Last week I took the opportunity to visit Glee, the wholesale garden suppliers show at the NEC Birmingham, with the aim to catch up with some of the latest developments and products coming into our industry. Although targeted at the domestic market and home owners, this show makes you realise the diversity of our industry and the many walks of life within it.

The show offers over 500 leading UK and international wholesale garden suppliers to see. With a wide range of goods and service on offer, the vast range of commodities is mind blowing - from plant pots to pets. The show is targeted towards the buyers offering eight unique show sectors, where they can source the very best products for every shop; big, small, online or the high-street, with garden centres being one of the main customer bases of the show.

As for machinery sales, it was good to speak to Simon Belcher from Handy’s who provide a vast range of machinery and products for the domestic sellers. Along with traditional petrol mowers battery powered machinery is making its way into the domestic markets, with more and more products coming on line. I was particularly attracted to a GreenWorks range of products that encompassed several new lines in cordless machinery, specifically their mowers, scarifiers and power washers.

STIHL were another manufacturer who are now heavily involved in selling into the domestic market with their new range of battery powered tools. STIHL have long been the champion of the professional markets and now see a great opportunity to promote their experience and innovation into the domestic sector knowing full well the potential for their versatile new range of battery powered saws, strimmers and hedging tools for this sector.

Talking to exhibitors, Glee is an important show, and well worth their attendance to attract potential new clients and customers. It was a very interesting day seeing another side of our industry. I am now looking forward to our very own turf professional shows (Saltex and BTME) in the coming months.

September has brought a sudden change in the weather, with some much-needed rain and cooler air temperatures, thus giving rise to some outbreaks of turf diseases. Be mindful of these and carry out effective practices to reduce the risk.

It is surprising how quick the grass has recovered since the onset of some decent wet weather. However, there is still time to carry out some much-needed renovation work to your surfaces while temperatures remain in double figures.

September also sees the start of the rugby playing season with many clubs gearing themselves up for a long hard season. I just want to mention the opportunity for these rugby clubs to be aware of the RFU’s current Rugby Groundsmen Connected programme that offers advice and support to every rugby club grounds person.

Rugby Groundsmen Connected is the RFU’s easy access, two-way communication network between the RFU and rugby union groundsmen. It is the main communication channel for the RFU to provide information and advice to groundsmen and also has special offers and exclusive benefits for members. Everything the RFU does related to pitch maintenance will now come under the banner of Rugby Groundsmen Connected. The scheme is for anybody that has any involvement in the upkeep of rugby pitches - from complete novice to Premiership groundsmen.

Anyone can register to join RGC at no cost. Registration is by email to groundsmenconnected@rfu.com. Once signed up they will receive regular communications with advice, information and the opportunity to ask questions.

The MCC has announced that Karl McDermott has been appointed as the new Head Groundsman at Lord’s.

Karl, who will join MCC from Hampshire County Cricket Club, will replace Mick Hunt, who is retiring from the role after 49 seasons.

After beginning his career as Assistant Groundsman at Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin, Karl took on the Head Groundsman role in 1997, ahead of the venue hosting an ICC World Cup Fixture in 1999.

He spent seventeen years at Clontarf, working on numerous international and domestic fixtures and winning the European ICC Groundsman of the Year award in 2007, before moving to Worcestershire as Assistant Groundsman.

He then took up post at the Ageas Bowl where he was initially appointed Deputy Head Groundsman in 2009, ahead of the ground’s inaugural Test Match in 2011 between England and Sri Lanka.

McDermott became Head Groundsman in 2016 and most recently presided over England’s victory over India, the third Test Match to be held at Hampshire’s headquarters.

John Stephenson, MCC Assistant Secretary (Cricket) said, “After a rigorous recruitment process, we are delighted that Karl has accepted the role of Head Groundsman at Lord’s. He is very well respected throughout the game, having spent the past nine years producing top quality pitches at the Ageas Bowl.

“Karl emerged from a competitive field as someone who will be able to maintain the reputation of Lord’s as the ultimate ground at which cricketers of all levels wish to play.

"His first season will be a challenging one, with five World Cup matches including the Final, Ireland’s inaugural Test match at Lord’s as well as the prospect of England facing Australia in an Ashes Series but we have no doubt that he will prove himself up to the task.

“We’re very much looking forward to Karl beginning his role and working alongside Mick Hunt for a short time before Mick begins his well-earned retirement.”

Giles White, Director of Cricket at Hampshire CCC said, "On the behalf of everyone at Hampshire Cricket, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Karl for his relentless hard work over the last nine years, and wish him all the best for his new role at Lord's, one of which he is richly deserving."

The Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC) has released a revised set of best practice learning materials for all levels of student greenkeepers.

Although originally inspired as the underpinning knowledge for the Level 2 qualification, the GTC Board of Directors and the Employer Group championed the revision of the copyright Learning Materials.

These will be made available not only to learners undertaking the Level 2 Greenkeeping qualification, but will also be available to all golf clubs to be used as best practice.

The GTC Board of Richard Flint of England Golf, Robert Martin of Wales Golf, GTC Chairman Alistair Booth, Jim Croxton of BIGGA and Carolyn Hedley of Scottish Golf with GTC staff members Emma Willis and Fiona Lyttle

Prepared by industry specialists and based upon best principles and practices for golf course maintenance and management, the copyright materials are divided into eight chapters, ranging from health and safety, golf course preparation and maintenance to preparing a tractor with attachments.

The 327-page publication is available to purchase in digital format to anyone through the GTC’s shop for £150.

All GTC Quality Approved Centres will receive a copy of the of Learning Materials, for use with all sports turf students on the various greenkeeping courses.

The GTC is supported by England Golf, Scottish Golf, Wales Golf, The PGA and BIGGA.

GTC Manager Fiona Lyttle said, “Each of the original chapters has been meticulously reviewed and updated by specialists from within the sports turf industry. Following consultations with our Employer Group, it was suggested we incorporate some additional aspects of what a fully-qualified golf greenkeeper should know. With this in mind, we have included more detail on soil science, as well as basic drainage and irrigation. Changes in technology, equipment and machinery have also necessitated an extensive update. The GTC has ensured the materials are suitable for everyone from apprentices to golf course managers with all subjects comprehensively covered.”

BASIS members will be able to collect up to 12 CPD points at this year’s two-day SALTEX event.

Six points will be available each day, two of which will be awarded for general attendance, and a further four will be on offer for participating in the ‘Learning Live’ sessions.

Stephen Jacob, BASIS CEO, recommends joining the free educational sessions, to hear more about the latest industry updates and innovations.

“As part of the ‘Learning Live’ programme, I’ll be speaking in the Amenity Forum Question Time, at 2pm on day one. This will give delegates an opportunity to quiz the panel on current issues regarding pest and disease control,” he explains.

“The session will be led by Professor John Moverley, chair of the Amenity Forum, and other panel members will include Ruth Mann from the STRI and Will Kay from Languard.”

Sandy Reid, links superintendent at Carnoustie Golf Links, was met with an unusual set of circumstances in the lead up to, and during, this year’s Open Championship.

The hot, dry spell prior to the Championship had produced the fast-running links conditions many had dreamt of, but the turf was so dry it was barely growing, and vehicles travelling over the course were causing damage.

Sandy Reid, links superintendent at Carnoustie Golf Links, front left with Reesink’s David Raitt, and the team and Toro fleet

“We were delighted with the conditions as it shows links golf off to the very best,” says Sandy. “But we were also apprehensive because we weren’t used to it and we had never prepared the course in conditions like that before. It was just so dry.”

So, to give the fairways all they needed throughout the Championship - a gentle trim - Sandy says their Toro Reelmaster 3555-D fairway mower was suited for the task.

“We brought in a vehicle and buggy ban inside the ropes for a week in advance of the Championship and for the week itself, and this applied to everyone from the contractors, the TV camera crews, the R&A and ourselves,” explains Sandy, who together with Championship Course head greenkeeper, Craig Boath, managed a large team, and support staff for the week.

“The RM3555 fairway mower was absolutely perfect as, with three wheels and slick tyres, we could use it with the confidence that it was not going to damage the turf and as it uses the same cutting units as the Reelmaster 5410 we knew we would get consistency of cut.”

With three courses to maintain, Carnoustie Links have a substantial fleet of Toro equipment from a long-standing agreement with Reesink. But for such a huge championship extra equipment, plus Toro tournament support staff, were brought in for the week.

“It was great to have this equipment ready and waiting even if it wasn’t used as much as other tournaments. However, there was rain overnight on the Friday, which created some growth, and having additional fairway mowers meant that we could cut them from one direction, tee to green,” says Sandy.

And of course, the work didn’t stop when the players and public galleries returned home, then began the recovery work!

“We had the ProCore 648s doing solid tining and mini coring in some of the well-trafficked areas, so we could get some air into them and some seeding done. The HydroJect have also been very useful. We’ve got a couple of pedestrian ones, but we still have a trailed one which we put on the back of a Workman with some wetting agent in the tanks for some of the barer spectator routes.”

Sandy says he is delighted with the support Carnoustie Links gets from Toro and distributor Reesink Turfcare, while the quality of the equipment itself pleases not only him, but his team of greenkeepers.

“It is first class machinery throughout the fleet and we have full confidence that whatever task we are doing we will get a great quality finish. The guys all love using it as it is comfortable, understandable and easy to use.”

23-year-old Portuguese national, Henrique Ferreira, has spent just five months at The London Golf Club.

During a break from his studies, at agronomy college in his home country, he has been assisting Golf Courses & Estate Manager, Lee Sayers.

L-R: Lee Sayers, golf courses & estates manager and Henrique Ferreira

Headland Amenity work closely with his employers, Belas Golf Club, as well as The London Golf Club and say they were very happy to see this young greenkeeper gain valuable course preparation experience in the UK.

Henrique, a greenkeeper at his home course of Belas GC, came to London in April and says his experience of using Headland Amenity products helped him fit right in. “Lee and the team included me in all of the daily tasks” he explains “from raking bunkers through to cutting all areas. I have also been involved with feeding, working with Headland Multigreen slow release fertiliser.

“The biggest difference I have found between greenkeeping here and at home is the aeration programme - how frequently it is conducted and how it makes such a big difference to the quality of the course.

"All in all I have learnt a great deal and have to thank the whole greenkeeping and landscaping team at The London Club, for such a great experience.”

GGM Groundscare have announced that they have recently signed an agreement to expand their existing Baroness sales area across Yorkshire.

The announcement regarding the range of golf and fine-turf mowers was made to customers at a specialist event held at the Coniston Estate & Spa in North Yorkshire.

With immediate effect the dealership will be actively promoting the Japanese brand across the expanded area. 

Chris Gibson, Managing Director at GGM Groundscare said, “At GGM we believe Baroness are a long-term partner and are very much in our plans as we continue to develop and move forward. I’m delighted that we are in a position to be able to offer our Yorkshire based customers the benefits of the Baroness range. The range, that ideally sits alongside our existing high quality fine-turf machinery including brands such as Kubota, Amazone, Dennis and Sisis ensures we can provide an unrivalled range of equipment for the fine turf market.”

Adam Butler, Baroness Sales Director added, “Extending GGM’s area was an easy decision for us. Their back up and customer service is second to none and we are very excited to be working with a company that demands such high standards. Yes, our machines are great but we must have great service to back them up.”

GGM say their sales team will be out in force over the coming weeks to get in touch with customers to arrange demonstrations of the Baroness machines.

Walker Mowers UK have launched a new finance scheme, working with EFT Finance.

The company says this new scheme makes the purchase of a Walker Mower attractive and affordable with a weekly payment scheme across all the models in their range. Their flagship diesel engine model can now be owned for £95 per week subject to acceptance, with an APR of 5.8%.

A spokesman for Walker Mowers UK told Turf Pro, "We reviewed a number of finance partners to work with, but selected EFT for their national coverage, extensive knowledge of our industry sector and their overall easy to do business with approach."

Dennis Sisis has added a Foley Accu-Pro 673 from ProSport UK to their production line for OEM specification grinding.

The mower manufacturer had very specific requirements when it came to choosing the machine that would grind all of the bedknives for their mowers, citing reliability, flexibility and accuracy as the top three priorities.

As part of the production line, the Accu-Pro 673 fully automatic Bedknife grinder is in constant use and will grind thousands of bedknives a year, with the machine having already delivered between 500 to 600 blades in its first three months.

Tony Snaith, senior grinding technician at Dennis Sisis with the new Foley Accu-Pro 673 Bedknife Grinder

These blades are manufactured in-house through Dennis Sisis’ sister company, Crocodile Precision Ltd, and Ian Howard, managing director of Dennis Sisis, explains the importance of having a high-quality reliable grinder as the company moves through their busiest year to date.

“Our specification for a grinder differs slightly from a golf course or football club because of the amount of time our grinders are working,” Ian began. “We’re having our busiest year to date, our order books are full, sales are booming, and demand is increasing all the time, so this increases our need for reliability and quality in the production line.

“Every bedknife we produce has to be individually ground to the correct OEM specification on the bedknife carrier, prior to mower assembly. We need a grinder that makes efficient use of workshop time by being quick and easy to set-up particularly as we are constantly swapping between different length blades.

“Our customers expect accurately ground relief angles on the blade, and the Accu-Pro 673 consistently delivers top-quality performance.”

One man who experiences the full benefit of the new unit is Dennis Sisis senior grinding technician, Tony Snaith. “I’ve been delighted with the performance and speed the blades can be set-up and ground,” he said.

“The Accu-Pro 673 has performed consistently, efficiently and accurately and has coped with the constant demands of the production line. It has really proven itself to be the perfect machine for what we need.”

Event organisers have announced that visitor registration for SALTEX 2018 is now officially open at www.iogsaltex.com.

SALTEX 2018, Europe’s largest annual event for groundscare professionals, takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, on 31 October and 1 November and visitors can now register their attendance for free via the newly-designed website.

SALTEX 2018 visitor registration now open.

The new website has been built to provide the ultimate user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality throughout, allowing both visitors and exhibitors to access all the information they need in preparation for SALTEX 2018.

The site is compatible with many browsers and all mobile devices meaning that visitors and exhibitors alike will have easy access to the site and stay informed with the latest show news and exhibitor event previews. With over 230 exhibitors signed up to date, visitors to the website will see an extensive exhibitor list complete with individual profiles - each containing relevant information on products, services and show offers.

Visitors will also be able to find out more about new and exciting show attractions as well as popular features such as Learning LIVE – SALTEX’s free and all-encompassing education programme; Outdoor demonstrations – which take place directly outside the SALTEX halls 6, 7 and 8; the SALTEX College Cup - a national student-led sports-turf challenge; Pathology & Soil Science LIVE - allowing visitors to look in detail at the symptoms of some common turfgrass fungal disease problems; Ask the Expert - a team of 10 IOG regional pitch advisors providing free pitch care advice; the Job Clinic - a chance to receive specific career advice and find out all the latest job opportunities from industry expert Frank Newberry, and the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) 10th annual Industry Awards celebration.

SALTEX exhibitors will notice some improvements to the portal, which is an indispensable tool for maximising event presence and making connections with potential customers in advance of the show. All of the exhibitor forms, such as the Health and Safety Declaration and the Risk Assessment Form, have now all been digitalised, meaning that exhibitors can fill out the relevant forms online without having to print them off.

Visitors can register to attend SALTEX via the website – www.iogsaltex.com. Visitors will receive a confirmation email with their badge to print and take along to the show, to gain free entry.

To view show highlights and key interviews please visit www.youtube.com/MyIOG

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @IOG_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/IOGSALTEX