Greenkeeper International GI £5.20 July 2010

Featured Inside The Roar of the Dandelions IS the dandelion explosion the first sign of fall-out from EU pesticide LEGISLATION?

Sports Turf Feature Testing Times at Trent Bridge We look forward to The and Pakistan Test Series at Trent Bridge It’s coming

Golf Course home Feature With The Open set to return to the Old Course, we visit St Andrews for this month’s Course Feature There’s One Tool You Won’t Need When You Service Hunter Sprinklers!

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Penketh Place, West Pimbo, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, WN8 9QX T: 01695 556222 E: [email protected] www.revaho.co.uk Welcome from the editor BIGGA

President Sir Michael Bonallack, OBE

Board of Management Chairman – Paul Worster Vice Chairman Andrew Mellon Past Chairman Peter Todd

Board Members Chris Sealey, Gary Cunningham, Archie Dunn, Ian Willett, Tony Smith, Elliott Small, Mark Dobell

Chief Executive John Pemberton [email protected]

Head of Learning & Development Sami Collins [email protected]

Head of Membership Department Tracey Maddison [email protected]

Contact Us BIGGA HOUSE, Aldwark, Alne, York, YO61 1UF [email protected] www.bigga.org.uk Tel – 01347 833800 | Fax – 01347 833801

Greenkeeper International

The official monthly magazine of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association Limited.

Editorial Communications Manager / Editor Mistakes happen, Scott MacCallum Tel – 01347 833800 Fax – 01347 833801 [email protected] Design get over it Design and Production Editor Tom Campbell As I write, I have just downloaded the into our shells and try wherever possible to stop vuvuzela ap for my phone and now truly doing anything that might result in a mistake. Tel – 01347 833800 Fax – 01347 833801 feel part of the World Cup. When it comes to using experience and [email protected] What has really struck me, as I write five knowledge to assess a marginal situation Advertising days into the World Cup, is the sheer intensity and determine what is the best long term of it all and how, in many cases, that with option, if you thought your actions were going Sales Executive Kirstin Black such high highs and such low lows it can be so to be double guessed by all and sundry, the

Tel – 01347 833800 devastatingly counterproductive. inclination may be not to bother. How can you Fax – 01347 833802 I’m thinking about Robert Green. One error, be wrong if you haven’t done anything? [email protected] bad though it was, and he has been absolutely People must be encouraged to take decisive slaughtered in the media – they were even action – coming for that cross, changing Sales Executive Jill Rodham calling for him to be replaced at half time for a regime on the golf course – safe in the heaven’s sake. knowledge that you will be given time to tweak Tel – 01347 833800 Fax – 01347 833802 Some of the headlines the next morning were what you have done if it’s not right first time, or [email protected] quite extraordinary and I would hope that they even learn from mistakes if what has been done were kept well out of the way of the West Ham hasn’t worked well. keeper and his relatives. Of course if, time after time the ball continues Printing “Calamity! Robert Green faces England axe to be dropped, or guddled over the line, or oil Warners Midlands Plc, The Maltings, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH after his howler hands Americans a draw”; leakages continue to occur on the golf course, Tel – 01778 391000 | Fax – 01778 394269 “Hands of Clod”, are just a couple he would action then has to be taken in terms of training Contents may not be reprinted or otherwise have read. – a dedicated goalkeeping coach, more practice reproduced without written permission. Return with the new ball or a change in goalie gloves, postage must accompany all materials submitted It really is quite ridiculous. It’s not even a if return is requested. No responsibility can be case of being as good as your last match. In or, in our industry, a service of all machinery, a assumed for unsolicited materials. The right is reserved to edit submissions before publication. World Cup terms you are only as good as your review of day-to-day operating procedures or a Although every care will be taken, no last save – or non-save as the case may be. He BIGGA training course. responsibility is accepted for loss of manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Opinions expressed did make a quite brilliant one in the second The concept that one mistake is all that are not necessarily those of the Association, half which saved a certain score and I’m sure is needed for the roof to fall in on someone and no responsibility is accepted for such content, advertising or product information there is part of him thinking if he’d let that in cannot be allowed to take root, even if it means that may appear. Circulation is by subscription. the headlines in the papers are a little more Subscription rate: UK £50 per year, Europe and but saved the easy one life would have been so Eire £65, Rest of the World £95. The magazine is much quieter. subdued. also distributed to BIGGA members, golf clubs, local authorities, the turf industry, libraries and How can anyone feel confident about their central government. job when they feel that if they make one slight error they will forever be known as “Captain Cock-Up” the “Blundering (choose anything from) keeper, journalist, greenkeeper, banker, politician...)? If we all had to operate to a “one strike and Scott MacCallum

ISSN: 0961– 6977 you are out” policy we would surely all creep Editor © 2010 British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association Limited

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

JULY 2010 COURSE FEa t URE

FEATURES

20 Golf is coming home Scott MacCallum travels to the Home of Golf to meet up with the two Gordons who are an integral part of this year’s Open Champi- onship. Golf is 28 The roar of the dandelions coming home

Scott MacCallum catches up with two Gordons Dr Terry Mabbett asks if the who are working hard to ensure that this dandelion explosion is the first month’s Open is played on the perfect stage. sign of fall out from EU pesticide 20 legislation. 20 GI JULY 2010 JULY 2010 GI 21

34 Practice makes perfect The BIGGA Charity Golf Day saw victory for a team which enjoyed a distinct advantage over the rest of the field.

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35 Testing times ahead for Trent Bridge Jim Cook visits Trent Bridge which will play host to the first England-Pakistan match to learn what it takes to produce a Test quality wicket.

42 Anatomy of… a New Holland Compact Tractor James de Havilland takes a forensic interest in a New Holland T4000 Series tractor 34 42

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REGULARS GREENKEEPER 6 News Desk GI INTERNATIONAL 15 Chairman’s Word £5.20 JULY 2010 16 GTC 17 Learning & Development 18 Industry Update Featured Inside... The Roar of the Dandelions 46 Around the Green IS THE DANDELION EXPLOSION THE FIRST SIGN OF FALL-OUT FROM EU PESTICIDE MEDDLING? 51 Chief Executive’s 6 Column Sports Turf Feature TESTING TIMES 52 Membership AT TRENT BRIDGE We look forward to The England and 53 Diary of Events Pakistan Test Series at Trent Bridge 54 What’s Your Number It’s coming 54 Assistant Profile Golf Course 58 Dealer of the Feature home With The Open set to return to the Old Course, we visit St Andrews for Month – Fairways this month’s Course Feature 59 In the Shed

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Cover photography TheThe official official monthlymonthly magazinemagazine of of courtesy of St Andrews thethe British British and & International International G Golfolf Links Trust GGreenkeepersreenkeepers A ssociationAssociation L imited.Limited. 18

JULY 2010 GI 5 NEWSDESK GI The latest news from around the globe

Visit To THE 2010 Course AT CELTIC MANOR

In April, the last in the series of the 2010 Chris and Mike had been part of the last summer’s Ashes Series. We also visited South evening lecture series saw 80 greenkeeping support team and Jim had the new racecourse at Ffos Las where we greenkeepers and groundsman visit the been as an observer. were given a full tour of the facilities by 2010 course at the Celtic Manor Resort. This rounded off an excellent evening clerk of the course Tim Long before Course Golf Course & Estates Manager Jim where the session was closed by Martin director David Thursdfield gave us a McKenzie started the tour by welcoming Townsend of the series sponsors, presentation about the development of the us to the resort and giving us a fascinating Countrywide Turf & Amenity, who thanked first new race course to open in the UK for insight into the huge development process everyone for coming along to the evening 80 years. that has led to the 2010 course becoming and wished Jim and his team all the very As always we would like to thank Martin the venue for the up coming Ryder Cup. best for not only the Ryder Cup but also the and Peter from Countrywide Turf & Following a bite to eat, we all moved Wales Open. Amenity for their continued sponsorship up to the lodge clubhouse where Jim was This evening concluded the series of and support not only of the evening joined by Chris Sealey and Mike Gash. evening lectures which had also seen us lectures but of the greenkeepers and The three guys then gave an excellent visit the Swalec stadium in Cardiff, where groundsman of South Wales. presentation about their experiences of Head Groundsman Keith Exton gave us an the 2008 Ryder Cup in Valhalla where insight into the hosting of the First Test in Steve Chappell, Regional Chairman

Police Protection for Rare Orchid Art or Science?

Britain’s rarest wild flower It is protected by law and The Silverdale Golf Course Ashford Manor Golf Club received police protection wildlife officers set up extra specimen is believed to have would like to make it clear from thieves when it bloomed security to ensure its safety. been planted in the 1800s, that the photograph which on a Lancashire golf club last The plant was visited by and is thought to be from appeared on page 26 of month. hundreds of orchid fans central Europe. last month’s Greenkeeper The Lady’s Slipper orchid is every year but has been dug The orchid is protected by International, of irrigation on a regular visitor to Silverdale up and stolen twice in the the Wildlife and Countryside its golf course, has nothing to Golf Course, in Carnforth, past six years. Act 1981 and anyone who do with the article in which it Lancashire, is the last Cuttings from the plant, interferes with the plant was featured and that Ashford remaining flowering plant of can be sold to collectors for could be fined £5,000 and Manor has no association with its kind in the wild in Britain. up to £5,000. jailed for six months. Greg Evans.

6 GI JULY 2010 Tour to

Mandy Caton, Sales Administrator at Campey Turf Care Systems, has completed her London to Paris cycling challenge, raising more than £4,000 for the Breast Cancer Campaign. Covering 300 miles over four days, she said she was swept along by the amazing camaraderie among the team of 93 riders, all with their sights firmly set on reaching the French capital. “Although my friend, Gill, and I trained really hard for months, we felt a degree of trepidation in the days leading up to the start, but that all melted away once we got going and we focussed on completing one stage at a time,” Mandy explained. “The whole group encouraged each other and we had a fantastic support team from Skyline, which was just as well because I needed a new tyre at one point and had two punctures to contend with!” “As we approached the Eiffel Tower, the sun was shining and we were euphoric. I felt a huge sense of achievement, knowing that I’d been able to contribute to such an important cause and realise a personal ambition at the same time. “I’d like to thank everyone who sponsored me for their generosity” she added. “The money raised will help fund innovative world-class research to understand how Breast Cancer develops, leading to improved diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cure.”

JULY 2010 GI 7 GI NEWSDESK

Justin Rose becomes Official Ambassador

The Golf Environment Awards ambassador for The Golf Gordon McKillop, STRI’s Chief golfenvironmentawards.com 2010 launched with news that Environment Awards. It’s great Executive said: “We are delighted There are 11 awards split into Justin Rose, who went on to that these awards are helping that Justin Rose is supporting three categories: win the Memorial Tournament to promote and highlight the the awards in this way. Having Environmental Improvement – in the States a couple of weeks work that many golf clubs are the backing of a high profile four awards recognising projects later, has become the official performing to improve the figure within the golf industry is involving: ambassador of the awards. environment and support a invaluable as it shows that the Nature Conservation The awards, now in their 13th positive future for golf within importance of environmental Management year, are managed by STRI, the UK.“ issues is recognised at the very Turfgrass Management and recognise and reward both One of Justin’s first official top of the game.” Waste Management individuals and golf courses duties as ambassador of The He added: “We would Water Management for the time and focus they Golf Environment Awards encourage any golf club that Environmental Achievement have put into environmentally was to meet the 2009 winners focuses on environmental Five regional awards and sustainable management at the PGA Championship issues to enter – the winners are one overall winner award projects. at Wentworth, where Rose chosen for their dedication and recognising golf courses that As well as receiving official finished one under par for the enthusiasm to succeed, and not have implemented a successful recognition for the development tournament. on the scale of the project or size environmental management of outstanding environmental He added: ”It was great to of golf club.” strategy, with clear objectives projects, the awards also gives meet last year’s winners and The Golf Environment and targets on how this strategy winners the opportunity to hear why their specific projects Awards are sponsored by will directly contribute to a travel to some of the USA’s have been so successful. We Ransomes Jacobsen, Campey better environment. world most famous golf venues, need to do more to highlight Turf Care Systems, County Conservation Greenkeeper including Pine Valley and how golf clubs can introduce Turf, Scotts, amd Syngenta. Award: To recognise an Shinnecock golf clubs. their own environmental Entry to the 2010 awards outstanding individual Speaking about his new projects and shout more about is now open. Entry is free contribution to the success of role, Justin Rose said: “I the achievement and success of and details can be found environmental and ecological am honoured to become an current schemes.” on the new website: www. management

GI New Products will soon be making a comeback! NEW Products Please email your press releases and photography to: GI The latest products on the market reviewed [email protected]

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New Role at RJ Andy Campbell, the former BIGGA Chairman and Golf Director at Lough Erne Golf Resort, has been appointed BIGGA SUPPORT AT and Ireland Regional Sales Manager - Golf for PGA CHAMPIONSHIPS Ransomes Jacobsen. Reporting to UK and Ireland Once again a full contingent of BIGGA mem- the contours on all the greens, made changes Sales Manager, Rupert Price, bers were on hand to offer support on all four to many bunkers making them much more Andy will be responsible days at this year’s BMW PGA Championships formidable, and radically changed the 18th for all golf-related business at The Wentworth Club. into a fearsome closing hole worthy as the final development, equipment sales With hardly a cloud to be seen in the sky test for the European Tours flagship event. and dealer support across his and very high temperatures the team had to Chris Kennedy, above, and his team, territory. take on plenty of water, in the course of their once again, produced a superbly presented Prior to his previous position bunker raking tasks on the last two days. golf course, magnificently prepared, with at Lough Erne he was Golf and Andy Haskell, from Farnham GC, was called absolutely no help from the weather since the Landscape Manager at the to intervene, beyond the call of duty, when final phase of the alterations to the course. Duke’s course in St Andrews, asked gently to remove a couple of friendly This year’s winner was who and before this he was Golf Adders who were basking in the hot sun holed a 20ft birdie putt which curled round Course and Estate Manager beside the 9th green. the hole before toppling in on the last, to win at the De Vere Group’s Carden This year’s event attracted record crowds by a stroke from and Fredric Park resort in Cheshire. He who enjoyed some excellent golf on the recently Andersson Hed. has recently relocated from revamped West Course. Clive Osgood Enniskillen to St Andrews Over the past year has changed South East Regional Administrator with his wife, Claire, and son Cameron. Commenting on his A squad of nine JCB appointment Rupert Price Teletruk forklifts is playing a said: “We are delighted that key role in preparing major Andy has come onboard as he stadiums that are hosting World Cup Lifting brings a wealth of knowledge games during the World about the golf sector in Scotland Cup. and Ireland. He is the last The JCB Teletruks piece in our jigsaw, which have been called up for sees a refresh of our regional general materials handling, sales management team and duties during the final demonstrates our commitment construction and fit-out to increasing our market share stages of hospitality suites, across the UK and Ireland. and visitor facilities, in and This will be a stretch and a around the six principal challenge for Andy, but I know World Cup venues in time to it’s one that he’s really looking welcome thousands of fans forward to and I am confident from around the world. that he will be a real asset to the All of the Teletruks have business, going forward.” been supplied by Clarklift Former Regional Sales (PTY) Ltd, the Manager Ian Bridges has been JCB Industrial dealer in appointed to the new position South Africa. 94,000- Stadium, while there is of Product Support Specialist, Two of the JCB Teletruks, capacity World Cup stadium one machine on each site at which sees him continue in his manufactured by JCB Utility that will stage the Final. the Royal Bafokeng Stadium sales support role for Municipal Products at their Cheadle There are also two in Rustenburg, Free State business across Scotland and plant in Staffordshire, have machines working at the Stadium at Bloemfontein and Ireland in conjunction with been deployed at Soccer City, Durban Stadium and at Peter Mokaba Stadium at additional responsibilities for Johannesburg - the main Cape Town’s Green Point Polokwane. product demonstrations across the territory.

JULY 2010 GI 9 GI NEWSDESK Pesticides in Water

We are all becoming much more aware of pesticides that are still regularly found in the pending Water Framework Directive waterbodies. These include clopyralid (used that will address water pollution. to control grassland weeds) mataldehyde The main goal of the Environment (active ingredient in slug pellets) and IPU Agency in implementing the legislation (now banned and should not be found a The residue on a will be to ensure that all waters (surface year after its withdrawal). In discussions discarded aluminum foil can be a major contributor and ground waters) will be in a good clean with Dr Ruth Mann, Head of Turfgrass in polluting watercourses condition by 2015. It is now possible Protection at STRI, it is clear that chemicals to detect pesticides in water at very low used on a regular basis by groundsmen concentrations (1 part per billion) and it and greenkeepers, are also consistently detected are having damaging effects on is therefore crucial that everyone engaged being found. Chemicals like 2,4-d at 5ppm, aquatic flora and wildlife, with cause and in using pesticides must recognise the mecoprop at 11ppm, Diuron at 10ppm,and effect being difficult to determine. implications of inappropriate handling simazine at 5ppm (figures based on In writing this it does strike home to me and application. Fully trained and average levels measured annually between that the untrained public are as much competent spray operators know the 1998 and 2007). The Environment Agency and probably more to blame for many of damage a disgarded foil could have on the has recently found 19 different chemicals the chemicals being detected in our water environment if it found its way into a local (different active ingredients) at undesirable courses. Although you may feel that this watercourse. We also have various types of levels and this rings alarm bells to the is outside your control, it would be worth equipment such as shrouded booms and effect that if this continues then more of the while ensuring that the right advice is low drift nozzles; new packaging such as chemicals we use as part of daily working given to all of our neighbours, on a Sunday the S pac from Syngenta (minus those foils) could be banned or their use restricted morning when their contemplating a path and best practice guidelines such as the in the future. Moreover many of these clearing exercise, or an additional round LERAP, to help eliminate the potential of chemicals cannot be removed through of slug control. Their actions like those of pesticide spray inadvertently ending up in water treatment and much more emphasis the untrained professionals will ultimately watercourses. needs to be given to controlling these come back to affect us all over the course of However, recent information published chemicals at the source (source control). the next few years. in the April –edition of British Wildlife The Environment Agency is concerned For further info. please email Dr Ruth magazine identifies a number of that the cocktails of pesticides being Mann at STRI - [email protected]

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WRAP is looking Carbendazim ‘Will Continue Beyond December’ for industry Carbendazim, the important and widely-used worm-cast suppres- sant product, will still be available to greenkeepers after December trailblazers! 2010, Barclay Crop Protection has pointed out, clarifying comments made by Jon Allbutt in last month’s GI. “Carbendazim, which we sell under the trademark Ringer, is WRAP - Waste & Resources Action Programme - is currently under review as a Plant Protection Product,” says Eric looking for BIGGA members who are using quality Gussin, UK area manager for Barclay. BSI PAS 100 compost to be the subject of case studies “The outcome of this review is due at the end of the year. highlighting best practice in our industry. “But because of the way the legislation is structured, products The case studies will be used to illustrate how are given an expiry date which reflects the review date. That is why greenkeepers and grounds managers are using carbendazim appears to have an expiry date of December 31, 2010,” quality compost and explain the practical, financial he explains. and environmental benefits on offer. “To complicate matters, carbendazim is also being reclassified as a BSI PAS100 compost contains a range of nutrients biocide, rather than a pesticide, so that eventually it will be subject to and minerals, including nitrogen and potassium, a different directive.” and is ideal for use as a topdressing, growing media Mr Gussin says that if the transfer to the biocides directive is not constituent, soil improver or as a turf establisher and completed by the date of the Annex 1 expiry, CRD (formerly PSD) helps to boost root development and keep sports turf will issue suitable approvals to ensure it can continue to be used for green and healthy. worm control. This is a great opportunity for those keen to “Therefore we expect to be able to continue to sell Ringer until the demonstrate their innovation and commitment to current expiry date of 2012,” he adds. the environment, so if you have a project that’s using “This clarification is very useful for greenkeepers and it is good quality compost worth shouting about, contact WRAP to know that the approval holder is committed to supporting at [email protected] carbendazim for the future,” said Jon Allbutt

JULY 2010 GI 11 GI NEWSDESK

Sandy Gammack

It is with a heavy heart that I write to was the old school so that was just his he had met over the years and because inform you of the death of our friend and way. He had fantastic hands on him and of his happy go lucky nature that Golf Club mechanic, Sandy Gammack. I am sure there was not an engine made was quite a lot. Sandy was a very well Sandy was a larger than life character that he could not strip down and put respected mechanic and a friend to many who after retiring at 65 started with us as back together again also when he started and this was evident by all the people a part time mechanic and then stayed for welding anything, it was like an art to who attended his funeral at Aberdeen 10 years until his untimely death. Sandy him. Crematorium. We at Newmachar Golf was a popular member of our staff and He was also a big supporter of BIGGA Club will miss him terribly and our a great person to have about the place and loved all the North Section outings thoughts are with his wife, Norma, and always smiling and shouting at the staff and open days and also going down on the family at this very sad time. about not greasing the machines, if you the train to Saltex and Harrogate every Dale Robertson greased a machine all day it would still year and meeting up with all the many Course Manager not have been enough for him but he trade friends and fellow greenkeepers Newmachar Golf Club

Rigby Taylor’s New ‘E-Commerce is Now On-Line

A completely new e-commerce, expanded of the key site benefits is that it caters In addition to the on-line shop and product information and interactive for both the full time professional and product descriptions, the site includes a website has been launched by Rigby part-time turf manager with a hassle unique interactive, on-line advice service Taylor to meet the demands of an ever free, ‘one-stop-shop’ buying experience. that allows visitors to receive answers to increasing, internet-savvy market place. In addition to on-line ordering, the technical questions. The new website features for the first site features full information on each The wealth of technical information time a user friendly, on-line shop that product; including application rates, on RT products can be viewed on-line or allows visitors to browse the complete timing of use, pack sizes and a calculator downloaded. range of the company’s turf management that allows buyers to work out exactly the For further information log onto products and make purchases; one quantity they require. www.rigbytaylor.com

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East Section Day Out

The East Section enjoyed its Spring outing at Kilspindie Golf Club in East Lothian and the prize winners are pictured here.

BIGGA Welcome from the editor President Sir Michael Bonallack, OBE

Board of Management Chairman – Peter Todd Vice Chairman Paul Worster Past Chairman “Listed Building” Kenny Mackay Board Members Jeff Mills, Gary Cunningham, Archie Dunn, Ian Willett, Tony Smith, Elliott Small, Mark Dobe ll Chief Executive John Pemberton [email protected]

Head of Learning & Development Status Campaign Sami Collins [email protected]

Head of Membership Department Tracey Maddison [email protected] Back in November, Greenkeeper International’s Editor Contact Us BIGGA HOUSE, Aldwark, Alne, York, YO61 1UF [email protected] www.bigga.org.uk made the case for the introduction of listed building style Tel – 01347 833800 | Fax – 01347 833801 status for the country’s top historic golf courses. At the GrEEnkEEPEr IntErnAtIonAL The official monthly magazine of the recent BMW PGA Championship Defending Champion, British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association Limited. and World Number 8, , made the self same Editorial Communications Manager / Editor Scott MacCallum Listed Make us your of Tel – 01347 833800 Fax – 01347 833801 building status suggestion.  cial [email protected] needed? Design As you will see from elsewhere in As reportedgolf coursein The H equipmenterald newspaper, partner Casey, who Design and this issue – and on the front cover – The counter argument is, of course, that Production Editor a golf course should keep up to date with Tom Campbell Wentworth is currently undergoing quite a metamorphosis. the people who play the game and with assured that he was no Luddite and welcomed progress in Tel – 01347 833800 developments in balls and equipment. There Fax – 01347 833801 When Chris Kennedy kindly gave up some [email protected] 2 Semi Annuals @ 0% of his valuable time to show me around I was can’t be a golf course with any history at all a sensitive way, stopped short of open criticism of a layout Advertising astounded by the extent of the changes. Some which hasn’t been extended to some degree or First Payment May 2010 another, or had bunkers moved or added, all to Sales Executive of the new work, particularly on the iconic Kirstin Smith counter the massive distances that the likes of Applicable to golf and turf businesses in the UK and available for busi- 18th, is jaw dropping and the hole will quickly that hosted in its previous form the European Tourness purposes only.flagship The terms offered are available until 31st January Alvaro Queros or JB Holmes belt the ball. Tel – 01347 833800 2010, and are current at the date of publication. Availability of become one of the most talked about in all of is subject to status and to terms and conditions. Alternative pro nance Fax – 01347 833802 Also modern day construction is generally [email protected] golf. speci c quotations are available on request from John Deere Credit/ les and required to extend the life of older courses – event continuously since 1984 and the World MatchplayPermanent TSB. An administration fee will be charged. VAT is payable on The standard of the work is superb and a signing (purchase agreements only). Finance is available for up to 60% of replacing old water retaining, push up greens, Sales Executive credit to Chris and all those involved. What they the retail list price of the equipment  nanced. Jill Rodham have produced is high quality, to extremely which can’t cope with the demands of year round play, with USGA style greens - so why Championship from 1964 to 2007. Tel – 01347 833800 tight deadlines, all at a club where failure is not Fax – 01347 833802 an option not make design improvements at the same [email protected] time? But he did say the changes had altered the character of You must also take you hat off to Wentworth’s owner, Richard Caring, whose But what if the work isn’t done to a high John Deere Golf engineers products for every inch of your uncompromising desire to create a true standard, or a course is treated as a mere Printing plaything of a non-golfing billionaire owner. the coursecourse. soWe take significantly you beyond precision course grooming that with past records don’t mean Warners Midlands Plc, The Maltings, Manor challenge for the modern day professional, not Lane, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH Now this is exaggeration to make a point so products that feature intuitive use, safety and comfort. Want Tel – 01778 391000 | Fax – 01778 394269 to mention pockets deep enough to make it happen, has to be admired. don’t shout at me, but what if someone decided anything any more and recounted a suggestion he made Contents may not be reprinted or otherwise the Road Hole on the aforementioned Old to keep your staff working more ef reproduced without written permission. Return But deep down I must admit to nagging  ciently? For a professional postage must accompany all materials submit Course could be “tarted” up, and the actual if return is requested. No responsibility can ted doubts about whether a course, which could demonstration, contact your local John Deere dealer today. be road flooded to incorporate a golf-themed log to Peter Dawson, chief executive of the R&A, when he assumed for unsolicited materials. The right is claim to be among the top four highest profile reserved to edit submissions before publication. in golf, along with the Old Course, Augusta flume ride – at one stroke a water hazard to Although every care will be taken, no rival the Swilken Burn and a money making responsibility is accepted for loss of manuscripts, National and Pebble Beach, should be so encountered him in the clubhouse car park this week. photographs or artwork. Opinions expressed radically altered. opportunity. Brilliant! Or the Postage Stamp, at are not necessarily those of the Association, Royal Troon, requiring a precise shot through and no responsibility is accepted for such If the West Course were a listed building, content, advertising or product information a windmill – better still, a giant letter box! Who “The idea was that maybe we should introduce a scheme that may appear. Circulation is by subscription. and not a 75 year -old Harry Colt-designed golf Subscription rate: UK £50 per year, Europe a would be able to stop it? nd course, there is no way anyone could make www.JohnDeere.co.uk Eire £65, Rest of the World £95. The magazine is Is it perhaps time that we had a Listing also distributed to BIGGA members, golf clubs, the slightest tweak to it, without building along the lines that we have with historic buildings. I local authorities, the turf industry, libraries and Building style status for our historic golf central government. regulations vetoing even the most sensible of ideas. Let’s face it, getting council approval courses? It might also help to force the R&A’s mean, Ernie has that beautiful house on the 16th with the for an extension to a three bed semi isn’t hand when it comes to restricting the distance straightforward. that the ball flies. But when it comes to a golf course - which thatched roof. He owns it, but that doesn’t give him the right in the case of Wentworth could be justifiably claimed as a national treasure - complete ISSn: 0961– 6977 transformations can be carried out with to paint it pink and put a tin roof on it,” he said. © 2009 British and International Golf Scott MacCallum Greenkeepers Association Limited impunity. Editor The campaignFreephone 0800 085 25 22 is gaining momentum… C 692.1 GTUK10 E

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JULY 2010 GI 13 “With high expectations, it’s vitally important that we have the right machinery to get the work done.”

Jim Mackenzie Director of Golf, Celtic Manor Resort M8540 | Tractor As Director of Golf, Jim is responsible for the course development of the all major drainage works and has been used to top dress over 9000 2010 Welsh Open/Ryder Cup Championships. With a requirement for hectares. The tractor is currently being used to prepare the ground for the heavy duty drainage and dressing work, Jim consulted his local Kubota building of the hospitality village. dealer. “Chris Hopkins at Ted Hopkins Ltd reviewed our requirements and recommended the Kubota M8540.” “We get no marking on the ground even With 30 dedicated full time ground staff, Jim’s team are hard at work getting the course completed on time. The M8540 has already completed when pulling 2-4 tonnes of sand.”

Find your local dealer or book a test drive today: www.kubota.co.uk UK 0800 023 1111 | ROI 1 800 848 000 | [email protected] Kubota (U.K.) Limited, Dormer Road, Thame, Oxfordshire. OX9 3UN

14 GI JULY 2010 Chairman’s Word National Chairman, Paul Worster, gives his thoughts for the month

To: All UK Greenkeepers and BIGGA trade partners. From: Paul Worster, BIGGA Chairman. Subject – Your achievements, my acknowledgements, and The Boards invitations

Dear Colleagues, siderable organisational skills, to In the coming years BIGGA events I am writing this month to navigate over 80 people around this (particularly Harrogate Week) will express my admiration for the magnificent complex which will host also continue to be the place where excellent work and the positive not only the 2010 Ryder Cup. we can stand together, brag a little example set by so many Rather like Wentworth – the 2010 about our work and seek ‘best greenkeepers who are based course is an engineering marvel of practice’ from each other. Speaking in the UK, and to acknowledge modern golf course construction. of BIGGA events, the next Harrogate the essential role that the Exactly like Wentworth – this marvel Week is only six months away. Association’s trade partners would not be sustainable but for the May I invite you to put the dates play in making this possible. UK based Greenkeeper. 16 - 20 January 2011 in your diary I have recently been fortunate to Make no mistake it is the UK now? see the very best in UK Greenkeep- Greenkeeper who stands at the heart May I invite you to set aside ing. I visited Wentworth, recently to of both these magnificent venues. the funds or start saving for participate in an event that rounded Without the UK Greenkeeper Harrogate Week now before the off the 2009 STRI Golf Environmen- these tournaments would not be c a s h i s s p e n t o n s o m e t h i n g e l s e ? tal Awards and helped launch the possible, added to that BIGGA pro- May I invite you to contact your local 2010 Awards. vide Greenkeeping Support teams BIGGA Section to see what transport This was an event attended by the at each event. can be provided? greenkeepers who featured in the It struck me, walking around at Even at times of recession 2009 awards. They were rewarded Wentworth, that this was something and cutbacks Harrogate Week is with a tour of the West Course, UK Greenkeepers have achieved. acknowledged as the flagship event followed by a reception with Justin The expertise, the workmanship, the in the British Sports Turf Industry Rose. He is the figurehead for the quality of the finished product are at calendar. In 2011 there will be new STRI Awards. Despite being based the same time - outstanding - but features and attractions and BIGGA in Florida, Justin follows British golf also taken for granted. staff and volunteers are working very closely and maintains a keen It is taken for granted that hard behind the scenes already to interest in the work of our green- whatever the demands, whatever make the 2011 Show a success. keepers. the requirements, despite difficult Harrogate Week exists because As for the West Course – the conditions and constraints – the UK the Association has the financial work there, like everything that UK based Greenkeeper will deliver the support of many companies in greenkeepers do, will be debated goods every time. the golf sector. A number of them often over the years ahead, but I am For me, this is a vindication of (Golden and Silver Key Sponsors) very pleased to pay tribute now to the efforts of all those greenkeep- have together donated a significant the Chris Kennedy and the Went- ers who involve themselves: amount of money to greenkeeper worth team for the standard of their - in training, whether it be devising, education over recent times. achievements. running or sponsoring training; - in These companies need to know The quality of the original work- l e a d i n g a n d m o t i v a t i n g t h e t e a m ; that we appreciate their support. manship and now the on-going - in hard work and sacrifice, and even May I please invite you to say a maintenance, are both absolutely - in showing the sheer bloody-mind- kind word to our trade partners the outstanding. edness that is sometimes needed to next time you see one of them, and I also went to Celtic Manor inspire people to give of their best. consider using their services? They recently, courtesy of a South Wales It is this spirit of hard work, are going through the recession and BIGGA/IOG initiative. If there are sacrifice and perhaps bloody- the cut backs with us and would twin champions of South Wales mindedness that we and our trade appreciate our support. greenkeeping, they exist in Jim partners will need to have in abun- Finally, it would be great if you McKenzie, Director of Golf Courses dance in the years ahead as the UK could join me at the BIGGA stand at and Estates Manager of Celtic government starts to pay off its debts Harrogate Week 2011 to honour the Manor, and Steve Chappell, South by making cuts and raising taxes. efforts of UK based Greenkeepers West BIGGA Regional Chairman. It is at times like this when the and to acknowledge the kind contri- These gentlemen between them, networking, the sharing, the bution of our trade partners. ably assisted by David Hart, South inspiration and the education that I look forward to seeing you there. Wales Chairman of the IOG, utilised BIGGA services and events bring their passion for the profession, to the profession, will be needed Yours sincerely combined with their not incon- most. Paul Worster

JULY 2010 GI 15 Greenkeepers Training Committee

David Golding, Education Director, with a monthly update from the GTC

The GTC has an ongoing sonal records but above all have feeding in any comments you may remit to maintain the industry credibility with quality In Brief have to us at the GTC. popular apprenticeship assurance again a priority. This month David looks In terms of the Management scheme, ensure all formal It could be that the work with at how the greenkeeping NOS, we currently have an N/ sector has to ensure it qualifications; both work and the Amenity Forum becomes the continues to maintain the SVQ Level 4 qualification which catalyst for the sector to agree career ladder. Plus the will be reviewed and with the college-based, have the right increasing importance content and are delivered by principles which can be tailored for of maintaining your HND in Scotland and the popular professional development Centres in accordance with particular specialist industries. records... Foundation Degree developed the standards. As we look to see CPD become from the NOS. Over the years I believe the GTC more of an industry requirement There is also a major develop- has gained credibility from both rather than a voluntary scheme ment which we need to consider Centre staff and also those work- I do hope more greenkeepers and and that is that some top Course ing for the awarding bodies City Course Managers take the oppor- Managers have either applied to & Guilds – NPTC and the Scottish tunity to register with the BIGGA become General Managers at golf Qualifications Authority and this CPD scheme. clubs or have been approached has allowed us to have a career Recently I have been touring by their employers to consider path based on Government- the country hosting the second taking on the additional respon- approved qualifications while series of GTC-R&A workshops sibility. encouraging colleges, private promoting the Sustainable Golf This is certainly where we need training providers and BIGGA, Course programme and the pas- The GTC is funded by: to consider extending the current to continue to promote short sion, enthusiasm and above all career ladder and I appeal to these courses. professionalism of Course Manag- new General Managers to assist All, of course, now referred to ers and their staff never ceases to the GTC list the additional skills as CPD. amaze me. they have required to make them While we all have to keep our- What is worrying for me person- competent General Managers. selves up to speed to ensure we ally is that I remember some of It will be those skills which can carry out our work effectively and today’s Course Managers starting be developed into Units which efficiently it will become increas- their careers as apprentices! could then be grouped into maybe ingly important that we record all It is so rewarding when you a Level 5 or even Level 6 vocational the new skills and knowledge we see how individuals at the top of qualification. The Units delivered acquire. their profession have climbed the as short courses eventually lead- BIGGA has for some time, career ladder and are now passing ing onto full qualifications. encouraged its members to join on their skills and knowledge to At this point I would like to give the Association’s CPD scheme and their staff. full credit to those Course Man- I believe, soon, all sectors will have I sincerely trust the introduc- gers who have trail blazed for the employer supported approved tion of vocational qualifications greenkeeping sector but I do know schemes. in the early ‘90s has helped their qualifications in greenkeep- One example of how CPD will increase the skills and knowledge ing have been the very foundation become a legal requirement is that of so many practical greenkeepers for how they have progressed their the GTC and BIGGA, as members many of whom have now have the careers. of the Amenity Forum, we know certificate(s) for the job they love. We will liaise with the other that work is underway to develop This has been helped by those bodies within golf, as it is pointless a National Action Plan for the UK Centres who have staff on the road to duplicate efforts when quali- in relation to the EU Thematic and rely on the commitment of fications are already developed Strategy for Pesticides. the Course Manager and Deputies and fit for purpose, but the GTC Top priority is to have a CPD to drive the work-based training is committed to ensure employ- scheme for the Pesticide Applica- programme but I just want to ers can appoint suitable staff to tion Certificates of Competence focus on the Course Managers meet their job specifications and (CoC). development not only as an onsite Contact Details greenkeepers can aspire to great Any CPD scheme is voluntary trainer or assessor but the next heights….bring on the extension and there is evidence that only the rung up the ladder. David Golding ladder! GTC Education Director minority of people join a scheme, The GTC is involved in reviewing the Management National Occu- 01347 838640 Visit the GTC website: often the ambitious individuals [email protected] who take up every opportunity to pational Standards (NOS) and the www.the-gtc.co.uk, and GTC better their personal skills and current skill sets are available on Aldwark Manor consider contributing to the knowledge. the GTC’s website. Near York Management NOS review by YO61 1UF It would seem that the most We welcome comments on the contacting David direct on successful schemes has are easy current skill sets and as part of the www.the-gtc.co.uk 01347 838640 or email your to register on, easy to update per- consultation please contribute by views to [email protected]

16 GI JULY 2010 Learning & Development Sami Collins, Head of Learning & Development, is set to be a busy, busy bee in the sunshine!

In days gone by Summer was Applications are received in traditionally the quietest January/February and team selec- time of the year when we, tion is done in March. here at BIGGA HOUSE, could From here on in Rachael is liais- get on with all those jobs that ing with team members to ensure Continue to Learn at Harrogate we had been putting off all that they have a uniform that fits The funding provided Week 2011 by Golden and Silver Winter. Now, no matter what them; that any dietary require- Key Sponsors is used to the season, we are busy, busy, ments are met; meals are sched- produce training and career The jigsaw puzzle has begun! aids, DVDs, CD Roms, Fitting 139½ hours of education, busy! uled; transportation is organised; field guides and provide For the Learning and Develop- drivers are selected; the marquee refunds for training fees and into 40 hours, over a five-day period subsidised learning and ment Department, Summer now has furniture, catering and a TV; development courses. The is a challenge to say the least, but heralds the planning and organisa- staff rotas and finally, support team funding also helps support it will all be shoehorned in and the seminars, workshops, tion season with projects including ticket allocation. courses, the lending library, programme will start to take shape careers advice, posters and before my very eyes. Watch this space The Open, Toro Student Green- Alongside the rest of the BIGGA manuals. keeper of the Year and the Harrogate team, Rachael is on site from 6am, for more information on the subjects Many young greenkeepers and speakers. The final programme Week education programme. returning to the accommodation at owe their career Running alongside the day-to-day approximately 8pm and remain- progression to the will be with you in October. assistance they’ve had administration that takes place, it is ing on duty until around 11pm from the Learning and the crucial period to ensure that the to ensure that everyone has had Development Fund. An equal number of established events taking place over the next a meal and that they know their greenkeepers have also been able to access the The 2009/2010 CPD year ended seven months are well organised so schedule for the next day. fund to continue their that they will (hopefully!) run in a All this and the smile remains in professional development on 30 June and barring a few strag- thanks to the donations of glers we will be awarding 95 Certifi- smooth and efficient manner. place! the Golden and Silver Key Good luck goes to all on the Sponsors. cate’s and 3 Diploma’s of Continu- Support Team as well as the St ing Professional Development. As The BIGGA Open Support Andrews team for the 150th Open the CPD scheme is 10 years old this Team 2010 Championship. year we will, for the first time, be awarding a second Diploma of Con- Part of Rachael Duffy’s role is tinuing Professional Development to handle the organisation of the to 7 Members (number correct at BIGGA Open Support Team, Toro Student the time of writing this article). under the management of Scott Greenkeeper of Certificates will be sent out in MacCallum. the Year the post later this month, with the The planning for such an event Diploma’s being presented at Har- begins, unbelievably, almost Regional interviews take place this Contact Details rogate Week 2011. straight after the last one has fin- month for the 37 students who Sami Collins ished, if not before. Accommodation have been nominated by their Head of L&D is booked at least 18 months ahead college tutors for the 2010 Toro [email protected] of the event. Student Greenkeeper of the Year Rachael Duffy L&D Administrator Higher Education Scholarships With a team of approximately 65 Award. [email protected] people to house, feed and transport Eight finalists will be selected to Supported by Ransomes Jacobsen 01347 833800 (option 3) to and from the venue, it is impera- attend the National Final, held The most recent scholarship has tive that the accommodation is as at BIGGA House, on 13 and 14 www.bigga.org.uk been awarded to Gary Cunning- close as possible, functional and September. ham – NVQ Level 4 Sportsturf flexible.

Thank you to our Golden and Silver Key Sponsors

Golden Key Individual Members: WJ Rogers; Andy Campbell MG, CGCS; Iain A Macleod; Tom Smith; Frank Newberry; Christopher Lomas MG, Lee Strutt MG; Silver Key Individual Members: Ade Archer; Iain Barr; Hamish Campbell; Steve Dixon; Paul Jenkins; Robert Maibusch MG; Richard McGlynn; Stephen Pope; Jason Sarna; Steven Tierney; Neil Whitaker; Graham Wylie, Michael Beaton, Douglas Duguid

JULY 2010 GI 17 INDUSTRY UPDATE GI The latest turf industry news from around the globe

Pro Plus 900 wheeled boom at St Andrews

Gambetti Brings GPS to St Andrews

The Old Course and the Jubilee Course resistant to wind drift. For more run of the computer rate controller can be linked into at St Andrews recently took delivery of mill application rates the club chose the the Skipper so that as soon as application two new Gambetti Pro Plus 900 sprayers, Billericay air bubble jet; these too are very is started, the screen colours the treated customised for their specific needs. The resistant to wind drift. area, giving the operator an accurate update Links Trust was focused on purchasing a Maintaining a consistent boom height is of his progress. It can also tell him the area large capacity sprayer that could apply high all important for accurate application and covered, percentage over or under applied volumes of product without compromise on an undulating links course this can be and percentage missed. to forward speed and provide increased tricky. Gambetti choose to use its newly Gordon Moir, Director of Greenkeeping at accuracy of application without being too developed contour-following wheeled boom. St Andrews said, “We have always struggled complicated for the operator, delivered by Adapted from its agricultural cousins, to find a sprayer that is suitable for the a robust sprayer with hydraulically folding Gambetti has fitted its SKIPPER GPS many different conditions we encounter boom capable of spraying at six or eight mapping and guidance system which at St Andrews Links, ranging from large metres. replaces the need for adding dye or using flat fairways to some that are severely After trialling various different types foam markers to see which areas have undulating, as well as applying products of jet the quad jets have been fitted with already been applied and give the operator with such a range of water volumes. nozzles chosen for specific jobs. One of a straight line to follow while spraying. The Gambetti has worked very closely with us the most interesting requirements was to Skipper is best mounted directly in front to customise these two sprayers for our apply up to 800 litres per ha. The nozzle of the steering wheel. The operator simply specific requirements and they fit the bill tips chosen for this are the Spray Systems presses a button to mark an “A” point and perfectly, while the GPS system allows us to Air Inclusion jets, capable of delivering very then a “B” point as he makes his first run. track where the operator has sprayed. Being high water volumes, while still maintaining The Skipper displays on the screen the able to record this information is simply the a relatively fine spray pattern and a high next parallel run he needs to make. The icing on the cake.”

Campey On The Look-Out For More Promotion Across The Globe

Campey Turf Care has signed for Europe, the Middle East equipment including Sandcat we would at any time; with full up new dealers in several and Africa. and Rotoblast. Likewise the commitment and complete countries and are looking to Since then interest in the KORO Recycling Dresser, confidence in the quality of our encourage more companies to Imants range of products has Topdrain and Cultiroll will be products and services. All the join them in promoting sales of far exceeded expectations, promoted in new countries early signs have been exciting Imants and KORO by Imants particularly in light of the alongside the hugely popular and we will be building on the products around the world. global recession. KORO Topmaker which assurance from our existing In February this year the New introductions such already enjoys a highly customers and the extensive association between Campey as the Imants Shockwave respected position in the world new enquiries for potential Turf Care Systems and Imants and Rotoknife have had a market of pitch renovation. sales, to move this forward,” in the UK was consolidated significant impact, bringing “We acknowledge the said David Harrison, Export further with Campey’s being renewed enthusiasm and recession in principle but have Sales Manager for Campey appointed official distributors interest to an existing range of approached this venture as Turf Care.

18 GI JULY 2010 Stuart Minter and Peter Leech New Appointments at John Deere Peter Leech has recently been appointed Regional Ransomes Rescue the Rough Training Manager for John Deere’s agriculture and turf division in Europe, CIS, North Africa, Near & Middle East. He has been replaced as Customer Support When Derek Thomson, Course Manager at The Wynyard Golf Club Manager for the UK and Ireland by Stuart Minter. on the outskirts of Stockton-on-Tees, wanted to improve the condi- In his new role, working from Langar, Peter will be tion of the rough on the 7,000 yard, par 72 Wellington course, he responsible for the region’s training delivery operations, turned to the Jacobsen HR-9016 wide area mower supplied by local including the sales branch training centres, covering Ransomes Jacobsen dealer, Rickerby Ltd of Hexham. Ransomes the key areas of parts, sales, service and dealer Jacobsen is a Textron Inc. company. development training. During his 38 years with John The previous maintenance regime used a tractor with trailed Deere, he has been responsible for the development of rotary decks and took two of his greenkeeping team four days to cut the company’s award-winning apprentice technician the course and the driving range; now it takes just 11 hours. training programmes (Ag, Parts and Turf Tech), and the “It was back in the summer of 2007 that we realised we needed industry wide LTA technician accreditation scheme. to change how we maintained the longer grass on the course,” he He has also been Chairman of the AEA training and said. “The following September we had demonstrations from several education committee, and is just beginning a two-year manufacturers, who brought along their wide area mowers and we term as President of IAgrE. evaluated each of them. The 9016 proved to be the best and we took Stuart joined John Deere Limited in 1979 as a Service delivery in June 2008. Trainee and Technical Instructor at the UK training “The previous method using the combined tractor and trailed unit centre. He was subsequently Area Service Manager and was slow and not very manoeuvrable. With the 9016 were have a then Territory Manager for southern England before very nimble machine that has reduced the eight man-days to less becoming division service manager for the UK and than two man-days, although we still require two of the team as we Ireland in 1986. Stuart was responsible for developing have a small out-front machine to tidy up along the fence line of the John Deere’s national dealer service standards, and surrounding houses that line some of the fairways. more recently has been closely involved with the “We normally cut to a height of 50mm and this produces a well industry wide ‘Look Behind You’ campaign to promote groomed finish, because presentation is very important here. The safe tractor and trailer braking. He has also been floating front deck helps reduce scalping and we can keep on top of Chairman of the AEA service managers committee. the heavy summer growth, so it never gets out of hand.”

The Grass Group Unveil NEW FROM Rain Bird New Look Website Rain Bird has launched system. Incurring no The revitalised site contains wanting to browse, compare GSP Services which travelling expenses, several fresh new features machinery specification, enquire provides technical support it offers a time and including a clear and easy-to- about spare parts and seek to Rain Bird central cost-saving alternative to navigate product area, up to date technical support”. control users subscribing an onsite visit. blog/ news page and a straight www.thegrassgroup.com to a Global Service Plan. In addition to technical forward, no hassle, email enquiry A hotline provides support and remote form that allows the user to direct access to Rain Bird maintenance, Rain Bird request information and outline irrigation experts and GSP subscribers benefit their specific requirements central control specialists. from computer renewal, directly to the sales team. Via remote access software upgrades, etc. Tim Merrell, MD at The Grass Rain Bird engineers can Group comments, “The new carry out maintenance, To learn more about website will be an essential tool troubleshoot and backup GSP visit for groundcare professionals data on your control www.rainbird.eu

JULY 2010 GI 19 Golf is coming home

Scott MacCallum catches up with two Gordons who are working hard to ensure that this month’s Open is played on the perfect stage

20 GI JULY 2010 COURSE Feature

JULY 2010 GI 21 COURSE Feature

There is off; in 2000 became to Gordon McKie, who will be expe- something about the youngest player to complete riencing his first Open as Course an Open played the set of Majors, leaving the rest Manager. over the Old in his wake, and five years later he “I remember doing an Assistant Course. again showed his mastery of the Old Profile for Greenkeeper International I’ve been to six, Course. about 12 years ago and the final and seen some Six Opens, each memorable and question was ‘What do you hope to remarkable golf. each identifying the cream of that be doing in 10 years time?’ I said that Photography courtesy of Back in 1978 I saw Jack Nicklaus particular era’s crop. I wanted to be a Head Greenkeeper or St Andrews Links Trust finally overhaul New Zealander, But I’m only scratching the sur- Course Manager at a top course, but Simon Owen, in the home straight; face of Opens that I’ve been lucky this has exceeded all expectations in ’84, I peered over the wall at the enough to attend. Before my time and it’s a real dream to be in charge 17th as stumbled memorable things were happening for an Open at the best known course and allowed Seve, complete with every time The Open was played on in the world,” said Gordon, who his iconic 18th hole celebration, to my own back yard, with legendary arrived at St Andrews Links from snatch victory; in ’90, names such as JH Taylor, James Tain and spent a number of years was in his pomp and crushed Greg Braid, , Sam Snead, working on other courses within the Norman, and the rest of the field; and Bobby Locke all Links stable before becoming Old five years later, showed emerging triumphant. Course Course Manager three years what a fine golfer he can be, and he As a greenkeeper there can be no ago. didn’t wobble as Costantino Rocca greater privilege than to prepare the Gordon works very closely with holed an amazing Valley of Sin putt Old Course for an Open Champion- another Gordon, Gordon Moir, who on the 72nd green to force a play- ship and this year that honour falls is the St Andrews Links Trust’s

22 GI JULY 2010 COURSE Feature

new back tee that has been built for the 17th – a change to the most famous and challenging hole in all of golf. “It was our idea, back in 2005,” revealed Gordon Moir. “We had our usual de-brief after that Open, looking at what went well, could have done better and what we might do for future Opens. The main criticism in ’05 was the penal rough on the right of 17 mean- ing most players were only hitting a 3 or 4 iron off the tee and I suggested, ‘How about we put a new tee back here and leave the rough on the right cut as semi’. It wasn’t taken up then, but I kept mentioning it and eventually Peter Dawson (R&A Chief Executive) said he was warming to the idea. “I did say we’d need to do

“I remember doing an Assistant Profile for GI about 12 years ago and the final question was ‘What do you hope to be doing in 10 years time?’” Gordon McKie

Director of Greenkeeping. it in the winter of ’08 but it had to surrounds, cutting closer further “I’m more involved with meetings go through the committee process, away from the greens so the ball will with the R&A and working with the while a couple of players were asked roll off more easily and further away grandstand and scoreboard erect- about it at the Dunhill Links Cham- meaning some bunkers, which were ing teams leaving Gordon to get on pionship last year. When they gave previously in the rough, are now with looking after the golf course. their approval to the idea we got the in closely mown areas so that the I’ve also got our other six courses go ahead and it was built last winter,” ball will run into them more easily,” to oversee as well,” said Gordon said Gordon Moir, who believes it said Gordon McKie, who is believed Moir, who, like Gordon McKie has will be the preferred tee unless there to be the first Course Manager to risen up through the ranks at the is a strong easterly wind. have his own Open Blog, which Trust having arrived in Fife from the Other course amendments, he hopes to continue through the north-east of Scotland. introduced since 2005 are less high week of the Championship itself It doesn’t take a crystal ball to profile but will have just as big an - www standrews.org.uk/2010- predict that one of the main talking impact on how the course is played. Open/Blog.aspx points at this year’s Open will be the “We’ve made some changes to the Another area where changes have

JULY 2010 GI 23 COURSE Feature

been made is the 4th hole which had “When I arrived in 1991 we’d just previously involved a blind tee shot started a policy of boxing off the over gorse. clippings on the fairways and it was “They complained about the 4th great because it really firmed up the in ’05,” explained Gordon Moir. fairways and got rid of the worm “We built a new back tee last time casts,” recalled Gordon Moir, who and it was 295 yards to the ridge added that the fairways were actu- beyond which the fairway opens up. ally running faster than the greens But only 10% of the field could carry at the ’05 Open. it, so 90% of the field were complain- “But we got to the stage having ing as they didn’t want to go down done that for 15 years that we were the narrow strip of fairway on the putting nothing back into the fair- right because of the two bunkers in ways by way of nutrient and the were that area, even though the carry on starting to look tired – they weren’t that line is only 200 yards.” even getting the clippings going Gordon McKie added that the back into them – so in consultation fairway short of the ridge had been with Richard Windows, of the STRI, widened and gorse removed from we decided to add a tiny amount of the mound in front of the tee and fertiliser,” said Gordon McKie replaced with whispy fescue so that That policy reaped dividends at players could see the ball land. the turn of this year when the course “We’ve also worked on the bunker was buried under ice for 30 days face angles to increase playability and the courses were closed for a and make them a little fairer.” month. Since taking over the Old Course “I did start to perspire when Peter Gordon McKie has looked to work on Dawson phoned and said he recalled course conditioning and has done a Gleneagles losing all their greens in considerable amount of overseeding similar circumstances about 30 as well as slightly increasing the feed years ago but we took a lot of advice, and water. including posting on the BIGGA “I’ve overseeded all the greens with website, and the best came from a pure fescue six times in each of the guy who looked after Boat of Garten last two years, and twice this year, Golf Club whom I knew. He said that which we can do because the greens he had iced greens year in year out

“It was a great advert for sustainable golf showing that if you have the right sort of grasses you will survive in these extreme (for the UK )conditions” Gordon McKie are so big and we can do part of them and the best thing to do was to let to give it an extra cut or irrigate a at a time,” he said. nature take its course,” explained particular green a little more. It is “I take on board the policy that Gordon McKie, who added that an getting much more scientific and we should manage a course with experiment in aerating through the we are guinea pigs for this as, if minimal fertiliser and minimal ice conducted on one of the other successful, it will be rolled out over water but, at the end of the day, it courses confirmed the waiting was the other Open venues. It’s all about needs something. My philosophy is the best approach. consistency and the playability of that you look after grass the way you When the thaw arrived it showed the golf course. It really is quite excit- look after the human body and we that the fescue and bent had coped ing,” said Gordon McKie. all need food and water… as long as well and that a couple of greens on The Old Course, which has always we get the correct amount we’ll be fit one of the other courses, which had closed every Sunday for a full day’s and healthy. a higher poa content, had suffered to maintenance, closed permanently “What we do is still very minimal. a greater degree. until the Championship on June When I took over the nitrogen input “It was a great advert for sustain- 19 to enable Gordon and his team was about 27 kg/Ha a year and able golf showing that if you have to make the final presentational we’re just sitting on about 30 kg/ the right sort of grasses you will touches but, speaking a month Ha,” said Gordon McKie, who used survive in these extreme (for the UK ) and a half out both Gordons were to be a regular on the BIGGA Open conditions,” said Gordon McKie. extremely relaxed about where they Support Team and was the man This year Richard Windows, and a were, especially as a couple of weeks with the dramatic Jean Van de Velde team from the STRI, will be on course of good weather had brought the match at Carnoustie in 1999. every day producing performance course on a lot. The fairways now had around 10 management data on soil moisture, St Andrews is unique in that they kg/Ha of nitrogen on them in three green speeds etc on behalf of the have an extended team of greenkeep- of the past four years just to keep R&A. ers, which may be unmatched in them healthy following on from a “In the middle of each day we will the world of golf with seven courses policy introduced at St Andrews look at this data and use it to base worth of experience and talent avail- around 20 years ago. our decisions on whether we need able to draw on for The Open.

24 GI JULY 2010 COURSE Feature

“The regular team is 15 strong – a big team, will be to keep large because of the sheer size of the everyone happy during the greens on the Old Course where the week. The younger guys six people who hand cut the greens are beginning to get excited each day each walk seven miles and it’s down to the senior (the shared 5th and 13th green is guys to keep their feet on over half a hectare) – and I can draw the ground,” said Gordon on knowledge of four other Course McKie, who added that Managers as well as Gordon, who it was very much a team was a working greenkeeper, and so effort and that the guys many others. There are guys on our deserve all the plaudits that they team who have done seven Opens. get. The senior guys on my team, deputy, “It will be proud moment for Jon Wood, and my three senior men, me and all of my family when I’m together with me have well over 100 standing beside the Champion at years of experience,” said Gordon the presentation on the Sunday McKie, who has already booked a evening,” he added. holiday and four days in his bed Playing a small part in the Old from the Tuesday after the Champi- Course’s fabled history is a price- onship is over. less honour and both Gordons He will have around 65-70 are delighted to have assisted in greenkeepers working on the course producing what will undoubtedly during Open week with ten cutting be another worthy St Andrews greens. Champion. “We are on the fourth or fifth As for me, I’m sure I will also draft of work schedules but I think add another chapter to my own St one of the main issues, with such Andrews Open memories.

JULY 2010 GI 25 A Qu i c k Gu i d e t o ... SUMMER IRRIGATION

After two wet summers, weather experts are predicting warm, dry conditions this season with some drought in the south. But are you ready to irrigate to keep your course in perfect condition? Robert Jackson shares his top tips for choosing a new system or getting the most from your existing one.

Budget well Effective irrigation is a maintenance the right pressure and flow? With nozzles must, but many clubs persevere with the unpleasant prospect of upgrading or costing on average just £15 per head, problems. They call out Service Engineersreplacing the mains infrastructure to copethis can be a highly cost-effective way of time and again, accruing unnecessary with the additional flows and pressures. improving your system. labour costs as well as causing turf damageDiscuss your needs with a consultant or during hot, dry periods, until it becomes acontractor from the start in order to ‘future- A good system will last real headache. Before you reach breaking proof’ your system. Look out for leaks and point, weigh up the costs of growing annualup to 50 years if properly maintained and burst pipes service bills against budgeting for a new serviced, and should be flexible enough to system.M ore often than not, budgeting foradapt to the changing needs. During a drought, look out for tell tale A few new costs less in the long-term compared signs of leaks and burst pipes. to throwing good money after bad in the Refurbishment or years ago I visited a course suffering from short-term. sprinkler performance issues; when we Replacement? arrived we noticed a green stripe running right down its mainline in stark contrast Maximise efficiency and Refurbishment rather than wholesale to some brown areas – a great indication reduce waste replacement of your irrigation system that there was a problem!One of the best is also an option and can be very ways to establish if you’ve got a burst pipe Investing in a brand new system is by cost-effective. If you experience a decline is to perform a pressure test on the mains. far the best way to maximise efficiency andin performance, or your system is Switch everything off and pressurise reduce waste.A dvanced controllers and approaching the end of its useful life, seek the mains network to see how long the automatic flow management programmesexpert help from a consultant or contractor. pressure lasts in the system. If you have allow you to water in millimetres instead a burst then you’ll see the pressure drop of time.A nd, while nothing beats rainfall, Check your sprinkler quickly. the latest sprinkler and nozzle technology means we’re getting closer to nature in nozzles terms of uniformity and applying water Maintenance checks Sprinkler nozzles are subject to wear, precisely where you want it. so adequate maintenance and periodic Finally, it’s no use investing in a new replacement can bring about a dramatic system or replacing component parts of an ‘Future-proof’ your improvement in the overall efficiency of existing one if you’re not performing proper your system. Because they need to be maintenance. Daily and weekly checks system replaced every few years, manufacturers should be a part of your routine. You The greatest mistake a club can make isare constantly updating and improving should also ask your contractor to carry to stump up the cash for a new system thattheir design and function. This means newout an annual full system check. leaves no room for expansion.A system nozzles will work at the very best flow and designed to irrigate just greens is specified pressure, whereas older nozzles will always and costed accordingly. So if you later become less uniform with age. For more information on Toro Irrigation Products, Did you know that, simply by renewing call distributor Lely UK on 01480 226848/226872 , decide you want to expand this into a tees email [email protected] or visit www.toro.com. and fairways system it will not have the sprinkler nozzles, you can increase the capacity to cope. You’ll then be faced withefficiency of your system by up to 10% at

26 GI JULY 2010 TI0024 Greenkeeper:Layout 1 11/6/10 14:26 Page 1

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JULY 2010 GI 27 The roar of the dandelions

Dr Terry Mabbett asks if the dandelion explosion is the first sign of fall-out from EU pesticide meddling

It is naive to think you can Moreover it generates a huge tion of the Norman French ‘Dente build up a sophisticated pro- seed load throughout spring and de Lion’ (Lion’s teeth) in recognition gramme of chemical pest con- summer carried ‘anywhere and of the sharply toothed margins of trol then dismantle it whole- everywhere’ by the super-efficient, large flat rosette-forming leaves sale without disturbing the wind-energised seed dispersal which together with long robust tap environmental equilibriums mechanism. The fall-out for golf roots make dandelion a formidable created over many decades. courses and greenkeepers could turf weed. Some observers say this is root well be a sky-full of tiny ‘parachutes’ Others say it has less to do with cause of the dandelion ‘explosion’ (pappas’) each carrying a new dan- herbicide restriction and more seen this year and blame EU’s delion plant. to do with the tap root, enabling ongoing onslaught on chemical dandelions to survive exceptionally pesticides across the amenity and Dandelion escapes control cold winters like 2009/2010 and agriculture sectors. gain a growth start over grass and Dandelion is not a dedicated weed It would be ironic if first plant to other plants in spring. This year’s of sports turf, like slender speedwell, escape decades of tight weed man- exceptionally late spring, they so what has this got to do with golf agement should be the ‘dear old claim, aggravated the situation by courses? Indirectly, a lot, because dandelion’, much loved by children delaying amenity grass mowing as well as being a potential weed of for ‘telling the time’ and their grand- and herbicide application. golf greens, tees and fairways, dan- mothers for making dandelion Dandelion tap root is a useful delion is ubiquitous and frequent in flower wine. Weeds don’t come more organ and unusual too in the way farmers’ fields, amenity grassland basic than the dandelion with its it behaves after attempts to dig out in parks and sports fields, on grass nomenclature firmly established in the entire plant and also in what’s verges and waste ground and actu- the Norman Conquest of England. inside. Dandelion tap roots contain ally in hard surfaces. Dandelion is an old English corrup- the unusually found storage poly-

28 GI JULY 2010 L&D Feature

saccharide called inulin instead of Anti-chemical culture profits] for chemical companies to commonly occurring starch. Inulin produce additional data that they is composed of fructose sugar units The undisputed ‘plague’ of dan- may withdraw some of their own instead of glucose sugar units in delions this spring and summer is products. starch. There is some suggestion as much due to the prevailing anti- Some have suggested aminopy- that inulin can act like an ‘anti- chemical culture and the economic ralid herbicide residue in farmyard freeze’ allowing dandelions to slowdown. You don’t have to look far manure reported several years survive exceptionally low tempera- and hard to see how local authori- ago may have affected herbicide tures. ties and other land management application to agricultural grass- Attempts to dig a dandelion out of organisations are forced to cut back land where dandelions thrive in the ground especially without a ded- and economise at the expense of ryegrass pastures. Aminopyralid icated tool invariably leave pieces of amenity grassland management. is a hormone-based herbicide tap root behind which develop into EU’s constant chipping away used by farmers to control deep new plants. Dandelion lacks a true at the list of approved products rooted broad-leaf weeds including stem and its leaves simply sprout on both safety and environmental dandelion, ragwort and thistles in from positions on the taproot. Such grounds is clearly making its mark. pasture. peculiar tap root characteristics Range and depth of pesticide The anti-chemical culture, occur in other members of the plant chemistry available to amenity and created by anti-pesticide lobbies, family Asteraceae (Compositae). agriculture is progressively eroded regards chemicals as a ‘dirty word’ Ragwort behaves in exactly the and restricted by EU withdrawal with ‘brownie points’ to be won by same way after failed attempts to ‘coming out’ against their use. Ame- of specific actives or curtailing the (MAIN PHOTO) There are fears dig out the entire plant and the root way in which others can be used. nity managers and operators are that reduced use of herbicide in the agricultural sector is tubers of Dahlia, a popular garden In addition it is now becoming so becoming increasingly ‘frightened’ adding to current problems with plant, contain inulin. expensive [in relation to potential to use chemicals and ‘everyone’ dandelions

JULY 2010 GI 29 L&D Feature

is scrambling to get on board the The danger from dandelions biocontrol ‘bandwagon’. to closely cut and well groomed Golf courses and greenkeepers sports turf is the rosette of large in particular cannot always hang flat leaves acting as ‘light blockers’ around waiting for the ‘right’ as they cover, smother and shade weather and environmental condi- surrounding turf grass plants. Like tions to arrive to apply biopesticides many other erstwhile agricultural according to label recommenda- and garden weeds that colonise tions. And then wait around some professional turf dandelions have a more while these density dependent versatile habit. Prostrate biotypes, biological control agents start to evolving in response to close regular work. Anyone who thinks otherwise mowing, lay flat on the ground so is out of touch with the practical and that at the leaves and the growing commercial realities of maintaining point, which is situated even lower, pristine golf courses. escape the mower’s blades.

Opportunity knocks for Greenkeepers well armed dandelions Dandelions have a high require- Dandelions are opportunistic ment for potassium and are weeds of turf. Seeds exploit germi- therefore prominent in potassium- nation sites in late summer and rich swards of ryegrass (Lolium early autumn sports turf increas- perenne) and meadow grass (Poa ingly ‘threadbare’ after drought and spp). Switching to a higher bent- heavy wear and tear, germinating grass (Agrostis spp) and fescue quickly when autumn rains and (Festuca spp) composition with a early morning mists start in earnest correspondingly lower requirement during October. Look again in the for potassium keeps dandelions in low light conditions of January and check. you probably won’t see the myriad Physically digging out individual of tiny weed seedlings including dandelions is another option and dandelions ready and waiting to go there are hand-tools dedicated to with the arrival of warmer spring this task. However, it risks more temperatures and longer days. And infestation from pieces of tap root go they will because come spring the left in the soil while the patch of under managed fairway can rapidly bare soil remaining is open to even go from ‘grass green’ to ‘dandelion more weed infestation. yellow’ after a few warm days in Spraying with an appropriate April. selective herbicide will gradually Sheer speed of flowering in dan- kill dandelions allowing turf grass delions is phenomenal with grass plants time to gradually re-colonise verges green one day and yellow any exposed soil. the next. As all accomplished wine Golf courses are still well-armed makers know it is this first rush and against dandelions and other broa- flush of dandelion flowers in April dleaf weeds in turf. Most actives that makes the best wine. Similarly come within the so called ‘hormonal’ all amenity managers, whether they grouping of herbicides because are groundsman, park keepers or their molecular configuration is local authority highway managers, similar to that of naturally occur- should realise that it also sets the ring plant auxins. They selectively scene for seed dispersal and next kill broadleaf weeds like dandelion year’s infestation. And not only for in turf through hyper-stimulation them but everybody else, including of growth to cause weed ‘exhaus- the greenkeeper on the golf course tion’ and death. ‘next door’. This ‘grouping’ includes the ‘old Dandelion is rarely a weed prob- favourites’ 2-4, D and MCPA with lem on well tended golf greens where a 1940’s vintage, mecoprop and traditional tightness of the turf grass dicamba developed the 1960’s and sward will essentially exclude this modern equivalents such as clopy- opportunistic weed. But fairways ralid and fluroxypr first appearing and even tees are a different matter in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Together with un-replaced divots offering an with more recent herbicide active open invitation to dandelions and additions like diflufenican and other ‘like-minded’ weeds. It is not florasulam, with completely dif- uncommon to find otherwise well ferent modes of action, turf on golf looked after tees supporting quite courses is for the moment at least substantial numbers of dandelions, potentially well protected against and other weeds like ragwort and weeds. sowthistle not normally found in Commercial herbicide products fine turf, that have germinated and for selective broadleaf weed control established quickly by taking advan- in managed turf usually contain a tage of soil exposed from ‘teeing off’. mixture of active ingredients ide-

30 GI JULY 2010 L&D Feature

JULY 2010 GI 31 L&D Feature

ally with different modes of action and target species spectrum. This provides more breadth and balance in weed control activity and action. Dandelion is generally recognised as one of the more resilient turf weeds. Together with other ‘hard to kill’ turf weeds, dandelion often requires higher, more frequent or differently timed applications (according to stage of weed plant growth and development) as per recommended on the herbicide product label. Everything may be ‘dandy’ for the control of dandelions and other broad leaf weeds in turf at the moment. However, if the EU continues to Prostrate dandelion biotypes lay flat on fine turf so that Dandelion (top right) is not a dedicated turf squeeze the availability and use of the growing point, leaves and sometimes even the flowers weed like slender speedwell (centre) escape the mower’s blades herbicide actives across the board, meaning less chemical weed control and more weeds in the amenity and agricultural sectors, then the story ten years down the line could be completely different.

Dangerous dandelions

Anyone who thinks the dandelion is not a ‘dangerous’ weed should ask the Japanese how British dan- delion, as an alien invasive weed, is hybridising with their native dandelion. The British dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is more difficult to control than Japanese dandelions (Taraxacum japonicum) (called ‘Kansai tampopo’), and more importantly ‘crosses’ with it to form Dandelion is an opportunistic turf weed, its seeds Turf can quickly go from ‘grass green’ to ‘dandelion yellow’ in April hybrid plants that are essentially exploiting gaps in the sward infertile. Research work in Osaka’s Golden Key Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park showed Sponsors British dandelions were ‘wiping out’ Japanese dandelions, although UK amenity and sports turf managers faced with Japanese Knotweed would probably argue the Japanese had got a better deal. Anyone still not convinced about dandelions need look no further than the UK railway network where a brand new and powerful locomo- tive was recently ‘brought to a halt’ by the dandelion. In May 2010 This year has seen a flush of dandelions especially This is the fall out for greenkeepers from the Silver Key in uncut amenity swards dandelion explosion in the amenity sector Grand Central Trains reported a Sponsors brand new train on only its second run (return trip from Kings Cross to Yorkshire) limping into Halifax Station an hour late because the filters on four of its five engines were clogged with hairy dandelion seed (pappus). Greenkeepers on golf courses alongside railways, and there are many for historical access reasons, beware. Mention of any herbicide active is not a recommendation for its use. This article comes to you courtesy of the BIGGA L&D Users and operators should read Fund. the product label and if in doubt ask Thankyou to our key sponsors the supplier and/or manufacturer. Dandelion taproot can penetrate weathered tarmac A dandelion between ‘a rock and a hard place’

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Practice makes perfect

Two years ago Ransomes A mere point behind were INSET ABOVE: Winning teams (left to right): 1. Ransomes Jacobsen opened its superb the Q Hotels team and BIGGA’s Jacobsen, 2. Q Hotels 3.Warners Results three hole par-3 course in the magazine printer, Warners, who - photographed by BIGGA 1. Ransomes Jacobsen, 83. Membership Assistant and grounds of their headquarters. each scored 82 with the former Happy Snapper, Brad Anderson Andy Campbell, Nick Brown, Last month the Ransomes benefiting from a slightly better Thanks to those who attended... Peter Pattenden, Stefan Jacobsen team clinched inward half. Jones the annual BIGGA Charity This year the Chairman’s 2. Q Hotels, 82 (BIH) Andrew Golf Day at Aldwark Manor, Nominated Charity was Help for Cook, David Norton, Chris with a winning score of 83. Hospices with all profits and Cottam, Dan Greenwood Coincidence? the proceeds from the raffle 3. Warners, 82. Martin I am pretty sure RJ’s Managing going to that extremely worthy Harris, Dave Chapple, Rob Director, David Withers, will have cause. Asperlagh, Kevin Greenfield ensured that his chosen fourball Thank you to all the companies were well honed and peaked for which entered teams in this Nearest the Pin June 14 and that the short game popular annual event, which David Snowden, skills, as displayed by Messrs has been running since 1997, Agronomic Services Campbell, Brown, Pattenden and as well as all those who donated Longest Drive: Jones, were genuine evidence of an prizes for the aforementioned Rob Maxfield, PGA intensively drilled squad. raffle.

34 GI JULY 2010 GOLF DAY

Practice makes picture perfect...

Just a selection of images from BIGGA Golf Day 2010... Photography by Helen Fannan

JULY 2010 GI 35 SPORTS Feature

36 GI JULY 2010 Testing times ahead for Trent Bridge

The England and Pakistan test series begins later this month at Nottingham’s Trent Bridge cricket ground. Jim Cook talks to Head Groundsman, Steve Birks, to find out how things are shaping up

JULY 2010 GI 37 Feature

Trent Bridge cricket ground in central ‘square’ and of these, five are “We normally plan a year in Nottingham is widely regarded used as television pitches because advance; we use the same wicket as one of the finest of the of their centrality in the ground as every year for the tests so we’ll find sport’s venues in the world and a whole. Several pitches either side out what test matches we’ve got. from July 29 it will host the of these are used for net practice. In We played the World Cup on it last first test of the series between the middle, clay accounts for 30% year, so after that game we seeded England and Pakistan. With all of the surface and because of the it all up, scarified it out and got it eyes and cameras focussed on punishment taken during a match, all ready for this year. Checked it in the pitch, Head Groundsman the used wicket is re-seeded after September again for all the levels Steve Birks gives an insight every game. The outfield is built up and then top dress any little hollows into the preparation involved of Lolium perenne, with a hint of out and then do the pre-season roll to create a world class test Poa annua. on it leading up to the game. We wicket. Due to the preparation needed start about fifteen days before by At Trent Bridge there are twelve for an international test match, trimming it out and then watering it wickets for first-class cricket in the Steve begins planning early. and away we go.”

38 GI JULY 2010 SPORTS Feature

“If England come and win then it’s a bonus but you just try for the best pitch out there. The real troubles are from the commentators who are looking at it. Everyone will have their say, but as long as it can last four days and you can get a result at the end everybody is happy usually”

the ground. Every blade of grass has to be spot on, with every angle covered. Plus, it puts a bit more pressure on because we’ve got five television wickets in the centre of the ground, so the more cricket we have on television, the more they have to replay on these five pitches. They look old and tired sometimes if you play maybe about four games on them. For the 20/20 matches we also have to think about marketing because you have the executive boxes behind the stands so that dictates which pitches we will use. Steve is never pressured into happened in between, but you have There are certain boxes they want producing a wicket to suit the home to take it both ways; the criticism to sell so we’re taking a lot more into team. and the positive.” account with marketing, the cricket “You just try and produce the With the media, executives and manager and everybody else. We best possible pitch. If England sponsors looking on, Steve is well normally get on well; as long as come and win then it’s a bonus but aware that his work is being scru- we’re pulling in the same direction you just try for the best pitch out tinised from all angles. we’re happy because that’s the big there. The real troubles are from “They have loads of cameras thing.” the commentators who are looking now. When Sky first started they And although planning as a team at it. Everyone will have their say, had about five cameras, now for is important, it can also have its but as long as it can last four days a test match they will have about limitations. and you can get a result at the end twenty. One guy walking around “At the beginning of the season everybody is happy usually. People with the roaming camera, one as we do a plan of the pitches. I have listen to what the commentators the players come out of the pavilion, the say normally. We show it to the say and they don’t know what’s one on a crane and others around cricket manager, he has a quick

JULY 2010 GI 39 Feature

look, we show it to marketing and Preparing a cricket wicket, while they have a look, and we sometimes similar in some areas to preparing “The outfield is built up in a tinkle things about. But the problem a golf course is also vastly different similar way to golf greens but with plans is that you could have all in others. the plans in the world but then you “You need a good base to start the square in the middle is 30% get one cricketer who slides on the with, with some decent grass on it clay, so is completely different to pitch because nowadays they slide and all you do is scarify it out then all over the place. They can take a give it a good water. We normally prepare. Like golf greens, every divot out and that pitch might be have a screwdriver that we push in wicket is different and will have out for a couple of weeks while we to about six inches to check mois- re-seed it up, so you’ve got to take ture, and then we will start rolling it its own characteristics” that into account.” out. Then it is just a case of keeping Steve believes that regular inter- an eye on it. If you get the sunshine actions with turf professionals from out it helps a lot. Steve sees similarities between other sports can only be beneficial. When you’re rolling it with a his job and that of the Course “I go over to Notts County FC and two tonne roller, you’re pulling the Manager of The Open or Ryder Cup talk to the Stadium Manager, Greg water up. All the moisture is coming venue. Smith, and Mark from Rigby Taylor, out then you compact it down. So “They are very similar jobs, but who used to be Head Groundsman you’ve spent all winter growing the ours is obviously a lot smaller. at Derby County FC’s Pride Park, grass and then you kill it off by put- You’ve still got the world looking at so we often have a chat with people ting the two tonne roller on it. When you and you want everything spot like that. I think it can really help all the moisture is out of the pitch, on, that’s the key. You’ve got the with different ideas especially now we stop rolling. We shave our wick- pressure of people looking and with with the grow lights. Football has ets down to 5mm. The first cut on cricket it’s such a fine balance of been using them for quite a while the wicket would be about 12mm, getting it right or wrong. now and they are just beginning then down to 8mm, then keep it at “There is such a fine line of getting to come into cricket as well. If you 8mm for five or six days and then it overcooked, especially if you are come into a cloudy day and you cut it down to match height about dealing with clay, that’s the difficult want to dry your pitch off you would three or four days before the match, thing. With cricket the line is so fine. think about putting them on to help which is 5mm.” The outfield is built up in a similar dry it out a bit. And maybe pitches After a game it takes around three way to golf greens but the square in that have just been played on to get months to have the wicket back in a the middle is 30% clay, so is com- the grass back more quickly.” playable condition. pletely different to prepare. Like golf

40 GI JULY 2010 SPORTS Feature

greens every wicket is different and the field. Lords had the first, Old “We had a test match a few years will have its own characteristics.” Trafford had the second and we ago where, leading up to it, nothing The club installed a new outfield had the third. There are a lot of dried for ten days. We had cloudy last spring at a cost of £600,000 people getting them now though, weather and the paths around and has proven a success so far. because they are that good. It’s one the ground were still wet from the “It takes about 25 mm of heavy big machine that covers the whole morning dew seven days later. rain an hour. It’s been down just square.” Nothing dried, but the day before over fourteen months and it’s work- Although the Hover Cover is the match everything changed, the ing very well, it looks very good and ideal for regulating the amount of wind got up, the sun came out and we’re very pleased with it. It does moisture in a pitch, other elements we managed to dry it off. You need take a lot more looking after though. bring different issues. a bit of luck in life and that game A lot more watering, a lot more feed, “You need the right weather at we had a bit of luck. It wasn’t the but it’s in great condition. Drains the right time. You need the sun quickest pitch but it did its job.” are five metres apart, with gravel to come out at the right time and it banding diagonal to them and it doesn’t want to be too windy when soaks everything up lovely.” you’ve just finished watering. The Despite the pressure of scrutiny, wind is the worst because it dries the one thing that causes the most the top out without the underneath problems for Steve is the natural drying out. Although one pitch may environment. be coming along nicely, the prob- “The weather gives me the most lem is that I have four more pitches sleepless nights. Well it used to, but at different stages, so you’ve got to now we’ve got the Hover cover it’s keep an eye on them all. not so bad.” “It is like trying to bake a cake, The Hover Cover has made life with five different types of cakes in a great deal easier for sports turf the oven so it can be difficult. It’s professionals involved in cricket all about balancing and prioritis- and its practicalities are obvious ing and covering some up with the to see. sheets just to keep a bit of moisture “It’s on or off in seconds. You’ve in there.” got sheets that are 120 ft at either And sometimes, even with the side and it’s on there before the best possible preparation and hard players have had time to walk off work, a bit of luck can help.

JULY 2010 GI 41 James de Havilland takes a closer look at the intricacies of current machinery The anatomy of... New Holland T4000 Series tractors with SuperSteer

A tight turn, maybe, but how clean on fine turf? As tractors employed on fine turf grow in power and physical size, it is inevitable that there are downsides. Increased weight is one and the damage a big tractor can inflict on turf another. Is the New Holland SuperSteer™ system at least a partial solution?

Seen from above, this early promotion shot of a New Holland TNF orchard tractor clearly shows the advantage of SuperSteer. T4000 series models are developed from the TN series and are now offered with factory fit Trelleborg low ground pressure tyres.

42 GI JULY 2010 Step-by-step Analysis... New Holland T4000 Series tractors with SuperSteer

SuperSteer on the right has a pronounced effect on the agility of the tractor but the front tyres retain relatively flat contact with the ground, even at full lock.

At the tail end of 1997, New in the process. But in brief, the TNF Holland launched the TNF spawned a whole new family of orchard tractor series in the tractors which essentially became UK. Offered in power variants known as the TND/S, with stan- of a nominal 65, 75 and 95hp, dard and SuperSteer models. Fast the TNF series could well have forward to 2010, and the TN series slipped by unnoticed. has now evolved into the T4000 But the tractor had some range. These are offered in nominal standout features. These included 65hp, 78hp, 86hp and 97hp ver- a purpose built cab with air con- sions, with SuperSteer remaining ditioning, electronic rear linkage a unique New Holland specification control, compact dimensions and offering. a relatively ‘light’ all up weight of So what is SuperSteer and is it around 2,850 kg including fuel and just about a tight turn? driver. But the real headline grab- The SuperSteer idea came from Pictured on a lower powered Boomer compact tractor, SuperSteer is now a widely available feature on New Holland tractors. Note axle movement across the front of the tractor. ber was its SuperSteer front axle. the design of the Canadian Rockies Without brakes, this gave a TNF railway wagons where the bogies tractor a turn radius of just 3.3m. were designed to swing the body By mid-1998, the tractor special- away from the cliff face on tight ists at New Holland had been work- bends. In 1994 SuperSteer was ing away to find a far wider market originally conceived for what used for the TNF series, its ‘orchard’ to be Ford 70 and Fiat G Series from designation quietly sliding in the 170 to 240hp series tractors. The UK. It was realised these tractors aim was to allow these big tractors were well suited to other duties to turn tightly in agricultural row to include grounds maintenance, crop work, reducing the size of greens work and general amenity headlands and thus increase crop duties. It did not take long for the growing area. The system worked TNF to become a strong seller in so well it was ‘scaled down’, finding these sectors. its way onto the TNF and subse- At this point it is all too easy to quently virtually all tractor series go into a bit of product history and in what is now the New Holland Viewed at full lock from above, note how the front wheel remains ‘flat’ at full lock. This is claimed by New Holland to help SuperSteer deliver a clean turn on fine turf. development and confuse the issue product line.

JULY 2010 GI 43 The anatomy of...

But all SuperSteer systems appear to offer not just a tighter wheel drive T4000 may actually not are not the same. On the TNF the turn but a cleaner one too. be an issue in the real world. As an system was linked to an extremely There are other details regard- aside, SuperSteer tractors are well advanced traction management ing SuperSteer and traction suited to working front mounted system that not only ensured management. These are outlined PTO driven mowers; maximum optimum stability in steep terrain separately. front hydraulic lift capacity at the but also ensured the front wheels OK, so it’s manoeuvrable. But link ends is 1,275kgs. were free to turn in a tight turn with how heavy is a T4000 SuperSteer no drive once a fixed steering angle tractor? Summary was passed. More on this later, but If you take a peek at the spec it is a key New Holland argument sheet for a T4000 tractor, you will New Holland SuperSteer is avail- that a SuperSteer axle is less likely see a ROPS SuperSteer model will able on tractors developing from 45 to mark the turf in a tight turn than weigh in at up to 2,700kg, fuelled up to 250hp. a conventional four- or two-wheel and with the operator. Cab models On New Holland Boomer drive axle. are around 250kg heavier. Spread compact tractors the Sensitrak™ On T4000 tractors, the front this load across four good turf tyres, control system that looks after the wheels on SuperSteer have a 76° and the tractor’s foot print should driveline is not as advanced as it is turn angle. To put this into context, be reasonable. But, of course the on the T4000; you have to manually a 55° turn angle is considered good key to minimum compaction on a engage two- or four-wheel drive, on a conventional driven front axle. T4000 is in the type of turf tyre and with drive to the front axle mechani- Two-wheel drive tractors have a yet its inflation pressure. cally de-coupling when the steering tighter turn angle, but still not as From the softest Galaxy “turf angle exceeds two-thirds lock. tight as SuperSteer. special” to the Nokian TRI 2 and But in all cases the SuperSteer This tight angle is achieved by Trelleborg T404 radials, which axle option enables tight turns to be turning the wheel hubs through can be used as low as 6 to 10psi, made with a reduced risk of mark- 55° and swinging the axle in the the ground pressure range will be ing the turf. direction of the turn by 21°. Look approximately within 1psi of its As to the T4000 as a tractor, it at SuperSteer in action, and you inflation pressure. Considering comes in a variety of specifications can see the axle move across the a person pushing a hand mower with a choice of mechanical trans- front of the tractor as it turns. This across the greens is reckoned to missions. These start with 16x16 is achieved without extra rams, exert approx 10psi through their Shuttle Command 30/40kph the rear pivot mount system of shoes, that is not bad. offering, topping out with a 44x16 SuperSteer simply allowing the axle What is often overlooked, how- Dual Command with creep speed beam to move over as more lock is ever, is front ballast. When working options. You can also choose between applied. with mounted kit it follows that you mechanical or electronic rear linkage It is this lateral movement that will typically need to put on some control, higher capacity MegaFlow™ helps to prevent the edge of the weight at the front of the tractor to hydraulics (100 lpm total flow) and... front tyres ‘biting’ into the ground prevent it being too light over the well the list goes on. surface, New Holland not need- front. One option, however, that really ing to add a camber to the hub With T4000 SuperSteer, however, does seem to be worth looking at to enable the wheels to clear the the tractor has a 400mm longer is SuperSteer. It is only offered body of the tractor as the lock is wheelbase than its conventional on New Holland models and it is increased. This is further helped by four-wheel drive alternative. one that has seen many a TNF/S the forward mounting of the axle, This extra length has a noticelbe tractor employed on golf courses more of which later. impact upon the stability of the and in amenity and groundscare Another issue is that a conven- tractor with a heavy load on the applications over the years. tional front four-wheel drive axle rear linkage. In many cases, you If you need clean, tight turns, operates with a lead of 1-6 %; in may not need front weights. So the SuperSteer is certainly worth a other words the front wheels will 240kg weight you save on a two- look. turn up to 6% faster than those at the rear. When working on turf in four-wheel drive this lead can New Holland Trophy Cabinet cause the front wheels to grab the turf, resulting in surface damage. The New Holland Super Steer and Auto 4WD system have won many awards for technical To prevent this, operators should innovation and satisfied users from Machinery judges at Shows and exhibitions around the always avoid engaging drive to the world. front axle. T4000 SuperSteer tractors have • Sitevi - Supersteer & Auto 4WD system...... 1997 - TNF zero lead. So the tractor can be left in • EMIA Supersteer & Auto 4WD system...... 1997 - TNF four-wheel drive. Big deal? Well on • SIMA - Supersteer & Auto 4WD system...... 1998 - TNF a flat surface yes. But on turf that • Agritechnica Show “Tractor of the Year”...... 1998 - TNF is slippery and on a slope, all-wheel • FIMA - Saragoza-Supersteer & Auto 4WD System...... 1998 - TNF drive can help reduce the chance of • AGRIBEX - Auto 4WD System...... 1998 - TNF surface damaging wheel slip. • Royal Highland Show Supersteer & Auto 4WD system...... TNS/TNF So does SuperSteer work? If you • Royal Agricultural Society of England, RASE G/70series...... 1998 compare the turn tracks made • ASAE (North America)Technical Innovation...... 1999 - TNF between a conventional four-wheel • Royal Agricultural Society of England, RASE...... 2000 Silver drive New Holland T4000 with its Supersteer & Auto 4WD system front axle, TNF- TNS ...... medal 55° turn angle and a SuperSteer • Lincolnshire Agricultural Society - ...... 2000 - TNS alternative, you will see the latter Supersteer & Auto 4WD system actually leaves far less of an impres- • Royal Welsh Agricultural Society - ...... 2000- TNS sion. So yes, SuperSteer does Supersteer & Auto 4WD system

44 GI JULY 2010 New Holland offers its T4000 series tractors with a conventional driven front axle, SuperSteer variants having a longer wheelbase which in SuperSteer and Traction Management turn could mean less ballast would be needed up front.

Standard equipment on the T4000 Super engaged even if the steering exceeds 50°. Steer tractors is an automatic four-wheel drive • if the slip exceeds 30%, and the forward control system which is the default mode when speed is less than 15 kph, four-wheel drive will the driver switches on the ignition. Although be engaged even if the steering exceeds 50°. there is also a manual override switch for • if the tractor is being pushed down a slope permanent 2wd or 4wd mode, the operator with a gradient greater than 10% by a loaded can in effect just let the tractor manage the trailer, the rear wheels may break traction. This system. The system employs a microprocessor will cause the front wheels to speed up in rela- to monitor axle speeds and gradient to engage tion to the rear. When this difference in speed the four-wheel drive system and engages only reaches 15%, four-wheel drive will be engaged. when:- When level ground is reached four-wheel drive • slip on the rear wheels exceeds 5%. The will disengage. system engages the four-wheel drive clutch • above 15 kph four-wheel drive will be at speeds up to 15 kph. When slip reduces temporarily disengaged. four-wheel drive will disengage. When both brake pedals are pressed • if the steering angle is below 50° and the together, four-wheel drive is engaged to provide slip is above 5%, the four-wheel drive will stay four wheel braking.

JULY 2010 GI 45 Section Notes Please email your notes to [email protected] by the 5th of the month All the latest news from your Section Around The Green

Belt was retired in 1870 when Newtonmore to Brora, watch out may be of interest to the Sec- Scottish Region Young Tom Morris won it three for someone in a wide wheeled tion’s membership. Something consecutive times. It was then hospital wheelchair on your that we might not have covered replaced with what was called course. over the last few years , then The Golf Champion Trophy... Andy O Hara is also recovery why don’t you give me a call with Better known today as the well from his recent argument some ideas and our committee . I myself have been with a golf ball. Apparently his will look at possibly adding to our lucky enough to be part of the nose in now straighter than winter programme of events. BIGGA Support Team this year. ever but there is no truth in the Central Section are organising Ayrshire I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for rumour than he has changed a course walk on June 23 run any news worth writing about in his football alliance just because by Gordon McKie and Gordon Hi to you all. As I write to you next month’s mag! it has been a lovely colour of red Moir .... around “St Andrews Old I have some serious sunburn... Please do not hesitate to con- and blue for the last few weeks! Course” venue of The Open Golf I’ve certainly forgotten how hot tact me about any news within Regards Championship, by the time you the sun can be. Haven’t seen it our Section. Thanks. Gordon Moir read this all the greenkeepers in that long! Remember to put Until next time. attending will have seen the hard the sun block on and wear a John A Mair East work that Gordon and his team cap if possible... especially those 07500874449 have put into the preparing the short on top! [email protected] Old Course for the biggest golf Hope all your courses are show on earth. coming along. I’m sure it’s a I for one will be glued to the grass factory out there now! screen every chance that I get. I’ve had the water on my Tom Murray 07709960163 greens every day during this dry spell, by hand of course. Growth has started to jump now Summer’s Here! so hopefully the weather can Well, what a change to the even itself out a bit and let us Central weather.... Temps hitting the catch up on the cutting side of high 70s... Watering systems to There was a disappointing things. Big changes have been the ready, grass growing again, turnout for the seminar on made here at The Dumfriesshire poa seed heads slowing up Nitrogen fixing bacteria on Golf Centre since the outing we greens. Are we ever happy? North May 19 by William Murphy but had here a couple of years ago... A good turnout for the pest those who did attend heard a I start this month off with yet should get yourself down for a control days that were run back very interesting and educational another apology, the notes for game sometime, Be good to see in the month of May at Ratho presentation and our thanks to last month were not in. I will some faces from the Section. Park. All who attended enjoyed William, of Terralift, and Blair pass the blame over to BIGGA I don’t know what they put the hands on training by Pest Young, of Aitkens, for making again as they were sent away in in the water in Ayrshire but Control Officer, Harry Lawrie. their time available for us. There plenty of time ready for the June there’s another congratulations We should have no moles was a much bigger crowd on the issue. Anyway some of the news for Andrew Donnelly, Thistle popping-up on our golf courses course walk of the Old Course that you will read in this month Groundcare, and his partner, now after Harry showing us on June 23, with over 50 green- will probably be a bit old but hey Lynn. They too are expecting a some good tips on how to catch keepers in attendance with ho. I have put some of June’s visit from the stork - family car them. We kindly thank Mike many BIGGA members from notes in this month’s, as I feel needed now Andrew. The Sec- Dooner, of Thorntree Amenity Sections outwith the Central they were quite important. tion wishes you both all the best Ltd, for the sponsorship of the one also coming along. I begin on a sad note with for the future! training days. I hope those people who took the passing away of Sandy Was good to see Mike Dooner, We can run more of these the time to listen to Gordon Gammack, Head Mechanic at Thorntrees Amenity, receiving pest control short training days, McKie and me explain the Newmachar Golf Club. He was a rep of the month in last month’s if required during the winter preparations for the Open well respected mechanic within magazine... keep up the good months when things slow down Championship enjoyable. the greenkeeping community in work, Mike! on our golf courses. By all accounts Derek Scott the North East. There was never As you receive this month’s The committee are presently is making a good recovery from a dull moment in the sheds issue The Open will have been trying to put together a winter his recent illness. Although he at Newmachar, what with his contested... it’s been decided programme for the East Section. is still off work he has (allegedly) singing, cursing and banging that the winner this year will be Events such as lectures, talks, been spotted on the golf course hammers off anything that presented with the Champions’ site visits, hands-on workshops at Slaley Hall and is currently got in his way. Sandy had the to celebrate etc. All these things take time convalescing in the Highlands knack of stripping machinery the 150th anniversary of the to put together. If any member so all those greenkeepers from down to its very last nut and bolt Championship. The Challenge would like to see something that

46 GI JULY 2010 and then from memory would Williams, Head Greenkeeper at can get hold of me either on Blackwell Grange, and Adrian rebuild it to his high standard. Inverurie GC. He got married 07813889374 or on tinternet, Guiry, from Millbrook, some- If you ever came into the sheds back on June 5. Well Done [email protected]. where in ! If any with one of the machines on full Brian and hope the day went by Ben Brookes of you members read the free revs he would charge out of his without a hitch. Murcar Links magazine called Golf North East workshop and you just knew he Finally, you will be pleased (June issue) turn to page 11 was heading for you to switch it to know that I have the Section and see their signature hole the off. He was everyone’s pal and outing results from Deeside Northern Region 13th from the back tee can only always had time for you. He Golf Club on May 20. What a think of one word to describe would come and tell you jokes... scorcher of a day we had. The it “Awesome”. Most likely will some funny, some not so funny. Secretary and the Scottish call it something else if I get the His funeral took place in early Chairman had to invest heavily chance to play it. May and was so well attended. in factor 50 sunscreen, in fact Right then more news on the Lads who had previously worked come to think of it there were membership we have three new at Newmachar were there to quite a few guys there who would members, firstly David Thomp- pay their respects. Even Funky of had to get some, mentioning Northern son, who has been at Matfen Hall Dunky Adams, who no one no names. We had a great turn for the last eight years and who had heard from since leaving out too which makes it alot more Hello everyone hope you are has moved to Hexham; Ryan the trade, turned up. He hasn’t competitive. all well after our first glimpse of Blemmings, who has started at changed. Cough Cough Splut- The results are as follows: summer. I am sat here writing Consitt, and Stuart West, who ter Splutter! Greenkeepers and Nearest the Pin 1st. Stuart Clay- this article looking out on a dull has started at Bedlingonshire. Trade from all over the North ton; Nearest the Pin 14th. Simon grey June day, but on the plus No doubt Martin will have him East turned up too. On behalf of Hoy; Nearest the Pin 16th. side we did need the rain. As transferred to the Cleveland the Section I would like to send Andrew Baillie; Guest Winner. usual I do not have any news or Section in due cause. Don’t do it, Stuart, we need all the members condolences to Norma, his wife Graham Leslie; Trade Winner. gossip to report, so please if you we can get at our golf dos. and all of his family. Jim Smith; Committee Winner. have any please get in touch. If Now, that’s the incomings how On to other news now, I would Ben Brookes; Veterans. 1. Jim anyone would like to play in the about the outgoings. Recently i like to wish Steve Sullivan, of McCormack; 2. John Geddes; annual Northern Section v the got an e-mail from Steve Quince, Craigie Hill GC, all the best for Apprentice Trophy. Andrew Sheffield Section on Wed, July who’s been working at Parklands a quick recovery following his Scott Class 3. 1. Mike Braid- 14 at Woolley Park please let me for a few years, telling me that recent health scare and hope he wood; 2. Niall Bruce; 3. Les Rae; know. We do need a team of 12 he had moved to Tyifjord GC, makes a speedy return to his Class 2. 1. Paul Shark; 2. Ben players. That’s all for this month. in , as a Deputy Head work. Brookes; 3. Jim McCormack; As usual if you have any news Greenkeeper. Thought it was The annual trades competi- Class 1. 1. Bob Hardie; 2. contact me Frank Stewart, 72 a nice gesture to let me know tion has been and gone at Hazel- Neil Kidd; 3. George Paterson; West Park Grove, Roundhay,LS8 Scratch. 1. Gary Tough 2. instead of coming via the reps. head GC again. George Mitchell 2DY. Phone, 07947401278. has asked me to put the feelers Kevin Thomson. Think that’s all about movement E.Mail frankstewart3@hotmail. out for next year’s competition The 200 Club winners on the if anyone knows of any others co.uk already. It is a scratch competi- day were - Gordon Peebles, of please let me know I have heard Frank Stewart tion and he is looking for low Tacit. He was lucky enough to about another but until I get handicap greenies. If you think win two £30 prizes, Christine confirmation about that subject you have what it takes to play McKenzie, £30, and Donald then I will tell you about it. in the trades then give George Patience with the £100 top prize. That’s all for this month. Hope a shout on 07704851429. You Well done. to have some news for you soon could text him your details and The three qualifiers for the otherwise I will have to write George assures me that he will Norrie Whittock Trophy, in about my holidays. call you back or he might just let August, are Robert Hardie, Paul Jimmy Richardson it ring once so you call him back! Sharpand and Mike Braidwood. North East Only joking George. Both teams They will contacted by Dale as to didn’t do too well this year so when in August the competition Hello all in the North East they will be looking to improve is played. Section. What news can I bring on the second round. A big thank you to everyone you this month? Well there’s not Congratulations to Brian who supported the Section on a lot of news going around at the Hunter, from McDonald GC, the day. It was a fantastic turn- moment, it’s this time of the year Ellon. He has been selected to out, one of the best we’ve ever that is hard to write as everyone Sheffield be part of the BIGGA Open Sup- had. With 65 people playing and are usually flat out grafting but port Team at St. Andrews this three non playing it was a very I do have some, mostly about Hello members. year. I know he has tried before busy day. The other Sections people moving around. Hopefully you are all keeping in the past and hadn’t been suc- will be envious. Well let’s have a look at my well and the Summer is going as cessful, so this will make an old That’s all folks for this month, memos as see Close House have planned so far. As I write these man very happy at last. once again apologies for last recruited two more staff, these notes we have just had a glorious Congatulations also to Brian month’s news. As usual you been James Parker, formerly of period of weather which I’m sure

01788 568818

170MM X 30MM

JULY 2010 GI 47 Around The Green will have helped everyone get Longest Drive Simon Barker already have taken place at The results of the day; Best their courses in tip top shape. A special mention must go Stocks Golf Club and a report Gross: Ed Stant. Nett: 1. Ed Hopefully having said this I out to Billy Merritt, who could will follow next month. We Stant. 2. John Ganley. 3. Paul won’t put a jinx on the weather not be beaten on his Nearest the then visit Berkhamsted GC, Jeffries. Divisions: 1. Steve (fingers crossed). Pin shot as he hit a hole-in-one, on October 20, for the Autumn Scott. 2. Steve Thompson. Our Annual competition will Congratulations Billy.. Tournament. Ashridge GC for 3. Clint Woodall. Trade: Paul be held at Hillsborough GC on Not much else to report this the Turkey Trot in December Tanner/Crocodile. Both Ed and July 7. It would be nice to see as month, hope the weather is kind date TBC. John qualify for the National many of you there as possible. to you all, Please let me know if you have Championship, sponsored There will also be the unveiling Cheers any requirements for training by Kubota and Charterhouse, of our Spring/Summer 2010 Peter McVicar courses such as Chemical paid for by both the Section clothing range or the polo shirts [email protected] Spraying, Chainsaw Certificates and Region. Good luck in that we have had made up! We or anything else you might be gentlemen. I wonder, did our received a delivery of the shirts (07885347818) interested in. There is some Chair change the holes by any recently and they will be avail- funding available and we are chance? Nearest the Pins were able to members for a small fee. Midland Region looking to organise courses in won by: A. Jones, D. Croton, L. If anyone has is interested in the near future. Swann, S. Scott. Our thanks to snapping up one of these shirts That’s all folks Sherriff Amenity, British Seed then please don’t hesitate in Craig Spooner Houses and Whitemoss for their contacting me. craig.spooner@limagrain. sponsorship. We must also not Our Annual match against co.uk forget to mention our old friends the Northern Section will be held Russ and Kev, from Turners, for on July 14, at Woolley Park. We sustenance around the course. will be putting our team together Mid-Anglia The Summer event is to be shortly and members may be held at Edgbaston Golf Club on contacted to see if they are The spring competition, July 19 with a start time of 2pm interested in representing the the qualifier for the National at a cost of £25. While the official Section. If anyone does fancy a Championship, sponsored by closing date has gone if you game then once again feel free to Kubota and Charterhouse, was Midland speak nicely to Gary Cunning- contact me or our Competition held at Bedford and County ham on 07780 953 764 he will Secretary to ask for details. GC on Tuesday May 18 and the Well who was it then who get you in, I’m sure. Our thanks Unfortunately I don’t have weather was just perfect. Despite broke the world speed record to Edgbaston for its continued much more this month, all i can clashing with another golf day, on a mower with a speed of support over many a decade. say is that hopefully when you around 30 golfers contested the 86 miles per hour? Must have This month’s calendar page read this England are preparing event which was generously been a weekend morning when is sponsored by the delicious for the final of the World Cup. sponsored by Darren Mugford, mowing the greens, or should (I love cheese) Tony Cheese/ COME ON ENGLAND. of Rigby Taylor. Thanks very that be speed rolling, them! Rigby Taylor. Please consider James Stevens much, Darren, it was very much The Greenkeepers vs. the him/them for your fertiliser, Section Secretary appreciated. President’s team from Hands- pesticides and other related 07738719614 In first place was P. Martin worth Golf Club took place on products: t.cheese@rigbytalor. [email protected] with 36 points and also Nearest Tuesday, May 11. The course com or phone 07778 665506 the Pin. Second was C. Garnett, was presented beautifully as For those requiring closing also with 36 points, but just always by the Course Manager, dates for the Scotts Doubles missing out on countback. And John Hughes and his team. The please see the Section’s web in third was J. Smith on 35 President’s team, Captained by page as such should be posted points and also winning Longest Ted Mason, won by 6.5 to 1.5 for there. Drive. So the top three cleared the first time since 2006. Thanks Our new Education coordina- up between them. Trade prize to the Greenkeepers team for tor, Kim Blake, can be contacted North West was won by your’s truly. their continued support of this on; Email: kimfulfordheath@ Congratulations to Geoff Fenn great event which has been run- hotmail.co.uk or Mobile: 07540 Well now we are halfway and his team for presenting the ning for over 50 years, and of 771 924. The first of Kim’s “Edu- through the summer and course in such fantastic condi- course thanks to Handsworth cation and Networking Meeting looking forward to the next golf tion. Given the late spring that GC for hosting this long-running was held at Fulford Heath on day at Blackpool North Shore we have had, it can’t have been wonderful traditional match. May 18. The event was attended on July 7. There is still time to easy to get the course in such The first tournament of the by many and all enjoyed the book a tee-time, with Phil Dew- good condition. And also well year (unsurprisingly called demonstrations of both the new hurst. He can be contacted on: done to Geoff for completing the Spring) event was held at Tren- Eclipse 322 Triple Mower and 07768180604. London Marathon in just over tham Golf Club on Monday, May the instant variable rate setting The Spring tournament was three and a half hours - excel- 17. Our thanks to Trentham Turfco Top dresser. well attended and a big thank lent going. and its Captain, Neil Sadler, for The next meeting is to be held you must go out to our spon- Our sincerest thanks also to allowing us to play such at such at South Staffs GC, on August sors, Cheshire Turf, Bathgate, Bedford and County Golf Club a prestigious course. I have it on 24, where the new Vertigo verti- Campeys, Tacit, Osprey Water for not only entertaining us so good authority that the course cal drainage system will be in Management and Acorn Golf superbly, the meal was fantas- was excellently presented as by operation on Rhys’s greens. Equipment. The results were tic, but for allowing us to hold the Course Manager, Ed Stant, Apparently this system bores a as follows: 1. Eddie Ainsworth; our competition there at such and his obviously super team. hole of 50mm to a depth up to 2. John McLauchlin; 3. Craig short notice. It was really most Well done to you all. The main five metres. Sounds interesting Morris; 4. Kevin Sweeney. The generous and I know that all the prize table was sponsored by to me, but for further informa- vets prize was won by Jim participants were very apprecia- Farmura www.farmura.com tion please contact Kim on the Grainger. The guest prize was tive. Well done. please consider them for your above or Rhys, or visit the Sec- won by Gary Potter By the time you read this, liquid fertiliser needs etc. It may tion’s website. Nearest the Pin. Billy Merritt. the Summer Tournament will stink but it works, au natural. Sean McDade

48 GI JULY 2010 Around The Green

The Summer Medal Tourna- list of mouth watering fixtures. his guest, Colin Snell, who came ment will become the qualifier Firstly, to the weather, as I out winners on the day with a for the National Championship, write this we have just come out score of 43 points. sponsored by Kubota and Char- of an extremely cold and slow We have got some exciting fix- terhouse, and be hosted by Matt spring and have been propelled tures ahead of us this year and Nutter, on August 26, at East straight into a drought! Who’d be would welcome as many people Berks GC with best gross and a greenkeeper? I never thought as possible attending them. BB&O best nett going on to represent I’d ever be glued to Countryfile’s The confirmed fixtures are as the Section at the National weather for the week ahead follows: Summer Tournament; Sand martins are the smallest Championship, which this year hoping for rain ever again after Lyme Regis Golf Club, June 23, European hirundines (martins will be held at The Berkshire the last few years. Good old Race night; Lansdown Race- and swallows), with dark brown GC. Britain. course, August 21, Autumn upper parts and dark under Congratulations to the Our last golf day saw the Tournament & AGM; Worlebury wings contrasting with other- Dominic Lewis family with a re-introduction of our Green- Golf Club, October 14 and the wise pale under parts divided new addition to the clan. Robin keeper/Amateur Tournament Christmas Tournament; Lans- by a distinctive dark chest bar. Grace weighed in 7 pounds 15 back in April. We had expe- down Golf Club, December 16. These Agile fliers can be seen on ounces and I understand that rienced 29 days without any We have also got a match against occasion perching themselves Dominic and Granddad, Ted, sign of rain through the month our friends from South Wales in and around the Sandmartins are coping well under stress and until we turned up to play. The in August (date TBC) so don’t Golf Course, in Berkshire, even doing just fine. destination for this event was forget to get in touch with our though numbers are on the Finally, apologies for the Woodlands Golf Club in Bristol. Section Captain Wayne Vincent decline, Ben Edwards has man- lack of section news in the The course was in fantastic and make yourself available for aged to re-shape some of the magazine, I can assure you all condition and was a credit to the selection. natural habitat in and around I have charged my ink well and Green staff. The course turned I know that we as Greenkeep- the walls of the sand banks and sharpened my quill and hope to out to be a great little track, very ers can be subjected to a lot of numbers are now returning and keep on scribing, so if you have enjoyable to play. Anyone who added pressures and commit- on the increase, This cracking any news of views, please get in has not played at Woodlands ments that can be enforced by venue was home to our first contact. Talking of networking should definitely pay it a visit. members’ expectations and golf event this year, the BB&O we have set up Twitter and They have, over the past often these pressures can be Spring Cup held on May 12 and Facebook accounts for the sec- few years, undergone quite a escalated by the standards we sponsored by Golf and Turf. tion. On Twitter we can be found transformation with a second set ourselves. Sometimes it can This challenging course with on http://www.twitter.com/ 18 holes going in as well as seem like we are never away two distinct and contrasting bbogreenkeepers and join us on newly constructed greens, tees, from the place and we can get nine holes set in parkland facebook under the group name bunkers and loads and loads of bogged down and frustrated by with lakes, water hazards and BB&O Golf section. These are water. things. My personal remedy for dog-legs combines a stunning very much in their infancy but Well done to Tim Morgan, and this: Try your best to make at “links Style” inward nine with could become great communi- sand banks, broom, high riveted cation tools in the future. bunkers and hazards lurking Please email Adam King at on every hole. This offered us a [email protected] with your cracking test of golf to start the email address so that we can season. start to formulate a connection The results were as follows: list. 1. Paul Harden, Sonning GC; Mark Day 2. Joe Newman, Retired, The BE SEEN BY Berkshire Artisans and still with a playing handicap of 7; 3. Sean Southern Region Borrett Ellesborough GC. Nearest the Pin, after a Stew- OVER 6000 ards’ Enquiry, was Adam, King Radley College and Tony May, The Berkshire GC, with Sean Haynes, Bearwood Lakes GC, BIGGA taking the Long Drive after a monster hit on the 17th hole. South West A very big thank you to Sand- martins Golf Club, and proprietor Firstly, I should start by MEMBERS Andrew Hall, for courtesy of the mentioning that this is purely course and providing the Section a guest slot for me – as I write with the use of the club facilities; to this report on behalf of Adam Course Manager, Ben Edwards, he is probably busy packing his for ensuring a first class chal- Union Jack printed beach towel, lenge and to all the greenkeeping some sun cream and, of course, ADVERTISE HERE and clubhouse team for the effort his bright pink Speedo’s ready that was shown in giving us a day for a well deserved holiday, I’m to remember. sure! Thanks to our main sponsor of In true ‘Around the Green’ the day, Simon Reynolds, from style I am hoping to include the Golf and Turf, who provided the following material in this report: Contact Jill or Kirstin prizes, and ETT, Farmura and some talk about the weather, a Greensman for their Nearest the mention of some golf day results on 01347 83300 Pin and Long Drive contribu- and a section update including a tions.

JULY 2010 GI 49 Around The Green least one day away to a Section Lake. Chappell for all his hard work in the visit. Thanks also to Billy run golf event. Networking with Sponsor for the day was Avon- organising the event. Mitchell for attending and sup- fellow professionals can be such crop Amenity. Many thanks to This month also sees the porting the visit. a rewarding experience as well everyone involved and particu- return of the Scotts Golf Man- Many of you will already as a great learning tool. Some- larly to Jason and his team for agement Trophy. This is an know through the “greenkeeper times it can be exactly what we presenting the course in superb excellent event in which teams grapevine” that Steve Evans has need, sharing frustrations and condition. I had the delight of of club officials plus a member left Duchy College and his job quite often finding out that we laughing my way round the of green staff play in a golf role as Greenkeeper Tutor and are usually all in the same boat. course in the company of Brian competition, which this year is Assessor to return to greenkeep- I strongly believe that if we can Wilmott, from Tacit. With the being held at Morriston GC. If ing. Greenkeeping was always not give ourselves or the mem- quality of golf in our team all you you haven’t already received an Steve’s very great passion and bers of our staff the opportunity could do was laugh. invite then please contact Steve the paperwork required by the to play other golf courses and to By the time you read this the Chappell. college was not! For my part this meet up with other greenkeep- summer tournament will be Well done to Jim McKenzie is a very great loss to the college ers and enjoy a friendly, relaxed upon us at Stoneham GC on and his staff on a successful and to me. Steve, the rest of the and atmospheric day away July 15, if you are not already in Wales Open last month. The team and I worked really well from work and supporting the hurry up, Stoneham is course looked great and the rain together and he was always industry in which we all work Not much happening around held off. Let’s hope for more of 100% committed to greenkeeper then there’s something wrong. the Section at the moment, most the same in October! training. The College and I wish Please try your best to make at of us praying for rain, preferably That’s it for now. The weather Steve the best in his new job least one event this year; you not storm force. Having said hasn’t been great so far for turf role at Ashbury Hotel and Golf may very well enjoy yourself! that my recent outing to Bas- managers during 2010. Let’s Club. The College is currently The Section is in the process ingstoke GC found the course hope that July brings back some seeking a replacement and will of setting its our own facebook in outstanding condition, where sort of normality, whatever that be advertising nationally but if page which we hope can keep Colin, I am sure, wants anything is! there is anyone out there please everybody even more informed but a deluge. Well done mate the OK, the World Cup is about let me know. Ron Skinner, as to what is happening in our course is a credit to you! to start! I hope that by the time 01579 372220.” Section. If you have not received Here at Barton, the sea is a you read this that England are A very successful Evening it already, you may receive an shimmering blue, the sky larks back home! Nothing against Course Walk took place on e-mail with a link to our face- are singing and the brave are them, but I know that win, lose Tuesday, June 1 at Perranporth book page attached. If you are dangling under kites, using the or draw, I’m going to see Wayne Golf Club. With 14 members a user of Facebook please join. cliffs updraught to stay in the Rooney’s face and Steven Ger- in attendance, Billy Mitchell, We want to use this modern tool air. Personally I think a barbe- rard’s £5 haircut all over my TV Course Manager led the course to inform and record everything cue for the couple of mackerel I screen! Maybe I’ll go and sit in a walk around this fantastic and that is good in our Section – have just caught beach-casting darkened room for a month! natural links course. Billy, was embrace the book! is a much safer option. Well that Ceri Richards heavily involved in trial work If you need any further is just for today, see you at the 07831 168645 for the “Rescue” herbicide and information about anything or next event. now with the full backing of the have anything you would like to Dont forget glassy2003@ management committee, has report please contact our sec- hotmail.com if you want to play started a full programme across tion secretary Adam Matthews, at Stoneham. all the greens. adam.1.matthews@hotmail. Tony Gadd George Pitts co.uk Section Secretary I look forward to seeing you Bigga Devon & Cornwall all soon, Devon and Cornwall 07929 754401 Jaime Acton. [email protected] Message from the Duchy! “On April 21 Level 2 and 3 Duchy College students trav- South Wales elled to Burnham and Berrow Golf Club at the kind invitation Sorry Guys and Gals but I of Richard Whyman, Course don’t have a lot to report on this Manager, and the golf club for South Coast month. The spring tournament an Industry Visit. Kent was held at Trefloyne GC back Richard provided information Hi all. at the end of May. However, I on the history of the club and As our corner of this fantastic The spring tournament was don’t have the result of the the many historic and future country basks in summer played at Bramshaw golf club golf at the time of writing. I do developments. He explained sunshine and multitudes of on May 13. This competition is know however, that it was the management programme golfers flock to our courses, played over 27 holes with the played in beautiful weather that he had implemented to the never ending Winter we winners of two divisions going and the course was in very good encourage fescues in the greens endured seems a world away. through to the National Cham- condition, which was a credit through over-seeding and Sus- As I write this the whole country pionship, sponsored by Kubota to Gareth Knight and his hard tainable Management resulting appears to have been caught up and Charterhouse, paid for by working staff. Also the running in reduced costs and a high in a wave of patriotism seldom the Section. The winners were: buffet was excellent and so were standard of playing surface. ever seen as our national team Div. 1. Mo Bah, 54pts; Dave the prizes which were provided The afternoon course walk mount their latest attempt to Harfield, 54pts; Shane Hodg- by David Goldstone, of Tower allowed students the chance bring home the World Cup in kins. 52pts; Div. 2. Chris Bitten, Sport Europe. So thank you to see the results of these tech- South Africa. I only hope they 57pts; Alex McCombie, 53pts; David for your continued sup- niques first hand. The students are still in the competition by the Bill Ridgely, 49pts. port. Also thank you to Gareth thanked Steve Evans, Richard time you read this! The longest drive went to Luke and everyone at Trefloyne for Whyman and Burnham and Management at golf courses Elgie and Nearest the Pin to Mike their hospitality, and to Steve Berrow Golf Club for organising up and down the land have

50 GI JULY 2010 Around The Green been dreading this World Cup as many of their regular golfers will have chosen to forego their usual golfing exploits in favour of watching football for a month. This obviously will impact on John club finances (as well as the viewers’ marriages) and it has Surrey Pemberton been interesting to see how some clubs have tried to diversify their Thursday June 3. Welcome Chief marketing in order to attract to the third summer of 2010 Executive as many golfers as possible in and goodbye, I hope, to the order to soften the blow. Here, fourth winter. My central at Birchwood, we have painted heating has been on and off huge St. Georges crosses on so many times this year I have As I sit seeking inspiration for my July column I ask lawns outside the clubhouse now decided that as June is myself where the first six months of 2010 have gone. (see website) and hung flags now here, come hell or high It’s hard to believe that the Open is only a couple of from every available post and water, the thing stays off until weeks away when memories of a spectacular finish to pillar so our players can see November. Today the weather last year’s tournament at Turnberry are still relatively how committed we are to their is glorious and although I know fresh in my mind. golf and football demands. It you are all desperate to see the My hopes are pinned on a British winner, the game needs certainly seems to be generating rain you will have to wait until the lift that this would bring and it would be nice to see the UK interest locally if nothing else! after the weekend because for get behind its hopefuls in a similar, though perhaps not quite The next Kent Section golf day Brian it is on with the shorts as flamboyant, way to that demonstrated in football for the is only round the corner so try and with bucket and spade in World Cup. to get some practice in between hand it’s back to Ventnor for a As you will read elsewhere in this edition of Greenkeeper the football matches (as you short break on the good old Isle International the annual BIGGA Charity Golf Day was a great can probably tell, I would never of Wight while leaving our new success and thanks go to Q Hotels for courtesy of the course. make it as a marriage guidance controllers, David and Nick, to A thank you also to those teams that entered and without expert). Our happy group of look after the mainland and the whom the event would not have taken place, congratulations golfers shall be travelling to the world. go to the team from Ransomes Jacobsen who were the overall North Kent coast to play Herne Tim Watts is congratulated winners. As always the day provided a useful opportunity for Bay Golf Club on July 27 (per- on 40 years continuous service BIGGA staff, greenkeeper Members and industry representa- haps you can drop the family at Puttenham GC and I apolo- tives to network in an informal atmosphere. off at the beach first!). This is gise for not putting this in last The early indications for the Association’s results for our third outing this year and month’s edition. This means the financial year just finished (30th June) are positive the days just seem to keep get- that I should have reported this and should produce a moderate surplus, the budget for ting better. It has been nice to month that Tim is to be con- 2010/2011 is not quite as good though and so much welcome several new people to gratulated on 40 years continu- depends on Harrogate in particular. The bookings to date our events this year and I’d like ous service plus several months are reasonably good with 74 exhibitors confirmed and a to thank everyone for making and having known Tim for 20 significant number of others who say that are not yet in a these days so enjoyable and to years plus several months I am position to commit. If you look at the plans on www.har- all our sponsors for helping to delighted to do so now. rogateweek.org.uk you will see that we have reconfigured the subsidise the costs of putting on Mark Harvey is daddy of the four main exhibition halls and BIGGA will itself take a more our various activities. month and his father, Bill, a prominent position. A new initiative for 2011 is to develop the Nothing more to add this long suffering member, sorry environmental side of the golf club and we will be creating month but please check out our that should read long serving a zone dedicated to related products and services. If any webpage for more regular news, member at Epsom GC - where members have contacts for potential exhibitors then please results, player handicaps and Mark is Head Greenkeeper pass on details to Sue in the office, she is already working on a sponsors. I hope to see as many - is grandfather of the month. number of leads but a few more would always be helpful. of you as possible on the 27th Mark’s partner, Diana Cook, is Finally I would like to congratulate Cecil George who at Herne Bay where we can all mother of the month and their is to be presented with the BIGGA Lifetime Achievement indulge ourselves in a day of baby girl Alissa, born May 19, Award. For many Cecil is noted for his regular contribution golf by the seaside and musing weighed in at 7lb 2.5ozs and is to BIGGA’s AGM or perhaps his past involvement with the over where it all went wrong for just pleased to be here. BIGGA Open Support Team but his real claim to fame comes England’s football team! With no other news it just from the many, many years of dedication to the development Best of British leaves me to let you all know that of education in greenkeeping and the promotion of the job Rob Holland I’ve recently booked my August as a career. Spend time in his company and you will soon www.kentgreenkeepers.com holiday and St Peter Port on the discover his passion for greenkeeping and greenkeepers and Isle of Guernsey is to be the main how his wisdom, knowledge and experience has touched and subject of interest in the October influenced so many people over the years. As I sit and write edition. this it is hoped that arrangements can be made to present the Brian Willmott award at the Open which would be a fitting opportunity.

Around The Green

Please send your notes to Scott MacCallum by the John Pemberton 5th of the month. Email: [email protected] Chief Executive

JULY 2010 GI 51 Membership Tracey Maddison, Head of Membership, provides a departmental update

BIGGA Membership Cards Select ‘Don’t have a password?’ from the home page, next to the Log BIGGA welcomes the BIGGA introduced photographs In button and follow the instruc- following new members on their membership cards quite a tions. You will need a valid email few years ago, particularly for Full address. Scotland

Members of the Association; this is The website is an ongoing project Contact Details Scott Clark, North for ID purposes particularly when and we will be looking to improve John Keller, North Tracey Maddison Scott Macnicol, Central seeking courtesy golf. this on an ongoing basis, introduc- [email protected] Andrew McDowall, West If you or a colleague is wishing to ing enhanced features and new Barry O’Donnell, West Brad Anderson Richard Sharp, North submit an application to join BIGGA pages full of useful information. If [email protected] Alexander Watson, Central Michael Williamson, Central don’t let submitting a photograph you have any suggestions on what Tel: 01347 833800 be a barrier. may be beneficial to include on the (option 1 for Membership) Northern Region We will accept all kinds of pho- website let us know. tographs, from holiday snaps to William Almond, North West Regional Offices Alan Birch, North West general photographs; as long as Personal Finance Planning James Curry, North East Nigel Green, North Wales the photograph clearly shows the Scotland & Jonathon McGeachie, Northern applicant and we can scan the pho- Devising a personal budget is Stephen McLoughlin, North West Peter Boyd Clive Roberts, North Wales tograph from the head and shoul- probably more important than ever Tel: 0141 616 3440 Luke Stone, North East right now. Mobile: 07776 242120 David Thompson, North East ders. No glasses or hats please. [email protected] Adam Witchell, North Wales Don’t forget you can even use A budget done correctly is the your mobile telephone, of course most precise tool for analysing your Northern & Midland Midland Region Peter Larter only if your mobile has a camera finances imaginable. It answers two Tel: 01476 550115 Peter Allam, Berks/Bucks & Oxon feature! key questions…. Mobile: 07866 366966 Martin Allen, East Midland [email protected] James Brindley, East Midland Once you have taken a head and • Do I spend more than I earn? Charlie Burke, Berks/Bucks & Oxon shoulders shot download to a com- • What can I afford to spend? South East Michael Green, Berks/Bucks & Oxon Clive Osgood Matthew Hallam, East Midland puter and email us the photograph Tel: 01737 819343 Kris Hobson, Midland Mobile: 07841 948410 Carl Holland, Midland using your membership number If you need help and advice on [email protected] Anthony Hough, Berks/Bucks & Oxon and name as the file name for the budget planning then members can Robert Mills, Berks/Bucks & Oxon contact the helpline, free of charge, South West & Wales Jean Paul Bowers, East of England photograph. Jane Jones Louis Smith, Berks/Bucks & Oxon If you do not include a photograph see the reverse of your membership Tel: 01454 270850 Roger Stillwell, East Midland Mobile: 07841 948110 Stephen White, East Midland with your application or advise us card for the contact number. [email protected] that you are sending us one then This is a confidential service South East Region you may get your form returned provided to BIGGA full members as Craig Ayton, Surrey to you. part of their membership. David Bell, Kent Robert Brown, Surrey If you would like some advice Steve Fidler, London on sending us a photograph as Hugh McCusker, Surrey Peter Boyd Peter Larter Craig Open, Kent an attachment or via your mobile Iain Tong, Kent phone (if your mobile supports this) Kevin Treagus, Sussex contact Brad in the Membership Follow us on Facebook S West/S Wales Region Department. Search for British and Interna- Jamal Ali, South Wales Clive Osgood Jane Jones Andrew Frost, South Coast Logging on to the BIGGA tional Golf Greenkeepers Associa- Robert Hamley, Devon&Cornwall Tom Hayward, South West Website tion then join the BIGGA Group. Stephen Patrick, South Coast Natalie Swanson, South Coast We’ve recently changed the way members access the BIGGA Other members’ area. To log on to the new useful BIGGA Website members now need numbers a password. (Full Members only) To improve security BIGGA members now log on to the website with their membership number and password created by the ©iStockphoto.com/bigga_tom member. If you previously used your membership number and surname you will need to create your own Legal Assistance 0800 177 7891 Personal Accident Insurance 0207 560 3013 password and activate your Stress Helpline 0800 174 319 account. Debt Helpline 0800 174 319

52 GI JULY 2010 Diary of Events Details of your Section’s forthcoming events in 2010 can be found here...

Date Event Venue Contact

JULY

Wednesday July 7th North West Section Event Blackpool North Shore Chris Sheehan at [email protected] or Golf Club 07840 706738 Wednesday July 7th East Midlands Section Rothley Park Golf Club Andrew de Wet at [email protected] Event or 07730 713895 Wednesday July 7th Sheffield Section Event Hillsborough Golf Club James Stevens at [email protected] or 07738 719614 Wednesday July 14th Northern Section v’s Woolley Park Golf Club Frank Stewart at 07947 401278 or James Stevens Sheffield Section Event at [email protected] or 07738 719614 Thursday July 15th East of England Section Tydd St Giles Golf Club Bruce Hicks at [email protected] or 07931 Event 714922 Thursday July 15th South Coast Section Event Stoneham Golf Club Chris Bitten at [email protected] or 07796 887633 Thursday July 15th – St Andrews, Scotland http://www.opengolf.com/ Sunday July 18th Wednesday July 21st London Section Event Muswell Hill Golf Club Matt Plested at [email protected] or 07818 410333 Tuesday July 27th Kent Section Event Herne Bay Golf Club Rob Holland at [email protected] or 07870 118793 Tuesday July 27th South West Section – Marlborough Golf Club Adam Matthews at adam.l.matthews@hotmail. Scotts Management co.uk or mobile: 07732 503855 Thursday July 29th – Ricoh Women’s British The Royal Birkdale Golf http://www.ricohwomensbritishopen.com Sunday August 1st Open Club

AUGUST

Thursday August 5th Sussex Section Event Haywards Heath Golf Dave Allen at [email protected] or mobile: 07515 Club 428573 Wednesday August East Anglia Section Event Eaton Golf Club, Ian Willett at [email protected] or mobile: 11th Norwich 07929 205398 Thursday August 12th Essex Section Event Benton Hall Golf Club Dominic Rodgers at [email protected] or mobile: 07929 205398 Thursday August Central Section Event Auchterarder Golf Club. Andrew Mellon at [email protected] or 19th (To be confirmed, Norrie Whytock Trophy mobile: 07780 995602 subject to change) Saturday August 21st South West Section Race Lansdown Racecourse Adam Matthews at adam.l.matthews@hotmail. Night co.uk or mobile: 07732 503855 Thursday August 26th BB&O Section Event The East Berkshire Golf Adam King at [email protected] or 01235 543119 Club or mobile: 07778 569158 SEPTEMBER Monday September Sheffield Section Event Silkstone Golf Club James Stevens at [email protected] or 13th 07738 719614 Wednesday September East of England Section Lincoln Golf Club Bruce Hicks at [email protected] or 07931 22nd Event 714922 Tuesday September Sussex Section Event Copthorne Golf Club Dave Allen at [email protected] or mobile: 07515 28th 428573

JULY 2010 GI 53 What’s Assistant your Number? Profile Our regular and random profile of an industry figure Each month we take a light hearted look continues with this month’s lucky number... into the life of an assistant greenkeeper...

Mike King of If he’s not larging it up with film Vitax gets 10/10 stars and rock stars, Jack can be questions right found at 4.30am out on the greens, in this month’s raking along to the Stone Roses... What’s Your Number... Name: Jack Fairman Age: 32 Golf Club: Boston Golf Club Position: Assistant Nickname: Unprintable! 1. What is your position within the company? How long have you been Sales and Marketing Manager greenkeeping? 7 years 2. How long have you been in the industry? 30 years What was it about the career that attracted you? 3. How did you get into it? Working in the great outdoors Working for a distributor on their busy trade counter If you weren’t a greenkeeper what would you be? 4. What other jobs have you done? A rock star I did have 3 years in a sales office before I did go on the road doing sales jobs in Horticulture and Amenity. Which task do you enjoy and why? Cutting greens at the weekend, middle of the summer 5. What do you like about your current job? at 4.30am Having a chance to meet people and help move our industry forward. Which task do you least enjoy doing and why? Pruning trees. It’s a seemingly never ending task 6. What changes have you seen during your time in the industry? What one thing other than a pay rise would Better education within our industry especial in the turf improve the greenkeepers lot? sector. Humane removal of all week day golfers.

7. What do you like to do in your spare time? Hobbies? Football coaching, fishing with my son and playing golf Poker, football, golf. poorly. Favourite Band? 8. Where do you see yourself in 10 years time? The Stone Roses Still playing golf poorly. Which team do you support? 9. Who do you consider to be your best friends in the Newcastle United industry? My customers What is your claim to fame? I was invited to the world premier of the Jackass Movie 10. What do you consider to be your lucky number? and spent 12 hours getting wasted with the cast of the 7 film and Dave Grohl from The Foo Fighters!

GI New Products will soon be making a NEW Products comeback! Please email your press releases and photography to: [email protected] GI The latest products on the market reviewed

54 GI JULY 2010 Greenkeeper Training

BIGGA is actively involved in raising the standard of Greenkeeper Training. The Association is a member of the Greenkeepers’ Training Committee and strives to enhance the level of education through various means, including Section, Regional and National workshops, seminars and conferences.

The range and quality of training now available throughout the UK means there is a training course for every greenkeeper. This should improve the quality of greenkeeping and help to produce better quality Sami Collins golf courses to the benefit of all within the industry. Head of Learning & Golf Course Managers should ensure that their staff are trained to Development the highest standards. This begins by selecting a training provider that BIGGA meets the criteria laid down by the GTC. There is a clear link between Tel: 01347 833800 education, training and economic success and all clubs should invest Email: [email protected] in the education of their staff. Website: www.bigga.org.uk

SCOTLAND

ELMWOOD COLLEGE LANGSIDE COLLEGE Cooper, Fife, KY15 4JB Rutherglen Campus, Contact: [email protected] Buchanan Drive, Rutherglen, Full-time and Part-time National Certificate Greenkeeping. Glasgow, G73 3PF Block release/fast track and workbased learning options for SVQ Level 2 and Level 3. ILM Level 3 & 4 Management. Contact: William O’Neil HNC and HND Golf Course Management available Tel: 0141 272 3823 both online/ distance learning and full-time/ part-time Email: [email protected] options. HNC/HND Golf Facility Management. Sportsturf Courses available. SVQ Level 2 & 3 in Landbased Service SVQ, SGA, HNC, HND, Full time and part time courses Engineering and Golf Course Mechanics Courses. Abrasive in Greenkeeping, Groundsmanship, Golf Course Wheel, BTLIA/NPTC Irrigation Course, Chainsaw, Tree Management, Horticulture, Land and Environment and Climbing and Rescue Techniques, Spraying and Noroso Applied Ecology. Short courses for land¬based industries Certification/Courses. including Pesticides.

OATRIDGE COLLEGE GOSTA TRAINING LTD Ecclesmachan, By Broxburn, 50 Brook Street, Glasgow, G40 2AB West Lothian, EH52 6NH

Contact: Chris Bothwell Contact: Steve Miller Tel: 0141 556 3999 Fax: 0141 556 4999 Tel: 01506 864800 Fax: 01506 853373 Email: learngostatraining.co.uk Email: [email protected] Web: www.oatridge.ac.uk SVQ II, III and IV also Modern Apprenticeship in Sportsturf including other options and GTC Training Manual. Attendance Day release Full-time National Certificate in Greenkeeping; SVQ Level 2 from November March. Distance learning also available. Short Sportsturf (Day and Block Release); SVQ Level 3 Sportsturf courses with certification include Pesticides, Chainsaw, First Aid, (Day Release and Fast Track); NC’s HNCs, SVQ Levels 2 and Risk Assessment, Abrasive Wheels, Full Range of Machinery Courses, 3 in Horticulture, Landscaping and other land based subject; Manual Handling and Fire Extinguisher training. Consultancy service NPTC/LANTRA short courses in Pesticides Spraying, for Health and Safety Policy development, Site Risk Audits, Machinery Chainsaws, Turf Maintenance Equipment, ATVs etc; Other Permit to Use system, COSHH and Noise Assessment. Specific short courses on demand.

JULY 2010 GI 55 ENGLAND

BCA Hall Place, Burchetts Green, ASKHAM BRYAN COLLEGE Maidenhead, Berks. SL6 6QR Askham Bryan, York, North Yorkshire, YO23 3FR Tel: 01628 824444 Fax: 01628 824695 Contact: Central Admissions Tel: 01904 772211 Your local further and higher education College, serving the Email: [email protected] Thames Valley. Web: www.askham-bryan.ac.uk Located in the heart of the Thames Valley, BCA has excellent National Certificate and National Diploma in Horticulture resources for horticultural based training. Programmes (with Sportsturf route) Foundation & Extended Foundation include the National Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Degrees in Horticulture, Landscape and Garden Advanced National Diploma in Horticulture. Part-time Management or Arboriculture. All available full or part-time. programmes include the NVQ Level 2 and 3 Amenity Block release courses: NVQ Levels 2 & 3 Greenkeeping and Horticulture and RHS programmes, as well as PA1, PA2 and Sportsturf Maintenance. Short courses: FEPA spraying, PA6 and various short courses. A wide transport network is chainsaw and brushcutter courses. provided as well as residential accommodation on-site.

DUCHY COLLEGE TRAINING PROVIDERS/ Cornwall’s College of the Countryside COURSES GUIDE

Duchy College, Stoke Climsland, Callington, Cornwall, PL17 8PB A full list of GTC approved training providers can be obtained Duchy College, Rosewarne, Camborne, Cornwall, TR14 0AB from the GTC. Contact: Liz Clarkson Claire Bennetts Tel: 01579 372345/07785 105087 01209 722109/07824 626363 The Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC) are continually Email [email protected] [email protected] reviewing the approved status of training providers offering Web: www.duchy.ac.uk greenkeeper training courses. Duchy College offers Level 1, 2, & 3 Diplomas and NVQ 4 in Amenity Horticulture For more information contact the GTC on: 01347 838640 or (inc Sports Turf), HNC Horticulture, NC and ANC Horticulture, RHS Level 2 visit: www.the-gtc.co.uk Certificate, FdSc Horticulture, BSc (Hons) Horticulture. We also offer Institute of Leadership and Management courses to Greenkeepers, together with workshops in Business Skills. Short legislative courses in pesticides, plant machinery, vehicles, forestry and arboriculture are also available.

East Durham College Houghall Campus, Durham DH1 3SG

Contact: Student Services Tel: 0191 375 4710 Email: [email protected] Web: www.eastdurham.ac.uk

Houghall campus is located to the east of Durham City bounded by the River Mydegree Wear and the A177. The College has excellent resources for the provision of land-based programmes. Entry2-L4 full and part-time programmes are offered in Arboriculture, Floristry, Horticulture, Sports-turf, Environmental Conservation, Full-time and online study NPTC block and short courses on demand. Myerscough College invites applications for Degree courses starting in September 2010. Foundation Degree in Sportsturf Foundation Degree Sportsturf and Golf Course Management HADLOW COLLEGE BSc (Hons) Turfgrass Science Tonbridge, Kent, TN11 0AL

BSc (Hons) Sportsturf and Contact: Mike Dodd Golf Management Tel: 01732 850551 R&A Bursaries available to many students Email: [email protected] Myerscough College’s Website: www.hadlow.ac.uk Degree programmes are validated by the University Work based levels 2 and 3 qualifications in Greenkeeping , of Central Lancashire Groundsmanship and Landscaping for Apprenticeship and Fee payers. We also offer a range of short courses, for example Health and MyfutureMystudiesMydegreeMyerscough Safety, COSHH, Chainsaw use, Welding and Pesticide Application. Additionally, full and part time courses (post GCSE through to degree For more information call 01995 642211 level) are available in horticulture and variety of other land based or visit www.myerscough.ac.uk subjects. There is train to gain funding available subject to eligibility.

56 GI JULY 2010 ENGLAND

MERRIST WOOD CAMPUS REASEHEATH COLLEGE OF GUILDFORD COLLEGE Mantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6DF Worplesdon, Guildford, Surrey GU3 3PE. Contact: Gareth Phillips Contact Philip Mayes Tel: 07896674789 or Chard Spicer Email: [email protected] or Andrew McEvoy Tel: 01270 613236 Fax:01270 625665 07896674786 [email protected] . Email:[email protected] Website: www.guildford.ac.uk. Web:www.reaseheath.ac.uk

Part-time courses: NVQ Level 2 Sportsturf college day release and workplace Part time, block release courses include level 2, level 3 Certificate and Diploma in visits/assessments, National Certificate Level 2 Sportsturf in conjunction work based Horticulture (Sports Turf-Green keeper). NVQ level 4 Sports turf (Distance with IOG / NPTC, NVQ Level 3 Sportsturf on-line distance learning, Level Learning). Our work based learning group offer apprenticeships in the work place. BTEC 3 National Award college day release for those without qualified workplace First Diploma in Horticulture, National Diploma in Horticulture/Sports Turf option, BTEC National Diploma in Sports Performance and Facilities Management endorsed by assessors. Also, NVQ Level 4 Sportsturf Management, plus throughout the year Premier League, Football league. various NPTC Certificate of Competence including; Automatic Turf Irrigation, Short Courses include Pesticide application (PA1/PA2/PA6) Chainsaw operation, Turf Maintenance Equipment, Mowers, PA1, 6 & 2, Tractors, Trimmers and Safe use of mowers. Bespoke courses and overseas programs available on request. On Chainsaw. Please contact us for up-to-date listings, qualifications and advice site facilities include a commercially operating golf course, rugby, football pitches and on courses and funding. Open evenings are held regularly at the Campus. Crewe Alexandra training grounds.

MYERSCOUGH COLLEGE SOUTHSTAFFORDSHIRE Bilsborrow, Preston, COLLEGE Lancashire PR3 0RY Penkridge, Staffordshire ST19 5PH Contact: Stewart Brown Tel:01785 712209 Tel: 01995 642305 Fax: 01785 715701 Web: www.myerscough.ac.uk Email: [email protected] Web:www.southstaffs.ac.uk Myerscough College is a pioneering centre for Sportsturf Education and Training in Europe. Courses are available at all levels from Introductory South Staffordshire College offers an extensive range of courses, full, part time Diploma to Honours Degrees in Turfgrass Science and Sportsturf and Golf and day release. Full time programmes include; NPTC Skills for Life, Level Course Management. There are options for full-time and part-time study One, 1st Diploma, National Award. National Certificate and National Diploma. with our FdSc Sportsturf and BSc Turfgrass Science courses uniquely Higher Education programmes can be studied on a part time basis and available ONLINE also and having students enrolled throughout the UK, include Foundation Degree and the Bsc in Horticulture. Work based learning Europe and the USA. A new “Top-Up” BSc Degree in Sportsturf and Golf is available at NVQ 1, NVQ 2, and NVQ 3 and South Staffordshire offers very Course Management is now available for those already holding FdSc or HND extensive Train2Gain provision. Sports turf and green keeping can be studied qualifications in Sportsturf. Our Work Based Training group offer NVQ’s in to NVQ 2 and NVQ 3 level on a day release basis. The college offers a wide the workplace from levels throughout the UK. transport network to its learners as well as residential accommodation on site.

OAKLANDS COLLEGE SPARSHOLT COLLEGE St Albans Smallford Campus, Sparsholt College Hampshire Hatfield Road, St Albans, (incorporating Andover College Campus) Hertfordshire, AL4 0JA Sparsholt, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 2NF

Contact: Andrew Wight Contact: Registry Tel: 01727 737735 Telephone: 01962 797213 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.oaklands.ac.uk Web: www.sparsholt.ac.uk

Full time courses: National Certificate in Sports Turf NVQ and Advanced Apprenticeships in Amenity Management and Horticulture. Part Times courses: WBD Horticulture (Sports Turf). ND Sport – Golf Academy. Short- (NVQ) Level 2 and 3 in Greenkeeping courses accredited by NPTC , LANTRA Or NVQ in chainsaw operation, pesticides, tree felling and clearing, arboriculture and machinery maintenance.

PLUMPTON COLLEGE THE COLLEGE OF WEST ANGLIA Ditchling Road, Plumpton, NR Lewes, – CAMBRIDGE CAMPUS East Sussex,BN7 3AE Landbeach Road, Milton, Cambridgeshire CB24 6DB Tel: 01273 890454 Fax: 01273 890071 Contact: Mark Ekin Email: [email protected] Tel: 01223 860701 Web: www.plumpton.ac.uk Email: [email protected] Website: www.cwa.ac.uk Foundation Degree in Horticulture and Garden Design, Levels 2 and 3 Diploma in Horticulture Full time courses: National Certificate in Sports Turf Management (1 year, Part time Courses: Work based Diploma: Levels 1 and 2 in Greenkeeping, level 2 qualification); BTEC National Pathway in Horticulture with Sports Turf Groundsmanship and Landscaping. Level 3: Greenkeeping, Management (1 or 2 years, level 3 qualification which includes National Award, Groundsmanship and Landscaping. NVQ level 4. Also RHS Certificate Certificate and Diploma) Part time courses: NVQ Level 2 Amenity Horticulture (Greenkeeping); NVQ Level 3 and RHS Advanced. Short courses available. FEPA Spraying and Amenity Horticulture (Sports Turf); NPTC Qualifications i.e. pesticides PA1, PA6, PA2 Chainsaw. Bespoke training, following Training Needs Analysis. (TNA) Apprenticeships: Apprenticeship in Greenkeeping

JULY 2010 GI 57 A new series aimed at celebrating the great work done by dealerships up and down the country De a l e r o f t h e Fairways (GM) Ltd Mo n t h

Location and size Glasgow, Kinross,A berdeen and Inverness, and a sub depot at Eccles). Turnover objective for 2010 is around £8million

Employees and size of premises 32 people split into sales 6, parts 4, service 16, accounts andMD 3, admin 3. Thebusiness operates from 5 locations with premises totalling 28,800 sq ft.

Number of service vans 14 service vans stocked with fast moving parts. Our vans are equipped with all necessary special tooling and have a bench, vice and power tools to facilitate on site engineering. How has the dealership changed over the years? Brief History of Company Franchise(s) In November 2004 we started our business from held Fairways GM( ) together with its sister a clean sheet of paper; this has meant constant Fairways companies WiedenmannU (K) Ltd and investment and change to meet the needs of the Ransomes Jacobsen (incl. SportsgroundsL td constitute theF airways growing business.O ur employees are our biggest EZGO, Turfco,R yan, group. Our construction company Fairways asset and in line with our continuous improvementCushman, Iseki and SportsgroundsL td can trace its roots back to 1919policy we have developed core values to ensure thatSmithco), Wiedenmann, when the business was established by John Stuttour people develop and deliver on our promises. Gambetti and Kawasaki who went on to build many golf courses with BraidManufacturers are bringing machines to market and Mackenzie Ross. In 1991 Wiedenmann (UK) that are hi-tech using advanced technologies Ltd was established and now promotes a wide in hybrid drive systems and we will continue range of Wiedenmann products through dealers to provide high levels of training to all of our Fairways covering theU K and Ireland. In 2004 employees to ensure that our customers get the Major (GM) Ltd became Ransomes Jacobsen’s Scottish most from their investment. Customers dealer. Initially based at Inchinnan and at Kinross on All customers are the east side of the country it was soon apparentWhat would you like important, a cross section that local service points were required and to see changed? from our customer list Inverness andA berdeen depots were established. includes: More recently a small service and grinding centre It would have been nice to see Scotland at the based in the Scottish Borders was opened. World Cup, maybe next time! We would like to see • The RoxburgheH otel We are currently building new premises at an intensive international marketing campaign and Golf Course Kinross opening inN ovember, which will enable launched to position theUK as the number one • Hamilton Golf Club us to expand our customer support in line with choice for the international golf tourist. We would• Newmacher Golf Club forecast sales growth. like more promotion promoting of golf among • Peterhead Golf Club juniors. • Newburgh Golf Club • Hilton Park Golf Club Key services offered • Royal Troon Golf Club To nominate a GI Dealer of the Month contact Golf Club New and used machinery sales, parts supply, • Castle Stuart Scott MacCallum with your reasons why the servicing, maintenance contracts, spot and long • SRU Murrayfield dealer of your choice should be featured, Club term hire and breakdown response and warranty • Whitekirk Golf writing no more than 450 words Golf Club work. We also tailor supply proposals to meet the • Douglas Park and including a decent photograph... Club individual needs of the customer; this includes • Inverness Golf Email [email protected] initiatives covering finance, servicing and support.

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

CROSSWORD QUICK ‘NINE HOLE’ QUIZ St Andrews Open

1. Who won the very first Open at 6. Which Japanese player took a St Andrews in 1973? nine having found the Road Hole Bunker in 1984? 2. Tiger Woods won the 2005 St Andrews Open by five shots but 7. Who took an 8 on the same hole two came second? having found the same bunker in 2000 when sitting in runners-up 3. Which two players in the spot? modern era have won more than one Open over the Old Course? 8. By how many shots did Tiger Woods win the 2000 Open on his 4. Who says he doesn’t think way to completing the set of Major about his missed 72nd hole putt Championships? in which would have won him the 1970 Open more than once every 9. Who was the last Australian to few minutes? win an Open at St Andrews?

5. Which winner’s nickname was “Champagne”?

MONSTER SUDOKU Fill in the grid so Across Down that every row, every column and every 1 Fire-starter (8) 1 Take up an offer (6) 4x4 box contains the 5 Zany or impulsive (6) 2 An obscenity (5,4) numbers 0 to 9 and 10 Musical written by Tim 3 German actress, star of the letters A to E. Rice, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Roman Polanski’s Tess (9,6) Benny Andersson (5) 4 Italian international 11 The ____Guards, the footballer of the 1990s - senior regiment of the Giuseppe ____ (7) Guards Division (9) 6 A semi-autobiographical 12 In religion, a place novel by Ernest Hemingway between heaven and hell (9) (1,8,2,4) 13 The third rock from the 7 An official maker of public sun (5) announcements (5) 14 Top 10 hit for The 8 Leverage or influence (8) Ordinary Boys (4,4,2,4) 9 RL Stevenson’s ‘good’ SUDOKU 17 The first English doctor (6) Fill in the grid so language writer to win the 15 Eaters of meat and plants that every row, every Nobel Prize for Literature (9) column and every 9 (7,7) 16 A non-competitive box shape contains 21 Listlessness or boredom sporting event (8) the numbers 1 to 9. (5) 18 Jonathan ____, 23 The largest city in British rugby league and union Columbia (9) international (6) 24 Approaches (5,4) 19 A disregarder of informa- 25 Repeat (5) tion (7) 26 Young, affluent profes- 20 Skulls (6) sional with a fashionable 22 US Civil Rights organisa- Puzzle lifestyle (6) tion (5) Answers 27 Body of water surround- on ing the Isle of Man (5,3) page 65

JULY 2010 GI 59 BUYERS’ GUIDE

AERATION Photo courtesy of Rudding Park Buyers Repton Short Course ‘Signature Island Green’. guide categories GENUINE PARTS & TINES • AERATION • AGRONOMY • ALL WEATHER SURFACES • BRIDGES Deep Aeration - Pure & Simple • CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR OLD & NEW MODELS • CONSTRUCTION Tel: 0845 026 0064 • DE SILTING [email protected] • DRAINAGE • GRINDERS AERATION • IRRIGATION AERATION • IRRIGATION TERRAIN CONSULTANTS TERRAIN • LAKE CONSTRUCTION Turf and Trees LINERS 10” drill aeration John Greasley Limited • MACHINERY FOR SALE 1m air injection • PLANT 1m soil coring John Greasley Limited is one of Europe’s leading golf • PUMPS Air excavation course constructors. The company undertakes a wide • RUBBER CRUMB range of projects from alterations and refurbishment • SLEEPERS of existing golf courses through to the construction of • SOIL FOOD WEB Tel: 01449 673783 Turf and Trees new courses. • TOP DRESSING www.terrainaeration.com [email protected] The Company, established in 1984, has unrivalled experi- • TREE MOVING • Fresh Air… soil saviour ence in completing such works with a minimum of disruption • TREE CLEARANCE • Air injection to one metre depth

and disturbance to the club and its members. AERATION • TURF • Relief of waterlogging Its own experienced personnel of shapers, operators and • VERTIDRAINING HIRE Visit www.bigga.org.uk TERRAIN • Relief of compaction panning finishers, are engaged in every operation from the earthworks • WASTE/WASHWATER and check out the through to the final preparatory, seeding/turfing and main- latest chat • Injecting air around tree roots TREATMENT fromTurf th ande Trees tenance works. AGRONOMY • Addressing drought and disease gr10”een drillkee pinaerationg The company owns and operates an extensive fleet of Low indust1m airry injection • Soil coring to one metre Ground Pressure, modern specialist machinery and equip- 1m soil coring Air excavation • Bio-remediation of ment. hydrocarbons It has a broad & comprehensive understanding of all course Tel: 01449 673783 • Air excavation of tree root styles and designs. Our previous experience of undertaking layout AERATION www.terrainaeration.com a range of projects throughout the UK & Europe, allows us to [email protected] • Soil drilling within top10” depth fulfil the demands of Architects and Clients. ALL WEATHER SURFACES Contact Lynda Green for further Greasley is currently engaged on the West-East link main information on our services being installed around North Manchester by United Utilities HYDROJECT including the deep drill and Murphy Pipelines. Having completed the enabling works AERATION AND CHEMICAL INJECTION SERVICE to ensure 18 holes remain in play during the pipeline instal- (WITH NO SURFACE DISTURBANCE) lation at Ashton-in-Makerfield, Bury, Ellesmere and Stand Tel: 01449 673783 KEITH DRIVER PREMIER ALL-WEATHER SURFACES FOR GOLF Golf Clubs, work is now focused on the final reinstatement (SPORTSTURF CONTRACTOR) Tel:01273 679994 Mobile:07958 532008 www.terrainaeration.com post pipeline installation. Works include extensive drainage 124 Warren Road, Woodingdean, Brighton BN2 6DB [email protected] totalling over 13,000 Linear M, Green/tee/fairway/bunker construction with rootzone amelioration to fairways and re- turfing work in excess of 70,000m2. Many bunker refurbishment projects were carried out last winter including East Berkshire Golf Club, with the final holes due to be completed this autumn. At Longcliffe Golf Huxley Practice Tee at St Andrews Links Club the second phase of a three stage project was completed. TOPTURF IRRIGATION More work was carried out at Farnham Park Golf Club and IS THE LEADING DEALER Top quality practice tees, golf course tees, putting Panshanger Golf Complex where works are phased over a & pitching greens, pathways, patios, cart tracks INSTALLER & SERVICING AGENT and lawns professionally designed and installed. number of years. At Tylney Park new bunkers and tees were FOR OTTERBINE BAREBO constructed together with an extensive new lake on the first AERATION EQUIPMENT Tel: 01962 733222 hole which has greatly enhanced this opening hole. [email protected] 2006, 2007 & 2008 www.huxleygolf.com Call us on 0044 (0) 870 8720081 www.ttirrigation.co.uk

60 GI JULY 2010 CLOTHING / FOOTWEAR DRAINAGE DRAINAGE DRAINAGE

Greenkeeper Traditional Wear Advertise here drainage and Golf Course Drainage Golf Course Drainage from as littleSpecialist as £250 www.gkwear.co.uk Survey / Design / Installation / Greens / Lytag banding Fairways / Bunkers / Complete Courses for a FULLFor 6 fast MONTHS and friendly, UK Plastic Pipe / Turfdry Drainage System Shop Online of greens and fairways full colour, pleaseservice call call: For fast and friendly Nationwide Service Melvyn Taylor 25% Discount for Contact Melvyn Taylor: 01283 551417 Kirstin on 01347on 01283 833 551417 832 BIGGA Members - Register Now 07836 259133 / [email protected] or 07836 259133 or email FOR FREE CATALOGUE www.turfdry.com www.turfdry.com Phone 01334 653733 [email protected] Tel: 01785 812706 E: [email protected] www.northstaffsirrigation.co.uk CONSTRUCTION Philip Dixon Contractors Ltd Scotland Based Established 1978 Sportsturf Drainage Specialist Meiklem Drainage Drainage • Construction • Renovation Contractors Ltd Sportsturf Drainage Golf Course Construction Specialists Slitting • Banding • Maintenance Remodelling & Alterations Golf Courses - Sportsfields Water Engineering Tel 01772 877289 (Preston, Lancs) Drainage * Construction Email: [email protected] [email protected] * Slitting/Banding www.dixondrainage.co.uk www.lakelandearthworks.com Contact Meiklem Drainage on: 01400 251605 T: 01383 830217 07900693705 M: 07808 897 300 E: [email protected] SPEEDCUT Advertise here CONTRACTORS LTD from as little as £250 Construction Remodelling SPORTSTURF Water Features for a FULL 6 MONTHS, Construction Tel: 01604 468908 full colour, please call Drainage Fax: 01604 474853 Renovation www.deltagolf2000.co.uk Kirstin on 01347 833 832 Sandslitting 180 Ruskin Road, Kingsthorpe, or email Contact: Kevin Smith Northampton NN2 7TA [email protected] OXFORD 01865 331479

Photo courtesy of Rudding Park Repton Short Course ‘Signature Island Green’.

To advertise within Greenkeeper International please contact Kirstin on GOLF COURSE & SPORTSGROUND 01347 833 832 CONSTRUCTION or email RENOVATION & MAINTENANCE DESIGN : INSTALLATION : MAINTENANCE [email protected] Pitch Construction : Piped Drainage Systems : Sand Slitting IRRIGATION SYSTEMS Blec VibroPitch Sand Banding Construction : Koro Surfacing : Piped : Vertidraining Drainage : Topdressing Systems : Overseeding Sand Slitting : Blec Vibro Sand Banding Visit www.bigga.org.uk Koro Surfacing : Vertidraining : Topdressing : Overseeding LAND DRAINAGE SCHEMES Advertising rates: If it’s drainage, it has to be Duncan Ross! and check out the If it’s drainage, it has to be Duncan Ross! WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 1/4 page - £570 latest chat from the Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancashire WN6 9DT 1/2 page_ £790 AGRONOMY Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancashire WN6 9DT Tel. 01722 716361 t 01257 255321 f 01257t 01257 255327 e [email protected] 255321 greenkeeping e [email protected] Full page - £1500 www.duncanrosslanddrainage.co.uk www.mjabbott.co.uk industry www.duncanrosslanddrainage.co.uk

JULY 2010 GI 61 BUYERS’ GUIDE

FINANCE & LEASING IRRIGATION LAKE CONSTRUCTION LINERS TOP DRESSINGS

Comprehensive advice 2010 Machinery Finance regarding design and No Deposit construction of water areas Payments from April 2010 Tel: 01206 262676 www.geosynthetic.co.uk

*New and used equipment* MACHINERY FOR SALE Call today for a quote 12471A Lely Ireland SQRL classified 4 01620 890200 Golf Finance Ltd 4 Church Road North Berwick FOR SALE. EH39 5NP New Turfmech SQRL 600. All finance subject to status licensed credit bokers Written detail on request. Sellf--propelllled debriis collllector for greens,, tees and sports surfaces..

ED HEALTH & SAFETY REDUC TO * CLEAR

 BIGGA GCMA SMS Registered as a user and Advertise here Advertise here using the system? from as little as £250 from as little as £250 Xact can act as your External Competent Person for a FULL 6 MONTHS, for a FULL 6 MONTHS, providing: ** IIncclludeess ffullll maanuffaacctturreerr’’ss waarrrraanttyy..  full colour, please call full colour, please call • Onsite Support RETAIL £10,695+VAT • Risk Assessments & Control Kirstin on 01347 833 832 Kirstin on 01347 833 832 Measures NOW £6,000+VAT • Action Plans or email or email Contact Dermot on 00 353 87 6820183 • Ongoing Audit Service [email protected] [email protected] Lely Ireland Limited, Kilboggin, Contact Xact on 0845 665 3006 Nurney, Co. Kildare www.xactgroup.co.uk Tel: 00 353 (0)45 526170 Email: [email protected] www.lely.com

IRRIGATION FOR ALL YOUR BULK SUPPLIES NATIONWIDE DELIVERIES Irrigation Advertise here 01858 464346 / 433003 from as little as £250 www.banksamenity.co.uk LIQUID ASSET for a FULL 6 MONTHS, Shirley Aldred & Co.Ltd full colour, please call MANMANAAGGEMENTEMENT Suppliers of high quality granular charcoal for over 200 years Call Lely: 01480 226848 or Kirstin on 01347 833 832 Design & installation of irrigation email: [email protected] ■Use one of the oldest ■ Totally organic product @ or email products known to man systems for all sportsturf & to treat black layer ■ Large stock levels www.toro.com [email protected] of all grades landscaping projects. ■Prevent thatch build up ■Delivery anywhere in Phone: 01427 874200 ■Improve drainage mainland UK within and rootzone 3-4 days Fax: 01427 875333 IRRIGATION CONSULTANTS Tel: 01433 620003 RUBBER CRUMB Fax: 01433 620388

The use of RUBBER CRUMB on irritech limited grass as top dressing has been granted a PATENT in the UK and LEADING THE WAY IN IRRIGATION Independent Irrigation Consultants Ireland under Number EP0788301BI • DESIGN Specialising in:- TEBBUTT ASSO. • INSTALLATION ● Existing system evaluation • SERVICING ARE THE LICENSEES ● System design & upgrade FOR GOLF COURSES, STADIA, with CROWN III rubber crumb Turf ● Project management RACECOURSES, BOWLING GREENS, Reinforcement, the licensed product PRIVATE GARDENS & LAKES. Contact Roger Davey on: Contact Tebbutt Asso. Please call 0870 8720081 01823 690216 on 01253 342003 or Fax 01253 346644 www.ttirrigation.co.uk e-mail: [email protected] www.irritechlimited.co.uk www.tebbuttassociates.co.uk

62 GI JULY 2010 TURF VERTIDRAINING HIRE USED MACHINERY

To advertise within Visit the Classified section of the Greenkeeper International new BIGGA website for full details please contact Kirstin on of machinery for sale... 01347 833 832 www.bigga.org.uk/classified or email Here’s a selection... [email protected] Advertising rates: 1/4 page - £570 1/2 page_ £790 Full page - £1500 Advertise here from as little as £250 for a FULL 6 MONTHS, full colour, please call Specialist Growers of Kirstin on 01347 833 832 Turf for Golf Courses or email John Deere 2520 Imants Rotoknife - ex Rootzone Turf for Greens [email protected] Compact Tractor - demo - £7,100 + vat Grown on USGA rootzone, 9950.00 Ex - demo Imants top-dressed throughout the year, 26.5hp, 4WD, full glass Rotoknife Used of our own and mown at 6mm. Predominantly bent sward cab, turf tyres, this tractor demos / exhibitions. WASTE/WASHWATER is superb condition 2007 Turf for Tees, Surrounds, TREATMENT Approaches and Fairways Model, 475 hours worked Imants Shockwave Various mixtures including 1.55mtr - ex demo - ryegrass/fescue, 100% fescue, New Holland TN75s - and bent/fescue grown £8,950 + vat on sandy loam topsoil. Hydrotech Solutions £13,950+vat Ex demo Shockwave New Holland TN75s 1.5mtr Used for our own NEWNEW forfor 2010 2007 • Golf Machinery Wash Water Treatment Tractor. 2003, 1678 Turf for bunker revetting demos / shows. RTF turf for pathways • Positive Filtration – Non-Biological hours, on Galaxy turf and bunker banks.lining. • 200 + Systems Installed Worldwide Tees supplied and laid, with tyres with supersteer. Tees supplied and laid, with • Simple, Low Cost Installation Turfco SP 1530 Trailed optional laser grading. optional precision laser grading. • Low Running Costs Dresser - £6200.00 Vertidrain 7516 - 9200 Ex demonstration. This is Tel: 01652 678 000 Tel: 01925 758099 64’’ working width, upto the very sucessful Turfco www.tillersturf.co.uk Fax: 01925 757519 16’’ working depth, in dresser with the trailed www.grassgrabber.com excellent condition 2004 chassis and self propelled Email: [email protected] Model hydraulic system via petrol engine. Complete Ex-Demo RUBI RC38 Advertise here Visit www.bigga.org.uk adjustability of disc speed, and check out the Triple Cylinder Mower latest chat belt speed, disc angle, from as little as £250 - 16500 gate aperture opening etc. from the AGRONOMY 38hp diesel engine, 6 knife for a FULL 6 MONTHS, greenkeeping This will spread very fine cutting units, ROPS and full colour, please call industry up to 1” thick in one pass. lighting kit Spread width is adjustable Kirstin on 01347 833 832 Ex-demo 2007 machine, from 3 - 9 metres wide. or email 130 hours and in immaculate condition [email protected] New Holland T4020 Tractors - from Imants Shockwave £16,500 +vat 2.10mtr - ex demo - Choice of 2 - New Holland Look at the latest... £10,950 +vat T4020 Tractors. 68Hp, Ex demo Imants Second Hand Machinery 2wd, between 300 - Shockwave 2.10m Used ...for sale 650hours, turf or ag tyres, of our own demos / 1 year old. www.bigga.org.uk/classifieds exhibitions.

JULY 2010 GI 63 Recruitment

Five Lakes Hotel, Golf, Country Club and Spa 194 bedroom hotel with 16 Conference and Banqueting rooms and also offers some of the finest leisure and sports facilities in the south east of England - including two magnificent 18-hole golf courses. Ranfurly Castle Golf Club established 1889 Green-keeper – Fulltime Previous experience is essential in maintaining the upkeep of professional course grounds, as well as knowledge on irrigation & bunker work. You will need to hold a level 2 NVQ in HEAD GREENKEEPER/COURSE MANAGER Green keeping, PA1, PA2 and PA6 qualified and Basic Chainsaw (units 30 & 36). An exceptional opportunity for a suitably qualified and experienced

To apply please contact Peter Smith by email: person to manage this heathland golf course recognised as one of the [email protected] or Tel: 01621 869027 finest courses in the West of Scotland.

The ideal candidate will be fully versed in all aspects of greenkeeping, managing costs and will have a “hands on” approach to golf course management, preferably qualified to NVQ Level 3 in Greenkeeping. Luton Hoo, Bedfordshire The applicant will appreciate the need for flexible working hours and Greenkeeper & Trainee Greenkeeper will have the ability to manage, control, lead and develop the existing Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa is a luxury five star destination with 228 bedrooms team of greenkeeping staff. The Course Manager will be expected and an 18 hole golf course all encompassed within 1,065 acres of historic parklands. to ensure that the golf course is presented consistently to the highest We currently have positions available for qualified and trainee greenkeepers who can standard possible for the enjoyment of the members. The applicant demonstrate a genuine interest in greens maintenance, to expand our dedicated team. must be fully conversant with the relevant health and safety and Successful candidates will preferably have the NVQ L2 qualification or equivalent, environmental legislation affecting golf course management. plus the ability to work in a team focused environment. These greenkeeping roles Salary will be in line with BIGGA recommendations. focus on supporting the Head Greenkeeper in ensuring that the Luton Hoo golf course is maintained to the highest standard with regard to presentation and safety. If you wish to realise a career with Elite Hotels, in the first instance please apply Applications with a full CV should be sent to: online at www.careersatelitehotels.co.uk or send your CV to Charlotte Jay, The Captain, Ranfurly Castle Golf Club, Golf Course Road, Personnel & Development Co-ordinator, Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa, Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire PA11 3HN The Mansion House, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3TQ. All applications will be treated in strictest confidence. Closing date for applications is – 20th July 2010

WEST BYFLEET GOLF CLUB Appointment of a Head Greenkeeper

Following the retirement of our Head Greenkeeper in December 2010 after 34 successful years, an exciting opportunity arises for the right candidate to lead our highly motivated greenkeeping team. The club now seeks applications for this position, which becomes vacant on 18th December, 2010. West Byfleet is a private members club with 600 playing members. The club enjoys good financial stability. The course was designed and built in 1906 and has been described by Neil Coles as a “fine example of a Surrey heathland course” having eighteen delightful individual holes, presented in excellent condition. It is regarded as a good test of golf. Online jobs go to The club has a reputation as being friendly and well run, with a tradition of long service from its staff.

Reporting to the Green Committee and the General Manager, the successful candidate will require the following skills and qualifications: www.bigga.org.uk

• Qualified to NVQ Level 3 or equivalent with spraying and chainsaw certificates. • Lead, motivate and develop a team of qualified greenkeepers. For instant online • Be fully conversant with Health & Safety and Environmental legislation and be able to implement all relevant legislation. • The ability to plan construction projects and execute them in-house or via the advertising please contact supervision of external contractors. • Experience of implementing and working to a budget and course management policy document. • Manage and maintain the course machinery and automated irrigation system. Kirstin on 01347 833 832 • Prepare and implement training plans to meet the needs of the existing staff. • A dedication to high standard of presentation. • Use and manage Information Technology confidently, being familiar with Microsoft Part month £300 office and email.

Salary will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate who will be required to work flexibly, including weekends. Accommodation Full month £500 can be provided. All applications will be treated in confidence.

Please apply in writing with full c.v. and covering letter, stating present salary and The website is updated salary expectations to Ian Attoe, General Manager, or by email : West Byfleet Golf Club regularly with new vacancies [email protected] Sheerwater Road Tel: 01932 343433 West Byfleet Surrey KT14 6AA Get online now! Closing date for the receipt of applications is Friday, 6th August 2010

64 GI JULY 2010 Seaweed Compact A dried seaweed extract in soluble powder form to help improve shoot density, root growth and general plant health ❖ Enhances root growth, root mass and turf establishment ❖ Increases shoot density for better recovery and ground cover ❖ Aids young seed establishment by boosting early growth ❖ Boosts beneficial soil microbes so improving root health ❖ A 2kg tub covers up to 1 hectare ❖ Highly soluble formulation for efficient application and ease of use

Rigby Taylor Ltd, Rigby Taylor House, Crown Lane, Horwich, Bolton BL6 5HP. Freephone: 0800 424919. www.rigbytaylor.com

QUICK ‘NINE HOLE’ QUIZ ANSWERS:

1. Tom Kidd 2. 3. Jack Nicklaus (1970 & ’78) and Tiger Woods (2000 & 2005) 4. Doug Sanders 5. Tony Lema intheshed answers 6. Tommy Nakajima 7. 8. Eight 9. Kel Nagle in 1960

CROSSWORD MONSTER SUDOKO SQUIGGLY SUDOKO

JULY 2010 GI 65 OnOn thethe SoapboxSoapbox AA vehicle new vehicle for letting for people people within within the the industryindustry express to express their their point viewpoint of view

What I would expect from my Course three months, if you’re fairway grass needs This is detrimental to reaching even the Manager, and what he should expect water you probably have the wrong sort of most basic objectives. Compounding this from me. grass. This can be corrected agronomicaly is the puzzling notion that a committee, Sadly, there are still too many clubs who at minimal cost over a few years, rather than after employing the best qualified person see the Course Manager as an underling, through irrigation, which could cost in the to manage the clubs most important asset, rather than a skilled manager. region of £300,000. then has the right to over-ride even the least The reason often derives from the dated, If irrigation is used irresponsibly it will important decisions. but not unusual view of the Course Manager alter the character of the course, and change This has to be the most contentious as the humble keeper of the green, who does the quality of the sward, encouraging the aspect of the job for any professional course little more than cut grass and rake bunkers. growth of disease prone and drought sensi- manager. It can equally, however, be the fault of a tive grasses. So there we have both sides of the prob- well-educated, competent Course Manager Moreover, it is likely that water availability lem. Golf clubs with a lack of continuity who has poor communication skills. for golf courses will become either reduced through ever changing committee personnel Whatever the reason it is a mistake not to or in some areas prohibited. and short term policies have a bleak future use the expertise and knowledge of this spe- This happened in the Surrey area only a and their golf courses will suffer because of cialist senior employee. At forward thinking few years ago, where golf courses had a total inconsistent management. clubs the Course Manager is invited to irrigation ban for three months. For a club like my home club temple with attend strategic meetings. Fairways may lose colour, in extreme a course policy document in place, and con- This has twofold benefits as it offers the weather, but they won’t die, and surely golf tinuity established the route to maximising Course Manager a wider insight into club is more fun in these conditions? the golf courses potential is clear. A holistic issues, as well as giving decision makers This was epitomised by the excellence style of management has evolved which will the opportunity to understand a little of the of ’s sustainable golf course in the give the golfer a multi-sensory experience, intricacies of course management. 2006 Open Championship. A tribute from which can be appreciated for 365 days a Furthermore, it aids rapport and builds Tiger Woods said it all, “With the golf course year. confidence in the Course Manager, whom board members may not have the oppor- tunity to meet on a regular basis. The club What I would expect from my Course Manager, committee knows what to expect from its other officers, but the performance of the and what he should expect from me... Course Manager is not always so clearly appreciated. It may be worth listing the different skills being this fast, it lent itself to just amazing required by today’s Course Managers; creativity. This is the way it all started and Personnel Manager, Acquisitions Manager, how I think it should be played.” Financial Manager, Administrator, Agrono- It may also be useful here to look at what mist, Machinery Manager, Irrigation and the Course Manager can expect from the Water Manager, Health and Safety Manager, decision makers. First comes the golf course, Estate Manager, Communicator and Golfer. is it maximising its full potential, can it be Should the golf club expect all these played to the philosophy of its architects skills from their Course Manager? Well, design, does it work in harmony with its yes, because the job is to provide the mem- environment? bers with a golf course that day-to-day, is If any one of the answers is no, is it challenging, optimises playing quality, is because the Course Managers advice is economically sound, and works responsibly being ignored, or is it because these issues in its natural environment. have not been brought to the attention of the Course Managers must also understand committee? the wider picture: the business of golf, the If not, why not? club’s long term objectives and programmes, Is it because the Course Manager feels they must also keep up with technology and misunderstood, or perhaps undervalued, is Malcolm Peake has been a long term Chairman of Green legislation if they are going to contribute his/her work hampered by internal politics, at Temple Golf Club and has also been described as a fully to the management team. members personal agendas or egos? Course Consultant, He is the author of Confessions of a Chairman of Green and A Natural Course for Golf which Sometimes the Course Manager may All of these issues lead to a lack of direc- are both available through the STRI. have to lead the club management in tion and continuity, and obstruct the course areas in which it has no knowledge or manager in producing a well managed golf expertise. Water has become the big issue. course. This scenario is frustrating, and Malcome Peake Is it for instance responsible for the Course more importantly unprofessional. The Manager to recommend installing fairway Course Manager often has to put up with irrigation? In even the hottest summers it persistent meddling in policy making from will probably be required for only two or ever changing committees. The views expressed within On The Soapbox are not necessarily those of Greenkeeper International

66 GI JULY 2010 GKI Eclipse 322 A4 v2_Layout 1 14/06/2010 10:46 Page 1

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