Greenkeeper International GI APRIL 2011
Inside... NotInside... so common HankleyFocus Commonon GC is the venue ofFungicides this month’s Golf Course Feature Dr Terry Mabbut gets technical CATheN UnseenDID I N CAMERA AnIrrigation article by an anonymous writer System Irrigation matters uncovered Horses (and Tennis) for Courses Epsom and Wimbledon under the radar
Picture X perfection Professional golf course photographer, Eric Hepworth, offers some advice ahead of the 2011 BIGGA Golf Photographic Competition GKI Eclipse 322 A4 New style:Layout 1 09/03/2011 15:31 Page 1
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Code: GKI/04/11/E322 Driving Environmental Performance Welcome from the editor BIGGA
President Sir Michael Bonallack, OBE
Board of Management Chairman – Paul Worster AndrewVice Chairman Mellon ViceAndrew Chairman Mellon TonyPast SmithChairman PastPeter Chairman Todd Paul Worster Board Members Chris Sealey, Gary Cunningham, Archie Dunn, IanArnold Willett, Phipps-Jones, Tony Smith, Jeremy Elliott Small, Hughes, Mark Kenny Dobell MacKay, Mark Dobell Chief Executive JohnChief Pemberton Executive [email protected] Pemberton [email protected] Head of Learning & Development SamiHead Collinsof Learning & Development [email protected] Collins [email protected] Head of Membership Department TraceyHead of Maddison Membership Department [email protected] Maddison [email protected] Contact Us BIGGAContact HOUSE, Us Aldwark, Alne, York, YO61 1UF [email protected] HOUSE, Aldwark, Alne, York, YO61 1UF [email protected] Telwww.bigga.org.uk – 01347 833800 | Fax – 01347 833801 Tel – 01347 833800 | Fax – 01347 833801 Greenkeeper IntGreeernnkaeepetionalr International The official monthly magazine of the BritishThe official and International monthly magazine Golf Greenkeepers of the BritishAssociation and International Limited. Golf Greenkeepers Association Limited. Editorial The world caved Editorial Communications Manager / Editor CommunicationsScott MacCallum Manager / Editor ScottTel – 01347MacCallum 833800 Fax – 01347 833801 [email protected] – 01347 833800 Fax – 01347 833801 in on them... [email protected] Design Design Design and DesignProduction and Editor There are many times when we feel that With some many towns and villages totally ProductionTom Campbell Editor Tom Campbell the weight of the world resting very wiped out, “Where to start?” must be the Tel – 01347 833800 TelFax – – 01347 01347 833800 833801 firmly on our shoulders and, to be honest, question for those charged with rebuilding, and [email protected] – 01347 833801 there are days when, quite frankly, we attempting to bring back some degree of new [email protected] Advertising just feel down. normality to broken lives. Advertising We could be worried about the onset of We can only wish them all well as work Sales Executive SalesKirstin ExecutiveBlack disease on the golf course, or a member begins and offer up support, moral or financial, Kirstin Black Tel – 01347 833800 complaining about an overflowing litter bin, or if it is requested. TelFax – – 01347 01347 833800 833802 in my case, an impending magazine deadline What is going on in Japan doesn’t take away [email protected] – 01347 833802 [email protected] or it could be something at home, not work from the troubles and issues we are dealing related. with back here but appreciating the suffering Sales Executive SalesJill Rodham Executive But it’s when you think about the people of the Japanese puts into context a little bit of Jill Rodham in Northern Japan, that it gives us a proper Fusarium and a looming deadline. Tel – 01347 833800 TelFax – – 01347 01347 833800 833802 perspective on life. There, they were going With April upon us we can well and truly say [email protected] – 01347 833802 about their business, some of them possibly that the new golfing season is here and what a [email protected] even believing like us that the weight of the season it should be. No-one is dominating the world was resting on their shoulders, when that game at the moment and every tournament Printing world caved in on them. and Major could be won by any one of a huge PrintingWarners Midlands Plc, The Maltings, Manor WarnersLane, Bourne, Midlands Lincolnshire Plc, The Maltings,PE10 9PH Manor The earthquake, which was the catalyst for a number of players. In other words, for the first Lane,Tel – 01778 Bourne, 391000 Lincolnshire | Fax PE10– 01778 9PH 394269 horrific series of events, was a massive 9 on the time in over a decade Tiger, on current form, Tel – 01778 391000 | Fax – 01778 394269 Contents may not be reprinted or otherwise Richter Scale, the largest since records began. is unlikely to be the favourite in any of the Contentsreproduced may without not be written reprinted permission. or otherwise Return The tsunami which followed half an hour later tournaments he enters and I would be very reproducedpostage must without accompany written all permission. materials submittedReturn postageif return is must requested. accompany No responsibility all materials cansubmitted be created devastation that would cast doubt on surprised if the Majors were not won by four ifassumed return is forrequested. unsolicited No materials. responsibility The canright be is assumedreserved tofor edit unsolicited submissions materials. before The publication. right is the believability of any disaster movie plot. The different players. reservedAlthough toevery edit caresubmissions will be taken, before no publication. television footage of the flood water sweeping With The Masters kicking it all off I have Althoughresponsibility every is careaccepted will be for taken, loss of no manuscripts, responsibilityphotographs oris artwork.accepted Opinions for loss of expressed manuscripts, away entire buildings, and gathering cars as a sneaking suspicion for Bubba Watson so, photographsare not necessarily or artwork. those Opinions of the Association, expressed though they were made by Corgi or Dinky and whatever you do, avoid the eccentric left hander areand not no responsibilitynecessarily those is accepted of the Association, for such andcontent, no responsibility advertising or is product accepted information for such not Nissan or Toyota, was jaw dropping and it like the plague when you are making your content,that may advertisingappear. Circulation or product is byinformation subscription. is impossible to imagine the despair of those selections at the bookies. thatSubscription may appear. rate: Circulation UK £50 per is year, by subscription. Europe and SubscriptionEire £65, Rest rate: of the UK World £50 per £95. year, The Europe magazine and is unfortunate people who have been caught up With my lamentable prediction record you’d Eirealso £65,distributed Rest of to the BIGGA World members, £95. The golfmagazine clubs, is no doubt be wiser investing your money in a alsolocal distributedauthorities, to the BIGGA turf industry, members, libraries golf clubs, and in it. localcentral authorities, government. the turf industry, libraries and Then, on top of it all, and as if there wasn’t Tiger Slam for 2011! central government. enough to deal with, there is the nuclear power station time bomb. Those brave people who, as I write, are working tirelessly to avoid catastrophic meltdown are putting their own lives at risk and Scott MacCallum some will be doing so while at the same time in ISSN: 0961– 6977 Editor ISS© 2010N: 0961– British 6977 and International Golf mourning for members of their own families. ©Greenkeepers 2011 British andAssociation International Limited Golf Greenkeepers Association Limited
APRIL 2011 GI 3 CONTENTS GI A look at what’s inside the magazine this month
APRIL 2011 COURSE FEa t URE
FEATURES Not so common That it is called Hankley Common Golf Club is a bit of a misnomer. It is one of the finest examples of a heathland course in the country, and Scott MacCallum discovers, as a golf course, it is anything but common 18 Not so common Scott MacCallum meets up with 2010 BIGGA Photographic Competition winner, Gareth Roberts, at Hankley Common GC.
25 Gather no moss Dr Terry Mabbett offers some expert advice for dealing with moss.
30 Candid in camera A return of the occasional series offering a member the chance to be a little bit more forthright in his Heathland Splendour on the 6th hole 18 18 GI APRIL 2011 APRIL 2011 GI 19 or her views safe in the knowledge that he or she will have their identity protected.
Candid in camera C a n d id a d .j frank, not hiding one’s thoughts I n c a m e r a adj. or adv. phrase. In private.
There are many things you’d like to say, but can’t because of the potential consequences. Greenkeeper International is offering you the chance to be a little more free with what you say, safe in the knowledge that your identity will be protected...
what has happened, and what is of golf, and how important it (Raucous laughter at this point,) keepers in our group were well Sounds pretty scary actually and being done to resolve it? I went to a Section Meeting out to be not an isolated incident is that golf projects a positive unimpressed. as for being strictly necessary? Or b\ Moan and complain the other day. The golf course, and we were soon talking about feel to its local communities. Another greenkeeper recalled Hey I don’t think so…. relentlessly about what a rubbish for an inland course so early Green Committees in general, It went on. “Car Park the tale of a club where a neigh - So where is it all going wrong? service you’re getting to anyone in the year, was in fantastic and group rapidly swapped horror Duty,” said another guy bour had put up a wind turbine The majority of golf club mem - who’ll listen, to the point where condition and chatting to s t o r ie s . heavily. “At our place ‘Car in his adjoining property. The bers are not expert players,no-one wants to use your product a group of the guys in the One guy had 19 people on his Park Duty’ means having the turbine was big news locally – but the lower the handicap the at any cost, and you’ve adversely bar afterwards, even the Committee – “So many people whole staff on standby 24-7 gone through planning as part seemingly louder they shout. affected the green fees and greenkeeper (modestly) said turn up I don’t even think the in case two snowflakes fall in of the Council’s “Green Drive”, Whatever happened to fresh air? income? Yep – think we’ve all he’d never seen it so good at Chairman knows who’s supposed the car park. Back in December and was hailed far and wide as a Camaraderie? Exercise? Fun? guessed the answer to that one. this time of year. I thought to be attending”; “We never seem when the police were warning break-through in green energy Some players are eaten up by the Last year I hosted a major he’d then go on to be really to get much done, and last year I people not to venture out on the technology. The club, however, game. A never ending sense of county amateur event. Late May positive about the season was told to dig up a tree and move roads unless their journey was immediately instructed their one-upmanship and no apparent – often not the best time of year. ahead and his work for the it at one meeting, only to be told really necessary– the Chairman appreciation of reality. It went really well with rightly a y e a r . rang me up on the home phone Golf courses are outdoors and lot of good comment about the But no – the poor guy was at 11.30 at night – waking the subject to a lot we can’t control. course, particularly the greens really down. The club had just Itis timeGolf Clubs awoke to the modern whole family to insist that we get - What’s so difficult to understand – only soured by one of our mem appointed a new Managing Direc - the car park cleared of a foot of ecomefar more about that? If it’s not five hours bers who, when complimented tor, and nothing was right. The timebefore it’stoo late and b snow and ice by 9am the next of mind-numbing grinding in a by a visitor on the condition of bunkers were poor, the greens pointprofessional day. ‘Just in case any members businessorientated. Ap competition, and they can’t come his course, allegedly snorted – were too slow, the fairways want to drop in for a coffee’.“ orun their businesses, back in moaning about slow play, “Pah – don’t think it’s always like needed shaping properly, the peoplethroughout t “Wouldn’t have been so bad, - and they haven’t compiled a full this do you?” trees were overgrown and needed lefor what they do but the local TV news was show andrespect those peop - list of course defects, they’re not Another complete amateur pruning. He couldn’t do anything ing pictures of expectant moth h a p p y . capable of doing considerable r ig h t . ers being winched off roofs by But the ordinary members are damage to his club. The new man had even started the RAF, and stranded motorists greenkeeper to get out there almost as bad. A couple of years It is time Golf Clubs awoke to discussing his ideas for possible to put it back again a couple being rescued from their cars. and plant a row of poplars in ago I had a minor issue with our the modern time before it’s too green staff cuts and changes to months later at the next one, by So who in their right minds was - front of it “as big as you can greens in the early spring. Nope late and become far more busi their working practices with one two members who’d missed the going to, ‘Nip up the golf club for g e t ” . – not looking at their normal best ness orientated. of the clubhouse staff in the bar, original meeting.” a cup of coffee?’ The lanes up to This brought resigned – cold, dry, windy – should never Appoint professional people who naturally headed straight It turned out one of them and our place were choc-a-bloc with - sighs from our group, (Pop - have hollow tined – you know the throughout to run their busi down to the green shed to share his wife had dug this particular snow anyway.” lars, windbreaks, less-than- - f e e li n g ? nesses, and respect those people the information. Before long, the bush as a sapling off another Another (Assistant) green efficient turbines, enraged So – let me pose a question. for what they do. poor greenkeeper had a near riot course where they’d won a big keeper chipped in. “I read on our out-of-pocket neighbours, When you’ve got an issue with a Then the members can get on his hands which, by his own Mixed Open, brought it back and Bulletin Board that someone is local papers, NIMBY’s etc). product you own a share in – do back to just enjoying playing the admission, took a lot of calming planted it. about to start offering training There was a complete lack y o u ? game? Rediscover the simple d o w n . Luckily this guy was fairly courses for Greens Chairmen. of appreciation of how a\ Quietly and gently explain joys of knocking a ball around in I then expected the conversa - philosophical and his staff had Do you think they’re trying to important local opinion is to prospective new customers wonderful surroundings. tion to move on to beer, women had a good laugh about it, but train them to be greenkeepers?” - becoming for the survival and football, but no, this turned I sensed that the other green
31
30 33 Picture perfection Scott MacCallum seeks advice 30 18 on taking excellent golf course photography from professional, Eric Hepworth, ahead of the 2011 BIGGA Photographic Competition.
41 The anatomy of… Utility vehicle sprayers James de Havilland turns his attention to another key piece of equipment.
46 Talking heads – Irrigation Six Course Managers share their views on irrigation. Complied by Jim Cook. 25 41
4 GI APRIL 2011 33
REGULARS GREENKEEPER 6 Newsdesk GI INTERNATIONAL 13 Chairman’s Word APRIL 2011
14 GTC Inside... Inside... 15 Learning and NOT SO COMMON HankleyFocus Commonon GC is the venue Development ofFungicides this month’s Golf Course Feature Dr Terry Mabbut 16 Industry Update gets technical CANDIDThe Unseen IN CAMERA AnIrrigation article by an anonymous writer 17 What’s Your System Irrigation matters Number – Adrian uncovered 33 Handbury Horses (and Tennis) for Courses 44 New Products Epsom and Wimbledon 49 Around the Green under the radar 50 Assistant Profile – Kevin Moore Picture 55 Diary of Events X 56 Membership perfection Professional golf course photographer, Eric Hepworth, offers some advice ahead of the 59 In the Shed 2011 BIGGA Golf Photographic Competition 66 Soapbox – Elliott Small GI_APR_11.indd 1 30/3/11 12:34:53
TheThe official official monthlymonthly magazinemagazine of of thethe British British and & International International Golf Golf Cover photography shows Ballybunion Golf Club as taken by Eric Hepworth GreenkeepersGreenkeepers Association Association Limited Limited. 6
APRIL 2011 GI 5 NEWSDESK GI The latest news from around the globe Icelandic President Opens FEGGA Conference
The President of Iceland, Ólafur The Conference was attended by Ragnar Grímsson, opened the over 20 Greenkeeper Associations recently held FEGGA Conference. and 40 organisations coming from It was very refreshing to hear over 20 countries globally. the President talking about golf This year’s Conference and nature working together and also hosted the International how it is important to Iceland. He Summit, an event that was also spoke about golf being for established in 1990 and attended everyone and the fact that 10% of by Greenkeeper Associations the population are now playing annually to discuss the prominent on a regular basis and up to half current issues facing golf and the of them playing some five times golf related business of managing per week. He also spoke about the golf courses world-wide. recently signed agreement with The Conference and Summit the Icelandic Golf Association, concentrated on a variety of core where all 65 golf courses have subjects that fall high on the list signed up to the first stage of GEO of industry challenges that golf certification. and the golf industry is facing Edwin Roald, Golf Course today. The whole Conference was Architect,commented: “The geared up to be very interactive, number of affiliated golfers in the result being to produce a Iceland is still growing despite range of information that will the economic downturn that has help and support Greenkeepers had a significant effect on the Associations and the 20 other disposable income and purchasing organisations that were also power. This makes Iceland one present at this special event. of relatively few exceptions to the rule that participation in golf is Dean Cleaver, generally decreasing.” FEGGA Executive Officer
The Mat, the Anchor and the Drain Liner Solution
Bunker Solution is a three-part liner that answers many of the commonly occurring bunker problems. The three parts are the mat, anchor and drain liner. It provides “grip” for sand in the bottom bunkers and on bunker faces. Sand slump is minimised after weather events; gravel is not required and there is no migration of stones onto playing surfaces. The mat provides membrane between substrate and bunker sands, reduces contamination and extends life of sand. Bunker Solution is installed throughout the excavated bunker and incorporates a ditch liner, a perimeter lip liner/anchor, and a mat that holds sand – even on 60 degree faces. The system is designed to address problems associated with bunker maintenance using three components: a geo-textile anchor, an impermeable ditch liner, and an engineered mat. Together, these components form a complete system providing a patented solution to the problems. The engineered mat costs around £14 per square metre, while the lip and drainage liners are sold by the linear foot. For further information www.bunkersolution.co.uk
6 GI APRIL 2011 Letter from America
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank David Rae and Wilson Morrison, from Fairways GM, for a very kind invitation over to the States for the American Golf Industry Show and a look round the Ransomes Jacobson Factory in Charlotte. “I was joined on the trip by Kenny Harper, of Meldrum House Golf Club; Robert O’Donnell, from Oldmeldrum Golf Club, and Muir Ross, from Ballindalloch Golf Souters Complete Swedish Project Club. We were looked after extremely well by Wilson and nothing More than half a million people What makes the Arena unique is can hit balls up to 140 metres. In was too much bother play golf regularly in Sweden. The that golfers will be able to play each the centre is a 2170 square metre for him. Everything country may not be blessed with green from different positions and green. was organised for us an ideal golfing climate, but it is there are ten different angles for There is also a practice hole with and the trip ran very one of the game’s rising stars. tee-off positions. four greens and nine tees. smoothly. We were also The prowess of Sweden’s Project Architect, Christian A sports academy building joined by Gerry Bruen, top professionals is more than Lundin, said that the idea was to includes high tech swing studios, from Williamwood matched by its technology, create a links character for the and adjacent to this are a 1579 Golf Club, and Garry especially in the provision state of the art training complex, square metre putting green and a Ross, from Troon of training: witness the new and he was very much inspired by 1950 square metre chipping green Golf Club, and also Halmstad Golf Arena, with its all Scottish courses. with bunkers to suit all levels of Gareth Rogers, also year round facilities. Last April Cumbernauld and Knutsford ability. from Fairways GM, so work began and handover is due based Souters Sports has worked Some of the greens have under thanks go to them for later this year. successfully on many a Scottish soil heating, and teeing areas are their friendship and What is pleasing to the British course so its involvement in the sheltered and heated. great company. golf course industry is that one of Halmstad project was entirely It was apt that Souter’s10th “I am sure I speak our major sports turf contractors, appropriate. anniversary year was marked by for everyone when I Souters Sports, and its irrigation The focal point of the17 hectare its first European venture. say thanks very much division, Souters Irrigation site is a 365-metre range flanked For further information, visit again for a fantastic Services Ltd, has played a major by grass tees. www.souterssports.co.uk or visit time in America.” part in its development alongside Surrounding the range is a the Halmstad Golf Arena’s website: Dale Robertson main contractor Irish-based SOL. short game area where golfers www.halmstadgolfarena.se Newmachar GC
PlantProtection goes Live with Latest Pesticide News
The UK Pesticide Guide’s database has now EC formulation of epoxiconazole from BASF, been updated and uploaded to and INTRUDER, a new chlorpropham plantprotection.co.uk ready for the coming product from Agrichem BV. spray season. With so many changes taking Two products SCALA and INVADER, place to pesticide legislation and product both from BASF, have new MAPP availability, a resource that helps you with numbers and additional crop your product selection, at such a busy time of recommendations and year, has got to be a must. a further 42 new Important changes that are now included SOLAs have also on PlantProtection include the addition of new been entered. products: SPITFIRE from Dow; IGNITE, an
APRIL 2011 GI 7 GI NEWSDESK
On Top of the World
Wild Flowers
British Seed Houses has area deteriorate into a dull produced a new wild weedy mess. flower mixture which is as “Architects often imagine attractive to the eye as it is a wild flower meadow to be to the multitude of wildlife like a herbaceous border,” for which it will provide says British Seed Houses’ a habitat. WF17 is set to Richard Brown, “yet the change the misconceptions reality is that many native that have grown up around wild flower species are these mixtures. unspectacular to look at Wild flower areas are a and that it can take a year popular choice for all types or two to get a full display.” of developments – from British Seed Houses has new roads to hotels and sought to tackle this issue shopping centres. with WF17. Yet developers are For further frequently disappointed information visit: www. with their choice, seeing the britishseedhouses.com Gareth Roberts, Course Manager charity, Help Autistic Children, at Hankley Common GC, which saw its coffers increased by AMENITY FORUM celebrated his impending 50th over £50,000. birthday by climbing Mount Together they have raised over EXPRESSES CONCERNS Kilimanjaro. £100,000 in 10 years of fund Having agreed to make the raising through a series golf days The Amenity Forum has written to the DEFRA climb over a few pints with three and dinners. Secretary of State and other Government Ministers. friends early in 2010 they reached “It was a great experience and It has expressed concerns about comments being the summit after eight days and I would recommend it to anyone made recently and emerging from discussions within 100km of hard walking and although you do need to be fit to Government departments. climbing on February 18. do it,” said Gareth. These relate to the implementation into law of the EU It was the culmination of a year “For my 60th I’m going to be a Sustainable Use Directive. The concern is that current of fund raising by the four for local bit more sensible!” controls on the use and distribution of pesticides may not be maintained but reduced. The Forum recognises the Government’s wish not to unduly add to requirements in the Directive unless absolutely necessary but, if the current text of the Directive was just transposed into UK law, it believes that the changes would undermine the status of current professional standards on user and adviser certification. The wording of the Directive states that Member States would be required to provide access to training, rather than stating that all sprayer operators and advisers must be trained and certificated by law. The Chairman of the Amenity Forum, John Moverley said, ‘’In considering the consultation on the changes last year, we had always believed that the Directive sought to reinforce controls on the use and distribution of pesticides, rather than weaken them. We urge the Government for a continuation of the UK’s current statutory requirement for certification of sprayer operators and an extension of this requirement to all advisers, as well as provisions for ongoing training and professional development.‘’
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BEDKNIVES BEARINGS AIR & OIL FILTERS BELTS BLADES TITAN TINES REELS
APRIL 2011 GI 9 GI NEWSDESK
South East Region Dinner
Members and guests enjoyed some good weather at Walton Heath, although it was slightly chilly for the early starters after an overnight frost. Competitors once on the Course were warmed up and replenished with refreshments kindly provided by Johnny Beck and James Watson, of Sherriff Amenity, out on the 10th hole. Everybody who played was very appreciative of the presentation and condition of the course after the long and very severe at times, winter. It was very evident that Ian McMillan and his team had been really busy with some good work Is OPM Spreading on both the Courses over the past year. out of Control? Once again the Ray Day Memorial Trophy was won by a Over 40 of the country’s senior tree officers affect wider areas. In parts of Northern Europe, member from Addington Palace attended an OPM Briefing at the head office of where it is prevalent, communities regularly Golf Club. It was the turn of tree care firm, Gristwood & Toms, to discuss suffer with respiratory problems, vomiting, Jason Hunt this year, playing the scale of the problem. dizziness, fever, eye and skin irritation some great golf to get round the The Oak Processionary Moth is already throughout the summer months. New Course with a gross score spreading in London and has been detected The Government announced last week that of 69. further afield in Reading and as far north as it is no longer seeking to eradicate the pest and Following an excellent meal we Sheffield. will adopt a policy of containment. were entertained by the popular Following its rapid spread across parts of They have stated that any action to manage guest speaker, Russ Williams, a Europe, it poses a serious threat to the health the issue will be left to Local Authorities and former Comedian of the Year. of the nation although it is virtually impossible tree owners. Matt Plested thanked the to tell how prevalent it is likely to become. The Forestry Commission has confirmed host Club for, as always, their The problem with the Oak Processionary that it will no longer issue Statutory Notices fantastic hospitality and for Moth is that during certain stages of its requiring the owners of trees within the making us so welcome on the development, minute toxic hairs become core outbreak zone to have the nests and day. airborne and fall around the base of the caterpillars removed from their trees on the The evening was concluded oak trees in which it nests. These invisible grounds of tree health. with the Captain of Walton urticating hairs are also spread by wind and Photographs courtesy of Gristwood & Toms Heath Golf Club, Robert Dyson, presenting the prizes to the many different category winning 10 Years competitors. Next year’s event will take Service place on Friday, March 9. The South East Region of Rachael Duffy, of BIGGA’s Learn- BIGGA is most grateful to the ing and Development Department, following companies for their recently celebrated 10 years with most generous sponsorship and the Association. help with this event:- Rachael started as one of Avoncrop Amenity Products; BIGGA’s Receptionists before Blade Amenity; CMW; Ernest moving to the L&D Department Doe & Sons; Grass Roots four years ago, and she also works Trading Co; JSM; P Tuckwell; closely with Scott MacCallum on Rigby Taylor; Scotts; Sherriff the organisation of the BIGGA Open Amenity; Sisis; Town & Country Championship Support Team. Turf; Tacit and BGGA Essex To commemorate the occasion Section (Hosts of this year’s Rachael, left, was presented with Regional Conference.) a Pandora bracelet by Tracey Clive Osgood Maddison.
10 GI APRIL 2011 GI NEWSDESK
South Winchester Course Manager, Alex Hawkes, is taking part in a stage of the toughest sporting event in the world to raise money for two very worthwhile charities. “The ride I am doing is the Etape Du Tour, which is a Tour de France stage of the Tour de France, and the idea is that amateurs - 10,000 of them - can ride a stage of the Tour De France under ‘Tour Conditions’,” he explained. Fundraising Alex is riding to raise money for Parkinson’s UK and The Alzheimer’s Society which are particularly close to my family and I am taking part in the mountain stage, which takes place on Monday, July 11 and will be ridden by the pros as the final and most prestigious mountain, a week or so later. The stage takes in three of the most famous alpine climbs in the Tour, Le Col du Galibier, Le Col du Telegraphe and, possibly the most famous of them all, the Alpe D’Huez. “I think the main issues that I will face will be the heat of France in July, the cold when decending at high speed from high mountains, the lack of oxygen at such altitude and the length of the climbs - the Galibier is over 18 km of uphill road on its own,” said Alex. “I am funding the whole cost of this trip myself (or at least my wife is for my 40th) so all the money that I raise will go to the charities, rather than funding the trip itself,” said Alex who is writing a blog of his experiences. The links to Alex’s fundraising pages are: www.justgiving.com/Alex-Hawkes-Alzheimers www.justgiving.com/Alex-Hawkes-Parkinsons-UK
SPORTS TURF INDUSTRY PROGRESSES WAY FORWARD FOR TRADE SHOWS
Leaders of the main organisa- research was needed to more assure all stakeholders that meantime we are planning for tions involved in the sports fully clarify the needs of it is at the top of our agenda. this year`s show – with as ever turf industry held further stakeholders for the future, We took the opportunity at some exciting innovations – discussions recently to take and to facilitate a development BTME 2011 to consult with whilst continuing the dialogue forward development plans for programme for trade shows. our trade customers, and with other representative the sector`s trade shows. This programme will received excellent feedback. bodies to look at possible The aim is to understand represent a properly planned BTME 2012, which will take future formats.” even better the needs of route map identifying the right place in Harrogate in January, David Gwyther said: “It was exhibitors, visitors and their solution to meet the needs of all has already attracted huge another very constructive representative bodies, in order industry stakeholder groups. support and we will continue meeting on a challenging to find the most cost-effective The plan will be published to engage with the trade to subject, but one which route to market for all. later this year to enable solid ensure we adapt to their needs to be properly and Senior representatives from preparation to be undertaken needs.” professionally sorted in the the Agricultural Engineers to implement the programme Geoff Webb, Chief Executive interests of all involved in the Association, BIGGA, and over subsequent years. of IOG, said: “IOG has sports turf industry. I am IOG met under the impartial Andrew Mellon, BIGGA listened to others` views on pleased that each organisation chairmanship of David Chairman, commented: the subject of trade shows confirmed its desire to Gwyther, of the Horticultural “As a member organisation and understands the need work together on this very Trades Association. They we need to ensure that our to adapt and evolve. The important issue. Participants continued to review the resources are directed at discussions we have held with are all strongly committed strengths and weaknesses delivering benefits to our other stakeholders have been to finding the right way to of existing trade shows, members. We are undertaking constructive and positive. deliver the most effective show including topline data from a thorough strategic planning Whilst both confident in, and programme for their members both the latest Saltex and process and we will ensure proud of, the track record of and their customers. The BTME shows. They also we re-align our resources to Saltex (despite the economic Group has the professional considered in principle that end once complete. We downturn) we believe the knowledge and the right the respective visitor and do need to ensure that our time is right to engage development processes to exhibitor profiles and views, decision making processes constructively in this review achieve a successful outcome, and the current show target are fully informed by reliable process under the direction but will ensure it tests the sectors. It was agreed that information, but have a of the independent Chairman water with everyone necessary some additional market sense of urgency and can David Gwyther. In the on the way through.”
APRIL 2011 GI 11 Raising the game for disease control
Headway brings you two of the world’s most successful The Headway combination of two powerful actives gives: turf fungicide active ingredients in one package - protecting the plant inside and out, from leaf to root. • Complimentary power of two active ingredients • Trials have shown over eight weeks control of Fusarium Easy to use and cost effective, Headway is approved for • Broad spectrum activity the control of key foliar and soil borne turf diseases. • Protects the plant as it grows • Long lasting results
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12 GI APRIL 2011 Chairman’s Word National Chairman, Andrew Mellon, gives his thoughts for the month
A wonderful support network
As I finished my last column, I was off If anyone has any ideas on this they would that we align our resources in the best way for a nightcap with some colleagues at like to see developed please get in touch at the to achieve that. the Irish Conference. email address below or by calling me. I have continued to meet with the IOG As you might imagine their hospi- As we go to press, I am heading off to and the Agricultural Engineers Association tality, was very generous, and I also be involved in interviewing the shortlisted and have had discussions with several other enjoyed the company of George Brown candidates for our Chief Executive position. companies to date to discuss the subject of who had so many great and amusing We have an excellent selection of people trade shows. experiences to share from a lifetime in and I look forward to finding someone with We started this process at Harrogate last Greenkeeping and Golf circles. the commitment and drive to continue year and we received very useful feedback We sat discussing our profession and to grow the Association and build on its which we are keen to develop further. putting the world to rights for quite strengths. Ensuring that it remains We are reforming the Trade Member some time. member focussed will be a priority, but Forum to allow us to gain a better insight On reflection it reminded me of how also the ability to develop a commercially into the requirements of our trade custom- fortunate I am that I have been able to build sustainable business model for the long ers who support the Association. a support network within my profession to term future. which I can turn for advice, or even just for a At our recent Board good old chat to cheer me up. meeting we continued At such times our network can Our profession is not immune to the to progress some of the impact of the worldwide economic crisis work on fostering col- be very useful in sharing good and it is having an impact on employment laborative efforts with ideas, and offering support to and budgets throughout the country. other Golf and Industry At such times our network can be very bodies. colleagues facing difficult times. useful in sharing good ideas, and offering There is a lot of good I’ve heard of many cases of the support to colleagues facing difficult times. potential benefit in this I’ve heard of many cases of the greenkeeping work and we will keep you greenkeeping teams taking teams taking action to ensure they make a informed in due course positive contribution, as part of the overall through the website and action to ensure they make a team to the difficult challenges clubs are the magazine. positive contribution, as part of facing. We also took the oppor- It struck me that although I am able to tunity to continue some the overall team to the difficult access this and we have a large Association of the work on strategic challenges clubs are facing with over 6000 members not everyone is as planning for the future forthright in accessing such support. of BIGGA. The Regional I would like to encourage members to Administrators and all the Staff and Board We want to ensure that our decision make contact with their Section Secretaries were involved in discussions which were making processes are based on good and offer their support, in whatever way very useful in gaining a better understand- information, direct from our customers. they can, or to seek support. ing of where the Association currently sits It is difficult to be all things to all people, You can make a big difference to the Asso- and in the different perspectives of the but we need to deliver a good service to the ciation as a whole, but more importantly it members and staff. trade if we want to continue receiving their may be that you have advice or experience We intend to further this work by engag- support and this research will be a vital part you can share with your fellow members ing more with the Regions and Sections to of ensuring we adapt as required. which will make a huge difference to them. learn more about how you want to see the Harrogate 2012 is looking very good with I would also include our many retired future of BIGGA, and what you want it to bookings already well underway, and the Greenkeepers, who have a lifetime’s experi- be. Establishing a clear, achievable vision of team at HQ are already compiling an exciting ence to share, and encourage them to stay our future will ensure that we can task the Learning and Development programme. involved were possible. Board, the Chief Executive and staff with Back at Elmwood our team has been hard Local meetings can be great for sharing developing the correct strategies to deliver at work taking advantage of the fine Spring and developing positive ideas to support that vision. weather and it has been good to feel the sun one another. This goes back to the very roots We have many strengths as I have already on the back again. Roll on summer of why our “Association” formed and why it said, but the time is right to ensure that we [email protected] grew so successfully. know exactly where we are heading and Tel: 07780 995602
APRIL 2011 GI 13 Greenkeepers Training Committee
David Golding, Education Director, with a monthly update from the GTC
I know the word sustainability Places are strictly limited there- aspects of greenkeeper training and has become something of fore early registration is recom- In Brief to ensure that employers and any a buzz word but as the GTC mended. greenkeepers have access to learn- David explains how the moves into a third series of GTC is looking to ensure ing at various levels and through greenkeeping has embraced workshops, supported by Quality Assured Centres and all aspects of sustainability various delivery options. The R&A, we are looking to Training Provider Workshop through a third series of Finally, I am pleased to report workshops in association share the most up to date with The R&A and also that there has been some progress information and best practices During 2010 the GTC launched how a workshop for GTC to report with the European Green- Quality Assured Centres with invited delegates on all its Quality Assured Scheme, invit- and Training Providers will keeping Education Unit (EGEU). aspects of the sustainable golf ing colleges and private training focus on ensuring there is The R&A has awarded additional “something for everybody” club. providers to join the scheme. in greenkeeper training funds to a Management Group to The GTC has engaged speakers The current list of Approved provision. move forward, the work to date, who have a wealth of knowledge Centres and Training Providers is by the pan-European standards and experience in all aspects of available on the GTC website and working group. the sustainable golf course and this is regularly updated. John Holliday, the GTC’s Finance clubhouse. The scheme is designed to direct The GTC is funded by: Director, and I have been appointed Clearly, the GTC has a responsi- employers and learners to those onto the EGEU Management bility to promote best practices to Centres and Training Providers, Board, as has Dean Cleaver, CEO maintain and manage golf courses who have met criteria based on of FEGGA. but there are wider issues that we quality. It is hoped the European Golf have to ensure Course Managers Not only are Quality Assured Association (EGA) will also nomi- are aware of. Centres and Training Providers nate a suitable representative to The workshops will be hosted permitted to use the GTC QA logo on join the EGEU Board. at clubs who are all committed all their publicity, representatives The EGEU will have to show to maintaining the courses in a are also invited to attend an annual continual progress and with col- sustainable manner and are will- workshop hosted by the GTC. This leagues from the working group we ing to share their experiences with year the event will be held on June must look to encourage, advise and delegates: 9 and 10, at GTC headquarters, support countries committed to Auchterarder Golf Club, Perth- Aldwark Manor. develop and maintain greenkeep- shire – Monday, June 6; Ganton The GTC is pleased that City & ing standards. Golf Club, North Yorkshire – Tues- Guilds Land Based Services has A website, www.egeu.eu will be day, June 28; Portmore Golf Club, agreed to sponsor the workshop maintained as a portal of informa- Devon – Thursday, June 30 and its CEO, Jack Ward, will open tion and having recently attended In previous years the GTC has proceedings followed by speakers the FEGGA conference and Inter- focused on ensuring that Quality from the Skills Funding Agency national Summit in Iceland, there Assured Centre turf staff, including including National Apprenticeship is a clear interest, from many coun- college lecturers, have encouraged Service, Lantra SSC, Health & tries in adopting EGEU standards. best practice throughout the vari- Safety updates as well as External Bespoke qualifications, training ous education and training courses Verification standardisation. courses, learning materials and they offer. Technology is becoming an training manual can all be designed This year, the GTC is looking to increasingly popular choice for to suit a specific country’s needs. invite representatives from clubs, learning and while hard copy The greenkeeping community is including Course Managers, Club portfolios are still favoured by some an incredible family which stretches Managers, Professionals to attend a learners e-portfolios and e-learning beyond Europe, it is world-wide and workshop, as the agenda will be of is something we all have to consider wherever we travel, the willingness interest to all involved in managing therefore demonstrations from to share knowledge, best practice a golf course and/or golf club. Learning Assistant and One File and form alliances and partner- Speakers will include represen- software companies are also on the ships is around every corner and tatives from the host club, the Golf agenda. Contact Details this should be encouraged. Environment Group (GEO), Sports All of the above will assist Centre Turf Research Institute (STRI), staff and Training Providers hear David Golding Trainin GTC Education Director rs g C e o Scottish Golf Environment Group from speakers at the heart of fund- ep m 01347 838640 e (SGEG), The R&A, Quality Assured ing policies, standard setting bodies k m [email protected] n i e t Centres and The GTC. and with open forums, give the GTC t e e
r If you would like to attend one first hand updates to share with GTC e Aldwark Manor G of the workshops please register the employers and greenkeepers it Near York YO61 1UF by contacting Fiona at the GTC: represents. Q [email protected] or call 01347 It is also an opportunity for www.the-gtc.co.uk d ua re 838640 delegates to discuss openly all lity Assu
14 GI APRIL 2011 Learning & Development Sami Collins, Head of Learning & Development, with an update on education issues
After all the mayhem of ARC Legal Assistance able documents including a Risk Harrogate Week, the Golf Bernhard & Company Profile, Risk Assessments and Industry Show, the Scottish Heath Lambert Hazards. and the Midland Region Hayter The Safety Management System Conferences, I finally have my Wiedenmann is a membership benefit and is feet back under my desk and Rainbird The funding provided available to members of both BIGGA by Gold and Silver Key can start 2011! Sponsors is used to and the GCMA. With many projects underway, My thanks go to those companies produce training and career Watch this space for information aids, DVDs, CD Roms, it’s going to be all go in the L&D listed who enable us to continue field guides and provide on the launch of the new website. Department. Rachael has been to develop resources for the mem- refunds for training fees and subsidised learning and manning (or should that be wom- bers. development courses. The aning?) the Department while I My main focus for 2011 is the funding also helps support BIGGA Higher Education seminars, workshops, have been ‘gallivanting’ around the re-development of the Continuing courses, the lending library, Scholarships careers advice, posters and world. She has spent many hours Professional Development scheme, manuals. updating CPD records from all the introduction of an Accreditation Many young greenkeepers the events that have been taking system and an update of the Master owe their career place around the country as well as Greenkeeper Certificate. Further progression to the Supported by Ransomes Jacobsen assistance they’ve had assisting (and organising) Scott in information on the progress of these from the Learning and the selection of the Open Support projects will follow later in the year. Development Fund. An I am delighted to announce that equal number of established Team 2012. greenkeepers have also Ransomes Jacobsen has agreed been able to access the to continue to support the BIGGA The Learning and Development fund to continue their Fund, which is supported by the Gold Safety Management System professional development Higher Education Scholarship thanks to the donations scheme in 2011. Since its launch and Silver Key members of BIGGA, of the Gold and Silver Key is a ring-fenced pot of money used Sponsors. in 2002, Ransomes Jacobsen has specifically to support the activities contributed over £130,000 into and projects undertaken by the A new look Safety Management the fund and by the end of 2011 Learning and Development Depart- System will soon be available. will have supported more than 120 ment. I am pleased to confirm that Both the Golf Club Managers’ BIGGA members achieve a Higher those companies who have agreed Association (GCMA) and ourselves Education qualification. to support the fund in 2011 are: have been working on developing Any full member of BIGGA, who a simpler website that will help golf has been a member for two consec- Gold Key clubs implement a Safety Manage- utive years, is working as a full time ment System. greenkeeper and is undertaking a European Tour higher education course, is eligible John Deere Based around seven areas: Contact Details to apply for a scholarship. Kubota Greenkeeping Activities The fund may award scholar- Sami Collins Ransomes Jacobsen Maintenance Facility Head of L&D ships of up to 50% of the cost of the Toro Golf Course [email protected] course however, it will typically be Syngenta Clubhouse Rachael Duffy capped at £1000. L&D Administrator For further information or to Pro Shop [email protected] Silver Key Kitchen download an application form, go 01347 833800 (option 3) Fire to: www.bigga.org.uk/education/ Vitax www.bigga.org.uk resources/higher-education- Symbio Each area will contain download- scholarships
Thank you to our Gold and Silver Key Sponsors
Gold Key Individual Members: Steven Tierney; WJ Rogers; Andy Campbell MG, CGCS; Iain A Macleod; Frank Newberry; Andrew Turnbull; Ian MacMillan MG; Ian Morrison Silver Key Individual Members: Ade Archer; Steve Dixon; Paul Jenkins; Richard McGlynn; Sam Langrick; Neil Whitaker; Graham Wylie, Michael Beaton, Douglas Duguid, Derek Grendowicz, Jaey Goodchild
APRIL 2011 GI 15 INDUSTRY UPDATE GI The latest turf industry news from around the globe
JOHN QUINTON PROMOTION
John Quinton, Ransomes Jacobsen’s former Regional Sales Manager for the southwest and northwest of England and Wales, has been promoted to the position of Sales Manager, UK and Ireland. Reporting to Sales Director, Masons Kings of Sale, Service and Support Rupert Price, he will be John Deere dealership Masons Kings has the Cornwall Farmers turf equipment division, responsible for business been appointed to take on the sale, service and previously based at Roche, have been taken development, equipment sales support of John Deere’s full line of professional on by the new dealership. The new Masons and dealer support throughout turf and homeowner equipment ranges in Kings business name now also includes the the UK and the Republic of Cornwall, previously handled by Cornwall dealership’s main branch at Chudleigh in, and Ireland. Farmers Ltd. the Kings branch at Dulverton in Somerset. John, a graduate of Harper Brand new premises have been opened at Masons has been a machinery dealership for Adams University College, Winnards Perch, St Columb, in the centre of 36 years, a John Deere agricultural dealer for in Shropshire, where he Cornwall, trading under the new name Masons over 26, and first established its John Deere gained a HND in agricultural Kings. All the sales, parts and service staff from professional turf division in 2007. engineering, joined Ransomes Jacobsen last year from Hayter. Before coming to the UK, John farmed in his native, New Website for Turfgrass Growers Association Zimbabwe, and he currently lives in Monmouth with his The Turfgrass Growers wife, Victoria, and their two Association has a new website: daughters, Sophie and Emma. www.turfgrass.co.uk He will be relocating to Suffolk The design features a in the near future. comprehensive knowledge Commenting on the base with a range of helpful fact appointment Rupert said, sheets relating to turf health “John has only been with and maintenance as well as business for a short while, but details of TGA specifications and in that time has impressed standards. everyone with his drive and Visitors can also find determination. His rounded information about TGA events, experience of the turf industry including the 2011 Turf Show, will certainly be an added read the latest news articles, find strength together with his out more about membership, undoubted management skills source products and services that are a requisite for this from affiliate members or locate demanding post.” their nearest TGA grower.
16 GI APRIL 2011 What’s your number? Our regular and random profile of an industry figure continues with this month’s lucky number...
Name: Adrian Ice Ice Handbury. Company: Buggy Intelligent Watering. Position: Staff at the Eden Project in the Transport Manager at the Owner. Cornwall, have been using a Eden Project, it was decided that a Kubota B2230 compact tractor to faster, more powerful and efficient How long have power an Olympia 250 ice machine replacement was needed and the you been in the used to clean and prepare the ice Olympia 250 was chosen. industry? for skate sessions. The new tractor was delivered Since 1993 (with two Since Eden’s seasonal ice rink last December and was fitted with years off for good first opened five years ago, the special tyres featuring special behaviour!) organisation had used a golf ice-studs as a precaution to ensure buggy to pull its ice machine. that it wouldn’t skid. How did you get into it? Unfortunately, both machines It has since been used to help I was offered the job of Irrigation Manager at the were written off during a major create an expert surface between London Golf Club. flood which caused the ice rink every skate session which takes to close for a month last around 20 minutes. What other jobs have you done? November. As a result, Eden’s ice rink was Shelf-stacker, Farm Worker, Farm Manager, After consultations between able to cater for approximately 23 Machinery Demonstrator (John Deere), Area Service the ice rink staff and John Ryan, skate sessions every week. Manager (John Deere), Marketing Director.
What do you like about your current job? It is a cliché, but the variety. Through the irrigation industry I have worked on TV sets, national football and cricket stadia and, of course, fantastic golf courses on three continents.
What changes have you seen during your time in the industry? Although technology has progressed, what is good to see is that the people in the industry haven’t. The majority are friendly and eager to learn. One area that has improved for the better is the appreciation of the environment.
What do you like to do in your spare time? I cook (Finalist in 2010 Britain’s Best Dish), and I am reshaping the garden. Also I am looking at doing another degree later this year.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time? TRAIN THE TRAINER Hopefully still married, healthy and managing to Toro distributor Lely UK has Mackay, certainly found this to keep my two daughters out of my wallet. And still in further strengthened its operator be the case. business! training programme with the Kenny put his situation to launch of a new ‘Train the Lely’s training division, leading Who do you consider to be your best friends in Trainer’ scheme, developed in to the creation of a pilot ‘Train the industry? partnership with The Belfry. the Trainer’ scheme. This saw I don’t think that I can single out any single names as For large resorts with a hectic the resort’s more experienced there are too many – especially among the irrigation schedule and higher staff operators trained to impart their contractors that I have been lucky enough to work turnover, regularly sending knowledge to junior colleagues with, and also those with whom I worked at the LGC. greenkeepers and groundsmen direct and on home turf, instead for off-site manufacturer training of having to schedule an on-site What do you consider to be your lucky number? can be a real drain on time, course led by the Lely training 13 – it is my birthday, and the date that I met my wife. budgets and staff resources. team and/or attending a session The Belfry’s Director of Golf at the company’s St Neots Pick a number - 13. Courses and Grounds, Kenny National Training Centre. Adrian has picked David Cole from JSM
APRIL 2011 GI 17 COURSE Feature
Not so common
That it is called Hankley Common Golf Club is a bit of a misnomer. It is one of the finest examples of a heathland course in the country, and Scott MacCallum discovers, as a golf course, it is anything but common
Heathland Splendour on the 6th hole
18 GI APRIL 2011 APRIL 2011 GI 19 COURSE Feature
Located deep in the heart of began in November ’96 and was Surrey, Hankley Common completed the following March. GC has a great feeling of “There was a committee meeting space. This is not surprising on Sunday evening and Ian got the as the club owns 860 acres, call to say we could start remov- leasing a large proportion ing the screen and, at 6am on the of it out to the Ministry of Monday, we started work, dropping Defence for training purposes. all the trees one after another,” said An extensive woodland Gareth, adding that it did get quite management programme also contentious for some members. started a number of years ago, “One came to see me in an which opened the course up extremely angry state while I was again after the pine and birch cutting and asked if I was going all left its mark. the way up to the corner of the 4th. The programme was hugely I didn’t have the heart to tell him successful and led to the club win- I was going up the 5th and 6th as ning BIGGA’s Golf Environment well. Competition in 1997, but the work “That member was good enough that has gone on to maintaining to come back later and apologise. the heathland is equally impressive. At the forefront is “We knew there was a Course Manager, Gareth Roberts, a man with viable seed bed within mountaineering and these areas but we also photography, as well as an immaculately main- added heather seed/ tained golf course, on a very full CV. brashings. It was eight Gareth had recently months before we joined then Course Manager, Ian McMillan, saw signs of seedlings when the decision was coming through, but taken to return the course to its heathland once they started, the roots. areas exploded with “The course was turning into a tree new growth” lined course with a lot of canopy and a lot of Gareth Roberts shade. “We’d done some thinning of He said that now that the trees had blocks of pine, regenerated pine gone he could see what Hankley and birch, which were so dense you was all about,” he said. couldn’t see through to the next The whole process hadn’t cost hole,” explained Gareth. the club a penny as grants from Then, in the company of the then English Nature were available at Chairman of Green, Peter Green, the time and they were also able to Ian and Gareth had a meeting on sell the timber. top of Yagden Hill, which overlooks With such an immediate and the course, when the decision to dramatic change to the golf course really grasp the nettle was taken. the team did have some concerns “Peter, who had great vision, that they may have gone too far. but four years later all the areas said how great it would be if we “When we had the fires burning looked exactly the same.” could clear all the trees and show it was something out of the Battle of Having seen the benefits of all off the course and from there the the Somme and we did think, ‘Have their work, keeping heathland, wheels were put in motion,” he we done too much here?’ always in transitional state, is never recalled. “We knew there was a viable seed easy but Hankley Common brought The plan was pushed through bed within these areas but we also in extra help to ensure saplings the various committees fairly added heather seed/brashings were not able to encroach. quickly and, about six months after back into these areas. We still had “After the heather restoration the meeting on the hill, contactors our fingers crossed though. It was we actually got in four Old English came in and the work began. eight months on before we saw any White cattle to keep the saplings “We brought in local contractor, real signs of the seedlings coming down. They belonged to Surrey John Thorne and his crew, and they through but once they started the Heathland Management Project took down all the pine and birch areas exploded with new growth. which also paid for the electric fence and, in all honesty, a lot of rubbish “Some areas were stripped and round the five hectare plot in which over an area of around 22 hectares, seeded, some we did by just remov- they grazed; all we were required but in doing so we left a screen of ing the litter layer and others we to do was make sure they had suf- trees of around 25 metres deep added brashings and incorporated ficient water.” while the main work was going on,” it into the litter layer with a tooth Gareth Roberts, The policy came to an end with he explained, adding that the work bar. The seeded areas came first Course Manager the advent of Foot and Mouth, but
20 GI APRIL 2011 Collection of stunning photography from Gareth Roberts, showing MAIN ABOVE: 10th hole; LEFT: Colourful view from the 12th to 15th holes; INSET ABOVE: 15th and 16th holes
APRIL 2011 GI 21 The 8th green the cattle definitely proved to be the tee on the 11th just approved it “We are looking at making the best method to keep the land free will lengthen the course to around from tree samplings. 6800 yards which we consider to golfer think and not just pull “Without the cattle we have to be about right.” employ contractors, or use our staff While building the new 3rd tee out his driver and smash it. We to physically remove the samples they uncovered two old ponds, want him to think about clearing and it can take a large part of the which a local historian informed budget. us, had been built in the 17th a bunker or laying up with a “That’s why we are looking at century by Monks who kept fish for 3-wood or rescue club” bringing the cattle back again. The the Duke of Winchester’s banquets members really liked having them when staying at Farnham Castle. Gareth Roberts about.” In effect it was an early fish farm. The other projects which have kept “We would have liked to incor- Gareth and the team busy in recent porate the ponds into the hole but RIGHT and BELOW: part of the years are one of course lengthening Natural England said it wanted the bunker renovation programme and bunker modernisation. land left the way we had found it so it “We had the Open Qualifier for is a very natural wet area around the 14 years up until ’99 but when it tee which is accessed by a bridge.” moved to Hindhead we started to With the lengthening all but look at the length of our course – achieved Gareth and the team are 6400 yards – and how it compared turning their attention to the bun- to those courses around us – the kering some of which have become likes of Sunningdale, Walton Heath obsolete due to the advancement in and Wentworth, who had all put in ball and club development and also new Championship tees.” the player’s fitness. It was a slow process as they had “We are looking at making the to work with English Nature, as the golfer think and not just pull out his course is a SSSI, SPA, AOC and driver and smash it. We want him AOB, but they received a lot of help to think about clearing a bunker or from Dr Keith Duff. laying up with a 3-wood or rescue “We did the eight tees over a two club.” year period taking it up to 6700 then Gareth designs all the new bun- we put in a new tee on the 3rd for kers and tees himself, providing the British Boys’ Home Internation- the committee with photographic als in 2009, which turned a short impressions of what the new par-4 into a long dogleg par-4. bunker or tee will look like, and how “With approval for another new it will fit into the hole, produced
22 GI APRIL 2011 COURSE Feature
on a computer with a paintshop a bigger challenge, so over a pint programme. we decided to take on the climb. Among the other interesting We covered 100km, walking eight elements of Hankley Common is hours a day for eight days, often over the hibernaculum, which they very difficult terrain and changes in have built to provide a winter altitude and reached the summit hibernation for snakes with the on morning of February 18. club acting as home to the complete “In the past year we have raised set of British snakes; the on-site over £50,000 through two golf days, borrow pit, complete with digger, a dance and the climb, and over the from which the club can provide 9 years since we started the charity all its own construction materials; golf day, played at Hankley we have 10 bee hives and the Atlantic Wall raised £100,000, and I’d like to which was a training facility for the thank the many companies within British Army in the Second World our industry who have donated and War so they could prepare to breach helped the cause.” enemy barricades. Back at Hankley, sitting in his All of which offers Gareth a won- office, Gareth still glows with pride derful opportunity to indulge his at the achievement but when he passion for photography, a hobby looks out of the door he should which led to him winning the 2010 be more proud of what he and his BIGGA Golf Photography Competi- team have achieved on a far from tion, sponsored by Syngenta. common golf course.
“I’ve got a Canon 350D with BELOW: A new bunker looks the part various lenses as well as a little ABOVE RIGHT: View from the ridge 14 megapixel Fujifilm JX, which I RIGHT: The Greenkeeping team carry around with me so if I see a good opportunity I can grab it,” said Gareth, who has also been placed in the competition in previous years. His camera was also part of his essential luggage when he climbed Kilimanjaro in February with three friends in aid of local charity Help Autistic Children. “We were all 50 or about to become 50 and decided we needed
APRIL 2011 GI 23 xx_gk_aug_West Country:golf_feb_folio_ 14/7/10 14:59 Page 1
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Mosses are primitive chlorophyll-containing green plants one rung up the evolutionary ladder from the algae and one down from ferns and bracken (Pteridophytes). Some 12,000 species of moss along with their close relatives called liverworts belong to the plant group Bryophyta, writes Dr Terry Mabbett
Primitive they may be, and roundings to be transferred directly, Late winter coming into early immediate surroundings and into spring is the time to assess much more so than grasses, together with nutrients, into the moss levls in turf. the leaves, sufficient and persistent but this does not stop a range leaves. Not being flowering plants surface moisture is essential for of moss type and species they lack formalised flowers, fruits its successful establishment and from invading turf, both and seeds but at certain times of the spread. All things being equal professional and amenity in year produce beak-like capsules moisture is most likely to occur status. ‘A rolling stone gathers containing spores and borne aloft and persist in autumn when turf no moss’ goes the age old on thin stalks. grass starts to lose its competitive saying, but poorly managed When growing in turf, moss is edge with moss, because growth turf will gather moss, and simply a green plant in the wrong is slowing down in response to fall- rapidly too, causing costly place at the wrong time and is ing temperature and reduced light repair work if left unchecked. therefore classed as a weed, albeit regimes. Early spring is the time Mosses are generally less than a very primitive one but also a to assess the amount and extent 5cm tall and commonly grow in highly successful one. Moss is more of moss in turf and also the best dense clumps or mats comprising apparent and a bigger problem in time to tackle it. Late March and many tiny and soft, non-flowering close-cut professional turf simply into April is the time to start dealing plants with rudimentary green because the tiny plants are more with moss. leaves on thin wiry stems. Mosses obvious and not shaded out as they Be that as it may, moss will grow have neither a vascular system nor are in less frequently and higher cut during most of the year especially a proper root system. Individual amenity grass swards. in grass swards where shading, moss plants are anchored to the poor drainage, soil compaction substrate (soil, bark, timber, brick, Underlying cause of moss inva- and poor mowing practice allow for concrete and tarmac) by ‘non- sion faster growth compared with the absorbing’ roots called rhizoids. turf grass. Indeed moss invasion Moss mats and cushions gener- Since moss lacks a proper water- of turf is a symptom of poor grass ally thrive in moist shady situations absorbing root system, and is there- growth and a ‘sure-fire’ indicator and locations, relying on sufficient fore totally reliant on direct transfer of more basic and deep-seated moisture in the immediate sur- of water (and nutrients) from the turf problems. Growth of moss
APRIL 2011 GI 25 L&D Feature
Moss growing on a wall showing dehisced (spent) capsules Cushion moss under pine trees with evidence of foraging by birds for invertebrate animals
Moss bearing beak-like spore bearing capsules on thin filaments Cushion forming moss is prevalent under trees especially along side Liverworts are also found on exposed tree roots damp poorly drained turf in turf is invariably accompanied seem. There are three distinct other evergreens like holly. Think Gold Key by broad leaved weeds including Sponsors types of moss which invade turf – twice before planting evergreen self-heal, parsley piert, mouse-ear cushion moss, trailing moss and trees near greens and tees and have chickweed, slender speedwell and upright moss – each an indicator the pruning saw ready to cut low creeping cinquefoil which thrive in weed of specific problems in the turf hanging branches and even fell the same moist surface conditions, environment. trees if necessary. but even these will be choked off • Cushion forming mosses are Regular ‘cleaning out’ of turf once the moss mat spreads and a tiny ground-hugging clusters of by scarification and aeration by dense cushion of moss foliage is moss indicative of closely mown spiking all help to avoid the com- formed. and scalped swards, especially paction and persistent dampness Moss is essentially a soil surface where deep thatch is impeding air that encourages moss. But regular weed competing for space and circulation and aggravating surface water logging of turf causing per- light with grass plants but the root moisture retention. petual moss growth will require a causes of moss are above and below • Trailing mosses with their fern- deeper solution to an obvious soil ground in factors like persistent Silver Key like, feathered leaves are symptom- drainage problem. Sponsors shade and poor soil drainage. atic of inherently poor drainage and A balanced fertiliser programme Solving a moss problem is not just heavy persistent shade is important to give turf grasses a case of reaching for a bottle of • Upright mosses comprising a constant edge in growth and dedicated moss killer but all-round, larger, taller and more tufted plants surface spread at the expense of year-round good proactive manage- are found on drier more acidic moss. Timely spring and early ment practice. Greenkeepers and (lower pH) soils summer liquid feeds give grass the groundsmen faced with extensive advantage it needs, while slower and lasting moss need to look long Moss growth becomes most but more solid benefits of autumn and hard at turf management in its apparent in early spring but top dressing should build up soil broadest context to reduce shading greenkeepers should be mindful of fertility and stack the odds against by pruning trees, water- logging moss throughout the year and take moss, especially where soils are through improved drainage and the appropriate measures that deter sandy and/or shallow. relief of soil compaction. invasion and suppress existing Moss thrives on low soil pH and growth. Heavy persistent shade cast its persistent growth, especially on Moss more complex than first This article comes to by trees clearly serves to encourage sandy and free draining soils, may you courtesy of the seems BIGGA Learning and and maintain turf surface moisture indicate that over-acidity is root Development Fund. levels and therefore moss, and cause of the problem. Moss problems are invariably Thankyou to all our key especially the year-round reduction Confirm this using a soil pH test more complex than at first they sponsors in light level caused by conifers and which if less than 5.5 means some
26 GI APRIL 2011 Dense carpet of mass on a golf tee in late winter Outside of turf and on hard surfaces moss is an important component of many habitats like rotting tree stumps remedial measure is required. An may require targeted control. application of ground limestone Given current emphasis on the fast can be used but consult on and formulation delivery of dedicated Outside of turf and on monitor rates carefully. Rising pH moss control products it is easy to hard surfaces moss is an and soil alkalinity from liming can forget long-established and long soon cause general deterioration term benefits of lawn sand. Lawn important component by encouraging weeds, worms sand mixtures contain the ‘old of many habitats like and disease, while suppressing favourite’ ferrous sulphate (iron the health and growth of fine turf sulphate or sulphate of iron) to give rotting tree stumps grasses. grass a tonic boost while disposing ‘Shaving’ the turf at less than the of moss. recommended cutting height weak- The fine particle formulation is ens the grass and creates a window spread over the turf preferably from of opportunity for moss, particularly April to the end of June when the on damp surfaces where mower ground is moist. ‘scalping’ occurs. Consistency in The fine particles of the powder- mowing is important. like formulation cling to the coarser Cut at regular intervals using cut moss leaves (and broad-leaf weeds) heights appropriate to turf type, but not to the smoother and finer season and the changing nature leaves of grass. This allows the fer- and condition of the turf. Autumn rous sulphate component to scorch moss growth on damp and dew cov- the moss, which turns black and ered grass may have its ‘roots’ back dies. And without a proper root in summer when drought caused system there is no prospect of bare patches and paved the way for re-growth. The powder should be later invasion by moss. washed off the foliage naturally by rainfall, or by watering if rain does Moss management and control not fall within two days of applica- tion. Comprehensive and consistent Lawn sand also contains ammo- turf management practice should nium sulphate, which together with largely banish moss from the turf the tonic effect of iron, boosts grass grass sward, but extensive and growth and assists in fast coverage Moss provides important protection for moisture loving actively spreading areas of moss of the gaps left by dead patches woodland plants like sweet violet shown here
APRIL 2011 GI 27 L&D Feature
Moss and surface casting earthworms worms are active in the same moist turf conditions
Moss will readily grow on a wide range of vertical as well as horizontal surfaces Moss invariably occurs together with a variety of broad leaf weeds like parsely piert, slender speedwell and dandelion, among others, shown here of moss. Typical lawn sand may in excess or under inappropriate contain three parts of ammonium conditions, especially in lawn sand, sulphate and one part of ferrous ferrous sulphate can blacken and Moss invariably occurs sulphate in 20 parts of very fine seriously damage turf grass. sand or compost. Ferrous sulphate in lawn sand together with a variety Many proprietary moss killers or as a proprietary moss killer will are based on almost ‘pure’ ferrous usually control closely related of broad leaf weeds like sulphate for mixing with water and liverworts as well as algae and parsely piert, slender application by vehicle mounted lichens at rates recommended for power sprayer or a lever operated moss control. Algae and lichens can speedwell and dandelion knapsack sprayer depending on be problematic on neglected and/ the size of area treated. Granular or persistently wet turf. Algae are products are generally easier simple green plants even further leaved weeds like dandelions and and more accurately applied and down the evolutionary ‘pecking self-heal taking full advantage of therefore safer to use. The moss will order’ than mosses, and they the fertile conditions created to dis- blacken and die relatively quickly appear on turf as green or black courage moss. Rapid turf repair by while the iron simultaneously gives slime. Lichens, which appear in the seeding to re-populate with existing the turf grass a ‘short-in-the-arm’ form of leaf-like growths, are brown- or new grasses is a priority. from its natural function as a plant ish or blackish when ‘fresh’ turning Mosses growing in turf and on nutrient. grey with curled up edges when dry. some hard surfaces are strictly Iron sulphate is widely offered Lichens are not individual plants weeds but otherwise they are as a fertiliser and soil amendment but a symbiotic (mutually beneficial) important components of different (acidifying) agent but unless it is relationship between an alga and a ecosystems and habitats including contained within a proprietary lawn fungus. The alga manufactures the heathland, damp woodlands and moss killer it will not be approved food and the fungus absorbs water tree stumps. They are a rich source for use as a pesticide and therefore and nutrients. of insects and other invertebrate cannot be legally used to control Dead moss should be removed animals. This becomes abundantly moss. Whether using ferrous by scarification or raking but the clear when cushions of moss in turf sulphate in lawn sand or in a pro- now cleaned up turf will have gaps under trees, and especially around prietary moss killer it is essential where the dead moss was taken exposed tree roots, are pecked to to read the product label with from. Bare soil in turf is vulnerable bits by blackbirds, starlings and regard to rate, dosage and all other to further invasion but this time by other birds feeding on invertebrate application conditions. When used opportunistic fast spreading broad- animals.
28 GI APRIL 2011 GrassSeedA4 2011_Layout 1 11/02/2011 09:51 Page 1
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I went to a Section Meeting out to be not an isolated incident keepers in our group were well the other day. The golf course, and we were soon talking about unimpressed. for an inland course so early Green Committees in general, Another greenkeeper recalled in the year, was in fantastic and group rapidly swapped horror the tale of a club where a neigh- condition and chatting to stories. bour had put up a wind turbine a group of the guys in the One guy had 19 people on his in his adjoining property. The bar afterwards, even the Committee – “So many people turbine was big news locally – greenkeeper (modestly) said turn up I don’t even think the gone through planning as part he’d never seen it so good at Chairman knows who’s supposed of the Council’s “Green Drive”, this time of year. I thought to be attending”; “We never seem and was hailed far and wide as a he’d then go on to be really to get much done, and last year I break-through in green energy positive about the season was told to dig up a tree and move technology. The club, however, ahead and his work for the it at one meeting, only to be told immediately instructed their year. But no – the poor guy was really down. The club had just It is time Golf Clubs awoke to the modern appointed a new Managing Direc- tor, and nothing was right. The time before it’s too late and become far more bunkers were poor, the greens business orientated. Appoint professional were too slow, the fairways needed shaping properly, the people throughout to run their businesses, trees were overgrown and needed pruning. He couldn’t do anything and respect those people for what they do right. The new man had even started discussing his ideas for possible to put it back again a couple greenkeeper to get out there green staff cuts and changes to months later at the next one, by and plant a row of poplars in their working practices with one two members who’d missed the front of it “as big as you can of the clubhouse staff in the bar, original meeting.” get”. who naturally headed straight It turned out one of them and This brought resigned down to the green shed to share his wife had dug this particular sighs from our group, (Pop- the information. Before long, the bush as a sapling off another lars, windbreaks, less-than- poor greenkeeper had a near riot course where they’d won a big efficient turbines, enraged on his hands which, by his own Mixed Open, brought it back and out-of-pocket neighbours, admission, took a lot of calming planted it. local papers, NIMBY’s etc). down. Luckily this guy was fairly There was a complete lack I then expected the conversa- philosophical and his staff had of appreciation of how tion to move on to beer, women had a good laugh about it, but important local opinion is and football, but no, this turned I sensed that the other green- becoming for the survival
30 GI APRIL 2011 of golf, and how important it (Raucous laughter at this point,) what has happened, and what is is that golf projects a positive Sounds pretty scary actually and being done to resolve it? feel to its local communities. as for being strictly necessary? Or b\ Moan and complain It went on. “Car Park Hey I don’t think so…. relentlessly about what a rubbish Duty,” said another guy So where is it all going wrong? service you’re getting to anyone heavily. “At our place ‘Car The majority of golf club mem- who’ll listen, to the point where Park Duty’ means having the bers are not expert players, no-one wants to use your product whole staff on standby 24-7 but the lower the handicap the at any cost, and you’ve adversely in case two snowflakes fall in seemingly louder they shout. affected the green fees and the car park. Back in December Whatever happened to fresh air? income? Yep – think we’ve all when the police were warning Camaraderie? Exercise? Fun? guessed the answer to that one. people not to venture out on the Some players are eaten up by the Last year I hosted a major roads unless their journey was game. A never ending sense of county amateur event. Late May really necessary– the Chairman one-upmanship and no apparent – often not the best time of year. rang me up on the home phone appreciation of reality. It went really well with rightly a at 11.30 at night – waking the Golf courses are outdoors and lot of good comment about the whole family to insist that we get subject to a lot we can’t control. course, particularly the greens the car park cleared of a foot of What’s so difficult to understand – only soured by one of our mem- snow and ice by 9am the next about that? If it’s not five hours bers who, when complimented day. ‘Just in case any members of mind-numbing grinding in a by a visitor on the condition of want to drop in for a coffee’.“ competition, and they can’t come his course, allegedly snorted – “Wouldn’t have been so bad, back in moaning about slow play, “Pah – don’t think it’s always like but the local TV news was show- and they haven’t compiled a full this do you?” ing pictures of expectant moth- list of course defects, they’re not Another complete amateur ers being winched off roofs by happy. capable of doing considerable the RAF, and stranded motorists But the ordinary members are damage to his club. being rescued from their cars. almost as bad. A couple of years It is time Golf Clubs awoke to So who in their right minds was ago I had a minor issue with our the modern time before it’s too going to, ‘Nip up the golf club for greens in the early spring. Nope late and become far more busi- a cup of coffee?’ The lanes up to – not looking at their normal best ness orientated. our place were choc-a-bloc with – cold, dry, windy – should never Appoint professional people snow anyway.” have hollow tined – you know the throughout to run their busi- Another (Assistant) green- feeling? nesses, and respect those people keeper chipped in. “I read on our So – let me pose a question. for what they do. Bulletin Board that someone is When you’ve got an issue with a Then the members can get about to start offering training product you own a share in – do back to just enjoying playing the courses for Greens Chairmen. you? game? Rediscover the simple Do you think they’re trying to a\ Quietly and gently explain joys of knocking a ball around in train them to be greenkeepers?” to prospective new customers wonderful surroundings.
APRIL 2011 GI 31 Final Longbow 4/3/11 9:16 am Page 1
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Professional golf course photographer, Eric Hepworth, offers some advice to those BIGGA members keen to maximise their chances in the 2011 BIGGA Golf Photographic Competition
Alwoodley. In Eric’s opinion, this is the best course in Yorkshire. In this portrait format picture, Eric made good use of the interesting cloud formations and shadows over the bunker.
APRIL 2011 GI 33 Since the inaugural ABOVE: Royal North Devon. the more chance you will have in “Poor light can’t even save images BIGGA Golf Photographic This panoramic photo illustrates the 2011 BIGGA Photographic of Augusta National. You’ve either Competition in 2006, it is the advantage of a hole being Competition. got good light or you haven’t. You laid out North to South, the generally agreed that the gorgeous evening light casting To that end, professional golf can’t generate it in Photoshop!” long shadows across the course photographer, Eric Hep- So what is good light in photo- overall standard of entry fairway. has risen year on year and worth, one of the judges of our graphic terms? identified a huge reservoir of competition, took some time out to “I watch the weather forecasts, photographic expertise among talk about golf course photography looking for frontal systems. Look on the BIGGA Membership. and offer some advice to those the Met Office website rather than There can be few areas of technol- TV, as their forecasts have been ogy which have advanced in recent dumbed down. Ideally your visit years as much as photography, “Courses set up north to south must be timed when the front has with cameras developing almost on just passed through. That is when a weekly basis. are much easier to photograph the best possible light is available.” From the early days of digital than those which run from east Chasing the best possible condi- photography when we were amazed tions has seen Eric spending long that pictures could be taken to west, since when it’s the right periods of time waiting, just waiting, without the use of film, to the rapid for the right conditions. climb from one megapixel cameras, time to take the pictures, the “I’ve often said you don’t have and memory cards that can hold a sun is shining across most of the to be the best golf course photog- dozen images, to now when even rapher in the world, just the most mobile phones can boast 12 mega- holes, creating superb shadows” patient.” pixel cameras and memory cards Eric Hepworth The longest he can recall spend- can hold hundreds of pictures at ing at a course waiting for the ideal any one time. conditions was a fortnight when High quality cameras can now many greenkeepers who now carry at Carnoustie, shooting a hole- fit into the smallest pocket on the a camera as an essential element of by-hole guide for the 1999 Open tightest pair of jeans and there is their day-to-day kit. Championship. rarely an occasion when someone “The most important thing to “Golf course photography must isn’t able to record a moment. think about when taking a golf be the only profession where you But for all the technology, there course photograph is the light. You open the curtains and decide if you is still an art to taking photographs can’t take a good course picture are going to go to work!” said Eric. and the more knowledge and skill without good light,” explained Eric, “I get to know my landladies so you can bring to complement the who has well over 300 courses in well, they are all on my Christmas quality of equipment now available, his library. card list!
34 GI APRIL 2011 PHOTOGRAPHY
“If the weather is bad, I tend to graph than those which run from go swimming. You need to be in fair east to west because when it’s the shape to carry the huge amount of right time to take the pictures, the equipment I take on the course. I’ll sun is shining across most of the often re-visit my notes and make holes, creating superb shadows; sure that my cameras and lenses while east to west, the sun is in the are clean and working correctly too. wrong place for most holes, when “On many occasions though, I it’s the right time to take the pic- have returned home with nothing, as tures,” said Eric, who always takes the weather just hasn’t co-operated. time to plan out where to position There is no point in taking pictures himself in advance for shots of that are not going to show the course particular holes and marks them off to its best, I would only throw on a Strokesaver. them away and tear myself a strip off But don’t panic though if your for taking them in the first place. course is laid out east to west “If the light is there, obviously, course. You can take competition- ABOVE: Royal County Down. To get the best of the evening light, be there in you must be able to make the most winning pictures, it just takes a mid June, as the sun sets behind the mountain at any other time of the year. of it. Taking pictures in the middle little more effort. of the day is a big no-no because the “You have to try and engineer BELOW: Aberdovey. Against a cloudless sky, this picture would not be sun is high and the shadows are an angle. Rather than just stand- anywhere near as dramatic. straight down. ing in the 18th fairway, pointing “The best times are when the at the green with the clubhouse in sun is just coming up early in the the background, you would have morning or in the evening when the to move left or right to create an sun is going down. This means the angle and bring out the shadows on shadows give great definition to any undulations and around bunkers shot you take.” etc.” There are some courses which The other principle element of are easier to photograph than photography is the framing and others and Eric carries around a there are rules that you should compass which identifies where the think about before you take your sun will rise and set at any given picture. time of the year. “You can ruin a fantastically lit “Courses that are set up north picture just by the wrong choice of to south are much easier to photo- framing.”
APRIL 2011 GI 35 “The Rule of Thirds is derived from landscape artists like Constable. In simple terms, the points of interest should be located in one of the four intersections of the picture a third in, and not in the centre of the picture” Eric Hepworth
Pyle and Kenfig: example of how The Rule of Thirds works, with the point of interest (the green) roughly a third in
36 GI APRIL 2011 PHOTOGRAPHY
One of the main things to con- sider is to apply the Rule of Thirds to your picture. “The Rule of Thirds is some- thing which has come down from landscape artists like Constable. In simple terms, the points of inter- est should be located in one of the four intersections of the picture a third in and not in the centre of the picture. “It makes the picture more pleas- ing on the eye.” That’s not to say it is a rigid rule and there are many occasions when a picture which doesn’t abide by it can look absolutely stunning but there is no doubt that taking the Rule of Thirds into account can help improve your photography. When it comes to equipment, Eric is of the opinion that the advent of digital photography has been a double edged sword. One of Eric’s oldest and favourite pictures, again “Digital photographs are now so exemplifying the rule of thirds. He has tried to easy to take, that people are not re-create this picture a number of times but failed. taking time over what they shoot. “If they don’t like the picture they just bin it. In the days when All about Eric... Open Championship. Thankfully, we used film, we were conscious of following that stroke of luck, I’ve Eric started off life as an how much it cost and had that in done every Open since, re-visiting underground electrician at mind when we pressed the shutter. each venue to take account of any Hickleton Main Colliery with “Due to digital’s simplicity, changes to the course.” photography very much a millions of people who previously Apart from the Open, Eric also hobby. would not have dreamed of using takes commissions for any golf “I got to know sports photogra- a camera, are taking pictures club wishing to have a top quality pher, Mark Newcombe, through my and that’s a great thing but, portfolio of pictures for display or aunt who worked for the Barnsley on the flip side, people are not marketing purposes. Chronicle, and I invited Mark along thinking enough about how to “Today, golf clubs are striving to to an exhibition of my sports pho- increase their membership and to make their pictures better because To view Eric’s extensive library tography at the Cooper Gallery in it is such a straight forward pro- of golf course pictures visit: attract more visitors. All too often www.hepworthgolfphotography. the town. though, they are trying to promote cess.” com “Mark said he liked some of them If you are considering taking their most valuable asset to pro- and enquired if I would consider your photography seriously and Eric’s Tips spective members or visiting golfers photographing football for him at by relying on pictures that have are looking to do more than you can Don’t take pictures in the weekends. I was in dream world! with a compact or mobile phone middle of the day. been taken by a member who is a I began taking pictures of teams keen amateur photographer. The camera, Eric would point you to a Take pictures first thing in the old First Division, travelling digital SLR which gives the option in the morning or in the Internet, whether clubs embrace it evening. to Manchester United, Leeds, Tot- of allowing different lenses for dif- or not, is where these potential vital Swot up on the Rule of tenham, Aston Villa etc. I thought ferent occasions. sources of income can be attracted, Thirds and work this into this was wonderful.” “I would recommend going for your pictures. by having good photographs of With the demise of the mining their course featured on the club’s one which has a full frame sensor Rake the bunker. Don’t have industry, Eric took advantage but unfortunately they are more big hoof prints in the bunker website. and then take the rake out of a redundancy package which “I have often been contacted by expensive. If you look at the photog- of shot. included a redeployment scheme raphers at football matches these golf magazine editors seeking pic- If you are shooting in the which saw 12 months salary paid to tures of esteemed golf courses, after days, they don’t need enormous morning, make sure you don’t have footprints in the any future employer and Eric joined lenses anymore. receiving pictures from the club that dew where you are hoping Mark at Visions in Golf full time, “The cameras they often use to shoot. were unusable. Sadly many Secre- taking pictures for the recently now, have sensors which multiply tary/Managers, before they were Have a look at the file size launched Fore! magazine. the image, in some instances by and resolution of the picture informed by the editor, thought the you are taking. A wonderful “It was a great apprenticeship photographs acceptable. as much as 1.6 times. The camera shot which is too small or in and I hugely appreciated the faith now does some of the work of a long low resolution, is useless. Consider this scenario. that Mark placed in me. It was a If your daughter was soon to be lens. Always make sure your lens is clean. If you are pointing massive learning curve though. “However, this principle also pre- married, would you ask around into light, any spec of dust One day I was a mining electrician vents getting the best out of a wide will create flare. for someone who was handy with and the next, I was trying to pull off angle lens, which is the favourite of a camera or would you contact a If you can, take step ladders being a fully fledged professional golf course photographers. A stan- with you, so you can add a professional to provide the very best little height to you pictures. photographer. When I went free- dard 50mm lens fitted to a camera pictures for your daughter’s special lance in 1995, I was very fortunate with a 1.6 times sensor, becomes If you are intending to take day. Golf clubs which are often mil- pictures on a golf course to be asked to photograph the hole lion pound businesses, are relying an 80 mm, not wide enough to use which is not your own, always seek permission by hole collection of photographs around a green. on amateur pictures to promote first. of The Old Course for that year’s themselves.”
APRIL 2011 GI 37 ActivateR 2011_Layout 1 18/02/2011 16:36 Page 1
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38 GI APRIL 2011 Happy snapping
BIGGA’s Golf Photographic Competition is back for 2011, so it’s time to dust down your trusty camera, go out on your golf course and get snapping!
The BIGGA Golf Photographic Please note, cropping may occur Competition, back for its sixth if photos are to appear in the maga- year, creates an opportunity zine or calendar. Also ensure digital for members to display their photos do not show the time/date artistic flair, while also earning display! some publicity for their club. Anyone wishing to enter should The winner will receive a full email them to: [email protected], The 17th at Quail Hollow CC,course by Graeme profile in GIRoberts and a special entering ‘BIGGA PHOTO COMP prize, while the 12 best pictures 2011’ as the email subject header. will be selected for the 2012 BIGGA All entries need to be received
CALENDAR_11d.indd 2 Calendar. by July 31, 2011, and only BIGGA 16/11/10 15:27:17 Digital pictures need to be high members are eligible to enter. resolution, at the largest size
capable by the camera, as it may Sponsored by ultimately be scaled up to A3 print size (42cm wide x 29.7cm high). Please label your entries with captions - the name of the course plus a brief description (around 10 words). It would be great if you could also tell us the spec of camera it was taken on too. Please try to avoid reducing the file size to fit on email as this will reduce the quality of the image. If the file size is too large to send, BIGGA Calendar 2011 we recommend using a compres- Featuring the Top 12 Entries from the BIGGA Photographic Compet ition sion facility such as winzip or a website such as: www.mailbigfile.com.
CALENDAR_11d.indd 1
APRIL 2011 GI 39 16/11/10 15:26:08 TC0118 Greenkeeper Int Utility_Layout 1 18/03/2011 13:41 Page 1
THE WORKMAN HDX-D FROM TORO. FOR EVERY JOB, HOWEVER TOUGH.
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WORKMAN HDX PROPASS (TOWED) MULTIPRO 5800 SPRAYER WORKMAN MDX PRO FORCE DEBRIS BLOWER James de Havilland takes a closer look at the intricacies of current machinery The anatomy of...
Utility vehicle sprayers
(ABOVE) British sprayer manufacturers are strong in the amenity sector. Team Sprayers offers a choice of demount How much thought goes into choosing designs and choice of standard and shrouded booms. If you your sprayer? have a specific need, you do not need to buy ‘off-the-peg’. As was suggested in last month’s issue, heavy-duty utility vehicles really start to come into their own when fitted with attachments that can include a sprayer. But how do you select the right sprayer (INSET) The Toro Multi Pro 5800 reflects the demand for a vehicle that is well adapted to for the job? James de Havilland spraying duties. When looking for a demount sprayer, it pays offers some advice to try out a system actually fitted to the vehicle you want to use it with.
APRIL 2011 GI 41 Hardi sprayers include the Boss range of demount models. By offering a wide specification choice, as well as models tailored to fit a range of utility vehicles, the company is well placed to meet specific end user needs.
In broad outline, heavy-duty a Toro Workman and Toro sprayer. utility vehicles have a nominal But there are alternatives that are capacity of around 1200Kg. well worth looking into. By the time you have accom- The fact that Ransomes Jacobsen modated the weight of the operator now markets the Smithco range of and any attached sprayer, actual dedicated self-propelled sprayers is tank capacities can be up to around also interesting. This move reflects 800litres. Width wise, booms on the growing trend for many utility offer will include those of up to 12m, vehicles to end up spending their the ability to work a portion of a lives permanently fitted with a partially folded wide unit offering sprayer. the potential to operate at a range of narrower widths. Other demount and sprayer When considering a de-mount considerations sprayer for a utility vehicle, it fol- lows that capacity and width are a On paper, it is actually difficult good point to start from. A key is to to do a proper sprayer comparison. consider is that a higher capacity The best buy is the unit that offers sprayer need not always be operated not just the right combination of Spray Star sprayers from Ransomes Jacobsen are purpose built self-propelled units. Where a demount sprayer combination will be used full-time as a sprayer, it may be with a full tank, and that selecting a features but also other vital details. worth looking at a dedicated unit as an alternative. boom that may be able to operate at These can include boom visibility narrower widths may also increase - some tanks are tall and make it its versatility. hard to see the offside extreme of As a guide, it can pay to look to the boom at narrow settings. The the uses to which the sprayer will be filters on some sprayers are spread put and how these uses may evolve. around, making servicing less easy A good example is in the application than it could be. You need to look of a growth regulator to fairways. It over a sprayer to appreciate these is obvious that a larger sprayer will finer points. help apply the material in less time, Then there are the controls. but if that same sprayer is also Simple mechanical controls are tasked with working on the greens, typically easy to operate, more it needs to be right for that job too. complex automatic controllers Other considerations can make initially seeming baffling in what actually choosing what is on offer they can offer. But in an increas- more complex. It follows that the ingly regulated world, the ability sprayer is designed to demount to record spray data easily can from the vehicle, the ease of doing make the investment in some of this varying not just between the the more sophisticated controllers sprayer itself but to the vehicle to worth considering. Automatic rate which it is attached as well. It is control also helps improve spraying A low profile, combined with a high standard specification, can make a complete hardly a surprise to see a Deere Pro- accuracy, which in turn can reduce demount sprayer package an attractive buy. John Deere Select Spray and ProGator combinations are increasingly purchased together. Gator married to a Deere sprayer or costs.
42 GI APRIL 2011 ANATOMY OF...
As a starting point, the following may help when Basic checks to keep considering a new sprayer... spraying accurately • Centre of gravity. A low tank design may be a better 1. Ensure the sprayer is choice when working on slopes securely mounted to the vehicle • Boom visibility. From the operators seat, can the and the boom is set so it runs extremes of the boom to be seen? about 50cm from the ground or • Pump choice. Some sprayers may be offered with a target. choice of centrifugal or piston pump. Will one design be Basic mechanical controls, with boom section 2. Every day, take out the shut-off and pressure gauge, are simple to better for your needs than the other? understand and well suited to applications such suction filter and make sure it as applying liquid feeds. • Manual controls. May offer independent boom shut off is clean. Look in the housing and will be fine where the main job is applying liquid feeds. and check it is clear. Grease • Automated controllers. Vary in sophistication, but a key the threads and check the ‘O’ plus will be where automated flow rate control is required. ring is seated correctly. Hand • Booms. Width and ability to operate at narrower width tighten the filter cap. when folded. Ability to fit single or multi-head nozzle 3. Remove and check the holders – triple bodies with standard, lo-drift and high pressure filter. Again, smear volume nozzles can make life easier when switching grease over the housing between materials. threads. This will help seal the • Booms. Auto break back useful. Contour following system and reduce the chance wheels handy over undulating ground. More advanced electronic controllers make of leaks. precision spraying more straightforward. The key • Hose reel. A useful extra that can be used to operate a is to work out what is needed and how receptive 4. Pressure equalisation pedestrian boom on delicate turf or spot spray lance. the operator is to using this type of system. entails checking the pressure • Shrouded booms. Useful, particularly when spraying remains the same when flow near watercourses and where tight environmental to each boom section is opened concerns demand minimal risk of spray drift. and closed. This should always • Foam marker. ‘Blobbers’ have increased in popularity. be done before calibrating the • Chemical induction hopper. Nice to have, but a low tank sprayer. fill point will be fine for many users. 5. Grease the PTO shaft and • Tank shape. The best designs will ensure the tank can sprayer pump. This should be be run completely dry. done on a regular basis when • Fast fill point. Worth considering where fast water filling the sprayer is in use and before option available. Can have auto cut-off and flow meter. Sprayers fitted with a fast flow water intake, such the unit is first used after a • Easy clean and flushing. A clean water tank makes it as the John Deere HD200 SelectSpray, may also prolonged lay up. have the option of speciaying an electronic flow easier to flush the sprayer through when the job is done. meter with auto shut off.
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APRIL 2011 GI 43 NEW Products GI The latest products on the market reviewed
New Loaders from Bobcat Syngenta’s Contact+ fungicide active for turf, Medallion TL, has gained approval for use by turf managers. Medallion TL targets disease pathogens on the leaf surface, but also has the same effect on Fusarium disease spores in the thatch layer and the soil surface, according to Syngenta Technical Manager, Dr Simon Watson. “Medallion TL will change the way we think about disease control, not only protecting from disease infection, but also reducing disease spore numbers and lowering the risk of further infection,” he said. “That makes it incredibly effective in its primary role as an autumn and winter Contact+ treatment, but could The launch of the new 700 The 700 Series comprises a As well as higher also have a really valuable Series compact loaders new skid-steer loader model, performance and power, the effect to prevent disease adds three new models to the S770, a new compact new 700 Series loaders offer outbreaks triggered by spring the company’s family of new tracked loader, the T770, and improved visibility, comfort and summer aeration or generation loaders. a new all-wheel-steer (AWS) and uptime protection. maintenance activities.” The new loaders, all with loader, the A770. A new forward position Simon added that it is the vertical lift path design, All three new loaders that offers a 30% increase additional activity in thatch and offer several new features offer higher rated operating in all-round visibility for the soil surface that gives Medallion and enhancements that capacities and increased operator TL its Contact+ credentials. significantly extend the range engine and hydraulic power, of applications for compact allowing users to take on new, www.greencast.co.uk loaders. more demanding applications. www.bobcat.eu
John Deere has added a new two-wheel drive model to two-wheel the 5E range of utility tractors. The 55hp open station 5055E is the only model in the range offered with 2WD, drive MODEL but otherwise features the same specifications as the 4WD 5055E, 5065E and 5075E models. The 5055E is a small, lightweight and manoeuvrable machine, perfect for use as a general-purpose utility tractor with or without a front loader, for example. This new tractor is suitable for a wide range of customers, including caravan parks, equestrian centres, garden centres, greenkeepers and groundsmen, growers, landscapers, local authorities, public amenities and smallholders. Lift capacity is 1.8 tonnes at the hitch balls, and the tractor can be fitted with a choice of two mechanical self- levelling or non self-levelling loaders, with lift capacities of either 873kg or 989kg to a maximum lift height of 3.38m. A fold-away roll-over frame is fitted as standard, and a two-post sun protection canopy is available as an option.
www.deere.co.uk
44 GI APRIL 2011 SIGN OF THE TINES
Tired of stop-starting your aerator to change broken and bent tines, or unclog cores? Losing precious man-hours and money buying and applying new ones? What about time wasted collecting core-debris and repairing post-aeration turf damage? Toro’s ultra-durable Titan Tines offer precise, concise holes for faster recovery and a smooth finish. Boasting a clean-cut performance, Titan Tines are manufactured from a unique heat-treated metal alloy that provides maximum strength and resistance while allowing for thinner tine walls for improved core-pull and hole quality and will last three to four times longer than standard tines. Micron Microwipe
Five plant species are defined as ‘Injurious Weeds’ under The Weeds Act of 1959 although a handful of otherwise notorious weeds are conspicuous by their absence. The five are common ragwort thistles (creeping and spear) and docks (curled and broad-leaved) – are proscribed due to their overwhelming competitive effect on other useful plant species in agricultural and amenity situations, and through their intrinsically rapid growth rates and prolific rates of reproduction. Once established and allowed to grow, spread and multiply during late spring and early summer these weeds become difficult if not impossible to shift. However, if hit early in the year while still in a sluggish vegetative state, all five of these heavy-weight weeds With over 150 tines to choose from, there’s one to suit every turf application, soil are easily and quickly dispatched situation and Toro aerator, from the popular ProCore 648 pedestrian machine to the using lightweight and easy to use ProCore 864 and 1298 tractor-mounted models. Titan Tines are also compatible with hand-held herbicide applicators. most leading manufacturers’ models. Herbicide applicators of choice “Our intensive renovation programme involves hollow coring the greens and tees across include the Micron Microwipe, all 36 holes in spring and late summer. In addition, a similar operation is required twice a light-weight, hand-carried yearly on 1.5 acres of grass practice area tees. Solid tine aeration work also features as applicator that delivers highly part of a range of cultural practices, particularly the use of star tines,” said Peter Todd, targeted doses of herbicide onto Courses Manager at The London Club. individual weed plants. Microwipe “The abrasive nature of our sand rootzones places much greater wear on tines so it is is ideally suited to the control of important to choose ones that can last as long as possible. docks. “We’ve found Titan Tines – the hardened-tip ones in particular – are best able to cope with such heavy usage and wear,” said Peter. www.micron.co.uk
500 SERIES BRUSH CUTTERS The new 500 series from Husqvarna Husqvarna’s X-Torq® engine technology provides professional brush cutters with enables the 545RX to deliver rapid high performance and reliability as well acceleration and high power over a wider as sensational ergonomics and manoeu- RPM range. X-Torq® also increases fuel vrability. efficiency by up to 20% while reducing Within the 500 series is the new 545RX exhaust emissions by up to 75%. with its optimised shaft length and bevel The engine and starter have also been gear angled 35 degrees. The gear was designed using Smart Start® technology designed so that a high torque so the 545RX starts quickly and with is available and the cutting minimum effort. In fact resistance in the equipment is parallel to the starter cord is reduced by up to 40%. ground, helping to achieve the best cutting results. www.husqvarna.com/uk
APRIL 2011 GI 45 TALKING HEADS GI Jim Cook puts five questions to six Course Managers
How do you combat damage being Do modern, computerised, automatic caused to irrigation systems during systems help with early warnings of winter? such problems as non-uniformity in application?
Keith Martin We drain our system and tanks down, The installation of moisture probes within Course Manager protecting both pipe work and heads from greens can be a great tool to monitor soil Machrihanish frost damage. With our pump station being conditions, helping with both setting Dunes Golf Club in a heated room there is also no chance appropriate programmes and helping of any damage occurring during very cold conserve the amount of water actually periods. needed.
Jeremy Hughes At the end of October, the system drain My system is an old TW2 controller and Course Manager valves are opened and the two lowest while it will notify us of problems in the Vale of irrigation valves will also be left open, the system and then run diagnostics to identify Llangollen pump is drained off and drain plug removed. it quickly, we can only gauge uniformity Golf Club The intake submersible pump is removed for and effectiveness of the coverage with service, both tanks are left full. visual assessment.
Ken Barber A powerful generator is used to blow the Our greens have no steep undulations, Course Manager pipe-work through with air to clear the which makes life a little easier, yet we had Staverton entire system of water. This ensures that the some localised Dry Patch problems last Park Golf Club coldest of winters will not have any effect on year. In some cases this may be due to the system. wind exposure. I plan to water less often, but for longer, to encourage deeper rooting.
Dave Langheim We shut down our irrigation system around Very much so. Modern systems are so Course Manager October, and drain off from the lowest points hi-spec now that you should never see Wimbledon of the course. We blow out the pipes with non-uniformity in application. I think Park Golf Club compressed air to ensure they don’t freeze irrigation technology has evolved so much over the winter months. in the last ten years that non-uniformity is no longer an issue.
Pete Gross We winterise both our systems each year Valve-in-head sprinklers can show you Deputy Course to protect them. This means draining the how much each individual sprinkler is Manager whole system and also shutting down the putting down and is instantly recognizable, Ashbury Golf controller so no signals are being sent out however they don’t say whether the Hotel to the valves. Each of our pump houses are sprinkler is rotating so uniform coverage insulated and heated. still needs to be picked up visually.
Aaron Small At the start of November we drain the irriga- We have a 35-year-old system that Course Manager tion system at two low points on the course regularly gives us trouble. I prefer to check Donaghadee and we drain the main pump in the pump core samples and do visual checks than to Golf Club house. Also the pump house is heated just rely on it. We do the weather for the MET in case of any freak frosts. office so we are very accurate on rainfall which helps a lot.
46 GI APRIL 2011 IRRIGATION Irrigation is the subject of debate
Is it important for golf courses to be Where do you source your water from Water restrictions were placed on seen as leading the way in terms of and is this an ideal system for you? many areas of the UK in 2005. Is a respecting environmental issues of problem keeping your course watered high water usage? with these in place?
Yes, it is very important. Machrihanish We have 19 well points from which we The abstraction licence we hold is Dunes follows an environmentally draw water. It is then pumped to a holding adequate to more than fulfil our needs. responsible management approach to our tank. This system works well for us as we The only problem we could have is during water resources with the aim of minimis- only irrigate greens and tees. Also, we only droughts the well points could run dry, ing water use and to protect and enhance use water only when necessary so we don’t but this hasn't happened yet. water quality in and out of our course. need to store huge quantities.
It is important that we are seen to be intel- The source of our water is the stream that No we don’t have any problems as we ligent in our water usage and what we can runs down through the course and feeds extract from the stream and do not take do to reduce the amount of water we need into the river Dee, which flows along four any mains water. We have a licence to to use, so hand watering is an essential holes of our course. A submersible pump extract up to 3.2 million units over the year part of our water management program. in a holding area feeds both irrigation and never get anywhere near this volume. tanks.
I believe water is used to excess on some We are very lucky, since our water is Even with the spring fed lake, it does not courses, especially those with fairway sourced from a spring fed lake, which necessarily mean I use it without consid- irrigation. I aerate my fairways as regularly never seems to drop. The pH is a little too eration, since I tend to hand water when as I can afford, which promotes deeper high for my liking, but having a natural restrictions are in place. The occasional rooting and more drought tolerant. Plus water source allows me to easily carry out deep watering followed by syringing during the more desirable bent/fescue grasses compost tea brewing. very hot weather helps reduce plant stress. often predominate.
When you have areas of the country Our water is from the mains. Is it The club was told to cut down, before my with hosepipe bans and you’re throwing ideal? – No. I would love to use the nearby tenure began in 2008, and they did. They on water, it’s very important to respect lake, but due to its toxicity, can’t. Our tended to over-water here years ago and environmental issues. I think golf courses course rebuild over the next few years the sprinklers were so poorly positioned should be at the forefront of using the least will incorporate a new system and we’re that water was wasted. We cut that by amount of water possible. looking into bore holes. placing half-circle sprinklers at roadsides.
Yes, and even more so for us with five and- Our water is all delivered from above and Our main problem with keeping the a-half courses. This is why modern control held in reservoirs. With the amount of courses watered is the actual amount systems and sprinklers are such useful courses we have, bore-holes or mains of greens – over 100. Because of this tools. If the back of a green is sheltered, water wouldn’t be able to produce enough we closely monitor usage and available it can be watered less than the front with water, as well as the cost being prohibitive. water resource and adjust programmes valve-in-head sprinklers as opposed to a accordingly. block system.
For me to respect environmental issues We source our water from a bore hole and As yet in Northern Ireland we have no better I would need a new system. This mains water. The bore hole cannot keep water restrictions but we do keep it to would save electrical energy, reduce up with the system in a night’s watering a minimum. Often golfers perceive that hydraulic shock and provide better control so it gets help from the main. At least greens are watered to soften them not that of water use. Unfortunately there’s no from the bore hole the plant is getting the we water them to keep them healthy. chance of a new one in this economic majority of natural water. climate.
APRIL 2011 GI 47 Hunter Golf Unseen Innovation A4 Ad:Layout 1 24/3/11 11:52 Page 1
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www.huntergolf.com 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
which are explained on the entry Not too much to report on Scottish Region form. We will not accept entries recently, only the Annual after the closing date or on the Conference at Dunfermline on day. The draw will appear on the March 1. website on April 22. As usual the venue was first We also intend running a class, with Janice and her staff Pairs’ Competition through the coping extremely well with all the North season. You should also have problems created by impressive been sent an email with an numbers of 200. The meal was Central I start this month’s news with entry form and details of this excellent and the dinning staff, the fact that Bryan Beaton, and again, the information and headed by Reefa, had us in and formerly of Craibstone Golf We had a great turnout for the rules of the competition are on out in no time. Congratulations Centre in Aberdeen, has left to presentation by Andy Russell, the website. on an superb spread. take up the post of Deputy Head of Headland, on a wet evening At the time of writing, we The guest speakers of: Simon at Inverurie Golf Club. He has on February 23 when we were hope that Stan Zontek will give Watson, Sygenta; Chris Ken- joined up with Brian Williams competing against Champions a presentation at the Elmwood nedy, Wentworth; Jonathan who is the Head Greenkeeper League football on the TV. Those Training Room in mid to late Harmer, Farmura; Jim MacK- there. Good luck Bryan and I present certainly went away April on the changes made to enzie, Celtic Manor; Clive Not- hope you enjoy your time there. with some food for thought on the Congressional GC, in Wash- tingham, Lloyds, and, finally, The Section would like to how to prepare their fine turf ington DC, in preparation for the Chris Haspell, Castle Stuart, all thank Gary Smith, of Scotts, and areas heading into the winter. US Open. gave excellent talks and had the Wilson Morrison, of Fairways, The presentation by Lynn Finally, two points from the audience captivated with the for their continued support Jopling, of SGEG, which had to February edition which was different aspects of their talks. with sponsoring of the 200 Club be cancelled for snow was rear- unfortunately didn’t appear in Sorry to Chris Haspell for the cards. ranged for February 8 and we the magazine. Belated congrat- Skibo Castle call but nerves did Robert Hardie, who runs the had a creditable 16 members ulations to Jon Wood, and his play a small part. 200 Club, has asked me to men- along for that, which was also partner, Elle Livanovo, on the Thanks to Sami, from Head- tion that if you can return pay- good considering some people birth of their son, Philip Ivan. Jon quarters, turning up to assist ment for your cards asap as this who would likely have attended is the Deputy Course Manager and the National Chairman, will then determine how many were away at the GIS, in Orlando. on the Old Course. Someone on Andrew Mellon, that was much cards we have left to sell to the Sincere thanks to both Lynn the move is Tommy McFadden, appreciated. other members and friends. The and Andy for taking the time to who has left St Andrews Links to Finally, thanks to Peter Boyd price of the card, which includes come and share their knowledge take up a position as a Deputy without whom the whole thing the chance to win £100 each with us. Course Manager in Germany. just wouldn’t happen. Once draw, is still £7 which, I think, The Spring outing will be held Gordon Moir again you have excelled your- is great value. There are other on April 28, at Ladybank, this self. tickets available and if you feel year and entry forms should be All your hard work and organi- you could maybe sell another with you by the time you read sation was well worth it and I’m one to a family member then this. Numbers are limited to 32 sure you will be rewarded in please get in contact with Robert players therefore please return heaven. himself on 07590775957. your entry form promptly. On a personal note I appreci- The Secretary, Dale Robert- The Section Committee has ate everything you did for the son, has asked me to put out decided to make some impor- West day and the Association. a change of date for the Spring tant changes to how it organises A couple of things to mention outing at Montrose Links. Origi- and runs the outings and other Sunshine and showers are for the coming months - Spring nally it was to be held on May 19 events from now on with most the order of the day with some Outing, at Cowglen GC, on May but we have been shifted forward correspondence being by email, fine temperatures for this time of 19; the Scottish National at a week and it will now be on the therefore to make sure you don’t year, long may it continue. Our Duke’s Course, in St Andrews, Thursday, May 26. Forms for miss out, please contact us with course looks rather good and on June 15, and the Autumn the day will be out soon and if your email address and remem- dry for a change, but not for long outing at Williamwood GC, on you could get them back to Dale ber to let us know if it changes. I dare say, only the disease scars September 15. asap and remember you could There will also be an entry form creating a blight on the horizon. Unfortunately, nobody has always take a guest along, just available on our website, www. Congratulations to Brian Bol- been in touch about news items to see what we’re all about. They biggacentralsection.co.uk land and the staff at East Kilbride but if you have something inter- don’t even have to be a member Entries must be paid up front in Golf Club for having the course esting to mention contact me on to come along. full and returned with the entry in excellent condition recently, stuart.taylor@glasgowgolfclub. Dunfermline has been and form or you can pay by BACS coming through the winter with com or mobile 07790823914, or gone for another year. The best bank transfer if you prefer and no disease scars (my home club my landline is 0141-942-5554. yet, by all accounts, with some follow the correct instructions, folks). Stuart Taylor. 200 delegates attending. Once
APRIL 2011 GI 49 Around The Green again full credit to Peter Boyd. another record turn out. All this month, if you have any please on how the lack of members we Year after year it gets more credit to Peter Boyd for bring- forward it on to me, and I hope to see at golf events in recent years, popular and with the hard work ing together some of the best see you at our golf events during well I am not surprised. Out of that Peter puts in, the rewards speakers we have linked to our the season. As usual please all our members only 23 people are very satisfying. profession - another informative contact me: Frank Stewart, 72 had played at sometime. Now Thanks also to the many day for everyone involved. West Park Grove, Roundhay, take out some of those who had Section members who made My sources tell me the lunch LS8 2DY. Mob 07947401278, played once upon a time and we the journey. Some took the car, refreshments were good as email frankstewart3@hotmail. are left with a very small band some took the bus and some usual and that a certain Iain co.uk. of golfers. even took the sleeper! Remem- Barr enjoyed two helpings from Frank Stewart Now for some more stats. ber attending events like these the cake trolley – cheesecake, We have five retired members; all count towards the Patrons’ I heard! I just hope there was 11 from various companies, four Award and the chance to attend still some left for George, Iain! at college; 11 student members; BTME 2012. Thanks to all the Ayrshire boys nine members who are in the One final piece of information, that made the short trip up to wrong Section; six Course Dale Robertson, Course Man- the Conference, every little Managers; 19 Head Greenkeep- ager at Newmachar, is looking helps! I’m sure I’ve heard that ers; eight Deputies; six First at putting staff through their somewhere before? North East Assistants; 30 over 21s; four PA2, Tractor mounted spraying The Ayrshire Outing is upon Assistants under 21. Sounds course. Anyone wanting to put us and is to be held over Prest- Well surprise surprise I have like we have a large member- staff through the course should wick St Cuthberts on Tuesday, had some news sent in to me ship, doesn’t it? contact Dale on 01651 863002 April 26. I’m hoping to get a wee via e-mail,this is from Michael But no, we do not, there are EXT 04. If you speak to Dale cheeky day off work, dust off the McKenna, formerly of Slaley a lot of non members out there then you could maybe come to clubs and put in a decent score Hall, Matfen Hall, Hexham I am not going to mention this some arrangement and book to take to the Autumn outing and, lastly, Loch Lomond. After month on what courses have the relevant course. to be held at Turnberry Resort working at Loch Lomond as a no members at all leave that for That’s it for this month so if on October 4. Look forward to seasonal last year he met an later. you do have any news just give seeing you all there. American Intern called Seth And finally the following dates me a shout on 07813889374. As stated in every report I Rainer who worked at the world for competitions. This year so Happy Greenkeeping issue if anyone has anything famous Scioto Country Club far are Spring at Newcastle Utd they would like to be mentioned in Columbus-Ohio.The course GC, April 15, and Autumn at Ben Brookes in the mag or just something where a young Jack Nicklaus Longhirst Hall GC, September Murcar Links they would like off their chest learned the game of golf, Seth 21. then get in touch! had come to the Loch through I look forward to seeing some That’s it for another month. the Ohio State International new and old faces. Cheers. Intern programme led by Jimmy Richardson John Mair. Program Manager, Michael 07500874449 O’Keefe. [email protected] After spending the summer working and studying with Ayrshire Seth he realised the level of knowledge and expertise he had Hello again. Northern Region gained attending the Ohio State Another month has passed us University and working closely North Wales by quicker than ever! Just when with Bob Becker, at Scioto CC, I put the pen and paper away it’s was at a high level. After seeking Hello again, in the theme of time to bring it all back out again advice from David Cole, Super- looking for something positive and write another report for all intendent at Loch Lomond GC, to cling to in this turbulent you budding greenkeepers out he decided to contact Mike year. I can think of an amazing there! O’Keefe and look at the possibil- group of Bank Holidays coming Talking about time passing us Northern ity of enlisting on the Ohio State up, whether you’re a royalist or by, it has been one year since University International Intern not, I very much doubt you’ll our good old friend Denis Twed- Hello everyone hope you are programme. turn down the extra holiday. dell left Ayrshire to take up his all well and ready for a new golf That was back in November Our first golf day is coming up new post as Head Greenkeeper, season. By the time you read this 2010, now he has been granted this month, really good for golf- in Germany, (he’s still there!) I article you will all have received a Visa to complete a year of on addict greenkeepers, who must heard from him just last week a copy of the new Northern Sec- training in the USA starting, by now be suffering from seri- and all going well abroad, I did tion fixture list for the coming of course, at Scioto CC for the ous withdrawal symptoms after remind him that we are still season. I think you will agree we first six months which will missing out on the Christmas waiting to hold one of our out- have some top courses to play. also include working at the US tournament. ings over there...... watch this At BTME in 2012 there is going Tour Memorial Tournament at The Spring Tournament is space to be an exhibition, “100 years Muirfield Village GC Dublin, being held at Denbigh GC, on I’m sure everyone has their of Greenkeeping Associations”, Ohio. While he is there he is April 13, and with this also work all carried out for the season Peter Larter has asked if anyone looking forward to learning from being a qualifier for the BIGGA ahead and now looking forward has any old photos, magazines Superintendents and colleagues National Championship; I expect to getting back to cutting and or diaries, to please get in touch in the States and also attending the whole field to have their most that good old smell of cut grass? with him or the Section. Hope- seminars at the University. competitive heads on. I can’t wait! We wouldn’t have it fully now the days are getting Having received my list of The North Wales/North West any other way, would we? longer and warmer we can all membership I decided to have a Inter-Section Golf Day takes The Scottish Conference start thinking about starting good look at it and came up with place next month; the venue at Dunfermline was held on our spring programme of works. some strange figures. As I have and date are in the hands of the Tuesday, March 1, with again Sorry there is no news or gossip mentioned many times lately North West Section, so when
50 GI APRIL 2011 Around The Green we know more we will ask our Oh well it’s time to go out and Midland Region members to do their bit, as they put the greens on temporaries, have so valiantly done before. on ladies day as well. Surely We are looking for anyone in there can’t be much more frost Assistant the Section who may be handy now. with a bit of leather and willow, All the best for the upcoming Profile as Nick Gray, of Bathgate’s, season... has organised a cricket match Peter McVicar Our monthly look into the life of an assistant greenkeeper... between the North Wales/ [email protected] East Midlands North West Sections on July 6. 07885347818 If you feel you would like to Hello all, get involved with this, please I am afraid I am rather busy contact me I will happily take at the time of writing this, so your details and pass on any apologies for the brief nature of relevant information, also we this update from our Section! may be a little lacking in cricket Mid February saw the Sec- gear anyone able to help out tion take to the track in a Toro- there? All offers of help will be Sheffield sponsored go karting event. A welcome. total of 22 brave souls turned In local news, all hail Stu Yar- Well March seemed to disap- up ready to test their driving wood, not only has he got the pear as fast as it arrived. We are skills at the indoor Wymeswold energy to become the Section’s track. Split into two heats with newest Master Greenkeeper now well into preparations for the new season and I hope the the slowest from each heat but he has also become a dad taking part in a Losers’ final, again, Stu and his wife, Paula, weather has been kind to us Name: Kevin Moore and all our courses are ready then the fastest in a grand final. Age: 23 became proud parents to, We all feared the worst when for the battle. Club: Garforth Golf Club Isla Valentine, on February 1. one of our members turned up Firstly, I would like to put a Position: Assistant Congratulations go to you both ready to race “Stig” style with shout out to any keen cricket- Nickname: “The machine ” from the Section as a whole. his own helmet and overalls, ers among our ranks. Mike Right I think that will just We soon realised this was just Brear, of Rigby Taylor, has 1. How long have you been about do for now so all the best a trick to try and scare us out until next month. kindly organised the Sheffield greenkeeping? of the way! 5 ½ years Pete Maybury, Section Vs Rigby Taylor cricket What we realised was that e-mail, petemayb66@aol. match for this summer (Date those of us who had “listened 2. What was it about the com Mobile 07756001187 TBC). to the rules” about no bumping The match will take place career that attracted you? or indeed, like me, are carrying The thought of working in an at Phoenix Sports and Social to much weight were always outdoor environment. Club and will be a family event going to be racing in the now so feel free to bring the wife and renamed Heavyweight Final, 3. If you weren’t a greenkeeper kids. There will be a BBQ and as opposed to the Flyweight what do you think you’d be? bar available. Category Final who had been Would of liked to be a If anyone is interested in able to whiz around the track at professional sports man. North West playing, or wants to attend, breakneck speed unhindered then get in touch with either by weight! 4. Which task do you most We are now through early me or Mike himself. Mike has In the Heavyweight Final enjoy doing and why? Spring and I can feel the grass told me he has pretty much Sam Voss, from Forest Hill, Woodland Management and growing outside. (Actually as I sorted his side so we have some took third place; Andy de Greens Projects. write this, it’s early March and work to do. Wet, second, and yours truly white solid outside). I was talking to my Gordon first place, I feel at this stage I 5. Which task do you least Recently we attended an the other day and he informed would like to apologise to Gary enjoy doing and why? informal get together organised me that he was getting an extra Thurman. Why? By his own Raking bunkers and ditching. by greenkeepers in the NW, it member of staff for the summer. admission Gary had become a was held at Garstang GC, with Sachin, I think his name was! bit like a slow moving chicane 6. What would improve the a talk from Tony Kvedaras fol- Fixture cards for this year’s on the track, and after the first greenkeepers’ lot? lowed by a really nice curry. heat I realised that rather than golf should have arrived at your The development of young There was a large number in sitting behind Gary for three doorsteps, if not you will have greenkeepers. attendance and seemed enjoy- or four laps it was far easier them shortly. able to all, thank-you Spencer to “give him a little nudge” at Thank you to Peter Fell, 7. Hobbies? Penwortham, for the invite and the hairpin, sending him into a and Aitkens, for supplying the Darts, Cricket, Rugby League, all the hard work you put into spin, I think I used this method Golf and sport in general the night. fixture cards once again. five times in the final “Sorry With the Season all systems Unfortunately that’s all for Gary” April but remember if you like 8. Favourite Band? go, we are looking forward to In the Flyweight “Racers” I am a fan of R&B music hosting the Spring tournament cricket get on the phone and Final, Adi Porter, from get your place in the team here at Hesketh, on April 13. Greetham, took third; Matt 9. Which team do you reserved. There are still some spaces Lowe, from Woolaton, took support? Castleford Tigers available and if you are look- Bye for now and have a good second, with racer supreme ing to play, please contact April. Stefan Carter, from Forest Hill, 10. Your claim to fame? Phil Dewhurst or post on the Jim Stevens taking the podium honours. Going to Super league Grand facebook page, the tee-time is 07738719614 It should also be said that it Final and having pictures took reserved from 10-11.30 and all jimmy_jams20@hotmail. was noted by many that some with some players . are welcome. com of the participants in the “Fly-
APRIL 2011 GI 51 Around The Green weight” Final were sin bined for 12, where the annual Scotts’ staff for preparing the course to bad driving, I can only dread to Doubles draw will be made, a first class standard and ensur- think of the state of the equip- this year’s format will be Bet- ing we all had a great day out. ment in the sheds of these guys terball rather than the usual Thank you to all our sponsors clubs! You know who you are! Greensomes. Please get your throughout 2010. We have had I think a great time was had entries in by the closing date, great support from the trade. by all so may thanks go to Andy which you can find from your which has included Sheriff, Humble, and Toro, for their section calendar, fixture card, B,B&O Avoncrop, Tacit, Vitax, Rigby sponsorship, and I think we will or website: Taylor, Turner Groundcare, Golf be returning to the track again www.biggamidlandsection.com. The delayed Christmas Turkey & Turf, Brown’s, Amenity Land soon. Please don’t complain that “I Trot got off to a good start. On Solutions, Headland, Banks, Finally, by now I hope that you didn’t know”, or “I couldn’t find a cold but sunny morning in ETT and Speedcut Contractors. have all got your entries in for it” all the information is there February the BB&O Section The Annual General Meeting the Spring Competition, and the in abundance if one would only had the pleasure of visiting The followed and Sid Arrowsmith first part of the BIGGA National look. Oxfordshire GC, for last year’s was elected as the new President Championship qualifiers, I hope Now for the movers and shak- AGM and Turkey Trot. for the Section, followed by Alec to see many of you there. ers, Firstly: Ian Cureton, Deputy The Oxfordshire, set in the McIndoe, Chairman; Calum Pete Smith at Stourbridge, is moving to rolling hills of the Chilterns, Taylor, Secretary; Ted Lewis, a course in Scotland. Ian has and now no stranger to all who Treasurer; Simon Marsh, Edu- served Stourbridge for five played, is located approximately cation, with Matt Nutter, Gareth years and the greenkeepers and 45 minutes drive northwest of Acteson, Dave Lyons, Dominic club wish him well on his new London on the outskirts of the Lewis as committee helpers, venture. historical university town of with yours truly as the scribe for My very good friend, Wil- Oxford. another year. keston, did the very same for the Designed and built by the Frank Booth has resigned Midland same reason. Your blushes are world-renowned architect Rees as Treasurer for the Section. safe with me, Ian, all the best. Jones, his first in Britain. No A big thank you to Frank, who Well here we are, April’s edi- Secondly: At the old age of 30 expense has been spared in has been the silent man for the tion of our Section’s news, and years I spent a season in Austria creating this beautiful course. BB&O over the last few years what a delicious array of such I at the first Nicklaus PGA course A tactical blend of bunkering, providing us with reliable, well have for you to enjoy this month. in main land Europe, something strategically placed lakes, wispy kept and accurate books while Tuesday, March 8, saw the I wish I’d done in my earlier 20s. rough and wind make this a real also representing the Section re-arranged Christmas tourna- Congratulations to John Latou- challenge. Combine that with at all of the regional meetings. ment that was unfortunately cho (21 years of age), of Trentham its natural beauty and you have Frank is well, and in full retire- postponed due to the snow that GC, who begins an internship all the course you’ll ever need, ment, handing over the reins to I’m sure we all remember only through Ohio State University a perfect start to 2011 as the Ted Lewis, the new Treasurer. too well. this month at Westchester Golf Section relished the chance to Thank you, Frank for a job very This time we were blessed & Country Club for six months, play it. well done. We look forward to with glorious sunshine and the before moving south for a further A great turnout was recorded your company on and off the golf pleasure of playing Stonebridge six months. to battle it out for The Avoncrop course. GC, in Meridan. John will be involved in a US Cup in Texas Scramble format, Adam King has stepped down The course was very well PGA Seniors Tour event at a club supported by Greensman, ETT, as Secretary and remains on presented by Danny Jones and that boasts an annual budget of Golf and Turf and Dick the Mag- the committee. Adam has been his fine team. Well done to you $2.7m! nificent, from Speedcut. This a great organiser and influence gentlemen, and, of course, our All the staff at Trentham are was followed by a postponed on the Section to move it to yet thanks to Stonebridge Golf Club very envious and wish you luck Christmas dinner from last year a greater height with his positive for affording us the day. The with your new adventure, John. due to the atrocious weather and professional manner. Adam main prize sponsor for the day Make sure they spend it wisely, conditions and AGM. has been chosen as a pitch was Crocodile Golf. Thank you, and as an Austrian friend said to Barry McCluskey, from Avon- inspector for ECB. “England Paul. me once, “Go big or go home”. crop, presented the main prizes Wales Cricket Board”. This is a Nearest the Pin was sponsored You have, so well done, and all and the results were as follows: great accolade but one which is by Global x2, Sherriffs and Whi- the very best. 1. Harewood & Friends Team, no surprise when you see the temoss, while the drinks and And finally, just time to give the led by Dominic Lewis Team; 2. immaculate and First Class chocolate around the course wonderful news that Paul Mills, Deanwood Mob, led by Tiger Boy campus at Radley College, was provided by Farols. Penn GC, and wife, Louise, have Lyon’s; 3 The Catlin Mob, from which Adam manages with pas- Thank you to all of our spon- just had their second daughter, Mid Technology. sion and dedication. Well Done, sors, we are most grateful to Beatrice, weighing in at 8lb 3oz. Nearest the Pin prizes went to Adam, and thanks for all your you and of course to the golf Good job you moved Paul, at this Ted Lewis and John Bowness efforts in bringing the Section clubs. Without their kindness rate you would have required and Nick Mortimer who man- forward. and grace our fine days simply Flat 1 as well at Stratford. Con- aged to break his driver while Nick Paris, from Datchet GC, could not happen. The play was gratulations to you both and winning The Long Drive. is running the London Marathon a Fourball Betterball format and welcome to the world Beatrice. A big thank you goes to The for a charity close to his heart. the results were: 1. E. Stant & L. This month’s calendar spon- Leaderboard Group, and Adam This is something that will test Lewis; 2. L.Swann & P. Jefferies; sor is our old friends ALS. Their King, our Secretary, for co-ordi- his resolve and mental fortitude 3. V. Gilroy & N. Tyler. Nearest website can be found at: nating this excellent venue and as he competes in this great the Pins won by L. Lewis, T. www.amenity.co.uk for the courtesy of the course race. To support Nick log into Cheese and S. Gumbrill. We all Please consider them for you which providing the Section www.justgiving.com/nick-paris have a lucky shot or round now machinery needs and service. with fantastic golf and catering to make a tax free donation to and again. Well, I’m sorry, but you will facilities which were enjoyed by “Make a Wish Foundation”. Please note that our Spring have to wait a whole month for all on the day. If any member has any news tournament is to be played the next episode. A big thank you to Nigel and or views they would like to share, at Bewdley Pines GC, on May Sean McDade. Shawn, and all the greenkeeping or would like more information
52 GI APRIL 2011 Around The Green about the section and forthcom- points were rewarded for both haps the use of Facebook would give a presentation about the ing events in 2011 you only have of these, ensure that you also help the younger greenkeepers Association and its future aims. to log in to bbogreenkeepers. receive the same benefits by in the Section communicate It looks like being an interest- co.uk your cyberspace details getting involved. It’s great when better between one another, we ing day. Price for the day is £20 and e-mail address with the new everyone tells me what they do have our own South Coast which includes coffee on arrival Secretary, Calum Taylor, who want, and trust me, I’m trying to Section Facebook page so do and the usual excellent buffet will only be to pleased to keep ensure that everyone is catered have a look and see what is hap- lunch. Contact Steve Chappell you informed and up to date. for. pening. I hope that our Spring to reserve a place. Calum can be contacted on Very shortly we have our Tournament flyer in may will be Still on education, the winter coursemanagerbmgc@yahoo. first Section fixture coming up, put on Facebook for members series of evening lectures con- co.uk the famous AM/AM at Chip- to view, I hope that this way we cludes at Cardiff GC, on Wednes- Mark Day ping Sodbury GC. So invite may get more support for our golf day, April 15. Head Greenkeeper, [email protected] you Secretary/Manager, your tournaments. So just to give you Nigel ‘Dan’ Harden will host a Green Chairman or even your all an early reminder our spring course walk where he will show best mate who lives next door tournament will be at Liphook us the work that has been car- to you. This is always a great GC, on May 19. This will be an ried out on the course over the South West and fixture in our diary and always 18 hole Stableford, and is the past few years, including some South Wales a great time for everyone to get qualifier for this year’s National greens reconstruction. This will together. I look forward to seeing Championship, although a fair be followed by a presentation by everyone at Chipping Sodbury distance to travel for some Sec- Adrian Masters, of Headland. on Thursday, April 14. Do your tion members, please try and This event will start at 5.30pm bit to help get the 2011 fixture support the day. and is once again sponsored by list of to a great start. For me life at Milton Abbey Countrywide. Thanks again to As always, please feel free to is constantly changing, we are them. contact myself at anytime, even going full co-ed in September Don’t forget the IOG Annual South West better still, forward me on a short 2012 and two new boarding Dinner And Dance, which this story about what’s happening houses are too be built this year is back to its traditional Hello people, I trust that you up your end. See you soon summer which is really exciting venue of The Swalec Stadium are all well. As I sit down to write adam.l.matthews@hotmail. news for the school as we look to and is on Friday, April 15. Give this month’s Section letter, I co.uk expand and develop. Our school Steve Chappell a ring if you find that we are now in March. 07732503855 farm is also developing and would like to attend. Firstly I ask myself, where has expanding, more horses, sheep, Congratulations to David the beginning of 2011 gone? chickens, pigs the list continues. Jakeway, Course Manager at Secondly, why is it still so cold, My job description seems to be Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel & 0.5, my car read this morning, changing from day to day. Spa, who recently became the as I was driving to work! I think Well a happy Easter to you all, proud father to a little girl, Daisy you’ll all agree with me when I let’s hope that the Premiership May. All the best to you and your say, “Spring! Where is spring?” title race is still open, when you partner Rachel from the Section, Just picture it now, the warmer South Coast read this, Chelsea can still do it although you will probably be weather, lighter evenings, and I think! too tired to read this! beer gardens. Time for me to Hello everyone, welcome to Joe Cooper That’s it for now. Next month book my holiday! April’s Around the Green. There I should have the dates for the During March, you would is not a lot of Section news to spring golf competition and have been aware that the EGU, report on at this present time. other forthcoming events. Have was holding a number of road However, our last committee a great April and Easter. shows around the country, titled meeting did bring up a few points PS. A big ‘good luck’ to William “GOLF ENVIRONMENT”. Spon- for discussion, Firstly with regret and Kate for their forthcoming sored by John Deere. Having one that our Section seminar had wedding. I know I didn’t receive of them held at Minchinhamp- to be cancelled in February as South Wales an invite (it might still be in the ton New course and attending we, we were unable to get a firm post) but you can still come to this myself, it’s safe to say that it conformation date from guest I hope that by now the grow- the IOG dinner. Just remember was a rather worthwhile event. speakers. It was a great shame ing season has just started and to bring a raffle prize. I wonder how many of you take for me personally as it was to you havegot the old Paladin Your Humble Servant into consideration the fact you be held at Milton Abbey School, and Allen National oiled up and Ceri Richards could help reduce the carbon and it was a chance for me to ready to go! footprint, help the environment, show you all, what life is like at First, some news about forth- help to save energy.....but what I the School.. coming educational events for think is most important....HELP We have decided that in this month. SAVE MONEY! We all know to October this year we will try and On Thursday, April 7, the turn a light switch off when leav- put the Seminar back on, it will Section will hold its Annual ing a room, but are you aware be held on the half term of the Education Seminar at Royal that we could be doing so much school which is October 19-30, Porthcawl Golf Club. Sponsors Devon and Cornwall more, without really changing A day has yet to be decided, but for the day will be Frank Sutton anything. Think about it guys it look forward to welcoming you and Powercut, John Deere’s Hello all, and help save your club some all to Milton Abbey School. Let’s distributors for South Wales. A Section meeting was held money. hope the snow hasn’t fallen by Thanks in advance to them. at Warren GC, Dawlish Warren, Back to the Section, we have then. Among the speakers will be Ian on Wednesday, February 9. recently been having many We also discussed how as a Booth of John Deere, Richard 50 attendees enjoyed either a Workshops for you all. Manual Section we could communicate Windows and Paul Woodham, of Course walk or an Individual Handling and Chainsaw train- better when organising our golf the STRI. Also BIGGA’s, Tracey Stableford Golf competition. ing has just taken place more tournaments, although a flyer is Maddison and Sami Collins, John Welsford, Course Man- recently. Subsidy and CPD put out for each tournament per- will travel down from HQ to ager, kindly led the course walk
APRIL 2011 GI 53 Around The Green around what is a very unique with their “Sandcat” machine. Hunt, Addington Palace GC, is which was held at The Burstead environment to manage. The All equipment and demonstra- this year’s winner with a mag- Golf Club, in early March. Once Warren is built on a sand bank tors performed extremely well, nificent gross 69. The nearest I announced it did not take many peninsula that is home to rare which was very impressive come to a 69 is the number on days for it to fill up and another species and is deemed an SSSI considering the surface condi- the front of my meagre dwelling is planned shortly and may even rated site. tions! Mike Bush, St Mellion, and not you know what. Tony have passed. We are also looking John explained how the club also talked through their pipe Bremer was the only other to run other One Day courses in is restricted in terms of what drainage system on the Kernow Surrey member to win a prize the near future, so if you have management practices are and 2nd Green, which was installed by coming 2nd in the 11 to 20 any ideas or you need a specific are not allowed. The fairways completely in-house. handicap section. The event course, then please contact Ian in particular receive little or no After a Cornish pasty lunch, concluded with an After Dinner Wood, our Education Officer, by maintenance due to restrictions the attendees headed up to Speaker whose name now email: ian.wood@romfordgolf- including not being able to use the impressive new conference escapes me together with all his club.co.uk seed in the divot mix! They have facilities. jokes. Golf. The new golf season is also undergone some extensive Two seminar presentations Have you read Ron Chris- nearly upon us and our first gorse removal to encourage were delivered. Firstly from John tie’s excellent Surrey Section venue is at Forrester Park, heather regeneration, guided by Reynolds, from Vertigo Drainage Newsletter 2011? He started by Thursday, May 5, for the Spring Natural England. System. John explained the thanking John Ross for having Trophy. Although a reasonable free principles of this new solution been a worthy Chairman and The new fixture book will be draining site, at High Tide it is to drainage issues. The second committee member for many out mid April and entry forms subject to flooding and John speaker was Steve Gingell, from years and welcoming Les Howk- will be available in this book, explained defences put in place the STRI. ins as our new Chairman. Ron they are also available for down- to combat the issue of rising Steve discussed the principles then asked for volunteers to load from the website. Don’t water levels, including a newly of drainage discussing the sci- contact Ian McMillan, at Walton forget to get your entries in early installed pump, pumping water ence behind water movement Heath GC, if they could help at for this event. back out to sea. The course and, through the surface and soil the British Seniors competition Football. Our football match in particular, the greens were in profile. Huge thanks to all July 21-24 ianmcmillan@wal- against the Sussex Section is on fantastic condition for the time demonstrators and speakers tonheath.com .Rising costs will the Monday, May 23, at Upton of year! Congratulations to John involved and a special thank you increase the price of members Park, home to West Ham United and his team! to Mike Bush, Course Manager golf events to £25 ensuring that Football Club, we have a list of The golf on the day was won at St Mellion, and his Green the committee’s annual ‘away players willing to play and trials by Deputy at the Warren, Patrick Staff, for staging and helping day’ to the south of France is not are underway to pick the team. Twitchen, with 41 pts, second with the organisation of the day. affected. Kick off is at 2pm. was Greg O’Reilly, St Mellion, January saw the loss of one of Surrey won the Annual Social Networking. If you have with 40 pts and third was Mark our oldest members, Mr Caleb Sussex v Essex v Surrey at The been following things on the Tucker, Saunton, with 39 pts. Charles Moore. Mr Moore passed Three Rivers CG in Essex and website you will have noticed Nearest the Pin went to James away on January 5, aged 96. due to an absentee, I played for that we now have a Facebook Sheehan, Truro GC, and Lon- Having being involved with Sussex. The next paragraph in site and are also on Twitter. Both gest Drive to Greg O’Reilly. An clubs in the Midlands, He Ron’s newsletter is not worth are Essex Bigga to log in. extra raffle prize was awarded to retired to the area and became the read and the mention of Website. By the time you read a course walker who was Tony a member at East Devon GC Your’s Truly was most hurtful. this, I should have finished the Gooch, Great Torrington. and became a Life Member of Gareth Roberts reached the top new look website and have it up The educational speaker for BIGGA. of Kilimanjaro and any extra and running. the afternoon was Roger Davey, George Pitts sponsorship will greatly help If you have anything for inclu- from Irritect. Roger is very well Section Secretary the Autistic Children Charity. sion in Greenkeeper Interna- known and respected in the area BIGGA Devon & Cornwall Finally, who is that good looking tional or on the Sections Website and gave a very professional and 07929 754401 chap in the visor? No it’s not Ian www.essexbigga.co.uk please informative presentation on the [email protected] Poulter or Darren Clark, it’s one contact me on 07764-862.337 anatomy of an irrigation system. of your committee. If you know, or at [email protected] Thanks to Roger for taking time write the answer on a £20 note, Arnold Phipps-Jones out of his busy schedule and for South East give it to me and it will go to the Press Officer & Web Master delivering a fantastic presenta- Autistic Children Charity. tion. Thanks to John Welsford Brian ‘Regain’ Willmott and his staff at the Warren and to all the staff at the club for their kind hospitality. Section On Wednesday, February 23, a Drainage Workshop/Seminar Notes was held at St Mellion Interna- Surrey tional Resort, Cornwall. Over 70 attendees enjoyed a very I have heard it said, although Essex To appear in the interesting and thought provok- I don’t know by whom, that we ing day, despite the weather and all have a book or novel inside February and March are next issue very wet conditions! us just waiting for the right normally quite months for the please email The day started with a practical moment to pop out. I, at this Section, so for that reason I demonstration from Shelton’s moment, would be pleased if I don’t have very much to report, your notes to Drainage Ltd Showing off their could think of just a few lines for though the following has been “System 25 Trencher” and their this edition! put in place by the Section com- [email protected] “Gravel Bander”. Followed by Thank goodness then for the mittee. further practical demonstrations Gentlemen’s Dinner at Walton Education. Our first in a by the 5th of from Ecolsolve with their “Drill Heath GC on March 4. I am series of One Day courses has this month and Fill” machine and Campey pleased to confirm that Jason started with a First Aid course,
54 GI APRIL 2011 Diary of Events Details of your Section’s forthcoming events in 2011 can be found here...
Date Event Venue Contact APRIL 2011 April 6th Cleveland Section Spring Middlesborough Golf Ian Pemberton at [email protected] or telephone Tournament Club 07791 695768 April 6th East Midlands Spring Golf The Nottinghamshire Andrew de Wet at [email protected] Day Golf & Country Club April 13th North West Section Event Hesketh Golf Club Chris Sheehan at [email protected] or telephone 07840 706738 April 13th North Wales Section Event Denbigh Golf Club Jeremy Hughes on [email protected] or telephone 07876 776265 April 15th North East Section Event Newcastle United Golf Jimmy Richardson at [email protected] Club or telephone 07500 528542 April 19th East Scotland Section Craigielaw Golf Links Stuart Ferguson at [email protected] or telephone Spring Meeting 07961 630553 April 20th Northern Section Spring KP Golf Club, Frank Stewart at [email protected] or telephone Tournament Pocklington 07947 401278 April 21st South West Section Chipping Sodbury Golf Adam Matthews at [email protected] or Club telephone 07732 503855 MAY 2011 May 6th BIGGA v’s GCMA Glasgow Gailes Golf Peter Boyd at [email protected] or telephone 0141 161 Club 3440/07776 242120 May 25th East of England Section Immingham Golf Club Bruce Hicks at [email protected] or telephone 07931 Event 714922 JUNE 2011 June 8th South West Section Long Ashton Golf Club Adam Matthews at [email protected] or telephone 07732 503855 June 16th North West Section v’s Heaton Moor Golf Club Chris Sheehan at [email protected] or telephone North Wales Section 07840 706738 June 22nd Northern Section – Moortown Golf Club, Frank Stewart at [email protected] or telephone Presidents Day Leeds 07947 401278 June 29th North West Section Grange Park Golf Club Chris Sheehan at [email protected] or telephone Summer Tournament 07840 706738 June 29th East Midlands Section Cavendish Golf Club Andrew de Wet at [email protected] Summer Golf Day June 30th South West Section Knowle Golf Club Adam Matthews at [email protected] or Summer Tournament telephone 07732 503855 zero-turn, maximum efficiency
zero-turn mowers & accessories recommended
call 01480 455151, email [email protected] or visit www.reco.co.uk
APRIL 2011 GI 55 Membership Tracey Maddison, Head of Membership, provides a departmental update
Membership Benefits Update BIGGA welcomes the Tastecard offer...time limited following new members offer exclusively for BIGGA Scotland Members Contact Details Derek Adams, East Section Frank Aherne, Central Section Tracey Maddison Ott Avango, North Section [email protected] Ronald Gilchrist, Ayrshire Section Michael Glennie, North Section Brad Anderson Allan Goodwin, Central Section [email protected] Alfred Grand, Central Section Conor Hennessy, North Section Tel: 01347 833800 Anthony Marr, Central Section (option 1 for Membership) Christopher McGhee, Ayrshire Section Robert Richards, Central Section BIGGA have negotiated an Andrew Richards, Central Section David Rumbles, North Section exclusive deal with tastecard, the Regional Offices Bruce Todd, Central Section nation’s largest dining club. A Kenneth Turnbull, Central Section Steven Turnbull, East Section tastecard gives you access to the Scotland & Neville Wenhold, North Section most incredible deals at over 4,500 Northern Ireland Peter Boyd Northern Region restaurants nationwide. Participat- Tel: 0141 616 3440 Mobile: 07776 242120 ing restaurants range from Piz- [email protected] Simon Ashford, North Wales Section Christopher Bullock, Northern Section zaExpress, Cafe Rouge, Bella Italia, rates on outright purchase or con- Jamie Cuthbert, North West Section Northern & Midland Thomas Garbutt, Northern Section Zizzi, ASK, GBK, STRADA and La tract hire of Toyota HILUX vehicles. Peter Larter Stuart Goodsall, Northern Section Tel: 01476 550115 Tasca to Marco Pierre White and Although based in London this James High, Northern Section Mobile: 07866 366966 Jack Howden, North East Section everything in between! offer is open to all BIGGA Members [email protected] Simon Maynard, North West Section Each restaurant featured offers in the UK. Daniel Walker, Northern Section South East Richard Walton, Northern Section either 50% off the total food bill or NB: prices are frequent to change Clive Osgood 2-for-1 across all courses (even for due to manufacturer campaigns, Tel: 01737 819343 Mobile: 07841 948410 Midland Region groups of more than two diners in but examples of contract hire and [email protected] most cases). purchase can be obtained from Callum Auld, Mid Anglia Section South West & Wales Anthony Darker, East of England Section You can purchase a full year’s emailing [email protected] Jane Jones Andrew Davies, Midland Section Michael Dickson, East Midland Section membership at an exclusive BIGGA Tel: 01454 270850 Mobile: 07841 948110 Alex Ermini, Mid Anglia Section rate of £29.95 plus VAT (RRP Social Networking [email protected] Ian Haynes, East Midland Section Debra Jardine, Berks/Bucks & Oxon Section £69.95). Alexander O’Brien, Berks/Bucks & Oxon Many of BIGGA’s Sections now Section Be quick, as this offer is only Stuart Robinson, Mid Anglia Section available from Wednesday, April 6, have a Facebook page or group, if Mark Smith, Midland Section Stephen Stuart, East Midland Section until April 20, 2011. you are a member of Facebook go Daniel Turner, Berks/Bucks & Oxon Section and ‘join’ or ‘like’ a section group Gary Walters, East Midland Section There are no catches, it is just a Peter Boyd Peter Larter great deal, and an opportunity for or page and keep up to date with Trevor Ward, Midland Section all ‘foodies’ to save a small fortune what’s going on locally not to men- South East Region on eating out over the next 12 tion the friends that you can make Lloyd Barnes, Surrey Section months. online through these Facebook Daniel Breden, Surrey Section groups. James Elmer, Surrey Section For more information on the Clive Osgood Jane Jones Adam Envis, Kent Section tastecard visit: Steven Levermore, Essex Section Ian Meek, Surrey Section www.tastecard.co.uk Membership Subscriptions John Moore, East Anglia Section From April 6 BIGGA Members 2011 Jason O’Keefe, Surrey Section Edward Rennie, Kent Section will be able to purchase a tastecard Lee Walker, Surrey Section via the BIGGA Website by paying From April 1, 2011 membership Grant Warner, Essex Section Steven Wells, Surrey Section online or by telephone by contacting subscriptions will be: - Daryl Woodley, Surrey Section BIGGA HQ directly. This exclusive Other Andrew Young, East Anglia Section deal is not available directly from Category Annual Fee useful South West/South Wales the tastecard website. numbers Russell Abernethy, Devon & Cornwall Section Full Member – Category 1A ... £130 (Full Members only) Steven Evans, Devon & Cornwall Section Preferential rates on Toyota Full Member – Category 1B .....£77 Christopher Hale, South West Section Personal Accident Helpline Kevin Hensman, South Coast Section HILUX vehicles to BIGGA Associate Member 02075 603013 Matthew Short, South Coast Section Members – Category 2A...... £57 Greenkeepers Legal Steve Sloman, South West Section Assistance Matthew South, Devon & Cornwall Section Associate Member 0800 177 7891 Shaun Trudgeon, Devon & Cornwall Section BIGGA has teamed up with – Category 2B ...... £28.50 Greenkeepers Support Services Overseas Jemca Business Centre, London International Member ...... £90 0800 174 319 Debt Counselling Helpline (suppliers of Toyota and Lexus) to Affiliate Member...... £87 0800 174319 Brynjar Sæmundsson, Iceland offer BIGGA Members preferential Student Member ...... £25 Tasha Hussain Black, USA
56 GI APRIL 2011 Offer open from 6th to 20th April 2011 a tasty offer for BIGGA Members save over £30 on tastecard membership
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This exclusive deal is not available directly from the tastecard website, however, all terms and conditions can be found at: www.tastecard.co.uk Download and learn
How to conduct a one-to-one meeting How to conduct a team briefi ng How to prepare for an appraisal Exclusive How to recruit the right staff to BIGGA How to write a job description members
1. ‘How to Cascade Goals THE “How To...” guides are now available HOW TO SERIES to Teams and Individuals’ exclusively to BIGGA Members, on a Introduction range of Human Resource topics. The formation of goals that set out what a business is aiming to achieve is a key part of business planning. Teams and individuals throughout the organisation need to be briefed about what the goals are and what they should do to help achieve them. This requires a management process to be in place that cascades top-level goals down through the organisation.
Definition These short, handy guides provide A goal describes a measurable outcome or result that needs to be achieved. practical, step by step guidance on 1. Cascading goals
Cascading goals means breaking down the organisational goals into a series of smaller goals that describeVACANCY what each unit or department needs to achieve. These goals are then broken down further until each individual in the a range of subjects. The guides can unit has their own performance goals. In this way, progress throughout the organisation is measurable. CHECKLIST be downloaded and used to help you Profit goal - to reduce waste by 10% across the whole site, by December 20XX develop your knowledge and implement
Manufacturing Team Warehouse Team Finance Team To reduce scrap/reject new processes within your workplace. To reduce part order deliveries To agree 12 key supplier components off CNC machines from 22 per month to less than 5, agreements which result in a 7% by 2%, by June 20XX by September 20XX stock reduction, by October 20XX
In some areas of the organisation, it may be enough to cascade goals down to the team level (e.g. in administration or production teams where they work together more as a team than as individuals). For some it is more appropriate to agree individual goals (see ‘How to Develop an App To access the “How To...” guides, log raisal System’, and ‘How to Prepare for an Appraisal’). What is important is that you get it right for your organisation. on to the BIGGA Members Area at www.bigga.org and click on Member UK Resources.
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Gold Key Silver Key Sponsors Sponsors
UK
The ‘How To...” guides are a new UK benefi t of BIGGA membership and are brought to you thanks to the continuing support of the contributors to the Learning and Development & Training Development Fund.
58 GI APRIL 2011
INSTEP (HOW TO...).indd 1 31/1/11 10:14:14
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Support Resources Download and learn intheshed How to conduct a one-to-one meeting Our monthly puzzle page to keep you entertained when you’re forced indoors.. How to conduct a team briefi ng
How to prepare for an appraisal CROSSWORD QUICK ‘NINE HOLE’ QUIZ Exclusive How to recruit the right staff Play your Cards Right – Higher or Lower 6. Has Roger Federer won higher to BIGGA or lower than 17 Major Singles’ How to write a job description 1. Is the lowest score in Major titles? members History higher or lower than 266? 7. Is the lowest round on one of 2. Is the highest number of goals the four major golf Tours higher or scored by a Premier League team lower than 59? higher of lower than 100? – 8. Has Ryan Giggs played higher 1. ‘How to Cascade Goals 3. Is the highest individual innings THE “How To...” guides are now available HOW TO score in a Test Match higher or or lower than 850 games for SERIES to Teams and Individual s’ exclusively to BIGGA Members, on a lower than 500? Manchester United? Introduction range of Human Resource topics. The formation of goals that set out what a business is aiming to achieve is a key part of business planning. 4. Has AP McCoy ridden higher or 9. Did GB&I win higher or lower Teams and individuals throughout the organisation need to be briefed about what the goals are and what they should do to help achieve them. This requires a management process to be in place that cascades top-level goals down through the organisation. lower than 3300 winners by the than 50 medals at the Beijing Cheltenham Festival of this year? Olympics? Definition These short, handy guides provide A goal describes a measurable outcome or result that needs to be achieved. practical, step by step guidance on 1. Cascading goals 5. Has Jonny Wilkinson scored
Cascading goals means breaking down the organisational goals into a series of smaller goals that describeVACANCY what each unit or department needs to achieve. These goals are then broken down further until each individual in the a range of subjects. The guides can higher or lower than 1000 points. unit has their own performance goals. In this way, progress throughout the organisation is measurable. CHECKLIST be downloaded and used to help you Profit goal - to reduce waste by 10% across the whole site, by December 20XX develop your knowledge and implement MONSTER
Manufacturing Team SUDOKU Warehouse Team Finance Team To reduce scrap/reject new processes within your workplace. To reduce part order deliveries To agree 12 key supplier components off CNC machines Fill in the grid so from 22 per month to less than 5, agreements which result in a 7% Across Down by 2%, by June 20XX by September 20XX stock reduction, by October 20XX 1 An irrational, intense fear 2 Courage (5) that every row, every In some areas of the organisation, it may be enough to cascade goals down to the team level (e.g. in administration or production teams where they work together more as a team than as individuals). For some it is more appropriate (6) 3 Sound used to disguise column and every to agree individual goals (see ‘How to Develop an App To access the “How To...” guides, log raisal System’, and ‘How to Prepare for an Appraisal’). What is important is that you get it right for your organisation. 5 Period of industrialisa- broadcast profanities (5) 4x4 box contains the on to the BIGGA Members Area at tion associated with rail 4 Bland and inoffensive (7) numbers 0 to 9 and www.bigga.org and click on Member travel (5,3) 5 More popular name for the letters A to E. UK Resources. 9 Social network Saint Christopher Island in site founded by Mark the West Indies (2,5)
Instep UK Ltd. Willow Barn, Newcastle Road, Brereton, Sandbach, Cheshire CW11 1SB Tel: 01477 505811 Fax: 01477 505822 email: [email protected] www.instepUK.com Zuckerberg (8) 6 Obscure (7) 10 Syd, comedy partner of 7 The eleventh actor to Eddie Large (6) portray The Doctor (4,5) 11 How stairs should be 8 The name of Ian Flem- taken? (4,2,4) ing’s Jamaican estate (9) 12 Raw beef or mutton fat (4) 14 1415 battle won by 13 Partner of French Henry V (9) Gold Key Silver Key comedienne (8) 15 Successor to Sir Menzies Sponsors Sponsors 16 Rapper, aka Slim Shady Campbell as leader of Liberal SUDOKU aka Marshall Mathers (6) Democrats (4,5) Fill in the grid so 17 2D representation of a 18 Ugandan airport, scene that every row, every UK sphere (6) of 1976 hostage rescue (7) column and every 9 19 General Secretary of the 19 The ____, popular box shape contains Communist Party of the Liverpool music combo (7) the numbers 1 to 9. Soviet Union, 1964-1982 (8) 20 1872 novel by Samuel 21 Rock band fronted by Butler (7) Brian Johnson (2-2) 23 Designate (5) 22 Artist renowned for My 24 Suffer (5) Bed (6,4) 25 Brilliant (6) 26 Novelist DH, or soldier TE Puzzle (8) Answers The ‘How To...” guides are a new UK 27 Walks unsteadily; on benefi t of BIGGA membership disease affecting horses and page 65 and are brought to you thanks cattle (8) to the continuing support of the 28 Personality (6) contributors to the Learning and Development & Training Development Fund.
APRIL 2011 GI 59
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Support Resources BUYERS’ GUIDE
Buyers guide AERATION AERATION categories TERRAIN AERATION • AERATION TERRAIN • ALL WEATHER SURFACES Turf and Trees • ARTIFICIAL GRASS 10” drill aeration • ANTI SLIP 1m air injection • BUNKER CONSTRUCTION 1m soil coring • CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR Air excavation • COMPACT TRACTORS • CONSTRUCTION • DRAINAGE Tel: 01449 673783 Turf and Trees • FINANCE & LEASING www.terrainaeration.com [email protected] • FLAGS • Fresh Air… soil saviour • HEDGES/TREES • Air injection to one metre depth • IRRIGATION AERATION • Relief of waterlogging • IRRIGATION CONSULTANTS TERRAIN • Relief of compaction panning • LAKE CONSTRUCTION • Injecting air around tree roots LINERS Turf and Trees • Addressing drought and disease • MACHINERY FOR SALE 10” drill aeration • MACHINERY WANTED 1m air injection • Soil coring to one metre 1m soil coring • RUBBER CRUMB Air excavation • Bio-remediation of Lovie Quarry • SOIL FOOD WEB hydrocarbons • TOP DRESSING Tel: 01449 673783 • Air excavation of tree root & Concrete Products • TREE MOVING www.terrainaeration.com layout • TREE CLEARANCE [email protected] • Soil drilling within top10” depth Starting back in 1941 Lovie Quarry & Concrete • TURF Contact Lynda Green for further Products is a name that has become synonymous • USED MACHINERY information on our services with quality and service. • VERTIDRAINING HIRE including the deep drill Over much of that time quarrying and manufacturing • WASTE/WASHWATER has been the mainstay of the business supplying the local TREATMENT construction industry with aggregates, Ready-mix concrete Tel: 01449 673783 which is BSI accredited & Precast concrete, including www.terrainaeration.com concrete blocks. AERATION Look at the latest... [email protected] For the past 15 years the company has been involved in Second Hand Machinery the production and supply of specialised materials utilised in the construction and maintenance of golf courses and sports ...for sale playing fields from Musselburgh in the South to Dornoch in Advertise here www.bigga.org.uk/classifieds the north from as little as £250 Extensive quarry deposits and continual capital investment in modern plant and machinery guarantee long for a FULL 6 MONTHS, ALL WEATHER SURFACES term supply of high quality aggregates full colour, please call The aggregates are washed pre-ceding and during the Kirstin on 01347 833 832 screening process, removing any impurities, including silt and clay. In house quality control ensures consistent or email product, compliant with current specifications including [email protected] PREMIER ALL-WEATHER SURFACES FOR GOLF USGA guidelines. Operating within an ISO 9001 quality system & striving for continual improvement ultimately leads to customer satisfaction. The extensive owned haulage fleet of tippers, tankers and Ready-mix trucks enables punctual, flexible delivery of any of the products. TOPTURF IRRIGATION IS THE LEADING DEALER Our aim being Quality + Availability + Service + Price Huxley Practice Tee at St Andrews Links INSTALLER & SERVICING AGENT = VALUE FOR MONEY FOR OTTERBINE BAREBO Top quality practice tees, golf course tees, putting & pitching greens, pathways, patios, cart tracks AERATION EQUIPMENT and lawns professionally designed and installed. The Buyers’ Guide article in the February’s magazine stated that the 2006, 2007 & 2008 Royal Dornoch Course Manager had been in post for 10 years. Tel: 01962 733222 Bob Mackay would like to point out that he, in fact, was Course Manager Call us on 0044 (0) 870 8720081 [email protected] at Royal Dornoch until 2005. We would like to apologise to Bob for the inaccuracy. www.ttirrigation.co.uk www.huxleygolf.com
60 GI APRIL 2011 BUNKER CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION DRAINAGE DRAINAGE
Traditional drainage and Golf Course Drainage Golf Course Drainage Specialist Survey / Design / Installation / Greens / Golf Course Construction Lytag banding Fairways / Bunkers / Complete Courses For fast and friendly UK Plastic Pipe / Turfdry Drainage System Remodelling & Alterations of greens and fairways service call: The Bunker Specialists Water Engineering For fast and friendly Nationwide Service Melvyn Taylor [email protected] Contact Melvyn Taylor: 01283 551417 on 01283 551417 • New Build • Remodelling www.lakelandearthworks.com 07836 259133 / [email protected] or 07836 259133 • Renovation • Lining 01400 251605 www.turfdry.com www.turfdry.com Give us your worst bunkers and 07900693705 we’ll make them your best Tel: 01785 812706 Tel: 01773 741100 E: [email protected] Philip Dixon Contractors Ltd Established 1978 www.sportcrete.com www.northstaffsirrigation.co.uk Sportsturf Drainage Specialist Drainage • Construction • Renovation Scotland Based CLOTHING / FOOTWEAR Construction Remodelling Meiklem Drainage Water Features Contractors Ltd Slitting • Banding • Maintenance Greenkeeper Tel: 01604 468908 Fax: 01604 474853 Sportsturf Drainage Tel 01772 877289 (Preston, Lancs) Wear www.deltagolf2000.co.uk Email: [email protected] Specialists www.dixondrainage.co.uk 180 Ruskin Road, Kingsthorpe, Golf Courses - Sportsfields www.gkwear.co.uk Northampton NN2 7TA Drainage * Construction * Slitting/Banding Contact Meiklem Drainage on: Shop Online Photo courtesy of Rudding Park 25% Discount for Repton Short Course ‘Signature Island Green’. T: 01383 830217 BIGGA Members - Register Now M: 07808 897 300 FOR FREE C ATALOGUE E: [email protected] Phone 01334 653733 DRAINAGE SPECIALISTS S P E E D C U T DESIGN & INSTALLATION C O N T R A C T O R S LTD PRIMARY SYSTEMS COMPACT TRACTORS SAND SLITTING SPORTSTURF & GRAVEL BANDING GOLF COURSE Tel. 01722 716361 . CONSTRUCTION www.mjabbott.co.uk . DRAINAGE . RENOVATION Oxford 01865 331479 Visit www.bigga.org.uk www.speedcutcontractors.co.uk and check out the latest chat from the AGRONOMY greenkeeping industry GOLF COURSE SPECIALISTS www.reco.co.uk GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION REMODELLING & RENOVATION GROW IN & MAINTENANCE Advertise here SPORTSGROUND CONSTRUCTION FLAGS Tel. 01722 716361 from as little as £250 www.mjabbott.co.uk for a FULL 6 MONTHS, DESIGN : INSTALLATION : MAINTENANCE Pitch Construction : Piped Drainage Systems : Sand Slitting Blec VibroPitch Sand Banding Construction : Koro Surfacing : Piped : Vertidraining Drainage : Topdressing Systems : Overseeding full colour, please call Sand Slitting : Blec Vibro Sand Banding Koro Surfacing : Vertidraining : Topdressing : Overseeding Look at the latest... If it’s drainage, it has to be Duncan Ross! Kirstin on 01347 833 832 Second Hand Machinery If it’s drainage, it has to be Duncan Ross!
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APRIL 2011 GI 61 BUYERS’ GUIDE
HEDGES / TREES IRRIGATION IRRIGATION MACHINERY WANTED CONSULTANTS
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Invicta4x1.indd RU 1 BBER CRUMB7/5/10 15:29:46
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Independent Professional IRRIGATION SPECIALISTS Supply and installation of plastic liners for golf lakes and ponds Irrigation, Golf Courses, DESIGN & SUPPLY Bowling Greens, Sports, Racecourses, Gardens INSTALLATION Tel: 01206 262676 MAINTENANCE • Design/Advice • Servicing www.geosynthetic.co.uk • New Installations • Service Contracts Tel. 01722 716361 • Contracting • System Upgrades www.mjabbott.co.uk • Supply & Sales • PC Systems We’ll seal Tel. 01765 602175 or 01765 690598 Fax 01765 603488 B Visit www.bigga.org.uk your lake – T Email:[email protected] L and check out the empty or full www.par4.co.uk I Area Dealer A latest chat from the AGRONOMY Top 5 facts about ESS-13 greenkeeping • 52 years of proven effectiveness FOR ALL YOUR BULK SUPPLIES industry • designed to be permanent NATIONWIDE DELIVERIES • more cost effective than 01858 464346 / 433003 pvc liners www.banksamenity.co.uk • can be used on an empty or full pond • guaranteed results Shirley Aldred & Co.Ltd Irrigation Tel: 01773 741100 Suppliers of high quality www.seepagecontrol.com granular charcoal for over 200 years ■Use one of the oldest ■ Totally organic product products known to man LIQUID ASSET to treat black layer ■ Large stock levels of all grades ■Prevent thatch build up MANMANAAGGEMENTEMENT Look at the latest... ■Delivery anywhere in ■Improve drainage mainland UK within Call Lely: 01480 226848 or Second Hand Machinery and rootzone 3-4 days email: [email protected] ...for sale www.toro.com Tel: 01433 620003 www.bigga.org.uk/classifieds Fax: 01433 620388
62 GI APRIL 2011 TURF VERTIDRAINING HIRE USED MACHINERY
Visit the Classified section of the new BIGGA website for full details
20 years of golf turf experience of machinery for sale... 5 golf grades including high bent Greens on USGA rootzone, RTF for stabilisation/drought tolerance, www.bigga.org.uk/classified Wildflower Turf, and new Low Maintenance turf Tel: 01904 448675 Here’s a selection... www.turf.co.uk
Specialist Growers of Turf for Golf Courses Rootzone Turf for Greens Grown on USGA rootzone, top-dressed throughout the year, and mown at 6mm. Predominantly bent sward Turf for Tees, Surrounds, Approaches and Fairways Various mixtures including ryegrass/fescue, 100% fescue, and bent/fescue grown on sandy loam topsoil. Carraro Tigre 3200 4 wheel drive tractor NEWNEW for for 2010/2011 2007 Tractor Four Cylinder 43 Horse TurfRTF for turf bunker for pathways revetting and bunker lining. WASTE/WASHWATER X show model, like new. Power Engine and bunker banks. 26hp Yanmar engine, Low Ground Pressure TeesTees supplied and laid, with TREATMENT optionaloptional precision laser lasergrading. grading. Selectable 2-4wd. Turf tyres worn more but Power steering, 540 & still good Tel: 01652 678 000 Ground speed PTO. Serviced regularly www.tillersturf.co.uk 3 point linkage, Turf tyres, folding roll bar. Wiedenmann Finishing Mower - £5,990 + VAT USED MACHINERY Forklift For Tractor 3 16ft Triplex Finishing point, New Mower Brand New linkage As New mounted fork lift. Lift www. height 2300cm. 1200Kg Trilo SU40 vacuum usedturfmachinery.com capacity. Hydraulic unit £2,500 top link. Fold up tines. Category 2. Brand New Near new Trilo vacuum & Unused. unit. Attached to a rigid trailor. 11hp honda engine Advertise here Kuhn BKE250 Excellent condition 2.5m Flail Mower from as little as £250 Fixed Headstock Imants Shockwave for a FULL 6 MONTHS, NEW 1.55mtr - ex demo - full colour, please call £8950 + VAT Kubota L4200 Ex demo Shockwave Kirstin on 01347 833 832 1998 Kubota L4200 1.5mtr . Used for our own or email Used on a Golf Course demos / shows. [email protected] 4940 Hours
APRIL 2011 GI 63 Recruitment
Chipping Sodbury Golf Club Deputy Head Green-keeper
Chipping Sodbury Golf Club is situated 12 miles North East of Bristol, in an area of outstanding natural beauty at the foot of the Cotswold hills and adjacent to THE FULWELL GOLF CLUB the historic, characterful 17th century market town of Chipping Sodbury. The 18 hole Beaufort course is situated within 105 acre site, which is complimented by an adjoining 6 hole academy course on common land. This private members club ‘One of London’s Finest’ with just over 700 members has hosted the EGU County finals in 2009 and is used as a venue for many County events. Vacancy For: At present we are in the preliminary stages of preparations to replace the main irrigation system on the Beaufort Course, which we aim to commence work on in ASSISTANT GREENKEEPER the Autumn of this year. With the present post holder leaving shortly we are looking to replace this The Candidate position as soon as possible. In conjunction with the Head Green-Keeper you will be responsible for delivering a top quality golf course and jointly responsible for the supervision of the green-keeping team. The successful applicant will not only Applicants should be ambitious, hard working and reliable. be involved with all routine golf course maintenance tasks but have involvement The successful candidate will be qualified with NVQ level 2 with the proposed irrigation project. standard or equivalent. We are seeking candidates who can provide the following requirements: Spraying qualifications would be advantageous. • Substantial green-keeping experience • NVQ level 3 or equivalent (preferred) The Venue • Spraying certificates PA1, PA2 & PA6 • Experience in construction work The Fulwell Golf Club, established 1904, is one of London’s finest • Experience of irrigation work· golf destinations, with a stunning parkland course and impressive • Some supervisory experience • A good understanding of the game clubhouse. The post attracts a competitive salary dependant on experience and qualifications Competitive salary in line with CGS salary recommendations.
Please send CV and covering letter either by post or E-mail to: Please apply in writing to: Bob Williams, General Manager, Chipping Sodbury Golf Club, Trinity Alistair Cook, Secretary, The Fulwell Golf Club, Wellington Lane, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol BS37 6PU Road, Hampton Hill, Middlesex, TW12 1JY [email protected]
SUNNINGDALE GOLF CLUB LOOKING TO Assistant Greenkeeper Sunningdale Golf Club wishes to recruit an Assistant Greenkeeper to assist in raising and maintaining the World Class standards required at RECRUIT? the Club. The candidate should have:- • NVQ 2 or equivalent • PA 1, 2 and 2A • CS 30,31 preferred LOOK NO FURTHER THAN... • Over 3 years practical experience in turfgrass maintenance and golf course construction techniques www.bigga.org.uk/careers • Experience in working within a large team • International experience preferred Advertise in Greenkeeper Sunningdale is dedicated to achieving truly World Class standards: International for a month from • European venue for the Open Championship, International Final Qualifying £480+VAT for an 1/8 page advert, • Old course ranked 2O in Uk & Ireland (Golf monthly 2010) • New course ranked 17 in Uk & Ireland (Golf monthly 2010) or go directly online from • Investors in People Bronze Award £300+VAT for a part month & Applications, with full CV, should be sent to: £500+VAT for a full month Julie Watts, PA to the Secretary Ridgemount Road, Sunningdale, Berkshire SL5 9RR For further info contact Kirstin e.mail [email protected]
Black Closing date for applications: Friday 29th April 2011 on 01347 833 832 or email [email protected]
64 GI APRIL 2011 BIGGA Regional Conferences All forthcoming conferences are as follows...
REGION DATE LOCATION CONTACT
South East 16 November 2011 Stock Brook Manor Golf Club, Essex Clive Osgood, RA, 01737 819343
South West & South East 17 November 2011 oaktree Arena, Highbridge, Somerset Jane Jones, RA, 01454 270850
Scotland 6 March 2012 Carnegie Conference Centre, Dunfermline Peter Boyd, RA, 0141 616 3440
QUICK ‘9 HOLE’ QUIZ ANSWERS:
1. Lower. David Toms 265, 2001 US PGA Championships. 2. Lower. 97 by Manchester United in 99-00 season. 3. Lower. 400 Not Out. Brian Lara verses England in Antigua, 2004 4. Higher. 3350 winners. 5. Higher. 1128 points. intheshed 6. Lower. 16 Major titles 7. Lower. 58. Ryo Ishikawa in 2010 at the Crowns event on the Japanese Tour. 8. Higher. 863 as of March this answers year. 9. Lower. 47. 19 Gold, 13 Silver and 15 Bronze.
CROSSWORD MONSTER SUDOKO SQUIGGLY SUDOKO
APRIL 2011 GI 65 OOnn 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
History! Not exactly everyone’s kinds of greenkeeper meetings from golf days, between them. Do we have a family who has favourite subject. All these dates you company days, seminars, social events. only worked at one club? had to repeat to get them well and Can we find photographs of Past Chair- What about some of the old established truly into your head. I’m sure you all men of the BGGA; there has to be photos of companies which have been such great still remember them... winners of the BGGA National Tournament supporters of all the different Associations Battle of Hastings? Signing of the Magna over the years. over the years, have you got any mementos, Carta? Battle of Bannockburn? I am not forgetting EIGGA in this, while photographs, brochures of company days for Of course you do. How could you forget? they had a relatively short life compared to greenkeepers or programmes for seminars Now, who knows the name of the first the other Associations, they play an impor- you or your predecessors may have put on. greenkeepers’ Association formed in Eng- tant part in the evolution of what is now So, to recap, we are looking for GGA land, or in Scotland? Do you know when BIGGA. So I would appeal to the guys who Journals, BGGA magazines (not whole col- your Section was formed? Or even, when were instrumental in the formation of EIGGA lections), possibly Diaries, especially from BIGGA was established? to contact me so that we can make sure we the earlier part of the century. History can be interesting, as long as you have facts, figures and names correct. Also, Conference/Seminar brochures, have an interest in the subject. And I believe Education, this didn’t just start with photographs, booklets on lectures, any refer- we have an obligation to record our past so BIGGA. Both English and Scottish Associa- ences to Educational events. Memorabilia, that our successors can see how the Associa- tions encouraged greenkeepers to learn more lapel badges, blazer badges, even cloth ones. tions have developed. about their trade through various means In other words anything at all that relates to, We in the Greenkeepers’ Associations right from the early days. The GGA ran an and shows us how, the greenkeeping Asso- have, I believe, been a bit lax in recording our essay competition and published the win- ciations developed over the last 100 years. past and it is about time we brought it up ning entries in its Journal in 1915 while the Any of these things can either be donated to date. What better time than now, as next SGA ran evening lectures during the winter to BIGGA or loaned and will be returned. If year - 2012 - it will be 100 years since the first months through the 1920s and published you have something which you wish to send, Association in England was formed. booklets on these lectures. but not until nearer the time contact me and I say in England as we are pretty sure an Incidentally greenkeepers travelled from let me know what it is so I can include it in Association was formed in Scotland in 1908, all over Scotland, by train of course, to attend the planning. but unfortunately all those early records were lost in a fire. Next year, at BTME, BIGGA would like to Be part of BIGGA’s Time Team put on an exhibition/display on 100 Years of Greenkeeping Associations and there are many of you who can contribute to its suc- these evenings. I have copies of some of the If you wish to contact me you can do so cess. aforementioned journals and lecture book- on [email protected] or contact Obviously the last 25 years’ of BIGGA lets. Are there more out there? Has anyone Headquarters on 01347 833800 or your should be pretty well taken care of, so it is got copies of the old GGA Journal, or do you local Regional Administrator. really the 75 years before then that need to know someone who may have? I thank you in anticipation and inciden- be covered. I know, I know, how can many Famous, or well known, people. I can think tally those dates at the beginning were 1066, of you guys know anything about that time of a few professionals who started working 1215 and 1314. Of course, you knew those when you’re not old enough? as greenkeepers and then moved into the anyway. Greenkeeping often runs in families and Pro Shop, but who do we know who moved possibly your father or grandfather was a onto the big stage and became familiar faces greenkeeper. What can they remember? in the professional world. Not just pros, but Or what have they got hidden in the attic? top amateurs as well. Sandy Pirie, a well Perhaps an old magazine from a bygone day, known greenkeeper in Aberdeen, was also a prize won at a National tournament. Who one of Britain’s top amateurs and a Walker won the first Ransomes’ watches, presented Cup player. If my memory serves me cor- many years ago and does anyone still have rectly Alec Millar, from Denham, a member one, even if it was their father’s? of an extended greenkeeping family, won Do you still have contact with old retired either the Golf Illustrated Gold Vase or The greenkeepers in your area? Have a chat see Lytham Trophy, as did Tony McLure, from if they have anything that may be of interest. Whickham, in more recent years (the only And, to the old retired greenkeepers who time I didn’t mind losing a fiver was to his still get this magazine, especially those who shot making). were involved in one way or another in their Greenkeeping Dynasties, or just fami- lies. Are you descended from a long line of Association, recycle the memories, you are Elliott is a BIGGA Past Chairman the stepping stone back to the earlier years of greenkeepers, or do you know of a family who Email: [email protected] what went on with our Associations. have followed each other into the business? Photographs are another way of recording Let us know about them from the oldest to the past. There must be photographs of all the youngest how many cumulative years Elliott Small
The views expressed within On The Soapbox are not necessarily those of Greenkeeper International 66 GI APRIL 2011 BioLinks Advert_Layout 1 21/02/2011 11:15 Page 1
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