recorded over 60 different now. I’m interested in land and types of animals and birds that management. We are only here for inhabit the course, from Roe Deer a short time so I think we should try to buzzards. and leave it in the best state we can. The many lakes and ponds The guys use electric buggies at the club have buffer zones instead of petrol and diesel, and around them to prevent run off

30 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 31 ENVIRONMENT Feature

30 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 31 Feature ENVIRONMENT

Images show The ‘Tree O’clock’ world record attempt in action “Everything we do at the club be sold back to the grid at a rate of 36 pence for every unit of energy “The wind turbine would provide In 2007, Maesteg Golf Club, is looking at reducing carbon” Golden Key “Maesteg Golf Club may well be pioneers said Colin Webber, Managing produced. electricity for the clubhouse, in Wales, formed a course Sponsors Photovoltaic cells, which operate development group to in helping to solve a problem that has Director of Portmore Golf charge the buggies and also put Club, in North Devon. like solar panels but only need enhance all areas of the club been a headache for greenkeepers all They are currently undertaking light, not sunlight, to work, for the electricity back into the national cost effectively, but with the year-long process of testing clubhouse roof were also being particular attention toward around the world” Rhydian Lewis wind speeds to check whether or looked at. grid” Colin Webber sustainable, environmentally not wind turbines will be viable at “In the interim, we’ve fitted friendly solutions, since the the club. sensors to every room, use low association Colin now uses organic course proved to be home the Welsh Assembly Government that the club has now invested in He admitted that although he energy bulbs, put time switches on nitrogen sources as fertiliser, such to a wide range of ecological then invited seven local primary a specialist trenching machine, used to hate the appearance of things like fridges, the big drinks as fish oils and seaweed, as a trial, habitats. schools to a tree-planting the AFT 45, which is being used to turbines, they have now grown dispenser, because people don’t on Portmore’s par-three course. The course is positioned in 150 ceremony last year. So we have cut trenches to fit the Aquadyne on him, due partially to a trip to need an ice cold drink at seven “You’ve got to do it gently, as acres of land, and tracts of deeper had the first phase of the tree precisely. Scandinavia. in the morning. It’s not until you I learnt with bio-diesel; you can ecology rough grassland have been planting and we have a second A drainage programme for the Silver Key jump in too deep and get yourself allowed to develop, which offer a phase coming up this autumn and coming years will see these drains “I went on a trip to Denmark and actually stop and look at these Sponsors I saw just how far behind the rest things that you realise; no you in trouble, but so far so good. We habitat for ground nesting birds that should take us up to about fitted around the entire course. of Europe we were. It woke me up. don’t need that. It’s the same with will not do away with the modern as well as a safe passage for small 9,000 trees.” With regards recycling and At first you see them all over the hot water. It needs to get to 64 products, but just reduce reliance mammals and insects. Heathland Maesteg also participated in the sustainability, energy efficient place and then after a while you degrees once a day, not all day, on them.” and wetland areas provide a home world record attempt ‘Tree O’clock’, bulbs are used throughout the don’t even notice them.” so we heat it for three or so hours They have built their own for many various types of animals, whereby it was attempted to plant club with as Rhydian said, “A Colin mentioned that the block of overnight at the cheap rate then we environmental wash pad as well birds and creatures including the the most trees in a one hour time significant reduction in costs.” concrete used to secure the turbine turn it off with a time switch. The as their own high volume, low carnivorous plant sundew and the limit. An additional 600 trees were He also mentioned the club’s use was the biggest problem for him. shoe cleaning compressor is on pressure sprayer so compost can rare marsh fritillary butterfly. planted on the course for this. of recycled artificial grass on the “There is so much carbon tied up from 10am to 6pm instead of being be drenched onto the course. A showpiece project was a tree Rhydian explained how recycled course. in making that block of concrete on all day and night.” Last year Portmore recycled close planting project funded by Better materials were now being used for “We have used the material on that you’re looking at almost 17 Solar panels have been fitted to to eight tonnes of cardboard and Woodlands for Wales. standard drainage. pathways and slip areas such as years worth of carbon. That’s if you buggies in some countries and this glass. Rhydian Lewis, Chairman of “We trialled the Aquadyne drain, wooden bridges. Further plans use new concrete. The past few was an idea Colin had tested and Colin mentioned that electricity Greens at the club, explained. made from recycled materials, on are in place to use this material small projects I’ve done, I’ve used was making preparations to adopt. usage constituted 50% of their “We put together an one of our greens and it had a big extensively for new and unique recycled concrete and so far so He was also looking into an carbon production, so introducing environmental plan and part of impact on a pretty bad area. Since purpose. good it seems to work really well.” all-electric Jacobsen mower, bio fuels to do this job was at the that was to come up with a tree then we have put some fairway “Maesteg Golf Club, in This article comes to Colin said the wind turbine the Eclipse, and eventually it top of the to do list. planting programme across the you courtesy of the drainage in with it as well. So we partnership with Envirosports Ltd, would provide electricity for the was hoped diesel usage could “As well as having an aesthetic course with the idea of planting BIGGA Learning and are trying to promote the use of may well be the pioneers in helping Development Fund. clubhouse, charge the buggies be eliminated completely for all effect a wood burner would heat about 9,000-10,000 trees. We recycled materials throughout our to solve a problem that has been maintenance machinery. the clubhouse, and also provide worked together with Carbon Thankyou to all our key course.” a headache for greenkeepers all and also put electricity back into sponsors the national grid. This could then After working with the soil hot water.” Earth and secured funding from The trials proved so successful around the world.”

32 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 33 Feature ENVIRONMENT

32 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 33 CECIL GEORGE

Thanks for the education, Cecil!

Scott MacCallum enjoys a few hours in the company of the latest recipient of the BIGGA Lifetime Achievement Award

I’d only been with BIGGA Cecil, who turned 83 in January, Had he not done so he would about a month when I travelled fell into greenkeeping as a 15 year have been fighting in Germany with to Dornoch for the Scottish old. the infantry. National Championship, ably “I started out as a gardener, “It took nine months to train a run by Elliott and Edna Small, working for my uncle, but at the para and I was about to be sent and found myself sharing a end of my first summer he told me out east when the atomic bomb hotel with Cecil George and that I’d be finishing at the end of the was dropped in Japan, so instead Jimmy Neilson. week as there wasn’t enough work I was sent to Palestine and saw They regaled me with stories long for me. action when we had to hunt down into the night – I had been warned To lessen the blow he gave me some guys in Iraq,” said Cecil, who what to expect – and breakfast was tu’pence and told me to go to the undertook 109 jumps, many of taken with a delicate head the fol- big white house and ask for a lem- them from as low as 500 feet. lowing morning. onade. On his return to civilian life he But it had been an experience I knew that the building was didn’t think he’d go back to green- and spending those few hours in Whitecraigs Golf Club and as I keeping but instead follow a career the company of Cecil and Jimmy drank the lemonade – they wanted in engineering. was instrumental in bringing me up to speed on BIGGA and the greenkeeping profession as a whole. In short, it was an education. “I started out as a gardener, working Indeed, I was only the latest for my uncle, but at the end of my first member of a huge band of people who owe Cecil for providing us with summer he told me that I’d be finishing an education. at the end of the week as there wasn’t While mine was face-to-face as we sat at a bar, thousands of others enough work for me” Cecil George have every reason to thank Cecil for their own education, even although they may never have had the the bottle back – I chatted to the After an interview with a Pollock- pleasure of meeting him in person. man who asked me what I was shaws-based engineering company Cecil is the latest recipient of doing. Cecil was told that if he returned BIGGA’s Lifetime Achievement When I told him that my uncle the next morning there would be a Award and while he spent 37 years had just sacked me he told me that job waiting for him. as Head Greenkeeper at Lenzie there was a job going at the club “But I didn’t go back. I was in the Golf Club, just outside Glasgow, for a greenkeeper,” recalled Cecil, pub that night and met the Head he was nominated for the Award as we chatted in his magnificently Greenkeeper of Whitecraigs who for the pioneering work that lead to manicured garden on a sunny day said I should go back to the golf the development of formal green- last month. course as I’d enjoy it. I went up, had keeping education – a programme For the next two years Cecil a go on one of the machines and which was subsequently followed worked as a greenkeeper before the was hooked. If I hadn’t met him that throughout the rest of the UK and Second World War intervened and night I’d have become an engineer then worldwide. saw him join the Army in 1944. and wouldn’t have been here talk- “I’m so proud to have been given He spent four months with ing to you.” the Award, it’s a great honour and the Cameron Highlanders before It was during the next phase of his thank the Association and Board of volunteering for the Parachute career that Cecil began to become Directors for nominating me.” Regiment. frustrated.

AUGUST 2010 GI 35 CECIL GEORGE

Thanks for the education, Cecil!

Scott MacCallum enjoys a few hours in the company of the latest recipient of the BIGGA Lifetime Achievement Award

AUGUST 2010 GI 35 “Charlie asked what greenkeepers were required to do and we outlined that we cut greens, fertilised knew about soil, drainage, overseeding etc. This information was sent to he City and Guilds Headquarters in London to be assessed but we were told that there wasn’t enough in it for a City and Guilds. Charlie then suggested that we add something about tree management and ABOVE: One of the Lenzie Golf Club signs which decorates pruning roses. We sent it back and Cecil’s garden

this time we were successful and RIGHT: Cecil receives his award we were awarded the first City and at The Open, from Walter Woods, flanked by Paul Worster and Guilds for greenkeepers.” Andy Mellon Cecil and Bob both taught at the College and put together some of the syllabus. “Bob did the machinery while I did the practical greenkeeping side. I’d do weed and chemical identification while I’d get them to dig a six by six bed, lift the off the turf, delve it, rake it, fertilise it and put the turf back down again. All in an hour and a half. You want to see some of the messes we got,” he chuckled, thinking back over his time at the College. With other colleges in Scotland “It went around the world apparently and it all started taking up the mantle too, offering education for greenkeeping Cecil with our work at Woodburn House and two guys wrote to the five main colleges in saying, ‘I think I could get a guy to go to agricultural an attempt to have the education programmes co-ordinated. college and learn how to be a greenkeeper’ ’’ “We had greenkeepers moving Cecil George from Glasgow to Dundee and discover that the college was in had moved on and Cecil offered to “I was very happy at Lenzie. They the middle of the curriculum that take on the pro duties as well – run- very much left me to get on with they’d just finished and they were ning the shop, repairing clubs and things and although I was down to going over old ground. giving golf lessons. the last three when Walter (Woods) “Initially the colleges said they “I was never much of a pro but got the job at St Andrews I have couldn’t possibly change, as their as a greenkeeper I did an honest never regretted staying.” main client was the local council, day’s work on the golf course. I As Cecil enjoys his retirement and but I asked them to write out what had two guys with me and it was a garden that provides much of the they did and then we reordered it all hand machines, motorised but family veg, as well as a wonderfully for them to about 90% uniformity. we walked behind them. We didn’t tranquil retreat, he can look back It worked out very well.” have ride on machines,” said Cecil, at a life that has done so much to The next stage was to develop an who has been married to Margaret improve the lot of the greenkeeper. HNC, and both Woodburn House for 56 years. “What I always strived for was and especially Elmwood College, “In those days golf didn’t gener- better wages. If we got better wages worked hard on this with Cecil on ally start until around 4pm and we’d get better men and better this although it took six years of weekend medals didn’t start until students. With better greenkeepers toing and froing, particularly on the noon. Everyone worked.” we’d get better golf courses.” language required to frame ques- Cecil worked hard to improve the Thanks for the education, Cecil! tions, it was achieved. With it even- golf course both on the quality of the tually in place the HND was much playing surfaces and the general “I thought to myself that it was killers or selectives then but we did ABOVE: Cecil with his wife, Greenkeeper at Cardross Golf Club Margaret layout. stupid. I had a job but I didn’t know have preventatives and the great- - taking over from Jack McMillan easier and was in place around 18 “The greens were around 80% half of what I was supposed to be est of them all was Lead Arsenic - who became the world’s first months later. moss when I arrived so I borrowed doing! So I decided to go to agricul- which was absolutely marvellous apprentice greenkeeper. “Everyone latched on to this and I Cathcart Castle’s scarifier and tore tural college at night school. for worms and leatherjackets.” “Davie got papers for what he did was quite surprised at that. It went the greens to pieces and reseeded “It was in Blythswood Square, in Cecil was Secretary of the West of and you could say was the world’s around the world apparently and it and they came away beautifully. Glasgow, and I went there for two Scotland branch of SIGGA by this first Apprentice Greenkeeper.” all started with our work at Wood- When I left in 1991 the greens were years. I learned an awful lot – not time and, having experienced what Cecil went on to become Chair- burn House and two guys saying 90% Bents. necessarily about the grasses that studying had done for him, felt that man of SIGGA, while Bob Moffat ‘I think I could get a guy to go to “I also changed the layout and I wanted to grow - I learned about the College could offer something took over as Secretary and together agricultural college and learn how planted 10,000 trees of which 5,000 the feed grasses rather than bents for young greenkeepers who wanted they approached Charles Crossan, to be a greenkeeper.” are still growing,” said Cecil, who and fescues - but the basics were to be educated. Principal of Woodburn House, the Cecil’s own career had taken him said that in those days he was get- the same. The first person to go through the Glasgow Horticultural College, to from Whitecraigs, to Fereneze and ting £8.10 a week and the annual “I did learn about soil analysis, system at Glasgow Horticultural see if it would be possible to develop Cathcart Castle before he saw the subscription to be a Lenzie member fertilisers, what they did and what College one day release was Davie a City and Guilds qualification for job at Lenzie advertised in 1954. was £5. they were. We didn’t have weed Gall, who went on to become Head greenkeepers. Within a few years the Lenzie pro

36 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 37 “Charlie asked what greenkeepers were required to do and we outlined that we cut greens, fertilised knew about soil, drainage, overseeding etc. This information was sent to he City and Guilds Headquarters in London to be assessed but we were told that there wasn’t enough in it for a City and Guilds. Charlie then suggested that we add something about tree management and ABOVE: One of the Lenzie Golf Club signs which decorates pruning roses. We sent it back and Cecil’s garden

36 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 37 ENVIRONMENT

Eight Years On… Bob Taylor looks back at what has been achieved by the EGU Environmental Advisory Service

38 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 39 ENVIRONMENT

Eight Years On… Bob Taylor looks back at what has been achieved by the EGU Environmental Advisory Service

38 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 39 ENVIRONMENT

port. Deadwood is a fast diminishing Our heathland too has benefited resource in the countryside and from the scheme, this fast dimin- one that we should not overlook. ishing resource is vital for sand Random dead wood lain on the sur- lizard and other reptiles and is the face will provide connecting habitat chosen habitat of butterflies such for a range of specialist invertebrate as the silver studded blue and birds species. Standing dead wood too is like the Dartford warbler and night- in extremely short supply and can jar. Over 22 additional hectares of be better accommodated than it cur- heathland were created. rently is on our golf courses. Ponds and other associated water Over 450 bird boxes were erected, features are important for a range of providing nesting habitat in the wildlife, which can vary massively absence of standing dead wood and depending upon how they are other habitats such as hedgerows. looked after. Grasslands are a main part of The EGEAS has improved the any golf course and it was possible quality of more than 100 ponds and under the scheme to create over has resulted in the creation of 20 1,516,300 m2 of new deep rough new water bodies, thereby increas- grassland habitat on a range of dif- ing the country’s habitat resource ferent soil types. for a broad spectrum of organisms Over 30 new areas of wild flower including great crested newt and meadow were created. natterjack toad.

Testimonials for a day or two beside the pond before removal. The beech hedge to Many clubs following advice the right of the 16th hole has been from the STRI Ecologists wrote to extended along the 15th to provide outline the positives that came out a hedgerow corridor. Other work of the service and the visits and a undertaken has included planting few are illustrated below marsh marigolds within two wet areas and several significant new Weymouth Golf Club tree and scrub plantings.

…Thank you for nominating Wey- Eaton Golf Club mouth Golf Club for the certificate which has given our conservation …Since your visit in July 2003 objectives some useful publicity in we have set up an Environmental Davenport Golf Club the local newspaper and The Golfer Working Group that produced an Golf courses can, with So how did the scheme work had been completed, the club ABOVE: Dead wood and boundary rough provides magazine. Informing both the club Environmental Management Plan, appropriate management, be operate and just what has would receive a certification under important corridor habitat valuable landscapes for wildlife been achieved? the scheme in recognition of their members and the local community a comprehensive Waste Manage- with a number supporting achievement and dedication to will I am sure prove to be beneficial ment Plan and held numerous some of our most rare and The process ecological management. to our aims of conserving the local course walks for members. On the vulnerable wildlife species. environment. Wild flora mixes have practical side, woodland thinning The English Golf Environmental The scheme was initially designed Facts and Figures been introduced between the 5th commenced through nine areas; Advisory Scheme (EGEAS) was to run for three years, but was later and 9th tees. The vegetation is around 300 shrubs, 142 5 ft trees set up by the EGU in 2002 to raise extended due to high demand, to Following the second visit to the being managed in accordance with and 90 whips were introduced at awareness of the benefits of good raise awareness of environmental club, during which target progress the recommendations provided. different areas around the course; environmental and ecological prac- and ecological issues, by provid- was assessed, a total of 143 clubs The information you provided about two areas of long rough (each of tices to their affiliate clubs and to ing free consultancy to those who (±70%) had done a sufficient level yellow rattle seed proved to be around 70 m x 30 m) were allowed golfers playing at these golf clubs. A applied. Within the scheme, it was of work to be certificated under the extremely useful and we were able to develop as ecological corridors for second ambition was to demonstrate decided that clubs would receive EGEAS. Given that the targets were to purchase enough seed to conduct wildlife; three barn owl boxes were and communicate to central and an independent consultancy visit, set to be achievable yet challenging, a trial in several areas of rough. erected by the local Barn Owl Group; local government, and the local com- during which ecological highlights this is an impressive rate of success. considerable work has been carried Davenport Golf Club out with regard to the development munities around each golf course, of the site were identified, together Consider trees under the scheme. Eaton Golf Club of the water features including that golf is a responsible land user, with recommendations on how they A total of 19500 native trees were The English Golf Environmental providing wildlife opportunities and could be improved and managed planted either as replacements to ….Since STRI last visited Dav- marginal and semi-aquatic plant- Advisory Service real conservation benefit. more effectively. Following the visit, inappropriate trees or to create new enport Golf Club in October 2002 ing. We have also benefitted from COVER Eight years on, 220 golf clubs clubs received a report detailing woodland ecosystems. the number of long grass areas has an article published in the Liverpool IN CONCLUSION have benefited from heavily subsi- the discussions held on site and Over 1000 linear meters of hedge- increased from one to seven. Many Daily Post (Tuesday 6 December dised ecological and environmental outlining a series of targets set for row was planted, helping to reduce larger areas under and around 2005) entitled Eaton are chasing A full account of the service, the advice and received certification for the club, the progress of which some of the losses that have been young trees/copses are being birdies with a difference. We have results obtained, and the com- achieving the targets set. Through would be reviewed 18 months later rife throughout the countryside marked out at present. The grass strived to strike a balance between ments received from participating media promotion of these achieve- during the second follow-up visit. over the past 30 years. Hedgerows will be cut less frequently and at the needs of nature and the needs golf clubs is contained within a ments Natural England, the Gov- The targets were prescribed giving are important for plants, nesting a higher height of cut which will of the golfer working to get the bal- new publication produced by STRI ernment Department for Food and consideration to what was deemed birds, invertebrates and for bats provide an intermediate rough. An ance right. on behalf of the English Golf Union Rural Affairs, wildlife and conserva- realistically achievable by the club which use hedgerows to navigate area for a composting facility has The club found the work reward- and the sponsors . tion groups are all now more aware (based on its available resources) between areas. been ear-marked and cleared. ing, putting something down for STRI and the EGU would like to Both ponds have been cleared of future generations whilst giving so thank Natural England and The Copies of the booklet are of the valuable ecological corridor within an 18 month time period. If, A significant amount of deadwood available free from The English that a golf course provides across upon the second visit to the club, in the form of log piles has been Canadian and other pondweed much pleasure to those using the R&A for their continued support Golf Union, Tel: 0044 1526 and the material is left to drain course. throughout. 334500 or write to Paul Keeling England. a significant amount of the target created for the life that they can sup- at The National Golf Centre.

40 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 41 ENVIRONMENT

40 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 41 Feature Feature

Championship conditions, come rain or shine

How irrigation is helping keep Celtic Manor Resort and St Andrews links in perfect playing condition for this year’s top tournaments, writes Jenny Hughes

42 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 43 Feature Feature

Championship conditions, come rain or shine

How irrigation is helping keep Celtic Manor Resort and St Andrews links in perfect playing condition for this year’s top tournaments, writes Jenny Hughes

42 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 43 Feature IRRIGATION

as one unit, yet through SitePro “These have proved very efficient each of the four Course Managers in the wind, which is a constant has complete control of his system presence on the courses and so, – something Gordon says is par- since 2008, we have replaced a ticularly useful. number of sprinklers on our other “Each Course Manager can courses with the 855S Series determine their exact requirement ones to help overcome the chal- irrespective of what the other lenges the wind presents us with.” three are planning. We can even In conclusion, Gordon states: access it and make alterations to “The versatility and control the Toro a programme through our home system gives you, together with the computers, so if weather conditions ease with which you can customise should change after we have left for your programmes to suit every situ- the day, we can make adjustments ation, is ideal for us. accordingly.” “ It can also have a positive effect Features like the remote control in conserving water – something operations using the handheld we feel is important from an radios are also popular with the environmental point-of-view as team. well as helping us maintain the “This is great for washing-in courses with the correct grass products after application to a species and fast, firm surfaces specific area or checking out a we aim for.” sprinkler that you suspect may not be getting an electronic signal. Other great features are station testing, the weather station and T.Map, which is a handy tool to use in other situations such as producing a plan of a specific area for staff or committees.” Opened in June 2008, The Castle Course also benefits from a recently introduced 855S Series sprinklers with TruJectory adjustable trajec- tory. TI0024 Greenkeeper:Layout 1 11/6/10 14:26 Page 1

No sooner has Louis really important. The Twenty Ten Open Championship on The Old GDC FROM TORO. Oosthuizen lifted the Open course that will host the Ryder Cup Course, the hard work never stops THE INTELLIGENT Championship Claret Jug uses a hybrid irrigation system, at this most prestigious of courses – 2010 at the Old Course than but basically everything above least of all for the Irrigation system CHOICE. the golfing world switches its ground is Toro in terms of sprin- now the weather is on the up. gaze to Celtic Manor Resort klers and solenoids. The sprinklers At St Andrews Links, the five - LESS DECODERS and the Ryder Cup… on the fairways have served us Course Managers responsible for But, weather-wise, prepara- particularly well as they’re coping the seven courses – including the - LESS CABLING Old Course – have been working tions at the Usk Valley resort in with some strong winds at present, - LESS EXPENSE south Wales couldn’t be in starker plus we’ve been impressed with the minimal maintenance that has contrast to the recent hard work Costing less to install and run, and giving been required.” carried out at The Home of Golf. pin-point accuracy out on the course, The Twenty Ten and the Mont- “The full system on The Roman While St Andrews Links Director of Toro GDC irrigation is the best choice for Greenkeeping, Gordon Moir, and gomerie course feature a mixture of Road course works really well both club managers and greenkeepers 835S, 810G and 725 Series sprin- crew were battling heavy down- alike. Now proven in use on over 200 klers as part of the hybrid systems. pours in the run-up to the tourna- and has seen us through some courses worldwide. Contact us today to Moreover, Celtic Manor Resort’s ment, Celtic Manor Director of Golf find out more. Courses and Estate Management, original course, the Roman Road, major events too, like the Celtic Jim McKenzie, is currently dealing uses a system controlled by its Manor Wales Open 2005, 2006” with the effects of a three-month SitePro central control system – one drought. of the most widely used systems in Jim McKenzie Come rain or shine, however, the golf course industry. both courses rely on Toro Irrigation “The full system on The Roman with the Toro SitePro system for 10 products to keep their surfaces Road course works really well and years. Call 01480 226848 or visit www.toro.com in championship condition. And, has seen us through some major Says Gordon of the system: “Our TORO Irrigation Products are distributed by Lely (UK) Limited, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 1QH. Tel: 01480 226848 Email: [email protected] www.lely.com www.toro.com boy, is it shining at Celtic Manor at events too, like the Celtic Manor Course Managers find the SitePro the moment, making irrigation a Wales Open 2005, 2006 and 2007 controller very straightforward to crucial part of Jim’s preparations! and the 2005 and 2006 All Star Cup use, plus it offers huge flexibility “We’ve recently experienced an celebrity tournament,” Jim adds. with regards quantities of water unprecedented period of drought,” And, while the St Andrews Links being applied to different areas he revealed. greenkeeping team enjoyed a brief within various time windows.” “April, May and June have been moment’s respite and a well-earned On six of the seven courses, the very dry, so irrigation has been beer after the 150th anniversary pipework is actually linked together CONTROL UNIT DT SERIES B SERIES DECODERS P-220 SERIES POCKET PC

44 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 45 Feature IRRIGATION

44 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 45 Feature ENVIRONMENT

Wild about heather

Mike Beardall visits an East Sussex golf club where bio-diversity is taken seriously on the heathland course

“When heather reaches about 150mm we tend to cut it back to encourage fresh growth. The results are well worth it and bio-diversity is no longer just a phrase, but a reality” John Scott

working on his level 2 sports turf dresser and two compact tractors management qualification at – a Kubota and Kioti. Plumpton College. Spraying is kept to a minimum, Tony Woolley, who has been at to fit in with John’s naturalistic the club since the late 90s and is plan and to reduce any threat to first assistant, and went to America wildlife. with the Bernhard-sponsored The number of trees on the course BIGGA delegation to the States mean that John and his team are about six years ago. constantly keeping growth moni- Assistant Head Greenkeeeper tored and during the long winter David Welfare and greenkeeper snow they carried out a good deal of Peter Millin have been at the club thinning with chainsaws. since the early 2000s and longest- Trees are not just a feature, but serving member is greenkeepr and also seen as a threat if they get out Heather regeneration and bio- birds, butterflies and insects. There are no bunkers at the all round because the director of mechanic John Scott who has been of control. diversity have been passions “The heather had been wiped out, 18-hole Piltdown club, but the tree greens, Philip Russell-Vick, is very at Piltdown since 1970. “Management of a heathland for Head Greenkeeper John but the seed lies just under the soil layouts and newly-established wild supportive being a landscape archi- “We have a very happy team,” course is rewarding, even though Shepherd since he first waiting to flourish, which it cannot areas of heather, gorse and flowers tect himself. He, myself, a former says John. “We all work hard to the results are sometimes only seen encountered Piltdown GC’s do without help. make this a challenging course for greens chairman and the club sec- maintain standards and the devel- long-term,” says John. “We have heathland golf course in 1981. “We had to remove a good number players. retary all meet regularly and agree opment of the course is constantly signs on patches that look dead but That was his first job and, after of silver birches, which we regard Being on silty clay the course suf- tactics as a team, so we all know under review, with plans for several they are actually young heather several years at the RAC Golf as the enemy, before taking off the fers from extremes, either very wet what we want to achieve.” new tees and greens in the future.” plants developing. Club, Epsom (becoming Head topsoil and laying down heather or very dry – as it has been during The golf course was the subject of Speedcut Contractors, under “When heather reaches about Greenkeeper on one of the two bracken, obtained from Ashdown the summer months. a thorough survey by European Golf contracts manager Barry Pace, 150mm we tend to cut it back to Design about six years ago and their courses), and a brief spell at the Forest, with their permission. A Watermation TW2 system of ABOVE: John Shepherd, have carried out a lot of work in the encourage fresh growth. The results Sussex National while it was under “This encourages the seed to ger- pop-ups keeps greens in pristine Course Manager final report included the comments: last two years, including building are well worth it and bio-diversity construction in 1988, he returned minate and gives the young plants condition. “Piltdown is not a modern corporate a new ladies tee at the 18th and is no longer just a phrase, but a to Piltdown, in East Sussex. protection. It takes from four to five “It’s hard work finding the bal- golf machine. There are no plans a new green, plus recontouring reality.” He began serious heather regen- years for heather to get established ance between managing heathland to host major regional, national around the men’s tee and a new Nearby courses using similar eration about 12 years ago, and it so this is not a short-term project.” and traditional greenkeeeping prac- or international tournaments. It’s winter tee at the 9th, plus building practices include the Royal Ash- has been a long hard struggle for This magnificent course has tices,” says John. “We don’t aim for members’ golf, it’s companionship, five other new tees. down, Surrey Heath and the West his team and the supportive club brought back vast swathes of the sharp, neat and tidy look and it’s comfortable, it’s familiar and it’s Mowing at Piltdown is carried out Sussex Golf Club at Pulborough. officials. “Biodiversity was hardly heather, through much effort from the dramatic green stripes – we are really rather good.” by Toro ride-ons and other equip- “We get a lot of positive feedback talked about in the early days,” says his team of five and, in recent years, used to areas looking dry, and the The greenkeeping team, BIGGA ment includes Cushman utility from club members and the com- John, 45. the work of Speedcut Contractors, members appreciate what we are members, agree completely. John vehicles, a Hardi 400-litre sprayer mittee and the greenkeeping staff “But I knew that we had to rein- who have also been carrying out trying to achieve. heads a very loyal group – young- for the Cushmans, a Greensward are really encouraged by the praise troduce heather if we were to attract work on new tees and greens. “It’s very much a team effort est being Josh Bevan, 19, who is Multi-slitter, a Cushman top- we get,” said John.

46 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 47 Feature ENVIRONMENT

Wild about heather

Mike Beardall visits an East Sussex golf club where bio-diversity is taken seriously on the heathland course

“When heather reaches about 150mm we tend to cut it back to encourage fresh growth. The results are well worth it and bio-diversity is no longer just a phrase, but a reality” John Scott

46 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 47 Step-by-step Analysis... James de Havilland turns his attention to the tees and surrounds mower... Tees and Surrounds Mowers The anatomy of...

The Jacobsen rotary deck AR3 and cylinder TR3 utilise the same Tees and three-wheel hydrostatic three-wheel tractor unit. An interesting point is that hydrostatic transmission delivering the cylinder cutting units of power to all three wheels. A design these mowers are increasingly feature is electro-hydraulic weight designed to not just offer an transfer that is aimed at improving Surrounds improved finish but to also be traction is difficult terrain. easier to set up and maintain. The Jacobsen TR3 utilises the Where the clippings are not same tractor unit as the AR3 and is being boxed off, the ability to offered with a choice of with a choice reduce clumping has also been of 5, 7 or 11 blade cutting cylinders. The Jacobsen TrimTek decks suspend the clippings to produce a finer mulch which is claimed to give an improved finish. The decks can also be opened up, the improved as the cutting units Offering the same 1.83 cut width as opening allowing a three-tiered discharge that is designed to promotes an even mowers dispersal of clippings. evolve. the AR3, the TR3 also features the To suggest these models are the same offset to provide an overhang only ride-on models to consider for trimming bunker edges. The for tees and surrounds work is of units can be switched between course not the point. There are a front or rear discharge by adjusting whole host of mowers that can, and the concaves that direct the flow of do, offer the required combination the clippings. A popular feature is of abilities to do a great job. These the unit’s rear roller brushes. These models, however, are among the help improve the finish, particularly most popular when it comes to new in damp conditions. sales. The biggest surprise is that “Our approaches and semi-rough despite their similarities they all need to be presented in pristine have their own points of difference. condition”, says Avon Bridges, head greenkeeper at Luton Hoo Golf & Jacobsen AR3 / TR3 – choice Spa. “We use an AR3. Although a of rotary or cylinder units rotary mower, the fully floating decks have a rear roller so they can The Jacobsen AR3 and TR3 add a striped definition to the finely family of tees and surrounds shaped contours of these areas. mowers provide greenkeepers with The seating position on the AR3 is a choice of either rotary decks or cut- excellent as it allows good visibility ting cylinders for maintaining tees, of the front decks and the traction There is a huge choice of mower that can be used for approaches and bunker surrounds. control is very good. For the tees and tees and surrounds work. So in a departure from our The 1.83m working width AR3 surrounds we wanted a cylinder has three articulated rotary decks mower that was capable of tight dedicated look at just one model, we take a brief look with Jacobsen’s TrimTek system turns without marking. The TR3 is at some of the top selling models used for this and which is claimed to keep the clip- superb and we have purchased two. pings suspended for longer to help The added bonus is that they use the other work. provide a finer mulched finish, same tractor unit as the AR3, so that particularly when using a high lift helps keep spares to a minimum.” blade. The latter blade type suits heavier swards. The rotary decks John Deere 2653B – durable can convert to rear discharge for performer with quality cut longer grass mowing, increasing Ride-on tees and surrounds mowers are designed to offer the versatility of the mower. The John Deere 2653B three- good stability and traction The front units of the AR3 are wheel drive triplex mower is designed in demanding terrain with the ability to turn tightly and offset to the left by 175 mm. This is to cope with more difficult areas to tread lightly on fine turf. of grass on golf courses and other This calls for good traction to make it easier to work close to an management and light weight. edge such as presented by a bunker. amenity turf areas, including slopes and rough terrain. It can be used Although John Deere offer a wide range of alternatives to its 2653B, Power comes from a 32 hp turbo- it is this model that is its biggest seller for tees and surrounds work charged Kubota diesel engine, the equally well on golf courses for tees,

48 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 49 Step-by-step Analysis... James de Havilland turns his attention to the tees and surrounds mower... Tees and Surrounds Mowers The anatomy of...

48 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 49 TC0051 DPA Greenkeeper_Layout 1 15/07/2010 12:41 Page 1

THE ANATOMY OF... DUAL PRECISION ADJUSTMENT surrounds and fairways leading up mower to maintain good traction in to the greens, or for cricket outfields demanding conditions. and other sports turf areas. Fairway tender conditioner, or FROM TORO. The hydraulically driven QA7 ‘recycler’, and rear brushes can quick adjust 7 inch cutting units now also be fitted to 26 in width can operate in fixed or float set- cutting units. The key advantage tings as necessary, the front rollers is that this offers a much reduced coming with a choice of a smooth or need to box of grass when mowing grooved finish. Optional equipment tees. This can save time and costs. IT’S QUICKER IN THE LONG RUN. includes a smooth or grooved roller scraper and grass boxes. Toro Reelmaster 3100-D A choice of five- or eight-blade SERIES – now with DPA units cylinders, each with a choice of 66 or 76cm (26 or 30in) wide cut are Toro Reelmaster 3100-D trim TORO first began manufacturing engines for available with micro-lap backlap- and surround mowers are designed tractors in the USA almost 100 years ago. Today ping is standard. Mowing height to be versatile and manoeuvrable, can be adjusted in 3mm steps, from the 3100-D Sidewinder version we produce some of the finest turf machinery, 9.5 to 76mm, and overall cutting offering the ability to offset the triple landscaping and irrigation equipment in the width is 1.8m (72in). cutting units 610mm to the left Power comes froma 20hp, or right. The Sidewinder option is world. Like our renowned DPA (Dual Precision Where the Sidewinder option is specified, all three cutting units can be three-cylinder diesel with a trac- well worth looking into for mowing offset to work 610mm to the left or right. This allows mowing close to Adjustment) cutting unit. DPA allows the tion system that is designed to offer close to vulnerable bunker edges or vulnerable bunker edges or to be used to alter wheelings around surrounds. good stability on wet or hilly terrain when mowing under overhanging bedknife to be adjusted quickly and simply and provided by a hydrostatic system shrubbery. rigidity when compared to fabri- offers an unrivalled quality and consistency of that sends oil flow away from any More recently, Toro has fitted cated designs. The bottom blade cut. What's more, because it holds its settings tyre that slips and directs it to the Dual Precision Adjustment , DPA, can be quickly removed, replaced tyres with more grip. This allows the cutting units to the 3100 series. and reset with the claim that this for longer, DPA will also save you more time This makes setting the cylinder speeds. than any other quick-adjustment system. Now to bottom blade clearance Apart from its more obvious easier, with the claim it advantages, the Sidewinder gives available across the full range, DPA is proving makes it more straight- operators the ability to shift all three The Toro 3100 operator platform popular at many of the country's leading golf forward maintain a is simple and clutter free. Note units left or right on-the-move. This the simple inclinometer. consistent quality of cut. can be used to vary the position clubs and sporting venues. Please contact us DPA units are designed of the tyre tracks, a useful feature today for a free demonstration. to hold a sharp edge for when working in a fixed mowing longer too. pattern across a tee. Toro suggest Call 01480 226800 or visit www.toro.com Part of the DPA system is its Sidewinder system should not the use of a honeycomb die-cast be compared to competitive designs aluminium frame. According to that only shift the two outer units, Toro the cast frame is less liable the central unit remaining. to distort in service, with strength Power comes from a three- up by 30% with much improved cylinder 21.5hp Kubota diesel with The cast alloy Toro DPA units are now well established, operating width choices of 1.8m to their fitting to the 3100 series 2.16m. Height of cut can be set from extending the range of cutting units options available. 63mm to 510mm in the standard float position or 380mm to 640mm in the fixed position. Verti-cut units and rear roller brushes are further options that are now available since the introduction of DPA units.

The operator platform is simple and service access straightforward.

TORO Commercial Products are distributed by Lely (UK) Limited, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 1QH. Tel: 01480 226800 Email: [email protected] www.lely.com www.toro.com

Although the engine sits ahead of the operator, the view to the front units is good, a feature that is often mentioned by operators. On slopes, the layout of the mower is claimed to aid both stability and traction, reduced wheelslip helping to reduce marking when mowing damp turf.

GI 50 AUGUST 2010 GREENSMASTER FLEX 21 GREENSMASTER 3250-D REELMASTER 3100-D REELMASTER 5510-D REELMASTER 6700-D TC0051 DPA Greenkeeper_Layout 1 15/07/2010 12:41 Page 1

The operator platform is simple and service access straightforward.

TORO Commercial Products are distributed by Lely (UK) Limited, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 1QH. Tel: 01480 226800 Email: [email protected] www.lely.com www.toro.com

GI 50 AUGUST 2010 GREENSMASTER FLEX 21 GREENSMASTER 3250-D REELMASTER 3100-D REELMASTER 5510-D REELMASTER 6700-D NEW Products GI The latest products on the market reviewed

UNIQUE, Innovative snow NEW FOUR- clearance machinery IN-ONE to be unvield AT SALTEX COMBO NEW Two developments in SUPATURF FEEDS FINE snow clearance technology BROCHURE TURF FOR will be unveiled by 25% LESS Wiedenmann UK at Saltex. Vitax Supaturf’s Ice Master™ is a clever brand new brochure dual-spreader which is is now available Vitax has combined a sufficiently compact to with details of their conventional fertiliser, a slow negotiate pathways and full range of line release organic fertiliser, pedestrian routes. marking machines, Amino-Sorb R and a The innovative box marking paints and natural bacterium into a unit can spread metered accessories. homogenous mini granule quantities of salt, sand Fronted by the that feeds fine turf with an or grit either via a drop Gator gets new olive livery top selling TXE, application rate 25% lower spread or spinner system. John Deere has introduced a new on a hydroformed steel frame for suspension offers improved recognised as the than parallel products. With a flick of a switch version of its popular XUV 850D increased durability. It also offers handling, operator comfort and industry standard, Enhance R, with even the operator can change high performance 4x4 utility a true four-wheel drive traction ride quality, which enables the exported worldwide granules of between 1 and 2mm contains Amino-Sorb settings without leaving vehicle, in olive and black livery. system to maintain excellent XUV Gator to follow rough and and now with a new, R, that stimulates healthy, deep rooting, increases wear the seat. This model is aimed at traction in the toughest ground bumpy terrain with ease. 2.5 litre flush tank that resistance, stimulates chemical uptake and maximises the Wiedenmann will also launch three styles of super smooth customers who prefer an conditions. Additional operator friendly can be either factory benefit of pesticides and plant growth regulators. complementary snow blades. alternative to the usual bright The XUV Gator’s 24hp (850cc) features include a glove box and fitted or purchased Enhance R is suitable for use on Golf Greens, Bowling The blades are part of Wiedenmann’s growing Snow Master™ range. green and yellow colour liquid-cooled, three-cylinder storage compartment, cup holder, in kit form for simple Greens, Cricket Squares and Grass Tennis Courts Each features a built-in shock absorption system. scheme. Yanmar diesel engine is the most 12V power outlet and integrated self-assembly, throughout the growing season, at application rates of 15g With the Snow Master blades fitted up front and the Ice Master on This olive and black Gator is powerful and quickest accelerating 50mm (2in) rear hitch. the brochure also to 25g per sq metre ie 150kg to 250kg per hectare. the back, together they offer an exceptionally versatile “one-pass” snow fitted as standard with aggressive in its class, with the fastest top Base UK list price of the new carries details of the clearance regime for schools, colleges, hospitals and estates. tread, off-road style tyres, but speed at 30mph in high range. John Deere olive and black XUV no-compromise, 01530 510060 otherwise is the same specification Advanced clutching ensures 850D utility vehicle, which is high quality TLS www.vitaxamenity.co.uk See Wiedenmann UK at stand V26A at SALTEX, Sept 7 – 9, 2010 as the existing XUV model, with a smooth power delivery and engine available in limited numbers this marking machine steel tipping cargo box. braking assistance from the dual summer, for £11,033 plus VAT. and the latest, The XUV Gator is specifically range, continuously variable top-of-the-range New Machine from Seppi Proves to be a Star designed for off-road and rough- transmission. 024 7630 8912 XCEL built as the terrain performance, and is based All round independent www.johndeere.co.uk perfect partner to the highly concentrated The drive to do more with less and Supa Stadia Eco line to do it better has never been as marking paint. keen as it is today. For many years Other line marking Seppi have made a large range of MORE POWER TO YOUR ELMOW! liquids – the full mulching heads for excavators A battery-electric pedestrian Supa Stadia range, and in more recent years they have fine-turf mower will be launched Briteline, developed diversified into stump grinders and by Allet, this month, at SALTEX. for use with transfer stone crushers. Designed, built and tested wheel or box type The New Seppi Star FC combines at Allett’s development and marking machines these machines into one very heavy engineering centre in Hixon, such as the Supaturf duty head that is designed to be Staffordshire, the Allett ELMOW Briteliner, and the fitted to excavators from 15-35 is to be offered in 510mm and full range of Stadia tonnes and to take up to 300hp. 610mm cutting widths to suit the Colours are joined by The Star FC is designed to mowing requirements of bowls Supamark Aerosols. grind stumps up to 40 cm, crush and golf clubs, turf maintenance The new Supaturf stones up to 15 cm, destroy roots contractors and those looking after brochure is available to a depth of 30 cm, till the soil to quality ornamental lawns. from Vitax Supaturf a depth or 30 cm, to prepare for Shown left, handles on top of representatives new planting, mulch unwanted the slide-in battery pack enable or direct from the vegetation up to 40 cm, and fast, convenient removal and company resurface stone tracks or roads. replacement. 01530 510060 01892 890364 SALTEX 2010 – Stand A18 www.vitax.co.uk www.lameng.com. www.allett.co.uk

52 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 53 NEW Products GI The latest products on the market reviewed

52 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 53 Section Notes Please email your notes to [email protected] by the 5th Protection for of the month All the latest news from your Section Outdoor Workers Around The Green

The Bigga Training & Development Manual, Designed in conjunction with outdoor workers, sponsored by John Deere, is an invaluable tool for Strathallan brings you this Silverbuck collection of everyone working within the greenkeeping industry. innovative kits to reduce UV skin damage, provide Scottish Region race for Ryder Cup places. strations. The next thing we new the day for their valued support cooling relief and anti-glare eye protection to We’re all dead on our feet here was Bob walking up the fairway to the Section. improve your working day when you’re out there in from a very busy Open Cham- to the sheds and no machine in Sadly, I report the death of FREE UsE FoR MEMbERs the intensity of summer heat… pionship and we still have the sight. Guess what, he’d toppled Jim McCormack, of Cawder Golf Alfred Dunhill Links Champi- it in the bunker and we had to Club, who attended many an onship and a host of local club haul him out with no damage to outing over the years but who The bIGGA Training tournaments to look forward to. the machine or operator thank passed away last month after a Central Roll on winter! goodness. Sorry for mentioning & Development Manual Gordon Moir that Bob, but I couldn’t resist the long fight against cancer. Jim served under Alistair Connell INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR WELFARE & THE WORKPLACE The seminar with Stan Zontek temptation. The Section would This online manual provides users with the information and John Kaminski, which had like to wish you all the best in for numerous years and then they need on recruitment, induction, training and career to be cancelled in April due to the your retirement and hopefully laterally, Neil McLennan, and progression using video clips, written information, down- you can enjoy more time with the was seen picking up a few prizes loadable documents and useful web links. prices volcanic ash, has been resched- uled for Wednesday, September 1 family. occasionally. Our thoughts are INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR WELFARE & THE WORKPLACE Next item, which was a long A valuable membership benefit the manual can be ac- from at the training room at Elmwood with his family at this time. time ago, being the John Deere cessed via the bIGGA website on the Education, Jobs’ Golf Course, 7pm. Last thing to mention was the For further information, contact: West demonstration day held on April and Members’ areas. simply log in using your surname £32.95 There will be more details on match against the Secretaries the website www.biggacentral- 20 at Play Golf in East Kilbride. It and bIGGA membership number on the Home page. Tel: 01592 643311 A few problems with the sub- held on May 3 over Montrose Golf section.co.uk It may seem bizarre appears to have been a very good mission dates of my article and Club, which is a fine example of Fax: 01592 646633 to have this in September but the day with a large turn out from Designed around a theme of 18 holes users can gain ac- holidays have caused an absence a links course and was a joy to cess to training records, job specifications, job descrip- thrust of the presentation will all areas of the West of Scotland Email: [email protected] with the last two monthly issues play. Peter Boyd had to call upon tions, sample contracts of employment, appraisal forms be about winter damage to golf even if the weather was slightly and for that I apologise, but here and details of continuing development. greens and I am sure it will be brisk. A good range of equipment two of the staff at the last minute we are at last. The weather has entertaining as well as informa- and irrigation products were on to make up the numbers, but it been great to us over the last How to access the BIGGA Training & Development Manual tive. All welcome, no charge. show for all to see and then nine proved a good move as the overall couple of months and golf sea- Congratulations to the Sec- holes of golf. Thanks go to Nairn team result was a victory for the 1 Go to the BIGGA website www.bigga.org.uk tion members who did well in sons are in full swing. bBown for there usual excel- 2 Click on the Members area, the Jobs page or the Educa- good guys. In the history of the the Scottish Championships at Recently I was informed of lent organisation and the well tion page and click on the BIGGA Training Manual link. event which has been running some special occasions which received coffee with filled rolls. 3 Enter your login details and select the BIGGA Training & Murcar, David Simpson won the now for 34 years the secretaries are worth a mention as they Unfortunately I cannot report Development Manual from the left hand menu. Scratch prize with Archie Dunn, have only won on three occasions Charlie MacDonald, Lewis Birch, don’t happen too often, Sandy on the Loch Lomond day regard- 4 The Training Manual will load and the user can click on BE SEEN BY with one draw, so I’m glad the Gary Semple, Mike Carson and Brawley, Kenny Henderson, both ing wetting agents as the main Enter the Site to view a welcome video or can select 1–9 of East Kilbride Golf Club, and good record was upheld. or 10–18 on the top menu bar. Elliot Small all picking up prizes speaker could not travel due to Gary Burns, of Lenzie Golf Club, Thanks to all concerned, 5 You can progress through the manual hole by hole or go of some description, while some the volcanic ash. Maybe next celebrated 25 years of service to straight to the hole you wish to view. You can also skip to OVER 6000 of the aforementioned helped the time. especially the members of Mon- their respective clubs, something holes 10–18. Section win the St Mungo Team The outing held at Lanark on trose for allowing us to play your 6 When you select a hole you will be presented with a Trophy. which should be commended in April 29 once again had a good beautiful layout. window that explains what that hole is about. You can then Well done to all those Course this present climate. Well done attendance -37 people came to Please remember the Autumn to all and I hope you are around select from the bottom tabs, video or sub-text (download- BIGGA Managers and staff who hosted sample a beautiful course in outing at Helensburgh on for another 25 years, I might joke able documents and links). Final Qualifying which is an excellent condition for the time September 2, which should be 7 When clicking on a downloadable document it will auto- but the way pensions are going of year considering the severe important part of the tourna- in good condition but I hope matically open in your default word processor. This can ment and the same to Willie I don’t think I will be too far off weather we’ve experienced. the greens won’t be too fast this then be amended, updated and saved to your computer’s MEMBERS Swann, and his team at Lundin the mark. Jim Lyon and his staff are to be hard disk or printed and filed in your personnel files. Golf Club, who had the World Another item worth a mention congratulated for all their superb time as the last time I played I Junior Open on the Tuesday and is the recent retirement of Bob work in preparing the course, putted off the 1st green, I look Wednesday of Open week. Stevenson, of Alex McDougal may I also thank the Secretary, forward to seeing how things Congratulations also to John Mowers, who has decided it’s Captain and members for allow- have matured. Philp and Sandy Reid and the time to put the slippers at the ing us the courtesy of the course Once again gentlemen I ADVERTISE HERE Carnoustie guys for a success- fireside. Bob, who believe it or not for the day. ask if there is any information ful British Seniors Open the is 68 and doesn’t look a day over The eventual winners were: 1st people wish to pass on to get in week after us and to the Course 60, has worked for a few different Class. 1. A Peace; 2. A. Reid ; 3. I. touch by e-mail, stuart.taylor@ companies over the years but Young; 2nd Class. 1. C. Carvel; B Managers and their teams at glasgowgolfclub.com or mobile the qualifying venues for that my fondest memory was when Logue; 3. G. Jarvis; 3rd Class 1. 07790823914, or land line 0141- tournament. he worked with Toro (Russell’s) B. Ramsey; 2. C. Keirney; 3. M. Contact Jill or Kirstin Finally good luck to Scott Fen- and asked if he could practice Maxton. Scratch winner was D. 942-5554, so far only a couple of wick and his team at Gleaeagles using the new GM machine MacIntosh with 71. Trade prize. items have come forward. on 01347 833800 for the Johnnie Walker Champi- operation on one of our greens D. Duthie; Visitor. R. Brennan. Stuart Taylor onship at the end of August which to make sure he didn’t make a Apprentice. B. Summerville. Glasgow Golf Club should see a thrilling finale to the full of himself when on Demon- Could I thank all who attended Northern Region

54 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 55 Section Notes Please email your notes to [email protected] by the 5th Protection for of the month All the latest news from your Section Outdoor Workers Around The Green

54 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 55 Around The Green Around The Green

“Look right”, whose got the right months of the year since 1929! follows: 1. M. Holden Net 75 Please visit their website: Japes at Sports Metals UK. fairways, dormant grass and dry article. Remember if you have of way. I’m just wondering what’s What a year we’re having so far! Gross 69 Matt won both the www.thwhitegrasscare.co.uk Continuing the golf theme, the patch concerns will be a thing of any news please let me know. coming next. Anyway that’s I wonder what’s next. Surprise? Net and Gross Trophies. Well I would like to remind all Headland Pairs competition is the past. The season is here at last and enough moaning on. Hurricanes, perhaps? done Matt; 2. I. Whitehead; 3.D. Midland Section members that progressing well, the first dead- Also by the time you read finally it’s starting to grow! The My next piece of news is some- On June 9 the annual North Brownlow; Trade T. Dobson; contributions for photographs for line for bonus points has now this, Gary Salisbury and Steve course is taking shape nicely. thing I find quite disturbing. I Wales verses North West Match Nearest the Pin D. Brownlow. the 2011 calendar are gratefully passed, and many groups have Hopkins will be recovering from After speaking to a lot of green- North never thought I would ever hear took at Carden Park on the Congratulations to all our win- received. Please send to Richard only a few games to play. So well representing our Section on the keepers lately, everyone has been of redundancies in our Section Cheshire course and in a nail ners and thanks to everyone who Beacham at rich71@btconnect. done to all of you for sorting out BIGGA Support Team at the Open saying the same thing ‘What a Hello everyone hope you are let alone in our profession, which biting contest, North Wales took played and I’m sure you all had a com or preferably send a CD to fixtures etc, it has been requested at St Andrews. Congratulations tough winter followed by a hard all well and coping with the was always regarded as a safe the honour beating the North me at Wrekin GC, Golf Links that next year we introduce a mid to the pair for being selected, it is fantastic day once again. It was spring’. heatwave.The Section would like zone of employment in the past. West 3 ½ to 2 ½. Well done lads Lane, Wellington, Telford, TF6 season transfer window so that an incredible honour to be able to also very nice to see some new I do believe good communica- to thank all the staff and com- Not now, with the current reces- on retaining the trophy also a 5BX. A bottle of champagne will those that want to, can sack or serve professionals at the highest tion is required during these faces may it long continue. mittee at Scarborough North sion going on, we have had two thank you has to go to the staff at be awarded to the member who draft in new partners! As table level and made even more special times of trouble. Keeping the Sales of our new polo shirts are Cliff Golf Club for hosting our members who have lost their Carden Park, the course was as sends in the best picture that is whipping boys myself and Greg by being at the Home of Golf. golfers informed of the problems going well and if anyone is inter- Presidents Golf Day, which was jobs and I’m sure they won’t be exemplary as ever. published on the calendar 2011. Skinner, at Forest Hill, may well The Support team can only help we are facing and how we plan to ested please contact me to order kindly sponsored by Bob Wilde the last before we see some light Upcoming events are, on Sep- And just to finish, Phil Nixon be sacking each other! raise the profile of greenkeepers get over it. Sometimes this just a shirt. Shirts are available in Grass Machinery. We had a good at the end of the tunnel. tember 22, North Wales hosts the you could have told me that you By time of reading this we throughout the game with rec- isn’t enough. We at Muswell Hill turnout and it was nice to see As you all know Slaley Hall has Northern Region Golf Day this many sizes and are available for and the Mrs had had a little one. would have held our summer ognition from professionals, fans have built a new chipping green some new faces. The results are recently had the PGA Seniors year it is being held at my home £10. Thanks once again to Golf Details please chap, but con- tournament and BBQ at Roth- at the course and TV exposure at this winter and it’s been a real as follows, Div 1. 1. Nigel Coultish Championship. Having watched course at The Vale of Llangollen. and Turf Machinery for helping gratulations old pal to you three ley, where our representatives a premium. As a veteran of the hard slog getting that into shape (with an impressive 42 pts); 2. it on Sky Sports3 I reckon Steve I just hope we can carry on the us produce these shirts. and welcome to the little one. for the National Championship, last Support team at St Andrews from seed. One member asked Dave Collins; 3. Stuart Mason. Cram, Course Manager, can be excellent example that all the That’s all for this month Beats a four wood of the 13th in sponsored by Kubota and Char- I can say that it is incredibly hard me the other day ‘When will it be Div 2. 1 Duncan Campbell 2 Rob congratulated on his presenta- other courses in our Region show J. Stevens work boots, ay mate. terhouse, will be decided, I will work and long hours, however, open and like the other greens’. Walker 3 Steve Trowsdale. Div tion of the course. As you could when holding BIGGA events also 07738719614 Sean McDade update you with the results in it is also very enjoyable and So I explained to him he must 3 1 Joe Baxter 2 Pete Colley see it was immaculate, even the on September 30, the autumn [email protected] the next issue. rewarding at the same time. You have missed my noticeboard, 3 Dave Featherstone. Nearest pros were paying compliments. tournament and AGM will take As always your committee will probably be like me, willing E-mails, greens forum, posters the pin on the 7th Dave Feath- Well done Steve and your staff, place at Mold Golf Club, so I works very hard to run the golf every player to hit the bunker on in the clubhouse and web page, erstone (with a good 9in) on the all those extra hours must have hope you know where your entry Midland Region events, days out and education, 17 so you can say you raked the that we were having a tough year 15th Yours Truly.The trade prize been worthwhile. forms are. we are hoping to soon be in a posi- “Road Hole” bunker! with the weather etc. ‘It will be went to Mel Guy.The President’s Finally, more news about Close A quick reminder that our tion to offer Excavator training, Our first golf day of the season open soon and will take time to Prize went to Gorden Street. House. They should be in their Facebook group is still happily and the Autumn Educational is was on May 27 at Newark Golf East Midlands be like the greens’ (115 years old). The Section would like to con- new sheds by the time you read ticking along if you haven’t joined to be held at Forest Hill GC on Club. The day was sponsored by His answer to me was ‘my lawn gratulate Scott Baxter, of Bingley this as there must have been a yet just search “North Wales November 18 so watch this space Toro and Chris Sellars Ground- is growing, I cut it last week’. I St Ives GC, who got married on bit of delay as I thought it was BIGGA” and you will find us. Hello all, firstly I would like and the Section pages on the care. Many thanks to Nigel and to make two apologies, the first answered him with one word- July 10, Hope you have many the end of May when that was I think that’s about it for this Midland website for details on both. Chris for their continued support. BRILLIANT. happy years of married life. Our happening and it’s good to see month so…. is for the Section not getting Until next time I will leave The golf course course was again its usual airing in the last two I also got the chance to pop in Invitation Day takes place on Aug that they are continuing to follow All the best until next month Well here we are again, another you with this thought, During excellently presented by Graeme issues, we have addressed this and have a look at Wentworth 25. at Harrogate GC. Anyone the same policy of tarmacing Pete Maybury petemayb66@ month’s edition of the Section’s our last section meeting, one of Macdonald and his team and and it looks like I shall be trying for the BMW this year I must say wishing to take part, please get all the buggie paths on the new aol.com 07756001187 news and events. This month - I the committee (not mentioning once again the hospitality of the to entertain you all from now on! the course looked superb and in touch to book a place. First tee course. That must be great, pity know the month is wrong, - but any names) admitted to relax- golf club was top class. The second apology is to anyone the green staff of Wentworth did time is 9:30. other courses don’t follow there Nigel Tyler will be competing in ing in a very FREE AND EASY The results from the day were not get the credit they deserved Any news or gossip please get that has been trying to contact idea, just think how much time the Isle of Man TT on his new way when his house was empty! as follows: 1. N. Ashman (who because of all the talk about the in touch as usual,Frank Stewart our Secretary, Andy de Wet. He could be saved. Yes, tarmac is Honda Gold Wing, which has What could this involve doing? I am sure wore his Toro jacket design. The staff did not have a say 72 West Park Grove, Roundhay, has now moved and is living expensive but its got to pay for heated seats and handle bars, air Answers on a postcard please, with pride when he went back in the design but they had a say LS8 2DY, tel.07947401278, E in the twilight zone! Seriously itself in the long run,well that’s all bags for his lady’s safety. Strikes to the Section committee, care of to work for John Deere the next in the course presentation and mail frankstewart3 @ hotmail. I can think of for this month. though he is now settled in to his Carl Chamberlain. day!) 2. G. Macdonald; 3. I. Col- me that Nigel has moved from that was excellent. I know some co.uk. Frank Stewart Jimmy Richardson Sheffield new mansion in Coalville, and Regards to all. lett, Rigby Taylor. Longest Drive. the speed demon to the ever cau- will say they have the money but he can be contacted in the usual Pete Smith C. Chamberlain (Rigby Taylor). tious man with sensible shoes. you still have to produce. They Hope everyone is doing well manner. Nearest the Pin. C. Shelton, and are looking after themselves. Age does that old bean. With us not posting any news had less than a year from turf to Burghley Park, tournament and they delivered a Hopefully everyone has finally Well as I’m sure you can tell for two months we ought to catch Roll on the Autumn! top course. got over the disappointment of there is very little to report this up on the results from our Spring Many thanks. I then went from Wentworth to another English flop. I’m the month. I would really appreci- Tournament and first part of the Steve Beverly, Immingham Walton Heath Golf Club for the first to admit that i did get a little ate any information that you national championship qualifier, Golf Club. North East North Wales carried away with the hype that would like to see in our notes. this was held at Erewash Valley US Open qualifying. Again the course was in great condition. surrounds our national team as Without your input folks, it is GC with an excellent 37 people East of England The greens looked great and were Here we go again its that time First of all, I must apologise you all probably noticed in my almost impossible to write such. turning out in honour of the 43 South East Region a bit quick as I watched group of the month for writing Section for not putting a column in for last notes. PLEASE, I EMPLOR YOU, AND years of service and impending Hello all. news,i always find that the next after group thunder putts by last month but I sat in front of Our Annual golf match was INDEED PLEAD that you advise retirement of course manager, So another day goes by with- couple of months are the hardest the computer and realised I had held at Hillsborough GC, firstly Graham Arnold, the course was out any sign of rain here on the the hole. Both the courses were me of the general achievements times to find news as if its not no really relevant news to pass I must thank everyone at Hills- in excellent condition and the east coast! That’s about 5mm cut and blown, wall to wall by and wonderful happenings of been hard enough up to now. on, so I thought “stuff it” and borough for once again allowing weather held fair. in five weeks now as I write at 7.30am that is impressive. you and yours. Contact me on: Recently when I was travelling switched the thing back off again. us to use their course. A special In Division 1, the victory went the beginning of July. I guess The London Section National to work as I passed Prudhoe But this month, Halleluiah, I do thanks must go to Ian and his [email protected] too; D. Spencer, 38pts, closely finally we can say we are having qualifier sponsored by A.T Olivers Golf Course I noticed a sign and have some news and views. staff for presenting a course that or on: 07908 421 015. followed by N. Colley and reigning our first “proper” summer for a London was held at Ealing Golf Club on thought - Haven’t seen that up It only seems to be a few was a credit to all of them. A thank Now we must thank this National Champ Derek McJan- while which is good to keep the May 20. We had a great day with before must be warning people months ago I was writing in this you must also go to Russ, and month’s very kind sponsors of net. In Division 2 D. Bull rolled golfers coming in but leaves us Hello to all, over 50 attending. The weather of something. Then I started column that the UK from Land’s Mansfield Sand, for sponsoring this month’s calendar page: our out winner, followed by Adrian with a different set of headaches! Firstly I would like to apologise was good but the course was thinking have you noticed how End to John O’Groats was white the day once again and as said very kind supporter’s of the Sec- Henshaw and Yours Truly, the However by the time you read for not getting anything in the great. You knew Greg Evans, was many notices golf courses have with snow and freezing condi- before it would be impossible to tion T.H.White Grasscare. Please trade prize went to Kevin Kinser. this the “sting in the tail” will last month’s addition of Around going to make an effort especially on them. “Buggies this way” tions, now I’m writing that the organise these days without their consider them for your machin- Finally a big thank you to our probably have come as always the Geen. Things have been fairly after all the debates and maga- ,”Buggies to the right”… or the whole country is baked to arid support. ery requirements of Jacobsen main sponsors, Aitkens, Mans- and we will be sat under none quiet on the London front and zine articles. The greens putted left. “Steep slope” “Look left” , conditions with the driest first six The results on the day are as and Ransomes. field Sand, Tacit and Richard stop rainfall and the brown I missed the deadline for the quickly, they were firm, true and

56 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 57 Around The Green Around The Green

56 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 57 Around The Green Around The Green the course presentation was very July in the south-east of England and hardly any wind to speak Course Manager and heard all that make it feel slightly better that long). During the day the impressive. Oliver’s had ‘Hole in in 2010. But do not concern of. This year the committee about how he manages to main- about our result? Being patriotic temperature hit three figures, I One’ prizes including Workman’s yourselves, oh noble Surrey wanted to do something special tain his greens at the height of and all that I didn’t dare admit wish I could have experienced and holidays. Unfortunately no greenkeepers, for as soon as the for our summer event, so we 2mm. A twenty-minute rundown it before but I had 20 quid on this, but let me tell you, Vegas one managed to hole a shot this schools break up at the end of the asked Channels if they would be of how he manages his turf was the Germans at very favourable gets just as hot during the time! month the torrents of rain will fall prepared to put on a Bar-B-Q followed by a look around the odds well before the first ball was night...... that’s enough though, The prize winners on the day and England will once again be a for us, the answer was simple a course. Spoon-feeding seems to kicked. people, What happens in Vegas, Assistant were: 1. Dave Jones, the Deputy green and pleasant land. straight. Yes. What a day it was. be the method Greg has adopted Enough about football, so far stays in Vegas! Head from Finchley GC, who Tuesday June 15, the date of We had a fine course set out to to maintain those low heights of this year we are having a true June 23 the Section took a shot an impressive 37 pts off one! the Cresta Cup at Terry Edwards’ test the best and an halfway cut, plus lots of top dressing. I summer here on the coast, of trip day to the stunning part of Profile David won many prizes includ- Hoebridge GC. A beautiful day house courtesy of Collier Turf understand he also maintains course that brings its own prob- the country, that being Dorset. ing the Oliver’s Trophy. 2. Dylan with beautiful people….and Jim Care, one of our main sponsors his Tee’s at a height of cut of lems with water or lack of it. The During our visit to Dorset we Each month we take a light hearted look Rennick, from Northwood G.C, Russell. Terry deserves all credit (for which we were most grateful 6mm, treating them in a very wind (not personally) has been stopped off and visited Dave into the life of an assistant greenkeeper... with 35 pts, who just beat 3. Ian for the excellent condition of the due to the high temperatures). similar way to his greens. Great my problem and never getting the Everett and his team at Lyme Cresswick, from Stanmore GC, course which has to cope with The format for the day was interest was taken in his main- water on the areas that require it Regis. Lyme Regis was the hosts on countback. Great golf played some 60,000 rounds per year. a Blind Stableford with cards tenance facilities; I understand most. Hose pipes, wetter pellets for our summer event this year, by all of them and now the three Andy Gatland, Betchworth Park drawn after play had finished, they were very impressive. Our never mind the applications of and the day went fantastically of them will go onto play at The GC, coped well and won the plus an overall winner and near- thanks to Greg for his time and wetting agent all seem normal well! I actually have to say that Basketball loving, Berkshire in the National final. aforementioned cup with 39 pts. est the pins on two holes. Winners the presentation he gave us. this year, still, it won’t last forever! this could have been one of my Steve, likes to The winner of Best Trade went to Gary Rowe, Banstead Downs on the day are as follows:- I will have a full update of I am not sure why but the club most enjoyable Section events search for the hero Simon Banks who shot 35 points, GC, with 36 pts pushed Ron Overall and a place in the the results of the Captain’s and have just told me to order a verti- I’ve attended. The sun was shin- which explains why he never Christie, our very own highly National Tournament. Greenkeepers match at Romford drain big enough for fairways, ing on a fabulous looking golf inside himself, but answers his phone because he efficient Secretary, 34 pts, into Ben Scrivener 40pts Golf Club and the Tuckwell Golf hopefully its made my local rep course. It was clear to see that in doing so nearly must be playing golf! The Longest third place. Jason Hunt, fresh Winners of the Blind Pairs and Team Challenge at Bentley Golf happy. Dave and his team do a brilliant Drive was won by David Badham from his honeymoon, was Near- places in the National Tourna- Club next month, both of this The results of the invitation at job maintaining the golf course collided with the and the two Nearest the Pins, one est the Pin and Mark Harvey, ment. matches were in the middle of Stoneham will be in next months and spend they must spend a invisible man. sponsored by Greg Evans, were fresh from the sleeping habits of Dougie Fernie & Keith Chin- July. report. The autumn tournament great amount of time to detail. won by Jon Selwood and Mick his new baby, drove the longest. nery, 77pts; 2. Steve Crosdale & If you have any news for is at Broadstone G.C. in October, The greens were a real pleasure Fance, I would like to thank Greg The ‘Toro’ footballs found new Mark Keysell, 76 pts; 3. Richard insertion in this section of the GI remember this is our AGM and to play on, extremely well paced and his team for a great day and homes with Andy Foulds and magazine or on our website www. you can have your say. More Name: Steve Hopkins Stubbings & Jamie Hughes, and smoothest ball roll you could Age: 50 everyone at Ealing Golf Club. Terry Edwards. 75pts. Sponsors.& Trade. 1. essexbigga.co.uk then please details will follow nearer the imagine. I have to mention the Everyone really enjoyed the day. My partnership in the Surrey contact me at essexbigga@talk- time. Club: RAF Cottesmore Mark Keysell, 37pts; 2. Simon 16th hole at Lyme Regis, what a Position: First Assistant Here is a reminder of fixtures Bowl this year was eagerly Banks, 36 pts; 3. Neil Peachey talk.net or on 07764-862.337. That is it for this month, I might hole.” Talk about living life on the coming up in the Section. 2010 accepted by John Ross and as 32pts. Guests. 1. Paul Cooper Arnold Phipps-Jones just sneak down the beach and edge.” This really was stunning, Fixtures. The Summer Tourna- our first round opponents were Press Officer watch - the boats of course! 1. How long have you been greenkeeping? 44pts, 2. Richard Stubbings the views from this hole were Five years ment will be held on July 21 at Terry Edwards and Jim Russell, 41pts; 3. Oliver Stubbings, 40 Tony Gadd second to none. With it run- Muswell Hill Golf Club. We will we played both ‘Cresta Cup’ and pts. Nearest the Pin on the 8th. ning alongside the cliff’s edge, I have a BBQ after the golf with ‘Surrey Bowl’ in one match. John South West and 2. What was it about the career that attracted you? Mick Bartlett. Nearest the Pin on remember standing on the tee Working outdoors golf dress welcome all day, so no and I lost but only after having the 17th. Benji Stubbings South Wales thinking to myself, don’t go left, need for your shirt and tie. Also an enjoyable round of golf and After the golf we all gathered just don’t go left. You can see the club’s Brewery is going to be watching John pursue his 3. If you weren’t a greenkeeper what do you think on the terrace by the clubhouse where the cliff has been eating its you’d be? What I was doing originally – in the Royal Air supplying a bar on the course, unusual and absorbing interest to enjoy a real feast. A Bar-B-Q way into the golf course, having plus Sherriff Amenity will also be in sand, by visiting most of the Force to die for. More than enough South West moved its original tee already there with another halfway hut. bunkers on the way. food to go round, and that was and a new green waiting for the Form should be in the post when Congratulations to Ian Mor- 4. Which task do you most enjoy doing and why? followed by a desert of Lemon Firstly, I have to give a huge old to disappear into the sea. Fairway mowing. Looking back at your fine work is you read this! rison who has been appointed Meringue and cream or Apple Pure breathtaking! The Turkey Trot will be held Course Manager at the Berkshire South Coast thanks to Jamie Acton for filling satisfying. and Blackberry pie with custard. me in last month. I hope you The winners from Lyme Regis at Wyke Green Golf Club on GC and the best of luck to his Wow, polished of with a few beers were as follows, Nearest the Pin – December 2. This will be another successor, whoever that may be Hopefully by the time you read enjoyed his article, as Jamie 5. Which task do you least enjoy doing and why? and every one went home happy. this we will have had substantial mentioned that was purely a 8th Stuart Broom & 13th Adam Raking Bunkers – Tedious! great day in the calendar. at West Hill GC. Congratulations Our thanks go to Richard Stub- Matthews. Overall winners – 3. Please if you have any ques- also to Roger Tydeman who will amounts of rain. Here at Barton guest slot and I promise you I bings and his family (the owners Nigel Gridley, Nett 73; 2. Tim 6. What one thing - other than a pay rise - would tions or suggestions on the Sec- be leaving Croham Hurst GC to the course looks like toast with won’t leave you all so easily next of Channels). To Ray Clark and Morgan, Nett 73 (count back); 1. improve the greenkeepers’ lot? tion please contact us. fill his new post as Course Man- green islands, water totals have time....But honestly, cheers his team for the course presenta- John Keenaghan, Nett 69. John For our club? New machinery You can call or use the web site ager, at Dulwich and Sydenham already exceeded last year with a Jamie. Top stuff! tion and to the club captain Paul will now go on to The Berkshire to www.biggalondonsection.co.uk. Hill GC, later this year. couple of months to go yet! So let’s talk about the impor- Cooper for presenting the prizes. represent the South West Section 7. Hobbies? Matt Plested Amusing stories and observa- The annual match against the tant item first...My holiday. Last A full appraisal of the results are in BIGGA’s National Champion- Basketball and picture framing 07818410333 tions will always be welcome but Wessex Secretaries took place at month saw me and a few friends on our website, along with a few ship, sponsored by Kubota and not necessarily printed. Highcliffe Golf Club in late June. heading to Las Vegas, and I have photos of the day. Our thanks Charterhouse. Good luck, John! 8. Favourite Band? Brian Willmott The event sponsored by Course to say it was BRILLIANT. We also goes to all those members Care is in its 13th year and has spent nearly 20 hours travelling The day was also extra special M People that turned up to support this become a coveted trophy. to get there, but I wouldn’t take as we watched our England event it was the best supported I can proudly say that the a minute of them back, it just all win its only game of this year’s 9. Which team do you support (football or otherwise)? one for many a year, long may greenkeepers were worthy win- adds to the adventure we took World Cup, I said we would win Newcastle Eagles Basketball Club it last. ners 3 & 1/2 to 1 &1/2 making ourselves on. it four years ago, I also said we Surrey Next stop is Boyce Hill Golf us 7 wins to 6 since the challenge If you’ve been before, you’ll would win this year, however in 10. What is your claim to fame? Club on August 14, so if you’re began. Your’s truly being the only know exactly what I’m talking four years’ time, in Brazil, it will Almost knocked over David MacCallum (Man from Uncle The sun is up, the sky is blue Essex quick you might just make the one to lose his match, no wonder about, If you’ve never been to be coming home....you heard it and the Invisible Man) in Macy’s in New York There’s not a cloud to spoil the closing date. Kev stripped me of the captaincy! Vegas, close your eyes and pic- here first! (I really do doubt your view Channels Golf Club was the The first Wednesday of July Many thanks to Course Care as ture the bright lights, oversized sanity, Ed) Some words from the Buddy venue for our Summer Trophy. At saw 15 or so of our members always a fantastic day, long may spectacular hotels, casinos For those of you that are a Holly hit song of the 60s and it the end of June around 63 lined make an educational trip down it continue. with endless slot machines and fan of Facebook, we now have a To feature as an Assistant Profile, simply email Scott: cleverly contained the long-range up to tee off. We were greeted to a to Ealing Golf Club. There they As I write this Germany have enough blackjack tables to keep South West Section page. Like [email protected] and he will send you a questionaire! forecast for June and the start of cloudless sky, hot temperatures meet up with Greg Evans their just put 4 past Argentina, does entertained for a week (if you last this article, it’s yours. We hope to

58 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 59 Around The Green Around The Green the course presentation was very July in the south-east of England and hardly any wind to speak Course Manager and heard all that make it feel slightly better that long). During the day the impressive. Oliver’s had ‘Hole in in 2010. But do not concern of. This year the committee about how he manages to main- about our result? Being patriotic temperature hit three figures, I One’ prizes including Workman’s yourselves, oh noble Surrey wanted to do something special tain his greens at the height of and all that I didn’t dare admit wish I could have experienced and holidays. Unfortunately no greenkeepers, for as soon as the for our summer event, so we 2mm. A twenty-minute rundown it before but I had 20 quid on this, but let me tell you, Vegas one managed to hole a shot this schools break up at the end of the asked Channels if they would be of how he manages his turf was the Germans at very favourable gets just as hot during the time! month the torrents of rain will fall prepared to put on a Bar-B-Q followed by a look around the odds well before the first ball was night...... that’s enough though, The prize winners on the day and England will once again be a for us, the answer was simple a course. Spoon-feeding seems to kicked. people, What happens in Vegas, Assistant were: 1. Dave Jones, the Deputy green and pleasant land. straight. Yes. What a day it was. be the method Greg has adopted Enough about football, so far stays in Vegas! Head from Finchley GC, who Tuesday June 15, the date of We had a fine course set out to to maintain those low heights of this year we are having a true June 23 the Section took a shot an impressive 37 pts off one! the Cresta Cup at Terry Edwards’ test the best and an halfway cut, plus lots of top dressing. I summer here on the coast, of trip day to the stunning part of Profile David won many prizes includ- Hoebridge GC. A beautiful day house courtesy of Collier Turf understand he also maintains course that brings its own prob- the country, that being Dorset. ing the Oliver’s Trophy. 2. Dylan with beautiful people….and Jim Care, one of our main sponsors his Tee’s at a height of cut of lems with water or lack of it. The During our visit to Dorset we Each month we take a light hearted look Rennick, from Northwood G.C, Russell. Terry deserves all credit (for which we were most grateful 6mm, treating them in a very wind (not personally) has been stopped off and visited Dave into the life of an assistant greenkeeper... with 35 pts, who just beat 3. Ian for the excellent condition of the due to the high temperatures). similar way to his greens. Great my problem and never getting the Everett and his team at Lyme Cresswick, from Stanmore GC, course which has to cope with The format for the day was interest was taken in his main- water on the areas that require it Regis. Lyme Regis was the hosts on countback. Great golf played some 60,000 rounds per year. a Blind Stableford with cards tenance facilities; I understand most. Hose pipes, wetter pellets for our summer event this year, by all of them and now the three Andy Gatland, Betchworth Park drawn after play had finished, they were very impressive. Our never mind the applications of and the day went fantastically of them will go onto play at The GC, coped well and won the plus an overall winner and near- thanks to Greg for his time and wetting agent all seem normal well! I actually have to say that Basketball loving, Berkshire in the National final. aforementioned cup with 39 pts. est the pins on two holes. Winners the presentation he gave us. this year, still, it won’t last forever! this could have been one of my Steve, likes to The winner of Best Trade went to Gary Rowe, Banstead Downs on the day are as follows:- I will have a full update of I am not sure why but the club most enjoyable Section events search for the hero Simon Banks who shot 35 points, GC, with 36 pts pushed Ron Overall and a place in the the results of the Captain’s and have just told me to order a verti- I’ve attended. The sun was shin- which explains why he never Christie, our very own highly National Tournament. Greenkeepers match at Romford drain big enough for fairways, ing on a fabulous looking golf inside himself, but answers his phone because he efficient Secretary, 34 pts, into Ben Scrivener 40pts Golf Club and the Tuckwell Golf hopefully its made my local rep course. It was clear to see that in doing so nearly must be playing golf! The Longest third place. Jason Hunt, fresh Winners of the Blind Pairs and Team Challenge at Bentley Golf happy. Dave and his team do a brilliant Drive was won by David Badham from his honeymoon, was Near- places in the National Tourna- Club next month, both of this The results of the invitation at job maintaining the golf course collided with the and the two Nearest the Pins, one est the Pin and Mark Harvey, ment. matches were in the middle of Stoneham will be in next months and spend they must spend a invisible man. sponsored by Greg Evans, were fresh from the sleeping habits of Dougie Fernie & Keith Chin- July. report. The autumn tournament great amount of time to detail. won by Jon Selwood and Mick his new baby, drove the longest. nery, 77pts; 2. Steve Crosdale & If you have any news for is at Broadstone G.C. in October, The greens were a real pleasure Fance, I would like to thank Greg The ‘Toro’ footballs found new Mark Keysell, 76 pts; 3. Richard insertion in this section of the GI remember this is our AGM and to play on, extremely well paced and his team for a great day and homes with Andy Foulds and magazine or on our website www. you can have your say. More Name: Steve Hopkins Stubbings & Jamie Hughes, and smoothest ball roll you could Age: 50 everyone at Ealing Golf Club. Terry Edwards. 75pts. Sponsors.& Trade. 1. essexbigga.co.uk then please details will follow nearer the imagine. I have to mention the Everyone really enjoyed the day. My partnership in the Surrey contact me at essexbigga@talk- time. Club: RAF Cottesmore Mark Keysell, 37pts; 2. Simon 16th hole at Lyme Regis, what a Position: First Assistant Here is a reminder of fixtures Bowl this year was eagerly Banks, 36 pts; 3. Neil Peachey talk.net or on 07764-862.337. That is it for this month, I might hole.” Talk about living life on the coming up in the Section. 2010 accepted by John Ross and as 32pts. Guests. 1. Paul Cooper Arnold Phipps-Jones just sneak down the beach and edge.” This really was stunning, Fixtures. The Summer Tourna- our first round opponents were Press Officer watch - the boats of course! 1. How long have you been greenkeeping? 44pts, 2. Richard Stubbings the views from this hole were Five years ment will be held on July 21 at Terry Edwards and Jim Russell, 41pts; 3. Oliver Stubbings, 40 Tony Gadd second to none. With it run- Muswell Hill Golf Club. We will we played both ‘Cresta Cup’ and pts. Nearest the Pin on the 8th. ning alongside the cliff’s edge, I have a BBQ after the golf with ‘Surrey Bowl’ in one match. John South West and 2. What was it about the career that attracted you? Mick Bartlett. Nearest the Pin on remember standing on the tee Working outdoors golf dress welcome all day, so no and I lost but only after having the 17th. Benji Stubbings South Wales thinking to myself, don’t go left, need for your shirt and tie. Also an enjoyable round of golf and After the golf we all gathered just don’t go left. You can see the club’s Brewery is going to be watching John pursue his 3. If you weren’t a greenkeeper what do you think on the terrace by the clubhouse where the cliff has been eating its you’d be? What I was doing originally – in the Royal Air supplying a bar on the course, unusual and absorbing interest to enjoy a real feast. A Bar-B-Q way into the golf course, having plus Sherriff Amenity will also be in sand, by visiting most of the Force to die for. More than enough South West moved its original tee already there with another halfway hut. bunkers on the way. food to go round, and that was and a new green waiting for the Form should be in the post when Congratulations to Ian Mor- 4. Which task do you most enjoy doing and why? followed by a desert of Lemon Firstly, I have to give a huge old to disappear into the sea. Fairway mowing. Looking back at your fine work is you read this! rison who has been appointed Meringue and cream or Apple Pure breathtaking! The Turkey Trot will be held Course Manager at the Berkshire South Coast thanks to Jamie Acton for filling satisfying. and Blackberry pie with custard. me in last month. I hope you The winners from Lyme Regis at Wyke Green Golf Club on GC and the best of luck to his Wow, polished of with a few beers were as follows, Nearest the Pin – December 2. This will be another successor, whoever that may be Hopefully by the time you read enjoyed his article, as Jamie 5. Which task do you least enjoy doing and why? and every one went home happy. this we will have had substantial mentioned that was purely a 8th Stuart Broom & 13th Adam Raking Bunkers – Tedious! great day in the calendar. at West Hill GC. Congratulations Our thanks go to Richard Stub- Matthews. Overall winners – 3. Please if you have any ques- also to Roger Tydeman who will amounts of rain. Here at Barton guest slot and I promise you I bings and his family (the owners Nigel Gridley, Nett 73; 2. Tim 6. What one thing - other than a pay rise - would tions or suggestions on the Sec- be leaving Croham Hurst GC to the course looks like toast with won’t leave you all so easily next of Channels). To Ray Clark and Morgan, Nett 73 (count back); 1. improve the greenkeepers’ lot? tion please contact us. fill his new post as Course Man- green islands, water totals have time....But honestly, cheers his team for the course presenta- John Keenaghan, Nett 69. John For our club? New machinery You can call or use the web site ager, at Dulwich and Sydenham already exceeded last year with a Jamie. Top stuff! tion and to the club captain Paul will now go on to The Berkshire to www.biggalondonsection.co.uk. Hill GC, later this year. couple of months to go yet! So let’s talk about the impor- Cooper for presenting the prizes. represent the South West Section 7. Hobbies? Matt Plested Amusing stories and observa- The annual match against the tant item first...My holiday. Last A full appraisal of the results are in BIGGA’s National Champion- Basketball and picture framing 07818410333 tions will always be welcome but Wessex Secretaries took place at month saw me and a few friends on our website, along with a few ship, sponsored by Kubota and not necessarily printed. Highcliffe Golf Club in late June. heading to Las Vegas, and I have photos of the day. Our thanks Charterhouse. Good luck, John! 8. Favourite Band? Brian Willmott The event sponsored by Course to say it was BRILLIANT. We also goes to all those members Care is in its 13th year and has spent nearly 20 hours travelling The day was also extra special M People that turned up to support this become a coveted trophy. to get there, but I wouldn’t take as we watched our England event it was the best supported I can proudly say that the a minute of them back, it just all win its only game of this year’s 9. Which team do you support (football or otherwise)? one for many a year, long may greenkeepers were worthy win- adds to the adventure we took World Cup, I said we would win Newcastle Eagles Basketball Club it last. ners 3 & 1/2 to 1 &1/2 making ourselves on. it four years ago, I also said we Surrey Next stop is Boyce Hill Golf us 7 wins to 6 since the challenge If you’ve been before, you’ll would win this year, however in 10. What is your claim to fame? Club on August 14, so if you’re began. Your’s truly being the only know exactly what I’m talking four years’ time, in Brazil, it will Almost knocked over David MacCallum (Man from Uncle The sun is up, the sky is blue Essex quick you might just make the one to lose his match, no wonder about, If you’ve never been to be coming home....you heard it and the Invisible Man) in Macy’s in New York There’s not a cloud to spoil the closing date. Kev stripped me of the captaincy! Vegas, close your eyes and pic- here first! (I really do doubt your view Channels Golf Club was the The first Wednesday of July Many thanks to Course Care as ture the bright lights, oversized sanity, Ed) Some words from the Buddy venue for our Summer Trophy. At saw 15 or so of our members always a fantastic day, long may spectacular hotels, casinos For those of you that are a Holly hit song of the 60s and it the end of June around 63 lined make an educational trip down it continue. with endless slot machines and fan of Facebook, we now have a To feature as an Assistant Profile, simply email Scott: cleverly contained the long-range up to tee off. We were greeted to a to Ealing Golf Club. There they As I write this Germany have enough blackjack tables to keep South West Section page. Like [email protected] and he will send you a questionaire! forecast for June and the start of cloudless sky, hot temperatures meet up with Greg Evans their just put 4 past Argentina, does entertained for a week (if you last this article, it’s yours. We hope to

58 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 59 Around The Green Around The Green use the Facebook page to reach GC on Friday 27th of August. a huge empathy for turf from a a challenge for all standards and Expectations in life bear heav- East Anglia a few more of our members and To be fair, Ashburnham is many young age and in particular soil – handicaps, but a tremendous ily on us all and if you or I failed so Mick Lathrope some of the older ones also. The things, but it’s closeness to the gaining a degree in soil science in experience nonetheless. The miserably to meet required stan- Diss Golf Club – 17 June 2010 page will be packed with informa- Severn Bridge is not one of them! 1986. During the next 10 years Nicklaus design course will be dards we could expect to be in a Diss must be the place – well, tion regarding upcoming events I think a night out has been Stuie gained experience working staging the “English Open” next lot of trouble. Messrs. Rooney, Diss Golf Club to be more precise. and photos from past events. We planned! Look out Burry Port! as an Estates Manager in Nor- year, which will be reintroduced Gerrard et al will, however, no Lovely course in pristine condi- John will also include our patronage This event, which may or may thumberland, before moving on to the European Tour. St Mellion doubt return to their cosy lives tion thanks to Robert Ransome partners within this page also (a not include the night out, has to Sunderland County Council has recently undertaken a mas- oblivious of the despair they left and his crew. Nice to hear some Pemberton huge thank you to each of them been sponsored by Inscapes, so and Rickerby Horticulture. sive redevelopment including, a behind in their wake. skylarks. for their support though out the thanks in advance to them. In 1993, he showed his stub- new hotel, bars and restaurants It is proving to be another diffi- About 55-60 lost souls turned Chief year). Enjoy this luxury that is The Rigby Taylor Matchplay born and persistent nature overlooking the 18th hole. The cult year to meet expectations on up and it was well worth while. Executive available for you. I hope that you Qualifier will be held at Neath GC in pursuit of his sweetheart, Nicklaus Signature Course has golf courses too. The long suffering One or two trophy hunters scored received my e-mail with the Face- on Friday,20th of August. The badgering a girl from a holiday had all bunkers redeveloped, new economy and extreme weather 40 points, but I think the course book link attached, if not, that’s format will be Greensomes, with romance in Exmouth to continue irrigation system and new cart conditions (whatever happened won the day. Another Open comes and goes and congratulations are because I haven’t got your e-mail the best four pairs qualifying for their relationship. Audrey was to paths laid as well as extensive to springtime?) are putting many Scores were as follows:-0 – 9 due to Gordon Moir, Gordon Mckie and the remainder address, apologies for that! If I the final which will be held at become his wife in August 1996. landscaping work. The “Kernow” of us to the test and, being the Handicap: 1st Ben Wallis 36 pts of the greenkeeping staff at St Andrews for their superb could ask you to e-mail me, and I Trefloyne GC in October. Good At this time Stuie would join Course has had many holes resourceful bunch that we are, 2nd Danny Pearson 36 pts; 3rd presentation of the course. The television did not do it will forward the link back to you, luck also to Peter Griffiths, head Indigrow as Technical Sales redesigned and constructed to most of us have been able to Graham Hurren 35 pts; 10 – 18 justice especially when seen in the early morning or late and save your e-mail address for of car testing at Rigby Taylor, who Manager and move south to change the layout and make adapt and overcome many of the Handicap; 1st Ali Barber 40 pts evening sunlight (when we had it!). The longer shadows the future! is getting married on Friday 13th. Exmouth. He proceeded to room for holiday housing. Mike resulting issues imposed. Obvi- 2nd Tony Thacker 38 pts; 3rd accentuated the contours of the fairways and added Guys, as always, feel free to This is assuming that he survives become the ‘greenkeepers’ friend’ Bush, Course Manager, and ously, one of the major concerns Mark Clements 37 pts; 19 – 28 something special to the approaches and greens, at such contact me regarding any stories his stag night in Llandovery the with his own unique style that his team have had a very busy is the most valuable resource of Handicap – Real Golfers; 1st times I defy any golfer not to wish that this could be their or thoughts you want to see in week before! All the best Peter! was always based on sound couple of years, but the outcome all, water. Strains on supplies of David Driver 42 pts; 2nd Steve home course to play as often as they like. here, I’m sure some of you lead Well done to Ian Kinley and scientific values. He understood is fantastic. Those who didn’t this sustainer of all life are being Crab 39 pts; 3rd Pat Swinn 35 Thanks are due to the many volunteers drawn from the a more interesting live than I do. his team of Royal Porthcawl GC the importance of quick and play golf were treated to a course stretched to the limit and golf and pts; G & T’s: 1st Ian Weller 39 membership that formed the BIGGA Open Support Team Take care people and I look forfor great success that was the accurate support, including walk. Mike gave a very interest- leisure facilities are sure to be first points; 2nd Andy Culdron 38 and who represented the Association in such an excellent ward to seeing you all very soon. Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open, identification of a wide range of ing and enthusiastic tour of in the firing line once restrictions points; 3rd Basil Warren 37 way. Personally it was nice to meet some new faces as well Adam Matthews and also to Huw Morgan and greenkeeping problems and was holes on both courses, including start being imposed. I fear for points; Longest drive - 17th, as catch up with members that I had met on some previous [email protected] his staff at Ashburnham for the always willing to put himself out a stop at their very impressive those who do not have some water Danny Pearson; 6th, Ali Barber; occasions. The Team had an unexpected extra duty to great condtion of their course for to aid an anxious greenkeeper! maintenance facilities. The golf holding capacity on site. I’m sure Nearest the pin, 4th, Graham perform when called out at short notice to divot fairways at the Welsh PGA Open. The home Stuie lived life to the full and and course walk was then fol- that as many of you jet off to even Hurren; 15th, Ben Pearson. 4.30am on Saturday morning as a consequence of the delay internationals now Huw! Good indulged in a diverse array of lowed by a BBQ on the players sunnier and warmer climbs over Guess who won the loo seat? in play the day before. Undeterred by the prospect of such luck to you and your team for pastimes from snowboarding terrace overlooking the 18th this holiday period, the scarcity You guessed, Ian Willett. Hit the an early start they took it in their stride, reinforcing to the that. to fishing, the cello and various green. The prize giving and raffle of water will become even more telegraph poles from 6 ft, twice! R&A the value of the Team to the event. That’s it for now. The present other musical instruments then followed this. Prizes were apparent. Maybe we should be Earnest Doe was the main Friday was memorable not just for the chaos that it Mrs Richards and myself have to scuba-diving and boating kindly donated by the two spon- learning how to cope better from sponsor of the day and the first South Wales caused in the pace of play but also for the presentation to now moved and can no longer to cricket. And he was never sors for the day, Symbio and our Mediterranean friends. prize was two Spurs tickets won Cecil George of the BIGGA Lifetime Achievement Award. be described as Rhondda people adverse to a glass or two of wine Sports Metals. Many thanks to I hope that as many of you as by David Driver. I’ll bet he’s an Hello Everyone! Sut Mae? This took place, quite fittingly, in the BIGGA marquee and as we have moved to the tiny or real ale! Neil Carter of Symbio and Rich- possible were able to join us at Arsenal supporter! Firstly, let me say that it gave was witnessed by many of his lifelong peers and supporters. Welsh hamlet of Cwmbach in the In truth, Stuie Ashworth was ard Japes of Sports Metals for Herne Bay GC for our summer Prizes were presented by the me no pleasure at all to be proved Cecil has done so much for greenkeeping and greenkeepers Cynon valley.Our new home has truly one of life’s good guys who their attendance and support of event on July 27. I know that one Club captain, Chis Castle. right about England’s perfor- as you will read elsewhere in this magazine and when I gas central heating, so no more will be sorely missed by all in the the section. Congratulations to notable absentee would have The other trade supporters mance during the World Cup. started with BIGGA in 1993, subsequently taking over the sending the wife up to the coal industry and indeed anyone that Cornwall for winning the match been our Chairman, Kev Morris, were Scotts, Headland, Aitkens, Wow! It’s hard trying to type arrangements for the ‘Bunker Rakers’ as the team was shed in the snow. I shall really was fortunate enough to have 9-3. The trophy was presented by who was busy in his duties of Sherriff, Rigby Taylor, Bartram with my fingers crossed!) known as in those days, Cecil and Jimmy Neilson were in miss that! crossed his path. the Devon captain, Jason Brooks grandfather taking the little ones Mowers, Ben Burgess, Collier At least it meant that not many charge of BIGGA’s presence on the 1st tee, a role they were Have a great August! Stuart was born July 14, 1967 to the winning Cornish captains, to Disneyland. Knowing Kev, Turf Care, Baileys of Norfolk, people outside of this side of the to continue for several more years. Ceri Richards in Rochdale and passed away Scott Gibson and Keith Kemp. he probably had more fun than Tacit, Tomlinsons, Ransomes. Severn bridge noticed that that By the time you read this column I will have had a further 07732503855 peacefully in Exeter after a 7 ½ A huge thank you to Mike Bush anyone else there! Results and Our thanks once again Diss Wales were mullered twice by the meeting with Dave Saltman (Pitchcare) and his fellow year battle with cancer that he and the greenkeeping team as reports from Herne Bay will now Golf Club for a first class day. All Blacks and were quite pleased representatives from ‘the trade’ who are seeking to develop fought with strength, courage well as all the staff at St Mellion be online at our webpage below. Picture this – you’re in your to have only lost by 19 points in a one show strategy for the industry. As I write it has yet and dignity on the June 8 2010 for what was a fantastic day. If Kev lets me have some pictures Mess Hut, nice cup of tea, you’ve the second game. Never mind. to be revealed to me just exactly which companies make aged 42. George Pitts of him with Mickey Mouse, they’ll come through a dry summer, the Now both the English football up this group referred to as ‘the trade’ but I am sure I will As Jack Nicklaus once said 07929 754401 be there too! coldest winter since ’63, spring and the Welsh rugby teams can be enlightened in due course. BIGGA and the IOG are in “Resolve never to quit, never [email protected] I shall let you get back to tend- didn’t turn up and you’re in are home and resume being big Devon and Cornwall discussions about a closer working relationship on certain to give up, no matter what the ing your brown and pleasant another dry spell. All in all, your fish in little ponds. Anyway, back projects but I can assure our members and our supporters situation” – this was one golfer South East Region lands and wish you the best of course ain’t too bad. You think! to the section! Stuart Ashworth BSc, that this does not currently include abandoning Harrogate Stuart obviously listened to! He is luck in all your summertime In comes the Secretary: A belated congratulations Indigrow’s Technical Director, Week and Saltex in favour of a unified show. BIGGA is survived by his wife Audrey and activities. Make the most of your “Thompson” he says, “the Greens go out to Richard Patterson of agronomist and South West working hard to make its event at Harrogate meet the two beautiful daughters, Chlo-Jo visits to the beach, barbeques Committee would like to know Cradoc Golf Club, who made an sales rep sadly passed away on expectations of both exhibitors and visitors and the Board (13) and Weebles (9). Gone but and outdoor pursuits because, why there are some bare patches honest woman out of his partner, June 8 this year. Pete Gross, and Staff are determined to shake off and counter the never forgotten!!” Kent remember, this is still Britain so around some of the greens. Why Mo Gibbons on 26th June. The Head Greenkeeper at Ashbury criticisms of ‘same old show, same old visitors’. We’re up to This years Devon v Cornwall the sun won’t last forever! were they not seeded earlier?” ceremony was held at Hay on Golf Hotel. and very close friend something but you will have to wait to see what! Watch this Golf match and Summer Kent Best of British one and all. You try to explain the conditions Wye and for their honeymoon of Stuart, has kindly put together space as they say. meeting was held at St Mel- Rob Holland that have prevailed to no avail the couple fancied seeing some the following tribute. lion International Resort on By the time you read this, my www.kentgreenkeepers.com and then you remember that the wildlife close up (no, they didn’t “I think it would be fair to say Tuesday, June 15. 70 members fellow countrymen may have just cuckoo was also about six weeks go to Merthyr Tydfil town centre that Stuie wholeheartedly agreed and guests enjoyed what was recovered from the pitiful display late this year. The Secretary on a Saturday night! ) and so they with Mark Twain when he said a truly memorable day. Those our national team managed asks “What’s that got to do with spent two weeks in Kenya. Good “Golf is a good walk spoiled” yet who played golf in the match to muster in South Africa and anything?” The reply comes as luck to you both for the future. he would go on to be a wonderful were treated to 18 holes on the the rest of the UK may just, but quick as a flash – “Well it seems The annual South West V support for so many greenkeep- John Pemberton “Nicklaus Signature Course”, off only just, have stopped laughing the cuckoo has more sense than South Wales Golf match will ers, not just in the south west Chief Executive the white tees! This proved to be about it. the Committee!” again be held at Ashburnham but across Europe. He showed

60 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 61 Around The Green Around The Green use the Facebook page to reach GC on Friday 27th of August. a huge empathy for turf from a a challenge for all standards and Expectations in life bear heav- East Anglia a few more of our members and To be fair, Ashburnham is many young age and in particular soil – handicaps, but a tremendous ily on us all and if you or I failed so Mick Lathrope some of the older ones also. The things, but it’s closeness to the gaining a degree in soil science in experience nonetheless. The miserably to meet required stan- Diss Golf Club – 17 June 2010 page will be packed with informa- Severn Bridge is not one of them! 1986. During the next 10 years Nicklaus design course will be dards we could expect to be in a Diss must be the place – well, tion regarding upcoming events I think a night out has been Stuie gained experience working staging the “English Open” next lot of trouble. Messrs. Rooney, Diss Golf Club to be more precise. and photos from past events. We planned! Look out Burry Port! as an Estates Manager in Nor- year, which will be reintroduced Gerrard et al will, however, no Lovely course in pristine condi- John will also include our patronage This event, which may or may thumberland, before moving on to the European Tour. St Mellion doubt return to their cosy lives tion thanks to Robert Ransome partners within this page also (a not include the night out, has to Sunderland County Council has recently undertaken a mas- oblivious of the despair they left and his crew. Nice to hear some Pemberton huge thank you to each of them been sponsored by Inscapes, so and Rickerby Horticulture. sive redevelopment including, a behind in their wake. skylarks. for their support though out the thanks in advance to them. In 1993, he showed his stub- new hotel, bars and restaurants It is proving to be another diffi- About 55-60 lost souls turned Chief year). Enjoy this luxury that is The Rigby Taylor Matchplay born and persistent nature overlooking the 18th hole. The cult year to meet expectations on up and it was well worth while. Executive available for you. I hope that you Qualifier will be held at Neath GC in pursuit of his sweetheart, Nicklaus Signature Course has golf courses too. The long suffering One or two trophy hunters scored received my e-mail with the Face- on Friday,20th of August. The badgering a girl from a holiday had all bunkers redeveloped, new economy and extreme weather 40 points, but I think the course book link attached, if not, that’s format will be Greensomes, with romance in Exmouth to continue irrigation system and new cart conditions (whatever happened won the day. Another Open comes and goes and congratulations are because I haven’t got your e-mail the best four pairs qualifying for their relationship. Audrey was to paths laid as well as extensive to springtime?) are putting many Scores were as follows:-0 – 9 due to Gordon Moir, Gordon Mckie and the remainder address, apologies for that! If I the final which will be held at become his wife in August 1996. landscaping work. The “Kernow” of us to the test and, being the Handicap: 1st Ben Wallis 36 pts of the greenkeeping staff at St Andrews for their superb could ask you to e-mail me, and I Trefloyne GC in October. Good At this time Stuie would join Course has had many holes resourceful bunch that we are, 2nd Danny Pearson 36 pts; 3rd presentation of the course. The television did not do it will forward the link back to you, luck also to Peter Griffiths, head Indigrow as Technical Sales redesigned and constructed to most of us have been able to Graham Hurren 35 pts; 10 – 18 justice especially when seen in the early morning or late and save your e-mail address for of car testing at Rigby Taylor, who Manager and move south to change the layout and make adapt and overcome many of the Handicap; 1st Ali Barber 40 pts evening sunlight (when we had it!). The longer shadows the future! is getting married on Friday 13th. Exmouth. He proceeded to room for holiday housing. Mike resulting issues imposed. Obvi- 2nd Tony Thacker 38 pts; 3rd accentuated the contours of the fairways and added Guys, as always, feel free to This is assuming that he survives become the ‘greenkeepers’ friend’ Bush, Course Manager, and ously, one of the major concerns Mark Clements 37 pts; 19 – 28 something special to the approaches and greens, at such contact me regarding any stories his stag night in Llandovery the with his own unique style that his team have had a very busy is the most valuable resource of Handicap – Real Golfers; 1st times I defy any golfer not to wish that this could be their or thoughts you want to see in week before! All the best Peter! was always based on sound couple of years, but the outcome all, water. Strains on supplies of David Driver 42 pts; 2nd Steve home course to play as often as they like. here, I’m sure some of you lead Well done to Ian Kinley and scientific values. He understood is fantastic. Those who didn’t this sustainer of all life are being Crab 39 pts; 3rd Pat Swinn 35 Thanks are due to the many volunteers drawn from the a more interesting live than I do. his team of Royal Porthcawl GC the importance of quick and play golf were treated to a course stretched to the limit and golf and pts; G & T’s: 1st Ian Weller 39 membership that formed the BIGGA Open Support Team Take care people and I look forfor great success that was the accurate support, including walk. Mike gave a very interest- leisure facilities are sure to be first points; 2nd Andy Culdron 38 and who represented the Association in such an excellent ward to seeing you all very soon. Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open, identification of a wide range of ing and enthusiastic tour of in the firing line once restrictions points; 3rd Basil Warren 37 way. Personally it was nice to meet some new faces as well Adam Matthews and also to Huw Morgan and greenkeeping problems and was holes on both courses, including start being imposed. I fear for points; Longest drive - 17th, as catch up with members that I had met on some previous [email protected] his staff at Ashburnham for the always willing to put himself out a stop at their very impressive those who do not have some water Danny Pearson; 6th, Ali Barber; occasions. The Team had an unexpected extra duty to great condtion of their course for to aid an anxious greenkeeper! maintenance facilities. The golf holding capacity on site. I’m sure Nearest the pin, 4th, Graham perform when called out at short notice to divot fairways at the Welsh PGA Open. The home Stuie lived life to the full and and course walk was then fol- that as many of you jet off to even Hurren; 15th, Ben Pearson. 4.30am on Saturday morning as a consequence of the delay internationals now Huw! Good indulged in a diverse array of lowed by a BBQ on the players sunnier and warmer climbs over Guess who won the loo seat? in play the day before. Undeterred by the prospect of such luck to you and your team for pastimes from snowboarding terrace overlooking the 18th this holiday period, the scarcity You guessed, Ian Willett. Hit the an early start they took it in their stride, reinforcing to the that. to fishing, the cello and various green. The prize giving and raffle of water will become even more telegraph poles from 6 ft, twice! R&A the value of the Team to the event. That’s it for now. The present other musical instruments then followed this. Prizes were apparent. Maybe we should be Earnest Doe was the main Friday was memorable not just for the chaos that it Mrs Richards and myself have to scuba-diving and boating kindly donated by the two spon- learning how to cope better from sponsor of the day and the first South Wales caused in the pace of play but also for the presentation to now moved and can no longer to cricket. And he was never sors for the day, Symbio and our Mediterranean friends. prize was two Spurs tickets won Cecil George of the BIGGA Lifetime Achievement Award. be described as Rhondda people adverse to a glass or two of wine Sports Metals. Many thanks to I hope that as many of you as by David Driver. I’ll bet he’s an Hello Everyone! Sut Mae? This took place, quite fittingly, in the BIGGA marquee and as we have moved to the tiny or real ale! Neil Carter of Symbio and Rich- possible were able to join us at Arsenal supporter! Firstly, let me say that it gave was witnessed by many of his lifelong peers and supporters. Welsh hamlet of Cwmbach in the In truth, Stuie Ashworth was ard Japes of Sports Metals for Herne Bay GC for our summer Prizes were presented by the me no pleasure at all to be proved Cecil has done so much for greenkeeping and greenkeepers Cynon valley.Our new home has truly one of life’s good guys who their attendance and support of event on July 27. I know that one Club captain, Chis Castle. right about England’s perfor- as you will read elsewhere in this magazine and when I gas central heating, so no more will be sorely missed by all in the the section. Congratulations to notable absentee would have The other trade supporters mance during the World Cup. started with BIGGA in 1993, subsequently taking over the sending the wife up to the coal industry and indeed anyone that Cornwall for winning the match been our Chairman, Kev Morris, were Scotts, Headland, Aitkens, Wow! It’s hard trying to type arrangements for the ‘Bunker Rakers’ as the team was shed in the snow. I shall really was fortunate enough to have 9-3. The trophy was presented by who was busy in his duties of Sherriff, Rigby Taylor, Bartram with my fingers crossed!) known as in those days, Cecil and Jimmy Neilson were in miss that! crossed his path. the Devon captain, Jason Brooks grandfather taking the little ones Mowers, Ben Burgess, Collier At least it meant that not many charge of BIGGA’s presence on the 1st tee, a role they were Have a great August! Stuart was born July 14, 1967 to the winning Cornish captains, to Disneyland. Knowing Kev, Turf Care, Baileys of Norfolk, people outside of this side of the to continue for several more years. Ceri Richards in Rochdale and passed away Scott Gibson and Keith Kemp. he probably had more fun than Tacit, Tomlinsons, Ransomes. Severn bridge noticed that that By the time you read this column I will have had a further 07732503855 peacefully in Exeter after a 7 ½ A huge thank you to Mike Bush anyone else there! Results and Our thanks once again Diss Wales were mullered twice by the meeting with Dave Saltman (Pitchcare) and his fellow year battle with cancer that he and the greenkeeping team as reports from Herne Bay will now Golf Club for a first class day. All Blacks and were quite pleased representatives from ‘the trade’ who are seeking to develop fought with strength, courage well as all the staff at St Mellion be online at our webpage below. Picture this – you’re in your to have only lost by 19 points in a one show strategy for the industry. As I write it has yet and dignity on the June 8 2010 for what was a fantastic day. If Kev lets me have some pictures Mess Hut, nice cup of tea, you’ve the second game. Never mind. to be revealed to me just exactly which companies make aged 42. George Pitts of him with Mickey Mouse, they’ll come through a dry summer, the Now both the English football up this group referred to as ‘the trade’ but I am sure I will As Jack Nicklaus once said 07929 754401 be there too! coldest winter since ’63, spring and the Welsh rugby teams can be enlightened in due course. BIGGA and the IOG are in “Resolve never to quit, never [email protected] I shall let you get back to tend- didn’t turn up and you’re in are home and resume being big Devon and Cornwall discussions about a closer working relationship on certain to give up, no matter what the ing your brown and pleasant another dry spell. All in all, your fish in little ponds. Anyway, back projects but I can assure our members and our supporters situation” – this was one golfer South East Region lands and wish you the best of course ain’t too bad. You think! to the section! Stuart Ashworth BSc, that this does not currently include abandoning Harrogate Stuart obviously listened to! He is luck in all your summertime In comes the Secretary: A belated congratulations Indigrow’s Technical Director, Week and Saltex in favour of a unified show. BIGGA is survived by his wife Audrey and activities. Make the most of your “Thompson” he says, “the Greens go out to Richard Patterson of agronomist and South West working hard to make its event at Harrogate meet the two beautiful daughters, Chlo-Jo visits to the beach, barbeques Committee would like to know Cradoc Golf Club, who made an sales rep sadly passed away on expectations of both exhibitors and visitors and the Board (13) and Weebles (9). Gone but and outdoor pursuits because, why there are some bare patches honest woman out of his partner, June 8 this year. Pete Gross, and Staff are determined to shake off and counter the never forgotten!!” Kent remember, this is still Britain so around some of the greens. Why Mo Gibbons on 26th June. The Head Greenkeeper at Ashbury criticisms of ‘same old show, same old visitors’. We’re up to This years Devon v Cornwall the sun won’t last forever! were they not seeded earlier?” ceremony was held at Hay on Golf Hotel. and very close friend something but you will have to wait to see what! Watch this Golf match and Summer Kent Best of British one and all. You try to explain the conditions Wye and for their honeymoon of Stuart, has kindly put together space as they say. meeting was held at St Mel- Rob Holland that have prevailed to no avail the couple fancied seeing some the following tribute. lion International Resort on By the time you read this, my www.kentgreenkeepers.com and then you remember that the wildlife close up (no, they didn’t “I think it would be fair to say Tuesday, June 15. 70 members fellow countrymen may have just cuckoo was also about six weeks go to Merthyr Tydfil town centre that Stuie wholeheartedly agreed and guests enjoyed what was recovered from the pitiful display late this year. The Secretary on a Saturday night! ) and so they with Mark Twain when he said a truly memorable day. Those our national team managed asks “What’s that got to do with spent two weeks in Kenya. Good “Golf is a good walk spoiled” yet who played golf in the match to muster in South Africa and anything?” The reply comes as luck to you both for the future. he would go on to be a wonderful were treated to 18 holes on the the rest of the UK may just, but quick as a flash – “Well it seems The annual South West V support for so many greenkeep- John Pemberton “Nicklaus Signature Course”, off only just, have stopped laughing the cuckoo has more sense than South Wales Golf match will ers, not just in the south west Chief Executive the white tees! This proved to be about it. the Committee!” again be held at Ashburnham but across Europe. He showed

60 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 61 Membership Diary of Events Tracey Maddison, Head of Membership, Details of your Section’s forthcoming provides a departmental update events in 2010 can be found here...

Congratulations to the BIGGA time as discussing all things Open Support Team greenkeeping and turf. Date Event Venue Contact AUGUST Well done to members of the Temperatures set to soar Open Support Team in successfully this summer... Thursday August 5th Sussex Section Event Haywards Heath Golf Dave Allen at [email protected] or mobile: 07515 supporting Gordon Moir, Director of Club 428573 Greenkeeping and Gordon McKie, At the time of writing this Wednesday August East Anglia Section Event Eaton Golf Club, Ian Willett at [email protected] or mobile: Head Greenkeeper and their team months article most places 11th Norwich 07929 205398 in managing the Old Course at St have experienced very little, Andrews during last month’s Open if any, rainfall to speak of Thursday August 12th Essex Section Event Benton Hall Golf Club Dominic Rodgers at [email protected] or Championship. and a fair bit of sunshine. mobile: 07929 205398 To be part of the Open Support It’s the sunshine I want Tuesday August 17th East Scotland Section – Gullane Golf Links (No Stuart Ferguson at [email protected] or Team is a fantastic opportunity to touch on, following on Willie Woods Tournament 2 Course) mobile: 07961 630553 to see golf at the very highest level from John Mair’s (Ayrshire Thursday August Central Section Event Auchterarder Golf Club. Andrew Mellon at [email protected] or from a privileged position – inside Section) mention in his 19th (To be confirmed, Norrie Whytock Trophy mobile: 07780 995602 the ropes. It’s hard work but worth Around the Green column subject to change) the effort. To apply to be part of the last month, “Remember to The Open Support Team 2010 team for the Open 2011 at Royal put sun block on and wear a cap Saturday August 21st South West Section Race Lansdown Racecourse Adam Matthews at adam.l.matthews@hotmail. if possible…especially those short Night co.uk or mobile: 07732 503855 St George’s look out for the invita- Contact Details BIGGA welcomes the on top!” tion to apply in the December and following new members Thursday August 26th BB&O Section Event The East Berkshire Golf Adam King at [email protected] or 01235 543119 January editions of GI or talk to If we are going abroad on holiday Tracey Maddison [email protected] Club or mobile: 07778 569158 Scott MacCallum or Rachael Duffy we pack sun tan lotion, it’s always Brad Anderson Scotland Friday August 27th South West Section Match To be advised Section Captain Wayne Vincent at wayne.vincent@ at BIGGA HQ. high on our list of things to take; yet [email protected] in this country we hardly give it a Ryan Brennan, West v’s Welsh Section googlemail.com Tel: 01347 833800 Dean Cormack, West NEW Membership Benefit second thought. (option 1 for Membership) Steven MacLeod, North SEPTEMBER Mark McManus, West Greg Ronald, East Monday September Sheffield Section Event Silkstone Golf Club James Stevens at [email protected] or Check out the members area Skin Cancer and the sun Callum Wark, West 13th 07738 719614 of the BIGGA website for the Northern Region new “How To...” guides available Most skin cancers are caused Regional Offices Wednesday September East of England Section Lincoln Golf Club Bruce Hicks at [email protected] or 07931 exclusively to BIGGA Members on by long-term exposure to the sun Nathan Connor, Northern 22nd Event 714922 Scotland & Stephen Dale, Northern a range of Human Resource topics. and research has shown that those Northern Ireland Daniel McGuckin, Cleveland Tuesday September Sussex Section Event Copthorne Golf Club Dave Allen at [email protected] or mobile: 07515 These short, handy guides provide who work outdoors are more at risk Peter Boyd Rick Sagar, Northern Tel: 0141 616 3440 Miles Skehan, Northern 28th 428573 practical, step-by-step guidance on of skin cancer due to this fact. It Mobile: 07776 242120 [email protected] OCTOBER a range of subjects. The guides can is thought that there could be as Midland Region Monday October 11th North West Section Bolton Old Links Golf Phil Dewhurst on mobile: 07768 180604 be downloaded and used to help many as 100,000 cases of skin Northern & Midland Andrew Clark, Mid Anglia Peter Larter Jonathan Farrell, Mid Anglia you develop your knowledge and cancer each year in the UK, but Tel: 01476 550115 Autumn Tournament Club Vincent Gilroy, Midland Mobile: 07866 366966 implement new processes within many aren’t reported. Michael Kemmett, Mid Anglia [email protected] NOVEMBER your workplace. Alex Kinnaird, Berks/Bucks & Oxon Richard Lloyd, Midland Wednesday November BB&O Autumn Section Deanwood Park Golf Adam King at [email protected] or 01235 543119 Some Sun Smart advice South East Naomi Wallace, Berks/Bucks & Oxon Clive Osgood 3rd Event Club or mobile: 07778 569158 Section and Region Events • Make sure you never burn Tel: 01737 819343 • Aim to cover up with T shirt, hat Mobile: 07841 948410 South East Region Monday November Sheffield Section Event Lindrick Golf Club James Stevens at [email protected] or [email protected] Visit the ‘Event’s Section on and sunglasses John Bartlett, Surrey 29th 07738 719614 BIGGA’s website to have a look at • Use factor 15+ sunscreen (sun South West & Wales Jay Clark, Essex Jane Jones Daniel Crow, Essex DECEMBER what’s on around the UK, www. cream) Tel: 01454 270850 Gareth Ellis, Sussex bigga.org.uk select ‘EVENTS’ from Mobile: 07841 948110 Jeff Foulger, London Thursday December North West Section AGM & Wilmslow Golf Club Phil Dewhurst on mobile: 07768 180604 [email protected] Adam Frampton, Essex across the top row. Cheap sunblocks are usually just Ian Gosling, Sussex 2nd Bert Cross Trophy Dan Harrison, Surrey Somebody asked me the other as good as expensive ones. They are Chris Holdham, Sussex day if it was possible to be a member all tested the same way and it is Oliver Homewood, Essex Andrew Rogers, Essex of two sections, unfortunately, not, the level of protection they give you Other but that’s not to say that if you against the sun that matters most. useful South West Region This is the ‘sun protection factor’ numbers would like to attend an event in a David Chammings, Devon & Cornwall different section just contact the or SPF. (Full Members only) Tim Harmer, South Coast Section Secretary and ask, I’m The SPF tells you the amount Personal Accident Helpline Northern Ireland NEW Products sure you would be made most of protection the sun cream gives 02075 603013 Greenkeepers Legal Adrian McCullough, Northern Ireland welcome. against UVB radiation. Assistance The latest products on the market reviewed After all, each section is about the Cancer Research UK recommend 0800 177 7891 Greenkeepers Support Overseas See same thing, meeting new people, at least factor 15. This is because Services GI page establishing new friendships and it gives the best balance between 0800 174 319 Ulrich Kayser, Germany Debt Counselling Helpline Maurizio Russo, Italy GI New Products has made a comeback! Please email your press releases and photography to:[email protected] maintaining old ones, at the same protection and cost. 0800 174319 Brian Anderson, USA 52

62 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 63 Membership Diary of Events Tracey Maddison, Head of Membership, Details of your Section’s forthcoming provides a departmental update events in 2010 can be found here...

62 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 63 GKI Eclipse 322 A4 v23_Layout 1 13/07/2010 09:36 Page 1

A new series aimed at celebrating the great work done by dealerships up and down the country De a l e r The new Eclipse 322 The world’s ﬁrst diesel electric hybrid greens mower o f t h e with no hydraulics Go l f a n d Tu r f Mo n t h Ma c h i n e r y

Location and size Wakefield, Derby. £3 million yearly turn over

Employees and size of premises 18 staff. 14000sqft of covered area spread over the two locations

Number of service vans: Six Brief history of company The GTM business was formed in summer 2006 by Glen Sawyer and John Passfield. They put together a small team of experienced grounds care industry professionals with a wealth of experience in the ground- care industry. Each team member is respected in their own field of sales and after care service with many years experience working for How has the Do you support Franchises large dealers across Yorkshire anddealership changed customers who the Midlands. Soon after forming, have in-house GTM was quickly appointed the over the years? Ransomes Ransomes Jacobsen dealer for service facilities We are a young company of Jacobsen, South Yorkshire and then in Octo- (ie OEM parts ber of 2009 had the selling area only four years, so the company (inc Iseki, EZGO, extended to South, West and North is growing and changing almost supply)? daily. Our recent investment in Smithco,Turfco, Yorkshire. Steven Nixon joined Yes, we have no problem with in November 2009 as the Sales new IT software programs will Ryan) improve our overall operation. customers who have in house Director to help develop sales in service facilities, in fact we have Wiedenmann , • Reduced noise, low fuel consumption and minimal maintenance means a lower cost of ownership the Golf sector. In June 2010 the supplied several Golf clubs with IPU products, • Electric drive systems mean no hydraulic leaks causing damage to greens company moved into a new depotWhat would Grinding systems and with techni- in Wakefield so it can service the cal training to help them service Greentek, Boxer • Diesel hybrid version new larger area better. you like to see changed? their own equipment. More clubs skid steer and • Cutting performance can be infinitely adjusted to any course condition will go down this route in the futureMajor . and we support progression. • Ergonomically designed operator station reduces fatigue and provides an unobstructed view Key services offered Greenkeepers and Groundsman to be given the professional respect New and used equipment sales, by their members and committees and many more spare parts, service department, Major customers The Eclipse 322 – the green solution to precise greens mowing allowing them to do their jobs too numerous Hire of equipment. Training . better. Also for more customer and No real famous Golf clubs in our Want an even better ﬁnish to your greens? Then contact Ransomes Jacobsen for further information dealership association, forming selling area, we consider that all to mention Specialist services stronger partnerships between theour customers are major! customer and dealership which offered would help them achieve their To nominate a GID ealer of the Month contact Scott Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd Operated Hire of equipment. goals of keeping their golf courses and grounds in pristine condition. MacCallum with your reasons why the dealer of your West Road, Ipswich, IP3 9TT UK Training and advisory service choice should be featured... +44 (0) 1473 270000 offered Email [email protected] www.ransomesjacobsen.co.uk Driving Environmental Performance 64 GI AUGUST 2010 Code: GKI/08/10/E322 GKI Eclipse 322 A4 v23_Layout 1 13/07/2010 09:36 Page 1

Location and size Wakefield, Derby. £3 million yearly turn over

Employees and size of premises 18 staff. 14000sqft of covered area spread over the two locations

Number of service vans: Six Brief history of company The GTM business was formed in summer 2006 by Glen Sawyer and John Passfield. They put together a small team of experienced grounds care industry professionals with a wealth of experience in the ground- care industry. Each team member is respected in their own field of sales and after care service with many years experience working for How has the Do you support Franchises large dealers across Yorkshire anddealership changed customers who the Midlands. Soon after forming, have in-house GTM was quickly appointed the over the years? Ransomes Ransomes Jacobsen dealer for service facilities We are a young company of Jacobsen, South Yorkshire and then in Octo- (ie OEM parts ber of 2009 had the selling area only four years, so the company (inc Iseki, EZGO, extended to South, West and North is growing and changing almost supply)? daily. Our recent investment in Smithco,Turfco, Yorkshire. Steven Nixon joined Yes, we have no problem with in November 2009 as the Sales new IT software programs will Ryan) improve our overall operation. customers who have in house Director to help develop sales in service facilities, in fact we have Wiedenmann , • Reduced noise, low fuel consumption and minimal maintenance means a lower cost of ownership the Golf sector. In June 2010 the supplied several Golf clubs with IPU products, • Electric drive systems mean no hydraulic leaks causing damage to greens company moved into a new depotWhat would Grinding systems and with techni- in Wakefield so it can service the cal training to help them service Greentek, Boxer • Diesel hybrid version new larger area better. you like to see changed? their own equipment. More clubs skid steer and • Cutting performance can be infinitely adjusted to any course condition will go down this route in the futureMajor . and we support progression. • Ergonomically designed operator station reduces fatigue and provides an unobstructed view Key services offered Greenkeepers and Groundsman to be given the professional respect New and used equipment sales, by their members and committees and many more spare parts, service department, Major customers The Eclipse 322 – the green solution to precise greens mowing allowing them to do their jobs too numerous Hire of equipment. Training . better. Also for more customer and No real famous Golf clubs in our Want an even better ﬁnish to your greens? Then contact Ransomes Jacobsen for further information dealership association, forming selling area, we consider that all to mention Specialist services stronger partnerships between theour customers are major! customer and dealership which offered would help them achieve their To nominate a GID ealer of the Month contact Scott Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd Operated Hire of equipment. goals of keeping their golf courses and grounds in pristine condition. MacCallum with your reasons why the dealer of your West Road, Ipswich, IP3 9TT UK Training and advisory service choice should be featured... +44 (0) 1473 270000 offered Email [email protected] www.ransomesjacobsen.co.uk Driving Environmental Performance 64 GI AUGUST 2010 Code: GKI/08/10/E322 intheshed Our monthly puzzle page to keep you entertained when you’re forced indoors..

CROSSWORD QUICK ‘NINE HOLE’ QUIZ

Can you unscramble the following letters and reveal some famous golf clubs?

1. CHEAP BELBBE 2. DRAMA LEVAR 3. WONT THREW 4. RAIL BREAK YOL 5. MOON DOLLCH 6. LATINO SAGA TUNAU 7. BLETHY REF Official 8. MANIC CLOTER Microsoft 9. PURSEN HIT Training

Available at low cost to BIGGA Members MONSTER SUDOKU Fill in the grid so Across Down that every row, every column and every 1 Ben ____, comedy 1 An incorrect or inap- 4x4 box contains the partner of Alexander propriate designation (8) numbers 0 to 9 and 2 Type of National Lottery Armstrong (6) the letters A to E. line involving no personal 4 Ancient mathematical selection (5,3) devices (8) 3 Stylish elegance (4) 9 Comic actor, inventor of 5 Distraught, especially in Ali G and Borat (5,5,5) matters of love (6-7) 11 Jet black (4) 6 Place one’s thumb on 12 A dull, yet persistent one’s nose, and waggle one’s pain (4) fingers derisively (4,1,5) 13 Make legally void (5) 7 Mythical creature with 15 Those living during a lion’s body and a human head (6) • Each course takes the reign of Henry VIII’s SUDOKU only 4-6 hours to 8 Unattached (6) Fancy improving your IT skills? daughter (12) Fill in the grid so complete 10 A grant of formal 18 Compulsorily or that every row, every • There is no limit to recognition (13) column and every 9 BIGGA members can access an official Microsoft® Office 2003 Training Library mandatorily (12) 14 Duran Duran named how many times you that includes programs such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook. box shape contains complete the course 21 The area closer to the themselves after a character the numbers 1 to 9. centre (5) in this 1968 film (10) • You have 12 BIGGA are able to offer these practical and effective online courses at a discounted cost of £15 (+ VAT) (usually 22 1998 animated film 16 Often said to be nervous months access to the £20 + VAT) to BIGGA Members, and £30 (+ VAT) to non-members, thanks to support from the Learning and featuring Woody Allen and in cricket (8) programme Development Fund. For further information contact the Learning and Development Department on 01347 Sylvester Stallone (4) 17 A spelling similarity • All your learning 833800 option 3. 23 A Devon village; alcoholic in differently pronounced takes place online and words, e.g., rough and drink (4) can be taken at a place through (3,5) Puzzle 25 1944 film directed by and time to suit you 19 Common term for a Answers • A certificate can Billy Wilder (6,9) centrist party politician (3-3) on be given upon 100% 26 Severe headache (8) 20 Not heralded or page 73 completion 27 Foamy substance used celebrated (6) in hair-styling (6) 24 Ballistic projectiles (4)

AUGUST 2010 GI 67 intheshed Our monthly puzzle page to keep you entertained when you’re forced indoors..

CROSSWORD QUICK ‘NINE HOLE’ QUIZ

Can you unscramble the following letters and reveal some famous golf clubs?

1. CHEAP BELBBE 2. DRAMA LEVAR 3. WONT THREW 4. RAIL BREAK YOL 5. MOON DOLLCH 6. LATINO SAGA TUNAU 7. BLETHY REF Official 8. MANIC CLOTER Microsoft 9. PURSEN HIT Training

AUGUST 2010 GI 67 BUYERS’ GUIDE

T&G Irrigation Buyers ALL WEATHER SURFACES CLOTHING / FOOTWEAR DRAINAGE DRAINAGE DRAINAGE guide For the past two years or so the Gods have conspired to make Greenkeeper Traditional the life of all specialist irrigation companies extremely chal- categories Wear AdvertiseGolf Course here Drainage lenging. Wet summers have caused many golf clubs to review PREMIER ALL-WEATHER SURFACES FOR GOLF drainage and Golf Course Drainage from as littleSpecialist as £250 irrigation budgets and to postpone numerous major projects. • AERATION www.gkwear.co.uk Survey / Design / Installation / Greens / The effect on some companies has been severe. • AGRONOMY Lytag banding Fairways / Bunkers / Complete Courses for a FULLFor 6 fast MONTHS and friendly, UK Plastic Pipe / Turfdry Drainage System • ALL WEATHER Shop Online of greens and fairways full colour, pleaseservice call call: SURFACES For fast and friendly Nationwide Service Melvyn Taylor 25% Discount for • BRIDGES Contact Melvyn Taylor: 01283 551417 Kirstin on 01347on 01283 833 551417 832 BIGGA Members - Register Now 07836 259133 / [email protected] or 07836 259133 • BUNKER or email CONSTRUCTION FOR FREE CATALOGUE www.turfdry.com www.turfdry.com Phone 01334 653733 [email protected] • CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR Huxley Practice Tee at St Andrews Links • CONSTRUCTION Tel: 01785 812706 Top quality practice tees, golf course tees, putting • DE SILTING & pitching greens, pathways, patios, cart tracks E: [email protected] • DRAINAGE and lawns professionally designed and installed. www.northstaffsirrigation.co.uk CONSTRUCTION • GRINDERS Tel: 01962 733222 Philip Dixon Contractors Ltd • IRRIGATION [email protected] Scotland Based Established 1978 • IRRIGATION www.huxleygolf.com Sportsturf Drainage Specialist T & G irrigation took the changing market conditions CONSULTANTS Meiklem Drainage Drainage • Construction • Renovation as a sign that it was time to diversify and set about finding • LAKE CONSTRUCTION alternative ways to maintain work levels for the staff. It has LINERS BUNKER Contractors Ltd been rewarding to see that with a relatively small effort new • MACHINERY FOR SALE CONSTRUCTION Sportsturf Drainage doors opened and work has been sourced from a wide variety Golf Course Construction Specialists • PLANT Slitting • Banding • Maintenance of places. • PUMPS Remodelling & Alterations Golf Courses - Sportsfields Water Engineering Tel 01772 877289 (Preston, Lancs) Several local councils have installed literally dozens of new • RUBBER CRUMB Drainage * Construction Email: [email protected] bowling green irrigation systems having seen the whole life • SLEEPERS [email protected] * Slitting/Banding www.dixondrainage.co.uk www.lakelandearthworks.com costings, producing savings in labour and improvements to • SOIL FOOD WEB Contact Meiklem Drainage on: the actual greens. Surprisingly, there has been great interest 01400 251605 T: 01383 830217 • TOP DRESSING 07900693705 in private garden systems, especially for the upper end of • TREE MOVING M: 07808 897 300 the market. We recently installed a football pitch system for • TREE CLEARANCE E: [email protected] one Client at the bottom of his extensive garden. Landscape • TURF The Bunker Specialists schemes for diverse private companies has also risen in • VERTIDRAINING HIRE popularity. • New Build • Remodelling SPEEDCUT • WASTE/WASHWATER • Renovation • Lining Advertise here CONTRACTORS LTD Now that the sun is back we find ourselves with a broader TREATMENT Client base and a greater range of schemes to offer our Clients. Give us your worst bunkers and from as little as £250 SPORTSTURF All of which proves that in the face of adversity if you are we’ll make them your best Construction Remodelling Water Features for a FULL 6 MONTHS, prepared to tackle the challenges you come out the stronger Construction Tel: 01773 741100 Tel: 01604 468908 Drainage for it and as far as T & G Irrigation is concerned we are looking www.sportcrete.com full colour, please call AERATION Fax: 01604 474853 Renovation forward to a brighter future. www.deltagolf2000.co.uk Kirstin on 01347 833 832 Sandslitting So, if there are any Clients who wish to have a bespoke 180 Ruskin Road, Kingsthorpe, or email Contact: Kevin Smith scheme designed for any particular application they should Northampton NN2 7TA Visit www.bigga.org.uk OXFORD 01865 331479 contact Paul Curtis on either 07860 542616 or at the office on and check out the [email protected] HYDROJECT latest chat 01427 874200 and our staff will be pleased to help AERATION AND CHEMICAL INJECTION SERVICE from the Photo courtesy of Rudding Park AGRONOMY Repton Short Course ‘Signature Island Green’. (WITH NO SURFACE DISTURBANCE) greenkeeping KEITH DRIVER industry (SPORTSTURF CONTRACTOR) Tel:01273 679994 Mobile:07958 532008 124 Warren Road, Woodingdean, Brighton BN2 6DB To advertise within To advertise within Greenkeeper International Greenkeeper International please contact Kirstin on please contact Kirstin on 01347 833 832 GOLF COURSE & SPORTSGROUND 01347 833 832 CONSTRUCTION or email or email RENOVATION & MAINTENANCE DESIGN : INSTALLATION : MAINTENANCE [email protected] [email protected] Pitch Construction : Piped Drainage Systems : Sand Slitting IRRIGATION SYSTEMS TOPTURF IRRIGATION Blec VibroPitch Sand Banding Construction : Koro Surfacing : Piped : Vertidraining Drainage : Topdressing Systems : Overseeding Sand Slitting : Blec Vibro Sand Banding IS THE LEADING DEALER Advertising rates: Visit www.bigga.org.uk Koro Surfacing : Vertidraining : Topdressing : Overseeding LAND DRAINAGE SCHEMES Advertising rates: If it’s drainage, it has to be Duncan Ross! and check out the INSTALLER & SERVICING AGENT 1/4 page - £570 If it’s drainage, it has to be Duncan Ross! WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 1/4 page - £570 FOR OTTERBINE BAREBO latest chat 1/2 page_ £790 from the Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancashire WN6 9DT 1/2 page_ £790 AERATION EQUIPMENT AGRONOMY Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancashire WN6 9DT Tel. 01722 716361 t 01257 255321 f 01257t 01257 255327 e [email protected] 255321 greenkeeping e [email protected] Full page - £1500 2006, 2007 & 2008 Full page - £1500 www.duncanrosslanddrainage.co.uk www.mjabbott.co.uk industry www.duncanrosslanddrainage.co.uk Call us on 0044 (0) 870 8720081 www.ttirrigation.co.uk

68 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 69 BUYERS’ GUIDE

IRRIGATION FINANCE & LEASING LAKE CONSTRUCTION LINERS TOP DRESSINGS TURF VERTIDRAINING HIRE USED MACHINERY

Comprehensive advice 2010 Machinery Finance regarding design and No Deposit construction of water areas To advertise within Visit the Classified section of the Payments from April 2010 Tel: 01206 262676 Greenkeeper International new BIGGA website for full details www.geosynthetic.co.uk please contact Kirstin on of machinery for sale... 01347 833 832 or email *New and used equipment* www.bigga.org.uk/classified Call today for a quote We’ll seal [email protected] 01620 890200 your lake – Advertising rates: Golf Finance Ltd empty or full 4 Church Road 1/4 page - £570 Here’s a selection... North Berwick EH39 5NP Top 5 facts about ESS-13 1/2 page_ £790 All finance subject to status licensed credit bokers • 52 years of proven effectiveness Written detail on request. Full page - £1500 • designed to be permanent • more cost effective than pvc liners HEALTH & SAFETY • can be used on an empty or full pond • guaranteed results  BIGGA GCMA SMS Tel: 01773 741100 Registered as a user and www.seepagecontrol.com FOR ALL YOUR BULK SUPPLIES Specialist Growers of using the system? NATIONWIDE DELIVERIES Turf for Golf Courses Xact can act as your 01858 464346 / 433003 External Competent Person www.banksamenity.co.uk Rootzone Turf for Greens providing: Supply-Service Grown on USGA rootzone,  top-dressed throughout the year, • Design-Install Onsite Support MACHINERY FOR SALE and mown at 6mm. • Risk Assessments & Control Shirley Aldred & Co.Ltd Measures 01829 731391 Predominantly bent sward Suppliers of high quality WASTE/WASHWATER • Action Plans www.tcrirrigation.co.uk Turf for Tees, Surrounds, • Ongoing Audit Service granular charcoal for over 200 years TREATMENT Approaches and Fairways Advertise here ■Use one of the oldest ■ Totally organic product Various mixtures including Contact Xact on 0845 665 3006 products known to man www.xactgroup.co.uk to treat black layer ■ Large stock levels ryegrass/fescue, 100% fescue, from as little as £250 of all grades and bent/fescue grown Wiedenmann ■Prevent thatch build up Hydrotech Solutions for a FULL 6 MONTHS, ■Delivery anywhere in on sandy loam topsoil. Finishing Mower - ■Improve drainage mainland UK within £5,990 + VAT Verti Drain 205 150 - IRRIGATION Irrigation full colour, please call and rootzone 3-4 days NEWNEW forfor 2010 2007 • Golf Machinery Wash Water Treatment Turf for bunker revetting 16ft Triplex Finishing £4950 + VAT Tel: 01433 620003 RTF turf for pathways • Positive Filtration – Non-Biological Kirstin on 01347 833 832 and bunker banks.lining. • 200 + Systems Installed Worldwide Mower Very clean Fax: 01433 620388 Tees supplied and laid, with Tees supplied and laid, with • Simple, Low Cost Installation As New Had very little use. or email optional laser grading. LIQUID ASSET optional precision laser grading. • Low Running Costs MANMANAAGGEMENTEMENT [email protected] Trilo SU40 vacuum Tel: 01652 678 000 Tel: 01925 758099 Call Lely: 01480 226848 or unit £2,500 John Deere 2653a Fax: 01925 757519 email: [email protected] Visit www.bigga.org.uk www.tillersturf.co.uk Triple Mower £6,950 www.grassgrabber.com www.toro.com and check out the Near new Trilo vacuum + VAT Design & installation of irrigation latest chat Email: [email protected] unit. 8 blade floating head systems for all sportsturf & from the AGRONOMY Attached to a rigid trailor units, 3wd, serviced and landscaping projects. greenkeeping Visit www.bigga.org.uk 11hp honda engine sharpened. industry Advertise here and check out the Excellent condition Phone: 01427 874200 IRRIGATION from as little as £250 latest chat Fax: 01427 875333 from the AGRONOMY CONSULTANTS for a FULL 6 MONTHS, greenkeeping Raycam - Trunkpump - RUBBER CRUMB full colour, please call industry Kuhn BKE250 - Water removal system £3,000 + VAT -£2,350 + vat The use of RUBBER CRUMB on Kirstin on 01347 833 832 2.5m Flail Mower irritech limited grass as top dressing has been Advertise here or email Fixed Headstock The Trunkpump is a granted a PATENT in the UK and compact tractor-mounted LEADING THE WAY IN IRRIGATION Independent Irrigation Consultants Ireland under Number EP0788301BI [email protected] NEW from as little as £250 water removal system • DESIGN Specialising in:- TEBBUTT ASSO. • INSTALLATION ● Existing system evaluation for a FULL 6 MONTHS, Imants Shockwave that enables one person • SERVICING ARE THE LICENSEES ● System design & upgrade 1.55mtr - ex demo - to carry the water pump FOR GOLF COURSES, STADIA, with CROWN III rubber crumb Turf full colour, please call ● Project management Look at the latest... £8950 + VAT along with all hoses to any RACECOURSES, BOWLING GREENS, Reinforcement, the licensed product PRIVATE GARDENS & LAKES. Kirstin on 01347 833 832 Second Hand Machinery Ex demo Shockwave site where water needs to Contact Roger Davey on: Contact Tebbutt Asso. 1.5mtr . Used for our own be removed or dispersed. on 01253 342003 or Fax 01253 346644 or email ...for sale Please call 0870 8720081 01823 690216 demos / shows. www.ttirrigation.co.uk e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] www.bigga.org.uk/classifieds www.irritechlimited.co.uk www.tebbuttassociates.co.uk

70 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 71 BUYERS’ GUIDE

IRRIGATION FINANCE & LEASING LAKE CONSTRUCTION LINERS TOP DRESSINGS TURF VERTIDRAINING HIRE USED MACHINERY

70 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 71 Recruitment Letters

I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity TECHNICAL SERVICES MANAGER to assist at the Open. I had an absolutely brilliant time, Many Thanks! and have memories for life! I will definitely be applying Reporting: Reporting to the General Manager for 2011 at St Georges. On behalf of everyone at St Andrews Links, could I use Greenkeeper International to say a massive thank you to so Qualification: Thank you again. many people who helped make the recent Open Championship A Qualified Mechanical/Electrical Engineer working in a Golf Course Ashley Lock the success it was. Faced with the extremes of weather during environment. the week, we constantly had to review our plans and it was very

Responsibility: reassuring that BIGGA were able to provide 20 people at short · Motivate a team of Technical Support through performance coach- I’d just like to thank BIGGA for a great week at The notice to come and help us divot fill the fairways at the ungodly ing, career planning. Sales Professional Required Open. It was very well organised and coordinated. hour of 4.30am on the Saturday morning. They were there · Improve productivity by highlighting deficiencies and recommend- It was great to meet up with old friends and make prompt and smiling even though they hadn’t had any breakfast ing change in tools, training, processes, reporting, and employee TurfCare Solutions Ltd., are suppliers of a large range of Turf new ones , and as usual the camaraderie and and did a tremendous job working alongside some of our own engagement. maintenance products to the sports turf and amenity markets. We atmosphere was great. The whole team looked great crew. Indeed, all the BIGGA volunteers did a great job of looking distribute a number of market leading U.S. brands including The Requirement: and conducted themselves in a professional manner after the bunkers through the golf. Andersons, Grigg Brothers and Gro Power and always maintain a · Manage projects which include preparation for large tournaments. and were a credit to BIGGA and greenkeeping. I would also like to thank once again, all of our own staff and · A list of Turfcare machines being worked on, should be supplied, so particular focus on nutrition and plant health. Thanks for the chance to be there. especially the seven who travelled and stayed for the week to we know the extent of the person’s technical knowledge. We are currently seeking to expand our sales base in the U.K. work as volunteers. Also, the STRI team who delivered great · Must have a good understanding of “services business” in a high throughout the midlands and south east and require a suitably Tony Gooch support to us with their measuring and data collection, not tech environment, from a supplier, integrator or operator’s point of qualified and motivated individual to join our existing team. Sales Great Torrington Golf Club only during the week but right from the 6th of July. Ably led view. experience and/or knowledge of the turfgrass industry would be · Demonstrate Leadership abilities and be achievement oriented. by Richard Windows and Christian Spring, their help was · Excellent analytical and problem solving skills, combined with the a distinct advantage, however, excellent interpersonal skills and invaluable and my thanks go to all of the STRI people who ability to provide quick resolution to problems. a strong focus on customer service are essential. An attractive visited through the week. package, which includes salary plus commission and a company · Strong verbal and written communication skills are mandatory. I would just like to say how super The Open week was. I’d also like to thank Toro for providing the staff uniforms for · Must be customer service orientated and believe in teamwork, col- vehicle, awaits the ideal candidate. the tournament and Aquatrols, Farmura, Richard Aitkens, laboration, adaptability and Initiative. As it was my first time at an Open event I was unsure If you believe that you have what it takes to excel in this position Syngenta, and Barenbrug for providing the food to keep us all · Experience in coaching and staff development is mandatory. what to expect, though this did make everything · A valid driver’s license is necessary to allow the obtaining of a driv- then please send your c.v. in the strictest of confidence to that little bit more special Everyone involved made going. ing licence through the UAE application process. Pat Galavan, Managing Director, TurfCare Group Ltd., everyone so so welcome and it was great to see! Finally, I would like to thank all those people who called, W9 Tougher Business Park, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland. The way everything was so well organised was emailed or sent text messages to both myself and Gordon Moir. Package: Tel 00353 45 409330, Mobile 00353 86 2590370, FANTASTIC, even more so when plans needed to We had literally 100’s of messages of support, congratulations Tax free income would suit the candidate wishing overseas experi- email [email protected] or just saying how great the course looked. We have tried/will ence. Normal expats benefits included in package. adjusted at such short notice on the Friday night. I’m really pleased that we were with such a great try to respond to all of you but please accept our apologies if Email full CV to [email protected] The best just gets better! group. I sure we would all agree, greenkeepers are you are missed out. Your messages reflected the hard work pretty great guys. everyone here put in to holding such a successful event, not Again thank you for a fabulous week that not even just the two of us, the weather could ruin! Gordon McKie Adam Matthews Course Manager Minchinhampton Golf Club Old Course

QUICK ‘NINE HOLE’ QUIZ ANSWERS:

1. Pebble Beach 2. Valderrama 3. Wentworth 4. Royal Birkdale 5. Loch Lomond 6. Augusta National intheshed answers 7. The Belfry LOOKING 8. Celtic Manor 9. Pinehurst TO RECRUIT? CROSSWORD MONSTER SUDOKO SQUIGGLY SUDOKO LOOK NO FURTHER THAN... WWW.BIGGA.ORG.UK/CAREERS

Advertise in Greenkeeper International for a month from £480+VAT for an 1/8 page advert, or go directly online from £300+VAT for a part month & £500+VAT for a full month

For further information contact Kirstin Black on 01347 833 832 or email [email protected]

72 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 73 Recruitment Letters

QUICK ‘NINE HOLE’ QUIZ ANSWERS:

Advertise in Greenkeeper International for a month from £480+VAT for an 1/8 page advert, or go directly online from £300+VAT for a part month & £500+VAT for a full month

For further information contact Kirstin Black on 01347 833 832 or email [email protected]

72 GI AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 GI 73 Bad trousers...

OOnn thethe SoapboxSoapbox BAob new Taylor, vehicle Head for of people Ecology within & E nvironmentthe at STRI, takes toindustry the Soapbox to express and looks their backviewpoint over this evolving industry

When Scott MacCallum asked me to Site of Special Scientific Interest designation this would never be the case unless some contribute to the Soapbox a slight (SSSI). There is clearly no way that all golf underlying factor such as poor performance apprehensive feeling came over me. courses could be given elevated scientific in the past, pollution etc lies at the heart of Well it would. status but that does not mean that they the matter. I am not, as everyone knows, do not contribute positively to wildlife and We must stop thinking that ecological a person who is given to ranting wildlife conservation. Many are indeed management is for richer golf clubs, which on different issues that affect our important staging posts for wildlife passing probably make up less than 10% of the industry but then, given the cold light through. 3,300 golf clubs now established through- of day I probably am. They provide linkage with other important out the UK. ...Ryegrass In fact, isn’t that all that I have been sites and they do protect some of our rarest Just think of the contribution that the doing for the last 20 years, remaining and most vulnerable wildlife. remaining 90% can have on protecting and defiant when speaking out for the Individual golf clubs are functioning as conserving our nations wildlife. plight of the environment within golf. individual business units, their main focus It was Steve Oultram from Wilmslow Golf Over the years I have pushed golf clubs is income generation through visitor and Club who once said: to take stock of the environment in which member retention. “I like to think that I am managing this golf they play and manage it for both golf and It always strikes me as odd that golf clubs course so that my children and grandchil- for wildlife. pour all their resources into their greens, dren can still benefit from the wildlife that I I have also used legislation as a driver to giving them ultimate priority and while this at Wilmslow have come to enjoy.” generate awareness and encourage moti- is clearly necessary very little resource is That perhaps in a nutshell sums it up, the vation, to ensure that best practices are given to the environment in which they sit. wildlife that we all take for granted will not adopted and adhered to. This is not a bad How many players would return again be there in the future unless we as custodi- thing, far from it. and again to play the course if it were not for ans of a very special and unique landscape Collectively as an industry we have taken the contribution of the environment and the manage in a way that will conserve it for on a level of responsibility towards the envi- pleasure gained from it. present and future generations. ronment that is unsurpassed. Which other industries can boast the reclamation of 23 hectares of heathland, the reinstatement of over 1127 linear metres of hedgerow, the expansion of our grassland Protect our wildlife resource and all this arising from projects like the EGU Ecological Advisory Service. STRI along with organisations like The Environment gives beauty to the game, Golf Environment Organisation, BIGGA, it adds interest, challenge, history, nature The R&A and Home Unions have created and above all a real feeling of wellbeing. Sadly, Rescue can only rid your a wealth of literature geared towards man- The more time I spend in Europe, par- aging the environment, but yet it seems ticularly within the Scandinavia, the more I strange to me that there are still many golf realise that potential visitors are seeking golf course of one disaster... clubs out there that give little attention to clubs with good social, environmental and their environmental responsibilities and are ethical performance. Rescue is an exciting new selective herbicide for the effective control of coarse, weed still dragging their feet and this can have Golf Clubs providing this are thus better Ryegrass infestations, which reduce turf quality on golf courses. Trials have shown that ramifications for others. placed to attract and retain visitor numbers the Rescue programme will quickly and efficiently control weed Ryegrass and some other Twenty years ago ecology was a buzzword, who share these values. rather like sustainability is today, the main The more we do for the environment, the invasive coarse grasses to reinstate high quality playing surfaces across the golf course. difference is perhaps that ecology is a term easier it will be when it comes to seeking specifically related to species and the places planning permission for developmental Clean out the coarse, for finer turf quality withRescue . in which they live, sustainability brings change. social and economic factors into the equa- A golf club with a good track record, tion, changing our approach to golf course compared with direct competitors may gain management in managing as a commercial advantage through public approval and modern business. acceptance. Even 20 years on I still regularly hear Bear in mind however that good perfor- the old chestnut that this is a golf course mance needs to be balanced with disclosure Bob Taylor, Head of Ecology & Environment at STRI and not a nature reserve, the reality is, that of performance, good and bad, hence the while a nature reserve can be specifically need for auditing, record keeping and peri- set up for wildlife, golf clubs have another odic review. Bob Taylor overriding function ie. that of golf. I still visit golf clubs that remain wor- Syngenta Crop Protection UK Ltd. Registered in England No. 849037. CPC4, Capital Park, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5XE This is in fact the reason why so many ried that if they highlight their ecological E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.greencast.co.uk / www.greencast.ie areas throughout the country are being interests they may be stopped from imple- Distributed in the UK and Ireland by Scotts Professional. Tel: 08712 205353 E-mail: [email protected] given special protected status by way of the menting traditional management practices, The views expressed within On The Soapbox are not necessarily those of Greenkeeper International Rescue® is a Registered Trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Rescue (MAPP 14518, PCS 03682) contains pinoxaden. All other brand names used are trademarks of other manufacturers in which proprietary rights may exist. Always read the label. Use pesticides safely. ©Syngenta AG January 2010. GQ 00745.

74 GI AUGUST 2010 Bad trousers...

74 GI AUGUST 2010 Shift your perception of what a trim & surrounds mower can do

The New 7400 TerrainCut Trim & Surrounds Mower offers the  exibility to handle every part of the rough, with the push of a button. Shift from a 1.7 – 1.9 m (68 – 74 in) width of cut, from the seat. Shift a deck out 38 cm (15 in) to trim around trees or bunkers or climb and cut with the GRIP all-wheel drive and best-in-class horsepower. Contact your local John Deere dealership to arrange a demonstration and never look at your trim mower the same way again.

www.JohnDeere.co.uk

Freephone 0800 085 25 22 C 687.1 E

C_687_1_E_A4.indd 1 07.07.2010 17:00:36 Uhr