Printer Friendly Version

EDITOR'S BLOG

DON'T SKIMP ON CRICKET RENOVATIONS
Now is the time for planning
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

A successful cricket season starts with what you do to the square when the previous one ends, so clubs should be planning their renovations now rather than leaving them until the autumn rush.

NEWS

ARTIFICIAL GRASS CAN RISK A 'PERMANENT LOSS' FOR NATURE
Says director on the Amenity Forum Board

In our WEB ONLY story a warning that the growing use of artificial grass in domestic gardens could result in a “permanent loss” of nature and biodiversity.

INDUSTRY INVITED TO CELEBRATE GREENKEEPERS
Global campaign returns

Annual event designed to recognise the skill, commitment and hard work of the professionals who prepare and manage golf courses around the world.

BIGGA is inviting the golf industry to celebrate the sixth annual International Thank A Greenkeeper Day on Tuesday 8 September.

They say the global campaign recognises the skill, commitment and hard work of the professionals who prepare and manage golf courses around the world.

BIGGA is encouraging golfers, club members, managers, owners, suppliers, governing bodies and anyone who values the game to show their appreciation, whether in person, through their club or on social media using #ThankAGreenkeeper.

The Association says that greenkeeping has developed into a highly skilled and continually evolving profession. Alongside the preparation and care of playing surfaces, greenkeepers lead teams, manage significant budgets and infrastructure, protect wildlife habitats and help golf facilities respond to environmental and climatic pressures.

Technology is also transforming how courses are managed, with greenkeepers increasingly using autonomous machinery, sophisticated data and analytics, precision irrigation and artificial intelligence to support informed and sustainable decision-making.

BIGGA believe that Thank A Greenkeeper Day provides an opportunity to improve understanding of this work and recognise the essential contribution greenkeeping teams make to the enjoyment and long-term success of golf.

Clubs are encouraged to mark the occasion by introducing their greenkeeping team to members, sharing behind-the-scenes content or arranging a breakfast or lunch for staff. Golfers can also offer a personal message of thanks, while industry organisations, suppliers and media outlets can use their platforms to highlight the knowledge and professionalism found within the sector.

BIGGA is supporting the campaign alongside the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA), the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) and the Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Associations (FEGGA).

Together, the organisations represent more than 31,000 golf course management professionals across 78 countries. During the 2025 campaign, messages shared across social media reached almost 20 million followers worldwide.

Support does not need to be limited to one day. Recognition from golfers and clubs can have a lasting impact on morale and help create a culture in which greenkeepers receive the respect and appreciation their expertise deserves.

BIGGA are encouraging everyone to join the conversation throughout September using #ThankAGreenkeeper. International supporters may also use #ThankASuper.

NOMINATIONS & ENTRIES OPEN
For industry awards

Organisers say the awards shine a spotlight on the outstanding work of grounds professionals working across grassroots sport, education, community facilities and elite sporting venues.

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has announced that nominations and entries are now open for the 2027 GMA Industry Awards, which will take place on Thursday 11 March 2027 at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.

Now in its sixteenth year, the association describes their awards as a celebration of excellence in grounds management, recognising the individuals and teams whose expertise help to make sport possible at every level.

Each year, say the GMA, the awards shine a spotlight on the outstanding work of grounds professionals working across grassroots sport, education, community facilities and elite sporting venues, highlighting the vital role they play in creating safe, high-quality playing environments for participants and spectators alike.

New for 2027, the GMA has also launched an Awards Companion, a practical guide designed to help entrants navigate the awards process. The companion brings together everything participants need to know including judging criteria and advice from judges on how to create a standout submission. This year there are 17 award categories spanning the entire sector.

Sarah Hunter, head of events at the Grounds Management Association, said, "The GMA Industry Awards provide a unique opportunity to recognise the people and teams who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure sport can be enjoyed safely and at the highest possible standard. Every year we are inspired by the quality of nominations and entries from across the industry.

"As we open entries for the 2027 awards, we encourage everyone to take the opportunity to celebrate their achievements by nominating or entering."

CRUYFF FOUNDATION GROWS UK NETWORK
To 50 community courts

The Cruyff Foundation is using synthetic turf to create year-round sports facilities for children and young people in communities across the world, with the UK among the countries where its network is expanding.

Established in 1997, the Foundation now operates in 22 countries and has built around 350 Cruyff Courts since 2004. Almost 95% of the courts use synthetic turf, which the Foundation says provides the durability and year-round playability required for facilities that are used extensively by local communities.

The small football pitches are generally developed in partnership with local authorities, professional football clubs and other organisations, with partners responsible for maintaining the facilities and supporting programmes for at least ten years.

The Foundation's approach extends beyond the installation of the playing surface. Each court is supported by at least one trained Cruyff Coach, delivering programmes focused on areas including youth leadership, mental health and gender equality, alongside opportunities for children with disabilities to participate in sport.

Sustainability measures have also been incorporated at some sites. These include solar-powered lighting and water management systems. At a Cruyff Court in Orange Farm, near Johannesburg in South Africa, a ‘Catch-Store-Reuse’ system collects rainwater beneath the pitch before filtering it for use as drinking water.

The UK network has grown from 30 to 50 Cruyff Courts over the past year. The Dennis Bergkamp Cruyff Court in Islington, which opened in 2008, was the Foundation's first UK court and is now used by Arsenal in the Community.

The Foundation says it is concentrating its growth on countries where it already has an established presence, including the UK, Netherlands, Spain, South Africa, Malaysia and China, rather than pursuing rapid expansion into new markets.

Niels Meijer, CEO of the Cruyff Foundation, said synthetic turf enables the organisation to provide a durable surface that communities can use throughout the year, but added that the coaching and structured programmes delivered alongside each court are central to its wider objectives.

WILDWOOD ADDS ANOTHER BRAND
To its portfolio of groundcare machinery

Pro dealership says they have set out their stall to represent and support "the world’s best turfcare products".

Professional machinery dealership Wildwood Machinery has added another manufacturer to its growing portfolio of brands.

L-R: James Bastian, Wildwood Machinery managing director with Nick Thornton Tru-Turf general manager

The company is now the exclusive dealer for Tru-Turf Golf & Sports Turf Rollers in London, Surrey and West Sussex.

Wildwood Machinery managing director, James Bastian, said, “As a groundcare specialist in the south of England, we’ve set out our stall to represent and support the world’s best turfcare products, and to ensure we offer our customers the optimum solution for their specific tasks and challenges. The opportunity to work with Tru-Turf in this region is a perfect fit for that strategy, particularly with the success of their market-leading electric rollers.”

Tru-Turf general manager, Nick Thornton, added, “We are very excited to bring the team at WildWood Machinery on as one of our dealers in the UK."

He continued, "Wildwood is surrounded by a superb golfing region in England, and the region is home to some of the world’s best courses. We know that this new partnership will provide them with great sales and service expertise."

'PINK WARRIOR' CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
Manufacturer supporting Breast Cancer Awareness

UK importer following lead of U.S maker, with a charity prize draw for a special pink edition of mower.

SCAG in the USA have started a Breast Cancer Awareness scheme, involving limited edition machinery specifically produced in the recognisable pink colouring, and with a sum from each machine sold going to Breast Cancer Awareness in that country.

UK importer STM Co in Warwickshire now say because of a personal involvement, they are also going to follow this incentive. Management have chosen to offer a Pink Warrior machine in a prize draw, with tickets being available here.

Phillipa Mason, wife of Dominic Mason, the STM CEO, said, “I am incredibly touched by Dominic’s generosity in this campaign. We went through a very difficult time when I had breast cancer; we owe such a lot to Cancer Research UK and we are pleased to have an opportunity to demonstrate our thanks."

All proceeds from this STM prize draw will be going directly to Cancer Research, specifically breast cancer research.

The tickets are £5.00 and the draw will be held at SALTEX, 11th -12th November, Stand QO60.

SPONSORED CONTENT

500+ BRANDS TO DISCOVER
At GroundsFest 2026

GroundsFest 2026 is set to bring the biggest collection of brands ever seen at a UK trade event for the groundscare and landscaping industry, with more than 500 brands confirmed to appear across the two-day event.

Taking place on 16 and 17 September at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, GroundsFest offers visitors the chance to discover the latest machinery, equipment, products and services from leading names across the industry, all in one place and across more than 40,000sqm of exhibition space.

But GroundsFest is about more than simply looking at products. Visitors can get hands-on with the latest machinery through the extensive outdoor demonstration areas, giving them the opportunity to see equipment working in real conditions and, in many cases, try it for themselves.

Inside the halls, hundreds of exhibitors will be showcasing everything from turf and landscaping products to machinery, tools, technology, irrigation, seed, arboriculture and business services. With more than 500 brands represented, there will be plenty to discover whether you are looking for the latest innovations, comparing products or simply keeping up to date with what is new across the industry.

The event also features a packed programme of free education and CPD opportunities, with expert-led sessions covering some of the key issues currently facing the industry. Visitors can also experience Machinery Nation LIVE, the Landscape Zone supported by BALI and a range of other attractions.

And when the working day is done, GroundsFest has a festival atmosphere to enjoy, with live music on the Wednesday evening.

Best of all, GroundsFest is completely free to attend, with free parking included.

With more brands, more machinery and more opportunities to discover what is next for the industry, GroundsFest 2026 is an event not to be missed.

YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE COULD REACH THE UK TURF PROFESSIONAL SECTOR
Promote to our readership

Take out an Sponsored Product Announcement

Highlight your product or service to the people that matter by taking out a Sponsored Product Announcement in TurfPro.

Contact Nikki Harrison for details - 01491 837117

JOBS

ADVERTISE YOUR JOBS HERE
Amazing success rates!

Advertise your jobs on TurfPro Weekly Briefing

Advertise your recruitment needs on TurfPro Weekly Briefing and reach our targeted audience of recipients every week.

Contact Nikki Harrison for details - 01491 837117