Having covered most of the other sports in recent blogs, this week I would like to turn my attention to the work being carried out on golf courses at this time of the year. Once the summer is over, greenkeepers will be turning their attention to what lies ahead in terms of winter projects.

Depending on the extent of work required, any major reconstruction work projects will have already been planned or are already ongoing to fit in with the weather and timing of operations. I am talking generally about the regular ongoing winter works such as green and tee renovations, tree works and winter ditch, pond and bunker works that usually start after September when all the clubs’ main tournaments have concluded.

September is a time when greenkeepers will be looking to use some preventative fungicide treatments to ensure disease is kept under control - using systemic fungicides whilst temperatures remain high and contact fungicides when the temperatures become cooler towards the end of the month.

With the main growing season coming to a close, many course managers/greenkeepers will be undertaking end of season renovations on tees and greens. This usually sees a programme of works that encompasses scarification, aeration, topdressing, overseeding and fertilising.

Restoring levels and overseeding tees and greens will be beneficial whilst soil and air temperatures remain favourable during the month. Regular maintenance regimes will be ongoing, ensuring the course is kept playable during these important renovations.

In addition to end of season renovations, course managers/head greenkeepers should now, if they have not already done so, plan their winter works programme - clearing out ponds and ditches, bunker replacement /repairs, path repairs and, of course, any new construction works.

The weather will be an important element when carrying out end of season renovations; planning and timing of operations are critical. You do not want to be topdressing when inclement weather is about (during rain showers) because, once the topdressing gets wet, it becomes very difficult to spread and brush in. You must work with the weather. Putting on too much dressing in one go will smother the turf. Keep jobs in proportion and keep an eye on weather forecasts.

If you do decide to use external contractors to carry out your renovations, ensure you have checked their credentials and obtained references that they have the relevant skills, experience and machinery to do the job.

The earlier you can get on with your renovations the better (mid-September through to mid-October are usually optimal times for renovations). It is important to make good use of the warm soil and air temperatures that will aid seed germination.

Choice of machinery is vital for successful renovations; ensure that scarifiers and aerators are fit for purpose and that the blades and tines are sharp, clean and of correct length. Also, check that they are safe to use and have the appropriate guards fitted.

There are many different makes and models of machines available, all of which offer different techniques or modes of action. Some scarifiers are more aggressive than others.
It is important to ensure you use compatible topdressing materials. Changing materials can often have disastrous results. Layering of different materials can cause root breaks and interfere with the hydraulic movement of water through the soil profile.

Seed should be used from approved suppliers and be certified. The use of old seed (more than twelve months old) may decrease its germination rates.

I myself was a greenkeeper at two golf courses and particularly enjoyed the winter months, getting stuck into our winter projects. In my day these were re-turfing tees, remodelling bunkers, ditch and pond clearance and tree planting.

These jobs gave one plenty of satisfaction and the work achieved was beneficial for the progress of the course.

Planting trees, I generally always enjoyed. The fact is, you are planting a living plant that will be part of the course for years to come and bring with it many beneficial values.

Trees are vital. As the biggest plants on the planet, they give us oxygen, store carbon, stabilise the soil and give life to the world’s wildlife. They also provide us with the materials for tools and shelter.

Not only are trees essential for life, but as the longest living species on earth, they give us a link between the past, present and future. It’s critical that woodlands, rainforests and trees in urban settings, such as parks and golf courses are preserved and sustainably managed across the world.

You can learn more about trees here.

Finally, one of the most important jobs during the wither period is the winter machinery servicing, therefore it time to arrange for this work to be done. Whether you do some of the work yourselves or contract it out to your machinery supplier.

It is important to have your machinery serviced, thus ensuring it is ready for the onslaught of a new season.

As part of their Grounds4Sport campaign to give natural turf a re-boot, Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) say they need to first increase awareness of themselves and their work.

To do this, they have embarked on a communications programme which is designed to educate the public and media about the important role of ground staff in enabling greater participation of sport at all levels.

Geoff Webb, CEO, of the IOG says that getting turf professionals involved as much as possible in this communications programme is vital to its success.

Geoff said, "We want to give everyone the opportunity to share their views on the profession and IOG so we’ve set up a short online survey, which should take a few minutes to complete.

"Please spare a few minutes to fill it; the deadline is Monday the 26 August. As an incentive, you’ll be entered into a draw to win £100 Amazon voucher.

"We’ll report back on the findings from the survey and the wider work we are doing around Communications at a workshop at SALTEX as part of our ‘Learning Live’ seminar programme at the NEC October 30-31."

Take the survey here.

At the first in a series of launch events, groundsmen and greenkeepers were invited to Tottenham Hotspur FC’s training facility to see the new Infinicut SM34 rotary mower last week.

The company say the SM34 follows the same design philosophy as the rest of the Infinicut range, with an emphasis on a modern, clean power source. It takes its mode of traction from the manufacturer's reel mower, paired with a deck designed on the back of MTD’s years of rotary experience.

By utilising expensive stamp tooling, the company say users can be confident that airflow is optimal when compared to other fabricated decks. The culmination, they boast, is a machine that ensures ‘fit-for-purpose’ application, but also necessary safety compliance that comes with rotary decks.

Designed for professional users, the SM34 can be used to mow grass in the traditional sense or used as a stand-alone vacuum. In cut mode, the new rotary offers a striping effect usually only achieved with a professional reel mower. The 34” cutting width combines better productivity and lightweight design, which negates the issues of tire rutting and wear of a larger ride on mower. The blades are made from premium-grade, high carbon steel and come pre-balanced to exhibit less vibration.

As with the rest of the Infinicut fleet, the machine offers the operator a number of parameters which can be tailored to their particular requirements. With the extreme accuracy of HOC that users often work to in mind, the SM34 has paralleling and deck pitch adjustment features as standard. It can be specified with either an engine generator or lithium battery as a power source. In battery mode the SM34 is quieter in operation, environmentally friendly and can provide significant fuel cost saving when compared to other rotary mowers.

Commenting on its launch John Coleman, Head of MTD Specialty Products UK, added, “The Infinicut Rotary was a natural product progression from our well recognised Inifinicut cylinder mower range. The design of this machine is a combination of our own concepts and ideas but at the same time we’ve listened carefully to our customers feedback. The culmination is a machine that takes a known concept and places it firmly in the modern era by introducing wireless parameter adjustment via our proprietary InfiniApp.”

Grastec ehf has been appointed as the new Campey Turf Care Systems distributor for Iceland.

The Icelandic company has strong relationships throughout the country and will be offering the full range of Campey products, including Imants, Vredo, Air2G2, Dakota and the Campey own brand lines.

Sport plays a significant part in Icelandic culture, and despite the obvious cold weather, as of 2018, the country had 148 outdoor natural grass football pitches and 184 outdoor artificial pitches of varying sizes. There are also more than 60 golf courses on the island with a short season from May to September, but due to 24-hour daylight, some courses are open for midnight golf, placing higher demands on the turf.

Campey product specialist, Richard Heywood, has represented the company in Iceland and has seen the demands placed on the country’s turf professionals and is looking forward to working with Grastec ehf managing director, Brynjar Sæmundsson, to offer maintenance solutions.

He said, “It is with great pleasure that we announce Grastec as our new distributor for Iceland. We are looking forward to developing a very strong and lasting relationship with Brynjar at Grastec with his unique and strong customer relationships built up over the years within the highly dynamic and robust Icelandic market.

“We know that both companies have a similar outlook within the professional turf care market, and we see this as a very positive direction for all parties. This is the start of a very exciting new working combination, and we look forward to meeting customers both old and new over the next few years in Iceland, helping them find maintenance solutions for their turf.”

Founded in 1894, Hinckley Golf Club is one of Leicestershire’s finest parkland courses and is now looking to build on its reputation as one of the 'must play' courses in the Midlands, after investing in a new John Deere course maintenance equipment fleet supplied by local dealer Farol Ltd.

Hinckley Golf Club course manager Adam Castle and general manager John Prior

General manager John Prior and course manager Adam Castle opted for a new approach to financing the package deal, which brought their first ever John Deere machines to the club. These include mowers for the tees, fairways, approaches and greens, an aerator and a compact tractor plus ancillary equipment. The deal was also the first by Farol’s newest golf & turf area sales manager Jacob Shellis, who worked as a greenkeeper at The Belfry before joining the dealership.

“A big selling point for us was that the John Deere Financial offer was very flexible, so we were able to structure the deal around what suited us best financially,” says John Prior. “We chose a mix of operating lease and hire purchase to deliver best value for the club, with machines that will still be in good condition at the end of the deal bought on HP, and going down the lease route for the kit that will run up longer hours.

“After an initial meeting to discuss the options, Adam and I were really impressed with the whole set-up at John Deere as well as the Farol dealership process. The fact that John Deere has its own bank for example proves it is a very robust business, and everyone involved worked really hard to put the deal together.

“Once we saw the overall levels of dealer service and back-up, the speed of parts delivery and efficiency of repairs and maintenance, it gave both Adam and I, and ultimately the club’s board, the confidence that this was the right approach. Then after having the machines on demonstration for a couple of months, we quickly saw improvements in the course condition and aesthetics and decided there was no reason to look elsewhere.

“We wanted to establish a foundation for the next deal and the one after that, giving us more consistency and productivity - if it’s successful, it provides the club with a blueprint going forward. Seeing the results was justification of the expenditure to the board, and I have no doubt this process has helped us to attract new members and retain existing ones.

“It’s not just about the machinery either, it’s the whole package of product support, training and the relationship that’s been established between the club and our new partners that’s making a big difference.”

The three new John Deere A Model mowers at work on the 10th fairway

Course manager Adam Castle put the package together with Jacob Shellis’ assistance and presented the deal together with John Prior to the club board for their approval. “The overall message was that we were looking for greater efficiency and cost savings, particularly by reducing the expensive downtime that we had been experiencing with our previous fleet.

“Since the new machines arrived we’ve become more efficient and productive, we’re getting jobs done more quickly and cost-effectively and we’re using less fuel - that’s all we could ask for. 

“You always get niggles with new machines, but the speed with which any service issues have been dealt with has been notable right from the start. We did have a problem with a greens mower early on, but the dealer sorted it out within four hours - this is one of the main reasons we chose Farol and John Deere. The greenkeeping team is enjoying using the new machines and you can clearly see the results of this out on the course, which is looking better than ever.”

Geoff Smith, course manager at Abridge Golf & Country Club in Romford, an Open qualifying venue, has praised the POGO Pro soil and turf management meter, saying, "it provides an unprecedented level of information into my greens’ moisture and salinity levels, as well as canopy temperature, for example, to enable me to make more informed and much better decisions about irrigation”.

Geoff Smith

Geoff’s investment in POGO Pro was spurred by the installation of a new irrigation system and reservoir, costing in excess of £500,000, of which the most recent stage was completed earlier this year at the long-established (since 1962) 18-hole Championship course that occupies 240 acres in Essex. “I could immediately see the benefits of POGO Pro and I knew it would give me an accurate insight into the current state of the surfaces, as well as enable me to build a true history of exactly what’s going on beneath in the top layer.”

In addition to measuring the most influential variables governing turf performance - moisture, salinity, canopy temperature , nutrition and turf stress/disease, for example - the unit also connects remotely to any Apple or android device and its integrated GPS features include precise location, geospatial condition analysis, cup placements, sprinkler positioning and patterns, area measurement and custom mapping.

Geoff continues, “We have push-up greens on solid clay and watering was very random before the new fully computerised irrigation system with pop-up sprinklers to all greens, tees, approaches, surrounds and 12/14 fairways. We often simply turned on the water for a few minutes at a time and almost guessed that what we doing was enough, not using a moisture meter. Looking back on last year’s very hot spell, I probably over-watered (and I’m guessing I was not the only one!) but now, with POGO Pro, I’m making much more informed decisions on greens where I maintain moisture levels of 26/30%, and on other areas I have also started recording moisture levels and adjusting irrigation accordingly. Today, that sometimes means certain greens need only hand watering, and that will undoubtedly save us money and means far better and more responsible water usage.”

The use of POGO Pro occupies one of Geoff’s eight-man team for two-three hours at a time, he says, “but we will be including the fairways and approaches as we go forwards”.

That investment in time will, however, be well worth it, he says. "Once the information taken by the POGO Pro is updated to my computer, I can create maps of dry and wet areas. I can create visuals in either map form or graphs showing the history of each green (or all greens) and see definite patterns which means that between my deputy and myself we will be making make much more informed decisions on watering and feeding programmes.”

Supplied by the Ilminster based Loxston Groundcare dealership, national landscaping and groundscare services provider idverde has taken delivery of a second Reform Metrac.

Their recent acquisition is a H7RX, to be used primarily for highway maintenance work.

Simon Richard, the UK agent for the Reform specialist bank tractor range says, “The H7RX is the spearhead of the companies mid-range. It offers the professional and local authority user a compact power unit tailor-made for a wide range of municipal tasks, including safe operation on steep slopes up to 45 degree angles to directly address operator health and safety issues.”

Contractors J H Tree Services have said that a GreenMech Arborist 130 woodchipper is proving to be a real workhorse for themselves.

Conducting works for a variety of domestic and commercial customers, owner Jason Hill has praised his used of a Arb 130 to handle both large and small projects.

After three years in the industry using various brands of woodchipper, Jason went on to establish J H Tree Services in 2014. “I’d used lots of different makes but knew that when I started up on my own, I was yet to find something that ticked all of the boxes," he said. "After a few calls, my local dealer Bartram Mowers mentioned they had an ex-demonstration Arb 130 from GreenMech, so I went to have a look.”

Immediately impressed with the build quality, and its extensive list of features, Jason then spoke to GreenMech’s Julian Cullis who put his mind to rest on any performance doubts.

“At sub 750kg and with a 23hp petrol engine I was unsure if it would be powerful enough to cope - how wrong was I?! Since we purchased our Arb 130 two years ago, it has not failed me once. A few months back, for example, we thought we were going to need to hire an 8” machine to process large quantities of brash and waste but we took the Arb 130 along to give it a try and it handled everything without a problem - that blew our minds!”

“It’s beautifully user friendly, and quiet too, meaning that we can use it in domestic areas without causing too much disruption. The round disc-blades on the GreenMech machines are another revelation - offering so much extra life compared to conventional straight blades. Turning these frequently helps to reduce stress on the machine and keeps chipping performance sharp and true. The maintenance in general was something that impressed me from the off.”

So impressed with his chipper, Jason has even had his truck painted in ‘GreenMech green’ to match. He concludes, “Our Arb 130 has, and continues to be, a brilliant little machine. Put it this way, two years in and I’m yet to find anything I don’t like!”

Zetor Tractors plan to release a 2020 calendar - however unlike in the past, the photographs will focus on everyday tractor use, combining the daily routine of the machines in artistic settings. And for the first time this year, tractor fans and users will be involved in the preparation of the calendar.

For the 2020 release, the company say they are planning several changes. The first is showing the use of their tractors in ordinary activities and in normal environments.

The second new feature is asking for input from fans and customers, who will contribute some of the photos for the calendar. The cover page will be composed of photos sent in by users themselves.

Jakub Hurta, marketing manager of Zetor Tractors said, "Traditionally, customers have been accustomed to two types of calendars: product calendars and limited edition calendars. Although they have been very successful, we have decided on a change this year.

"The 2020 calendar will primarily be dedicated to our customers and fans, who we will ask to join the project. We hope that they will be happy to see their favourite tractors in a variety of situations and, at the same time, we are looking forward to the interesting stories that will come with the photos."

To participate in the project, photos can be submitted via a web form before 11.8.2019. Selected photos will be used on the cover page of the calendar. Zetor will then offer one of the participants the opportunity to have photographs taken for the calendar.

“The photos sent in should show Zetor tractors in any of the situations our customers use them in,” said Jakub Hurta.

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?

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