Dream into reality Turf Matters
Turf Matters WELCOME
When praise is silence
Don’t forget Sport…
Distributed every two months to sports turf professionals, independent
As I sit in front of my computer screen I’m still frustrated/seething that Scotland lost by a point to England in the Six Nations at the Alliance Stadium. I know it sounds wrong, but if the rights to Twickenham have been sold off they have been sold off – there is one thing which is a genuine shining light.
The last two months have been a nightmare for many people in certain parts of the country and my heart goes out to everyone dealing with the aftermath of unprecedented flooding and devastating erosion.
The best case scenario for many is months of temporary living. For others, lives will never return to what they were.
Go back 15 years and one of the main talking points would have been the state of the pitch but nowadays it doesn’t even produce the smallest of talking points. So take a bow Jim Buttar for your name not being uttered throughout the match. For that matter, the same goes for Lee Evans, at the Principality Stadium, née Millenium Stadium, for the game earlier in the day. Lee’s pitch used to be a genuine headache but not anymore. It’s the perfect playing surface.
While the fate of sports grounds and golf clubs might seem inconsequential in the face of such hardship, we at Turf Matters have a particular empathy with everyone who has seen years of agronomic husbandry literally washed away in the space of a few weeks.
It must be hoped that banks – the financial institutions, not the things which edge overflown rivers – take an understanding approach to sporting facilities which have been unable to service loans as a result of them being unplayable and so unable to bring in revenue.
It would also be churlish not to name check Jim Dawson, at Scottish Gas Murrayfield; Majella Smyth, at Aviva Stadium in Dublin; Olivier Emond, at Stad de France in Paris, and the team at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
As we have seen with the recent Winter Olympics, sport has such a galvanising effect on society and can be the catalyst for so much good, that it is imperative sporting facilities are not forgotten when the promised assistance is being allocated.
If anything showcases the huge developments in pitch maintenance it is the work of these guys and their teams, in the environment of rugby union which puts more of a strain on the poor humble turf than almost any other.
On the issue of improving sporting facilities, we have been invited by Briggs & Stratton to become involved in its Pitch to Win competition, which provides a £3,000 makeover for what is judged to be the Under 18s football pitch in most need – find out more on pages 16-17. I am on the judging panel and visits will be made to a shortlist of deserving pitches soon. We will be looking not so much at the DESSO but the desperate!
Well done all, and from a personal perspective I look forward to the remaining games in the Six Nations, if perhaps a slightly different looking scoreboard at the end!
On a final note, I am thrilled by the reception that the first issue of Turf Matters received. Many people have taken time to say how much they liked the look of the magazine and how they enjoyed the articles. We’re all pleased you found it to your liking and we will work hard to maintain the high standards. Thank you all very much.
Scott MacCallum Editor
Scott MacCallum, Editor
Distributed every two months to sports turf professionals, local authorities and buyers of turfcare machinery and products.
Editor: Scott MacCallum scott@turfmatters.co.uk
Editor: Scott MacCallum scott@turfmatters.co.uk
Design/Production Editor: Tim Moat tim@timmoat.co.uk
Design and Production Editor: Tim Moat tim@turfmatters.co.uk
Sales Executive: Marie Anderson marie@turfmatters.co.uk
Sales Manager: Pauline Thompson
Contributor: Susan Lindsay
To advertise in Turf Matters, call Pauline on 07720 055676 or email pauline@turfmatters.co.uk
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Turf Matters is published by Straight Down the Middle Communications Ltd.
Turf Matters is published by Straight Down the Middle Communications Ltd.
All material © Turf Matters magazine 2025 Winner of awards including Best Writing and Best Design in the Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA) Awards 2019-2024
All material © Turf Matters magazine 2014. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever, either for sale or not, without the written permission of the publisher. Information contained in Turf Matters is published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Turf Matters can accept no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by reliance on information contained in Turf Matters or in the event of any bankruptcy or liquidation or cessation of trade of any company, individual or firm mentioned is hereby excluded.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever, either for sale or not, without the written permission of the publisher. Information contained in Turf Matters is published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Turf Matters can accept no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by reliance on information contained in Turf Matters or in the event of any bankruptcy or liquidation or cessation of trade of any company, individual or firm mentioned is hereby excluded. Printed by Warners Midlands PLC.
Let’s hear it for dealers and sales teams at Avant awards
The 2025 Avant Tecno Dealer Awards brought together the top-performing dealers and sales teams from across the UK to celebrate their outstanding achievements.
Hosted at the All Saints Hotel in Bury St Edmunds, the event highlighted the pivotal role that dealers play in Avant Tecno UK’s continued growth and success.
The evening ceremony was a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and achievements of Avant’s dealers over the past year:
• Dealer of the Year: Essener Equipment
• Recognition Award: Coppards
• Most Machines Sold: Essener Equipment
• Sales Competition Winner: Chris Slane, Essener Equipment
• Best Newcomer Award: Lister Wilder
• Marketing Award: Global
• After Sales Support: Avant Southeast Ltd
• Leguan Dealer of the Year: Coppards
• Best Newcomer of the Year Award: DM Forklifts
• Leguan Sales Person of the Year: Francisco Wingrove. Essener Equipment stood out as a top performer, earning both Dealer of the Year and Most Machines Sold, while their Managing Director Chris Slane secured the Sales Competition
ICL and GreenBest’s new start
BTME 2025 provided the perfect platform to share the news of GreenBest’s acquisition by ICL.
The GreenBest stand attracted significant attention from attendees, helping to generate new prospective leads while allowing the team to reconnect with existing distributors and customers.
The transition signifies a new chapter for both companies. GreenBest remains a British-owned, managed, and operated company, with products continuing to be manufactured in the UK.
The acquisition by ICL offers GreenBest access to the highest-quality ingredients and additional investment into their production facilities. With support from
Cleveland Potash Ltd and ICL Growing Solutions, GreenBest is poised to enhance their production capabilities. The Bespoke Fertiliser services, along with the Velvit, SmartLawn, and Florifeed brands, remain at the core of GreenBest’s offerings.
Aimee Davey, Marketing Manager at GreenBest, reflected on the importance of BTME.
“Industry shows such as BTME are important to GreenBest. They help to enhance our brand presence, liaise with new and prospective customers, and support our current distributors. We’re thrilled with the outcomes of BTME and look forward to being back at the Harrogate Convention Centre in 2026.”
Winner title. Avant Tecno UK Managing Director Raimo Ala-Korpi emphasised the importance of Avant’s dealer network.
“Our dealers are more than just partners. Their expertise, dedication, and passion for our products are what enable us to deliver exceptional value to our customers. These awards are a way of acknowledging their tremendous efforts.”
Turf Matters was delighted to learn that a panel of international judges had placed us third best turf magazine on the web.
The listing comes from FeedSpot, an Indian-based agency which discovers, categorises and ranks blogs, podcasts and influencers in several niche categories, and which has been producing listings since 2012.
This latest recognition comes on the back of a series of writing and design awards that the magazine has won over the last five years.
The top eight magazines are:
GroundsFest offers free education
GroundsFest has introduced the GroundsFest Academy, designed to provide free education for anyone working in groundscare and landscaping.
By reinvesting profits from GroundsFest back into the industry, the Academy aims to boost education, nurture talent and help bridge skills gaps. It offers a unique blend of theoretical and hands-on practical education, covering a wide range of essential topics. In its first year, the Academy will focus on key subjects such as drainage and irrigation, machinery maintenance, synthetic surfaces, line marking, and end-ofseason renovations.
Participants will gain insights from some of the most knowledgeable professionals in the field and also earn CPD points and certification, further enhancing their credentials and career prospects.
The Academy will see free educational days taking place at various accessible locations across the UK. Whether you’re an
experienced professional or a student eager to enhance your studies, the GroundsFest Academy has something for everyone.
GroundsFest has teamed up with Sports Turf Lecturer, Bradley Tennant, to lead the delivery of the Academy.
“Education is key to the continued
success and development of our industry. The GroundsFest Academy is an incredible opportunity for anyone in the industry to gain free access to valuable training. It’s about equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive, and I’m proud to be leading this initiative,” said Bradley.
“In many organisations, time and resources for training can be limited.
Through no fault of their own, senior management often lack the time or capacity to provide one-onone training in essential skills and certain topics simply aren’t covered in traditional education pathways.
The GroundsFest Academy addresses this gap by offering targeted training on subjects that matter most to professionals and employers alike.
“Whether you’re looking to advance your career, improve your team’s skills, or explore new areas of expertise, the GroundsFest Academy is here to help,” he added.
This initiative highlights GroundsFest’s commitment to giving back to the industry that supports it. By reinvesting profits into education, GroundsFest continues to make an impact beyond the event itself.
More information on the GroundsFest Academy, including session dates and locations, will be announced soon along with a dedicated education and training portal.
n www.groundsfest.com
Origin launches cutting-edge micro-granulation fertiliser
Origin Amenity Solutions launched its highly anticipated Microlite range at BTME 2025. The unveiling of this cutting-edge fertiliser range captivated turf professionals attending the industry’s premier event, setting a new benchmark for precision nutrition and turf health.
The Microlite range, featuring unique micro-granulation technology, was designed to address the challenges modern turf managers face. Offering superior coverage, rapid granule dispersion, and specialist formulations, Microlite provides a solution for consistent turf performance with a flexible, reliable approach.
Jamie Lees, Nutrition and Specialities Product Manager at OAS introduced the range at BTME, highlighting its benefits. “We wanted to produce a
product that was premium grade and, at the same time, cost effective which was helped immensely by the fact that we have our own internal manufacturing facility as we have been able to go from concept to final product in around 12 months,” explained Jamie, adding that they replace products which while excellent were not targeting at specific use to quite the same extent.
The six products in the Microlite range provide bespoke solutions for specific requirements whether that be low input for links golf, others for specific greenkeeping issues including disease management, or higher nitrogen for use on football pitches.
The range comprises six products to meet specific turf requirements:
• Microlite Links (4-0-4+4Fe) – For a low-input approach, containing
Spotlight on Groundsman’s maintenance machines
Since 1990, Groundsman Industries have developed their unique range of grass maintenance machines and accessories for maximum performance and durability. Two and fourwheel drive turf cutters, delivering effortless sod cutting with low operating vibration levels, can be fitted with sod blades plus revetting blades to cut multiple strips for sod-walling or bunker building. A guillotine attachment measures and chops the sod. Groundsman aerators use Groundsman’s proven durable elliptical plunge action for aeration down to 15cm.
Quick-change tines for solid spiking, hollow coring and chisel slitting are available for plus cluster tines for dense pattern needle and micro hollow aeration, thatch removal and over-seeding.
The efficient Flexblade core Ccllector is available from 0.8m to 2.3m widths to fit many makes of aerators to core and collect in one pass. n www. groundsman industries.com
seaweed, Naturvigor, and iron for six weeks of natural colour and healthy growth.
• Microlite Advance (8-0-16+3.3MgO+4Fe) – Designed for managing summer stress, with gradual nitrogen release and enhanced colour response.
• Microlite Performance (12-0-12+8CaO+3MgO+2Fe) –Balanced analysis for high-quality sports surfaces, ensuring consistent growth and vibrant colour.
• Microlite Complete (10-2-5+15MgO+3CaO+2Fe) – An all-season solution delivering robust plant health and vibrant colour, even in cooler conditions.
• Microlite Premier (15-0-10+9CaO+3MgO) – Suited for recovery from wear damage, providing high nitrogen availability and promoting plant health.
• Microlite All-Round (6-0-20+10CaO+2Fe) – A versatile year-round product for stress resistance and immediate aesthetic improvements.
Microlite’s micro-granulation technology allows for flexible application rates down to 15g/m² without the risk of speckling. The blend of nitrogen sources, from nitrate for an immediate response, to methylene urea for longevity, provide solutions for coldweather growth, stress resilience, and recovery from wear.
n www.originamenity.com
Floral Carpet introduced at Celtic Manor
It’s been a great start to 2025 for the team at Celtic Manor who, following the introduction of numerous new sustainability initiatives, have received GEO certification on Ryder Cup hosting The Twenty Ten Course.
Part of the overall project saw the establishment of new wildflower areas to bring much-needed food and habitat for pollinators and other insects, along with high visual impact for players and staff alike – all achieved using mixtures from the DLF ColourBoost collection.
Overseeing the conservation projects across all three Championship courses is Environment and Ecology Stewardship Manager Gary Connell, who has been at the resort for over 25 years.
“We’ve always supported a broad range of insects, birds and other fauna here at Celtic Manor but, like most golf clubs, we recognise we can do more” said Gary.
“Working closely with local wildlife groups we have added more bird and bat boxes, introduced bug hotels and even established our own resident honeybees! Introducing wildflowers promised to further support the success of these initiatives as well as bring visual interest to lesser managed
areas of the site.”
With little prior wildflower experience, Gary consulted with DLF Regional Technical Manager, Ian Barnett, on the best and most suitable mixtures for the project.
“Our resort and land provide almost limitless opportunities for wildflowers, but we wanted to focus our efforts on areas which could be sustainably monitored. Ian identified an area near the main entrance and recommended Floral Carpet from the ColourBoost range.”
Floral Carpet is one of nine ColourBoost mixtures, each designed to bring maximum visual impact by incorporating both wild flower and garden flowering species.
While mother nature hasn’t necessarily been on side for all of the club’s projects, Gary is optimistic.
“This work will continue as we work towards GEO certification for the Roman Road and Montgomerie courses, collectively known as The Championship courses, to our recent successes on The Twenty Ten.”
Simon brings his expertise to ICL
ICL has appointed Simon Barnaby as National Key Account & Business Development Manager UK & Ireland –Stadia.
Simon brings over 25 years of expertise in the sports turf industry, having held a variety of high-profile roles across the UK, Ireland, and Europe, including Agronomist for STRI, Technical Manager for Syngenta, and Technical Manager for Scotts.
Most recently, Simon has been involved in global turf consultancy projects, delivering world-class solutions for prestigious clients and events.
In his new role, Simon will lead ICL’s efforts within the UK and Irelands stadia and training grounds, working closely with clients to deliver innovative solutions tailored to high-performance
environments. “Simon’s extensive technical and industry knowledge makes him an exceptional addition to the team,” said Ed Carter, Business Manager.
“His proven track record in delivering world-class results ensures ICL will continue to excel in supporting our stadia customers. We are thrilled to welcome Simon and look forward to the impact he will bring to the business.”
Simon expressed his enthusiasm, saying how excited he was to join ICL and work with such a respected team in the industry.
“This role gives me the chance to use my experience to help clients achieve their goals and push forward the innovative solutions for which ICL is known.”
Autonomous technology is the ‘next big thing’
The UK was given first sight of one of the most exciting new product launches in recent years when Reesink Turfcare brought to BTME - weeks ahead of the rest of the world - Toro’s new autonomous technology.
Arriving all at once were the GeoLink Solutions Autonomous Fairway Mower, three Turf Pro robot mowers and the Range Pro ball picker. Andrew Ihrke, International Golf Marketing Manager at The Toro Company, and Lee Rowbotham, GeoLink and Digital Specialist at Reesink Turfcare, talked about these revolutionary new products for the turfcare industry.
The technology provides a way to increase dramatically productivity and get even more consistent results.
“The GeoLink Solutions Autonomous Fairway Mower is an extension of the GeoLink line of products Toro has been working on since 2014. Its traction unit is based on the Greensmaster TriFlex 3360 Hybrid greensmower and as such is a hybrid machine,” said Andrew.
“However, it is powered by a Kawasaki engine which is smaller than in other triplex machines and is shrouded on the rear cowling of the unit, which means it makes less noise.
a full day’s work, maybe 8-10 hours of run time, on one charge.”
The mower uses well-proven GPS functionality to map out the area, setting specific boundaries in which the machine can operate autonomously. When the mower reaches the edge of the predefined work zone based on satellite positioning, it intelligently keeps within it. Sensors work off ultraprecise Real Time Kinematic positioning technology from a GPS based satellite system providing accuracy to two centimetres.
“The mower still has a seat and a steering wheel; this is because it has both manual and autonomous modes. In manual it’ll operate just like a normal triplex so if the operator wants to move it to a new location that isn’t mapped yet or support a different area on the course, they can,” added Andrew. “When in autonomous mode, a combination of technologies works together to provide peace of mind. The first applies to the local area, immediately surrounding the unit. LiDAR, radar, and sonar all works together to make sure the unit always knows what is going on around it. It can identify a player walking out in front, an animal, or debris on the ground, and adjust its operation accordingly.
“All the steering, traction, lift and lowering of the cylinder units are electric so there’s no hydraulic fluid. The engine features electronic assist and will give
“Secondly, enabling the unit to know exactly where it is on the course at any given time, there’s a Real Time Kinetic GNSS system receiver that talks to satellites which then communicates to a base point on the golf course, meaning the mower can’t veer off the fairway into the rough.”
The Turf Pro robot mowers introduce a different product line of autonomous mowing, all about delivering on a customer need.
“There’s a changing mindset about what is needed regarding labour support and how to approach mowing grass,” said Lee.
“These mowers dramatically increase productivity and get even more consistent results, freeing up
time to focus on other areas where more specialised skill is needed. Toro has listened to that research and feedback and launches these robotic mowers with intelligent productivity built into their core, providing a meaningful solution.”
There are three models, all with a cutting height range of 20-100mm and there is a low height of cut option available of 15-90mm: the Turf Pro 300 has three cutting heads and a mowing area of 45,000m2; the Turf Pro 500 has five cutting heads and a mowing area of 75,000m2, and the Turf Pro S is also designed to operate on slopes of up to 24 degrees.
They perform best cutting the fairways, roughs, and semi-roughs.
“These mowers have a great traction system which makes them particularly suited to being used little and often providing consistent results and clean, well-maintained turf with minimal input.”
All the operator needs to do is customise the settings according to working perimeters, no-go zones, mowing patterns, cutting height and transport paths.
Using the same GPS technology at the autonomous fairway mower, the technology of the robot mowers contributes to proceedings, says Lee: “It would be easy to think operation is a simple on/off, but these mowers are clever too. For example, if they miss an area they know to go back and cover it later and they will stop if something is in their way.”
The Range Pro ball picker does two things very well: it uses technology to make a time-consuming and manual job both quick and easy.
“The Range Pro is Toro’s solution to the labour-intensive task of collecting balls from the driving range,” said Lee.
“It’s capable of collecting over 15,000 balls in 24 hours and holding up to 350 in its hopper. Once full it returns to its charging station and releases the balls into a system where they are washed.”
n reesinkturfcare.co.uk
Edgmond Bowling Club scoop best kept green accolade
Edgmond Bowling Club has been awarded the title of Best Kept Green in Shropshire 2024, a competition sponsored by Dennis and SISIS.
The accolade marks a milestone for the club, which is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and highlights the dedication and skill of its greenkeeper, Peter Leath.
The Best Kept Green competition was launched in 2021, in response to the remarkable efforts of bowling clubs and their greenkeepers during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The initiative, supported by Dennis and SISIS, aims to improve the standard of greens across the county, recognising the hard work of greens teams and providing them with valuable feedback to enhance their maintenance programmes. Each year, the competition grows in popularity, with a record number of clubs entering in 2024 – a testament to the ongoing improvements in bowling greens throughout Shropshire.
Peter, a greenkeeper with 47 years of experience, joined Edgmond Bowling
Club just before the pandemic and quickly found himself responsible for the care of the green, which was in need of attention.
“The green was in quite a bad condition and during Covid, I spent a lot of time managing to feed it and improve its health.”
Drawing on his greenkeeping background, Peter implemented
a rigorous maintenance routine, including verticutting and aerating the green, to encourage healthy growth.
He also invested in a SISIS Supaturfman, using it up to 16 times a year. His efforts have paid off, with Edgmond’s green now widely praised for its smoothness and playability.
“There have been a lot of really positive comments about the green,” said Peter. Edgmond Bowling Club’s win this year, tied on points with Cleobury Mortimer but edging ahead thanks to a perfect 10/10 score for the roll of the woods, is a fitting tribute to its 50th anniversary.
Peter’s attention to detail is key to the green’s success. He spends around 240 hours a year maintaining it, mowing three times a week in the summer and continuing regular care even through the winter months. His advice to other greenkeepers?
“Make sure your mower is adjusted correctly, and cut the grass consistently. It makes all the difference.”
n www.dennisuk.com n www.sisis.com
Terrain Aeration injects water-storing polymer
While it may be wet, water everywhere at the moment we will soon be heading into the summer months.
That’s when the problems begin for turf and trees. Increasingly, year on year, we are seeing the effects of global warming across our landscape as droughts persist.
Sports pitches, golf courses, trees in parks, amenity areas right through to lawns in private gardens will all suffer from the lack of rainfall. Ground becomes hard and compacted
to considerable depth and when the rains do come, this often leads to standing surface water and waterlogging.
Suffolk-based Terrain Aeration has specialised
in one-metre deep soil aeration to relieve compaction, panning, and waterlogging nationally for over thirty years. While that takes care of the drainage
and aeration when it’s very wet there remains the opposite problem of grass and tree roots not getting enough water in periods of drought. It’s a problem
addressed by the same machine, Terrain Aeration’s Terralift system, that aerates the soil at depth by releasing compressed air via its one-metre depth probe. As that fragments the soil to create fissures and cracks to allow drainage and aeration, the probe can also inject waterstoring polymer. Once in place, the polymer will expand onehundred fold with rainwater or irrigation water which it stores for the turf or tree roots to take
up as needed. It’s a one-way system, so the polymer does not take water from the roots.
In this way, we will be able to make better use of what water we have and it’s a very long-term process as the polymer takes a long time to degrade.
Spreading the polymer on the surface is not practical, as when it rains it turns into a gel, making the area dangerous to walk and play on. Injecting it into the ground using the Terralift
machine offers the best, most beneficial, and wholly costeffective method, says the company.
Terrain Aeration is the only operator of the Terralift in the UK and the treatment has proven itself since 1985.
There are different versions of the machine to treat large open spaces such as sports grounds and avenues of trees to narrow access roads. Anywhere from airports to zoos. n www. terrainaeration. co.uk
Iconic inland golf course swaps brands in machinery overhaul
One of the UK’s most revered golfing destinations, Woodhall Spa Golf Club, has completely overhauled its machinery fleet by switching to John Deere.
Technology, reliability and dealer service drove the decision for the home of England Golf to remove its existing machines and invest in new cutting units, Gator utility vehicles, GPS sprayers and a compact tractor.
Embracing cloud-based software, the greenkeeping team responsible for maintaining the iconic Hotchkin
“THIS BRINGS A WHOLE NEW DIMENSION TO COURSE MANAGEMENT RESULTING IN GREATER EFFICIENCY AND ACCURACY FOR THE WHOLE OPERATION.”
and Bracken courses will now use John Deere’s new Operations Centre PRO-Golf platform to allocate daily tasks, track input costs, schedule servicing and generate reports.
John Deere dealer Ripon Ground Care delivered the 26 pieces of machinery on 19 February and will now lead a programme of staff training and optimisation to ensure maximum efficiency and performance from the fleet.
Peter Moore, Course Director at Woodhall Spa Golf Club was delighted with the new agreement.
“We were impressed with the build quality and the GPS technology during the intensive demonstration period. All the team were involved in the decision giving feedback on each item of equipment.”
The purchase has been structured by John Deere Financial, allowing the club to spread payments while it also invests a new clubhouse and facilities.
“The flexible finance option presented to us allowed us to maximise our budget and deliver a payment schedule that suited our business,” Peter added.
Woodhall Spa Golf Club boasts two 18-hole championship courses, one of which – Hotchkin – ranks 58th best in the world.
Greens and tees will now be cut with 2750E riding mowers and 260SL walk-behinds, while fairways will be maintained by four 6700A E-cuts.
A total of 10 electric and diesel gators will be used for transporting staff and materials around the course, and two satellite-steered HD200 precision sprayers will take care of weeds and diseases with unrivalled accuracy.
A 4066R compact tractor is on hand for heavy work and towing.
Chris Meacock, John Deere Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf, said that with a fully connected fleet the team at Woodhall Spa will not only see the benefit of the latest technology on our cutting units and sprayer, but will also be able to account for every second of machinery use.
“This brings a whole new dimension to course management resulting in greater efficiency and accuracy for the whole operation.”
Rugby club delights volunteers with Iseki compact tractor
The Iseki TLE3410 has made a world of difference for the Market Harborough Rugby Club volunteer grounds team who are saving days’ worth of time a week using the compact tractor to mow.
The club, founded in 1923, is on the south Leicestershire and north Northamptonshire border, has grown dramatically in the past ten years and now has teams of boys and girls from five to 18 years old on a Sunday through to the three men’s teams on a Saturday.
Ten acres of land containing seven full-size rugby pitches are used to host training and matches for all the teams, but with mowing alone previously taking two to three days, the club actively sought a solution and was soon in contact with their local Iseki dealer, Euromec.
“Originally with a 22-horsepower tractor, it was taking them around two to three days to cut the pitches, which is just a crazy amount of time for volunteers, so we needed to get
that time down for them to a sensible level,” explained Euromec Managing Director Graham Hill.
“The briefing they had from the Pitch Advisors Association was a 30 to 40-horsepower tractor, and when we came and looked at the site, we thought the TLE3410 was the best option for them with the deck on the back so they could cover the ground quickly, cut the grass quicker and get a good quality finish.”
With the TLE3410 in place for some months, the ease of mowing and the quality achieved have been noticeable by the grounds team, and while pitch quality is speaking for itself, the service provided by Euromec has been equally as impressive to volunteer
groundsman Tony Waterfield.
“We were struggling to keep up with the general maintenance of the pitches, which is why we decided to up the size of our tractor, and compared to what we’ve had in the past, the TLE3410 is noticeably better,” said Tony.
“We can mow the seven pitches a lot quicker, and I mean a lot quicker, than we used to, and with everything done by volunteers, that obviously matters a lot. Our volunteers have taken to it very quickly because it’s easy to use, it’s easy to manoeuvre, it’s easy to park and easy to reverse. It’s a powerful machine but with ease, which is important.
It is perfect for volunteer grounds teams due to its simple, intuitive controls and impressive lift capacity, which allows users to handle heavy implements and tasks effortlessly.
New Johnsons catalogue
DLF have introduced a number of new mixtures and formulations across the Johnsons Sports Seed range – all outlined in its new 2025 catalogue. There are two new mixtures and seven new formulations, while research across DLF’s global breeding centres has contributed to their strongest ever line-up for sports turf.
Building on the success of Johnsons J Ultrafine Rye 100, there’s increased versatility with
the introduction of J Ultrafine Rye 25 and J Ultrafine Rye 50 – new 25% and 50% perennial ryegrass mixtures ideal for close mown applications such as greens, tees, and bowling greens.
Blending highly ranked ultrafine ryegrass cultivars on the STRI close mown table, the range offers multiple benefits including fineness of leaf, wear tolerance, quick recovery and rapid establishment. n www.johnsonssportsseed.co.uk
Colleges benefit from Ventrac
Eton College, one of the leading independent schools in the UK, is just one of the independent schools and colleges that has purchased a Ventrac all-terrain compact tractor and multiple attachments.
The primary use is to help maintain the grounds at Dorney Lake, the rowing and canoe sprint venue of the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Set in over 400 acres of parkland by the river Thames, the lake complex was completed in 2006, after 10 years of construction. It is privately owned and financed by Eton College and although it is primarily for use by the school, the facilities are hired out for rowing, canoeing, dragon boating, open water swimming and triathlon.
“We have some steep banks here at Dorney and were looking to replace our older Aebi machines, which had been fantastic for us,” said Paul Oatway, Grounds Supervisor at Dorney Lake.
“We asked our dealer, TH White, to source some alternative machines, but they were either too small and unproductive or had tracks, which we did not want. They finally came to us with the
Ventrac and, quite frankly, we were not that impressed when we saw it on the trailer,” revealed Paul.
“However, once it was in action on our steep slopes with the Finishing deck on the front, we were immediately won over. It performed excellently and in the wet too. We initially purchased the Tough Cut deck, the Power Rake and Power Brush attachments, but recently returned to TH White and bought a Finishing deck as well.
“We’re very impressed with the manoeuvrability and the quick-release coupling system, which means we can change between implements with ease. However, the biggest plus is the way it copes with the slopes; it’s just an amazing bit of kit. We’ve gone from sceptics to advocates in a very short space of time. It’s a great machine.”
Bishop’s Stortford College in Hertfordshire, is one of many educational establishments that have seen the benefits of Ventrac’s multiterrain compact tractor and numerous attachments. Head of Grounds and Gardens, Adam Smith and his team, have been working hard to achieve a higher level of presentation around the environs
of the college grounds. His purchase of a Ventrac 4500 all-terrain compact tractor and selection of attachments has made a significant contribution to achieving this goal, with the added bonus of many workhour savings. The Ventrac was initially supplied with a 72-inch rotary mowing deck and he subsequently added a Power Brush attachment.
“Without a doubt the Ventrac has been a game-changer. It has enhanced the overall appearance of our large grassed areas and its ability to mow on 30-degree slopes has cut out hundreds of hours of brush-cutting for the team” he said. “There are only four of us, so every hour is vital. Strimming is such a time-consuming job, but we have now freed up hours that can spent on other important tasks around the facility.
“We have some serious banks across the 130 acres and I was looking for a machine that would save us from the hours of brush-cutting. My local dealer suggested the Ventrac and, at first, I wasn’t too sure; but once we’d had it demo-ed we were immediately won over. Andy Richards, the Grounds Manager at Haileybury came over for the demo and
he has subsequently bought one as well.
“We have a good working relationship and, on occasions, lend each other attachments. It’s simple with the Ventrac linkage system, there’s no complicated set up, you just drive out of one attachment and drive in to the next.
“This has become our front-line machine; its low ground pressure means we can go out at any time, even in some of the very wet areas and you feel really safe on the banks, it’s a machine you can trust. We have a natural spring that rises near our Pre-Prep School and we can’t usually get in there before late May, but with the Ventrac we now cut it in February. Its versatility is endless and as I said earlier, it’s a game-changer.”
Wellington College is another educational establishment that has put its trust in Ventrac. Sitting within a 410-acre site in Crowthorne, Berkshire, the grounds feature a huge variety of habitats and landscapes, sports fields, a golf course, formal gardens, lakes, woodlands and heathland areas, all of which require completely different management techniques.
To assist with this complex management, Grounds and Gardens Manager, Mark Dodd, purchased a Ventrac package that included a 4520 all-terrain compact tractor unit, a 72-inch
Finishing deck, a Tough Cut deck and a Stump Grinder.
“We initially hired-in the machine with a Tough Cut deck to work on the banks clearing scrub on our 9-hole golf course, but quickly appreciated the opportunity the versatility of the machine could provide across the estate,” he said.
“Unfortunately for our Golf team, the machine is used almost exclusively by the Grounds team and that’s simply down to its versatility. The Finishing deck was initially purchased for use on our formal lawns, as it leaves a very pleasing strip and presentation is very important here at Wellington.
“We used to cut our pitches with a ride-on cylinder mower, but the quality of cut from the Finishing deck is excellent and now we use it extensively on our winter pitches. The light footprint of the machine is another factor and we can continue our maintenance regimes, even in inclement weather.
“The design of this machine has been well thought through; maintenance is easy and the mounting system allows for a quick and easy exchange of attachments. Add to this the responsive support from our dealer, RT Machinery, and we have a package that we are delighted with.”
n www.priceturfcare.com
Transforming grounds management with Turf Tank
Taunton School, located in Somerset, England, is a prestigious educational institution that prides itself on offering a wide range of activities to engage its students. With a commitment to continuous improvement, the school has recently invested in new facilities around campus, including improvements to their sporting facilities.
In the past, Taunton School faced significant challenges in marking and maintaining their sports pitches. The process was time-consuming, labourintensive, and often resulted in inconsistent line markings.
To address these challenges, Taunton School implemented an innovative solution in 2023: the Turf Tank line marking robot, with the aim of streamlining the pitch marking process, improving accuracy, and freeing up the grounds team to focus on enhancing the overall standards of the school’s outdoor facilities.
Mark Jolliffe is the Head Groundsman at Taunton School and he explains the biggest benefit he sees in adopting the Turf Tank line marking is the time savings.
“Time saving is the biggest thing, definitely, and the ease of use is a big thing as well. It’s just freed up our time so much more to do other stuff, stuff that we should be doing, that perhaps we weren’t.”
Taking the example of a rugby pitch, Mark makes a comparison between how the process used to be in the past when marking the pitch manually, compared to how it is now with the robot.
Similar savings are recorded when looking at the running track as well, one of the most time-consuming types of pitches: “For a 400 metre track, it could take sort of
three of us a day, day and a half, to properly mark it out. Whereas the Turf Tank, it’ll mark it out in about three hours.
“It’s a massive time saving, particularly at a time of year when we’re really busy, at Easter, so it really showed when we did it for the first time this year.
Apart from the time savings, the robot makes the process more efficient in terms of paint consumption as well.
“We’ve only had the Turf Tank for just under a year, but it’s definitely at least halved our paint costs.”
Another issue the school faced when marking pitches the traditional way was the inconsistent and imperfect lines. Over time, as lines were repeatedly marked, they would often deviate from their original position, leading to inaccuracies in dimensions.
And Mark is happy to know that now there is no more stress in getting the perfect results the school is looking for. “The accuracy is phenomenal. It’s arrow straight lines, every time.”
And that’s something we just can’t do manually when you’re over marking, the line always goes off a bit when you’re marking manually, but the robot is dead straight every time.”
Furthermore, the robot’s precision allows for easy remarking without deviation.
“It doesn’t matter if the lines fade out and you lose the pitch, nothing to worry about. You can just send the robot back out and it’ll mark it exactly the same again.”
The improved accuracy and efficiency of the Turf Tank robot not only resulted in better-looking lines but also contributed to an overall enhancement of the facility’s
t Transforming grounds management
standards. By dramatically reducing the time spent on line marking, the grounds team could redirect their efforts to other critical tasks that were previously neglected due to time constraints.
“The question was asked, does it mean we can replace a groundsman or drop down to part time hours? But it was just a case of convincing them actually the reason for getting it is, obviously, for presentation and accuracy, but also to free us up to do more of the jobs we should be doing that we don’t get time to do. So any time we can save through having the Turf Tank marking means we can get on with all the other peripheral stuff.”
The Turf Tank robot proved to be a versatile tool, offering capabilities that extended far beyond basic line marking.
One of the standout benefits was the ability to
create complex designs and logos: “Since we started marking the logos, they become very popular. They just add that extra touch to the site, particularly on open mornings or if you’ve got a big match on. So having the logo there is really good for marketing as well.”
“Other things we use it for is we mark the stripes out the bays for grass cutting. We also mark out the lines we need to follow for fertilising or spraying. So all that can be done, and that saves using flags and string lines.”
The implementation of the Turf Tank robot at Taunton School has revolutionised their approach to grounds management. By significantly reducing time and labour requirements, improving accuracy and consistency, and offering versatile functionality, the Turf Tank has proven to be an invaluable asset.
Levelling the playing field for sustainable synthetic turf
Amid a push for increased transparency and circularity across the face of industry, the European Commission has introduced new guidelines to help standardise the assessment of various products’ environmental impact. Working with the European Commission, the synthetic turf industry is among the first to introduce protocols that describe how the life cycle impact of synthetic turf surfaces should be undertaken. Alastair Cox, Technical Director at EMEA Synthetic
Turf Council (ESTC), offers some insight as to what this entails for buyers and installers of synthetic turf alike.
For those working with synthetic turf, assessing the various environmental claims of different products is often easier said than done. Factor in the myriad methods of environmental assessment, with each staking claim to be the superior methodology, and this task becomes nigh on impossible. In turn, this makes it more difficult for the manufacturers truly putting sustainability
into practice to stand out, simultaneously resulting in a lack of clarity for consumers and making purchasing decisions more complex. While this is not a challenge that is unique to the turf industry, it remains an issue all the same.
However, with the introduction of the European Commission’s Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology , this era appears to finally be at an end. Here, PEF offers a standardised approach to assess environmental impact, regardless of industry, with unique PEF Category Rules (PEFCR) for each sector decided by the relevant industry body. The Category Rules specify how a PEF analysis must be carried out for a specific product or industry sector, with ESTC pleased to launch our industry’s own PEFCR for synthetic turf surfaces in January this year
What current methodologies are in place?
Before diving into the specifics of PEFCR for synthetic turf, it’s important to understand why these new rules are being introduced. To date, a common method of demonstrating sustainability has been through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This analyses the environmental impact of a product through its entire life cycle, as the name suggests, spanning:
• Extraction of raw materials
• Manufacturing and assembly
• Transport and distribution
• Use
• Disposal, recycling, or recovery at end of life.
When conducted correctly, an LCA is a sound method of assessing environmental impact. However, a lack of standardisation across LCAs contributes to the growing number of unsubstantiated sustainability claims across the industry. For instance, one LCA study may choose to omit certain impacts or processes, leading to wildly different results between comparable studies.
In addition, LCA studies are particularly resource-intensive, which may limit the ability of SMEs to participate or deliver accurate results. This also has a direct impact on data. If only a limited amount of data is available, or is of poor quality, the conclusions of the study are likely to be inaccurate. For all its merits and positive implications, LCA is an inexact science, and must be subject to stricter regulation moving forwards, given the increasingly granular view on sustainability.
What will the scope of the new PEFCR cover?
Here, the new set of PEFCR for synthetic turf, offered by ESTC, govern the assessment of environmental impact across the industry, offering clear, comparable results for those who need to factor sustainability into purchasing decisions. It is important to recognise that this is not a total replacement of current
LCA methodologies, instead intending to build upon the benefits with a new level of standardisation that will help level the playing field for consumers and manufacturers alike.
The new rules will help provide specific guidance for the calculation and reporting of environmental impacts of the synthetic turf product’s life cycle, while giving particular focus to the most important parameters in relation to environmental performance. In practice, this should help to identify hotspots in production to help promote greener practice, alongside allow comparability between PEF calculations within the same product category to aid consumer selection.
The scope for the synthetic turf PEFCR is as follows, for both sports and landscape applications:
1. Production: Raw material extraction, Polymer production, Yarn production (inclusive of primary and secondary backing), Turf production, Infill production, Shockpad production, Transportation between each of the above
2. Installation: Transportation to field, Turf installation.
3. Operation: Effects of use, Field maintenance every 10 years.
4. End of life: Turf removal, Transportation from field, End of life processing.
Notably, the PEFCR does not include the construction of the base, drainage system, or supporting infrastructure on which a synthetic turf system is laid. This is due to the very diverse way that fields are built across Europe, taking into account factors such as regional climatic conditions, and construction methods. As many as 16 different impact categories are assessed as part of the PEFCR, with the European Commission also asking ESTC to consider microplastic releases from fibre wear and infill.
Within this, five categories have been selected as most relevant – climate change (30.8%), particulate matter (23.8%), fossil resource use (19.3%), acidification (6.3%), and photochemical ozone formation (4.0%). Water usage (2.7%) was also identified as an area of special interest, and so is also included in the identification of most relevant life
cycle stages and processes. Together, these metrics combine to deliver a standardised calculation for the environmental footprint of different synthetic turf products. Each component is referenced against PEF data per impact category, using both company-specific and generic data provided by the European Commission, offering an overall PEF score that can be measured against the representative industry benchmark. Crucially, this PEFCR methodology remains constant across all manufacturers, offering a standardised method of assessing environmental impact.
How will data be collected?
Even with new PEFCR in place, the success of these regulations will still depend largely on the quality of data collection, as with a standard LCA. Here, ESTC have aimed to remedy this through the introduction of a new software tool, based on the industry leading SimaPro platform. The aim of this tool is to simplify both input and output for manufacturers, only collecting data for mandatory company-specific data, processes expected to be run by companies, and most relevant data points. Data will be verified by an independent party, before results are presented as single score figures via a non-expert dashboard.
This survey-style approach, requiring minimal user entry and focusing only on the relevant categories, offers comparable, fair results between different products and industry benchmarks. In the past, conducting a study could prove both time- and resource-intensive, while SimaPro aims to take much of the legwork and financial burden away from the manufacturer, while still ensuring accurate results.
Forging a new path
After almost five years of development, spanning numerous drafts, studies, public consultations and panel consultations, ESTC’s PEFCR has now been published. With it, ESTC looks to usher in a new era of transparency and data-backed sustainability, in the interest of a turf industry that is both circular and fair. The new PEFCR, backed by simplified data collection technology such as SimaPro, will allow specifiers of synthetic turf to act with confidence when investing in new products, with an assurance that its sustainability claims have credence.
One of the country’s leading small jump racecourses has explained how a pair of Kubota tractors are pivotal to preparations for a packed meet season.
Sam Linley, Head Groundsman of Stratford Racecourse relies on the versatility delivered by their M6060 with front loader and M4062 on turf tyres to conduct the majority of maintenance operations, with the additional services of two ride-on mowers from Kubota’s G-Series.
After unprecedented rainfall and the venues proximity to the River Avon saw a tricky start to the 2024 season, things were swiftly back on track for a schedule of 16 fixtures hosted between mid-March and October. However, even with the challenging ground conditions, maintenance didn’t grind to a halt for Sam – who has been at the venue for six years – and his team of four.
“Our tractors from Kubota’s M-Series are a good size and, importantly, lightweight which meant we were still able to get out with mowers and various implements” explains Sam.
The M4062 equipped with turf tyres was purchased in 2021 and was later joined by the M6060 with front-end loader in mid-2022.
Ticking the boxes for build quality and ease of use is a Progressive TDR-22/6 tri-deck for the team at Newmarket Racecourse. Not only that, the new delivery by Vanmac in June 2024, complements a pair of
“We’re not the biggest of sites in terms of track width and total ground and these tractors are a great size for us – big enough to cover large areas but small enough to manoeuvre in and around the tight track surrounds. They both do a bit of everything and are incredibly adaptable. The M6060 especially is a real workhorse, assisting in construction works and moving deliveries with the pallet forks alongside the regular ‘tractor duties,” said Sam.
Running alongside the tractors are G26-II and G2120 ride-on mowers, both purchased from local Kubota dealer’s Hunts Engineering.
“These are used on the lawned areas and, though not our primary method,
Timings and fuel savings at Newmarket Kubota keeps maintenance on track for Stratford Racecourse
Progressive TDR-15s and – at 50% wider – has contributed to significant savings in both labour and fuel-usage, according to Estates Manager Alan Hatherley.
An iconic stop on the equine circuit, Newmarket Racecourse comprises of two courses – The July Course and Rowley Mile – which, between them, play host to 37 race meets between April and the end of October. Alan has been working on the site for 20 years, and for the last 12 of those, has been using solutions from Progressive for mowing the 28-hectares of racing surface.
“We’ve always been really impressed with the build quality and the aftersales service, but with managing challenges with the weather and ever-tightening mowing windows,
we do use them on the track in and around fences where we can cut and collect with the G26-II to leave a clean finish. These, too, are lightweight which is great to use around the obstacles and on landing areas where we need to be mindful of compaction,” he said.
“Another reason we like Kubota is the brilliant support we get from Hunts Engineering, in particular Geoff Deane. We have always turned to them for servicing and genuine parts, which definitely keeps everything running as it should. It’s fantastic reassurance for us to have them nearby for help and advice, and ensure we always get the very best performance from our equipment throughout the season.”
the time was right to add something wider,” explained Alan, who headsup a team of nine grounds staff.
“We went straight to Vanmac and spoke with Jeremy Vincent about the TDR-22/6 tri-deck.”
The TDR-22/6 tri-deck roller finishing mower from Progressive combines productivity with performance – its 22 foot combined width, and front and rear rollers, and unique six blade rotors per deck deliver a precise and balanced cut, outstanding presentation and unbeatable contour following ability.
“This, like our previous mowers, is well-built, not over-engineered and easy to maintain which, in practical terms, gives us a mower that’s userfriendly to operate and generally means fewer things to go wrong!” said Alan.
Blending grass seed for professional sports pitches
By Simon Taylor, Grass Seed Development Manager, ICL Turf and Landscape
Products that perform
In the world of professional sport, where pitches endure constant wear and tear from intensive use, selecting the right grass seed blend is crucial. The right mix provides not only the aesthetics and playability demanded by elite teams but also resilience against wear and diseases such as Microdochium patch and leaf spot. At ICL, we understand the challenges of delivering consistent, highperformance turf, which is why our ProSelect Premium Pitch and ProSelect Club blends are tailored to meet the exacting needs of stadia and training grounds.
The Art of Seed Selection
Perennial Ryegrass: The Backbone of Stadia Turf
Perennial ryegrass is the foundation of most professional turfgrass seed blends, offering superior wear tolerance, rapid recovery, and dense ground cover. Within this species, diploid cultivars outperform tetraploid varieties, providing double the seed count per kilogram and superior shoot
density. This combination ensures cost-efficiency and performance, making diploids the ideal choice for professional football pitches.
Why Cultivar Choice Matters
The quality of a pitch is heavily influenced by the cultivars used. Attributes such as wear tolerance, recovery rate, and disease resistance are paramount, but visual merit – a combination of density, leaf width, colour, and cleanness of cut – should not be overlooked. Cultivars in ProSelect Premium Pitch score among the highest in STRI rankings, consistently outperforming competitors in trials.
Seed Quality Assurance
All ICL grass seed is certified to meet or exceed the Higher Voluntary Standard (HVS), ensuring purity levels of at least 98% and exceptional germination rates. This guarantees that every batch delivers the reliability demanded by premier venues.
ProSelect Premium Pitch: The Elite Choice
ProSelect Premium Pitch is the ultimate renovation blend for stadia and training grounds. Combining five top-ranked diploid perennial ryegrass cultivars, it delivers unparalleled performance:
• Superior Wear Tolerance: With excellent live ground cover and shoot density, it withstands the rigours of top-flight football and rugby.
• Rapid Recovery: Ideal for highpressure renovation windows, ensuring quick establishment.
• Outstanding Disease Resistance: Reduces the risk of issues like Microdochium patch, maintaining surface integrity.
• Proven Results: Backed by extensive trials, Premium Pitch cultivars consistently rank at the top of STRI and other European turfgrass trial listings.
This blend provides a dense, visually appealing sward suitable for the most demanding playing surfaces. For venues seeking quality without compromise, Premium Pitch is the clear choice.
ProSelect Club: High Performance on a Budget
For those seeking an economical solution without sacrificing quality, ProSelect Club offers an excellent alternative. This 100% perennial ryegrass blend features three wellperforming cultivars, carefully selected for their:
• Reliable Wear Tolerance: Suitable for stadia, training pitches, and multi-purpose sports grounds.
• Balanced Disease Resistance: Provides dependable turf cover throughout the playing season.
• Versatility: Ideal for a range of applications, from professional venues to grassroots facilities. While more cost-effective, ProSelect Club maintains the quality and durability required for professional use, making it an ideal choice for facilities balancing performance with budget considerations.
Innovation and Testing: The ICL Difference
At ICL, we take pride in our rigorous approach to product development.
All blends undergo extensive trials, including testing through STRI and other leading turfgrass evaluation systems. Key metrics such as recovery, density, and disease resistance are carefully analysed to ensure every product meets the highest standards. In addition to external trials, ICL conducts in-house testing to refine blend formulations and maximise performance. This commitment to research ensures our blends deliver consistent results, even under challenging conditions.
Building a Foundation for Success
Selecting the right seed blend is the cornerstone of any integrated turf management programme. With ProSelect Premium Pitch, you can achieve the ultimate in pitch performance, while ProSelect Club offers a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality. Whether it’s an elite stadium or a multi-use training ground, ICL’s tailored solutions provide the resilience, aesthetics, and reliability demanded by professional sport.
Millbrook Golf Club’s greens are thriving thanks to the use of DSV’s PRO Bent grass seed, which has aligned perfectly with the greenkeeping team’s ethos of continuous improvement.
Chris Jones, pictured, Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Millbrook, reflected on the transformation since incorporating the PRO Bent seed, working closely with Craig Rodwell from Soil Biology Ltd – a DSV distributor, , to ensure the best results for the course.
Located in the scenic Bedfordshire countryside, Millbrook
Golf Club is a course rich in history and renowned for its beautifully maintained greens. Chris Jones has been with the club for 18 years and shares a deep
Exceptional results on show at Millbrook GC
connection with it.
“The majority of the people who work here tend to stay. We’re always trying to improve and push the course forward. The course is unrecognisable from what it was when I started.”
When their previous seed supplier underwent changes, Chris and the team began looking for alternatives. It was then that Craig Rodwell, a consultant from Soil Biology Ltd, introduced them to a range of nutritional products and DSV’s PRO Bent grass seed. From the start, the results were impressive.
“By the end of the summer, we noticed remarkable improvements in the greens, including better root systems, healthier plants, and a reduction in thatch. We even went
through the winter virtually diseasefree,” Chris explained.
PRO Bent is part of DSV’s EuroGrass range, a collection of high-performing seed mixtures developed to meet the specific needs of golf courses and sports pitches. PRO Bent, made up of 100% Browntop bentgrass, is particularly suited for summer and autumn overseeding, as well as species exchange operations. It offers excellent density, drought tolerance, and is ideal for close mowing – making it perfect for maintaining high-quality greens. Chris highlighted how they overseeded all 18 greens at Millbrook.
“We got very quick germination –almost 100% – in just six days, even while people were still playing on the
Grass seed that changed the game
Managing the expansive grounds of Warwick Schools Foundation requires precision and dedication, and Grounds Manager Duncan Toon relies on trusted solutions to meet these demands.
He found that MM Tetra Sport grass seed has become an essential part of his maintenance toolkit; ensuring top tier playing conditions for the schools’ varied sports facilities.
The school sites cover eight hectares of natural grass, a 3G pitch, two hockey pitches, eight netball/tennis courts, three cricket squares and various other sports surfaces.
He has long relied on high-quality grass seed mixes – particularly MM50 and MM60 – which he praises for their
consistency and strong performance. However, a recent shift in his approach has led to the adoption of MM Tetra Sport – a mixture by MM Seed that has quickly become his go-to choice.
“I started using Tetra Sport because I was interested in the fact that tetraploids have deeper roots.”
The MM Tetra Sport mixture, consisting of Tetraploid Ryegrasses, is designed for overseeding high-quality sports fields and caught Duncan’s attention for its many benefits –including strong root growth and enhanced drought tolerance.
Duncan first applied MM Tetra Sport to the main rugby pitches after an extensive renovation process.
“We sprayed off the main rugby
pitches, heavily fraise mowed, and removed most of the organic matter from the surface. We then seeded at 50g per square metre with the Tetra Sport”, he explained.
“The seed germinated within four days, even though only one of the pitches had automated irrigation. On the pitch without automated irrigation, we used travelling sprinklers, but we still achieved the same germination.”
The results exceeded Duncan’s expectations. “It became apparent that the Tetra Sport seed had everything I was looking for – good, deep rooting, drought tolerance, and a hardier look. It stands up very well to extreme weather conditions.”
He has since expanded the use of MM Tetra Sport across multiple pitches.
Maintaining a large and busy site means that time efficiency is critical for Duncan and his team. One of the key advantages of MM Tetra Sport is its drought tolerance, which reduces the need for frequent watering. “Running travelling sprinklers takes a lot of time, and our schedule is very tight for watering,” Duncan explains.
“If we can have a drought-tolerant plant that aligns with our schedule, it saves us a lot of time.”
course. By the weekend, the greens were already a good putting surface.
“We’ve had a lot of compliments about the greens not just from members but also from visitors. It’s great to be recognised, especially since there are so many good golf courses around us. The hard work is really paying off,” Chris said.
The results have been so impressive that Millbrook has expanded its use of DSV products beyond the greens, applying them to the tees and fairways as well.
“Once we saw the germination, we quickly realised this was money well spent. The most important thing is getting good seed strike, and that it’s surviving the winters. It’s been progressing each year, and that’s the hardest part with overseeding—getting the cultivars to thrive,” added Chris.
The success has also been bolstered by the guidance and expertise of Craig Rodwell, who has provided invaluable support throughout the process.
“I’d recommend DSV’s PRO Bent to anyone. It’s been a game-changer for us, and we’re excited to see how it continues to improve the course year after year.”
n www.dsv-uk.co.uk
“WE GOT VERY QUICK GERMINATION – ALMOST 100% – IN JUST SIX DAYS, EVEN WHILE PEOPLE WERE STILL PLAYING ON THE COURSE.”
Pitch perfection at Plymouth Argyle with Mansfield Sand
Chris Ralph, Grounds Manager at Plymouth Argyle Football Club, knows that maintaining consistent, high-quality playing surfaces across the club’s grounds is essential for performance and safety.
With a wealth of experience that spans both golf and football, including stints at Torquay United and now Plymouth Argyle for the last six years, Chris has seen firsthand how Mansfield Sand’s products can elevate pitch quality.
“When I moved to Plymouth
Argyle using Mansfield Sand was a natural choice. Our contractors also recommended it, so when we decided to upgrade to a hybrid pitch, we went with their 90/10 rootzone blend,” explained Chris.
The club recently underwent a pitch transformation, installing a SIS hybrid system with a 90/10 rootzone mix from Mansfield Sand. This blend, made of 90% sand and 10% organic materials, offers the ideal balance for aeration, drainage, and stability – especially crucial for the demands of high-level football.
“We also took out about 1,400 tonnes of Fibresand from the old stadium pitch and moved it to a training pitch. This upgrade has massively improved the quality of that pitch,” he said.
In his role, Chris oversees maintenance not only for the stadium pitch but also for the training ground and academy surfaces. His team of six relies on Mansfield Sand’s products for
consistency across all locations.
“Sand is hugely important. Once you get the right product, it helps maintain drainage rates and keeps things uniformed across all the sites ensuring the pitches are consistent.”
Chris plans to incorporate periodic mini-renovations on the new hybrid pitch, using Mansfield Sand’s products to keep the surface clean, smooth, and high-performing. “We’ll probably add around 16 to 20 tonnes a couple of times over the season,” Chris noted, emphasising the importance of ongoing care in maintaining the surface’s quality.
Reliability is also key for Chris and his team, and Mansfield Sand has consistently delivered.
“We’ve never had any issues with their products. They’re clean, high-quality, and always delivered on time. Gary Cunningham, our contact, is always available to help out whenever needed.” n www.mansfield-sand.co.uk
FERTILISERS AND CHEMICALS
Promising new foliar fertilisation technology Nanoparticle Foliar
Schematic representation of a leaf cross section after foliar application on adaxial leaf side in low (A) and high (B) relative air humidity (RH). Nanoparticles (NPs) accumulate at the bases of nonglandular trichomes, and heads of glandular trichomes
By Jeff Haag, Turf Specialist, Xavier University, Cincinatti, Ohio, USA
Fertilisers are synthetic or natural substances mixed into the soil or sprayed on the foliage of plants to deliver one or more nutrients to foster turf nutrition. Although synthetic fertilisers can improve crop growth, they are too inefficient to meet current agricultural needs. Moreover, excessive use of synthetic fertilisers increases production costs and environmental risks, which is detrimental to sustainable agricultural development.
The use of nanofertilisers allows for better nutrition management, increasing turf productivity and providing support for plant development under environmental stresses. Compared with traditional fertilisers, nanofertilisers are used in much lower amounts and can reduce environmental pollution, eutrophication and groundwater contamination to a great extent. In addition, nanofertilisers protect nutrients from leakage or volatilisation and therefore retain their fertility longer than traditional fertilisers.
Nanofertilisers can enhance the efficiency of nutrient delivery through targeting and gradual release of nutrients, as well as reduction in fertiliser application rates. A study of nanofertilisers versus their
conventional analogs showed that nanofertilisers for micronutrients improved by 18% and nanofertilisers for macronutrients improved by 29% compared to regular fertilisers. Compared to conventional fertilisers, nanofertilisers have the advantages of controlled release, high nutrient utilisation, low cost and relatively low environmental pollution due to their small size (1-100 nm) and high specific surface area.
What is Nanoparticle foliar fertilisation?
Nanoparticle foliar fertilisation refers to the practice of applying nutrients to plants in the form of tiny nanoparticles directly onto the leaves through a foliar spray, allowing for faster and more efficient nutrient uptake compared to traditional soilbased fertilisation methods due to the nanoparticles’ small size and increased surface area; essentially, it’s a way to
deliver nutrients directly to the plant through its leaves using nanoparticles as the delivery system. The benefits:
• Faster nutrient uptake: Nanoparticles can be absorbed rapidly by the plant, leading to quicker response times.
• Improved nutrient efficiency: Smaller amounts of nutrients can be used effectively due to the enhanced absorption.
• Targeted delivery: Nanoparticles can be designed to deliver specific nutrients where needed in the plant.
• Potential for reduced environmental impact: By using smaller quantities of fertiliser, the risk of nutrient runoff can be minimised.
It is estimated that 40-70%, 8090% and 50-90% of the conventional macronutrients N, P and K applied to the soil are lost, respectively, resulting in considerable loss of resources. Compared to conventional fertilisers,
Fertilisation
nanofertilisers have the advantages of controlled release, high nutrient utilisation, low cost and relatively low environmental pollution due to their small size (1-100 nm) and high specific surface area.
Crossing the leaf surface barriers
A foliar-applied plant nutrient needs to cross several major barriers before it can enter the metabolic processes. It is well established that NPs can penetrate the first barrier, the leaf surface, with the cuticle and stomata being the most important pathways. However, a full understanding of the pathways involved, and how physicochemical properties of NPs impact uptake, are only now beginning to emerge.
How do NPs penetrate the cuticle?
Most aerial plant parts are covered by a cuticle, which is the lipid-rich outer region of the epidermal cell walls (CWs), covered by a layer of epicuticular waxes. The cuticle limits water loss, provides protection against biotic and abiotic agents, repels aqueous solvents and polar solutes, and acts as a barrier towards NP entry. Traditional views of the cuticle identify it as a homogeneous, hydrophobic layer. Over time, this concept has progressively been challenged, not least by the recent discovery of hydrophilic nanoscale ‘islands’ of exposed polysaccharides within cuticles. Hydration of polar domains within the cuticle can form transcuticular pathways for polar solutes and small NPs to the leaf mesophyll. These pathways are described as aqueous poresor a dispersed aqueous continuum connecting the atmosphere to the leaf interior. Cuticle permeability is increased at high humidity, in young leaves, and at high solvent pH which increases cuticle hydration. The size exclusion limit (SEL) of pathways through the cuticle was calculated to be 2-2.5 nm in astomatous leaves. Similarly, 2-4 nm NPs have been observed penetrating the cuticle.
However, cuticle permeability, composition, and thickness vary across growth conditions and plant species, and appear to influence the NP pathways.
The fate of nanoparticles after leaf entry
After crossing the leaf surface, NPs reach the apoplast. From here, three main fertilisation pathways exist: (i) direct nutrient release in the apoplast; (ii) NP entrance in mesophyll cells followed by nutrient release, either in the cytosol or in a subcellular compartment; (iii) NP transport towards the phloem tissue and translocation to other plant parts, followed by nutrient release. Strategies (ii) and (iii) rely on the ability of the NPs to diffuse undissolved and unobstructed inside the apoplast.
Advantages of Nanofertilisers
After crossing the leaf surface nanoparticles (NPs) are localised in the apoplast. Here, NPs can either release their nutrient cargo directly in the apoplast (A1), cross the cell wall (CW) (A2), or move through the apoplastic space towards the vascular bundle (A3). NPs that manage to traverse the CW can then interact with the plasma membrane (PM). The proposed mechanisms for NP cell internalisation are endocytosis (B1) and formation of transient pores (B2). According to the mechanism mediating internalization of NPs, these can undergo different fates once inside the cell: endocytosed NPs are transported to the endosome (C1), which may
direct them to the lytic vacuole (C2); NPs conjugated with bioresponsive lytic moieties are instead capable of
inducing membrane rupture and escape from the endosome. Direct penetration through transient pore formation
(B2) enables direct access of NPs into the cytosol (C3). NPs that freely diffuse into the cytosol can be targeted towards
chloroplasts or mitochondria (C4), or can translocate through the symplast towards the vascular tissue (C5).
Team Sprayers launch upgrade
Team Sprayers’ Club model is a userfriendly tractor mounted ground care sprayer with a reliable, robust design and easy to use operator controls. Further to that it incorporates all the requirements to meet the latest spraying legislation and all the needs of today’s greenkeeper or groundsman.
Already a very popular model for Team, the Club model has been updated for 2025 to make it even better. Working closely with existing Club users to understand their needs, Team have updated the model to include a new more compact tank design which maximises
the operator’s visibility from the rear window, over the back of the sprayer.
The tank chassis has been redesigned to accommodate bolt on accessories such as a foam marker or a hose reel; so two jobs can be completed at once. Also included in the upgrade is an integral water tank for system and spray line flushing as well as a second integral tank for hand washing.
The Team Club range includes tank sizes from 300 – 800 litres all fitted with a high quality poly’ diaphragm pump which can withstand any aggressive plant protection chemicals. The spray booms
are all constructed of strong tubular steel and are available in 6-12m widths which fold to a compact 1.9m or 2.4m for transport and, no matter the size, all are fitted with a break back feature to avoid damage from unseen obstructions.
Team’s Club sprayers are also now suitable for category 2 tractor pick up as well as the standard category 1 and all include clothes storage for all PPE equipment. The upgrade follows a raft of improvements made to their ground care sprayers for 2025 which has also seen improvements made to their Cub, Scout and Vixen SP Pro pedestrian sprayers.
Suståne, improving disease resistance from the ground up at Ely City Golf Club
T
he combination of Suståne 5-2-4 and 5-2-10+Fe is providing the perfect platform for a switch to finer grass species at Ely City Golf Club. Looking to improve disease resistance from the ground up is Course Manager Alan Magee, who explains how the tried and tested programme from Suståne is the ideal base feed for encouraging bent grass to flourish on the greens at the parkland club.
Ely City is regarded as one of the finest courses in East Anglia, located on the outskirts of Cambridge and delivering a challenging but picturesque 18-holes of
mature parkland. Assisted by a team of five, Alan has been at the club for the last two and a half years.
“With the ongoing reduction in chemicals and the drive towards more sustainable practices, as greenkeepers, we’re having to tackle the issue of disease management in new ways – for me, that’s looking at how we can increase our tolerance with better, more resilient, grass species” he explained.
No stranger to Suståne, Alan has been a longstanding user of their 5-2-4 all natural slow-release nitrogen fertiliser at his previous club in Dorset.
“The 5-2-4 is really the building block for the rest of our inputs. We apply this at eight-week intervals from the spring onwards, with complementary liquid feeds put down as and when required.”
The original Suståne formula, 5-2-4 promotes enhanced disease suppression and quick green up, without excessive growth. Suitable for most turfgrass environments, Suståne 5-2-4 increases the soils’ ability to hold water and nutrients, improving suppression of plant
pathogens and strengthening the plant’s tolerance again heat, drought and other environmental stress factors.
“This product is a fantastic spring starter, getting us moving and providing all the nutrients we need to support bentgrass and strengthen our greens ahead of a busy playing season.”
“For some extra oomph, we use the 5-2-10+Fe every eight weeks from July onwards as we begin to prepare the surfaces for winter” added Alan.
With its 1:2 N to K ratio, Suståne 5-210+Fe aids plant hydration and disease suppression, also enhancing chlorophyll production for outstanding turf colour without excessive top growth.
“This combination gives us great consistency and the versatility to adapt to surface requirements depending on the weather. As we pursue a bigger bent population in our greens, I’m a firm believer that if we get the biology right in the soil, the rest of our programme will fall into place. Both the surfaces and the players will hopefully be thanking us as a result!”
New investment ensures playing surface is always at its best
Oval, home of Surrey County Cricket Club, and founded in 1845 was the first ground in England to stage international test cricket in 1880 and has played host to many other key historical sporting events including the inaugural FA Cup final in 1872.
“It’s a unique sporting venue, steeped in a rich history of sporting excellence, and I’d like to think that the high quality and consistency of the playing surface over many years has played a part in helping to secure the Oval’s enduring legacy “said Martin Biggin, Deputy Head Grounds Manager since 2013.
Martin sees a direct link between utilising high quality machinery and employing the best year-round maintenance techniques to deliver the highest turf management standards now required by elite sporting venues.
“The pressure to deliver is always there, so, when I began the search for a greener, ecofriendly alternative to our older SPPS petrol-driven pedestrian sprayer, it seemed logical to start with manufacturer Techneat Engineering who designed the SPPS low ground pressure sprayer.
“I’ve used their equipment for 16 years now and, based on their reputation for build quality, performance and reliability, the decision to invest in their new battery-powered, electric ProEspray pedestrian sprayer to help us achieve future sustainability targets was not a difficult one,” he explained.
“The Pro-Espray offers operators the flexibility of an 80L or 120L tank, 3m or 4m horizontal folding booms and low decibel / low vibration operation. We opted for the larger 120L tank and a 3m boom. Given that we segment our outfield into 6m bays, it’s then a simple calculation of 2 x runs per bay. The new machine has both forward and reverse settings
giving us the option to either walk over what we’ve just sprayed or spray behind us as we move forward.
“Other improvements include a high-capacity, Li-on smart battery operated via an app on my phone.
“The battery provides enough charge to enable the sprayer to run continuously for up to five hours – enough time to applicate 1200L of pre-emergence herbicides, liquid feed or wetting agents depending on the task in-hand.
“Advanced safety features include a built-in auto brake, emergency stop plus a resettable fuse to protect the operator. The main console is neatly constructed and easy to understand with fingertip controls for the key control switches,” he said.
“One year on since purchase I can confirm there’ve been no maintenance issues with the Pro-Espray. The level of aftercare from Techneat has been excellent to, with advanced warnings on potential issues being relayed to us before any problems actually arose. In summary, it’s a very capable, reliable sprayer and certainly merits consideration from any business looking at combining high performance with lower carbon emissions,” concluded Martin.
FERTILISERS AND CHEMICALS
Melgreen Thalassotherapy for turfgrass
Olmix collects red seaweeds in an environmentally responsible manner, ensuring the natural replenishment of the resource.
Trampling, slipping, tackles... and mowing! The daily life of sports turf is no less demanding than that of the athletes. So why not use thalassotherapy to maintain them?
Sports turf, like athletes, are subjected to constant and sometimes intense stresses. Similar to athletes, they need to be prepared in anticipation of events and recover after exertion.
While seaweeds are well-known for their benefits to the bodies of our champions, their virtues for turfgrass are perhaps less recognised, yet...
Rich in marine trace elements and proteins, red seaweeds also contain specific sugars unique to algae, such as carrageenans and floridosides, which have numerous bioactive propertiess.
The company Olmix harvests the red seaweeds Solieria chordalis in order to extract the active compounds at its state-of-the-art biorefinery located in central Brittany.
Concentrated in the R-SEANERGY technology, these ingredients activate
receptors on the surface of plant leaves and trigger metabolic stimulation reactions.
Based on the concentrated extract of red seaweed R-SEANERGY, Olmix has developed the Melgreen range of foliar solutions, designed for the maintenance and improvement of sports turf.
The vigor of turfgrass rooting is a key factor in its quality and longevity.
Unfortunately, trampling and uprooting, which are inherent to the use of sports fields, as well as the frequent renewal of grass, leave little time for plants to develop a dense and deep root system. Thanks to the red seaweed extract R-SEANERGY, combined with manganese, Melgreen SPRINTER boosts root activity and photosynthesis in turfgrass, starting from the end of winter, during overseeding operations or during the establishment of new turf.
The accumulation of energy by the plant and the robustness of its tissues are essential for achieving healthy turf. It is crucial to maintain optimal
leaf quality in order to ensure efficient photosynthesis and the vitality of the turf, regardless of the season. Melgreen ARMOR combines the red seaweed extract R-SEANERGY® with micronised copper to provide a nutritional supplement to turf protection programs and maintain the integrity and proper functioning of the leaf blades.
In periods of intensive use, grass is subjected to numerous stresses caused, not only by sports activities, but also by maintenance operations and increasingly pronounced climatic stresses. These stresses impair the plant’s ability to properly absorb nutrients and maintain optimal physiology. Melgreen ELITE is based on R-SEALICA technology, a patented combination of the red seaweed extract R-SEANERGY® and a specific monomeric silica. R-SEALICA technology activates the plant’s genes involved in defense reactions against abiotic stresses, thereby enhancing resilience.
n sales@collier-turf-care.co.uk
SCHLOSS ROXBURGHE
Scott MacCallum chats with Ross Ovens, who has seen Schloss Roxburghe, in the Scottish Borders, mature into one of the finest inland golf courses in the country
WHEN THE ROXBURGHE OPENED IN 1999 IT IMMEDIATELY BECAME A WELCOME ADDITION TO SCOTLAND’S ALREADY BURGEONING PORTFOLIO OF OUTSTANDING GOLF COURSES.
You can well imagine the 10th Duke of Roxburghe, back in the mid-1990s, walking across his land, swinging an invisible 7-iron and dreaming about just how wonderful a golf course could be created from just a small portion of his vast 50,000 acre Roxburghe Estate.
You can also understand the fanatical 4-handicap golfer wrestling with whether to go ahead and make it happen - his heart playing the holes he had already designed in his mind, while his head weighed up the financials.
It was heart that won the day because the Duke enlisted world renowned golf course architect, Dave Thomas, to draw up a layout on 200 of those Roxburghe Estate acres.
When The Roxburghe opened in 1999 it immediately became a very welcome addition to Scotland’s already burgeoning portfolio of outstanding golf courses. It also complemented an Estate which already boasted some of the finest shooting and fishing to be found anywhere in the world.
What Dave created stands as the best
test of golf in the Scottish Borders and for many years it was the playground for the Duke, guests of the 22 room hotel, and the lucky golf club members who were able to call it their golfing home.
The Duke’s death in 2019 coincided with the sale of The Roxburghe to German luxury hotel group, Schloss, who looked at what they had purchased and felt that it could be taken to another level.
We all know what happened the following year and the development and massive expansion of the hotel was delayed. However, five years on, Schloss Roxburghe is a thriving “resort” with a ultra-modern extension and spa, nestling behind the original hotel.
Now boasting 78 bedrooms and suites, as well as 51 self-catering cottages scattered around the golf course, it operates under the Hyatt Destination banner.
One man who has seen it all, if not exactly from the very very beginning, is Course & Estates Manager, Ross Ovens, who joined the club as a fresh faced teenager 25 years ago. He has seen his job change markedly since he started and not just in his rise to his current position.
“When I joined in 2000 the course was still extremely young and it did look very new. Now, 25 years later, it really has matured, the trees are up and it certainly doesn’t look like the new golf course,” said Ross, as we sat in the first floor Board Room, offering wonderful views across the course.
“Dave Thomas was chosen because his design involved the minimal amount of soil movement. He kept the natural flow of the land and every architect I’ve spoken to since, has said what an amazing piece of land it was to design a golf course and what an excellent job was done,” said Ross.
"The routing of the golf course has been very well thought out and flows through the topography of the land, how it rises and falls along the side of the River Teviot, is just phenomenal. There are not many holes that run side by side, so when you’re out there you’ll not see many other golfers.”
There are many excellent holes but perhaps the most famous is the par-5 14th, running along the side of the River Teviot, with an imposing viaduct acting as the backdrop. Many a photograph has been taken from the back tee looking down the length of the hole. t
Ross Ovens, Schloss Roxburghe’s Course & Estates Manager – amid the grandeur of the course
The beauty of the Schloss Roxburghe extension, which took many attempts to achieve planning approval, is that the original part of the old Victorian hotel is what you see as you come down the drive. The extension and spa are hidden from view.
“The drive in sets the tone of the exclusive resort that we are,” said Ross, of the multi million plus, and counting, investment.
“While the actual golf course has not changed there’s been a lot of investment on the driving range, complete with the latest Toptracer technology in every bay; short game area; brand new maintenance facility, and a lot of money on machinery. So when you add it all up there has been a significant investment in the golf side since Schloss took over.”
“We have engaged with European Golf Design and have created a masterplan to make some structural changes to the golf course in the future. These changes will enhance the golfers experience and the quality of the golf course.One area in particular would be the bunkering.
“Some of the bunkering is a case of repositioning, but the main thing is to restyle them and bring the sand lines up and out of the ground. So visually from off the tee it will make the holes pop much more.
“At the moment the bunkers sit down and from the tee they just look like grass banks, you can’t really see them. When the work is done you will see the bunker much more clearly.”
There will be a real maintenance benefit to be had too.
While Ross had an abundance of agronomy knowledge gained from years of being in the industry he has been working closely with Turfgrass for the last three years.
The Dublin-based company has a client list operating at the top end of the game including names like Wentworth; Woodhall Spa; ’27 Ryder Cup host, Adare
Manor, and many others across the golfing world.
“Our partnership has been great and they have provided great knowledge and support to improve the quality of our putting surfaces.
“When I took over the organic matter was such that I felt it was a priority as it was preventing us from improving the quality of the putting surfaces
“We made really good inroads and brought the level down, as shown by all the data, but unfortunately COVID came along, we had to reduce our cultural practices so it crept back up. But we are now nearly back to where we were before the pandemic.”
Like many golf clubs Ross has experienced the problems of attracting staff but he currently has a settled team, some of whom joined him in Harrogate in January for the annual BTME show, where they attended seminars and workshops.
The greenkeeping team is integral to both the performance and success of the venue. Their expertise in maintaining turf quality, optimising playing surfaces, and ensuring environmental sustainability all combine to create a safe, enjoyable, and high-performing environment for golfers.
“Without them, the integrity and excellence of the facility would suffer, negatively impacting the overall results,” explained Ross.
Having gained experience and knowledge over the last quarter of a century at Schloss Roxburghe, Ross has also volunteered at a number of high profile events to further expand his knowledge in presenting a course and organising larger teams for professional golf events.
“I’ve worked on the support team at the Ryder Cup, in France in 2018, and also worked at six French Opens at Golf Club Nationale. I’ve also volunteered at a British Masters, at Close House, and a Scottish Open, at Castle Stewart, so I’ve gathered tournament experience and know what levels we need to achieve here.”
With that in mind Ross was instrumental in bringing in IMG on a consultancy basis to Schloss Roxburghe to add impetus to the drive to raise golf operation levels to where they need to be to achieve and maintain not only Hyatt Destination standards, but to be regarded as one of the top golf venues in the country.
“50% of my role is now actually involved in golf operations as well as greenkeeping. I'm keen to help support the golf operations and grow the golf business so we have the finances to continue to improve the golf course and be a successful part on the business
While the Scottish Borders is a beautiful unspoiled part of Scotland it is not regarded as a golfing hotspot, meaning that there is not a host of courses on golfers’ hit lists to attract them to the area.
team working on the par-3 13th
SOME OF THE BUNKERING IS A CASE OF REPOSITIONING, BUT THE MAIN THING IS TO RESTYLE THEM
AND BRING THE SAND LINES UP AND OUT OF THE GROUND.
“The remote location is always going to be a hurdle so that’s something that we have to work with if we want people coming here to play the golf course. Many come to enjoy Borders’ hospitality and the shooting and fishing. We want golf to be higher up their priority list and have Schloss Roxburghe on their list of courses they want to play,” he said.
“We really want to sell Schloss Roxburghe as Scotland’s start of the
The
WE REALLY WANT TO SELL SCHLOSS ROXBURGHE AS SCOTLAND’S START OF THE JOURNEY NORTH TO PLAY GOLF.
journey north to play golf.
“We’re always going to attract the UK and European market with a very small percentage of American clientele. We know the reason why the Americans come to Scotland and that’s to play links golf, but you’d like to think that we could pick up some more of that American market.”
Schloss Roxburghe has much to be recommended to visitors and potential visitors. That sense of being a Scottish golfing outpost has its benefits. There are usually tee times available, but achieving
a higher profile and making Schloss Roxburghe a course that appears on the “must play” list of golfers should increase playing numbers and ensure that the future developments and improvements can be achieved more quickly.
Ross knows that the improvements he desires, and they include a new irrigation system and irrigation lake, will come in time but he is buoyed by the ambition of the owners and the fact that following on from a successful Tartan Tour Event, supported by former Open Champion, Paul
Lawrie, who also played in the tournament. last year, they have secured a Challenge Tour event for this summer, with all the resulting television coverage.
“We decided we’d close the golf course for the Paul Lawrie event and really make an impression. We did what we could to make it a special occasion. The team loved it and the feedback we got was fantastic. That opened the door for us to be awarded the Farmfoods Scottish Challenge, supported by the R&A, which will be a fantastic showcase for Schloss Roxburghe.”
So what would Ross’ aspirations and dreams be for the future?
“For me, it would be getting the recognition that the golf course deserves, because I don’t think that we’re there yet.”
Patience will be needed but the raw materials are already in place and Schloss Roxburghe is already heading in the right direction. It would be wonderful to know just what the 10th Duke would think about his beloved Roxburghe now, 30 years on from those imaginary swings down those imaginary fairways.
The huge bunker guarding the 12th green is being rebuilt
The future of lawn care: Battery-powered pedestrian mowers
Kress makes its case
In an era where sustainability is at the forefront of innovation, batterypowered pedestrian mowers are changing the way we maintain green spaces. They offer a host of benefits, not only reducing environmental impact but also significantly improving the working conditions of groundskeepers.
Traditional petrol-powered mowers contribute significantly to air pollution, releasing harmful carbon emissions and fine particulate matter. In contrast, battery-powered mowers such as the Kress Commercial Self-Propelled range, produce zero emissions, making them a far more eco-friendly choice.
Beyond emissions, these mowers also address another major environmental concern: noise pollution. Petrol mowers generate high decibel levels, disrupting both workers and the surrounding community. Battery-powered alternatives operate much more quietly.
Lower noise levels also mean operators
can work without the heightened risk of hearing damage or disturbance to public and players. Additionally, battery-powered mowers require less servicing compared to their petrol counterparts. This leads to less overall maintenance, reducing downtime and operational costs in the long run.
For those maintaining spaces such as parks, sports fields, and gardens, the shift brings substantial health benefits. Petrol mowers expose operators to harmful exhaust fumes, which have been linked to respiratory issues and long-term health risks. Battery-powered models like the Kress Commercial mowers remove this hazard entirely.
Vibration exposure is another critical factor. Prolonged use of petrol mowers can lead to hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), a condition caused by excessive vibrations.
With advancements in battery technology, some battery-powered mowers now offer impressive run times and power. For example, Kress
Commercial mowers utilise advanced CyberSystem technology, allowing their batteries to recharge from 0-100% in just eight minutes, minimising downtime and maximising efficiency. While not all battery-powered mowers match the performance of petrol, some, such as those from Kress, are designed to deliver equivalent power and durability, making them a viable alternative for demanding professional applications.
Coupled with reduced maintenance costs – no need for oil changes, spark plug replacements, or fuel storage – these machines represent a smart investment for organisations looking to modernise their equipment while prioritising sustainability and worker well-being.
The transition to battery-powered pedestrian mowers is more than a trend; it’s a necessary step towards a greener, healthier future. Groundskeepers and organisations embracing this change are not only reducing their environmental impact but also ensuring better working conditions for those who care for our
The Retreats Group, which encompasses three of the leading luxury hotels in Wales – Twr y Felin Hotel, Roch Castle, and Penrhiw Priory – has always been dedicated to maintaining immaculate grounds that reflect the beauty of its locations.
For Ollie Davies, the groundskeeper and supervisor for The Retreats Group, maintaining these stunning landscapes has become significantly easier since the purchase of a Etesia Hydro 100 ride-on mower.
Before, Ollie managed the extensive lawns using pedestrian mowers – a task that was both time-consuming and physically demanding.
The Etesia Hydro 100 III ride-on mower is designed for professional users who require top-quality mowing and collection performance in all weather conditions.
Ollie initially considered the Etesia Buffalo ride-on mower, however, after careful evaluation, he realised that the Buffalo was too large for his more intricate formal gardens. Given the uneven terrain of the properties, Ollie decided on the Hydro 100, known for its differential lock and sturdy design. “With the grounds being so uneven, we went for the Hydro 100 because it has a diff lock and it seemed very sturdy.”
Etesia Hydro 100 impresses even in difficult conditions
The Hydro 100’s differential lock has proven invaluable on the steep, slippery slopes of the properties. “It is quite undulating and steep, and especially when it is wet, the diff lock comes in handy. As soon as you start feeling it slip a bit, you just engage the diff lock and it doesn’t leave a mess or wheel spin.”
During the peak growing season, Ollie faces the challenge of keeping up with rapidly growing grass. The Hydro 100 has made this task much more manageable.
“If I was on my own and I only had my walk-behind mower, I would be completely swamped with grass and I would just be chasing my tail all the time. So having the Hydro 100 means I can stay on top of things.”
Ollie also appreciates the Hydro 100’s ability to cut and collect grass on formal lawns, ensuring that the grounds remain pristine for guests.
“We cut and collect on the formal lawns because we don’t want guests to get their shoes clogged with grass and
walk it into the castle – it wouldn’t be very popular with housekeeping staff.”
Ollie has also been impressed by the mower’s reliability, even in less-thanideal conditions. “Considering how wet it has been over the past year I have never experienced any form of blocking, even if the grass is long and wet.” n www.etesia.co.uk
Hibs go even greener with Dennis ES-860
Hibernian Football Club, celebrated as Scotland’s greenest, has made significant strides in sustainable grounds management with its Dennis ES-860 battery-powered mower.
Head Groundsman, Steven Thomas, has found the ES-860 invaluable for its maintenance efficiency, environmental benefits, and ability to meet early game day demands, reinforcing the club’s commitment to top-tier pitch quality and sustainability.
The Dennis ES-860 is a 34-inch battery-powered turf management system, renowned for its versatility, with 13 interchangeable cassette options that handle a wide array of essential tasks like cutting, scarifying, brushing, and verticutting. For Steven, this level
of flexibility has been transformative in his approach to maintaining the stadium pitch at Hibernian.
“We’ve had the ES-860 for almost 12 months, and it’s exceeded all of my expectations,” said Steven.
Switching to battery power was also a strategic choice, aligning with the club’s environmental goals.
“When I first started, Hibs had recently won an award for being the greenest football club in Scotland, and so getting the ES-860 was a no-brainer – it aligned perfectly with that recognition.”
The ES-860 has made a considerable difference in daily routines for Steven and his team. Its low noise level enables the grounds team to start work earlier without disturbing nearby residents.
“Where we store the equipment, there are adjacent houses. Starting petrol mowers at 7am is challenging due to noise regulations, so having the ES-860 lets us get an early start without disturbing anyone.”
This quiet operation is invaluable for early kick-off days. “For Sky Sports games, we often need the pitch ready by 8am, which means cutting at 4am The ES-860 lets us meet this demand. It’s been a game-changer for those highpressure mornings.”
This mower has become central to Hibernian’s daily maintenance, used up to twice a day in the summer.
“The quality of cut and the quality of finish is first-class,” Steven added. n www.dennisuk.com
Baroness to the rescue
Atrio of pedestrian mowers from Baroness are coming to the rescue at Calcot Park, as the club seeks to maintain course standards through the ever-more challenging winter months.
The venue, like many, struggled to get ride-on equipment out over the winter of 23/24 due to increased rainfall and softer ground conditions. However, this problem will be a thing of the past with three LM66 cylinder mowers now ready to take up the task of
retaining presentation on the tees and approaches.
Located on the Berkshire border, Calcot Park delivers a picturesque 18-holes in a parkland setting. Course Manager for the last six years Tom Jennings explains how, even outside of the ‘playing season’, expectations of players are high and the standards of the greenkeeping team are even higher!
“We’re always striving for that next level of definition and the rain has really been hampering what we can deliver on
areas that aren’t hand cut. That’s why we decided to invest in a fleet of pedestrian mowers specifically for the tees.”
After a comprehensive search, and fantastic advice and service from Lister Wilder and Luke Collins from Baroness, they decided on three LM66 mowers.
“In my opinion, the cut quality is the best on the market and, not only that, they stay on cut for much longer. The tees and approaches have never presented better,” said Tom.
Along with the slightly smaller LM56 model, the Baroness pedestrian mower design incorporates traditional all-gear drive - delivering 100% transmission rate with no slippage or lag between the drive to reel rotation ratio.
In addition, the durability of this system compared to belt or chain drive is extremely high, providing additional peace of mind that a balanced cut will be achieved with every operation. The renowned cylinder is manufactured from Nickel-Chrome-Molybdenum alloy steel which retains the sharpest cutting edge, helping to promote healthy growth and contributing to surfaces that are less vulnerable to disease.
“The good thing is that we’ve all had chance to get used to them and get a real feeling for what can be achieved with these machines.”
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Play football and golf and help ‘Kick for a Cause’
Join us for ‘Kick for a Cause’, Perennial’s five-a-side fundraising football tournament, taking place in June at Fulham FC’s training grounds in Surrey.
In collaboration with Stuart Mackley, Head of Grounds at Fulham FC Training Ground, and tournament sponsors Wildwood Machinery and ICL, we have created a five-a-side tournament that will raise vital funds for Perennial. The event is not only close to the hearts of those who maintain grounds but is also fun and informal for players, as well as provide a networking opportunity with colleagues from the grounds maintenance community.
Perennial is the UK’s only charity dedicated to supporting all grounds people and their families. Through our teams across the country, we offer one-to-one help and advice to everyone who needs it, even before they reach a crisis. Whether it’s careers advice, mental health support, bereavement or financial management assistance or anything else, we’re here in person and through our online tools.
Becky Sumner, Perennial Events Manager, said, “We’re pleased that Stuart wanted to create an event with us that not only raises funds for Perennial but is also fun and enjoyable for the unsung heroes of football, namely, the grounds teams. The event will help raise the profile of the support that we offer, while also giving back to the industry.”
Sign up and take part
We're inviting grounds teams from football clubs across the country along with associated suppliers to take part.
• Sunday 22 June
• 10am - 2pm
• Fulham FC Training Ground, Motspur Park, Surrey, KT3 6PT
• Teams are made up of up to seven players (five players and two subs). Sign up online: perennial.org.uk/fivea-side/
• Pay your £250 entry fee (that’s just £35.71 per player for a team of seven or £50 each for a team of five)
Kick for a Cause supporting partners
We extend our heartfelt thanks to grounds care experts Wildwood Machinery and ICL who we welcome on board as supporting partners.
Wildwood Machinery, Hampshire’s leading groundcare business said, “We are delighted to announce our support for Perennial, the UK’s only
charity dedicated to supporting people in the horticultural and groundcare profession.”
Managing director James Bastian added, “Grounds people play an absolutely critical role in sport, at the professional level, of course, but just as importantly at the amateur and community level, helping thousands of grassroots football, golf, cricket, rugby and other sports clubs provide amazing facilities and enabling millions of people to stay active, healthy and engaged.”
“Despite this, the grounds-people are often the last to receive the appreciation and thanks they deserve. I’m delighted that we are able to contribute in some way towards providing people in our industry with the safety net they need.”
ICL also said “We're pleased to support Perennial and their ‘Kick for a Cause’ initiative. It's a fantastic opportunity to promote well-being through sport and make a positive impact in the process.”
Perennial’s charity golf day
If golf is more your thing, take part in Perennial’s charity golf day, in partnership with Renson.
John Haeffele, UK and Ireland Sales Manager at Renson, teamed up with us to create this exciting golf tournament,
all in support of Perennial. Start your day with a bacon butty and coffee before teeing off for 18 fantastic holes at Pyrford Lakes, then relax and celebrate with a post-game BBQ.
Individuals and teams are welcome – sign up today perennial.org.uk/charity-golfday/
Whether you're joining the five-a-side tournament or the golf day, you can be assured that all proceeds from these events will go directly to the charity, helping us continue supporting the industry.
Here are some examples of how your contributions help:
• £25 allows us to deliver free legal advice to those who have experienced bereavement, family breakdown or redundancy
• £35 provides physio assessment to someone injured at work
• £50 supports a family to travel to hospital for treatment following a lifethreatening diagnosis
Don’t forget Perennial is here for you. Whether you need some guidance, feel a bit stuck or are facing one of life's big challenges, we're here for you.
n Visit perennial.org.uk/ways-wehelp/ or call our helpline 0800 093 8543
