What a great start to 2019!

I had a superb three days last week, hiking around the new BTME show – however I must admit the layout was a bit of challenge at first. As one exhibitor stated, it seemed like a five dimensional Ikea. It did take me two days to find my way around!

However, most of the exhibitors I spoke to seemed fairly happy with the new format. As always there are the odd one or two who found themselves in perhaps not the best of spots - particularly those situated on the dead ends of the Red and Blue Zones.

It was also difficult to gauge the numbers of people attending due to the spread of the show. However, official figures released after the show stated on the opening day of the event, BIGGA had welcomed 3,400 people into the Harrogate Convention Centre, including exhibitors. This was followed by 3,967 visitors on Wednesday, including 1,609 new visitors, and a further 1,159, including 345 new visitors, on Thursday.

So, this year, it seems we have had around 7,500 visitors at the show. Not a bad turnout, however I personally believe we should be attracting more considering the size and scale of our industry. We need to be attracting new blood into our industry. I think we should perhaps invite schools and colleges to attend on the final day. This initiative could help promote our industry and the potential career opportunities we have on offer.

Walking around the halls last week I certainly felt that Price Turfcare, the UK and Ireland distributor of the Ventrac multi-implement compact tractor and Ryan turf maintenance equipment, had selected a prime position.

Rupert Price and Peter Driver of Price Turfcare

The company’s managing director, Rupert Price was particularly upbeat. “We deliberately chose a location in one of the walkways that linked the Purple and Green zones and it worked exceptionally well for us,” he said. “Many people asked if we were late booking our space, as it was a slightly unusual position, but this was a deliberate decision that paid off brilliantly.

“This is the third time that we have attended the show and there’s definitely a different vibe from the first two occasions. Nobody really knew of us back then, but now they come onto the stand and say that they’ve seen us on social media or in the press and they want to see the equipment in the flesh, so to speak.

“Needless to say, with the amount of footfall across the stand, we’ve had some great enquiries and there’s a lot of work to do over the coming months, when we’ll be following up the leads and booking demonstrations.”

Jim Croxton, CEO of BIGGA, whilst expressing delight at the exhibitor numbers and initial estimates of visitors, did acknowledge everything wasn't quite perfect when he spoke to the press on the morning of the second day.

Discussing the figures first Jim said, "It seems to have gone very well in terms of pre-registration numbers and feet on the ground. It also went very well for us in terms of exhibition stand numbers. We’re really pleased that we filled all the space and a bit more than we anticipated.

"I’m pleased the way many of the exhibitors have embraced the opportunity to do different things on their stands. Those exhibitors who chose to return this year have on average taken 14% more space.

Moving on to address the navigation issues, Jim said, "Everyone I see at the show says they’re lost and confused – and that’s kind of what we wanted. That was actually part of the plan because people used to visit BTME and just do it on auto-pilot. They’d walk past stands just to see the one they wanted to go to. We wanted to make sure that visitors walked around and engaged with everybody.

"I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved and how it’s worked this week - but I don’t think that it’s perfect though. I think there’s a couple of areas which haven’t worked quite as we’d have liked in terms of footfall. Going forward we’ll be working on ways to drive people into those spaces."

Jim admitted there had been "some challenges" at the far end of the Red Zone and talked of how it isn’t just about people walking through doors that counts, it’s how they engage with stands. He said their priority over the next few weeks, when they speak with their exhibitors, will be to discover what worked and what didn’t.

For me personally, the show offered the opportunity to catch up and speak to both end users, manufacturers and suppliers. As usual the large supply product companies such as ICL, Rigby Taylor, Headland Amenity, Bayer, Syngenta, Sherriff Amenity had plenty to talk about.

I met up with Colin Mumford from Bayer who was keen to show me around their stand and talk about improved techniques in managing disease pressures using a combination of IPM strategies.

Colin Mumford

While visiting the Sherriff Amenity stand, I had the chance to meet up with Karl Parry, who this year was promoting his latest invention Precision Pro, a dedicated app and mounting kit for sports professionals using granular fertiliser spreaders. This device helps you measure your turf area, calibrate your granular products and ensure you spread the fertiliser accurately.

Karl Parry

This year saw several new exhibitors. Maxwell Amenity were attending the show for the first time with Dan Hughes delighted at the response they received over the three days. It was nice to catch up with some old work colleagues and see how the company was progressing.

Maxwell Amenity team

John Deere were promoting a couple of new products. New precision cut 2750/E cut hybrid triplex mowers, along with a new GPS Precision Sprayer. They were also once again launching their annual overseas TPC Sawgrass Volunteer Programme that sees seven British greenkeepers receive a trip of a lifetime thanks to a partnership with BIGGA and GCSAI.

The seven lucky greenkeepers will be working with over 90 other volunteers at this year’s PGA event at Sawgrass in March. Good luck to them. I’m sure they will have a great time and come back with some great stories to tell.

Whilst on the subject of golf tours, I also caught up with another nine guys who have won the chance to go to the states on a trip of a lifetime with a Bernhards / BIGGA sponsored trip which is now in its seventeenth year. Stephen Bernhard was on hand to say a few words of wisdom and congratulate them on this life changing experience.

As for other new equipment, I noticed Richard Campey had two new innovations to promote one being a rear mounted scarifying machine he sourced from Italy and a new brush sweeping attachment for tractors, thus complimenting a fine range of equipment he now has on offer to improve turf quality.

As always it is in the evening when Harrogate comes alive, with all the banter and comradeship amongst industry professionals to the fore. It is without doubt the combination of the day’s activities and the evening banter that makes this show special.

Jim Croxton summed up 2019's exhibition saying, “And just like that, BTME is over for another year. It’s been a vibrant, busy three days and I’m delighted to say that on the whole the changes we implemented for 2019 have paid off.

“There are some further opportunities for development, but I had so many conversations with visitors and exhibitors over the past three days about how bright and engaging the exhibition has been. We’re really pleased with the feedback we’ve received and you can rest assured that planning is already well underway for BTME 2020.”

BIGGA presented three prizes during the BTME Welcome Celebration last Tuesday for Outstanding Contribution, Championship Greenkeeping Performance and Greenkeeping Project of the year.

Outstanding Contribution of the Year sponsored by Jacobsen

A greenkeeper at Chipstead Golf Club in Surrey received a standing ovation at the BIGGA Awards in recognition of his selfless efforts in helping the homeless.

Jack Percival with Textron's Andre Andrade and BIGGA Chairman Scott Reeves

Chipstead deputy course manager Jack Percival, 24 won Outstanding Contribution of the Year after he hosted an event in Croydon on 23 December that provided food and warmth for the homeless during Christmas.

The 24-year-old, who was himself homeless for six months when he was 17, put out an appeal on social media for donations, with a huge number from within the golf industry and the wider world responding.

The work was a huge success, but is just one example of Jack’s incredible efforts to support the homeless and those less fortunate. Each Christmas he had previously made up sandwiches and soup and traveled via bus to Croydon to give out food to the homeless.

He also volunteers weekly with Croydon Nightwatch, which is where a member of staff encouraged him to seek support for the aid he provides at Christmas. Since then, Jack received vanloads of sleeping bags, hygiene essentials and warm clothes, in addition to donations of food, raising national awareness of his campaign.

Jack said, “This is unbelievable, I didn’t think I could cry in front of hundreds of people, it was just brilliant.

"I didn’t do this for an award, I was homeless myself when I was 17 and I did six months on the street. I turned my life around, met my partner, and this is just the start for me. We did a big feed at Christmas and there was one guy who cried because he got a haircut. I saw a guy dance because he got new shoes and you can’t put a price on that.”

BIGGA Chief Executive Officer Jim Croxton said, “When I heard Jack’s story I was absolutely blown away. Having heard what he went through during those six months when he lived on the street and then seeing how he has worked tirelessly in the years since to not only turn his life around but also provide opportunities for others less fortunate, is quite inspirational.

“I’m delighted that we have been able to recognise Jack’s achievements in this small way. He is an incredible young man and I’m proud to call him a member of the association.

“Congratulations also to Amanda Dorans and Carl Flavell, whose incredible stories made them extremely worthy finalists for this award.”

Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year sponsored by Rigby Taylor

The greenkeeping team at Harleyford Golf Club in Buckinghamshire were recognised for its incredible performance in preparing the course for The Matchroom Sport Championship.

Harleyford greenkeeping team with Stephen Alderton, marketing manager at Top Green and Chris Clarke, executive chairman of Rigby Taylor

The award came just five years after the club was declared bankrupt. Course manager Craig Earnshaw and members of the Harleyford team accepted the award.

Harleyford has a team of six greenkeepers whose office is 1.5 miles from the golf course – meaning a 15-minute drive from the maintenance facility to the first tee.

The team was not only been commended for its incredible work in preparing the course to a standard worthy of hosting a professional tournament, but the staging of the event didn’t go without incident.

When stormy conditions and heavy rain on the eve of the tournament completely washed out the club’s bunkers, the team worked through the night to replace the sand, with even Craig’s fiancée, Tracy Forth, being enlisted to cut rough and blow fairways.

The tireless efforts of the team paid off and Harleyford has been chosen to again host the PGA EuroPro Tour’s Matchroom Sport Championship once again in 2019.

Craig said: “This is mad, I can’t believe it to be honest. When you look at who I was up against, I am really just a little short for words. I didn’t think we would win. The guys on my team were amazing and they’re a real credit to the golf club.”

Jim Croxton said, "For the club to bounce back from bankruptcy to the hosting of the PGA EuroPro Tour is quite remarkable and to then overcome the stormy conditions that plagued the build-up to the tournament is exceptional. Congratulations to everyone at the club and good luck for 2019!

“Congratulations also to the Gullane Golf Club and Carolina Golf Club teams, who were both worthy finalists after hosting exceptional tournaments during 2018.”

Greenkeeping Project of the Year sponsored by Baroness

BIGGA member Stuart Imeson, general manager and head greenkeeper at Dunstanburgh Castle in Northumbria, rounded off a banner year that saw him become a father for the first time and then be placed in charge of the entire operations at his golf club, by winning the Greenkeeping Project of the Year award.

Stuart Imeson with Adam Butler of Baroness

In addition to taking on parenting duties and embracing his changing role at the golf club, Stuart has continued to provide excellent educational opportunities for fellow BIGGA members through his incredibly-successful Bunker Camp, which was a sell-out in 2018 as greenkeepers from across Europe came together to take part.

Bunker Camp has been running for five years and was initially envisioned as a way for Stuart’s young team - he was only 23 at the time - to interact and network with other like-minded greenkeepers. The camp sees volunteers head to Dunstanburgh Castle to participate in the construction of revetted bunkers over a two-week period, with educational seminars and workshops taking place alongside the practical greenkeeping. More than 250 people have now been involved since the start of the bunker camp and education days.

Stuart said, “To be honest I’m a little bit star struck by the whole thing. If you just look at the standard of people that were up for awards, it’s an amazing achievement. If you look at my three lads, it’s absolutely out of this world to even think we could win something like this.”

Jim Croxton said, “Stuart is a fantastic example of the modern greenkeeper who is both highly-trained and keen to communicate about the work he undertakes to further improve standards across the industry. He has a genuine passion for greenkeeping and to develop the course at Dunstanburgh Castle, but the beauty of the Bunker Camp project has been that it has helped hundreds of golf courses across the region to improve their own standards, which is highly commendable.

“Congratulations also to the teams at Skipton Golf Club and Prince’s Golf Club, who both overcame massive challenges to complete incredible projects at their clubs during 2018. All are a credit to BIGGA and the greenkeeping industry as a whole.”

The prestigious title of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year (ASOY) has been won by Keith Gallacher, head of Complete Weed Control South West and East Scotland.

ASOY recognises and rewards top sprayer operators across the amenity industry. It aims to improve standards, by identifying the best practice of individuals to enhance results - and share their experiences across the industry.

Keith Gallacher with Simon Elsworth (Syngenta) Mark Pyrah (ICL) and Professor John Moverley (Amenity Forum)

Presented for the second time at BTME Harrogate last week, the ASOY Awards are organised by the Amenity Forum, and sponsored by ICL and Syngenta, in association with BASIS.

As well as the overall top operator, Keith was the winner of the Landscape and Industrial using vehicle mounted equipment category.

Two other category winners were also recognised by the Awards. Ryan Shepherd of Hortech won Landscape and Industrial sprayer using a knapsack, while Andy Baker won the category for Sports turf using a boom sprayer or knapsack.

Keith has a wealth of industry experience and is an expert in all spraying methods. His clients range from local authorities, housing associations, golf courses to large facility companies and businesses within the construction industry. He predominantly undertakes highway spraying, but also has business operational responsibilities associated with running the Complete Weed Control South West and East Scotland franchise.

Keith commented, “I take pride in best practice - it’s the culture that is bred within CWC and is encouraged from Head Office. We are a team of like-minded individuals that strive to be the best. For me, Professor John Moverley is an inspiration. I believe that our industry as a whole needs to get behind him and the work of the Amenity Forum.”

Commenting on Keith’s success, from a record entry in the fourth annual ASOY Awards, Professor John Moverley, Chairman of the Amenity Forum, said: ‘‘What is done to maintain amenity areas impacts upon every UK citizen every day and is important to ensure healthy and safe environments fit for purpose. This work depends upon the input of highly professional operators fully trained and qualified. A key element in the task is the use of authorised and safe chemical spraying.

"The Amenity Forum Sprayer Operator of the Year Awards seek to highlight the very best practice and identify those individuals who go above and beyond in their work.

I congratulate all those who were shortlisted, the category winners and especially our overall winner this year – an excellent ambassador for the sector. Thanks also to our sponsors who make all this possible.”

It was reported in the media last week that an assistant groundsman at Lincoln City FC has been sacked following a series of racist comments posted to Twitter.

Lincolnshire Live said that Ashley Barratt was dismissed 12 hours after the club were made aware of the tweets, following an investigation. 

The local paper says the Tweets, which were posted online between September and October 2017, before he became an employee at the club, refered to Muslims as "a cancer", claimed they were 'taking over Europe' and referred to London, Birmingham, Leeds, Bradford and Manchester, which all have high Muslim populations, as 'hellholes'.

His actions were brought to light by a number of different anti-racist groups and activists on Twitter including Resisting Hate.

Reporting on the story, the BBC, quoted a club spokesperson as saying, "Lincoln City Football Club was recently made aware of certain racial comments made by a club employee on social media which were potentially inflammatory and discriminatory in nature.

"These comments were made prior to the person in question becoming an employee of the club, however, Lincoln City Football Club does not condone racism in any form, on or off the field, and any behaviour of this type by anyone connected with the club is totally unacceptable.

"The club have since undertaken a full investigation into this matter, as a result of which the employee has been dismissed from their position."

Ashley Barrett's Twitter account has since been deleted.

Husqvarna used their base in an extremely cold Huskvarna, Sweden this month to launch two new 50cc chainsaws - the 550 XP Mark II and the 545 Mark II.

The new saw in action at the launch event in Sweden

These saws are released in a year which sees the manufacturer celebrating three significant anniversaries. Firstly 2019 sees 330 years since the company was first established; it's been 100 years since they produced their first lawnmower, and significantly for these new launches, it's been 60 years since the company made its first chainsaw.

Before the assembled European trade press got a chance to view the new saws, Sasha Menges, President, Husqvarna Division said a few words. He explained why the company consider the 50cc segment as a particularly important, core segment for themselves and to their customers worldwide.

He said of 50cc, "It's an application which is relevant in multiple areas. Whether working on the ground, or in the forests or in urban tree-care, it’s a saw which, largely, every professional has in their equipment. For aboritsts and loggers alike, it’s a go to piece of kit - and that’s globally."

As an indication of how the company places worldwide importance on these releases, they are taking the quite unusual step of simultaneously launching the products around the world on the same day - March 15th.

Gent Simmons, Director of product management, Forestry, also spoke at the launch event, explaining how the new saws are core products for Husqvarna. He said, "[The saws] will support our customers and allow them to get to the job done in a efficient way. We are redefining the 50cc segment by setting a new standard for performance, durability and manoeuvrability."

It was explained that the 550XP Mark II and the 545 Mark II have been redesigned from scratch. Gert Simmons said, "It’s not just a new chainsaw, it’s a new generation of chainsaws in which all vital parts are new. The 550 XP Mark II has superior cutting capacity and has been proven through the most extreme testing to assure it meets expectations of our most demanding forestry and tree care professionals."

Husqvarna's Andreas Rangert and Gent Simmons unveil the two new saws

This notion of cutting capacity is what Husqvarna describe as the true measure of the performance of the saw. It is the speed at which the entire system of the bar, chain and powerhead works together to cut wood at optimal RPM. Through a series of internal tests, Husqvarna claim they have shown that the 550 XP Mark II provides best-in-class cutting capacity when compared to the closest competitor in the 50cc segment.

The three guiding principals for the ground up redesign of these two saws, which was emphasised at the launch event, was that they should offer the user durability, manoeuvrability, and performance.

For the purpose of endurance in tough conditions, we were told that the cooling capacity of the two saws has been improved by 13%, compared to the previous generation of 50cc chainsaws which they produced. This is made possible by three key improvements: 1) an optimised airflow, 2) the addition of more cooling fins in critical areas that contribute to more effective cylinder heat dissipation, 3) an insulating heat shield, specifically developed for the new chainsaws, which provide sealing against the cylinder area and minimises heat leakage. This helps keep the carburetor compartment cool to improve startability in hot conditions. In addition, a completely new muffler keeps temperatures down.

A member of the H Team puts on an aerial display

For further endurance, the 50cc chainsaws have a new air filter design. The new design comes from the combination of a redesigned air filter with higher capacity and improved sealing and an upgrade of the Air Injection. This, in turn means the saws are equipped with a new optimised version of AutoTune, Husqvarna’s ignition module software and carburetor calibration.

Also explained was how the design of the products was intended to make use of machines as comfortable as possible for users. The company said the well-balanced saw body with low gyroscopic forces aids maneuverability and handling, enabling users to work longer without tiring. The ergonomically designed handles provide a safe, comfortable grip. In addition, both saws are equipped with heated handles.

Comparing the cutting capacity of the new saws verses the previous models

Following the theory, attendees at the launch event were bussed out to a nearby woods to watch demonstrations of the new saws and get hands-on to try them out. Impressive displays of forestry skills were on show from members of the company's H-Team squad of professional ambassadors. Felling, limbing and aerial work were all exhibited with much aplomb.

I personally cannot claim to be anything other than an utterly inexperienced novice when it comes to chainsaw use. However, even when I tried one of the Mark II models in comparison to the preceding version, I couldn't help but notice the difference. It felt faster and smoother.

TurfPro, head of editorial, Steve Gibbs tries out the new saw

Facts about 550 XP® Mark II/ 550 XP® G Mark II:

• Low Vib®
• Air Injection®
• X-Torq®
• AutoTune™
• Heated handles and carburetor (only 550 XP® G Mark II)
• Engine displacement 50,1 cm3
• Power output 3.0 kW
• Chain speed at 133% of peak power rpm26,1 m/s
• Recommended bar length 33-50 cm / 13”-20”
• Weight 5,3/5,5 kg (excluding cutting equipment)

Facts about 545 Mark II/ 545G Mark II:

• Low Vib®
• Smart Start
• Air Injection®
• X-Torq®
• AutoTune™
• Heated handles and carburetor (only 545 G Mark II)
• Engine displacement 50,1 cm3
• Power output 2.7 kW
• Max chain speed 25,4 m/s
• Recommended bar length 33-50 cm / 13”-20”
• Weight 5,3/5,5 kg (excluding cutting equipment)

UK green space charity, Fields in Trust, is inviting people to take part in a national celebration of parks and green spaces on “Have a Field Day”, Saturday 6th July.

The charity expect that thousands of people across the UK will come together once again this summer for picnics with their friends and neighbours to celebrate why green spaces are so special to the local communities who visit them and care for them.

Research published by Fields in Trust demonstrates that using local green spaces improves physical and mental health and wellbeing. They also say community events in parks are a great way to connect with neighbours, enabling ourselves and other people to feel more supported and less alone.

In a statement the charity said that Have a Field Day is an opportunity for people to champion their local parks and green spaces by enjoying spending time in them, at the same time as joining a movement of fellow park users across the UK. 

Fields in Trust policy manager Alison McCann said, “Our research shows that parks and green spaces have an important role in society and can help to transform lives where communities can come together, tackling social isolation and loneliness, as well as contribute to improved mental and physical health and help to tackle the childhood obesity crisis. However, first and foremost they are places for play, sport and recreation; Have a Field Day is a way to celebrate all the positive things we love about the UK's parks and green spaces."

Anyone interested in planning a Have a Field Day picnic in their park on Saturday 6th July 2019, are encouraged to visit the Fields in Trust website, www.fieldsintrust.org/have-a-field-day, to find out more and sign-up. All registered picnics will receive a free support pack through the post including bunting, posters and activity cards.

Makita UK has opened a third regional Factory Service Centre (FSC) in the busy London borough of Hounslow.

This new FSC joins Makita’s HQ facility in Milton Keynes, which serves the whole of the country, as well as Glasgow, which supports Scotland and northern England.

The London FSC will primarily service the essential London and South East region. In order to maintain service levels Makita is committed to offering improved national coverage for the benefit of end user customers, as well as the network of Makita distributors, by building these dedicated FSC’s.

Makita's new Factory Service Centre

While these facilities satisfy a vital role in providing technical repairs and maintenance services for all mains and cordless construction machines, and the rapidly expanding range of groundscare tools, including 2-stroke and 4-stroke petrol engine products, the company says training remains the cornerstone of their marketing success. It ensures that both authorised distributors and operators are fully conversant with the power tools they own, or may purchase in the future; how to obtain the best and safest performance from these machines, and how to maintain them for efficiency and productivity.

The first FSC to be opened is based at South Street, Glasgow, which offers Makita product training across the complete range of products; product servicing courses, as well as accredited courses such as the successful and certificated City & Guilds Correct & Safe Use of Handheld Power Tools. A user or instructor certificate is issued upon successful completion. Courses are available to meet individual needs and bespoke power tool training can be designed to meet specific requirements.

At each location the theory elements of courses are held in a lecture theatre, followed by essential hands-on practical work which is carried out in specially adapted and fully equipped training demonstration rooms. Courses are of 1 or 2 day duration or tailored to specific needs. The CITB certificated course, which can include a combination of in-house and on-site training, relates to abrasive wheel training, and both instructor or user courses are available. Gas nailer user training, chainsaw cross cutting and service courses are also available.

Tony Coleman, technical manager, Makita UK, said, “We are already receiving a very warm welcome from all sectors of the power tool industry in this heavily populated area of west London. If demand becomes similar to that we’ve established in Glasgow and Milton Keynes we will be looking for additional training personnel. Both employers and operators will benefit from this convenient location offering improved local services to all customers.”

Amber Valley Borough Council, located in Derbyshire, has been a Ransomes customer for more than eighteen years. The council has continued its long relationship with the Suffolk-based mower manufacturer, with its latest purchase of two Ransomes MP493 rotary mowers from local dealer Sharrocks.

Members of the Amber Valley Borough Council grounds maintenance team, with Steve Hanlon (right), sales manager at Sharrocks

Robert Castledine has been the grounds maintenance team leader at Amber Valley Borough Council for eighteen years. He manages a team of 10 employees, with two teams of three staff allocated to mowing. Responsible for the north-side of the borough, the new Ransomes mowers maintain all verges, parks and cemeteries in the area.

“We have a very varied topography in Amber Valley,” Castledine said. “There are hills, verges, conservations, enclosed spaces and housing estates. We needed a versatile machine to cope with our various requirements. The Ransomes MP493 gives us that.

“In the past, we have used the Ransomes Commander amongst other Ransomes triple mowers. They have always been reliable, well-built and the best value for money on the market. I’ve always been extremely happy with the machinery and the service from our local Ransomes dealer. We have been dealing with Sharrocks for around 18-months, as they’re new in the area, but are already very pleased with the service and product information they’ve given us.”

Sharrocks have been a successful Ransomes dealer for many years, and has recently extended its territory to Derbyshire, taking over from previous dealer, Platts Harris. With depots in Wrightington, Lancashire and Sandbach, Cheshire, Sharrocks has a comprehensive portfolio of groundcare solutions and was named the Ransomes UK and Ireland Proturf Dealer of the Year 2017.

As one of the first club’s in the UK to fully upgrade to a Toro Lynx control system in 2012, Royal Cromer Golf Club in North Norfolk is now halfway through its first five-year agreement plan with Toro machinery.

Course manager Mark Heveran says he believes the club has continued improving since using both.

Course manager Mark Heveran sits on the club’s Toro Reelmaster 5510 with Reesink Turfcare’s Julian Copping on his left, at Royal Cromer Golf Club

“We’ve been using Lynx for around six years now and it’s just phenomenal,” he says. “We have around four times the amount of sprinkler heads than we did previously, but we’re using less water. The efficiency is just spot on, which is exactly what we need. We’re in one of the driest parts of the country and our water comes from a borehole with a limited supply, so every drop counts.”

Mark says the club’s members unusually part-funded the installation through individual loans, such was their support for it. "Lynx was an easy recommendation to make to our members, and we have not been let down. So, when the time came three years ago to commit to a machinery brand, Toro was the logical choice.”

For the club, striving to create the perfect playing surface is a real priority. Mark confirms, “Here at the club we have 650 members, plus a large number of visitors each year, and the main thing that keeps them coming back is the quality of the course. Since being with Toro, the course has continued to improve which has definitely kept everyone happy. With the irrigation system we noticed an improvement in the overall quality of the turf and with the equipment we have now, the course has become much more refined and every detail is attended to."

With the installation of Toro Lynx only the start of a long-term development plan for Mark to create one of the best cliff-top links courses in England, the club is continuing this progression by now looking to expand the irrigation system to cover new teeing complexes and walkways, and Mark is already considering the next stage in terms of the fleet.

“In the coming years I’m hoping to renew the full package deal we have,” he says.

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?

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