EDITOR'S BLOG
TEEING OFF WITH JOHN DEERE
Partnership with Wentworth Club launched
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR
 
Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

Last week I attended the host venue for the PGA Championship tournament where they revealed a new course maintenance fleet consisting of over 140 machines - including the latest GPS sprayer technology.

 


Last week I, along with several other trade press journalists / editors, were duly invited to attend the official announcement of a unique partnership between the Wentworth Club and John Deere.


This new, exclusive five-year partnership is for the supply of golf course maintenance equipment to the world-famous West, East and Edinburgh Championship Courses at Virginia Water in Surrey, from spring 2019.


Wentworth Club has been the host venue since 1984 for the PGA Championship tournament, which is regarded as the flagship event on the European Tour. The 2019 BMW PGA Championship is being held on the West Course from September 19 to 22, with John Deere and its supplying dealer Farol Ltd, providing additional technical and equipment support.

 


The new course maintenance fleet consists of over 140 machines including mowers for tees, surrounds and approaches, fairways, greens and rough, as well as compact and utility tractors, Gator utility vehicles and the latest state of the art GPS PrecisionSprayers.

 

(Left to right) Carlos Aragones, John Deere Limited Managing Director Jonathan Henry, Wentworth Club General Manager Neil Coulson and Kenny Mackay.


“We are delighted to welcome the John Deere company to Wentworth as our exclusive partner in the supply of greenkeeping and grounds machinery through its regional dealer Farol,” said Wentworth Director of Golf & Greenkeeping Kenny Mackay. “This agreement represents a significant investment to ensure our fleet is always at the leading edge of technology and innovation.”

 


John Deere has been a leader in GPS technology in the agricultural industry for many years and is now developing systems specifically for golf course maintenance use, with Wentworth Club being an early adopter. The new advanced technology sprayer delivers great environmental benefits by applying inputs far more accurately and only to predetermined target areas. This significantly reduces overall chemical usage and can potentially cut spray costs by up to 15 per cent.

 

(Left to right) Jonathan Henry, Carlos Aragones, Kenny Mackay and Farol Ltd Managing Director Matt Vellacott


Using AutoTrac, the sprayer steers itself automatically to an accuracy of 2.5cm using RTK (real-time kinetic) satellite guidance. It also features individual nozzle control and Wireless Data Transfer, which enables spray records and application maps to be sent from the machine to the John Deere Operations Centre website or mobile app, where they can be remotely accessed at any time.


The new machinery fleet has been purchased on a planned replacement cycle in line with Wentworth Club policy, using a John Deere Financial operating lease specifically tailored to reduce the lifelong cost of ownership.

 

Members of the Wentworth Club greenkeeping team with Director of Golf & Greenkeeping Kenny Mackay (front centre) and Courses Manager Dan Clarke (front, third from left).


“The world of course management and greenkeeping is changing fast and John Deere is at the forefront of these developments,” said Carlos Aragones, John Deere’s Turf & Golf Sales & Marketing Manager for Europe, CIS, North Africa and the Near & Middle East.


“John Deere equipment helps to maintain many of the world’s greatest golf courses, and we are honoured to now include Wentworth Club in that prestigious company. We look forward to building a long and productive partnership with the Wentworth team, and to the Club becoming one of our leading strategic partners in the golf industry across Europe and beyond.”

 

(Left to right), Kenny Mackay and Carlos Aragones

 

After the official pictures were taken, we the press were then taken on a tour of the facility. Being my first ever visit to Wentworth, and as an ex-greenkeeper, I was very keen to set foot on some of the greens and see for myself the presentation of the course. Kenny Mackay (Director of Golf) and Daniel Clarke (Course Manager) then drove us around the course and stopped by one of the greens to show us how the SubAir system works.

 


Essentially the SubAir system can control the amounts of oxygen and moisture in the soil profile. Oxygen and moisture sensors placed below the golf green surface report real-time soil conditions’ data to the control system. Automated operation of the SubAir Sport System will activate according to set soil condition parameters set by Daniel and his technicians. With active monitoring, the systems can respond to sudden changes in soil conditions. In a sudden downpour the vacuum systems activate to eliminate excess moisture in the soil profile. Successive high temperature days that increase soil temperature will activate aeration to moderate subsoil temperatures. With TurfWatch Technology, turf managers can access the field conditions via smart phones, tablets or computers. The technology retains the historical data to provide information of the impact of agronomic practices, natural phenomena and weather events on turf conditions.

 

 

As for the sward quality Germinal’s 007 creeping bent is arguably the best-of-the-best: it was developed in the US using 24 parent plants to produce a single cultivar with a wide genetic base. It is this background which enables it to deliver all the qualities of a top-rated creeping bentgrass (prostrate growth habit, high shoot density and good wear tolerance) in a range of conditions - from the extreme heat of Morocco to the harsh cold of Western Siberia. Unlike older creeping bent grasses the 007 has the benefit of doing all this with a lower requirement for nitrogen and moisture making it perfect for modern management where environmental and economic sustainability are key. The variety is known to be Dollar Spot resistant and shows good all-round disease resistance especially to Anthracnose.


The greens are maintained at a HOC of between 3-4mm depending on the time of the year and stimp at around 13ft during the summer months, so offering a challenging putting surface for those who play this historic course.


The level of perfection at Wentworth is there for all to see. The sixty strong greenkeeping team are kept very busy looking after the whole resort and I am sure the combination of the dedication and skills of both parties will bode well for the aspirations and future of this historic golf course during the duration of this unique partnership.

NEWS
KEITH KENT LEAVES TWICKENHAM
Official send off last week
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR
 
TurfPro editor Laurence Gale with Keith Kent at Twickenham last week

Keith Kent's final day as head groundsman of Twickenham was yesterday (June 30th 2019) - and I, along with some invited turf professionals and RFU staff, attended his leaving do, held pitch-side last Wednesday.

 


I, along with some invited turf professionals and a large contingent of RFU staff, were cordially invited to Keith Kent’s leaving do, held pitch side last Wednesday. Keith officially left his post of head groundsman at Twickenham yesterday, 30th June 2019, some sixteen plus years since he took up the job on the 30th September 2002.

 

TurfPro editor Laurence Gale with Keith Kent at Twickenham last week


There is no doubt that he will surely be missed. He has over those years, along with his dedicated assistants Ian and Andy, been instrumental in developing and improving the quality of the playing surface at Twickenham.


In 2002 a visit up to Sunderland FC enabled him see the revolutionary SGL grow lighting system working. That was so impressive, Keith soon had his own set of lighting rigs installed at Twickenham. This was soon followed by a pitch upgrade to fibre sand and then in 2012 the decision was made to install the now popular Desso Grassmaster system - now the main pitch choice for many national stadiums.


However for most of us, Keith is well known for his personality and endearing devotion to grassroots rugby clubs. For a number of years now Keith, working with Ted Mitchel, the RFU’s facility manager, has introduced and implemented the successful the RFU’s Groundsman Connected programme.


Rugby Groundsmen Connected (RGC) 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 includes 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. Groundsmen Connected is for anybody that has any involvement in the upkeep of rugby pitches - from complete novice to Premiership groundsmen.


Keith and his team annually visit well over 70 rugby clubs and happily give free advice and help to any club who registers with the scheme by sending an email to groundsmenconnected@rfu.com.

 

 

The highlight of the afternoon celebration was the official speeches and the presentation of some wonderful memorable gifts to thank him for his commitment and dedication during his 16 years. The RFU gave him a signed England shirt while, British Airways (RFU Sponsor) presented Keith and his partner with two tickets to fly to New York to see his favourite band the Rolling Stones.


Keith was overwhelmed, but as usual soon found some composure to thank everybody for turning up and making his final week at Twickenham a special moment.
As a further tribute to Keith’s work, TurfPro will be featuring an in depth interview with him in a forthcoming issue.

SALTEX '19 REGISTRATION OPEN
Process improved this year
 
SALTEX

The organisers of October's event have promised that visitors will notice some notable improvements to the registration process this year, due to new registration specialist partners.

 


Registration for SALTEX 2019 is now open and organisers promise that visitors will notice some notable improvements to the registration process.

 

New for this year, the show has partnered with LiveBuzz, who they describe in a statement as the "largest registration specialist in the UK" - and who they say is the "preferred supplier for some of the world’s most prestigious events."

 

 

Commenting on the new registration partnership, SALTEX event director Matthew Knight said, "It’s important that our visitors, our exhibitors and their customers have the best possible experience at SALTEX. We are always aiming to make improvements to the show each year and following an open tendering process we appointed LiveBuzz because we want the very best in all aspects of the show.

 

“We are confident that our visitors will experience a best practice registration process - it will be smoother, more interactive and in addition there will be ten registration terminals at the show entrance meaning that visitors will gain faster entry.”

 

Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 30 and 31 October, SALTEX 2019 will feature over 300 exhibitors. The two-day event will offer visitors an opportunity to experience the latest industry trends and innovations, enhance their education and learn from industry experts.

 

This year attendees can expect features such as:

  • The new Eco Village - live demonstrations purely dedicated to environmentally-friendly products.
  • Learning LIVE - SALTEX’s free educational programme.
  • Pathology and Soil Science LIVE - a look in detail at the symptoms of turfgrass fungal disease problems.
  • SALTEX Innovation Award - celebrating the best in new groundscare technology.
  • Ask the Expert - free face-to-face turfcare advice.
  • Outdoor Demonstrations - products in action in an area directly outside halls 6,7 and 8.
  • SALTEX College Cup - land based colleges compete in an academic test of turf management knowledge.
  • Lawn Care Legends LIVE - a networking opportunity for landscapers and gardeners.
  • Job Clinic - free one-to-one sessions covering CV writing to interview techniques.

Registration is accessible through the SALTEX website and visitors can simply bring their email confirmation (on a phone or a printed copy to the registration desk) which will be located at the show entrance.

FOUR NEW DEALERS FOR ISEKI
Expanding its network
 
David Withers, managing director of ISEKI UK & Ireland

ISEKI UK & Ireland have recently appointed four new dealers and say they are looking to acquire more.

 


ISEKI UK & Ireland have recently appointed four new dealers.

 

Farm & Garden Machinery Ltd based in Bridgnorth are an established ATV/ Quad dealer with over 25 years’ supporting their customers. Alongside this the company has a continuously growing lawn and garden division supplying many well-known brands to their local area, They say the ISEKI range enables them to offer a higher range of diesel mowers to their customers.

 

Based in the heart of Fife the company have also appointed Meldrums - another well-established lawn and garden machinery dealer wishing to extend their range to include a diesel mower offering.

 

Hereford Mower Services based in the west of the county have over 40 years’ experience in horticultural equipment and supplies. Offering a comprehensive range of products, they have now extended their portfolio to include ISEKI machinery.

 

Finally, Forth Grass Machinery are a family run business supporting their local customers near Fife with machinery, parts and service. They say with the addition of the ISEKI range it enables them to reach a further customer base requiring higher specification diesel models.

 

David Withers, managing director of ISEKI UK & Ireland

 

ISEKI say they are still looking to expand their dealer network further, over the next few years to increase the customer service and support to end users across the UK and Ireland following a successful 2018.

 

Managing director, David Withers, expressed his delight with the company’s performance over the last year since the direct branch opened. He said, “Since setting up the company in January last year it has been very exciting to see the volume of dealers who would like to represent ISEKI and support our growing sales and share gain across the sectors we serve.

 

“The addition of the new dealers alongside our dedicated, longstanding partners has been instrumental in driving the market share and increases in machinery sales over the last year. We wish to continue with this for many years to come.

 

“Our aim is that everybody should be within 30 minutes of an ISEKI dealer as part of our strategy to specifically target the private homeowner’s who don’t have the tendency to travel far when looking to purchase a new compact tractor or mower for their property.

 

"We continue to have openings for dealers in some areas throughout the UK and Ireland which are still underserved. We would be delighted to discuss opportunities with interested parties who share our commitment to excellent customer service and relationship building”.

EDGBASTON GOLF'S SECOND AGREEMENT PLAN
Reached with Toro
 
Edgbaston Golf Club course manager Eddie Mills, left, with Reesink Turfcare’s Jon Lewis

Maintaining and updating the fleet on a regular basis is really important says course manager Eddie Mills.

 


Having been at Edgbaston Golf Club for 31 years, course manager Eddie Mills knows more than anyone what’s best for the club, which is why he recently signed a second five-year agreement plan with Toro.

 

Edgbaston Golf Club course manager Eddie Mills, left, with Reesink Turfcare’s Jon Lewis

 

Just one mile from the centre of Birmingham, the course provides golfers with 144 acres of stunning parkland, including a lake and woodland nature reserve, so keeping the maintenance up to a high level is no easy feat.

 

“I’ll have been at the club for 32 years this August and course manager since 2007, so I know the course pretty well to say the least,” says Eddie. “Before we signed our first agreement, we had a real mix of things in the shed, but we always preferred Toro.”

 

Despite seeing early on the clear benefits of Toro, the club needed to wait for the right circumstances in order to sign an agreement deal. But it was only a matter of time, says Eddie.

 

“Since our first agreement we’ve had a great relationship with Jon Lewis at Reesink Turfcare and our back up service provider, Redtech Machinery. With the first agreement we saw a real improvement to the course, and I predict we’ll experience the same outcome with the updated fleet.”

 

The club’s comprehensive fleet is a mix of like for like renewals and some new additions, including three Greensmaster TriFlex 3420 mowers, one of which is set up for surrounds and approaches with universal groomers. Plus, three GR1600 hand mowers, a Reelmaster 3575-D fairway mower with groomer brushes, Groundsmaster 4000-D, Groundsmaster 3500, Reelmaster 3100 Sidewinder, Groundsmaster 7210 zero turn rotary mower, Multi Pro 5800-D sprayer and a new TYM T654 tractor to boot.

 

“We are constantly trying to improve the club and the course,” says Eddie. “So maintaining and updating the fleet on a regular basis is really important."

 

With the club’s 125th anniversary coming up in a couple of years, there are big plans in the works for the future, and it’s likely Toro will be a part of that.

 

“Now that we’re close to reaching such a milestone anniversary, we’re starting to look at what the next 125 years will look like for the club,” Eddie concludes. “If Toro continues to deliver on performance and price, that partnership has the potential to continue as we take that next step for the future of the club.”

NEW SYNTHETIC MAINTENANCE TOOL LAUNCHED
From Campey Turf Care Systems
 
Uni-Scratch

The Uni-Scratch can be used for organic matter removal on natural grass hybrid carpet pitches when carrying out annual renovations.

 


Campey Turf Care Systems have launched the Uni-Scratch. The unit can be used for organic matter removal on natural grass hybrid carpet pitches when carrying out annual renovations.

 



The company says regularly maintaining synthetic pitches is vital because it prevents infill compaction. When a synthetic surface is regularly used the infill can become lodged and cause uneven hard and soft areas that eventually leads to drainage issues and flattening of the artificial fibres.

To prevent this, the Uni-Scratch has been developed to provide essential maintenance by de-compacting and redistributing the infill. The machine can also be used to evenly distribute the infill in synthetic carpets during installation.

idverde UK who manage a growing portfolio of sports pitches and facilities on behalf of several local authorities, is the first company in the United Kingdom to purchase the machine and operations manager, Steve Tingley, explains why.

He said, “We install and maintain a lot of hybrid carpet surfaces and we are always looking at new machines and how they can improve our operation. We bought the Uni-Scratch specifically to speed up and improve our maintenance procedure and it has met the aims we had for it.”

AMENITY SUPPLIES AND SERVICES BUSINESS LAUNCHED
Serving north west England and Wales
 
Sion Price - Spunhill Amenity business manager

New source of amenity supplies and technical support for turf professionals following the launch of Spunhill Amenity, a business division of Spunhill Ltd.

 


Turf professionals in the North West of England and Wales now have a new source of amenity supplies and technical support following the launch of Spunhill Amenity, a business division of Spunhill Ltd.

Spunhill Amenity say their portfolio includes: LG Seeds and Momersteeg seed mixtures; the company’s own Marcher brand of fertilisers and ICL fertilisers; plant protection products from Monsanto, Nufarm, Belchim and FMC; Aquatrols wetters; linemarking paints and machinery; Bathgate composts, top dressings and soil enhancers.

The company says the range of amenity products is supported by a dedicated team of experienced amenity professionals, with individuals based in Cheshire, Wrexham, Denbighshire and Monmouthshire.


Siôn Price, Spunhill Amenity business manager explains, “Between us, we have gained experience and expertise through working for Monsanto, BASF, Barenbrug, ICL, and Nomix. Our team also has hands-on green-keeping and golf course construction experience."


Spunhill’s head office and main warehouse are located in Ellesmere, Shropshire and further depots are in Mold, Flintshire, and Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. All stores are BASIS-approved with deliveries serviced by a fleet of Spunhill vehicles supported by partner carriers.

HONOUR FOR CAN-AM
At recent Highland Show
 
Outlander MAX XT 570

Can-Am received a silver award in the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland’s Technical Innovation awards for its Anti-lock Braking System.

 


Can-Am has received a silver award in the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland’s (RHASS) Technical Innovation awards for its Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), developed specifically for its all-terrain vehicles in partnership with Bosch, a pioneer in this field.


As part of the award win, Can-Am showcased an Outlander MAX XT 570 in the Technical Innovations area at The Royal Highland Show which took place last week.

 

Outlander MAX XT 570

 

The system has been installed on Outlander and Renegade models, making them compliant with the new EU regulations (T3b category). To ensure the ABS performs optimally across all situations put in front of it, the company says the ABS system went through a comprehensive engineering programme that included more than 40,000 kilometres on a variety of surfaces including mud, snow, pavement, gravel and dirt.

 

James Dalke, BRP district commercial manager UK, said, “As a brand, we aim to be trend setters within the utility sector and the addition of ABS technology to our ATVs was the next logical step. Since it was introduced, we have received nothing but positive feedback.

 

"This award win validates the time and effort our R&D team committed to developing the technology and we are delighted that it has been recognised by such a prestigious award.”

SPIDER'S SAFETY SHOW SUCCESS
Interest generated at ExCeL event
 
Stuart Winwood, area sales manager for Machinery Imports with the Spider at ExCeL

UK distributor, T H White's Machinery Imports division says remote controlled slope mower caught the attention of safety professionals looking at ways to maintain grassed areas safely.

 


UK distributor, T H White's Machinery Imports division says the Spider remote controlled slope mower caught the attention of safety professionals looking at ways to maintain grassed areas safely, at the recent Safety & Health Expo which took place at ExCeL London.

 

Stuart Winwood, area sales manager for Machinery Imports with the Spider at ExCeL

 

Displayed on a platform at an angle of 55 degrees, the Spider 2SGS was there to demonstrate the latest innovations in safe professional mowing on banks, steep slopes and dangerous terrain.

 

The extreme gradient of the plinth highlighted the possible working angle of the mower, which is capable of cutting grass on slopes of up to 55 degrees with an integrated hydraulic winch for additional stability, or 40 degrees completely independently.

 

Stuart Winwood, area sales manager for Machinery Imports, said, “The Safety and Health Expo was an excellent opportunity to showcase the safety innovations of Spider in professional mowing to a wide, health and safety focused audience.

 

“During the course of the show we spoke to many interested parties, from local authorities to power plants and airports, all of whom were fascinated by the safety, productivity and financial benefits of Spider mowers for their business.

 

"We’re looking forward to seeing these people again for demonstrations and site visits over the coming weeks.”

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PREVIOUS FEATURES
TURFPRO FEATURE ARCHIVE
Find our previous features here
 
TurfPro Feature Archive

If you want to catch up with any of TurfPro's previous features, here is the place to do so.


BUSY TIMES
Judging the Green Flag Awards

 

TAKING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
What does it all mean in managing turf surfaces?

 

UNDER PRESSURE
Dry weather conditions continue to keep turf managers focused on moisture management

 

EDDIE SEAWARD
Death of Wimbledon’s influential grounds manager

 

MAJOR NEW IRRIGATION PROJECT
At Top 100 classic Berkhamsted Golf Club

 

NEW HORIZONS FOR THE HATTERS
Investment paying off at Kenilworth Road

 

ELIZABETHAN RESTORATION
At Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

 

WHAT IS BIOPHILIA?
The vital impact of parks and green spaces on health and well-being

 

WORM CONTROL
Without carbendazim

 

THE TRUE COST OF PETROL
Battery-powered outdoor power tools are now turning the heads of professionals

 

SANDS OF TIME
Sand-based pitches are now the norm in professional sports

 

WHY DO WE DO THE RIGHT THING?
We must maintain industry standards

 

CHASING GRASS PERFECTION?
11 things you need to know . . .

 

MAINTAINING STANDARDS
Q&A with BASIS ceo, Stephen Jacobs

 

STRI RESEARCH DAY 2018
Hosted at research trial grounds in Bingley

 

THE MECHANIC
Leicester City FC invest in new role

 

LORD'S 'GRASS-GUVNOR' TO RETIRE
Mick Hunt bows out after 49 years

 

HOLLOW CORING & DEEP SCARIFICATION
Is it really necessary?

EDITOR'S BLOG ARCHIVE
Catch up with Laurence Gale's recent blogs
 
TurfPro editor, Laurence Gale

Want to catch up with one of editor Laurence Gale's blogs? Here is the place to do so.

 


WEATHER CONTINUES TO SURPRISE
During one of the busiest times of the year

 

BERNHARD LAUNCH TRAINING ACADEMY
Educating the next generation

 

THE NEXT GENERATION
We must inspire and recruit a new generation of turf professionals

 

OPTIMISATION OF WATER RESOURCES
Better understand the soil / water relationship

 

HARD WORK & DEDICATION
Ever changing playing surfaces

 

OBESITY MEASURES
Turf professionals have a vital role

 

TIMELY ADVICE
Rugby renovations

 

PLANNING AHEAD
Renovating grass surfaces

 

FROM WINTER TO SUMMER SPORTS
April is a busy period

 

THE VALUE OF TREES
Trees bring real benefits to our cities, health and well being

 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Choice of fertiliser products will be influenced by many factors

 

A WONDERFUL INDUSTRY
But we need to be encouraging the next generation

 

THE VALUE OF PARKS
Facilities must not be taken for granted

 

A VERY BUSY MARCH
Plenty of work for turf professionals to be getting on with

 

SHARING KNOWLEDGE
At the Dennis & Sisis groundcare seminar

 

INSECT DECLINE
A cause for concern

 

HELP IS AT HAND
Seek advice from industry bodies

 

SPRING RENOVATIONS
February is a good time to start planning

 

BTME 2019 REPORT
Great start to the year

 

BTME WEEK IS HERE!
Harrogate time again

 

THE VALUE OF PLANNING
Benefits for pitch sustainability

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR
Opportunities & challenges in 2019

 

View all of 2018's blogs here

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