I spent a most productive week in Harrogate, meeting up and talking with so many industry professionals, manufacturers and end users.
BTME Harrogate 2020 was again a very diverse and entertaining week for me, meeting up with so many industry professionals, manufacturers and end users.
Again, it took me a while to find my way around the new layout of the show, however the green, purple, red and blue carpets certainly helped me identify where I was going. As for attendance the numbers seemed the same as last year with certain parts of the show being busier than others depending on what time of the day it was.
This year’s BTME featured more than 150 exhibiting companies spread across four zones at the Harrogate Convention Centre. Alongside the exhibitors, the Green Room Podcast Live was hosted by Curtis Tyrrell MG CGCS, a Sustainability Zone in association with the Golf Environment Organisation was held and the STRI Group showcased science in action in a live turf laboratory. There was also the return of Golf Course Construction LIVE and the New Products Area.
The BIGGA Welcome Celebration was hosted by Naga Munchetty in the main auditorium, featuring two drinks receptions and celebrating all the finest achievements and milestones from the year. On the second day, the free-to-attend BTME Breakfast Club took a look at “Cock-ups, Disasters and Calamities” out on the course, following the BTME Early Bird 5k Run sponsored by Syngenta helping to raise awareness of mental health.
As always, Continue to Learn kicked off the week, with the education programme suiting the needs of BIGGA members. Taking place from Sunday 19 to Wednesday 22 January, the association’s Learning & Development team put together its largest-ever package of education.
The Continue to Learn programme featured more than 250 hours of education delivered by over 90 speakers. Most companies, I spoke to seemed happy with the amount of business enquiries they received during the three days of the show.
As usual Harrogate’s restaurants, pubs and clubs offered plenty of choice for after-show engagement for the thousands of delegates attending.
We still heard some grumblings from certain stand holders in the Red hall, and in particular the Blue hall, that they weren't quite getting the footfall they would desire. Certainly, the Blue hall where STIHL, Iseki and Ernest Doe Hire were located, felt like the end of the natural route around the complex and therefore it was taking longer for the crowds to filter through.
The Purple hall upstairs conversely, which most visitors would've happened upon first, where Ransomes and Toro amongst others were situated, always felt busy and buzzy. That may have been helped by having a cafe area located in front of it which appeared to keep a good number of people hanging around.
But that said, I think the show organisers were happy that all the halls were seeing their aisles fill up quicker than they had in 2019. We don't know about actual figures yet, but my colleague Steve Gibbs, editor of Service Dealer, attended a BIGGA press conference on the morning of Day 2 of the show and reported, “BIGGA's Jim Croxton said that Tuesday's attendance was very close to what they'd had on the first day last year. He did also mention that stand space sales were about 7% down on the previous year.”
And there were some notable absentees this year, Husqvarna being an obvious one. Jim Croxton mentioned that some companies might be attending the show on a bi-annual basis from now on. It'll be interesting to see next January whether there are any returning names - or indeed if any companies who weren't exactly delighted with their stand positioning are able to exert any influence over the organisers to be moved to a more favoured location.
In terms of what got the show talking this year, the news which broke on Tuesday that Toro are to buy Ventrac was understandably quite a surprise to say the least. It created quite the stir and no little chat amongst the exhibitors and visitors. Rupert Price of Price Turfcare, who has very successfully built up a market for the equipment in the UK over the past 3 years, told TurfPro it's "business as usual" for them. They are actively continuing their policy of building up a dealer network and looking forward to a very prosperous 2020. See story here.
As for product interest, there was array of new products being shown at this year’s BTME.
I managed to catch up John Coleman and Vinny Tarbox on the Club Cadet MTD Stand to see the new range of Infinicut mowers on offer that have phone app control systems to alter the heights of cut.
Vinny Tarbox, sales manager for MTD Specialty Turf Products said that due to rapid growth during 2018/19 they have started a dealer recruitment programme. He said this has always been planned upon reaching a certain annual turnover of equipment. Vinny said some appointments have been made already but they are looking to secure more in certain areas. Dealers would have access to their full range he said.
I also managed to catch up with David Withers and Alan Prickett from Iseki who spoke about their plans for 2020 in terms of growing the business and increasing their dealership outlets and the interest being shown in their flail collect mowers.
I also caught up with both Adam Butler (Baroness) and David Hart (Kubota) who spoke about a new initiative they will be working on together to benefit customers, not an official merger or anything like that, more a gentleman's agreement, UK md David Hart told me that not all of the two company's dealers are aligned, but where the opportunities present themselves, their dealers can offer a package of equipment to golfing facilities - many of whom want both tractors and cutting equipment.
I also caught up with Ian Pogson from Campey TurfCare where we spoke about the recent award being given to their AirG2 product that has become very popular with many being sold both home and abroad.
Also during the course of the show, I manged to interview and catch up with many industry professionals such as Vic Domain (Durham CC), Professor John Moverly (Amenity Forum), Jason Booth (IOG), Peter Craig (Lensbury Club), Steve Nixon (Bernhards), along with many others.
I was also honoured to be able to catch up with Colin Webber, BIGGA’s new president for 2020, having accepted the Board's nomination to become BIGGA vice president last year. Colin I am sure will do an excellent job in promoting the role of the greenkeeper and the importance of sustainable practices.
Having come from a farming background and having built and managed his own golf course, he brings to the table many new ideas and opportunities and no doubt will enjoy his presidency role in the coming year.
To finish off I would lastly like to congratulate the winners of this year’s 2020 Golf Environment Awards that were announced at The Crown Hotel in a ceremony hosted by STRI Group. Read all the details in the story here.
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WIN A TRIP TO LOUISVILLE! Your chance for you and a guest to attend GIE+EXPO in the USA this October
This week's WEB ONLY story is that the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and TurfPro is giving one lucky turf professional plus their guest, the chance to visit GIE+EXPO, the international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment show in Lousiville, USA, in October 2020.
TurfPro editor Laurence Gale was out about around the halls at BTME last week, recording interviews with manufacturers and key industry figures.
Courtesy of TurfPro's YouTube channel, editor Laurence Gale was out about around the halls of BTME last week, recording interviews with manufacturers and key industry figures.
First up Loz spoke with Ian Pogson on the Campey Turf Care Systems stand, about how their Air2G2 machines have really taken off.
Next Iseki UK managing director, David Withers, alongside new recruit Alan Prickett talk about their latest products and how they are continuing to establish their dealer network.
Steven Nixon, European sales manager at Bernhard & Company told Laurence about the latest showcase products from the company, including grinders and lighting rigs.
Laurence also caught up with head groundsman of Durham County Cricket Club, Vic Demain, about the challenges they've faced with the weather during the past 6 months, and his view of the industry in 2020.
Another key industry practitioner Laurence interviewed was Peter Craig, The Lensbury's grounds & gardens manager, who spoke about the challenges of managing turf and soil close to the River Thames.
Finally for today, Loz chats with Amenity Forum independent chairman, John Moverley, about the latest news from the Forum and what they've got in store for this year's conference.
There will be more interviews from BTME to come, but in the meantime please subscribe to the TurfPro YouTube channel to be kept up to date with all our video content.
Michael Davie, the course manager at Hazel Grove Golf Club in Stockport, has tirelessly supported many BIGGA members and other greenkeepers, establishing the “Greenkeepers mental health support group”.
The traditional curtain-raiser of the exhibition is the BIGGA Welcome Celebration, sponsored by Campey Turf Care Systems and hosted by television presenter Naga Munchetty.
At the event, a number of awards were handed out to BIGGA members who have done extraordinary things throughout their careers, including one who provides incredible support to those who encounter difficulties with mental health in their personal and professional lives.
Hazel Grove's Michael Davie alongside Will Carr of Jacobsen
Michael Davie, the course manager at Hazel Grove Golf Club in Stockport, has tirelessly supported many BIGGA members and other greenkeepers. Having overcome periods of depression in his own life, Michael (59) established the “Greenkeepers mental health support group” on Facebook, where turf industry professionals from all over the country can come together to support each other. In addition to this, Michael also hosts a regular meet-up in Manchester, where greenkeepers come together to discuss issues and provide a helping hand.
In recognition of the incredible effort he has put in to supporting his fellow greenkeepers, Michael was awarded with the Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award sponsored by Jacobsen. The award is one of three BIGGA Awards given out to members during the event, in addition to the Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year sponsored by Rigby Taylor and the Greenkeeping Project of the Year sponsored by Baroness and Kubota.
Reacting to the news that he had won a BIGGA Award, Michael Davie said: "I'm exceptionally humbled to receive this, it's totally unexpected and really amazing.
"I'm retiring from greenkeeping in a few months and I hope the extra time that gives me will allow me to develop the mental health side of things, I'm looking into how I can try and help as many people as possible, so this is just the start!"
The winner of the Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year Award was revealed to be Grant Peters and the team at Parkstone Golf Club in Poole following the successful hosting of the Ladies’ European Amateur Championship in July 2019.
Also nominated in the same category were Craig Haldane and the team at Gleneagles for the hosting of The 2019 Solheim Cup and Graham and the team at Ipswich Golf Club for the hosting of the English Ladies’ Open Amateur Championship.
The Greenkeeping Project of the Year Award was won by Darren Anderson MG and the team at Bromborough Golf Club. The team replaced a 46-year-old irrigation system, alongside rebuilding greenside bunkers. Completing the work in house, it is estimated that the greenkeepers saved the club around £150,000.
Also nominated in the same category were Andrew Kerr MG and the team at Surbiton Golf Club and Robert George and the team at Thorndon Park Golf Club.
For the first time, a new set of prizes were introduced at the BIGGA Welcome Celebration. The BIGGA Excellence in Communication Awards sponsored by Campey Turf Care Systems seek to recognise those BIGGA members who have embraced communication as a vital tool available to the modern greenkeeper. Awards for the best use of social media and work in the community will be handed on the second day BTME on the Campey Turf Care stand, but at the BIGGA Welcome Celebration, the winner of the Innovation and Thought Leadership Award was unveiled.
The award is given to the BIGGA member who had written the most thought-provoking article for BIGGA’s monthly magazine, Greenkeeper International, with Ryun Holden of Golf Club Wylihof in Switzerland claiming the inaugural prize for his feature discussing the importance of conveying a positive message from the greenkeeping team to golfers at their club.
Ryun received a £750 cash prize and all-expenses paid trip to Florida, where he will visit the Campey Air2g2 factory, Daytona International Speedway, TPC Sawgrass and TIAA Bank Field, the home of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.
BIGGA Chief Executive Jim Croxton said: “I take immense pride in the BIGGA Welcome Celebration as it is the opportunity for our association to recognise the unbelievable hard work and dedication that BIGGA members all over the world demonstrate every day of their working lives.
“As we saw once again through Michael’s story, it can become all too easy to get caught up in all the negativity that surrounds the golf industry. Yet the BIGGA Welcome Celebration is an opportunity to show that there are many passionate and hardworking greenkeepers who have dedicated their careers to ensuring this great industry has a strong and vibrant future. BIGGA is nothing if not a community where members can come together to support each other through the bad times and the good. Thank you to all our sponsors and to everyone who came along to support this brilliant event.”
It was announced last week that The Toro Company has entered into an agreement to acquire the manufacturer of the Ventrac branded products - distributed in the UK by Price Turfcare.
It was announced on Tuesday last week that The Toro Company has entered into an agreement to acquire the privately-held Venture Products, Inc., the manufacturer of Ventrac branded products.
In an official statement released by Toro they said the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, and is currently anticipated to close before the end of The Toro Company’s fiscal 2020 second quarter.
In the UK the Ventrac machines are distributed by Price Turfcare. The company was exhibiting at the BTME exhibition in Harrogate last week when the news broke. Owner of Price Turfcare, Rupert Price told TurfPro that it is "business as usual" - with the company continuing with their successful policy of building a UK dealer network for the machines.
Based in Orrville, Ohio, Ventrac produces articulating turf, landscape, and snow and ice management equipment for the grounds, landscape contractor, golf, municipal and rural acreage markets.
Richard M. Olson, The Toro Company’s chairman and chief executive officer, said, "This acquisition supports our growth strategy in the professional market with the addition of a strong brand and expanded product offering to customers in the turf, landscape, and snow and ice maintenance categories. We have long respected and admired the Ventrac team, and we look forward to helping them grow on the successful foundation they have built in Orrville, Ohio."
Dallas Steiner, chief executive officer of Venture Products, Inc said, "We are excited to become a part of The Toro Company and its family of leading brands. The Toro Company is committed to a culture that aligns with our employee values, has a rich history of success in the marketplace, and a proven track record of growing their brands. By joining with The Toro Company, it allows us to continue to serve our customers with authentic experiences and trusted products.”
The official statement said Toro will purchase Venture Products for $167.5 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments. The Toro Company say they expect to finance the transaction by borrowing under its existing revolving credit facility.
This year's awards were announced at The Crown Hotel, Harrogate, in a ceremony hosted by STRI Group - with Warrington Golf Club the big winner.
The winners of this year’s 2020 Golf Environment Awards were announced last week at The Crown Hotel, Harrogate, in a ceremony hosted by STRI Group.
STRI head of ecology, Bob Taylor, said, “The Golf Environment Awards were set up 25 years ago to showcase golf’s positive environmental footprint amongst a backdrop of social negativity. It has been great to see the way in which such small beginnings have now swelled to what is a major movement, delivering and working towards ecological and environmental best practice throughout the length and breadth of the UK.
“I’m delighted to see there was so much enthusiasm and passion for ecology and the environment in golf at the 2020 GEAs. Every year the awards get bigger and better in providing aspirations and goals to both individuals and golf clubs delivering sustainable working.
Environmental Golf Course of the Year 2020 – Warrington Golf Club
If you are looking for a golf course that has consistently shown innovative and direct solutions to reducing damaging environmental practices, then Warrington is the cream of the crop. From developing a team of experts Warrington has shown that a course can be sustainable in relation to inputs, environmental impacts and water usage, whilst also being ecologically diverse.
Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year 2020 – Neil Sherman, Ipswich Golf Club, Purdis Heath
Neil Sherman has been a fundamental part of Ipswich Golf Club, Purdis Heath and that can be seen through its ecologically diverse and fantastically beautiful rough areas. Neil has performed positive and interesting work in renewing the heathland characteristics of the course and it is rare to meet a greenkeeper with quite as much ecological knowledge as him.
Outstanding Environmental Project of the Year 2020 – Dundonald Links
Amanda Dorans and the team at Dundonald Links have done something truly rare, they have created a partnership between not just multiple golf courses but multiple industries to create protected sites across Scotland. Not only that, that they have achieved amazing results in boosting numbers of the small blue butterfly.
Operation Pollinator 2020 – Banchory Golf Club
Banchory Golf Club has gone from strength to strength during 2019 vastly increasing the areas dedicated to wildflowers. Naturally seeded areas and also areas sown with species that are appropriate to the local region are both present. STRI ecologists saw a diverse range of invertebrate species that can only be explained by a course that has been managed appropriately.
Home Unions National Award 2020 – Market Harborough Golf Club
Market Harborough GC are the inaugural winners of the Home Unions National Award. The club management and greenkeeping staff have driven environmental and ecological conservation as a combined force. This has manifested itself through the sustainability group which have created policies, action plans and projects that have importantly started to create direct improvements on the course.
George Alexander, director of grounds at Tonbridge School is to retire following his 47 years in the grounds and gardens industry.
George Alexander, director of grounds at Tonbridge School is to retire following his 47 years in the grounds and gardens industry.
George joined Tonbridge School in August 1992, having previously worked at the Barclays Bank sports ground in Norbury, near Croydon. He has been in the industry since he was 17 years old, when he joined Croydon Council as an apprentice gardener.
In those days it was a two-year course and when George started, Bill Mason, the deputy head of the Parks Department, took him under his wing due to George’s massive interest in sport and drew-up a personal apprenticeship based on the council sports facilities.
George went on to work at the Croydon Sports Arena, a cinder track with a grass football pitch in the middle used by the Croydon Amateurs Football Club, bowling greens, and the Ashburton sports fields - as well as some nursery and planting work. Bill also advised George to get into golf, believing it to be “where the money is”. As it turns out this is probably the only piece of Bill’s advice George didn’t take!
George preferred to follow his love of cricket and says he is forever indebted to the Old Whitgiftian’s who gave him the chance of running their ground (Surrey Championship Cricket) at the tender age of 20. It was here he met a great friend in Nick Cooper, a landscape gardener. Many years later, in the early ‘90s, they established their own company, Tyson’s Wickets, specialising in rebuilding cricket squares.
George said, "I have met many great groundsmen in my time and have made many friends. Securing the job at Tonbridge was a godsend. Public schools quite simply want the best aesthetic and playable grounds, and this was right up my street."
One of the greatest honours George achieved was being made chairman of the inaugural Surrey Cricket Groundsman’s Association. "They put on some innovative and informative conferences at the Oval each year," said George.
Now he says it’s time to retire to Cornwall and be near the grandchildren and intends to enjoy every minute as he has his 47 years in the grounds and gardens industry!
The Island GC outside Dublin, generally regarded as one of Ireland’s finest courses, has rebuilt a large proportion of its revetted bunkers using a new solution from synthetic bunker solutions provider EcoBunker.
The Island GC outside Dublin, generally regarded as one of Ireland’s finest courses, has rebuilt a large proportion of its revetted bunkers using a new solution from synthetic bunker solutions provider EcoBunker.
The course, which is currently undergoing a renovation at the hands of architects Mackenzie and Ebert, has adopted a new approached created by EcoBunker inventor and CEO Richard Allen, that sees the bottom six turf layers of the revetted wall built from synthetic turf, while the rest is natural.
“Revetted bunkers decay from the bottom up, which is only to be expected because it is the bottom of the wall that is most exposed to water,” says Allen. “When the bottom of the wall fails, wind and rain get in behind the revet and remove sand, eventually causing the wall to collapse. With synthetic turf at the base, this will not happen, and the longevity of the wall will be significantly enhanced.”
“Setting the base of a revetted bunker is the part of the build that takes the most time,” says course manager Dave Edmondson. “With the EcoBunker base in place, all we will have to do when it comes to rebuilding the wall is to remove the natural revet with a spade and replace the turf. Six layers of artificial turf is a totally solid base on which to build the rest of the wall. It’s not going to move. Our revetted bunkers normally last between three and five years – south facing ones degrade faster than others – so the improvement using this EcoBunker method could be quite substantial.”
Edmondson says it is hard to see a downside of this new method. “We have to buy in my revetting turf, so putting in a synthetic base will actually make rebuilding cheaper in the future,” he explains. “And there is absolutely zero aesthetic impact. When the sand is ready for play, the synthetic turf is all below the sand line. Everything you can see is natural; it looks just like a normal revetted bunker.”
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