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EDITOR'S BLOG

GROUNDS FOR RESPECT
Turf professionals must be given our due credit
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

The flashpoint at the Oval during this final Test has highlighted the lack of respect we can often face for the role we undertake as curators of sporting venues.

Having read the recent report in The Telegraph about the altercation between India’s head coach and Lee Fortis, Surrey’s head groundsman, I thought it would be apt to write something about the role of the groundsman and the many issues they face when preparing playing surfaces for international matches.

This is nothing new. Head groundstaff will often contend with delicate situations when it comes to dealing with players and officials.

The Oval pitch being prepared ahead of Day 3 of the final Test

However, for me, it comes down to the fact that we as turf professionals are still in many cases, not respected for the role we undertake as curators of sporting venues.

I personally believe these relationships have improved in recent years, mainly due the fact that our industry associations - the GMA, BIGGA, R&A and the sporting governing bodies - have finally promoted and raised the skills and profile of our role of grounds practitioners.

This alteration has probably come about from the shear pressure that has built up from the results of this Test Match series between India and England. With the final test finishing today at the Oval.

With the test drawn level on two each, this fifth and final match has come down to the wire. This no doubt puts a lot of pressure on both teams and on the ground staff at the Oval.

The importance of this last game probably played a factor with the tensions of the coach.

However, given that may be the case, all players and coaching staff should have a better respect for the ground staff. Lee like all the top curators at the other test venues have a tough job to do, preparing and ensuring the pitch is playable, giving a fair game to both batter and bowler. People forget that this Test pitch has taken well over a year to get ready for this match.

Turf professionals at top sporting venues must be treated and respected in the same light as the players. Until this happens, we will continue to be considered as a second-class citizen - often underpaid and not respected for the work and endeavour we deliver.

The real issue is that there is always going to be tensions between players, coaches and grounds professionals at the highest levels of sport. This isolated spat has been given full media attention to grab headlines.

For me, that can be seen as a positive in one way as it gives us the opportunity to respond and articulate the pressures of a top turf professional. Importantly, it can also help the wider public to understand the role that he or she plays in producing a high-class game of sport.

NEWS

ROBOTICS USED FOR THE FIRST TIME
To prepare Women’s Open course

In our first WEB ONLY story, robots have cut the playing surfaces for a major golf championship in the United Kingdom for the first time in history.

DESTRUCTION OVERCOME
Following on-course vandalism

In our next WEB ONLY story following destruction of six greens, three tees and numerous fairways a team effort has seen a club's surfaces fit for championships just a few months later.

£3M COURSE INVESTMENT
Enhancing year-round Championship quality conditioning

Club has completed a renovation of all its 68 rivetted bunkers this spring and is now adding more than 100,000 linear metres of piped and secondary drainage.

The Buckinghamshire is investing £3 million to upgrade its major championship qualifying course and enhance year-round playing conditions.

The private members’ club, home to the Ladies European Tour and which has previously hosted qualifying for The Open and US Women’s Open, completed a renovation of all its 68 rivetted bunkers this spring. The Club says they are now adding more than 100,000 linear metres of piped and secondary drainage, and looking to increase its water capture capabilities.

A new championship tee has just been built for the par-three finishing hole, which runs alongside the River Colne, with a complete upgrade of the practice range now planned.

The investment by owners Arora Group follows a £10 million 2024 renovation of the historic 17th century clubhouse.

Gerry Ivers, managing director of The Buckinghamshire said, “Our members’ playing experience is paramount, which is why this is an important investment. The frequency of wetter winters is increasing due to climate change, so we are taking steps to ensure playing conditions remain at a very high standard all year round.

“With the wonderful support from our owners, the Arora Group, there is complete focus on facilities at The Buckinghamshire for our members and their guests, both on and off the golf course.”

Gerry Ivers added, “The renovation of the bunkers and the return to shorter, native rye caps around their edges, replacing longer fescues, is something we are especially pleased with. Our greenkeeping team played an important role in this work and it has significantly improved definition and playability.”

The full schedule of course works includes:

Bunkers: full renovation of 68 rivetted bunkers; sand exchange, with 750 tonnes of new China clay sand added by hand (jagged sand particles to better hold bunker faces); longer fescue grasses replaced by native rye caps around bunker edges
Drainage: Upgrading of piped drainage to over 20,000 linear metres and 91,000 linear metres of secondary drainage; enhanced water capture capabilities, increasing sustainability
1st tee: Repurposing of the 1st Tee environs to now include a compact warm-up putting green allowing space for a fourball to practice putting before teeing off
18th tee: Back Tees (Black) now extending to 220 yards on this great par-three finishing hole running alongside the River Colne
Practice range: a full upgrade to the range is planned, with the introduction of new state-of-the-art performance technology, reshaped target areas and great new hitting surfaces.

NEW MACHINERY WORKSHOP SESSION ANNOUNCED
For trade show

Organisers promise a new feature delivering live, hands-on machinery guidance for professionals and volunteers.

Organisers of this year's SALTEX have announced ‘The Workshop’ - a new feature delivering live, hands-on machinery guidance for professionals and volunteers.

Sessions will be led by turf machinery expert, Tom Stidder. With more than 27 years’ experience in turf care, Tom’s career has taken him from a workshop technician to senior technical training and consulting positions with major turf machinery manufacturers.

Now an independent trainer and advisor, he works with organisations such as The Football Association (FA), the All England Club, The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and football clubs worldwide, including involvement in preparations for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The sessions are promised to tailored to both community-level and professional grounds teams, covering mowers, sprayers, compact tractors and more. And each session will also demonstrate best practice in action.

Community sessions are designed for volunteers and operatives who want to build confidence and competence when working with core machinery. They will offer the essential knowledge to operate equipment safely and keep it performing at its best.

Professional sessions are aimed at turf managers and experienced grounds staff responsible for delivering high standards on larger or more specialist sites. These sessions go deeper into optimising machinery for performance and turf health, helping refine approaches and get more from equipment.

Tom Stidder said, "I’m really excited to bring this brand-new workshop to SALTEX. It’s all about helping grounds teams get the most out of their kit in a simple, hands-on way."

YANMAR PRO DEALERSHIP APPOINTED
Covering a large area

Appointee says they are proud to add Yanmar equipment to their wide range.

Newton Abbot-based Elmstar Machinery Ltd has been appointed as a Yanmar tractor dealership by UK distributors Boss ORV.

Elmstar's Jason Wignall and Boss ORV's Phil Everett

Elmstar’s Jason Wignall, said, “We are providing premium branded equipment and machinery for sale and hire, all backed with thorough servicing, parts and repair for all major brands. We deal only in the best and we’re proud to add Yanmar equipment to our wide range.”

Jason went on to say they have their own dedicated service team to maintain, service, and valet their range of machinery all year round to provide seamless, reliable support.

Boss ORVs managing director, Phil Everett, added, “Yanmar has been building a strong and growing reputation in Europe’s agricultural and landscaping sectors. That reputation combines Japanese design with responsive European service. Elmstar’s own reputation in their area can only add to this strength and growth.”

Elmstar will offer Yanmar tractor sales and service throughout Devon and a large area of the Southwest.

SPONSORED CONTENT

GroundsFest is set to be bigger, bolder, and more action-packed than ever.

GroundsFest returns to Stoneleigh Park on 9-10 September 2025, and it’s set to be bigger, bolder, and more action-packed than ever. Registration is open - and it’s completely free.

Now in its third year, GroundsFest has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting and innovative events in the groundscare and landscaping calendar. It’s not just a trade show - it’s a hands-on, high-energy experience that blends live demonstrations, cutting-edge product showcases, CPD-accredited learning, and after-hours entertainment.

See and try the latest machinery in real conditions

One of GroundsFest’s biggest draws is its unrivalled outdoor demonstration areas. Here, visitors can test drive, trial, and compare a wide range of machinery and equipment in the conditions they were built for - from mowing and mulching to digging, lifting, and building.

Indoor halls packed with innovation

Inside, the exhibition halls are home to leading brands unveiling their latest products, technologies, and solutions. From exclusive launches to expert-led advice, it’s the perfect place to find new ideas and connect with industry suppliers.

Live action and entertainment

Back by popular demand, Machinery Nation LIVE brings a thrilling mix of brand battles and high-octane challenges, running three times a day. This year also sees the debut of Lawn Mower Racing – The GroundsFest Cup, in partnership with Kramp UK, where professional racers will battle it out on custom-built machines.

Learn from the experts

GroundsFest’s free CPD-accredited seminar programme covers the industry’s most pressing topics, offering practical takeaways for everyone from apprentices to managers. The dedicated Landscape Zone, in partnership with BALI, is a hub for green innovation, featuring the latest in outdoor design, sustainable solutions, and technology.

A festival vibe like no other

When the show floor closes on day one, the GroundsFest Live Music Festival kicks in. Enjoy street food, live performances from Definitely Mightbe (the world’s best Oasis tribute band), Elevate, and a live DJ - plus free bumper cars.

GroundsFest is more than an event - it’s a celebration of the people, products, and passion that drive this industry forward.

Don’t miss it - register FREE today at www.groundsfest.com

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