EDITOR'S BLOG
PITCH PERFORMANCE UNDER SCRUTINY
More so than ever before
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR
 
Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

There will always be some criticism after a poor result, especially now we have umpteen TV camera angles to view from - thus enabling so-called experts and commentators to have their say on the result of the match.

 


At this time of the year it is always good to reflect on how the year has been in terms of achievements and any new milestones you have accomplished. Like most years, it comes with many challenges especially when having to work under pressure from outside influences.


A lot of people who watch sport often do not have an inkling of what is involved in preparing a top-level sports pitch. They will just see the end product and then moan when the result doesn’t go their way.

 



There will always be some criticism after a poor result, especially now we have umpteen TV camera angles to view from - thus enabling so-called experts and commentators to have their say on the result of the match.


Quite often the performance of the pitch comes into question. I do find it interesting hearing some of their comments about the pitch when, quite frankly, most probably do not have any understanding of the pitch / playing surface in terms of its construction and preparation.


Even away from the glare of the TV, most sporting venues get short shrift from players and managers when the result does not go their way. And usually it is the groundsman who receives the brunt of their anger and disappointment.

 



This can be common across sports as diverse as bowls, football, rugby, cricket, tennis or golf - with issues being more complex the higher the level of sport being played. Professional groundsmen and greenkeepers may have to deal with a lot of criticism throughout their career.


I personally do not know of any groundsmen who intend to produce a bad pitch. They all want to produce the best surface they can, with the resources they have to hand.


I genuinely feel sorry for both our cricket groundmen and golf greenkeepers who seem to be at the forefront for blame when either the batsman or golfer has a bad day at the office.


Having talked to many high profile groundmen, they themselves do not know, accurately, how the playing surface will perform on the day. This will be due to the many unforeseen influences that can change the surface’s playing characteristics.

 

 

We are talking of many variables that can influence the surface. Let’s take cricket first. Most first class wickets are chosen a year in advance of the match. That eventual wicket will be subjected to a lot of work and variable weather fronts. Factors which need to taken into account include how successful the end of season renovations were; seed germination rates; pre-season rolling programmes; spring renovation work; pitch covering; feeding programmes; and finally how good was the 10-14 day preparation of this wicket? These elements will be doupled with the weather, rolling and any watering it might have to endure before the match.


The availability of the right machinery, time and resources will also dictate the outcome of the playing surface. Working with the weather and timing of feeding, weeding and pest / disease controls will also influence the outcome.


No cricket groundsman, to my knowledge, has a crystal ball. They all have to work with these parameters and hope on the day, based on their dedication, skills, knowledge and experience, that they will produce a wicket that is conductive, safe and consistent for both batsman and bowler - and above all, provide an entertaining spectacle for all watching.

 


Even talking to Vic Demain at Durham CCC, he said that during the England v New Zealand World Cup ODI Match the playability of the pitch appeared to change after 20 overs, yet he himself could not fathom what had changed.


Again, too many variables to ascertain. Was it poor player performance, the condition of the pitch or indeed the condition of the ball?


And yes, they do change the balls during the match, but how long does a ball last? Are they as hard as they used to be? Are they as durable? Do they break down more quickly? It throws another can of worms into the equation.


Far too often the groundsmen become the scapegoat and generally pay the price for controversy in the long term.


As an ex-greenkeeper myself, I am only too aware of the stick greenkeepers get when someone has had a bad game of golf. Golf members also tend to complain too often about the state of the course, especially when they cannot use their trolleys / carts or get stuck in a bunker.

 



Greenkeepers are truly dedicated to keeping their coursees open 365 days a year and are constantly trying to improve the course in every aspect. For example, improving greens, tees and fairways with the resources they have available.


Again, they are governed by the weather and must maintain the course to the best standard they can. However, this can often be dictated by the level of play required by the membership and the club aspirations. That said it is often the quality of the greens that will dictate the success of the club and the often the reputation of the greenkeeper.


Maintaining golf greens is one of the hardest skills to learn and often takes years to perfect. No two golf courses are the same. Every green has its own microclimate and underlaying soil rootzone composition that needs micro-managing.


As with any natural turf surface it can take a while to establish and takes a series of annual maintenance operations to maintain and sustain plant health, while at the same time trying to achieve a sustainable playing surface that accommodates the needs of its members.

 



Green speeds are often described as the poisoned chalice for many greenkeepers. It really is about the club agreeing with its members the most appropriate green speed for their ability and the sustainability of the course. Chasing fast green speeds can often have a detrimental effect on both players and the sustainable condition of the greens. And in the past, it has been the catalyst for many a greenkeeper to be discharged from duty.


The same can be said for other sports such as bowls, tennis, football and rugby - producing a decent playing surface requires skills, knowledge, experience and determination.


Slowly but surely, we are finally, at some levels of sport, seeing the appropriate recognition these dedicated groundmen and greenkeepers deserve - both in terms of pay and respect.


I personally believe we need to get many of our topflight groundsmen into the TV spotlight, giving them the opportunity to sit next to the presenters and commentators and talk passionately about the surfaces they are preparing for the given sport being televised.


I am sure it would make good TV and give us a platform to enthuse the next generation of aspiring groundsmen and greenkeepers to come and work in this fabulous, diverse and engaging industry.

NEWS
NEXT GENERATION OF TURF MANAGERS INTRODUCED
Earned places on FTMI course
 
FTMI graduates in 2019 working hard to complete a task

This week's WEB ONLY story is that BIGGA has revealed the 20 ambitious greenkeepers who will participate in the Future Turf Managers Initiative 2020.

 


AGROVISTA COMPLETES ACQUISITION
Of Maxwell Amenity
 
Agrovista

Agrovista has announced the completion of its acquisition of sports turf, landscaping and horticulture business, Maxwell Amenity - owners of Pitchcare.

 


Agrovista has announced the completion of its acquisition of sports turf, landscaping and horticulture business, Maxwell Amenity - owners of Pitchcare.

 

First announced in October, in an official statement Agrovisita said, "The acquisition brings together two of the most experienced and progressive teams in the sector, further strengthening Agrovista’s position as a key player in professional turf management."

 

A combined senior management team is now working on plans to ensure a smooth integration of the two businesses.

 

Existing customers are encouraged to continue working with their current account manager and service provider as usual, until further information is provided.

SAINTS GO MARCHING IN TO AFC TOTTON
With a new TYM tractor
 
L-R: Reesink’s Mark Winder and Scott Turner, with Southampton FC’s grounds manager Andy Gray

New partnership with Saint's women's team playing their home games at AFC Totton, has seen Southampton FC’s grounds team take on the maintenance of the Testwood Stadium this year.

 


After taking on the maintenance of an additional stadium, Southampton Football Club is continuing its 16-year relationship with TYM Tractors and has invested in a new T503 tractor to help with the extra workload.

 

A new partnership between Southampton Football Club and AFC Totton has seen the Saints’ women’s team play their home games and train at AFC Totton’s Testwood Stadium this year, and as a result Southampton FC’s grounds team has taken on the site’s maintenance.

 

L-R: Reesink’s Mark Winder and Scott Turner, with Southampton FC’s grounds manager Andy Gray

 

Andy Gray, Southampton FC’s grounds manager, explains, “Taking over maintenance of the new stadium, alongside our own St Mary’s Stadium and Staplewood training ground is certainly a challenge, which is why we’ve invested in a new TYM Tractor to help take on the task.”

 

The new T503 joins three other T503 mid-duty tractors which have recently been replaced like-for-like, and added three new T293 compact utility tractors, says Andy: “Over the past three years we’ve been updating our fleet and most recently added a T503 for the Testwood Stadium, which brings our fleet of TYM tractors up to seven.

 

“We updated the fleet with a mix of like-for-like upgrades and new additions because we’ve been using TYM Tractors since 2003 and they’ve never let us down. The T503 is easy to use and as we know from experience, reliable, and the T293 is great because of its compact size – we use it for the smaller daily jobs to reduce the stress on the turf. We’ve definitely seen a big improvement to the grounds because of that.”

 

And it seems the use of TYM at the club has created somewhat of a buzz locally, says Andy. “Word of mouth has already spread about the quality of the pitch at AFC Totton; we’ve had other clubs in the same league asking us how we maintain it to such a high standard! Of course the answer is always: hard work combined with high quality machinery.”

 

“Despite the challenge the extra work provides, the whole team are behind the partnership with AFC Totton,” says Andy. “Partly because Testwood Stadium is also used by local community groups and giving them, as well as the women’s team, the best pitch possible is a great way to give back.”

 

Scott Turner, TYM regional sales manager from Reesink, added, “We are very proud to have a long-term working partnership with Andy and his team, in addition to DJ Scott Garden Machinery who first supplied TYM to the club and, since Reesink took over distribution, have provided them excellent servicing and maintenance. The TYM fleet Southampton FC has invested in has proved to be a great benefit to their multiple sites and we look forward to continuing this relationship and providing support in the future.”

THE DRIFT EMBARKS ON £1M PROJECT
Continues with investment in Toro
 
Toro at The Drift

The Drift Golf Club in Surrey has embarked on a £1 million project to bring in new facilities and continue the improvement in the course seen over recent years.

 


The Drift Golf Club in Surrey has continued its investment in Toro as it embarks on a £1 million project to bring in new facilities and continue the improvement in the course seen over recent years.

 

 

In an enduring relationship with Toro, the club has purchased some equipment to run alongside its Toro lease deal.

 

Course manager Mark Ogden says, “We see the value in both leasing and purchasing Toro. With a lease deal we can spread our budget across the year and upgrading to new machines every five years decreases the maintenance time needed and ensures the best quality cut at all times.

 

“I’ve always been a big fan of Toro as the quality of their machines is clear. We’re so confident with the quality and robustness of the machines we bought some equipment alongside the lease deal, so we’re in a win-win situation.”

 

The new fleet comes at a prime time for The Drift, with the course undergoing extensive improvements and developments, as Mark explains: “We’ve just started work on our driving range, which is a £1 million project to bring in new facilities, and part of a wider plan to improve the course. Having new Toro machinery is a large part of that process. Ensuring we have high quality equipment to keep up with the maintenance of the improved course is vital.”

 

The club's fleet includes a Groundsmaster 4300-D, two Greensmaster TriFlex 3400 mowers, two Reelmaster 5610-D mowers and two Workman MDX-D utility vehicles.

 

“Most of these machines are like-for-like upgrades,” says Mark. “Which is great for us because it means the whole team is familiar with them. We’ve also brought in two new Greensmaster TriFlex 3400 machines for the tees and approaches and we’re already seeing a huge difference in both the aesthetics and quality of the playing surface.”

 

Mark concludes by saying: “The course has really flourished recently with a growing membership to prove it."

 

The owner of The Drift has also recently chosen Toro for its second club, Badgemore Park Golf Club in Oxfordshire.

TIVERTON GC PRAISE 'IDEAL TONIC'
To combat stress and aid root development
 
George Stephens

George Stephens, course manager at Tiverton Golf Club in Devon, claims that Sherriff Amenity has provided him with the "ideal tonic" for his greens.

 


George Stephens, course manager at Tiverton Golf Club in Devon, claims that Sherriff Amenity has provided him with the "ideal tonic" to help the greens combat stress and aid root development.

 

George has been the course manager at Tiverton for four years now and he revealed that the board laid out their expectations from the very start.

 

George Stephens, Tiverton Golf Club course manager

 

“When I first came in for my interview it was clear that they wanted change,” he said. “Improvement was vital and they wanted the club to be the Augusta of the West.”

 

Instead of feeling the pressure, George was determined to set out and make his mark and he began with an overhaul of the existing maintenance programme and products.

 

“I set out to trial a number of different products to try and identify which products would be the best for this site within our budget. I started with fertiliser trials on the fairways and there was one product which really stood out and that was Sherriff Amenity’s Evolution Controlled 18.0.32.

 

“It gave us exactly what we looking for,” he said. “The first time I applied Evolution Controlled was at the end of the summer to try and get the recovery. I put it down at 35g/m² and in the first two weeks it was like wildfire which is what we wanted. We then applied a growth regulator and from then on it was nice and gradual right the way through until the end of December / start of January.

 

“I was surprised because there are not many other products that I’ve seen grow in this period - in fact my third fairway was still growing at Christmas. The other products we trialled Evolution Controlled against just seemed to slow up at the end of October.”


George also turned to Evolution Controlled to solve a frequent problem which was occurring at the bottom of the third hole much to the annoyance of the golfers.

 

“We wanted to create a bit of rough to stop wayward balls bouncing out of control and rolling all the way down to the fence - which was quite an inconvenience for the players. We applied Evolution Controlled, again at 35g/m², to really give it the boost we needed and it really thickened the sward. It’s great because we just wanted to put a product down and not worry about it. This has lasted me a whole year so the longevity is fantastic.”

 

 

As George continued to implement improvements around the golf course, his attentions soon turned to the greens. He persisted in trial work to find an ideal tonic to help the greens combat stress and aid root development and was adamant that seaweed was the solution.

 

“I’m quite particular when it comes to seaweed products and although it may sound strange, I can always identify a good seaweed by the smell of it. There are so many types of seaweed and just a basic sniff can tell you so much.

 

“Sherriff Amenity’s Seavolution liquid really does smell of authentic seaweed. It is cold processed, not heat treated, which means you are getting all of the goodness straight away. I actually saw a video of it being made and the product is basically coming straight off the rock and into the tin.

 

“I apply this every two weeks and I feel it makes a big difference. What sold me on it was that at one point, the greens were slightly stressed and there were patches of disease. I applied Seavolution at 20 l/ha on nine greens and they recovered in just three or four days. I did the nine other greens with a different seaweed product and didn’t see any improvements until at least ten days. That was what really made my mind up."

COMMERCIAL TEAM EXPANDED
By Bombardier Recreational Products
 
Richard Gregg

Experienced off-road and motorcycle specialist Richard Gregg appointed as district commercial manager.

 


Bombardier Recreational Products is expanding its commercial team in the UK with the addition of experienced off-road and motorcycle specialist Richard Gregg as district commercial manager.

 

The company says the appointment is part of their ongoing investment in its UK operation to meet the needs of its dealer network and the on-road and off-road markets.

Described as an experienced sales professional with 20 years’ experience, BRP say Richard will be the main point of contact for dealers in the Can-Am off-road, Can-Am on-road and SEA-DOO networks that are based in the North of England and Scotland. His role will see him implement business strategies that the company intends will drive sales opportunities for dealers. He will also support dealers on a one-to-one basis while providing them with retail/wholesale promotions and commercial activity.

Anita Gobbo, BRP regional commercial manager UK, Italy, Ireland and Spain, said, “The UK market is continuing to grow, so it was natural that the team would expand with it, and we are delighted to welcome Richard as our new district commercial manager. I’m confident that his experience and knowledge will lead to fruitful long-term working relationships with new and existing dealers.”

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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.


 

INTEGRATED PEST CONTROL
Opportunity to embrace new methods

 

ENVILLE ON THE UP
Major investments taking place

 

GREEN FLAG AWARDS 2019
A great success

 

U.S PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT SHOW EXCELS
Buoyant GIE+EXPO

 

LEGACY OF THE SOLHEIM CUP
At Gleneagles

 

A DAY OUT WITH THE LADIES
Behind the scenes at the Solheim Cup

 

COVENTRY UNIVERSITY'S EDIBLE GARDEN SUCCESS
2006 - present

 

HAIL THE GRASS MASTERS!
Boorish media comments about pitch quality are wide of the mark

 

CONTRACTOR SEES MULTI-DISCIPLINE SUCCESS
360 Ground Care serving professional facilities

 

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.

 


TECH ON DISPLAY
At the STIHL Tirol facility

 

PARKS PROPOSALS DISCUSSED
At West Midlands Parks Forum

 

CELEBRATING SUCCESS
At the Service Dealer Awards

 

WINTER GAMES PITCHES
Essential maintenance required

 

STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE
A worrying trend

 

BUZZING SALTEX 2019
Superb IOG show last week

 

A WELL OILED MACHINE
Take proper care of your kit

 

INTEGRATED PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT
Considering available strategies

 

AMENITY FORUM CONFERENCE '19 REPORT
Event held at the Pirelli Stadium

 

WHAT'S NEW ON THE PARKS FRONT?
Plenty of developments in this vital sector

 

STRI RESEARCH DAY 2019
Latest developments on show

 

BUSY TIMES AHEAD
Show and event season

 

RECRUITMENT IS KEY
The challenge of finding new staff

 

EDGBASTON'S BASTION
Gary Barwell gives his insight to groundsmen

 

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MACHINERY
Turf professionals must be careful when buying new equipment

 

A GROUNDSMAN'S LOT
Under-appreciated and under-valued

 

CURRENT STATE OF BOWLS
Clubs facing many challenges

 

GEARING UP FOR THE RUGBY SEASON
Starts in less than 3 weeks

 

PREPARING FOR GOLF COURSE WORK
Renovations on tees and greens

 

PLANNING CRICKET RENOVATIONS
There are some basic aims when renovating a square

 

A FEAST OF SPORT
With turf professionals playing an integral role

 

THE CURRENT STATE OF GOLF
Courses must adapt to survive

 

TEEING OFF WITH JOHN DEERE
Partnership with Wentworth Club launched

 

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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