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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021 £4.95
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In the shadow of BT Murrayfield
gby dsman u R h urg un b o r n i G d or E for Head f e m o n New h a life lesso and
MILTON ABBEY UNVEILS ITS SECRETS
NEW WAYS TO COPE WITH LEATHERJACKET
UNDERSTANDING AERATION: THE TINE HAS COME
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Exploding myths
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iWelcome
Thisforget man’s best friend Don’t Sport…
Distributed every two months to sports turf professionals, independent schools, universities, local authorities and buyers of turfcare machinery and products.
Happy new year to you all and I hope for a safe and “normal” 2021 for The last two months have been a nightmare for many people in certain everybody. partsthe of the andwe myhave heart outfor to everyone dealing with Over lastcountry 12 months allgoes looked comfort and security the aftermath of unprecedented flooding and devastating erosion. from whatever source we can find and something which has come to the best case scenario for many months temporary fore The is how our dogs have become farismore thanofmere pets. living. For others, lives will never return to what they were. I have been withgrounds the success Turf Dogs, which runs on While thedelighted fate of sports andof golf clubs might seem our digital platforms, and which sees our four-legged friends pictured inconsequential in the face of such hardship, we at Turf Matters have sporting very fetching bandanas. jobs can often a particular empathyTurf withMatters everyone who has Your seen years of agronomic behusbandry solitary, but the upside is that youinoperate in roles which can be literally washed away the space of a few weeks. compatible canines at work and there is nothing It must with be hoped thatjoining banks –humans the financial institutions, not the better than a well trained and loyal dog. things which edge overflown rivers – take an understanding approach sporting facilities which havefrom beenhome unable loans asso a Ito have only just started to work ontoa service full time basis, of them so unable to bring revenue. weresult have now beenbeing able unplayable to welcomeand Mungo (see below) intoinour family. As we have seen with recent Winter sport has such a Ultimately, he will give methe company as I tap Olympics, away on my computer galvanising on interesting society and articles can be the for so much good, trying to comeeffect up with for catalyst you all. However, at the that it Iisam imperative sporting facilities are not forgotten thethe moment being driven to distraction keeping him fromwhen eating promised assistance is being allocated. furniture and finding appropriate “outdoor” toileting spots! On the issue of improving sporting facilities, we have been There is a lot of good reading in this issue, but I want to direct you invited by Briggs & Stratton to become involved in its Pitch to one piece. JimtoDawson, BT Murrayfield’s Head Groundsman and a for Win competition, which provides a £3,000 makeover former Groundsman of the Year, is a man who rightly takes pride what is judged to be the Under 18s football pitch ininmost his pitch. Back inneed 2019,–afind combination of pages events16-17. saw Liverpool – Jim’s out more on I am on the judging team – play a match at and BT Murrayfield. is a story of what panel visits will beWhat made followed to a shortlist of deserving happens when you let a chase for pitch perfection take hold, but also pitches soon. We will be looking not so much at the how an employee and employer should handle DESSO but the desperate! situation. that it is On a final note, I the am thrilled byI’m thepositive reception that the a story to which many first issue of Turf Matters received. Manyfellow peopleturf have professionals relate. taken time to say how much theycan liked the look of the magazine and how they enjoyed the articles. We’re all MacCallum, pleased you found it Scott to your liking and we will work hard to maintain the high standards. Thank you all very much.
Editor: Scott MacCallum Distributed every two months to sports scott@turfmatters.co.uk turf professionals, local authorities Design/Production Editor: Tim and buyers of turfcare machinery andMoat tim@turfmatters.co.uk products. Customer Editor: ScottRelations MacCallumManager: Sinead Thacker scott@turfmatters.co.uk sinead@turfmatters.co.uk Design and Production Editor: Tim Moat Sales Executive: tim@turfmatters.co.uk Marie Anderson Sales Manager: Pauline Thompson marie@turfmatters.co.uk
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All material © Turf Matters magazine 2021. Turf Matters is published by Straight Down Turf Matters was awarded Best Writing and Best the Middle Communications Ltd. Design in the 2019 and 2020 Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA) Awards All material © Turf Matters magazine 2014. No partFollow of this publication may be us on Twitter reproduced in any form whatsoever, @TurfMatters either for sale or not, without the written permission of publication the publisher. No part of this mayInformation be reproduced contained Turf Matters is published in any formin whatsoever, either for sale or in good faiththe and everypermission effort has been not, without written of the made to ensure its accuracy. TurfinMatters publisher. Information contained Turf Matters can accept no anyeffort error is published in responsibility good faith and for every hasmisrepresentation. been made to ensure accuracy. Turf or All its liability for loss, Matters can acceptnegligence no responsibility for any disappointment, or other error or misrepresentation. All liability for loss, damage caused by reliance on information disappointment, damage contained in Turfnegligence Matters ororinother the event of caused by reliance information contained in any bankruptcy or on liquidation or cessation Turftrade Matters or incompany, the eventindividual of any bankruptcy of of any or firm or liquidation or of trade of any company, mentioned is cessation hereby excluded. individual or firm mentioned is hereby excluded. Printed byWarners WarnersMidlands MidlandsPLC. PLC. Printed by
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Inside issue Insidethis this issue News..........................................................4-23 News .........................................................4-15 Tea Break Teaser.......................................15 Pitch to Win........................................16-17 Lawncare Legends..........................24-25 Mowing .................................19-22, 24-27 Milton Abbey......................................26-35 Tea Break Teaser ......................................29 Aeration.................................................36-43 Gleneagles..........................................30-35 Scottish Rugby..................................44-51 BTME review ......................................36-41 STRI – leatherjackets......................52-54 Diary of a Golfing Nobody.................42 Irrigation...............................................58-61 As seen on Twitter..................................43 Buyers’ Guide.....................................63-65 Golfingout Nobody’s Blog..........................66 Check our website: The majesty of Gleneagles, pages 30-35 The majesty of Milton Abbey school, see pages 26-35 Subscribe FREE to our e-zine: Details at www.turfmatters.co.uk
Check out our website: www.turfmatters.co.uk www.turfmatters.co.uk Next magazine distributed 2 May
Next magazine distributed March 2021
Turf Matters | March-April 2014 Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021| 3 |3
NEWS
PELLENC OFFERS ZERO DEPOSIT DEALS Pellenc is offering zero deposit and nothing to pay on its products until March 2021. Customers purchasing the Pellenc Landscape Pack, which consists of three ULiB 1200 batteries, Excelion 2000 cow handle brushcutter, Rasion Easy pedestrian mower, Helion 2 Compact hedge strimmer and Airion 3 leaf blower, can take advantage of delivery now and not paying anything until March 2021. Over the three-year finance period it is also estimated that users could save over £10,000 compared to the use of petrolpowered equivalent tools. “We’ve worked hard to bring to market this new competitive finance option on a range of Pellenc batteries and tools,” said Les Malin, Etesia UK’s Managing Director. www.pellencuk.com
RFU ‘connected’ plan raises pitch standards Mansfield Sand has been a long-standing supporter of the RFU’s Rugby Grounds Connected programme and the company’s expertise has been praised by former Twickenham Head Groundsperson and founder of the programme Keith Kent and current Head Groundsperson Jim Buttar. The RFU’s Rugby Grounds Connected programme is an easy access, two-way communication network between the RFU and rugby union groundspersons. Many have benefitted and it is renowned for playing an integral role in raising the standards of hundreds of rugby pitches throughout the UK. “The Rugby Grounds Connected initiative is a big part of the role here and I am incredibly excited to be a part of its evolution,” said Jim. “It’s a great platform in which I hope I’ll be able to influence and benefit the members. It’s all about sharing information and helping people to get a better understanding of how to look after their pitches”. The RFU choose to
work with prominent suppliers on the scheme and Jim praised Mansfield Sand’s participation. “We’ve tried to get companies involved that bring a specific set of products and services which we know will help members to raise their pitch standards and Mansfield Sand is one of those. “I’ve been familiar with Mansfield Sand ever since I have been in the industry. They have always had the reputation for having the magnificent quarry in Nottinghamshire and there is not a huge amount of sand quarries available in the UK with the right type of grading sand.” Keith Kent, former Head Groundsperson at Twickenham and founder of
the RFU’s Rugby Grounds Connected, is still heavily involved with the programme and urged the importance of using the correct sand. “Our job is to pass on our knowledge. The basics are so important - drainage, aeration and sand – but it must be the right sand,” said Keith. “I visit lots and lots of community rugby clubs and I will always say the most important thing they can buy is sand. If you use it – maybe 100 tonnes or 60 tonnes a year on your winter pitches, then in five years’ time you’ll say, ‘that Keith Kent knew what he was talking about!’.” Mansfield Sand has pioneered the development and production of premium quality silica sand-based products for over 170 years. . www.mansfield-sand.co.uk
Maxstim appoints COLIN FLEMING AS Chief Scientific Officer Maxstim, with a reputation as a leader in plant biostimulant design and manufacture, has appointed Dr Colin Fleming as Chief Scientific Officer.
Colin’s reputation in agricultural and amenity circles comes from his ability to share and impart crucial knowledge and information that enables positive outcomes in a way that is easy to understand and to act on. He is excited and looking forward to adding his intellectual weight to this innovative commercial proposition. “I have been studying the management
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abiotic and biotic stresses in plants using biostimulants since 1989 and today I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the world leading Maxstim team and contribute to the development of novel solutions for growers and turfgrass managers,” said Colin. As a plant pathologist and a world renowned nematologist, Colin has worked with many sports venues in Europe
and beyond. It is said he is the first person to be called by many of the UK’s Premiership football clubs and world class golf venues if there is a problem that his knowledge of turf matters can resolve. With over 150 publications to his name he is recognised as one of the leading plant disease specialists in the UK. Graduating from Queen’s University, Belfast in Zoology and completing
a PhD in Biological Sciences Colin spent some time researching in plant pathology at the University of Nebraska. More recently he has been a Principle Investigator at the Agri Food and Biosciences Institute and a senior lecturer at Queen’s University, Belfast. Colin has also been instrumental in contributing to plant disease protection policies.
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Washpad recycling system attracts unprecedented interest ClearWater has seen an unprecedented number of enquiries and orders for their washpad water recycling system and servicing. To support their continued growth, parent company, Acumen has invested further
People with something to say, say it on the Turf Matters YouTube channel… See Page 49
in people and equipment to ensure that ClearWater remains the market leader in below-ground washpad recycling systems. With the purchase of a new long wheelbase and larger service van to support existing engineer (and now team leader) Laf Forward and Scott Turrell both holding OFTEC qualifications, ClearWater is even better placed to service their UK customers. “It’s great to be part of the Acumen business and to benefit from their continued support and commitment to ClearWater,” said General Manager, Matthew Mears. “These investments will
ensure that we can better service our customers that require help and assistance in complying with the latest anti-pollution legislation. It’s tough times for many, so we’ve chosen to freeze our prices at 2019 levels.” ClearWater is now available with a two-year interest free in-house credit scheme, offering a variety of payment options. The company is also buoyant in the USA, boosted by the help and sales support of distributor Ewing Irrigation, with Incline Village Golf Resort, near Lake Tahoe being the latest to see the benefits of the ClearWater system.
Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021 | 5
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All their world’s a stage... The bard’s bunkers: Ambitious project in Shakespeare country, at Stratford on Avon Golf Club
Stratford on Avon Golf Club, has undertaken an ambitious project to remodel all of the course bunkers and surrounds. Working with Principal contractors, MJ Abbott and leading Golf Course Architect, Jonathan Gaunt, the club set out to assess best options in terms of bunker liner systems. Previously the club had installed rubber/resin and considered following the same path prior to their discussions with Steve Briggs – Director of MJ Abbott. Steve tendered for both rubber and BunkerMat liner option. Following a number of site visits by Club Captain, David Gladwin; Course Manager, Chris Bromley and Deputy Course Manager John Badger, Whitemoss introduced the golf club’s
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project team to Callum Wark, Golf Course Manager at The JCB Golf and Country Club where BunkerMat had been installed into 100 bunkers. Following further visits to see other bunker liners, Stratford on Avon Golf Course appointed MJ Abbott and
Whitemoss Eco Supplies Ltd to complete the works on their bunkers using BunkerMat Generation 2 bunker liner. Phase 1 of the works was completed in November/ December 2020 with the first 10 bunkers fully redesigned constructed
and lined and completed by the middle of December. The new bunkers look absolutely stunning and have transformed the course in particular on holes 15 and 16. Whitemoss look forward to continuing to work with MJ Abbott and Stratford on Avon.
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Turf health expert Alistair joins Agrovista Amenity As part of a commitment to providing the best in professional turf care solutions and expertise, Agrovista Amenity has announced the appointment of Alistair Eccles, pictured. Perth-based Alistair joins the team as an amenity specialist for North Scotland, where he’ll be contributing more than 30 years of industry experience. Previously, he worked for grass seed company DLF as a technical sales manager, and prior to this, spent 12 years working for Germinal. Earlier in his career he also progressed through a range of commercial and technical roles within the crop protection industry. “Turf has essentially been my life for the past 14 years.
Throughout this time I’ve explored many issues associated with turf health – from nutrition management and improving disease tolerance, to environmental implications of product selection and managing the loss of key chemistry,” said Alistair, who is BASIS and FACTS qualified. “My experience combines both technical and commercial knowledge across a range of business types. I believe this will benefit customers as not only do I understand the challenges they face, but I can break down technical product information and make it relevant to them. “I’m delighted to be joining Agrovista Amenity – a progressive business with a
strong scientific background. This, coupled with their drive to provide customers with the best in agronomic advice, has made it a perfect fit.” As part of its key values, Agrovista Amenity strives to provide a modern, technical approach to professional turf care and amenity solutions. This is something that Ramsay MacGregor believes will be further supported through the appointment of Alistair. “We are delighted to welcome Alistair to the team in Scotland. Alistair brings a wide knowledge of the industry with him, in particular, his specialty of grass seed which will be invaluable to us,” said Ramsay MacGregor, Scottish Regional Manager
for Agrovista Amenity. Head of Amenity, John Marland, added that Alistair was high quality addition to the business and demonstrated the company’s continued investment in the amenity industry. When he isn’t pursuing his work passion for turf health, Alistair enjoys golf, mountaineering and gardening. www. agrovista. co.uk/ amenity
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Dew diligence By Andy Owen and Henry Bechelet, Technical Managers, ICL
W
ater management is an essential element of every turf maintenance programme. We work hard to keep the soil moisture content at the right level to maintain good turf health and to optimise surface playing qualities. We aerate, top dress, install drainage and try to keep soil organic matter content under control to create a soil profile with the required water retention and drainage properties. We also have irrigation systems to supplement soil moisture deficits and we guide their careful use with the help of accurate moisture probes. Surfactant technologies are also used to help optimise the penetration, spread and retention of water within the soil profile. Moisture management is of huge importance and it is at the
The problem with surfactant-based dew dispersants, however, is getting them to work consistently for more than a couple of weeks. 10 | Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021
heart of all our modern turf maintenance programmes. But it is not only the soil water content that needs managing. Moisture at the turf surface and within the sward canopy also needs to be controlled. Damp autumn/winter conditions can lead to the deposition of a significant amount of moisture at the turf surface in the form of dew. This condensation of atmospheric water can adversely affect playing qualities, it can reduce the effectiveness of maintenance operations and it can encourage the rapid development of fungal disease activity. These are the reasons that we commonly employ switching, brushing, blowing and surfactant-based dew dispersants to remove the moisture from the surface and alleviate the potentially significant negative impacts. We know the main problem with the physical methods of dew dispersal (switching, brushing, blowing etc.) is that they can be temporary and the dew can continue to form afterwards. This is where the surfactant-based dew dispersants come into their own, because during the time of their activity they continue to work 24 hours a day. A close look at turf successfully treated with a surfactant-based dew
dispersant will reveal an amazing reduction in moisture being held within the leaf canopy. The significant reduction in canopy moisture provided by H2Pro DewSmart has been repeatedly shown in independent trials to slow down the rate of development of Microdochium patch disease and can credibly be included as an important element within autumn ITM disease control programmes. The problem with surfactant-based dew dispersants, however, is getting them to work consistently for more than a couple of weeks. This is because to work effectively, we generally need to stick them to a dry leaf and a truly dry leaf can be a rare commodity during the autumn and winter period. Of course, any late autumn growth and subsequent mowing will also remove the surfactant from the treated leaf blade, shortening the longevity of dew dispersion. You will find that some “penetrant� surfactantbased formulations will also suppress dew for a short period, but again reasonable longevity is the problem. In our trials we have found that the most effective results in terms of effectively contributing to an autumn disease
reduction programme is to alternate between treatments of H2Pro DewSmart and H2Pro FlowSmart penetrant surfactant every fortnight during late autumn and early winter because it brings together the benefits of taking both approaches. Moisture management is always an important part of turf maintenance and leaf moisture management during the autumn and winter is no different. There are several approaches that you can take, ranging from switching the surface through to spraying a dew dispersant surfactant and because all of them have their limitations then you should probably be employing them all to some degree at different times. We know that dew dispersants can be really effective and can play an important part in a progressive ITM programme but they need to be applied correctly. Rest assured that a new generation of dew dispersants could soon become available where the surface conditions are not so critical to achieving successful results. In the meantime, a diligent approach is needed with different techniques being employed when conditions allow to help maintain turf health and playing qualities throughout this most difficult time of the year.
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MM Seed is what this Doctor ordered Graham Wickes, owner of Lawn Doctor (Essex), has praised the quality of Limagrain UK’s grass seed after seeing “phenomenal results” across a variety of lawn and sports turf projects. Graham founded the Lawn Doctor in 2008 and took all the principles of top quality greenkeeping and turf care in the sporting world to start creating healthy, lush lawns all over Essex. The business has gone from strength to strength and this is, partly, due to his insistence on using only the highest quality products. “It is my business and I strive to be the very best. To be the best I have to use the very best products. Whenever I am pitching for a project or providing a quote, I always explain that I use the most premium grass seed and firstclass products on the market.” Graham first became
familiar with Limagrain UK after a specific seed mixture was recommended to him. “I decided to start using the Elite Green mixture from Limagrain for the bowls greens and I had fantastic results straight away. The greens were in the best condition they had ever been.” Limagrain’s Elite Green mixture, from the company’s Designer seed range, produces a fine, dense, hard-wearing surface with high disease resistance. In 2019 Graham decided to overseed with Limagrain’s MM60 mixture when renovating the pitch at Braintree Town FC. MM60 can be attributed with playing a key role in many of the finest sporting venues. The 100% Ryegrass formula, which is perfect for divot repair, is renowned for its extremely fast germination and its high wear tolerance. It produces fantastic aesthetic qualities,
and its high disease resistance provides ultimate protection. MM60 is also treated with HEADSTART GOLD, which is a further development of the wellrecognised Headstart treatment and has been developed using the latest scientific findings and field experience. It is a natural revolutionary grass seed treatment that ensures rapid germination. It is perfect for enhancing performance on sports fields, golf courses, lawns and amenity turf and Graham quickly found it was indeed a seed he could rely on. “When I first arrived at Braintree, the goalmouth areas were totally bare – there was no grass at all. I overseeded the whole pitch with MM60, and I told the Chairman that I was determined to keep grass in the goalmouth areas all season. He laughed and wished me luck because it had apparently
never been done before. “A year later and the goalmouth areas still had grass coverage and the condition of the pitch has attracted the attention of larger League Two clubs. “The beauty of Limagrain seed is knowing that it works. To my clients I proudly inform them that I use the most premium products and the Limagrain seed backs this up. As a contractor, seeing the grass coming up within seven days after putting it down is great – it is also what your customer wants to see.” www.lgseeds.co.uk/amenity
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NEWS
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Dennis G860 signals exciting times for Boston United FC
Jim Portas, Head Groundsman at Boston United FC, has explained how a new Dennis G860 is helping him to deliver the best pitch he possibly can at the club’s new stadium. The Dennis G860 and range of cassettes was purchased by Burdens Group for Boston United as part of a sponsorship agreement. Last year, work commenced to construct Boston United’s new stadium. The club’s Chairman, David Newton, said that the new build
was to give Boston United and its community foundation a secure future. “This new stadium is the start of an exciting new era,” said Jim. “It is giving us our own place and it is a far better pitch than we had at York Street. The Chairman has promised fans that we will deliver the best ground we possibly can, and we’re working towards that goal.” The multi-million-pound project includes a recently constructed fibre sand pitch and it is for this reason that Jim decided that new turf maintenance equipment was essential. “At our old pitch we were always supplied a mower from Burdens Group. However, going to this fantastic new pitch we needed something new; a premium mower. “We did a bit of research, looked at a lot of different brands and I decided that I really liked the Dennis G860 cylinder mower. It seemed to be the best option for a football pitch.” Jim isn’t the only groundsman to be of this opinion as many of his peers have long relied on the Dennis G860 to provide the perfect cut for sports turf. Lightweight at just 166kg; it is easy to manoeuvre and comfortable to operate.
The mower features a large diameter front roller with an adjustable scraper which has been designed for a precise height of cut control, giving an excellent finish on every occasion. “We’ve got five of the mower’s cassettes – which is my favourite aspect of the G860,” continued Jim. “The ability to carry out various jobs with just one power unit is so beneficial. In the past we have had to rely on pieces of equipment from Burdens Group. With the G860, we no longer have this problem. We simply put in whichever cassette we need and off we go. It’s so easy to change the cassette over as well. “The G860 is a sturdy, reliable piece of machinery and it gives a perfect finish every time. I’m cutting at a length of 30mm at the minute while we are not playing, and on matchdays it will be between 25mm and 30mm depending on what the manager requires. “It’s just a pleasure to use. With a new stadium, a new pitch, and a new mower – it certainly is exciting times here at Boston United FC. I would also like to thank Norman Burden and the Burdens Group for their continued support.” www.dennisuk.com
Course Manager joins Soil Scout in sales role Richie Stephens has been appointed Sales Executive for Soil Scout. In his new role Richie, pictured right, is responsible for identifying new business opportunities and generating sales, while also developing existing customer and reseller relationships. Richie will be working alongside Soil Scout’s VP of International Sales, Adam Sedgwick. Prior to his new position, Richie was Course Manager at Ringway Golf Club, in Cheshire, and previously Head Greenkeeper at Flixton Golf Club. Richie has spent much of his career in management roles building relationships with fellow greenkeepers, groundsmen and contractors from across all sports. He has also been commended for demonstrating a forward-thinking 12 | Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021
approach to his work and embracing new technologies and better working practices. “I am delighted to be joining Soil Scout at a really exciting time for the company. I’m looking forward to working with a great team promoting the huge benefits of such an innovative product,” said Richie. “It’s a change of direction for me, but I hope to bring my 20 years’ experience in the sports turf industry to help Soil Scout’s customers achieve their soil monitoring goals.” Commenting upon the appointment, Soil Scout CEO Jalmari Talola said that he was delighted to welcome Richie to the Soil Scout team. “He joins us with a wealth of industry knowledge and will be a huge asset to our relatively small but fastgrowing operation,” said Jalmari.
Adam added that they were pleased to be able to appoint someone with Richie’s understanding and enthusiasm for the industry. “He demonstrated a real passion for our remote real-time soil monitoring products and he’s a highly driven individual who will bring a new dynamic to the sales team.”
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TEAwww.turfmatters.co.uk BREAK TEASER
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Tea Break Teaser HHHHHHHHHHH
2+1 for 2021 HHHHHHHHHHH
1. In which decade did table tennis move away from first to 21? 2. Which Swedish golfer clinched the 2016 Open Championship with a final round 63 – three times 21! 3. South Africa defeated England in the final of the 2007 Rugby World Cup. A total of 21 points were scored, but what was the score? 4. Who won the 1921 FA Cup Final? 5. What is the first name of the 1921 US Open Golf Champion who defeated Walter Hagen and Fred McLeod by nine shots? Surname – Barnes 6. Which male tennis player is one short of 21 Grand Slam Singles titles 7. Which of golf’s Majors did Tiger Woods win at the age of 21 in 1997? 8. Who won the Scottish Cup 21 years ago? 9. Which female tennis player won 21 Grand Slam Singles titles? 10. Who won the Open Golf Championship in 1921 11. Which famous sporting event has been played 42 times – twice 21!? 12. Which cyclist was originally credited with the Tour de France held 21 years ago in 2000? 13. Which former England Cricket Captain scored 21 Test Centuries during his career? 14. Which French sounding horse, ridden by Ruby Walsh won the Grand National held 21 years ago? 15. Who was voted the top sportsman of the 21st Century by Sportbible. com? Answers on page 65 Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021 | 15
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Sentosa Golf Club is widely respected as one of the world’s greatest golf clubs. It is also home to two world-class championship golf courses – The Tanjong and The Serapong – with the latter recently being voted ‘Singapore’s Best Golf Course’ for the second year in a row at the World Golf Awards. The Serapong re-opened in December after an extensive renovations project, led by the club’s General Manager & Director of Agronomy, Andrew Johnston, to maintain and rejuvenate the world-class standards the course has set in recent years. The club is also one of the world’s leading environmentally sustainable golf clubs, having implemented a number of initiatives through its two ground-breaking campaigns, #KeepItGreen and GAME ON, and were named the ‘World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility’ at last year’s World Golf Awards. We sat down with Andrew Johnston to discuss what makes Sentosa’s environmental vision so unique and how they managed to maintain it throughout The Serapong’s renovations. Sentosa Golf Club was named the ‘World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility’ in the latest edition of the World Golf Awards. What does it mean to the club to receive this accolade? It is an exciting, proud and humbling achievement to be recognised as the ‘World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility’ by our fellow industry professionals and golf consumers throughout the world. There is nothing more critical and important than taking care of the world we live in, and the culture we have created and implemented at the club, from our committee all the way down to our guests, is based around our environmental sustainability vision for the future.
Top: Fairways on The Serapong have been rejuvenated with grading adjustments and improved drainage. Below: The newly renovated 5th hole on The Serapong
Tell us a bit more about the sustainability work that the club has undertaken in the last 12 months? With everything that has happened in the world over the past year, it definitely would have been the year that we would all look back on and wish we could hit the reset button. However, for the team at Sentosa, it was another ground-breaking year in terms of our sustainability work at the club.
Superb in Singapore In July, we became a full-time member of GEO Foundation, as well as the first golf club to join the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, which looks to guide the sports industry on a path to achieving climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement. We also set out plans for the redevelopment of our herb garden, as well as building and installing electric car charging points through a partnership with Porsche. The development of a floating solar farm is also another initiative that is on our agenda for 2021 and more news will be announced on these initiatives soon. The Circuit Breaker left us in an awkward position, but we continued to press forward with our plans. The most important thing for the club moving forward now is to establish our carbon footprint number, so that we can work towards becoming carbon zero.
Are there any further sustainability projects that you are looking to implemented in the near future? And what is the ultimate goal in terms of sustainability for SGC? We hope to convert our energy source from brown to green, as well as develop the carbon free rounds of golf. This involves mapping out each of our golfers at Sentosa and adding one dollar to their games, so that it can be used to purchase local Renewable Energy Certificate. The club also aims to develop its relationship with GEO Foundation by becoming GEO Certified, a comprehensive modern certification that recognises facilities around the world for their outstanding and ongoing commitment to sustainable golf. The Serapong was also named ‘Singapore’s Best Golf Course’ for the second year in a row. How do you manage to maintain such high-quality course conditions, while dedicating so much attention to a sustainability agenda? We are lucky to have such a strong team who are dedicated to achieving excellence day in day out on The Serapong. While it was named ‘Singapore’s Best Golf Course’ for the second year in a row, the course has also previously collected the same accolade at the Asian Golf Awards for 16 years in a row, as well as being named Number One for 18 years out of the past two decades in Golf Digest’s Singapore rankings. Our sustainability agenda is part of the club culture, so all the staff and team have bought into it ever since we launched our Keep it Green campaign in 2018. In fact, Keep it Green has become a way of life at the club now. As an example, every
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up ahead of the days play. However, in reality, we are always making tactical adjustments to our work in order to be as efficient as we possibly can be. How do changing weather patterns, especially heavy downpours frequently seen in Singapore, affect the maintenance of the courses? We are very prepared for handling the changing weather patterns that are often seen in the region. The club invested in a drainage infrastructure that can handle the heavy monsoonal weather very well and allows our members and guests to be back playing golf within 30 minutes of any storm event. Additionally, the SubAir investment in our greens has made for an excellent tool to combat the excessive moisture created. member of staff is challenged to pick at least 15 weeds a day before they leave the property. It’s measures like these, and others such as our sustainable herb gardens and bee colonies, that help inject energy and fun, as well as a sense of team camaraderie, into our sustainability agenda and day to day life at the club. Do you have a specific strategy that helps set up the golf courses on a daily basis/for tournaments, such as the SMBC Singapore Open? Our set up strategy for tournaments, such as the SMBC Singapore Open, takes us nearly four months to follow and prepare the course. This involves a detailed fertility plan that is custom built each year in order for the course to reach peak conditions for event week. What equipment/processes do you operate to maintain the golf courses and how do these fall in-line with your sustainability agenda? We have recently acquired six new GPS spray rigs that are extremely high-tech, but also really help us to make a big impact in regard to our sustainability agenda. The rigs are so intelligent they will automatically turn off the nozzles if they cross over any location that has previously been sprayed. How many staff do you have working in your agronomy/golf course maintenance team? And what does a normal day look like for them out on the golf courses? We currently have 75 people working in our agronomy and course maintenance team. Every day starts the same for our team with a morning briefing before we head out on the courses early to set them
The club recently re-opened The Serapong after closing it for renovations back in March last year. Can you tell us about the specific works that took place? As part of the renovations, we removed the existing grass surface on the fairways to rejuvenate them with grading adjustments and improved drainage strategies. We also re-lasered the tee boxes to reinstate a tabletop, flat finish and maintain the grass at a super low mowing height of 3mm. The bunkers were also renovated with the caps and bays being restored, and a serrated edge look has been introduced to really transform The Serapong deeper into a world-class location.
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Finally, what would you say to other golf clubs who are looking to implement sustainable initiatives on-site but also want to maintain high-quality course conditions? There is no substitute for maintaining quality. If you want to become a world-class facility, then this is critical to your business plan. However, while always maintaining quality is crucial, the development of on-site sustainability measures is of even more importance now. Golf clubs can no longer sit on the bench and watch. Everyone must get onboard and begin to participate, otherwise we will soon reach the point of no return in our fight against climate change. In our view, when it comes to climate change, it isn’t game over. It’s very much game on!
New bunkers have been added to strategic locations in The Serapong
What was the thinking behind renovating The Serapong? The Serapong is one of the world’s greatest courses and having to maintain and improve it year on year is a tremendous responsibility. The thoughtprocess behind the renovations was to keep driving excellence, be better than we were the previous year and maintain the high-quality standards that are set 365 days of the year for our members and guests, whilst also looking to find new improvements to the course. We try to instil a mantra into the team of ‘nobody cares about the awards you won yesterday’. That drives us to better ourselves each and every day. Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021 | 17
NEWS
Sand injection system from top consultant Ken Siems
Ken Siems
Renowned Course Manager and agronomist Ken Siems has returned from his latest project in Russia to launch Siems Turfgrass Consultancy Service and is also bringing the world’s premier sand injection system, Dryject, to the UK and Ireland. Siems Turfgrass Ltd will operate two independent services available to golf courses, football clubs and all other grass sport surfaces. Siems Turfgrass Consultancy provides site-specific golf course management consulting, tailored to support clients in improving all aspects of their golf course maintenance, from improved budget management to course construction and renovation. Services include Turfgrass Management; Staffing/Budget Management; Project Management; Maintenance; Water Management; Environmental Management as well as consultancy packages Dryject is the world’s number one sand injection service that aerates, topdresses and amends in one pass. The patented vacuum
technology simultaneously fills holes to the surface with high volumes of sand or amendment. This means you can relieve compaction, increase water infiltration, reach the root zone with oxygen and amend your soil with high volumes of material all at the same time. Using wet or dry sand, DryJect leaves the surface smooth and playable which results in no negative loss to club revenue. Ken is an internationally recognised turfgrass specialist with over 40 years’ experience at the top end of the global golf industry, including Augusta National in the USA, Loch Lomond GC in Scotland and Pestovo GC in Russia. A graduate of the Turfgrass Management Programme at Pennsylvania State University, Ken’s journey in golf has led him to work in some of the most challenging conditions possible, from extreme rainfall, to extreme heat, ice and snow – sometimes all in the one day! Despite what nature has thrown at him, his passion for managing turfgrass has
never wavered and he has consistently delivered and exceeded owner/client expectations throughout his career. His extensive knowledge and experience gives him an enviable ability to determine the appropriate course of action for any site specific challenge. A Certified Golf Course Superintendent with the GCSAA and also Master Greenkeeper with BIGGA, one of very few in the world to hold both certifications. Ken previously held the position of Golf Course Superintendent/Director of Agronomy at several notable golf courses and projects worldwide, most notably, Islington GC (Canada), East Sussex National GC (England), Loch Lomond GC (Scotland), Jinhai Lake GC (China) and Pestovo GC (Russia). He also spent time in the UAE honing his golf course construction skills as Project Manager for Tanto International Golf. You can learn more more about Ken and his time in Russia by watching his three-part video on the Turf Matters YouTube channel.
Glamorgan discover UltraGroomer benefits Glamorgan CCC are the latest in a growing list of cricket clubs to discover the benefits of the UltraGroomer cassette from the TMSystem collection. Purchased in conjunction with a 30” INFINICUT FL mower, the unit has helped Head Groundsman Robin Saxton to remove thatch and annual meadow
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grass accumulations to improve both presentation and overall plant health. “The combination of the very wet winter quickly followed by warm conditions in the spring had caused a build-up of annual meadow grass on the square” explained Robin, who together with a team of five maintains the Sophia Gardens Ground and an off-site practice area. “We were familiar with the UltraGroomer from prior experience and felt it was going to be key to us clearing the accumulations and improving sward cleanliness moving forward. Since we’ve been using the cassette it’s exceeded what we hoped to achieve!” Featuring over 80 tungsten carbide tipped blades, the UltraGroomer improves the plants immediate environment by removing Poa ingress, lateral growth and organic matter to enhance the movement of oxygen and nutrients and make it more difficult for disease pathogens to take hold.
“During the main season, we were passing over the square every three to four weeks and each time were amazed at the amount of debris and organic matter we took out – we achieved a square which was clean, carried good pace and encouraged strong, healthy plant growth.” “The UltraGroomer will also be used in pre-renovation work, to thin out the surface and create an ideal seed bed to optimise the results with our seeding and topdressing operations.” When not equipped with the UltraGroomer cassette, the INFINICUT FL complete with SMARTCut reel has become the go-to mower for Robin when it comes to cutting the square. “We’re very impressed with both the cut quality and presentation we achieve. This combination of equipment puts us in a fantastic position to continue to improve our facility, ready to host a more regular level of play – fingers crossed! – next season.”
NEWS
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Partnership heralds hybrid commitment White Horse Contractors have announced a new partnership with hybrid turf manufacturer GrassMaster GrassMaster is the original innovator and number one market leader of hybrid turf technology, with over 800 installations worldwide. Part of the Tarkett Sports Group, GrassMaster Solutions are utilised in the highest levels of sport including FIFA World Cups, Euros and rugby World Cups. The new UK partnership marks a significant investment in hybrid turf pitch construction by Newbury based firm White Horse Contractors, building on their successful hybrid pitch installation at Ricoh Arena for Wasps Rugby, who went on to compete in the 2019/20 Rugby Premiership final. Recognised experts in natural turf construction, White Horse Contractors have installed pitches for clients including Chelsea FC, St. George’s Park, Ricoh Arena and the FIFA Club World Cup. This partnership offers a truly turn-key solution to the UK market with the ability to meet the needs of the most
complex and challenging elite sport infrastructure projects. “Following White Horse Contractors’ substantial growth over the past year, we are thrilled to be partnering with hybrid turf pioneers GrassMaster. Already partnering to great success with Tarkett Sports in the external sports facilities sector, our unique combination of expertise and technology introduces a powerful new hybrid pitch proposition to sports clubs and stadia,” said White Horse Contractors Group Director, Jason Douglass Benjamin Huneau, General Manager GrassMaster Solutions said that the new partnership was an exciting moment for the company’s hybrid business. “Our companies share similar values based on internal expertise, attention to quality and service to customers. We are convinced that White Horse Contractors has a bright future in the development of high-end hybrid pitches in England and Wales. Together we will support Groundsmen, Club and Stadium Managers to get the best possible pitch every day, for every training session and every game.”
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Are you an employer looking to recruit? l Featured in the Turf Recruit section of the website –our most visited page l Featured in our monthly dedicated jobs e-shot – sent to over 26,000 industry professionals l No time limitations – the job remains listed online until you FILL IT l Regular social media promotion of your job to an audience of over 7,000 and growing
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FC Internazionale Milano Suning training center New pitch construction and Vertix by FLexGrass
FLexGrass has built a new training pitch for FC Internazionale Milano at Suning Training Center. The first team's Pitch has been restyled with top quality sods and to bring it at top level has been stitched with Vertix hybrid Grass. For more info: info@flexgrass.ch +41765710184
Find out more: Call +41 765710184 Email info@flexgrass.ch Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021 | 19
NEWS
GreenMech dealer network welcomes Frank Alviti The strategic re-alignment of the GreenMech dealer network continues with the announcement that Frank Alviti will be taking over the areas of Herefordshire, Shropshire and Mid-Wales with immediate effect. With a well-established client base that spans arb, groundcare and industrial, Frank Alviti will be offering sales and support across the complete GreenMech range from their Ludlow premises. Family-run Frank Alviti is a main agent for a number of leading manufacturers in the grounds and agricultural sector, including McConnel and Antonio Carraro. As well as a large stock of machinery for sale, their extensive hire fleet offers customers short and long-term equipment solutions – all backed up with in-house workshop servicing and support. “We’ve been running a couple of GreenMech machines on our Arb hire fleet for a few years and are pleased to now extend this into a full distribution agreement. Having personally worked as an arborist previously, I have a longstanding relationship with GreenMech and their machines, and so I am delighted to share this knowledge, experience and quality range of woodchippers with
our client base over the coming weeks and months,” said Director Dave Alviti. Martin Lucas, GreenMech Sales Director added that they were looking forward to working with the Frank Alviti team. “With a fantastic reputation for sales and aftercare, we look forward to working with Dave and the
whole Frank Alviti team to raise the GreenMech profile and offer a more localised service across this key territory,” said Martin. Any existing warranties relating to GreenMech chippers sold by previous area dealers Brian Beddoes and Tallis Amos Group Ltd, will continue to be supported by Frank Alviti.
Going BIGGA with online learning BIGGA has unveiled its programme of education for January 2021, with members offered access to BIGGA’s world-renowned Continue to Learn via an entirely-online platform for the first time. Continue to Learn 2021 is testament to BIGGA’s commitment to enabling members of the association to continue their professional development despite the difficult global situation that has had a negative impact on the lives of so many. The education programme will be split into two distinct sections, with Continue to Learn: Conference taking place from 19 to 21 January 2021 and Continue to Learn: Classes being held from 25 to 29 January 2021. The Conference will feature three days 20 | Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021
of sessions on a wide variety of topics relating to all things turf management and professional development. The 24 Classes being offered by the association will enable BIGGA members to focus on an individual topic of interest with a wide range on offer, from developing personal confidence to the control of leatherjackets and other pests or the writing of reports and proposals. Full details of the education programme, include more information about speakers and a special Golf Course 2030 session that will be taking place during the event, head to the BIGGA website, www.bigga.org.uk. Continue to Learn usually takes place in the week of BTME, beginning
the Sunday before the trade exhibition and featuring a range of workshops, seminars and major conference events. With 3,000 delegates attending the education programme in a normal year, Continue to Learn is hugely influential in shaping the direction and future of the golf greenkeeping and wider golf industry. Continue to Learn 2021 follows a summer of online learning opportunities provided by the association, with the regular Continue to Learn Extra webinar series held since the start of the first full Lockdown in March and featuring guest speakers who count among the most influential names in the industry. www.bigga.org.uk
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EcoBunkers solution for The Machrie Rebuilt a few years ago by architect and former European Tour player David J. Russell, the famous Machrie links on the Scottish island of Islay, has now almost finished the construction of the bunkers on the new-look course. And, according to Course Manager Dean Muir, it is only the use of the EcoBunker synthetic edging system that has made the installation of the bunkers possible. “Now, there are almost fifty bunkers on the course. When DJ started the redesign project, the original intention was to have none. Had they been natural, we could never have managed to maintain those bunkers, because of the flymowing and strimming, and we would have had trouble building them too,” explained Dean. “Because of our island location it is difficult and expensive to get revetting turf, and our small turf nursery could never provide
enough. It is the use of EcoBunker that has made these bunkers possible.” Dean, who comes from Dunbar in the east of Scotland, first saw the EcoBunker method in use on a project in his home town, and realised quickly that it could be a help at The Machrie. Some links courses have resisted using EcoBunker, for fear that their bunkers will look artificial, but Dean believes he has found a solution to this issue. “After I saw photographs of the EcoBunkers built with double stacks of astroturf at the new Dumbarnie Links course in Fife, I realised they were just right for us,” he said. “The bunker faces were hydroseeded with fescue: once this started to grow, it made the bunkers look even better. So we rubbed fescue seed into the faces – you don’t want a lot, but a little bit of growth makes the
bunkers look much more natural. Some of our EcoBunkers are nearly three years old, and a bit of age helps the naturalisation process too. The local golfers know they are EcoBunkers, but the majority of our play is visitors, and I don’t think they have any idea that the bunker faces are synthetic.” Dean’s team has been constructing the EcoBunkers itself, following some training from the EcoBunker team and when completed the Machrie will have 32 Ecobunkers.
The EcoBunker synthetic edging system in use at The Machrie on the Scottish island of Islay
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NEWS
Rain Bird appoints Tina to golf team for Europe
ICL’s LockStar ‘essential’ for weed control
Tina Baumgärtner has joined the Rain Bird Europe Golf Team as Regional Sales Manager Golf for Central Europe, DACH region - Germany (D), Austria (A), Switzerland (CH) and the Netherlands. Having worked in a variety of global industrial companies in sales, marketing, portfolio and technical product management, Tina has a wealth of expertise in technical and commercial sales which will significantly strengthen the Rain Bird Golf Team in the Central European region. “I see many parallels with my application experience in different sectors which I bring to the role. I am looking forward to new challenges at Rain Bird, to working in close partnership with my colleagues and all our Rain Bird customers,” said Tina, pictured here.
Alan Abel, from Complete Weed Control (South & Central Wales), has claimed that ICL’s residual herbicide, LockStar, has become an essential product in his armoury. Since its launch last year, LockStar has been well received in the turf and landscaping sector. It arrived at a time when public green spaces, amenity areas and transportation infrastructure were coming under increasing pressure from reduced budgets, weed infestations and a reduction in chemical solutions available on the market. This new herbicide, which controls a broad spectrum of weeds, has been keeping areas such as these weed-free, functional and visually pleasing. Alan has been using LockStar throughout the past season and has reported some hugely encouraging results. “I’ve found it to be excellent and the longevity is fantastic. It has been effective on all fronts for up to five months with just one application,” said Alan. When applied before germination, LockStar creates a dual barrier at the soil surface ensuring that soil is kept weed-free for up to five months. The innovative formula contains
diflufenican and iodosulfuron-methylsodium – which is the first new weed control active ingredient to be released in the UK for many years. When applied pre-germination, LockStar creates a dual barrier on the soil surface preventing weed growth and establishment. To control weeds that are already present, it can be tankmixed with glyphosate or a ‘fatty acid’. “For those weeds that are already present, I have tank mixed LockStar with both glyphosate and another herbicide, I’ve applied them at half rate and again, the results have been fantastic.” Alan explained that the product has been a huge hit with local authorities and councils especially when it comes to the treatment of areas that need strimming frequently.
“We have applied LockStar to many fence lines, wall lines, tree bases – areas that need strimming at least once every three or four weeks,” continued Alan. “With LockStar applied to these areas, they don’t require to be strimmed at all, which saves our grounds teams a lot of time.” ICL recently announced an update to the UK label of LockStar, which provided users with more effective and flexible weed control. The label update included extended use of the product meaning it can now be applied at any time of year instead of the previous limited window between February and June. It was most welcome news to contractors and grounds managers as it gave them the opportunity to adapt their approach and give them greater control over weed growth. Alan agreed. “It is great that LockStar was given these new permissions as it provides us with a lot more flexibility,” he said. “It is now a very important product in my armoury. I explain to customers about its strengths and how it provides them with more protection against weeds which in turn gives my customers confidence too.” www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie in Ireland.
Access all areas with new Kubota B1 Kubota has unveiled the latest version of the highly popular B1 compact tractor, featuring a new development that will make it even more versatile. This adaptable little workhorse is increasingly finding favour with many users and now benefits from an all-new folding mid ROPS option. The ROPS is positioned in front of the operator platform, providing essential protection for fieldwork, but folding flush with the bonnet when working in a height-restricted situation. This reduces the overall height of the tractor to a maximum of 1.41m, ideal for accessing polytunnels, greenhouses or low buildings. It also avoids any interference with rear mounted implements, and folding is a simple matter of removing two pins at the base of the ROPS frame. A number of other improvements have
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been made to the B1 series tractor, which is available with a choice of 18 and 24hp proven Kubota E-TVCS engines. The mechanical transmission offers three forward speeds in each of three ranges while highly effective power steering improves manoeuvrability in tight yards and sheds. Bevel gear four-wheel drive keeps productivity up in tough conditions, its design also enhancing ground clearance.
The B1 series has a category 1 rear linkage and optional mid-pto for a mower deck on the 18hp B1181 model. The LA213 front loader can also be specified for the B1181 to tackle materials handling jobs around the farm or nursery. Operator comfort is ensured by a roomy platform with easy access when frequent climbing on and off a tractor is required. There’s a fully rubber covered deck, clear control layout with lever guides and handy cup holder. This is also a tractor that’s a breeze to maintain – the bonnet lifts clear, side guards come away and the front grille comes out to give all-round access to the engine. “The mid-ROPS options will make the B1 series a real favourite for anyone who needs versatile power in a compact package,” said Phil Catley, Kubota Key Account and Groundcare Product Manager.
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Team Sprayers celebrate 40 years British sprayer company Team Sprayers are celebrating as they reach a milestone anniversary this month – 40 years of manufacturing at their Ely factory in Cambridgeshire. Team Sprayers was established by Bob Hubbard back in January 1981, after the closure of Dorman sprayers. A team of staff were recruited from the previous company, bringing with them specialist skills and knowledge, which were an essential building block for the newly founded company. One member of the original team still works for the business, Stores Manager Steve Whitehand. Utilising these skills combined with the 40 years’ experience Team has become a respected UK manufacturer supplying the Agricultural and Groundcare industries. Team has a range of 12 different machines in the Groundcare range including, pedestrian, trailed, mounted and demountable options. All come with a range of options as standard and can be retro fitted with optional extras such as GPS mapping and boom section and nozzle control.
Team’s best selling Demount Pro Sprayer is popular with golf courses and comes in a range of tank sizes of 400L, 600L and 800L and with boom options of 6m, 7m, 8m, 10m and 12m manual folding or 6-8m hydraulic folding. “We have experienced an increase in demand for our sprayers over recent years in both our agricultural and groundcare ranges which has led to investment in the expansion of the factory building, firstly to increase our production facilities and secondly to alter the flow through the factory to improve efficiencies. Plus we have increased our outside yard space for testing and storage of the larger machines with plans to continue our expansion further over the next few years,” said Managing Director Danny Hubbard. “As a UK manufacturer with a majority customer base here in the UK, we have always had the ability to react quickly, give realistic lead times and provide an unrivalled back-up service. We have been fortunate to be able to continue production through these difficult times, but as for
Then and now: Team many businesses 2020 was a challenging year, with the uncertainty of the Brexit trade Sprayers in 1981, left and above, today deal and the effect this could potentially have on our imports and exports and then we were thrown the Covid 19 pandemic! “Going into 2021 and our 40th year, we are hopeful that things will settle down and we are looking forward to a ‘new normal’ whatever that may be. It’s been an incredible 40 years and I look forward to seeing what the business can achieve in the future,” concluded Danny.
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INDUSTRY GROUP
Lawn Care Legends John Ryan, Founder of Lawn Care Legends, gives Turf Matters an insight to the thinking behind one of the fastest growing groups in the industry
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John Ryan – see the video where Scott MacCallum talks with him on the Turf Matters YouTube channel
’m John Ryan and I am a selfemployed lawn care contractor based in Bangor, Northern Ireland and the founder of Lawn Care Legends, who grew from an idea formed back in July, 2017. My thinking was that the lawn care community has expanded on social media across the world from YouTube to Facebook and Instagram particularly. However, an unfortunate aspect of social media in this day and age, is that it creates a platform often with little accountability and, depending on an individual’s position, perhaps anonymity. This makes it easy for those who would choose to belittle or criticise anyone wanting to learn more about their trade, craft or industry to do so without any consequences. This can typically be seen in Facebook groups across a range of industries. Where someone will ask a question, in the hope that someone with experience and knowledge would be willing to share their knowledge to help a peer achieve better results either in their current project or self-development, but be met with mocking and abuse. (Sometimes as banter, but mostly in criticism) These prevalent negative attitudes see people holding back from asking questions, or not feeling comfortable to share their views perspectives or to ask questions for fear of being ridiculed.
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This prompted me to create Lawn Care Legends, the Facebook group. Our aims are simple. To create a Facebook group where we try to operate on the basis of respect, encouragement and passion for what we do in a professional environment on social media. An international collective. One aspect of the lawn care community online is the difference that can be seen across the globe with varying styles and approaches to our respective trades. Although each country has its own standards for operation in our industry, I felt Lawn Care Legends could benefit from the various perspectives that people from different countries could add as valuable content. In an industry that has a lot of service providers, it
can be difficult to stand out and so with the ability to access information shared by people from other countries as well as our own we can gain inspiration and drive for our businesses. So, Lawn Care Legends allowed the development of a new addition to the community we are all a part of in one way or another. We enjoy members contributions mainly from the UK, Ireland but we have members who contribute from the USA, Norway, France, Australia, Canada, Serbia and more which makes for a lot of variety. To run a Facebook group is not an easy task and the people behind the scenes that make this possible are the admin team of LCL. A friendly bunch with a wide variety of skills, qualifications and knowledge in all aspects of the lawn care industry. From the basics of grass cutting, shrub/tree cutting, to treatments, landscaping, pond installations and maintenance, and also insight from the dealers side of the industry. The admin team is currently made up of: Alan Adams from (NI); Paul McGill (Scot); Ryan Powala Higgins (Eng); Richard Jones (Eng); Kaz Dunsmore (Scot); Robert Ross (Scot); Tom Duchesne (Eng); Jay Chillingworth (Eng); Danny Clegg (Eng); Ben Morrison (Scot), and Di Dodds (Aus). There have been many people who have contributed to the success of LCL during their time on the admin team before moving onto other projects or priorities. One key individual who really helped LCL become more connected
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Who, What and Why with manufacturers and reps, is Ashley Bevan, from Weston Garden Machinery. His amazing support really played a huge role in get the industry to support the LCL Awards. As we encountered more and more people on-line, I think we’ll agree that we still enjoy a good meet up with people in the real world. It is hard to replace the benefits of shaking someone’s hand and getting to know others better without giving your thumbs or fingers an ache from typing. So, one thing that we have tried to do is organise LCL meet ups where possible. We started doing this in early 2018, with our first meet up at Rochford’s Garden Machinery, in Wincanton, and we have gone on to host meet ups in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, with the intention to organise and host more events in the future. We hope to organise an LCL business training event in 2021 as well as an LCL demo day, then we will combine those events into one event in 2022 for England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. If it proves successful we will look to more locations, with the aim of helping more people. The purpose is simple really. Everyone loves a good meet up and it is a great way to network, training and education. It allows people, who otherwise wouldn’t get the chance, to demo machinery and get a feel for different brands and their equipment. Back in January of 2020 we had organised a factory tour and LCL meet up at the Ariens factory, in Oxford, where we were greeted with amazing hospitality and open arms by another manufacturer that wanted to support our community and the desire to connect people better. We had demos of Ariens zero turns as these are now made at the facility. We also took part in a zero turn challenge with prizes awarded, while Ariens collaborated with Kawasaki Engines Europe to conduct a workshop class on engine maintenance on xero turns. We even had our own pizza van on the day and topped off with a swag bag with gifts and discount vouchers to buy some products. It took around five months from the time Lawn Care Legends was created, to start gaining traction and membership started to increase. From that point it has grown to over 5,000 members representing
every element of the industry.
“Despite so many things having been disrupted in 2020, we already have over 20 sponsors lined up for the LCL Saltex Awards 2021” To make the group stand out and to try and bring value to the members, the idea of LCL awards was floated, with the aim of creating our own event within the industry to celebrate the small business owner. And so the Lawn Care Legends Awards were created. Of course, they would be operated online, in the spirit that this new digital age that has benefited so many in different ways. However, there is still a lot to be said for face-to-face contact and discussions with people. I then set out to see if it was possible to collaborate with an industry event that would allow us to host our Awards’ presentation. An obvious choice was to reach out to the IOG, so named at the time, and Saltex. I pitched the idea of a little Awards’ event, that would celebrate the average business owner in our trade. I believe if you don’t ask, you are guaranteed the answer is “No”. Well, I got an amazing reply that displayed a real desire to work with us. From originally asking if it was possible to use a little corner of the show, we were being allocated the use of a large private room. Fusion Media also produced a press release about our awards, which got our name out to industry magazines and online media platforms. In addition, we were featured in the opening letter by the IOG CEO Geoff Webb. So, in 2018, we held our first LCL Saltex Awards. We had an amazing turn out of over 100 members. We had started with a little vision and pitched the idea to just a few companies to
gain support on which we could build. The first company to see the potential of a positive contribution to our community, came from Weibang Ireland. They were so excited about the idea and wanted to be a part of it and offered a lawn mower as the first prize. Those first Awards began with just three sponsors: The IOG, Weibang Ireland and Blinc NI. By the time we came back a year later we had grown our sponsors to 12: Weibang Ireland and Weibang UK, ECHO, EGO, Hendon Ladders, Kawasaki Engines Europe, Ferris Mowers UK, Wright Mowers UK, Cub Cadet, Jobber, Green Touch Industries and the IOG. Despite so many things having been disrupted in 2020, we already have over 20 sponsors lined up for the LCL Saltex Awards 2021, with around £10,000 worth of prizes. We just want to be able to give the average guy in our industry the opportunity to have his picture taken, be praised for his high standard of work, be presented with a trophy and win awesome equipment which will contribute to his business and service for the better. It is all part of our dream, and with the support and recognition from industry manufacturers, to spur our community on to do better and take pride, we can come together in a positive manner… and that includes everyone from the end user; landscapers; greenkeepers; groundsmen; gardeners; business owners/operators; dealers; distributors and manufacturers. Some might think that we are just a little Facebook group, but we are determined to be so much more, and have already come a long way. Perhaps we might see you guys around some day, either in our group or at one of our events – something positive for us all to look forward to.
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MILTON ABBEY
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A 30-year
Scott MacCallum catches up with Milton Abbey School’s Joe Cooper, a man who likes longterm relationships...
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love affair
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MILTON ABBEY
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The school has a well-founded reputation for producing well-rounded human beings, with a range of traditional and vocational courses and outstanding sporting facilities
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pend a bit of time with Joe Cooper, Head of Grounds at Milton Abbey School, in Dorset, and you soon become aware that you are listening to a man who is totally at one with his place of work. And you can see why. The school has one of the most beautiful settings of any school in the country. Not only were the grounds designed by Capability Brown, but for many television and film producers the school was the go-to location, with some of the finest acting talent this country has ever produced arriving through the school gates – Albert Finney, Greta Scacchi, in The Browning Version, and Michael Palin and Terry Jones, with Ripping Yarns, to name a few. Joe has actually spent so long at the school that he appears as a groundsman in a cameo role in The Browning Version, back in 1994. “I was preparing a cricket wicket and you do get a quick glimpse of me,” laughed Joe, as he recalled his brief experience as a thespian. The school also has a wellfounded reputation for producing well-rounded human beings, with a range of traditional and vocational courses and outstanding sporting facilities – including a nine hole golf course designed by the late Peter Alliss – which make learning and personal development a joy for all } Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021 | 29
MILTON ABBEY
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making turf matter
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making turf matter
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“I love the fact that we don’t necessarily know what we might be doing from one day to the next.”
} who experience it. Everyone who
comes here just falls in love with the place and that’s one of the reasons that I’ve stayed for 30 years. “I’m not a religious person, but I do believe someone is telling me to stay where I am.” And what you get from a man who loves his work, and his place of work, is a willingness to turn his hand to absolutely anything in the name of what’s right for Milton Abbey. One minute he can be out on a machine cutting a cricket pitch – not always for filming purposes – the next re-tiling and grouting the swimming pool and then fitting a dishwasher – more of which later. All in a day’s work for Joe. Add to that, fencing, tarmacking, painting and erecting sheds, there is no end to what Joe and his team can turn their hands.
“Most of the lads and I enjoy our golf and we play fairly regularly, but I think if I were to be working purely on a golf course day in day out it would be quite draining. I love the fact that we don’t necessarily know what we might be doing from one day to the next. “For example, there was a delivery of plasterboard to the school recently and it needed to go to the top floor of the main building. There are just two in the maintenance department and it was raining, so I got our lads to lend a hand and get the job done,” said Joe, who is now also responsible for the school’s waste management programme. Having taken it on, he has been getting up to speed with current legislation thanks to the schools on-line learning programmes. MOLE – Milton Abbey’s Online Learning Environment – was developed by staff to provide a vast range lessons
to students during lockdown, while EDUCARE was introduced for the staff. “EDUCARE meant that none of the staff stood still during lockdown, we were all involved in career development – also safeguarding which was increasingly important. The on-line training has been superb. You can’t afford to stand still,” he said. “On Waste Management I was able to get on top of data protection issues and the legislation surrounding the shredding of important documents. I’ve now set up the procedures for all of this. “It was a real education for me. For example, what we are sending to landfill. It’s not the best of subjects but some of it really frightens me. We buy all this food in and then I have to spend money to have it taken away. Over the next year I intend to look at it more closely – what we recycle and what we sent to landfill. }
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MILTON ABBEY
} “I now have a Grounds’ Budget
“When I came here there was no computer, no mobile phones. We’re sitting here having a Zoom meeting!” 32 | Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021
and a Waste Management Budget,” explained Joe, who reflects on how much change there has been to his job since he started back in 1990. “Take technology for a start. When I came here there was no computer, no mobile phones. We’re sitting here having a Zoom meeting! Back then, I was basically just out working on pitches. Now, there is so much more management, health and safety and personnel to deal with.”
Referring back to the start of the article and Joe’s love of Milton Abbey, there can be no more definitive evidence for that than his answer to the question of whether there was anything he’d change about his job, if given a magic wand. After talking about how he’d love to get a Toro Pro-core, something he’s raised with his bosses and which he’s sure he will get soon, he stopped himself and moved to the bigger picture.
making turf matter
“Milton Abbey itself could do with some investment. We have some very old buildings, including the Abbey, and a Grade 1 Listed cottage, from the original village which was here before the school. There are a few issues. It is in very bad repair and I’ve been getting involved with Conservation Heritage regarding the bank behind the cottage which is very damp.” He’d still like his Pro-Core though and has promised Mark Winder, of Toro, a celebratory beer the day it does
come through the Milton Abbey gates. That’s not to say that the school is suffering from under investment. They have recently acquired some new floodlighting rigs which cost a tidy sum of money, while they also acquired some superb new cricket nets, courtesy of the parent of a student, together with the Milton Abbey Association of school alumni. “The were constructed by Total Play and are superb. Total Play did a fantastic job and it’s lovely to have such
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an outstanding facility at the school. “The lighting rigs are great as we want to achieve the best standards we can and we are aware that there is a lot of play on our pitches. They have taken a battering to be honest, but for the sake of students’ wellbeing, we want to help keep them occupied in the evenings. We want them out playing sport. The facilities are also used by Champion Sports, which offers high level football coaching. Some pupils join }
Joe Cooper, centre, and his team at Milton Abbey School
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MILTON ABBEY
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“we have rugby, volleyball, football, tennis and hockey, down on the Astro pitch. You’ve got to be flexible. I could get an email to say that the girls would like to do lacrosse in the last week of term.”
} the school because of the Elite Football
Programme run with Champion Sport. “We’d normally be in a rugby season now and cross-country running, but because of no competitive fixtures this term, what I like to do with the Sports Masters is say ‘Let’s give you everything’. “So out there at the moment we have rugby, volleyball, football, tennis and hockey, down on the Astro pitch. You’ve got to be flexible. I could get an email to say that the girls would like to do lacrosse in the last week of term. I’m not going to quibble – just let’s go and do it. We even played cricket in September and October. I was asked if I’d mark out a few wickets. Why would I say no?” We’ve managed to skirt around the “C” word and I’m looking forward to writing the first article which doesn’t feature Covid 19. However, it was such a big part of 2020 that it is unavoidable. “I was initially sent home but I was told to report back after just two weeks. That was great because I wasn’t relaxed, and at that point no-one really knew what the future was going to hold so it was good to be busy” And how! Back at the school he admits he has never worked so hard. “I was averaging 30,000 steps a day and I dropped two inches off my waist,” recalled Joe, adding that with such a fine spring and summer he
was able to also acquire a fine tan! He was also delighted by how much support he received from the school and in particular, the Head of Operations, Tracey Edwards, who joined the school the previous August, and who Joe frequently references when discussing his work at the school. “They even got me a pair of Bluetooth headphones so that I could hear phone calls when I was out on a machine, and they regularly kept in touch with me when I was out working, and I reported to the caretaker every morning before I went out.” The reintroduction of pupils was welcomed by everyone but logistically resulted in more work for the staff. “The week before the students came back it was exceptionally busy. I had marquees going up as the pupils couldn’t dine in the Abbots Hall, so had to find alternatives, while we had new signage everywhere. “It was a real challenge for the school with many, many meetings, a large number of which I was involved in.” Information videos on the school website outline the new procedures which were put in place and on return there were temperature checks every day and sanitation stations installed. “I think people are now reevaluating life and I’d like to think Milton Abbey School had a niche in the market – send your children
here and have them enjoy our fresh air – it’s a wonderful place to be.” Joe has a full-time staff of four, plus one part-timer – “Kevin, who does my weeding and tidying, makes a huge difference for me. “My Deputy is Mark Tubbs, then we have Mathew Antell, Jacob Kennard and Chris Prior. They have all won Student of the Year at Kingston Maurward College, and all my students have turned out really well, and that’s something which Tracey has picked up on.” As we concluded the interview Joe dropped in that he had another task to complete before the end of term. “I’m doing a reading for the virtual Christmas service in the Abbey, suitably suited and booted, and it is being filmed and sent out to the parents,” said Joe, who, with his recycling hat on, is also sending the School’s Christmas tree to the primary school in his own village, whose term finishes later, after which it will have a third ‘outing’ at the local church – it will be a well-travelled and well-loved tree!” Oh, that dishwasher story? The day before the first lockdown, Tracey told him that the Head had a problem, in that there wasn’t a plumber available to install the new dishwasher. Without a moment’s hesitation Joe offered to do it and spent the evening installing the machine in exchange for a cup of tea and a sandwich! Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021 | 35
AERATION Q&A
Understanding
aeration David Snowdon, of Agronomic Services, takes a look at some of those searching aeration questions posed by club golfers and gives you the definitive answers.
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Why is it so important to aerate our soils? Since plants and beneficial soil bacteria cannot live without oxygen, it is essential that we aerate our soils in order to sustain the circle of life. Without oxygenated soils, our turf plants cannot survive. Relieving compaction is therefore an essential part of our turf care, as if there is insufficient air pore space the plant will simply not thrive.
What time of the year is it best time to aerate? Due to the changing climate, we can no longer follow a traditional seasonal maintenance pattern. Traditional practices created during the spring and autumn do not apply now, so we must treat our courses as individuals, based on weather patterns rather than traditional thinking. Temperatures of 5ยบ-plus is what we are looking for when we want life to start and plant growth to succeed. In particular, when the microflora activity increases, as they are the key drivers of nutrient transformations in soil. Microflora mineralise the nutrients then utilised by the plant.
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Clearly, the turf manager will need to take into account the variables of their course. One of the changing variables will be moisture, in an ideal growing condition we see 25% air, 25% moisture and 50% soil. A moisture meter can be a valuable tool to assist the decision making process for the turf manager as these can indirectly give an indication of oxygen levels. To summarise, the modern turf manager could probably aerate all year round depending on the climate, growing conditions and resources. In reality this is not practical for most golf courses.
What negative impacts result from lack of aeration? The efficiency of the growing medium is comprised when we see a rise in anaerobic bacteria due to the lack of oxygen in our soils. Plants depleted of oxygen become more susceptible to pathogen attack as the root system is unable to take nutrition from the soil. Typically we would see root die back, an increase in thatch and organic matter and disease
susceptibility, therefore, with aeration we are constantly trying to address the balance and create healthy soils.
David Snowden
Why do we need to top dress following aeration? The modern turf manager will now question the use of top dressing, when and how to apply, for what benefit and which type of top dressing is appropriate. }
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AERATION Q&A
traditional options are mechanical }
We can see some benefits linked to the reduction of thatch, diluting organic matter and assisting with creating a firm playing surface. Sometimes, the introduction of new materials can help with drainage, for example ceramic granules such as RZA. On the other hand it can also be beneficial to leave the aeration holes open without the introduction of new materials in order to prolong oxygen availability.
What methods are available to aerate? The traditional options are mechanical and include solid tines, hollow/coring tines, spiking and slicing. Spiking and slicing moves soil rather than removing as with tining. Other options include drill and fill and compressed air and water injection aerator systems. With additional pressure now placed upon turf managers to keep
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their courses open, we have recently introduced our Ninja tines to the UK. This has meant that courses can remain playable with minimal disruption to the playing surface. These tines have proved particularly effective in resort golf and in prior preparation for tournaments, due to the quick recovery time required. Ninja tines have the advantage of allowing the canopy to breathe, which reduces disease pressure, as they are only removing the top 20 to 30 millimetres of the playing surface. Another option, which we at Agronomics Services Ltd. have pioneered, is our chemical aeration Oxy-Rush and Oxy-Rush NG. The distinguishing advantage of this
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option is that 100% of the playing surface is treated as opposed to mechanical methods, which typically cover only 5-10% of the area. Oxy-Rush NG also has the combination of humic and fulvic acid, seaweed and osyril, which isJacket Leather a complete soil feed and not just an aeration product. This saves both time and money for the golf courses and is why chemical aeration is now a viable alternative to machinery. We typically see a reduction in organic matter when OxyRush has been applied. For best results a combination of chemical and mechanical practices are ideal as they complement one another. www.agronomics.co.uk
SISIS Quadraplay helps new Groundsman Lawrence Brown may have only just embarked on a career in groundsmanship (two months in fact) but he’s already chosen the perfect partner to help him at Ilford Rugby Club in the form of a SISIS Quadraplay. It is easy to see why Lawrence wanted to work for a club such as Ilford Wanderers. “This is my first job in groundsmanship and I love it. The club is fantastic; I always liked the idea of working outside – especially on pitches; I like using machinery and I really enjoy driving tractors. The groundsman job came up, I really wanted it and fortunately I got it,” he explained. Lawrence was straight to work and is slowly but surely developing the skills required to maintain sports pitches. He admits that it will take time but claims that equipment such as the SISIS Quadraplay is certainly making his first taste of groundsmanship enjoyable. “It’s such a joy to use and it does everything we need,” said Lawrence. The SISIS Quadraplay has now progressed into one of today’s most useful pieces of kit in the groundsman’s armoury. One SISIS customer once even compared the Quadraplay to a Swiss army knife - compact, versatile, and utterly useful. It is a multiple-purpose, singlepass maintenance system which incorporates a mounted
frame for up to four implements such as grooming rakes, spikers, slitters, rollers and brushes. The implements can be fitted to the mainframe in any order and can be independently adjusted to achieve the desired effect. Compact, robust, versatile and with the ability to carry out up to four operations simultaneously – the Quadraplay makes life a lot easier for many groundsmen as Lawrence explains. “I use the slitter regularly because it really helps with surface drainage and with aeration,” he said. “On the pitch we do get quite a bit of surface water, especially when it rains, so I run the slitter over it, and it makes a huge difference. “The brush I tend to use after a cut. It also massively helps with presentation. “The roller is also very beneficial. Naturally, the turf gets torn from the players so I use the roller to level out any divots. Also, when it comes to presentation then you cannot beat the roller. “The players have commented that the pitch looks great. At the end of the day my job is to make the pitch better for them and the Quadraplay is helping me to achieve this.” www.sisis.com
AERATION
Always the right tine for a Verti-Drain S
hortly after taking over as Head Greenkeeper at Charleton Golf Club, Brian Heggie quickly drafted in another new member of the team – a Redexim Verti-Drain 7416 from local dealers Henderson Grass Machinery. The versatile range of tine options available means that the Verti-Drain
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has had a busy year since its delivery conducting monthly aeration across the course’s greens, tees and approaches. A quick scan of the shed upon joining the club in September 2019 highlighted to Brian the absence of any aeration equipment – something he was keen to rectify. “I’ve used the Redexim Verti-Drain in a number of my previous positions and you know that whichever model you choose, it’s going to be reliable and do exactly what it says on the tin,” said Brian, who heads up a team of four. This time Brian opted for the 7416 model, offering a 1.6m working width and penetrating the ground to a maximum depth of 350mm. “What keeps me coming back to the Verti-Drain is the flexibility of being able to use different tines throughout the year – ensuring that we are achieving optimal results, no matter the ground conditions. This year
we’ve been aerating the greens, tees and approaches once a month with either 8mm pencil tines, 14mm solid tines or 14mm hollow tines. We will continue with the monthly programme over the winter, using pencil tines to keep the surface open while keeping disruption to a minimum.” While, from experience, Brian knows what he likes when it comes to machinery, he has the additional reassurance of support from his local dealer Hendersons, especially Scott McNeil. “Having been a greenkeeper himself, he’s great to have at the end of the phone to answer any questions we may have. The Verti-Drain never disappoints and now that we have one in the shed here at Charleton we can up the amount and type of aeration we conduct which will only bring benefit to the health and condition of our playing surfaces.”
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GKB offer ‘ultimate aeration’ machinery
GKB
Machines is the company behind sustainable, reliable and robust maintenance machinery for natural, synthetic and hybrid turf provide groundsmen with the solution to ground compaction thanks to their aeration products. Combining aeration and rolling, the GKB Deep Tine Aerator (DTA) and GKB Topair work together to ensure groundsmen can maintain their grounds to optimum condition. With many turf professionals stuck between wanting their grass to grow but also wanting to maintain a levelled sports pitch, the GKB Topair offers the perfect solution. Thanks to its Evolvente® blades, the GKB Topair minimises the surface disruption. The GKB Topair also reduces power usage by minimising friction between the blades and the pitch. This reliable machine features an operating speed of around 10 km/h with a maximum operating depth of 16 cm which can easily be read from the mobile measuring rod. Engineered with versatility in mind, the robust GKB Topair also allows users to level out their sports pitch by a hydraulically adjustable pressure roller which users can aerate and level the pitch or execute the tasks separately. The GKB Topair fulfils the desire and ambition of making
sports pitch maintenance sustainable, which works effectively in conjunction with the GKB Deep Tine Aerator as the aeration of the upper layer is a necessity for natural grass growth. Considered one of the major causes of poor sward density, root development and waterlogging, the GKB Deep Tine Aerator (DTA) works on natural sports pitches to relieve the surface, compaction enabling water to travel through and for stronger roots to develop. With an adjustable 25-degree heave angle, the GKB DTA’s tine holding system allows you to take control of removing compaction. From varying depths up to 16 inches and featuring a 3-speed heavy-duty gearbox, you can adjust the speed on the tines to create the required hole pattern in the turf. Thanks to the machines unique tine mounting system, quick changeover for different size tines has never been easier. Like all GKB products, the DTA was built on the understanding that ‘the worker is king’, and this innovative machine requires minimal maintenance as it’s fitted with heavy-duty sealed bearings on the crankshaft, ensuring focus is always on improving the ground and less on maintaining the machine. www.gkbmachines.com Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021 | 41
AERATION
Productivity personified T
he new Air2G2 336 is the most productive pedestrian aerator on the market, with 36-inch probe centres allowing operators to cover ground quicker with the same industry-leading results. Aeration has always been key to sports turf maintenance, and the introduction of the orig-inal Air2G2 revolutionised the process. The principle of laterally injecting air using three probes up to 12-inches below the surface has de-compacted countless greens, pitches, and courts at prestigious sporting venues around the globe from Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club to Emirates Golf Club, Dubai. The factors of no surface disruption and the option to operate the machine in wet condi-tions have seen many rely on the Air2G2 as their go-to solution for game or course saving aeration across all levels of professional, semi and non-professional sport. The ability to aerate when needed rather than working at designated times, has also led to more regular aeration at locations such as Royal
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Selangor Golf Club, Kuala Lumpur, where the Air2G2 has become vital to their maintenance programme. Consistent use of the machine is proven to create surfaces that are healthy, firm, and free draining. This happens over time because the pressurised air fractures the hardpan lay-ers without disrupting roots while increasing pore space which promotes
faster drainage and root development. In turn, this respiration forces oxygen in and pushes CO2 and oth-er anaerobic gases out for root zone gas exchange. Operators have used the Air2G2 to solve a variety of problems from simple decompac-tion to reducing salt buildup, increasing air exchange and to introduce winter aeration programmes. www.campeyturfcare.com
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Flexblade soil collectors now fit many aerators T
he Flexblade Collector was a new concept pioneered by Groundsman Industries over 20 years ago at a time when popular collection implements were power driven Brush, Paddle or Elevator. The principal was simple, no driven parts, just scoop the cores off the green with a series of linked platelets called Flexblades, these independently floating plates follow surface undulations with precision like multiple shovels for the cleanest possible collection. The Collector follows the aerator closely catching a large percentage of the cores before they touch the ground, the remainder are scooped cleanly from the surface dumping them in a pile when the aerator is lifted out of work. The Flexblade will collect cleanly in all conditions, powder dry or soaking wet, saving vital time and labour, additional compaction on the surface
of a freshly aerated green is minimised as is overall disruption on the course. The new range of Groundsman universal collectors use the original Flexblade collection system. This implement was for many years only available for use on Groundsman aerators but as the reputation for simple, low maintenance but extremely efficient method of collecting cores
grew, so did the demand for the Flexblade to fit other aerators. The new range are sporting a sleek black curved and slotted collection canopy and slotted blades. The changes are however, much more than cosmetic. The new shape adds extra strength to the canopy while reducing the overall weight by more than half. The collection blade check chains have been replaced by robust folding check links for consistent accuracy and reliability. Groundsman Flexblade Collectors are also available for Three Point Linkage mounting on Compact Tractors plus many types of Turf Vehicles for Followup Collection of Cores and Linear Aeration Soil. They follow the contours of the green with equal precision on the 2.3m wide collectors as the 0.6mm and performance is consistent at all speed across the ground. www.groundsmanindustries.com
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SCOTTISH RUGBY
In the shadow of BT Murrayfield
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edinburgh rugby has a new home, a short pass away from the grandeur of BT Murrayfield. scott maccallum talks with jim dawson, head groundsman, and discovers there can be a price to pay for dedication to duty Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021 | 45
SCOTTISH RUGBY
…there is no doubt the ability to provide that 16th man is made more easy in a compact arena.
A
s we enter a new year and say “Good riddance” to 2020, we can reflect on what has been an extraordinary difficult time for us all. One sector which has had more challenges to cope with than most is that of elite sport, where competition has continued but without crowds and all the related revenue streams that huge numbers of supporters generate. One of those bodies was the Scottish Rugby Union, but throughout everything Edinburgh Rugby’s new home was being constructed. Just outside the main BT Murrayfield stadium the new stadium was conceived to provide a permanent home for Edinburgh in a more intimate environment of a 7,800-seater stadium. That latter fact is a little ironic given that Scotland, and every other northern hemisphere national team, have been busting a gut in front of empty seats 46 | Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021
since the autumn. But there is no doubt the ability to provide that 16th man is made more easy in a compact arena. One man how has watched its development closely over its various developmental stages is Head Groundsman, Jim Dawson. “The stadium is more or less complete. The stands are in, the carpet is in and the posts are going in as we speak,” said Jim, as we chatted towards the end of November and, by the time you read this, the ground would almost certainly have been Christened. “The pitch is exactly the same as the one we have a Scotstoun (Home of Scotland’s other pro team Glasgow Warriors) which has been down four or five years and which has been brilliant,” said Jim, who is in charge of both the BT Murrayfield and Scotstoun surfaces. The new pitch is a Greenfields MX Elite. Pile Height: 60mm; Total
thickness: 62 mm; Number of tufts per square metre: 4,750; Number of filaments per square metre: 114,000; Roll Width: 400 cm; Colour Fastness: Xenon test: blue-scale more than 7, grey-scale more than 4. “Paddy (Ferrie) won the Best Managed Artificial Surface of the Year at the 2017/18 IOG Awards for the pitch, and the work he does is second to none. He does an absolutely fantastic job in the way he maintains the carpet and we will just incorporate the practices he carries out at the new ground.” With an artificial training pitch already at BT Murrayfield, Jim doesn’t need to add to his machinery inventory to cope with the new pitch. “We have the brushes we need and the Campey Unirake, while the pitch does come with a one year warranty from Malcolm’s so they will be coming in and do whatever needs }
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SCOTTISH RUGBY
…it might also mean leaving THINGS alone for three or four days. And all groundsmen know, that to do nothing, is the hardest thing for us.” } to be done for the first 12 months.
“We will carry on with the same testing that Paddy does at Scotstoun, measuring the depth of rubber crumb, and using the Clegg Hammer to ensure that it always plays its best.” While the new build adds to the variety of work for Jim and his team, it will also be a real change for Head Coach Richard Cockerill and his Edinburgh team. “They have been used to playing on a top quality grass pitch and to go and train and play on an artificial every day will be a bit different for them.” Throughout the pandemic the pitch will be fully disinfected every week. Previously it had been once every six weeks. Jim Dawson “We are all really looking forward to taking the new pitch on board and it’s really good for Edinburgh to finally JOIN THE CONVERSATION have their own home. Back at the main BT Murrayfield Jim dealt with a full autumn schedule which this year incorporate the Nations Cup – all of which went on without crowds. Turf Matters on Twitter Jim and his team had 10,900 followers just prepared the pitch for the visit of France. Turf Matters email newsletter “Alex (Latto) and I 26,615 subscribers watched the game from the disabled bay and, without crowd noise, you really do Turf Matters on Facebook hear the big tackles going in 2,102 followers as the players making their calls on the pitch,” said Jim, who also acknowledged Turf Matters on Instagram 2,722 followers he did notice how the lack of crowd meant that the build up of tension which Turf Matters on YouTube Murrayfield normally sees 120,075 views just wasn’t there in the last five minutes of the game. The BT Murrayfield We want to hear what you have DESSO pitch is now six to say. All of our social platforms years old but with loving are open forums where we and expert care, Jim encourage people to share knowledge and experiences… reckons he can look forward make sure you’re part of it! to a 13-14 year lifespan. One of the main issues www.turfmatters.co.uk with which Jim has to deal, ironically enough for Scotland’s national ANY PLACE, ANY TIME, ANY DEVICE 48 | Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021
stadium, is that it is in Scotland. “We are the most northerly rugby stadium in Britain. The main difference between ourselves and Twickenham is daylight. As soon as the clocks change the grass wants to lie flat and shut itself down. With our stadium lighting and our undersoil heating we’re telling it not to go to sleep and to keep working which does stress it out.” Jim and Deputy, Alex, review turf management practices regularly including their fertiliser programmes and to keep even more on top of things they are looking at reviewing more regularly. “It has got to the stage that we are looking at things on a weekly, rather than a monthly, basis. Sometimes it’s just to tweak things a little but it might also mean leaving it alone for three or four days. And all groundsmen know, that to do nothing, is the hardest thing for us.” Unlike the majority of the Scottish Rugby staff Jim was retained for most of the time during lockdown as, like so many in his position, he had to ensure the pitch continued to be cut, rather than left to its own devices. But his workload didn’t stop there. “I got a couple of weeks in but was trying to spin so many plates and that fact that the weather had improved, I asked if Alex could come back too. He’d been climbing the walls. He’s a keen cyclist but had done virtually every route close to his home so he was delighted. That helped me a lot, particularly with the back pitches and the many bankings that we have on the site.” One of the jobs that they, and the Facilities Team – a total of seven – had to carry out, wouldn’t necessarily appear on any Job Description for a groundsman role. “We had to turn every tap in the stadium on for five minutes to flush the system and prevent any outbreak of Legionella. We had a system where we had cable ties on them to keep them on otherwise it would have been a struggle,” said Jim with a degree of understatement. All in a day’s work for Jim and his team at BT Murrayfield.
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Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021 | 49
SCOTTISH RUGBY
‘They can play on sand for all I care. I’m much more worried about you’ Jim Dawson speaks candidly about how stress got too much – and how support was quickly forthcoming
J
im Dawson has been a Liverpool supporter since he was a boy growing up on the Isle of Bute. He’d taken his dad’s advice not to align himself to either of the Old Firm, and with Kenny Dalglish having recently moved to Liverpool it was the Reds who became his team from then on. So there was huge excitement when his beloved team, recently crowned European and World Champions, were scheduled to play a friendly match against Napoli at BT Murrayfield in July 2019. BT Murrayfield got the call as a result of the pitch at Anfield being renovated, and delays to the completion of the second option, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. “I was one of the most excited people at BT Murrayfield when it was announced,” recalls Jim, the IOG Groundsman of the Year in 2015. There was just one issue. A Spice Girls concert was due to be held at the Stadium, and then the pitch was going to be renovated by Premier Pitches, with the big match five and a half weeks later. So, while The Spice Girls were doing their stuff on the stage what Jim wanted, what he really, really wanted, was a bit more time to ensure that the pitch was in perfect shape for his heroes. “Premier Pitches did a first class job, but I was so keen that the pitch be perfect that I was checking the pitch every day and, to me, the seed wasn’t coming through fast enough. “We had a couple of weeks when it was dark and overcast with hardly any sunshine and it wasn’t coming on strong enough. Well, to me it wasn’t coming on strongly enough… because I was looking at it every day.” 50 | Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021
On the ball: With a football signed by Jurgen Klopp is Jim with, left, Garry Blackadder (former Head of Stadium & Estates) and Claire Harkness (Head of Group Stadium Operations). To Jim’s right is Dominic McKay, Scottish Rugby’s Chief Operating Officer
Even the reassuring words of his Deputy, Alex Latto, weren’t helping, and Jim was just getting himself more and more worked up. “It all came to a head. I think it was week three. To me, it wasn’t coming through and thickening up and we were having the Champions of Europe – World Champions – my team, coming to play on my pitch. People like Virgil Van Dijk and Andy Robertson. “So many thoughts were going through my head. It was just building and building. Normally, I’d go in and make myself and Kenny Scott, the Facilities Manager, a coffee and we’d go through to the bothy,” recalled Jim. “On this day, I just went through to my office and shut the door. Kenny asked if I was ok and I said that, no I was struggling. So, we had a chat and then a walk over the pitch.” Kenny reassured him that his pitch was fantastic, while, at the same time, Jim was explaining where he could see all the faults. “We then sat in the stand and I talked through everything with him. I was in tears,”
Kenny, an ex-Army man, explained to Jim that it was as though he was on a march, carrying a rucksack, and picking up everyone else’s troubles. “He said that I just wasn’t flinging them back off again. It was a good thought.” What happened next is a gold-plated example of best practice for any mental health sufferer and any organisation with an employee who comes to them with a mental health issue. Jim decided to speak with the HR (Human Resources) Department, where, again, he broke down in tears. He was taken into the Board room where he explained everything and how it was affecting him. He then asked if he could speak with Dominic McKay, Scottish Rugby’s Chief Operating Officer. “Within five minutes Dom was with me, and I told him all my worries about the pitch and my concerns about whether it was going to be ready. “The one thing that really changed
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“They were right behind me. The whole team here at BT Murrayfield have each other’s backs which is a big thing.” my thinking was what Dom said to me. “He said that they could play on sand for all he cared and that he was much more worried about me and your mental health. He then asked what he could do to help,” revealed Jim. “That one sentence took the rucksack off my back and I was able to calm myself down. Dom has a great manner, and an ability to make you believe that your problem is his problem. He has a way of talking to you which makes you feel good.” After talking to Dom, Jim returned to HR where he was asked if he felt that he needed to see a specialist. “I said that I thought that I still needed some help so within an hour I was sitting in a consultation with a psychiatrist. That’s how fast it was from me breaking the news to them and me seeing someone. That was the level of support that I had,” said Jim, who had his only other episode in 2014, equally well dealt with by Scottish Rugby, when the catalyst was the nematode infestation on the BT Murrayfield pitch. Once he’d had his talk with HR and Dom, Jim then went to his own team and explained everything and what was going to be happening. “They were right behind me. The whole team here at BT Murrayfield have each other’s backs which is a big thing. We are always there for each other. Even young Callum, who has come through our ranks wonderfully, often asks if I’m alright and if there is anything he can do for me.” Scottish Rugby booked Jim a series of consultations, where he was able to talk through how he could better manage his feelings. “Some people need to take medication for mental health, but I was one of those who didn’t. Talking to people helps me get through my mental health issues,” explained Jim. To assist with the process, he went to Turkey on holiday for two weeks, leaving Alex to tend the pitch towards its inevitable high standard in time for the match. “I didn’t take my phone and didn’t have any contact with work while I was away. I flew back into Scotland on the Wednesday before the Saturday match and Alex had done a fantastic job while I was away. The pitch had come together at the last minute.” The day of the match is something that Jim will remember for the rest of his career. “It was an absolute pleasure to go out and cut that pitch for those guys, knowing the quality of player who was going to be playing on it.” The cherry on top came after
the game while Jim and the team were doing their divoting. “I was radioed and asked to go to the tunnel. When I arrived there was Dom, along with one of the Liverpool executives, and I was presented with a football, signed by Jurgen Klopp, to thank me for my efforts.” Jim continued his consultations after the game, but the specialist said that they could see a change in him. “They saw a happier human being. But I already knew that I was feeling a whole lot better with the pressure of the match over.” For a man who is used to his pitch being played on by rugby superstars and seen by 67,000 supporters and millions on television it does seem strange that the change in ball shape resulted in such stress. “Doing international rugby matches is just second nature to me and those people who come and lend a hand on match day are just blown away by the experience but having my own football team – Champions of Europe and Champions of the World – come to BT Murrayfield, meant everything
came together and I just couldn’t handle.” So, having been through the experience and come through the other side what advice does Jim have for other groundsmen or greenkeepers who might be struggling to cope? “The hardest thing is to acknowledge that you have an issue, because you can think that you are admitting defeat. Sometimes you just have to say to yourself that you need help. “People deal with things differently and some are able to manage their own aspirations, but I think it is always good to talk to somebody. It might be that you are the one helping them the next time,” explained Jim. Eighteen months on Jim is feeling back to his best and getting ready for another Guinness 6 Nations where he will be preparing the BT Murrayfield pitch for the visit of Wales, Ireland and Italy. And that Jurgen Klopp signed football? Well, that has pride of place in the Dawson home – sitting proudly above the fish tank.
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When turf managers heard that chlorpyrifos had been withdrawn from use in the amenity industry in 2016 STRI consultant, Emma Beggs, wasn’t sure we realised just what a significant problem leatherjackets would become for many. The problem Leatherjackets are the larvae of the cranefly, more commonly known as ‘daddy long-legs’. Damage caused by the grubs can range from no visible symptoms to complete sward destruction. Most turfgrass will harbour a low number of leatherjackets and show no adverse effects. The amount of damage is related to the number of leatherjackets present and 52 | Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021
the condition of the grass. Turfgrass that is already under stress will be more severely damaged by leatherjackets. Shallow-rooted grass plants find it more difficult to recover from attack. During the winter months, when turf is only growing slowly, leatherjackets may still be actively feeding. Slow spring turf recovery can be an indicator of what is happening beneath the surface. In addition, there can be significant damage caused by birds searching for the grubs, disrupting the turf surface with tufts of grass left loose and holes opened up in the sward. This results in very visible and obvious damage to the quality of turf playing surfaces and bird activity may be the first indication of an infestation.
The lifecycle Understanding the lifecycle is
important as it provides us with a chance to interrupt the growth and establishment of these grubs. The lifecycle differs depending on the species in question but there are two main species of cranefly that are considered pests. Tipula paludosa emerge as adults in August and September. Females don’t move far and mating occurs quickly with eggs being laid within 32 hours. Larvae enter a resting phase in the summer before pupation and emergence in late summer. Populations therefore tend to increase in specific areas. Tipula oleracea has two adult flight periods per year – one in August/ September and a second in May/June, although adults may also be present all summer. The females can lay more than one clutch of eggs resulting in
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Leatherjacket resurgence
egg laying being spread over a longer period. They also fly much further distances, therefore populations tend not to build up in specific areas. Female adults lay up to 400 eggs into the soil at the base of grass stems. Eggs hatch around 14 days later and larvae feed on roots but can also be found on the surface on damp evenings feeding on leaves. The leatherjackets are grey/ brown colour, legless maggots with no distinct head capsule. They start off 3mm in length growing up to 40mm in spring. Leatherjackets will move down the soil profile in the summer before pupating and then emerging as adults at the surface. Craneflies spend most of their life as leatherjackets and hardly any time as adults.
Cultural control options Following 2016 turf managers
were forced to start using cultural techniques and these remain an important element of any strategy to lessen the impact of these grubs: • Keep soil profiles dry during the late summer period of egg laying, leatherjackets thrive in wet soil conditions. Reducing organic matter levels can also play a role in this • Maintain turf health and plant density to make it more difficult for the adults to lay their eggs and this will also reduce the impact of grubs on turf quality • Increase airflow, cranefly prefer sheltered areas • Avoid opening up turf surfaces through solid tine or hollow core aeration work between mid-August and early-November. Leatherjackets will overwinter in vertical tine holes as they enable easy movement
Female adults lay up to 400 eggs into the soil at the base of grass stems. Eggs hatch around 14 days later up and down the soil profile • Consider replacing autumn and winter tining with slitting. If you’re lucky this will slice and damage leatherjackets present as well as promoting surface drainage and root development • Use tarpaulins or agricultural silage sheets to cover affected surfaces overnight to encourage leatherjackets } Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021 | 53
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Nematodes attack the leatherjacket by entering natural body openings, releasing bacteria that stop the leatherjacket from feeding, which quickly and safely kill it. } to come to the surface, where they
can then be swept up and removed. The amount of tarpaulin and manhours required typically restricts the areas which can be treated • Install starling bird boxes to increase the starling population. Starlings are very good at removing leatherjackets from the ground but the shape of their beak is far less damaging to the surface than magpies and crows’ beaks • Register populations of adult insects each summer on the Turf Pest Tracker accessed through www.greencast.co.uk/ turf-pest-tracker to help monitor the extent of the problem.
Biological control options Biological control agents in the form of entomopathogenic nematodes are
also an option as part of an integrated pest management programme. These beneficial nematodes seek out and kill leatherjackets. Nematodes attack the leatherjacket by entering natural body openings, releasing bacteria that stop the leatherjacket from feeding, which quickly and safely kill it. Timing of application and soil temperatures are critical to achieving good control. Apply between August and September when eggs have been laid and hatched, yet leatherjackets remain small and close to the surface. Soil temperatures need to be above 10°. Carefully follow label recommendations and guidance notes to improve the level of control achieved.
Chemical control options Acelepryn is a relatively new insecticide containing the active ingredient chlorantraniliprole and
has been available for the past few years for use in certain amenity turf situations including golf greens, tees, horse racetracks and airfields. It works by paralysing the small grubs for a sufficient length of time that they die. Applied too late and larger grubs will be able to survive the period of paralysis. Timing of application is critical to achieving control with this chemical. There are specific guidelines relating to the application of the product which should be carefully followed to reduce leatherjacket population numbers. n Turf Matters is grateful to the STRI Group for permission to publish this article which first appeared in the STRI Bulletin. For more information on the STRI Group and its services go to strigroup.com
Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021 | 55
GRINDING
Relief grinding and cost savings Clive Nottingham, of Hunter Grinders, highlights the benefits of relief grinding to improve performance and enhance cost savings How to bring relief to tighter budgets and improve cost savings will be the focus of many organisations, golf courses, service and equipment managers. An important factor to achieve this is to look at why we need sharp blades/cylinders/reels? Condition of the turf is paramount to a good playing surface; unhealthy turf brings problems which are costly to correct. Relief grinding is, by far, the best method for cutting units to produce the cleanest cut possible with the least amount of damage to the plant. Tests carried out by leading manufacturers have established that relief ground cylinders stay on cut up to three or four times longer than spun ground ones and require less horsepower to drive the unit.
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The resulting factors are greater fuel efficiency and less stress on the hydraulic power systems. The relief edge on both the bed-knife and the cylinder allows the top dressing to clear the cutting blades easily, preventing the dulling effect seen with only spin grinding units, due to the wider contact area. Continual spin grinding cylinders/reels results in more frequent replacement due the material removed each time – whereas the relief ground will be replaced less often. The cleaner cut achieved by relief grinding gives a higher standard of after-cut appearance. It removes metal from the trailing edge of the blade, in turn forming a relief angle, which reduces the contact area of the cutting edges, resulting in less friction, longer wear life. When a cylinder/reel and blades wear or are spun ground it has a flatter larger contact area also it can become coned or tapered this causes more stress and strain on the drive system. The normal or expected horsepower requirement with a relief ground unit is 0.88HP therefore 5-unit machine
can require up to 4.5hp (5 x 0.88HP = 4 5HP) to drive the cutting units. A 35HP engine has 30.5HP remaining to drive the rest of the machine system. A 5-gang unit which has been spun ground only, can require up to 13HP (5 x 2.59HP = 13HP) leaving only 22HP to drive the machine along. A Hunter Grinder is in the ultimate all-inone mower grinder, combining precision spin and relief operations in one machine. Hunter Grinders’ all-new Jupiter ATI 6000 relief grinder one machine can fully relief, or spin and relief grind returning cylinders and bottom blades back to the manufacturer’s original.. The ATI 6000 specification is technology rich, it enables the operator to programme the machine then carry out other work. The time mowers spend in the workshop has a huge impact on turf maintenance operations, especially at the height of the season, so the choice of grinder is a significant one for any organisation. Currently with an offer of two years’ interest free credit, cost savings can fund your project. www.huntergrinders.com
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Why St Andrews has the edge St Andrews Links is home to two of the latest Foley Company grinders that have become popular machines with the greenkeeping and maintenance teams. Ease of use and quick grind times have contributed to the popularity among the staff who have to cater for everything from family golf to the Open Championship. An Open requires up to 110 units to be sharpened and the Foley will be there to ensure uniform cutting perfection in 2022 when the 150th edition of the Championship is played. Away from the Old Course, the greenkeeping and maintenance teams are kept busy with six other courses catering for families and all regular golfers, totalling in the region of 230,000 rounds of golf a year. No one is more familiar with what it takes to accommodate such a large volume of golf more than Workshop Manager, Lani Togi. For himself and his team, the Foley Company 653 Accu-Master Reel Grinder and 673 Automatic Bedknife Grinder make grinding quicker, easier and most importantly for Lani, more enjoyable. “When it comes to saving time, the Foleys
are a lot quicker than anything we’ve used before,” he began. “Previous grinders have been quite labour intensive, whereas we don’t have that issue now. The team really like using them, and if they’re happy using them, it makes it so much easier because they do a good job and we get the best results. “One of the biggest things that’s helped us get those results is the Borazon stone that we have for the 673 bottom blade grinder. The new Toro E-Reels use a tungsten mixture that makes them extremely hard, and that stone really cuts it in well. That prevents a lot of problems that previously would have meant we would have to sharpen them repeatedly to get the same result. Now we get it done the first time around.” Well thought out automation and features are a part of what makes the 673 Bedknife Grinder so user friendly. An Innovative Bedknife Mounting System uses powerful electromagnets to hold the bed bar in place, and Positive Gauge Stops to make set-up fast and straightforward. You can grind any bed bar arrangement without additional tooling and use the Fast Angle Set-Up to provide
repeatability without recalibration. Set the Angle Stops once, and the 673 will grind the same angle repeatedly to ensure consistency and time-saving. Changing from grinding the front face to the top face is as simple as pushing a button and watching as the powered Tool Bar rotates into the position. Automation is only one part of what makes Foley Company’s operation work for its customers. Training and a full back-up service are crucial elements to ensuring users can always grind when they need to, and with UK distributor, ProSport UK Ltd, Lani trusts they’ll never have any issues. “When it comes to buying machines, it’s not always about the cost of the item; it’s the personal side of things as well,” he said. “You buy from people, and we’ve worked with Ian at ProSport UK for many years, and we know we can rely on his back-up service.” www.prosportukltd. co.uk/foley-company
Workshop Manager Lani Togi, left, and workshop team member Alec Straith
Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021 | 57
IRRIGATION
Making better on a budget
Peter Robin, Rigby Taylor Irrigation Product Manager, gives some excellent advice on making sure the money invested in your irrigation system is money well spent.
Y
our irrigation system is one of the most important tools of your golf course. It can be one of your biggest headaches too if it is not up to scratch. If your irrigation system is doing okay then your fertiliser applications, grass seed sowing and all the rest of your maintenance can be utilised to their full potential. So if your club has told you they can’t afford a new irrigation system within the next few years, how can you make your existing irrigation system better without emptying your club’s bank account? The first important factor is your irrigation
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pump station. Most old pumps I see on courses simply turn on (i.e. from zero to full speed in half a second) and off, often via a relay from the irrigation controller. This sudden full speed and then sudden full stop can cause huge shockwaves through your pipe system so if you’re getting frequent pipe blowouts, it’s worth looking closely at your pump. A variable speed drive (VSD) dropped onto a pump will control the pump’s frequency and provide soft start and soft stop, meaning the pump will slowly accelerate and decelerate, thus reducing those shockwaves. Your VSD can also be set to operate at a specific pressure, reducing fluctuations in pressure that also cause undue stress. A variable speed drive will cost a few thousand pounds but is worth every penny. It can also save you money in kilowatts if you can operate the pump at a lower pressure. New pumps can be purchased with variable speed drives already built-in. Once out of the pump shed, your pipes are hugely important. If your pipe diameters are too small then all that pressure generated by your pump will be chewed up in friction, known as headloss. Wherever you have had lots of blowouts, replace your old PVC pipes
with new black PE (polyethylene) pipes. Your golf mainline should normally be 90mm diameter or bigger.Pipes within greens can be 63mm or 50mm, while in tees 50mm or even 32mm because your flow rates are often so much lower. If you’re not sure, give us a call. Installing pipes is something you can do yourself which will save you money. Onto the sprinklers. These can make or break your irrigation system and if you are getting lots of dry patch then take a close look at the coverage. Does each sprinkler produce a nice “curtain” of droplets across the entire throw length, or is most of the water landing near the end of the throw? If it’s the latter then this shows that your sprinkler’s flow rate is too high, or your water pressure is too low; and yes the two are interrelated. You can reduce the size of the nozzles in your sprinklers; this will reduce the flow rate and can lead to an increase in water pressure. If you need new sprinklers then the Rain Bird 751 has been proven for decades to provide optimal coverage of water across your green. If you can’t afford a golf head (has a big flat top so you can find it easily) then you can use a sports rotor instead.
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Irrigation controllers regulate the timing and amount of water to be applied
Rain Bird Falcon 6504
The Rain Bird Falcon 6504 is an industry favourite at an economic price and has well proven track record. Onto your irrigation controller which you really can think of as the brain of your irrigation system. Controllers have come a long way over the past 20 years and most these days are decoder systems. The decoder acts as a switch and allows the irrigation solenoid cabling to be twin-core. This is a very practical method and means you can add a new solenoid station to the system by simply branching the existing closest twin core cable & adding a decoder, and then your solenoid valve. Make sure you use proper cable connectors and if you have an old decoder system that is becoming “cantankerous” then change the controller out for a new one. However, you will need to change out all the decoders too because competition controllers don’t usually talk to each other’s decoders. The Rain Bird ESP-LXD wall-mount decoder controller is great for managing
up to 200 solenoid stations. You can add an IQ cartridge into this (it clips into the door of the controller) which allows you to turn stations on & off from your smart phone, plus you can manage the whole irrigation system programming from your office computer if it’s online. If you are at home and you remember at 9pm that you wanted to increase the run time of the irrigation system that night, you can pick up your smart phone and make the change. In addition, if you apply some granular fertiliser onto the green, you can just turn the sprinklers on from your phone to wash it in without opening up the valve box. This controller has proven its worth on many courses throughout the UK. At the start of 2018 Rigby Taylor was appointed the UK distributor for Rain Bird Golf irrigation and this was extended in 2019 to include the range of Rain Bird landscape irrigation. Well, we have grown since then! You can now purchase pretty much everything you require for your irrigation system, from pipes to pumps to water storage tanks and everything in between, and of course all your Rain Bird irrigation gear. We can help you make the most of your irrigation system until you can afford to have a complete overhaul. If your club would like a new irrigation system installed from scratch then we can arrange for a professional independent irrigation consultant to visit and get the ball rolling. Talk to your Rigby Taylor area manager or contact us directly. www.rigbytaylor.com n Peter Robin is the Irrigation Product Manager for Rigby Taylor Ltd Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021 | 59
IRRIGATION
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System protects investment I
t’s a fact that not every new tree or shrub will survive and thrive.The reasons are varied, but unless roots successfully establish themselves in the surrounding ground, failure is always possible. This is true for both new and transplanted trees, especially in times of hot weather when the earth is dry. Protecting the investment should be a high priority for any landscaping project as the cost of replacement will be high, whether it involves multiple ornamental trees or simply hedges for boundary screening. Maintaining a proper irrigation regime using a professional root watering system will more than pay for itself.
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Rain Bird has developed a simple, yet highly effective solution with its Root Watering System. Thousands of openings in its perforated tube construction ensure that vital water, oxygen and nutrients bypass compacted ground and are delivered directly to root systems. Subsurface, deep root horizontal watering and aeration using RWS full circle bubbler technology ensures tree health, promotes faster growth and encourages deeper and broader roots for a stable foundation. One or multiple RWS units can be connected by pipe to a valve which in turn is connected to an irrigation controller. This will manage watering programs that can be set for specific frequencies and lengths of time to ensure water is not only delivered correctly, but also carefully managed for conservation. Once the watering cycle is complete an optional check valve can be used to protect the system against backflow. With Rain Bird’s LNK Wifi module, irrigation schedules can be changed
remotely using a smartphone or tablet in accordance with weather conditions or as the seasons progress. Ready to install as a plug and play solution, RWS comes in three pre-assembled sizes and any combination may be required for different landscapes. These can be specified in accordance with the size and variety of trees and can be added to existing irrigation systems or installed as part of a new one. Smaller RWS units are compatible with Rain Bird’s Dripline system. Installation is fast and easy with the largest RWS unit’s patented basket weave canister construction allowing ground installation to a depth of around one metre. From a garden designer’s standpoint, the RWS is unobtrusive at surface level, does not compromise a landscape’s appearance and there is no trip hazard. As roots are encouraged to grow downwards, risk of damage to expensively laid patios and driveways is also minimised. www.rainbird.eu
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Reesink pumps up range with Franklin R
eesink Turfcare is the new distributor of Franklin water pumps to the UK and Ireland. The turfcare distributor has secured a range of high-quality pumping systems for clean and dirty water in submersible and surface applications. “With the introduction of the Franklin range we’ve made the purchasing decision very easy and straightforward for customers needing a new water pump,” said Robert Jackson, Water Division Sales Manager for Reesink Turfcare, which also stocks Toro irrigation control systems and sprinklers and Otterbine pond and lake aerators. “The products are great quality, the cost is reasonable, there’s something for every requirement.” The ES, VS and EV series are suitable for pumping clean water through irrigation systems at golf clubs and sports grounds, and the EGT and EGF series provide the solution for dirty water extraction from reservoirs, streams, lakes and pits. The ES series includes the five-inch
compact close-coupled submersible multistage pump with 50Hz for flow up to 7.5m³/h. It’s small and installation is easy as it’s not necessary to connect the pump to a control panel. The hydraulic design of the fourinch submersible VS series enhances overall efficiency, reduces energy consumption and makes the pumping systems more cost effective. The 50Hz deals with flow up to 24m³/h. The EV Series features multistage surface pumps with single free-flow impellers which are good for irrigation systems with a
flow up to 120m³/h with the 50Hz. “In most cases customers are opting for a like-for-like pump exchange and we believe our range has something to suit most requirements in a fine turf, commercial and residential situation. The idea is we have a range of products that can be bought, delivered promptly and fitted straight away,” revealed Robert. Concluding the new range from Reesink are the EGT and EGF series, submersible drainage pumps for dirty water in hard-working environments. They are also widely used for water extraction. “A new pump brings multiple benefits such as improved energy efficiencies and variable speed solutions. Whether you need to boost your water pressure or irrigate your golf course, Franklin will have a solution for your needs,” added Robert.
Soil moisture meter boosts product line Spectrum Technologies has extended its broad product offering with the release of the FieldScout TDR 250 Economy Soil Moisture Meter. The new model enhances the well-adopted TDR product line, which sets the industry standard for optimal irrigation and achieving consistent playing conditions. It is the perfect tool for turf managers who are looking to capture spot measurements for hand-watering or syringing greens for consistent turf health and quality. The TDR 250 measures soil moisture in less than a second, with settings for standard, hi-clay, or sand texture soils. With a rugged, T-handle frame and exclusive LCD display, the user-friendly TDR can capture accurate measurements across the green or sports field. Data logs (up to 124,000 measurements) can then be downloaded and transferred via a USB flash drive.
All of Spectrum’s TDR meters offer interchangeable soil probes at varying lengths, so customers can choose the best option for their turf root zone. “Spectrum Technologies is responding to what the turf market has been asking for,” says Mike Thurow, President and CEO. “The TDR 250 has been specially designed for courses with lower maintenance budgets. With the TDR 250, turf managers will receive Spectrum’s precision measurement technology while investing 20 percent less.” Through use of the TDR 250, Course Managers can conserve water and reduce labor costs. Data can objectively be collected, resulting in more effective decision-making around irrigation and pesticide scheduling. The result is optimised playing conditions and less stress on course management staff. Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021 | 61
NEWS EXTRA
First Wiedenmann welcomed by Avonmore Associates South Warwickshire contractor, Avonmore Associates Ltd is a long- established family business providing ground care for clubs, councils, universities and schools. Based at Stratford-uponAvon, excellent motorway links means they cover a huge part of the south, working across many sports sectors and codes. “We had reason to replace an aerator in the autumn, so, guided by Richard Ainsley at dealers Farol in Milton Common, we weighed up what we needed in our next machine,” said Director Philip Buttler. “It came down to a straight choice. We could go extra wide, although slower, with need of a powerful large tractor. Or, go for a speedier 1.8m wide aerator, that would put more holes in the ground and fit behind a mid-compact.” Philip opted for the latter, the Terra Spike GXi8 HD, the
company’s first Wiedenmann. “After its first morning at Stratford racecourse, our operator, Jason Montgomery, got out the cab with the widest smile and said he was really happy. The two anti-vibration systems protect both the driver and the tractor, so it felt effortless and just so smooth. “That was over a month ago and the GXi8 HD has
been out pretty much every day since. Our current order book is a mix of golf renovations, and regular on-going maintenance of rugby and football pitches for education establishments, as well as a handful of racecourses,” said Philip. “Such variety makes work interesting and everywhere you go you want to do your absolute best. We have a
Downhill all the way for Owen With a dedication to local communities since its inception in 1931, Tillicoultry Quarries has a long history of community engagement and support for local causes, from charitable donations and individual sponsorship to boosting local employability, using locally sourced labour, materials and goods or encouraging its employees to make positive contributions to the community. Alpine Skier Owen Vinter has an impressive sporting career history for a 19 yearold, and the Glasgow-born athlete is hoping for further sporting success as he looks to compete in the Europa Cup Tour in the coming season. 62 | Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021
He is the latest to receive support from the company. Having met Wallace Menzies, Tillicoultry Quarries’ Managing Director, Owen got in touch to ask for some sponsorship backing to support his sporting ambitions for the 2020/2021 season and Tillicoultry Quarries was delighted to be able to offer its support. “The support from Tillicoultry Quarries has been amazing. This year I joined the Europa Cup team from an Academy level which has greater financial cost as we travel across the world to compete,” said Owen. “It’s an expensive sport but a hugely rewarding one - The sponsorship will really help
me to make the most of this season. I’m excited to have been selected for the squad and I’m really looking forward to the start of competition.” Wallace added that it was a very easy decision for the company to make. “As a family business, Tillicoultry Quarries prides itself on giving back to local people, businesses and communities. It’s an important part of who we are as a business, as we know our successes are firmly rooted in the local communities which we work and live in. It’s clear that Owen is a brilliant and committed athlete with a lot of talent and we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way.”
tight team of 12, all hugely experienced, and if we have the right machine for the job, the facilities can be returned to play that bit faster. Winter aeration is now in full swing. We are able to get around some sites considerably quicker; even so still putting many more holes in the ground than before, so productivity is better on two counts.”
Funding grants are unveiled The Fairways Foundation has completed its inaugural grant cycle. Despite challenging times, grant application numbers were more than satisfactory and there was a wide range of project times to consider. After careful deliberation, seven projects around the world were chosen to be supported with $106,703 awarded, including two in the UK – Hartford Golf Club’s grassland restoration and Scottish Wildlife Trust’s ‘nectar network, which aims to establish a wide network of flower-rich habitats along a stretch of the Ayrshire coastline.
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1. The noughties – The change came in in 2001; 2. Henrik Stenson; 3. 15 – 6; 4. Tottenham Hotspur – They defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0; 5. Jim; 6. Roger Federer; 7. The Masters; 8. Rangers – They defeated Aberdeen 4-0 in 2000; 9. Martina Navratilova; 10. Jock Hutchison. He defeated Roger Wethered in a 36 hole play-off; 11. The Ryder Cup; 12. Lance Armstrong; 13. Andrew Strauss; 14. Papillon; 15. LeBron James
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COMMENT
Well here we are in 2021 and another new dawn on my still to get going golfing career. Each year I vow to dedicate more of my life to the Royal and Ancient game with a view to teeing up and holding my own with the better players in the club. I shouldn’t let those hopes and expectations get the better of me as, each year, it’s exactly the same – the usual dross interspersed by the odd shot of real quality, which makes it all the more frustrating. If I was rubbish all the time I would have no expectation at all, but when you
66 | Turf Matters | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021
making turf matter
throw in the odd well struck 6-iron to 15 feet, or bunker shot which creeps over the lip and on to the apron you give yourself the hope that you really are a decent golfer underneath it all. It’s like the old saying: “Just once, I wish I could play my normal game”. This year, though, I have reverted to my old belief that practice is overrated and time consuming, while continuing the belief in following a policy of attempting to buy success through internet purchases is a much quicker way to win. My latest acquisition – a spanking new driver to replace my 12 year-old model – is giving me genuine confidence that I may finally be on the path to golfing respectability. I had become extremely frustrated by me, a mere 58, being the youngest member, but invariably the shortest hitter, in the fourball. So, there I was astride the 1st tee on Sunday January 3 brandishing my new rocket launcher… And it worked! That first drive was the longest I’d hit down that 1st hole. I finished up level with the tree that normally blocks my path to the pin. I parred! Same on the 2nd. Tiger line and at least 30 yards further than I’d gone before and I finished up with a comfortable bogey. On the 3rd, I didn’t catch it but it still went further than normal. My dream of being up there with
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the second shortest hitter in the club was becoming a reality. I’ll stop at the 3rd, as I’m well aware of the propensity to turn into the club bore. That and, well the wheels did come off the next time I unleashed my new purchase. I’m sure it’s just a matter of tweaking at my end, but a slight pull hook entered my armoury of golfing faults. It remained for most of the round, and nothing did replicate that masterful drive off the 1st. However, those first three holes have given belief which will last me until the next time I’m surfing the net and come across the key to taking my putting to the next level. If I can only reduce my three putts by half a dozen each round, I’d really think I was making progress. But while I’m rabbiting on about my golfing aspirations I’m aware that our ability to play may well be compromised again by the new lockdown. I’m in Scotland where we’ve been told that golf is considered exercise and that we can still play, albeit in twoballs, but I am conflicted by it. Yes, it’s an outside game and we an socially distance quick well. We’ve also mastered elbows and that sword-fighting approach with putters to mark the end of the round, but I’m not sure golf should get a free pass when other sports or recreating pursuits don’t. As I mentioned earlier most of my fellow members are elderly, which puts them in a more vulnerable category, but walking five miles every time they go out can’t do anything but good, can it? So, from one old golfer to every other old golfer out there – let’s stay safe and play when is deemed appropriate, but ensure that we are all around to start 2022 with new hope and perhaps a new driver! *As told to Scott MacCallum