gmé | issuu 31

The Toro TraditionWith an illustrious history committed to Golf,

Toro is the name your club can count on.

The Toro TraditionWith an illustrious history committed to Golf,

Toro is the name your club can count on.

constructing a futureAs construction work on The Grove - the UK’snewest golf venture is completed - GME askswhat the future holds for new-build contracts

within the current economic climate.

The leading business magazine for the pan-European golf industry

GolfGolfManagementE u ro p e page 14

June 2003www.portman.uk.com

UK £5.00 Eur €7.25US $8.00

Your greens will be greener

www.ransomesjacobsen.comCentral Avenue, Ransomes Europark, Ipswich IP3 9QG EnglandTel: +44 (0)1473 270000 Fax: +44 (0)1473 276300

Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd is the only groundscare equipment manufacturer accredited to ISO14001

The JACOBSEN E-Plex and E-Walk deliver the smooth, precision cut you expect from every JACOBSEN greens mower,with all the benefits of clean and quiet electric power. LPG or electric E-Z-GO golf cars and utility vehicles will transportpeople and materials around your golf course with minimal impact on the environment. So your greens really will be greener.

Reducing your emissions can even reduce your operating costs. Find out how by calling +44 (0)1473 270000 to consult your Specialists in Environmental Greenkeeping.

Contents

Annika Sorenstam’s controversial inclusion in Texas’s recent Colonial tournamentmay not prove a wise move in the long run. While LPGA commissioner Ty Votawobviously believed no publicity is bad publicity, history may show differently.

Sure, Sorenstam’s inclusion in a USPGA event generated hundreds of columninches, but few, if any, have referred to the women’s tour.

The women’s tours in both the US and Europe have never been so popu-lar. They are starting to attract increases in both spectator numbersand sponsorship - and both are richly deserved.

However, Sorenstam failed to make the cut in a tournament withmany journeyman pros. And in doing so she may set back the causeof the women’s game.Keen followers of the women’s tours may feel her failure to makethe cut, after her coach stated confidently she would do so,could lead to an increase in the view that only the men’sgame is worth watching - and that is definitely not the case.

Vijay Singh insisted his objection to her participation wasbecause it denied a fellow male pro of a spot. And otherconcerns were not necessarily motivated by inherentsexism - indeed this magazine has championed equalrights for women golfers.But this is not about equal membership rights forwomen, this is about one woman feeling compelled toput a hard-earned reputation on the line and some feltsuch lofty ambition could prove detrimental in thelong term.Nobody compared stats from the two tours andclaimed the women’s tour was less skillful becausedistances off the tee were shorter; nobody jumpedto conclusions by putting greens-in-regulation statsside by side.The professional men’s and women’s games areseparate because they should be - as they are intennis, football and hockey, because these areevents where the male physical strength providesan advantage over technical skills.

Sorenstam insists her attempt to bridge the gapwas motivated by curiosity, to see how she wouldfare in the men’s game. That’s all well and good ifshe had fared well. But history may well show herparticipation as a selfish act which denigratedwomen’s professional golf.

And for a woman of her standing and skill that wouldbe harsh on the great Swede. Let’s hope that is not

the case.

Has Sorenstamset back thewomen’s tour?

issue 31credits;editorJohn Vinicombe

contributorsDavid BowersAlister MarshallRob Wright

publisherMichael Lenihan

administrationSharon O’Connell

printColourspeed

Golf Management EuropeSuffolk Studios284 Ravenswood AvenueIpswich IP3 9TQUnited Kingdom

telephone0870 241 4678(overseas +44 1473 274956)

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[email protected]

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No part of this publication may bereproduced or transmitted in anyform without written permissionfrom the publisher.

Whilst due care to detail is takento ensure that the content of Golf Management Europe isaccurate, the publisher cannotaccept liability for errors.

© Portman Publishing andCommunications Ltd 2003

cover story 7

public interest 23

welsh golf 20

david withers 32

Golf Management Europe June 2003

News

June 2003 Golf Management Europe

Lead StoryYamaha Motor (UK) Ltd have signed anunprecedented five year agreement tosupply the new Yamaha G-Max range ofgolf cars and utility vehicles to the StAndrews Links Trust, custodians of theworld famous Old Course and five othercourses at St Andrews.

Andrew Smith, sales and marketingdirector at Yamaha Motor (UK) Ltd said:“We are delighted to have been chosenas the golf car and utility vehicle suppli-er by the Trust at what is the mostrecognisable golf complex in the world.

“Our agreement will include Yamahasupporting the junior golf association atSt Andrews via Team St Andrews.”

Alan McGregor, general manager at theSt Andrews Links Trust said: “Yamahahave worked very hard with our staff overthe last nine months to ensure our prod-uct and service requirements areachieved.

“Yamaha Golf Cars were the first golfcars allowed on to the St Andrews Linksback in 1994 and we are delighted thatthey are returning to the home of golf.”

Bond’s getthe go-ahead

North Cornwall District Council hasapproved an application by the Bondfamily for the construction of 46bedrooms and a small health spa atLanhydrock Golf Club, Bodmin, Cornwall.

Formerly the owners and developers ofSt Mellion Golf and Country Club, theBond’s acquired Bodmin Golf Club in1993, and promptly renamed itLanhydrock Golf Club. The successfulapplication also includes an extension tothe Clubhouse.

It is the Bond Family’s desire to build aquality hotel; a small spa style healthclub with sauna, steam room, gym andexercise pools and changing rooms; addi-tional car parking and ancillary allweather buggy paths.

The development of the hotel for holi-day golfers and general use, togetherwith the use of the existing functionsuites will provide residential conferenceand training facilities, which can beutilised during the winter months whendemand for the golf facilities is tradition-ally low.

Yamaha Golf Cars return tothe Home of Golf

Reed opensUK office

The PGA Merchandise Show in Orlandois the world’s largest golf trade show,and for the first time, organisers ReedExhibitions, have opened up a Londonoffice to assist companies wishing toexhibit at the annual event.

Earlier this year, 11 UK companiesexhibited and more are expected toattend when the show is next held at theOrange County Convention Centre inJanuary 2004.

The new team, which is based atRichmond, will be led by Indy Wallace.Trade Partners UK have awarded supportfor the show and Reed are offeringprospective exhibitors grants of sixty percent of exhibition costs up to a maxi-mum of £2,300 per company.

Promisingsigns for Clubhaus

Clubhaus, the leisure group, report7,000 new members during the first halfof the financial year 2003.

Results for the six months endedMarch 31, show encouraging trading andgood performances by seven of thegroups country clubs.

Compelling development opportunitiesremain at four remaining clubs thoughfurther financing is required.

Turnover is up to £11.7m from £10.8mbased on the continuing activities of the11 core clubs and the net debt reducedto £57.7m. Last year it was £103.3m.

John Hume, chairman, said the sevenclubs that have been developed intocountry clubs, led the way in terms ofperformance and prospects are veryencouraging.

Disposing of non-core clubs ThreeRivers and The Fox realised approximate-ly £3.75m of which £1.45m was receivedafter the balance sheet date.

“Provided that the financial gearing ofthe group can be reduced by othermeans, there are no plans to dispose ofany of the remaining operating business-es which form the core portfolio,” saidHume.

“There are, however, opportunities torealise value from the estate through thedevelopment and sale of ancillary land.Modest success has been enjoyed in thisarea over the past two years and webelieve this can be repeated in thecoming months,” he added.


The exclusive Highland estate of Skibo Castle has been bought by a small group ofmembers who say they plan to take the famous hideaway for the rich and famous toan even higher level. The sale, for an undisclosed sum, ends the direct involvementin the world-renowned Carnegie Club of millionaire founder Peter de Savary who is

now developing a rival upmarket venue in Devon. However, de Savary said he has notruled out a return to the Highlands with another business venture.

Skibo sold to consortium

Select Golf Lockers

Secure in our Style

Select Lockers Ltd., Unit D3, Braintree Industrial Estate,Braintree Road, South Ruislip, Middlesex. HA4 0EJ

T: +44 (0)208 845 2753 F: +44 (0)208 842 3187E: [email protected] W: www.selectlockers.com

Select is an established company distributing a well-developedproduct. Our aim is to push back the boundaries to all in the golfindustry, offering lockers and benches to the highest standard.

We offer a wide variety of locker doors, locking mechanisms and allauxiliary products including; towel racks, towel drops, cantileveredbenching, freestanding benches, vanity units, carpeted benches,shoe shelves and any bespoke accessory.

The new South Course at the K Clubwas scheduled to open on July 1 with anexclusive pro-am. The course will openfor public play the following day and golfdirector, Paul Crowe, confirmed in excessof 6,000 rounds have already beenbooked for this year in advance of anymarketing programme.

The South Course was designed byArnold Palmer, the designer of thecurrent K Club course and work on itsconstruction began in February 2001 andwas completed in October 2002.

The first major championship to behosted is scheduled to be the SmurfitEuropean Open in 2004.

One of the characteristics this courseshares with the North Course is the chal-lenge of water hazards. Spanning a totalof 180 acres, nearly ten per cent isaccounted for by water.

Apart from this aquatic emphasis, ithas all the appearance and feel of aninland links, with high undulating fair-

ways, large difficult greens and treacher-ous rough. The bunkering on the newcourse is also more extreme than that ofthe North Course.

Work has started on a new clubhousefor the South Course, due for opening in2004. Paul Crowe said: “Having managedthe development of the project throughits conception, construction and now itsopening, I feel very proud of what ourteam has achieved here. This is a veryexciting golf course, which has surpassedour expectations.

“It is a true championship golf coursein every sense. Our intention was tocreate something on par with or betterthan the North Course and we have defi-nitely succeeded.

“Because the South Course is unique,comparison with the North Course isdifficult. The golfer is provided with twodistinctly different experiences. In time Ibelieve this course will be rated amongthe best in Europe, if not the world.”

South Course scheduled toopen at K Club

Four Marks Golf Course, Alton,Hampshire, has been put up for sale. Thenine-hole course has been successfullyrun for the last ten years by the presentoperators who have instructed FPDSavills to offer the property for sale.

The property comprises a clubhousewith bar and restaurant facilities, office,pro shop and changing facilities.

The leasehold interest is offered forsale with vacant possession on comple-tion. The Lease is for a term of 25 yearsfrom 25th March 1994, and the guideprice is in the region of £225,000.

Four Marksinviting offers

News


Imants may not be a name many of usin the UK are currently familiar with, butif managing director Felix Peters has hisway, his 117-year old company willbecome a major force within the golfsector over the coming years.

Manufacturing a yellow and blue rotarydecompactor known as the Shockwave,the Dutch-based company has workedextensively throughout Europe under thetrading name Earthquake.

Now however, with the appointment ofan amenity and groundscare sales teamwith the UK, the term Earthquake hasbeen replaced in favour of the nameShockwave throughout the UK.

Peters (pictured) takes up the story:“Imants BV was established in Reusel,near Eindhoven, in 1886, and we havebeen manufacturing agricultural imple-ments ever since.

“The rotary decompactor was anImants invention, and over the pastthree years we have supplied many foot-ball clubs and racecourses within the UK,including Arsenal, Aston Villa and CardiffCity, along with Galway racecourse inIreland.”

After proudly demonstrating theShockwaves capabilities, it is clear thatPeters plays a pivotal role in the manu-facturing and development of themachine.

“We are proud of the fact that everymachine sold is designed and manufac-tured at our factory in Reusel. Eachmachine is made to order, and is manu-factured to the highest standards.”

The full range of decompactors includesthe 1.6m, 2.2m and 2.5m wide machines,although it is the 1.5m machine which isthe most popular version for use on golfcourses.

“Golf is a rapidly increasing market forus, and the SW150R is ideal for use ongreens, tees and fairways,” said Peters.

“With all of our machines you canexpect superb decompaction with virtual-ly zero surface disturbance, which in turnmeans little disruption to play.”

Also available in the Imants portfoliois the Rotoknife, a multi-functional slit-ter/aerator for rootzone management,which has an optional minidisc cassetteto allow for variable working depthsadjustable to 40mm.

Imants ready to ‘Shock’ theirway around the UK

McArdle Golf and Leisure of Abingdonhas recently installed an extensive selec-tion of Range Servant golf driving rangeequipment for the newly opened PGANational Golf Academy at The De VereBelfry, Warwickshire.

The equipment is a key component ofthe £1.2m investment in the brand newfacility, which provides a comprehensiverange of golfing coaching and supportservices.

McArdle supplied equipment includingRange Servant Ball Dispensers, SelectPayment systems and Impaktee golf mats.On-site work at the Academy was complet-ed by McArdle in time for the Benson andHedges tournament last month.

The Range Servant Select Paymentsystem was chosen by the Academy togive full accountability, flexibility andcomprehensive management information.

The Impaktee golf mats were chosenfor the driving range and demonstrationrooms because their synthetic turf close-ly mimics natural turf, whilst providingan extremely durable practice surface.

McArdle also supplied the syntheticsurfacing for Callaway, Titelist, Ping andVisiotics fitting and teaching rooms –fitted by Alwena Beresford at On CourseMatting.

PGA Nationalall the range

Mox to sellspare parts

Ballingall set to open newgolf school in Spain

Mox UK, specialists in the contract hireof golf and utility vehicles, haveannounced that they have set up a sepa-rate division for retailing spare parts,which will be based at their Banburydepot.

“We stock a large number of partspurchased direct from the manufactur-er’s,” commented Glynn Patrick, generalmanager.

After over 25 years at Barnham BroomGolf Club near Norwich, Peter Ballingallhas tendered his resignation andannounced that he and his wife Heleneare to emigrate to Spain, where he willset up his golf school business at thenew Club de Golf El Rompido near Huelvaon the Costa de La Luz.

The Peter Ballingall Golf School wasfirst established in 1980 and has for

many years been recognised as one ofthe leading golf tuition centres in theUK.

“This is a dream come true,” saidBallingall. “It was John Jacobs’ influencethat saw me installed as BarnhamBroom’s first professional in 1977 and itwas his influence again that resulted inmy being sought for the position at ElRompido.”


The Toro Company8111 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis MN 55420, USA

Telephone: 001 952 888 8801Facsimile: 001 952 887 8258

www.toro.com

COVER STORY

The classic Hayter Harrier 56 roller rotary mower is capableof picking up tees and divots quickly and effortlessly. Thesplit ribbed roller with a differential aids manoeuvrabilityaround the tee, and gives the traditional striped finish.

No tools are needed to adjust the height of cut, which cango as low as 13mm (1/2”) giving you total control over eachtee. Built in front fins on the deck noticeably improve thecutting quality and collection ability and the large capacitygrassbag is easy to remove and fit.

The Harrier 56 can be used all year round and will minimisecompaction of tees particularly during the winter months.

So versatile, the Harrier 56 can be used in so manyareas around the club, you’ll wonder how you managedwithout one.

For more information, call 01279 723444, [email protected] or visit our website: www.hayter.co.uk.

Sorts divots, tees, cuts and stripes in one go

The Hayter Harrier 56 is a quick, yet precise, solution to your tee problems.

Cover StoryFor almost a century, Toro has innovat-ed, adapted and successfully focused onanswering the ever-changing needs ofits customers.

This dedication has helped Torocustomers worldwide create beautifullandscapes, including golf courses thathost major championships.

Toro was established in Minneapolisin 1914 as an engine supplier for a trac-tor company. The tractor maker went outof business, so Toro adapted and builtengines for World War I supply ships.

After the war, Toro began manufac-turing versatile farm tractors, but thecompany focus quickly switched from

farm fields to fairways. It was 1921when officials of a local golf club askedToro if its tractors could be used forfairway mowing.

Horse-drawn mowers were slow,and the horses sometimes left unwel-come �hazards� on the course.

Toro employees mounted five 30-inch lawnmowers behind a tractor andthe fairways of the Minikahda GolfClub were mowed quickly and effi-ciently. The mechanisation of golfcourse maintenance was in its infancy,and Toro was in the turf care business.

By 1930, Toro was shipping its turfmaintenance equipment to customersworldwide.

Toro personnel worked closely withgreenkeepers so the company coulddevelop equipment that met theirunique needs.

Today, Toro offers a wide range ofresidential turf care products, includingmowers, irrigation, garden tractors,vehicles, handheld trimmers and more.

Toro has continually diversified tooffer new solutions for commercialcustomers and homeowners. Toro intro-duced its first snowthrower in 1951,and is now a leader in that business.

Toro entered the irrigation businessin 1962, and has become the world�sleading supplier of golf course,commercial and residential irrigation.Today, Toro is the only company in theturf care industry to offer both mainte-nance equipment and irrigation.

And after nearly 90 years in busi-ness, Toro is still adapting and innovat-ing to meet customers� needs.

Toro: A History of SupplyingTurf Care Solutions

Back for the FutureA former champion has returned to his old club - only you won’t catch him chal-

lenging for more trophies. Jason Diment was a prodigious golf talent as a junior, andwon the Gosport and Stokes Bay club championship, in Hampshire, when he was just14, playing off a handicap of five.

Eighteen months ago, he left the seafront links course to concentrate on his career.Now he’s back - this time as head greenkeeper.

The 20-year-old returned to his old hunting ground after qualifying as a greenkeep-er while working at Cams Hall in Fareham, a few miles down the road. Diment - whonow hardly ever plays the game - said: “I was lucky to have someone like Chris Greestat Cams Hall to learn from, and he’s been fantastic. It doesn’t matter whether you’rein charge of a nine-hole course, an 18-hole complex or a 36-hole championship venue- Chris always said if you can look after one hole, you can look after all of them.

“I’m looking forward to making a mark at Stokes Bay. We have lots of plans, hope tomake the greens really good and then reinstate more fairway and greenside bunkers.”


News

Burrows (GM) Ltd have been appointedregional dealers for Wiedenmann UK, thespecialist aeration and turf maintenanceequipment manufacturer.

Speaking at the recent signing of theagreement at Wiedenmann’s new headoffice and distribution centre justoutside Glasgow, Steve Hanlon, salesdirector said: “Wiedenmann arerenowned as the Spiker People, but theyoffer so much more when it comes toturf maintenance equipment.

“With mounted and trailed topdressers, compact grass collectors withhi-tip attachments, out front rotarydecks and leaf blowers, they provide anextensive product line-up that dovetailswith our existing product offering.

“We are absolutely delighted with ourappointment.”

David Rae, managing director ofWiedenmann UK added: “We are pleasedto be welcoming Steve and the team atBurrows, on board.

“Although our core business remainscommitted to specialist aeration equip-ment, we are now in a position toexpand our products to offer a morecomprehensive range for grounds mainte-nance operations.

“New product development continuesat a pace in Germany and we will seesome exciting new products launched atSaltex in September, further extendingour service to grounds care profession-als.”

Burrows, whose head office is inLeyland, also have branches in Staffordand Denbigh, north Wales.

Wiedenmannappoints newUK dealership

The Volvo PGA Championship atWentworth finally offered the chance formany admirers to honour the victoriousEuropean Ryder Cup captain SamTorrance.

Club Car, who are the official golf carsupplier for the European matches of theRyder Cup, presented Torrance with thecustomised European captain’s golf carthat he used last year at The Belfry.

Club Car also donated an exact replicaof the car, which when auctioned by theGolf Foundation raised a magnificent£12,000.

The presentation was made by NeilWoodfin, Club Car’s sales director forEurope, Africa and the Middle East whoexplained Club Car’s involvement: “TheEuropean Ryder Cup team’s victory underSam’s leadership was one of the mostremarkable sporting achievements of2002.

“Club Car wanted to mark the occasionand show our support for the future ofgolf by giving Sam two golf cars, one forhis own personal enjoyment and theother to raise money for a worthwhilecause.”

Torrance was absolutely thrilled toreceive his Club Car IQ car, which as wellas being customised in the striking blueand gold of the European Union, hasspecially embroidered seats sporting theEuropean Flag and captain’s car embla-zoned across the front.

As Torrance commented: “Club Car havebeen incredibly generous and I amdelighted to have the car. The replica carhas already raised a great deal of moneyfor the Golf Foundation and I am reallyproud to be involved.”

On a personal note Torrance continued:“My son Daniel is ecstatic and can’t waitto get his hands on my Club Car.”

Club Car honour Ryder Cupcaptain Sam Torrance


When Aston Wood Golf Club, bought its first John Deere fleet in April from dealerET Breakwell in Solihull, safety was a key factor in the decision making process.

“Naturally we looked at equipment from all manufacturers, but John Deere offered usthe best combination - a good product range, reliable back-up, the most cost effec-tive finance, but probably most important of all, comprehensive operator training,

particularly on safety aspects,” said Ken Heathcote, Aston Wood’s general manager.

Safety to the fore

Swan GGolf DDesigns LLimitedIInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall GGoollff CCoouurrssee AArrcchhiitteeccttssTTeellffoorrddss BBaarrnn,, WWiilllliinnggaallee,, OOnnggaarr,, EEsssseexx CCMM55 00QQFF,, EEnnggllaanndd

+44 (0) 1277 896229 +44 (0) 1277 [email protected]

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Master PPlanning oof NNew CCoursesDetailed DDesigns

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Restoration oof HHistoric CCourses

New Coursefor Scotland

Ecosse Regeneration has commissionedPGA Design Consulting Ltd to design a36-hole golf complex at Whitburn,Scotland, midway between Edinburgh andGlasgow.

The golf courses are part of a 520hectare new community, planned to bebuilt next to Whitburn. McInallyAssociates have masterminded the overalldevelopment with Entec dealing with allenvironmental issues.

The proposal includes residential hous-ing, a business park, hotels, golf courses,leisure and educational facilities with anew access planned from the M8.

The former coal mine site is currentlyderelict, and it is envisaged that earth-works on the golf course alone will takeabout 30 months before golf constructioncan start.

The two courses are planned as amemorial to the famous Scottish golfcourse architect Donald Ross, who neveractually worked in Scotland.

July will see the opening of an 18-hole golf course and driving range, built on acliff of solid rock, 85 metres above the North Sea. Swedish born Kim von Essen -known to his friends as The Baron - was brought into Kragero, a leisure resort two anda half hours drive south of Oslo, when the investors, keen to develop summer housesaround a links course with a sea view, were unhappy with the original plans.

“The first tee was 500 metres from the clubhouse,” recalls von Essen, “and the 18thgreen was no where near it. I redesigned the course, bringing the 9th and 18th backto the clubhouse and putting the first tee within 50 metres. The whole course is nowlonger, bringing it into line with international standards.”

Built by The Baron

News


Environment seminar aims toset the standard

An Environmental and EducationalSeminar held at Donnington Valley GolfClub in Berkshire recently, intends tohelp raise awareness of environmentalissues within golf.

The one-day event, which was hostedby Ipswich-based Ransomes Jacobsen,included presentations by FEGGA chair-man Dean Cleaver, David Stubbs ofCommitted to Green, Ken Richardson ofBIGGA and Richard Hayden from theInstitute of Technology in Tralee, Ireland.

Introducing the seminar, managingdirector of Ransomes Jacobsen, SteveChicken, stressed that educational devel-opment was the key to changing workingpractices within the industry, and as theonly turfcare manufacturer accredited toIS0 14001 - the international standardfor environmental management - felt thathis company should be leading by exam-ple.

An informative presentation by RichardHayden focussed on EnvironmentalProject Management and the fact thatmore emphasis needs to be placed onclimate research and water recycling.

“The weakest link on any golf course isEnvironmental Management,” accordingto Hayden, who also went on to discussthe values of bio-diesel, and site-specificspraying.

Dean Cleaver of the Federation ofEuropean Golf Greenkeepers Associationpresented the seminar with his ideals onA Blueprint for Sustainable Golf, whichfeatures sustainable resources on golfcourses, and a reduction in the amountof chemicals used throughout Europe.

Cleaver spoke passionately concerningthe Blueprint, which is currently in itssecond-draft stage and is scheduled to bepublished following a mini-summit laterthis year.

Dallas-based Flowtronex PSI hasretained Kevin Shaw as European salesmanager following the closure ofFlowtronex Europe last year.

“Kevin Shaw is a consummate profes-sional with a great wealth of experienceand skills that made him the ideal indi-vidual for this position,” said FlowtronexPSI president Emil Gram.

Based in the UK, Shaw (left) will travelmost of the time to initially focus on theUK, Ireland, Spain and Portugal. “Myexperiences will allow me to talk aroundmy job, problem solve and bring designsdirectly to customers,” said Shaw.

Shaw to headup FlowtronexPSI in Europe

Portmarnock is facing legal action forexcluding women members in what couldbecome a landmark court case.

The renowned Dublin club could loseits licence to sell alcohol if it is foundguilty of discrimination in the first caseof its kind in the Irish Republic.

The Equality Authority, in Dublin,began court proceedings against the golfclub under the Equal Status Act. Theauthority said the outcome of the casewould set a precedent in Ireland andwould have implications for othermembers of the EU.

A spokeswoman for the EqualOpportunities Commission said theyreceived a lot of calls about clubs barringwomen. She added: “I think in the sport-ing world and golf world particularly it isjust a symbol of stubbornness.

“There is no reason for it whatsoever.It is preserving an outmoded idea.”

Club facinglegal action

GolfPlus is being made available togolf clubs in northern Europe through anew agreement with Duchell, a European-wide golf course and driving range equip-ment distributor based in Holland.

Duchell currently distributes EZGO golfcars and operates in 16 different coun-tries throughout Europe.

President of Duchell, Duco vanOosterhout, is confident that GolfPlusGPS will give Duchell the edge over otherbuggy distributors in the fast growingcontinental cart market.

He said: “GolfPlus GPS will enable usto offer our clubs the chance to signifi-cantly increase the profitability of their

cart fleets and at the same time, gener-ate significant revenue streams viaadvertising.”

GolfPlus is already in use at 25 clubs inthe UK, as well as clubs in Portugal,Spain and France, and is experiencingunprecedented growth. “Previously avail-able GPS systems have been importedfrom the USA and have been expensiveand overly complicated,” explainsGolfPlus director, Claire Coombe.

“By being developed, manufactured andsupported within the UK, we are extreme-ly confident that our customers willreceive unprecedented levels of serviceand reliability from their GolfPlus GPS.”

European deal for Golf Plus


WHAT�S ON YOUR COURSE?

Yamaha golf cars are recognised as market leaders in the

industry for their build quality and reliability, and to this day

still remains the only golf car in the market that is designed

specifically for the golf course.

To back that up we have a specialist direct UK sales and service

network, offering petrol and electric options and an LPG dual

fuel conversion.

For further assistance in choosing the best golf car package

to suit your golf course requirements please contact the sales

team at Yamaha Motor (UK) Ltd.

For more information or a free demo or no

obligation quotation contact Hilary Betts on

01932 358096

YAMAHA MOTOR (UK) LTD, SOPWITH DRIVE, BROOKLANDS, WEYBRIDGE, SURREY KT13 0UZ.

www.golfcars.co.uk

! Netting! Bay Dividers! Wet Pour Rubber! Bullseye Targets! Indoor Golf Academies! Driving Range Flooring! Artificial Greens, Tees &

Pathways

Visit our website atwww.oncoursematting.co.uk

To find out more, contact ON COURSE MATTINGChapel House Farm, Cockshutt, Ellesmere, Shropshire SY12 0JJ

Tel/Fax: 01939 270500Email: [email protected]

News


John Deere has announced theappointment of David Hart as commercialand consumer equipment division salesmanager, responsible for managing thecompany’s sales and marketing opera-tions for golf and turf, commercial andhomeowner products and dealerships inthe UK and Ireland.

Hart takes over from Pieter Nel, whohas returned to his homeland after 18months in the UK to become marketingmanager of John Deere’s agricultural andC&CE divisions in South Africa.

Hart’s position as product manager forharvesting equipment in the agriculturaldivision of John Deere Limited has beentaken over by Jonathan Henry, previouslythe company’s agricultural managementsolutions (AMS) product manager.

After graduating from LincolnshireCollege of Agriculture and Horticulture,Hart began his career with a John Deeredealership.

He joined John Deere Limited in 1990,becoming an area service manager andsubsequently area manager productsupport in south-east England, a territorymanager in south-west England and thenharvesting equipment product manager.

Hart was brought up in Norfolk, wherehis father Ernie was a well known andrespected figure in the amenity andgroundscare industry for many years.

A keen golfer, David took part in theinaugural John Deere Team Championshipgolf tournament finals at The Belfry lastyear.

Leading fromthe Hart atJohn Deere

Golf Computer Systems Ltd (GCS) haveteamed up with Open Systems to bringfully integrated membership manage-ment, booking software and real-time on-line booking systems together withpoint-of-sale facilities to the golf sector.

GCS products originate and have beendeveloped in Australia for the past 15years providing golf clubs with state of theart management and booking facilities.

Edenbridge Golf and Country Club inKent was the first European leisure outletto install the software suite.

Lee Probert, proprietor, was soimpressed with the software’s capabilitiesafter implementing it into the golf clubhe teamed up with Golf ComputerSystems in Australia to develop the prod-ucts for the European market.

Probert said: “When I first took overEdenbridge the booking facilities for teetimes, the tennis courts and the gym weredysfunctional. We needed a system wherewe could instantly find out the bookingsstatus from anywhere in the club.

“We were then able to open up thisfacility to our members so they can bookon-line instead of telephoning the Proshop, for example, to ask for tee-timeavailability.

“Also, golf clubs have traditionallysuffered from immense administrativepressures and managing their membershipbase is very time consuming.

“Having the ability to generate ourperiodic billing run, send email broad-casts to our members, detail statistics onplayer numbers, revenue, businesssources, playing patterns, and much muchmore at the click of a mouse has beenabsolutely invaluable to our business.”

Recently, GCS were approached by OpenSystems, who develop the GPOS point ofsale system, to install the membershipmanagement, bookings and golf competi-tion software at Galgorm Castle, NorthernIreland.

The two companies are now workingtogether to provide the golf industry withall round management solutions.

GCS network with OpenSystems across Europe

Collectors CornerWiedenmann (UK) Ltd, part of the Fairways Group, has launched a new range of

materials collectors that are ideal for collecting grass cuttings, leaves, litter and otherdebris. The MCS Compact collector has been designed for use with 20-30hp tractorsand is attached via the three-point linkage.

Two capacities are available, a 600-litre unit for smaller tractors and an 800-litreunit for larger tractors. A powerful low-noise, six-blade suction turbine is side mount-ed for optimum flow inside the collector hose, which can be attached to almost anymid-mounted cutting deck. Optional support wheels can be fitted to the collector unitand there’s an optional hydraulic hi-lift system available with a maximum height of1.7m for discharging direct into trailers or skips.

Ryetec have announced the introduction of the new addition to their already wellreceived contractor range of front and rear mounted flail mowers. The new ‘S’ model

adds a new dimension to the already well specified contractor range, spanning 2-2.8metres in length. Greater clearance between flail tip and frame allow easier passage

of large volumes of material and the two rows of static counter blades reduce cutmaterial volume to a minimum.

New ‘S’ model for Rytec


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Since 1912

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TEL: (01993) 811976 FAX: (01993) 812448E-Mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.hawtree.co.uk

Martin HawtreeFellow of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects

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INTURF The Chestnuts, Wilberfoss, York YO4 5NTTelephone 01759 321000 � Facsimile: 01759 380130E-mail: [email protected] � Web page: www.inturf.co.uk

JF Dudok vanHeel

Former fellow and past president of theBritish Institute of Golf CourseArchitects, Joan Frederik Dudok van Heeldied last month, aged 78.

After 25 years in the banking andpetroleum/oil industry, Joan begandesigning golf courses in 1968. He hasdesigned and supervised construction ofmore than 50 courses throughout Europe.

Joan was also a Dutch national andinternational champion (15 times) andrepresented the Netherlands for 25 yearsfrom 1946 to 1971.

Commenting on his death, CameronSinclair said: “JF Dudok van Heel lovedlife and loved golf, and could talk aboutgolf with some authority.

“He was a fierce defender of the tradi-tions of golf and his work as an architectreflected his desire to keep everything asnatural as possible.

“There is no doubt that he has made asignificant contribution to the growth ofgolf on the continent.”

Applications of a natural soil amendment will treble, on a Thames Valley golf coursethis year, following a dramatic decline in surface water on the greens. Nick Baker,course manager of Winter Hill Golf Club near Maidenhead says that fusarium used tobe a problem: “We're on a hill, overlooking the river Thames and there’s a lot of silt inthe soil above the gravel. The course was opened in 1976, and although it drainsquickly and we rarely close, the greens, which are soil based, remain quite soft.”

Last year, Nick applied Headland’s Axis, a natural, porous, non-compacting granule,after hollow tining in spring and autumn. “The greens dried out much quicker on thesurface during the winter, despite the weather, and were much less prone to disease.”

Soil amendment set to treble

Moving Times


It may surprise you to learn thatthere are currently around 20 new-build golf course projects under-way in the UK.

The surprise element will comefrom whichever side of the constructionfence you sit. Those within the industry,may feel it is a considerable amountconsidering the trend seems to betowards refurbishment, and the dryingup of funds left over from the �boom�period.

Outsiders, looking in, may believe20 is not much for a sport on a conti-nent still riding the crest of a wavebrought by several Ryder Cup success-es.

The common perception seems tobe, however, that saturation point is notfar off. Greece and Belgium may bekeen to build new courses but the moretraditional golfing countries - or thebank managers - seem to be reining inthe developers.SaturationBetween 1990 and 2002 around 2,000new courses were built across Europe -and given that the continent currentlyhouses approximately 5,000, somemight argue saturation point has alreadybeen reached.

But those within the constructionindustry saw the trends years ago - andthey believe they will bend accordingly.

J&E Ely remains busy, but directorNigel Ely doesn�t rest on his laurels. Aschairman of the British Association ofGolf Course Constructors he isconcerned about all his members - inaddition to his own interests.

�The industry�s certainly not at itspeak,� he smiled. �But our membersseem to be keeping busy.

�Refurbishment seems to be the wayforward at the moment but location isstill vital. If somebody can comeforward with a wonderful piece of landa new course can still be built.�

And he should know. Re-develop-ment of Ascot racecourse will ensurethe golf course there can no longer "

So just how viable is the golf construction sector at the moment? David Bowers discussesthe state of play with some of the industries leading figures, and unearths some interestingpoints of view.


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Modifications at Royal Liverpool


exist in its current form and J&E Elyhas been awarded the contract to build anew course just over the road at AscotFarm - more familiar to racegoers as theoverflow car park.

�It�s a fine piece of rolling land andthe club will have to move therebecause of developments bringing theracetrack into the 21st century.

�There are to be new stands andeven a new mile - though I�m not privyto the plans for the racecourse so I don�tknow how much of the golf course willbe lost ultimately.�ConfidenceEly believes confidence will soon startto grow again for continental projectsafter the conflict in Iraq put a lot ofplans on the back burner.

�There are still projects in variousparts of Europe and there�s an enor-mous amount of interest in projects innorth Africa, south of the Med, beyondSpain and Portugal. Confidence willpick up again after a lot went on holdduring the Gulf War.�

But Ely admits overall there appearsto be a move towards more refurbish-ment in the UK. He added: �In theboom in the late 80s lots of people builtgolf courses to a low specification on alow budget.

�On many there was insufficientirrigation and drainage and the prob-lems are starting to appear.�

And it�s not only the low-budget,fast-buck courses that need a makeover.In the UK in particular, there arehundreds of old courses built in the late19th or early 20th century that also needimprovements in irrigation, drainage -and sometimes design.

Members are no longer happy just toplay in the late spring and summer.They want to play all year round - andthat means a capital outlay for the clubswho need to bring the courses up todate with all the modern conveniencesnow available to the industry.

J&E Ely is currently engaged atBridgedown, in Barnet, Hertfordshire,where, after the course was initiallybuilt to a low-spec, low-budget design12 years ago, the owners realisedcontinuing in that vein was merely afalse economy.

Who to bring in? Well, in additionto Ely they engaged the services of alittle-known Spanish chap calledSeveriano Ballesteros, who hasdesigned an inland links - his firstcourse design in England.

The contours come courtesy of anew branch of recycling. Inert landfill -clays, bricks and other material withgood drainage properties - is usedaround the course which, whencompleted, will make the transitionfrom low spec to high spec - a realbonus for members.

And the use of inert landfill is unde-tectable to the naked eye; there aremerely wonderful rolling peaks andtroughs - a real pointer for the future.FutureAnd what of the future? Delta Golfhave been in the industry for aroundfour years, although the main playerswithin the company have experiencedating back long before that - and itbelieves the industry needs to movewith the times.

The company has just completed arefurbishment project at SprowstonManor Golf Club, in Norwich, and

general manager Gareth Jones believesthat job is an excellent example of whatthe future holds for the constructionindustry.

He said: �We built six new holes atSprowston Manor and refurbished theexisting 18 and made them into 12holes. I believe that gives a good idea ofwhere the industry is going particularlyin the UK.

�Refurbishment of existing coursesis really the future. There is a limit tohow many new courses you can build,particularly in the UK where there areso many well-established courses.

�I worked in Germany in the 1990sin the boom period when golf reallytook off, but, although we�d never saynever, I think Delta Golf will continueto work in the UK at the moment.�

Certainly, despite the downturn innew-build courses, Jones remains opti-mistic for the future of the industry.

�Certainly I believe the industry as awhole and Delta Golf in particular havea good future. It�s all about being awareof what�s happening and tailoring whatwe do to suit.

�We are better equipped for refur-bishments than new builds so the posi-tion looks healthy.

�Like any other industry, thingschange and you have to be prepared tochange with them.�

One company to embrace thatphilosophy is Barrelfield GolfConstruction. Like many other compa-nies within the industry it is findingmore work within the reburbishmentand renovation area - but Barrelfield isin a better position than most when itcomes to new builds.

�THERE ARE STILL PROJECTS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF EUROPE AND THERE�S AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF

INTEREST IN PROJECTS IN NORTH AFRICA, SOUTH OF THE MED, BEYOND SPAIN AND PORTUGAL.

CONFIDENCE WILL PICK UP AGAIN AFTER A LOT WENT ON HOLD DURING THE GULF WAR.�


As the construction side is just onearm of the company, Barrelfield canutilise its other specialist personnel togenerate potential new-build projects.

Barrelfield�s Mel Thomas said: �Weare talking to companies within thehotel and leisure industry and to proper-ty developers to create opportunities.Europe�We are also going into Europe totender for new-build business. It�s verycompetitive in this country becausethere aren�t so many new-build projectscoming up.

�But we are nicely set up for therefurbishment and renovation market.We work closely with architectswhether it is one green or remodellingnine or 18 holes. And we are happywith the amount of enquiries we arereceiving.�

The company is currently in themiddle of three refurbishment projects.

�We have the James Braid course atBasingstoke; we are remodelling someholes at Glynnenth in Wales; and thereis the revovation of the nine-holecourse at Twickenham,� added Thomas.

The company also has its GolfNetwork and management and consul-tancy arms to offer and it benefits fromhaving a diversity of skills. �We havethe right, key personnel in each area,�said Thomas. �We are very optimisticabout the future.�

Time wreaks its own revenge onany construction and golf courses areno exception. And with the popularityof golf still increasing, increased use,the advent of more and more golf carsand technological advances all conspireto leave a golf course behind. "

�BUT WE ARE NICELY SET UP FOR THE REFURBISHMENT AND

RENOVATION MARKET. WE WORK CLOSELY WITH ARCHITECTS

WHETHER IT IS ONE GREEN OR REMODELLING NINE OR

18 HOLES. AND WE ARE HAPPY WITH THE AMOUNT OF

ENQUIRIES WE ARE RECEIVING.�

Barrelfield Golf Limited302 Ewell Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 7AQ

Telephone: 020 8390 6566 Internet: www.barrelfieldgolf.co.ukFacsimile: 020 8390 8830 Email: [email protected]

Building the Future of GolfBarrelfield Golf Limited has probably developed more golf clubs on behalf of clients and landowners than any othercompany in the last ten years. We pride ourselves on developing golf courses to time, to budget and which are theright product for the right marketplace.

Barrelfield Golf Limited assembles the right team of experts for each project and manages all planning aspects,design, construction and growing-in. We can be appointed as project managers, contractors or consultants.

Barrelfield Golf Limited has wide experience of the latest design, construction, drainage and irrigation methods.We can offer expert advice and service for new built projects, clubhouse construction, alterations and course improvements.

Management & MaintenanceDesign & ConstructionMarketing & Membership SalesFinance & Feasibility


For many clubs, the most apparentareas of wear and tear are to be foundon and around the tees and bunkers -and what is going on under the surfacemight also be worthy of close attentionfrom a specialist.

And before the number-crunchersstart running for the bill-proof shelters,a �specialist� need not prove beyond theclub�s means.

�It can all seem a bit daunting to themanager or secretary when anexploratory enquiry is made,� saidIngrid Eichler of �specialists� ContourGolf. �Our job is to take away all suchanxieties and make all possible optionsclear from the outset.

�A club might come to us and saythey need all their greens rebuilding,but, upon further analysis, it might bethat improved drainage and greens-surround sculpting would improve theputting surface more than a completerebuild.�PraiseContour was responsible for thecomplete rebuild of Fota Island, inCounty Cork, and the subsequentimprovements drew much praise fromplayers and management alike.

With the future tending to veertowards refurb and renovation, Contour,like many other companies within theconstruction industry, looks set fair.

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Wales: Beyond 2010


For centuries, Celtic roots havelinked the countries of Wales,Ireland and Scotland - particu-larly as each has made attempts

to rebel the marauding English invaders.Now, the Welsh corner of this

triumvirate is preparing to fight off theother two in an effort to woo theEnglish - and the Americans; and theEuropeans; and the Japanese.

This time, Wales is inviting an inva-sion; an invasion of golf tourists. InApril the Wales Tourist Board (WTB)launched a ten-year TV, press andonline campaign to tempt more of theworld�s estimated 60 million golfers totread the Welsh fairways.

The WTB hopes the country cancapitalise on capturing the 2010 RyderCup - to be hosted by Celtic Manor - tomake real inroads into the lucrative golftourism market, which has proved to beworth millions to more traditional desti-nations such as Ireland and Scotland.

The WTB is to increase its marketingbudget for golf in Wales from £30,000 to£500,000 a year in an attempt to treblethe number of golfers currently travel-ling to the country to play.

However, there is work to be done,for a team of consultants, who compileda report for the WTB, warned the coun-try�s golf facilities currently lag behindthose in England, Scotland and Ireland.

The consultants found there werenot enough hotel rooms on courses,teaching facilities were sub-standardand that some courses in Mid Waleswere inaccessible to visitors.

To bring Welsh facilities up toscratch, the consultants, who weredrawn from four golf firms and allmembers of the Golf ConsultantsAssociation, estimated £60-£70m wouldneed to be spent by the public sector.

Speaking at the launch of theInternational Masters, which will behosted in Wales for the next three yearsat the Vale Hotel, Golf & Country Club,WTB Board Member and former Welshrugby union international captain Ieuan

Celtic Manor may have secured the Ryder Cup for Wales in 2010, but as David Bowersreports, the Welsh Tourist Board is gearing itself up for a mass promotional campaign tosell the country as a major golfing resort.


Evans said: �Although it is difficult toget exact figures on how many peoplecome to Wales exclusively for golf, weestimate that currently it is around30,000 a year.

�We are looking to increase that toabout 100,000 people annually. InScotland, which markets itself as thehome of golf, they get around 300,000golf visits a year, generating £175m forthe economy.

�The problems we have at themoment include a lack of on-coursebedrooms. We need to spread the bene-fits of hosting the 2010 Ryder Cupacross Wales. We need to piggy-backon the existing golf traffic to the UKand Ireland and persuade US visitors tospend at least part of their trip in Wales.Catalyst�Winning the Ryder Cup has provided acatalyst to awaken Wales to the poten-tial of golf tourism.�

The first tangible evidence of thenew campaign was seen on Sky TVwith the first TV advert displaying thelegend: Wales: Golf as it should be.

The commercial, filmed at CradocGC, Brecon, features an approach shotheading straight for a water hazard. Butjust as the ball appears lost it skimsacross the water, landing on the greenand rolling into the hole.

Marketing director Roger Pridesaid: �We are determined to see theRyder Cup bring real economic benefitsto the whole of Wales.�

The campaign aims to show thecountry as a place where golf can beplayed in beautiful surroundings, at anunhurried pace, at reasonable cost andwith easy access even to trophy courses.

Pride added: �The aim of the advertis to position golf in Wales as an antidoteto the stereotypical, out-of-date image ofgolf and to show that golfers can findsomething a little different here.

�Wales really is the next big thing ingolf, of course, and during last year�sInternational Golf Travel Market it wonthe Undiscovered Golf Destination ofthe Year award.�

It is an award the WTB will behoping never to win again. Pride added:�The Wales Tourist Board has devel-oped a ten-year golf tourism strategy - aframework for developing and market-ing golf tourism to 2010 and beyond.

�Golf tourism is high yield withgolfing visitors spending, on average,four times as much as leisure visitors toWales.

�We are confident of being able tocommit £9m of investment supportmoney for the development of golftourism-related projects over the nextthree years, subject to successful bidsfor European Objective One and Tworesources.�

Wales may argue it was hard doneby to have only five courses featured inGolf Monthly�s prestigious listing of thetop 100 courses in the British Isles. Ofthe five mentioned, two appear for thefirst time - Tenby and Nefyn - while thehighest placed is Royal Porthcawl atnumber 32.

The others were Royal St Davids(33) and Aberdovey (74). And with theincreased marketing budget, it seemslikely the number may be increasedslightly the next time around.

The WTB is making great efforts tolure golf writers to the country - partic-ularly those in the travel sector. And thefirst of many organised media eventscoincided with the launch of theInternational Masters in April, as IeuanEvans welcomed a large media possebefore they set off on a three-day visitto four courses.

Starting with the Vale Hotel, Golf &Country Club, the group then travelledto the north of the country where theyvisited Conwy, Nefyn and Royal StDavids.

The initial response from the mediascrum was encouraging and organisersare eagerly anticipating the next batchof writers.BenefitsIn addition to the WTB initiative, amajor new promotional campaign isbeing launched in the south of thecountry to stress the economic benefitsto the entire country.

Called The Greens of SouthernWales, it is led by Capital RegionTourism, and it will work in conjunc-tion with the WTB.

Peter Cole, a spokesman for CRT,said: �The prospect of hosting thesport�s most prestigious event has givenus food for thought and I have a warn-ing for anyone who doesn�t preparetheir table accordingly - expect to gohungry.

�In a nutshell, it�s this moment ornever for golf in Wales.�

Hyperbole possibly, but with somany people prepared to speak on thesubject, it will pay clubs in Wales tolisten, as the golf tourism marketexpands at a much faster rate thangeneral tourism.

And for once everybody is singingfrom the same songsheet - a notion notunheard of in the valleys of Wales.

Even the politicians are at it, so let�sleave the last word for Wales� FirstMinister, Rhodri Morgan. He said: �Wesee the Ryder Cup as much more than athree-day event in Newport in 2010.

�It represents a decade of opportuni-ty and we are going to work hard tomaximise the economic, tourism andgolf development benefits of bringingthe event to Wales.�

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Public Interest

CLUB INSIGHT


Public ownership of golfcourses is no longer thetrend, at least at the coastalresorts of Britain where

local authorities used to grow rich onbusiness generated by holiday makersin particular.

In a tightening economy wherecouncils must cut spending closer to thebone there have been two instances inSussex of selling out to the privatesector. It stands to reason that othermunicipalities will be tempted to followwhat has happened at Worthing andHastings.

Just under four years ago there were68 expressions of interest received byWorthing�s decision to put Hill Barn outto private tender. ShameThere was not one word of protest fromthe season ticket holders and thosebelonging to the private club. On thecontrary, they welcomed the change forHill Barn was rapidly dying of shame.

Prospective purchasers of the fran-chise saw the opportunity to run a oncehighly-rated course as a licence to printmoney. Worthing�s action did not gounnoticed.

At Hastings, which had two coursesin the immediate post-war period, didtheir sums. And the borough treasurer�sdepartment came up with clear adviceto the council. Get rid of Beauport Park.

The test case was Hill Barn.Commissioned over 153 acres by a far-sighted council and opened in 1935, itenjoyed a boom time until long after thewar. In one year alone almost 78,000rounds were played. And no wonder.Hill Barn had a deserved reputation asone of the best municipal courses in thecountry.

Important professional tournamentssuch as the Penfold, Cutty Sark andMartini went there. The council pouredmoney into the upkeep but a shadowwas cast in the 1970s by uncertainty ofwhat route a diverted A27 might take.

On paper it threatened to slice achunk off Hill Barn and the longdelayed decision put a brake on keepingthe course and facilities up to scratch.

And the council no longer usedskilled greenkeepers. Parks Departmentworkers were despatched there fromfootball and cricket grounds andbunkers filled-in to save money. Thegreens, once a pride and joy, became abad joke.

Once members and green fee payersqueued at dawn to get among the earlytee times but went elsewhere as the rotset in. Hill Barn was no longer thecouncil�s golden egg layer. The corpo-ration wanted out.

Hywel Griffiths, director ofWorthing�s Leisure Services, wasperfectly frank five years ago: �The

golfing market has declined from thepeak of 10 and 15 years ago and in thattime 13 more courses within 25 miles ofHill Barn have opened up.�InvestIt was resolved to look for a companyto manage the facility and invest in it aswell as taking on other contracts such ascatering and maintenance. By so doingdeclining revenue targets would nolonger be a council problem.

The move could almost becompared with Margaret Thatcher�sdecision whilst she was Prime Minister,to allow council tenants to becomeowner occupiers.

The membership dwindled to justover 100 compared to the 600 and 700figures at peak when the council regu-larly recorded a six-figure profit. NowHill Barn was dying on its feet andwhen the council invited outside inter-est the town hall was almost put undersiege.

Eventually a short list of six partieswas drawn up all in the full knowledgethat a gold mine was up for grabsdespite knowing full well that thecourse would need to be restored to itsformer glory.

The race to secure the franchiseinvolved several big players but it wasRichard Haygarth, 39, the owner ofChichester GC less than 20 miles away,who landed the prize. "

As local authorities consider relinquishing control, or even selling their public courses,John Vinicombe talks to Richard Haygarth who has transformed Hill Barn GC afteracquiring it from Worthing Borough Council four years ago.


A chartered accountant who hadbeen a partner with Price Waterhouse inToronto for seven years, Haygarth paid£2m for Hill Barn and has alreadyperformed wonders with an intensivework programme.

He immediately pledged £400,000to be spent in the first year and signifi-cant year-on-year investments and, atthe same time, a commitment to main-taining the course�s accessibility anddeclaring no plans to change status as apublic access pay and play 18 holes.

�Golf ownership for me was oppor-tunity driven and, as an accountant, Ivalue a club on twice its revenue,�commented Haygarth.

Last year, Hill Barn�s turnover wassomewhere in the region of £400,000and Haygarth believes that it will takeanywhere between four and five yearsbefore the course reaches the standardhe has set for it.

Now there are 15 full time workersemployed there and including the two18-hole courses at Chichester, Haygarthhas the best part of 50 people in hisemploy.ImprovementsWith a new irrigation system installedand many other improvements word hassoon got around that Hill Barn is worthplaying again. Membership is close on450 and an overflow car park needed tocope with demand.

Old sores with the council havehealed. Chris Bladen, a past captain andclub champion, recalled: �The councildidn�t want a club; they wanted acomplete pay and play facility.

�We were not even allowed to havethe club honours boards remain in theclubhouse. These were removed at ourown expense to the foyer because thesight of them was deemed to be a turn-off to visitors in case they got theimpression it was purely a private cluband did not belong to the council.�

Now the clubhouse has been fullyrefurbished in the style of the 1930s andno longer looks like a slum. In addition,the original bunkers are being restoredunder the careful supervision of archi-tect Martin Hawtree, who has alsoworked for Haygarth at Chichester.

At Hastings, however, there is notsuch a happy ending in sight. Threeyears ago the council decided to sellBeauport Park leaving 300 members inthe dark.

The council had heavily subsidisedthe course over the years, which theynow did not regard as best value to theauthority, and the whole episodebecame a drawn-out political football.

One reason for ending their respon-sibility was competition from surround-ing private clubs and that golf was notconsidered among the top ten sportsthat needing funding.

This represented a U-turn by thecouncil who had showed considerableenterprise in 1968 when leasing 120acres of the Beauport Park estate tobuild the course.

From the start it was dogged bydrainage problems but, nevertheless,presented a daunting test of golf. Somesaid it was even too difficult for apublic course. Early in 2001 BeauportPark passed into private ownershipwhen the council admitted they did nothave the money to run it.

How much Beauport Park went for,and to whom, has never become clearas the freehold of 186.6 acres lay withCinque Ports Leisure.ConcernBut that didn�t concern the membershipwho never saw the course as a lossmaker but, by last October, the renamedHastings Golf and Country Club hadgone into liquidation and the 250 regu-lars were left uncertain about the future.

In February this year a request wasmade by a councillor for an investiga-tion into the sale by the district auditor.Cr. Keith Bing said: �It was very badfor the council to hive-off the coursewithout being more thorough.

�The idea of giving the freeholder£500,000 was to get rid of the mainte-nance contract. We have ended up withno golf course which is unacceptablefor a borough council.�

�GOLF OWNERSHIP FOR ME WAS OPPORTUNITY DRIVEN AND, AS AN ACCOUNTANT,

I VALUE A CLUB ON TWICE ITS REVENUE.�


Fact FileClub: Hill Barn Golf Club

Hill Barn Lane, Worthing,West Sussex BN14 9QEEngland

Telephone: 01903 237301Facsimile: 01903 217613Email: [email protected]: www.hillbarngolf.com

Proprietor: Richard Haygarth (pictured)Course Manager: Darren Homer

Course Info: 18-holesPar: Par 70, 6224 yards (Opened 1935)

Members: 450Green Fee: £15 (Mon-Fri); £17.50 (Sat-Sun)

There are lessons to be drawn forcouncils throughout the country fromwhat has happened at Worthing andHastings.DelayAfter a prolonged delay, Worthing got itright in finding a buyer in RichardHaygarth who is not connected with amulti-national leisure company and hasadopted a caring, hands-on approach.

His wife Sally, also an accountant,had input into the clubhouse restorationand every golf club can benefit from awoman�s touch.

Hill Barn can look forward to glorydays again even in a recessionary timefor the golf industry.

At Hastings the scene is differentbut may not necessarily remain so.When everything has been sorted outthere is no reason why the scenicallyrewarding Beauport Park, set in undu-lating woodland to the north of thetown, should not prosper.

The two corporations, Worthing andHastings, have cut their losses. Willother local authorities take a similarpath as the shoe continues to pinch?

�THE IDEA OF GIVING THE FREEHOLDER £500,000 WAS TO GET RID

OF THE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT. WE HAVE ENDED UP WITH

NO GOLF COURSE WHICH IS UNACCEPTABLE

FOR A BOROUGH COUNCIL.�

Water Ways


When standing surfacewater is a problem onyour fairways, or they�returning brown, prompt

action is needed in order to restoreplayability and avoid losing large pilesof money.

The chances are, though, if it�s rain-ing, you won�t be thinking about irriga-tion and if it�s sunny, you won�t bethinking about drainage. ApproachAs we�ve said on this topic before,short-termism and a reactionaryapproach to managing your course�sfortunes is not the way to go.

Why? Lots of reasons. But princi-pally because a well-designed approachto managing water could actually makeyou money when your competitors areturning golfers away from unplayableholes. It�ll also act as insurance shouldthe worst happen weather-wise.

Take that standing surface waterproblem we just mentioned, for exam-ple. In several cases, the original maindrainage system underneath could wellbe sound. So what�s needed is a way toquickly relieve the solid ground at thetop and restore a route for water topercolate down to the drains.

Campey Turf CareSystem are based inMacclesfield, Cheshire, in the UK.Their Koro Top Drain is a tractor-drawnattachment that cuts three trenchessimultaneously.

We�re not talking wartime, �quick,dive for cover� trenches, either. Theymeasure 4cm (1in) wide, 20cm (8in)deep and are cut 50cm (20in) apart. Allsoil removed is lifted via a conveyorbelt into a trailer travelling alongsideand can be used later as a valuable top-dressing.

The system then fills the newtrenches with sand and levels thesurface with its five rear stabilisingwheels, thereby minimising grounddisturbance. The treated areas can thenbe sown with grass seed, covering itstracks.

The point being that using such amachine will not only combat poordrainage, but also help create a morevigorous and resilient sward that resistssubsequent damage; which is a majorplus-point for those golf clubs lookingto get as many rounds in as possible.

To which end, there�s nothing like acourse whose sward is so hard-wearing,it gives you extra time to open your

doors at the beginning and close of thegolfing season, or during inclementweather.

But there is more than one way toskin a cat, figuratively speaking.Distributed in the UK by CharterhouseTurf Machinery from Haslemere, is theVerti-Drain, a specialist aerator that isused extensively on golf courses.

It�s said to penetrate deeper than anyother deep aerator currently on themarket - up to 400mm (16in).Apparently, it�s a high work-rate unit,2.1m wide (83in) and works much likedigging a garden fork in the ground andpulling back on it. ProblemsSurrey�s Richmond Park Golf Club useit about twelve times a year wherevernecessary on green, tees and fairways.�We used to have surface water prob-lems on some parts of the course�,recalled Lee Strutt, (pictured above)Richmond�s head greenkeeper.

�But the Verti-Drain helps keep thesoil free-draining without undue surfacedisturbance. In drier months, it breaksup compaction and allows irrigationwater to penetrate. This lets in air andnutrients, promoting root growth for ahealthier sward�. "

Irrigation and Drainage usually only get the attention they deserve when there�s a crisis.Rob Wright takes a look at how golf courses can get their pre-emptive strikes in nowadaysand prepare for those inevitable rainy days.


UPDATING THE IRRIGATION?Hunter Golf features a complete line of irrigation

equipment for efficient water management.Our local representative can show you the

advantages of an advanced Hunter system with gear-driven rotors, durable valves and controls.

Hunter Europe: Aix-en-Provence, France Tel: 33.4.42.37.16.90 � Fax: 33.4.42.39.89.71

www.HunterIndustries.com

PARTS& EQUIPMENT

IRRIGATION& DRAINAGE

SUPPLIES

TURF SUPPLIES& ACCESSORIES

9960 Indiana Avenue, Suite 12Riverside, California 92503 USA

Phone 001 (909) 343-2100 Fax 001 (909) 343-2110Visit us at www.agripacific.com

Golf & Turf Maintenance ProductsWholesale Distributor for Export

Supplying golfcourses and contractorsworldwide.

We’re handlingshipments as smallas one box of partsto complete irrigationpackages, with manyfinance options available.


Without such treatments, soil canbecome acidic through lack of oxygen,leading to problems of thatch, diseaseand other nasty conditions, which couldseriously affect playing quality andincome.

Having said that, sometimesdrainage problems are more deep-seat-ed than that. Which of course means it�stime to call in drainage professionals.

White Horse Contractor�s core busi-ness is drainage. With around 70 peopleon the payroll, they�ve seven gangsfully fitted out to handle drainage chal-lenges. Some, of course, are more chal-lenging than others.

�We have a gang currently workingin Portugal on a new construction proj-ect, installing a complete pipeddrainage scheme over an 18-hole golfcourse,� said Jim Crabbe, (picturedabove left) one of White Horse�scontract managers.

�We were hit by torrential rain inMay, followed by very hot weather andthe ground baked solid. So machinerythat had been sinking into the soddenground was now chewing its waythrough rock-hard soil. However, weare now making excellent progress.Survey�Our work on existing golf coursestends to address particular problems,usually, which cause them to close forperiods of time, especially during thewinter months.

As a company, we can provide atopographical survey, take soil samplesand look at existing drainage - as theremay be scope in the old system - andidentify where the priorities are forgreenkeepers and owners.

�Then we look at the problem itself.Is it down to water coming on to thecourse; coming up; or is it a particularlylow-lying area? Then, what I alwayslook at is where do we take the problemto?

�It�s got to go somewhere and that�swhen we need the greenkeeper to iden-tify the intensity of drainage he wants,depending on his budget and thenumber of players he�s expecting topass through the problem areas.�

But this decision isn�t just up to thegreenkeeper. �If a client is dischargingwater into storm drains, ditches orwater courses, they really should seekadvice from their local EnvironmentAgency (EA) officer,� Crabbe advised.

�What we�re finding now is that theEA are quite keen to regulate thevolume of water added to waterwaysand the speed it�s getting there. So theymay well put a limit on the volume ofwater you�re allowed to discharge intothe system.�

And the same applies to varyingdegrees all over Europe. GraemeFrancis, irrigation division manager atLely (UK) said: �Each country has itsown statutory body overseeing watermanagement; there is no blanket policycovering all of Europe,� said Francis.

�In fact, some countries are evensplit into regions. In the UK, the EA areonly responsible for England andWales. Extraction licences and costs inScotland and Ireland are very different.

�However, discussions are nowafoot, looking at water across the wholeof the European Market. But these areonly tentative so far and nothing lookslikely to emerge from this for sometime yet.�

Which is somewhat curious, assurely every region has its unique setsof problems depending on its climate,geology, commercial demands andpopulation density?

�The principle difference is mostcountries in southern Europe like Spainand Portugal use tertiary treated efflu-ent for irrigation, as opposed to potablesupplies� Francis maintained. �It allcomes down to water availability.

�OUR WORK ON EXISTING GOLF COURSES TENDS TO ADDRESS

PARTICULAR PROBLEMS, USUALLY, WHICH CAUSE THEM TO CLOSE

FOR PERIODS OF TIME, ESPECIALLY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS.

AS A COMPANY, WE CAN PROVIDE A TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY,

TAKE SOIL SAMPLES AND LOOK AT EXISTING DRAINAGE - AS THERE

MAY BE SCOPE IN THE OLD SYSTEM - AND IDENTIFY WHERE THE

PRIORITIES ARE FOR GREENKEEPERS AND OWNERS.�


Noted for the installation of drainage schemes and water supplies in all

situations where quality is imperative

15 Years of Service

PHONE: 01359 259424FAX: 01359 258073

www.milesdrainage.co.uke-mail : [email protected]

GREAT ASHFIELD, BURY ST. EDMUNDSSUFFOLK IP31 3HB

Drainage

�This kind of irrigation is coming tonorthern Europe but it�s not here yet.The problem is that this approach cannot only bring variable water quality,but it can also contain high levels ofnutrients which you may not want.�

Which is naturally counter-produc-tive if you�re using your irrigationsystem to carefully control your chemi-cal soil treatments to the nearestmilligram.

So, ignoring the suits in Brussels fornow and their attempts to supervisewater distribution and usage across theEU, how can you arrest control of yourirrigation needs away from MotherNature without spending a fortune? Pros and ConsThat depends, says Jack Wheeler ofWatermation 2000 Ltd: �It�s all a caseof weighing up the pros and cons. Areyou going to spend a lot of moneyreplacing the entire aging PVC systemsbecause the pipes are breaking?

Or are you going to carry on repair-ing it as and when it needs attention?Some owners reason that 9-10 burstpipes a year isn�t too bad and certainlycheaper than replacing irrigation pipesin one go around an entire 18-holecourse for £30,000.�

Watermation design, install andmaintain irrigation systems, and havearound 250 service contracts. But if it�sraining, things can get a bit quiet. �Ifthey�re not using their irrigationsystem, it doesn�t break and we don�tget a lot of work. Most of the work wedo is renovation work or add-ons.�

With some very sophisticated newproducts on the irrigation market avail-able from some of the companiesmentioned on these pages, greenkeep-ers, under pressure to be responsibleusers of water and save money, havenever had it so good.

Just don�t wait for a problem to reoc-cur before you do something about it!


Building a new clubhouse? Buying extra land?Purchasing your club’s freehold?Restructuring your borrowing?

Talk to the golf club mortgage specialists first!For more information on straightforward,tailor-made and competitive solutions for your Golf Club capital requirements contact FAF

Freephone 0800 225567www.fafltd.co.uk [email protected]

Farming & Agricultural Finance Ltd, PO Box 4115, Hornchurch RM12 4DF.Tel: 01708 464023 Fax: 01708 464109

‘‘OOnnee SStteepp AAhheeaadd iinn GGoollff CClluubb MMoorrttggaaggeess’’

�FIRST AND FOREMOST�

Nationwide Design & Build ServiceSportsturf Construction & Drainage

Lakes, Reservoirs & PondsWater & Environmental Engineering

Landscaping and Irrigation

TEL: 01865 736 272FAX: 01865 326 176

www.whitehorsecontractors.co.ukLodge Hill, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 2JD

White Horse ContractorsLimited

Calcined diatomaceous earth soil amendment

SPORTECHNIC 2000 Inc

Head Office: 15, Boul Don Quichotte Suite 515 ÎLE PERROT, Quebec J7V-7X4 CANADA Tel : (514) 425-4223Fax : (514)425-6806 www.sportechnic2000.com

European Division: Lieu dit Coucut, 33190 PUYBARBANFRANCETel : (33)(0) 6-80-75-69-85 Fax : (33)(0) 6-80-72-73-14 E-mail : [email protected]


Firm Focus

COMPANY PROFILE

TThe latest example of new tech-nology in golf is a satellite-based navigational systemthat is now fast catching on in

the UK and Europe. It is like having a caddy that doesn�t

shuffle his feet at the top of your back-swing or sneeze just when the line of atricky putt stands out a mile. There isalso a chance that the gizmo could beeasier on the pocket.InformationEither fitted to buggies, trollies, orsimply hand held, it provides golferswith distance information to the greenalong with information relating tofeatures and hazards should the humaneye prove unreliable.

The GPS, or Global PositioningSystem, marketed by Golf LogixEurope, has a magic optic provided by24 satellites placed into orbit by the USDepartment of Defence and made avail-able for civilian use.

Golf Logix Europe install xCaddieDistance systems into courses at no costand charge a fee each time the handsetis used. The company was founded lastOctober by Phil Lewin, former directorof golf at East Sussex National, andfellow PGA pro Ben Porter who playedmostly on the Safari Tour.

Gareth Jones, a former and foundingdirector of Orange PCS and MarkHolman, managing director of Barclayscapital, are also on the board of directors.

The GPS receivers are manufacturedby Garmin, arguably the world leader inthis particular technology. Since launchthe system has been adopted at around30 clubs in Europe, while feedbackfrom the US where it was first intro-duced has been of unstinting praise.

At Cyprian Keys the story is thatpace of play has increased by anythingup to 30 minutes a round. This hasallowed more available tee times and agreater number of rounds with theinevitable knock-on of increasedrevenue.

The Massachusetts-based Wachusettclub reports that throughout last June anextra $6,000 was attributed to the popu-larity of the new system.

Lewin says: �We have been goingjust over seven months but the demandis terrific. Let me say straight away thatthe system doesn�t always improveyour game as it doesn�t take the shot.

�But it does increase the pace of thegame and anything that does that has tobe good. Visitors to courses generallydemand course distance information,and our system gives the golfer thisimportant data both instantly and accu-rately. We install systems free of chargeto clubs and then charge on a usagebasis.�

Many European resorts now havethe Golf Logix GPS system in useincluding Vale do Lobo, La Cala,Valderrama, San Roque and Quinta doLago. In addition, units are installed oncourses in Norway, Germany, Portugal,Spain, the Middle East and the UK.San RoqueAmong the unsolicited testimonialscomes this from Ian Martin, golf direc-tor at San Roque: �Since introducing afixed system in the late 1990s we havebeen looking to find a method of offer-ing GPS services to members who donot wish to ride a buggy.

�The Golf Logix system allows usto fill this gap in our services throughits trolley-mounted product.�

Not every golfer has fallen overbackwards to welcome the latest tech-nology though. Seve Ballesteros, likehis fellow professionals, may not seeksatellite help: �The game was inventedto test the skill of players and the waytechnology is going anybody can play.�

I�m not that old, but were not similarreservations expressed at the introduc-tion of steel shafts 70-odd years ago?Nothing will halt the march of progress,and nothing will prevent genuine talentbreaking through providing the playingfield is level.

Golf Logix GPS systemset to storm Europe

Golf Logix Europe

T: 01323 649110F: 01323 649692W: www.golflogixeurope.comE: [email protected]

�WE INSTALL SYSTEMS FREE OF CHARGE TO CLUBS

AND THEN CHARGE ON A USAGE BASIS.�

The Future’s Bright...

OPINION


In this edition, David Withers, sales and marketing director at Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd,gives his views on the future of the golf industry and the pressures on course owners andequipment providers.

Before dusting off my crys-tal ball and giving it avigorous rub in an attemptto see what the future holds

for our industry, it�s probably worthlooking at the key drivers that are influ-encing the game of golf at present.

We are seeing some very mixedpolitical messages coming from aroundthe globe. In developing countries, newgolf is normally seen as positive.

However, it could be argued thatthis is both good and bad as jobs arecreated and wealth generated on the onehand, while there will undoubtedly beenvironmental considerations as floraand fauna are destroyed during theconstruction of new courses. ElitistIn Europe, with some exceptions, itcould be argued that the game is stillperceived as being elitist.

Demographic changes also have asignificant influence. An aging popula-tion, early retirement and greater wealthin developed countries are good for golfas the demand for recreational activitiesincreases.

Property developers have beenquick to embrace the enhanced propertyvalues that can be generated withhomes on or adjacent to golf courses(with the obvious pressure that thisgives to reduce noise pollution) andtimeshare opportunities have increasedsubstantially at golf resorts, especiallyin southern Europe.

For course operators the commercialpressures are evident with marginsbeing squeezed and a possible slow-down in economic growth.

The market is consolidating andthere are the increased costs of employ-ing staff raising the issue of productivi-ty versus cost. Television also plays itspart, as coverage of golf expands onboth terrestrial and satellite TV, theexpectations of the club golfer is raisedas they see immaculate playing surfacesfrom around the globe. Of course, theywant the same conditions at their club.

Subscriptions across Europe varydramatically, with an average subscrip-tion in Scandinavia in the low hundredsof Euros compared to Italy, where thefees are often well in excess of €1000.

The number of golfers has grownsteadily and there are now more thansix million, of which three-four millionare club members. But the number ofclubs has also increased. Between 1990and 2002 there were approximately2000 new courses opened acrossEurope. This means that course growthhas exceeded player growth.

Golf will always fall between twostools, viewed either as the steward ordesecrator of the countryside. However,I think it�s fair to say that golf courseoperators and managers now have avery high level of environmental aware-ness and with that comes the responsi-bility for a structured approach tomanagement of their environment.

Many golf courses are now havensfor wildlife, with ponds, heath land andwoodland encouraging and nurturingindigenous flora and fauna.

Greenkeepers are actively encour-aged to use less chemicals and pesti-cides and there is groundswell of opin-ion that emissions on golf coursesshould be reduced where possible.

At Ransomes Jacobsen we havetaken a strategic decision to investresources in turf maintenance equip-ment that can run on alternative fuels.We believe that legislation from the topand demand from below will forcemanufacturers to look at viable alterna-tives to reduce both noise and environ-mental pollution.

Since Edwin Budding invented thefirst lawnmower in 1832, propulsion forequipment has moved on from manpow-er to animal power, through steam to thecarbon fuels of petrol and diesel.

Now we are witnessing the intro-duction of LPG and electricity as viablealternatives. There are golf cars andsmall utility vehicles that can be run onLPG instead of petrol and electricbuggies with regenerative systems forrecharging the batteries.

We have developed the first commer-cial ride-on triple mower to be poweredby LPG and are the only manufacturerbuilding a ride-on electric greens mower.And, we have just launched the firstelectric powered pedestrian greensmower, the Jacobsen E-Walk.


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3

Couple this with the use of bio oil inall of our products, the introduction ofthe Cushman Diabline, an electricpowered people mover and burden carri-er and the fact that we are the firstmanufacturer in the turf care industry tobe awarded ISO 14001 - the internation-al standard for environmental manage-ment - then you can see our environ-mental awareness and commitment.

We sincerely believe that it�s notgood enough just to be green, but thatwe, and the golf sector, must be seen tobe green.

In the future, perhaps we�ll see adriving range with autonomous mainte-nance equipment where an electronicallycontrolled machine will cut the grass,collect the balls, return to the shed andrecharge automatically. The technology�savailable now, but the cost is prohibitive.GPSThe use of GPS to collect preciseagronomy related data will enable thecourse manager to accurately controlthe amount of fertiliser, spraying andwater that his particular course needs. Again, we have this technology in theagricultural sector. It is only a matter oftime before golf courses benefit too.

Employment costs will alwaysremain one of the predominant expens-es for a course operator and we thinkthe trend will be for less people, butwith greater skills and using their timemore cost-effectively within the organi-sation. DronesWe can see the golf course of the future,say in 2015, being cut with dronemowers. A mother unit would be usedto power several electronically operatedcutting units undertaking various appli-cations around the course.

Like the autonomous driving range,they would return to the shed andrecharge automatically.

Or perhaps there�ll be small dronemowers situated close to each green,which come out at night, mow the greeneven before the dew has formed, thenreturn to their dedicated storage facilitywhere they plug in and recharge.

Some of the above may seem far-fetched, and certainly only some of itwill come into effect during our life-times. However, it will be conceptssuch as these that answer the key driversof production, cost, and environmentalconcerns that will come to the fore.

The golf industry has to accept itsenvironmental responsibility and act inan appropriate manner. Major equipmentmanufacturers like ourselves, who havesigned up to ISO 14001, will be requiredto look at all aspects of their businesses.

We have to look at waste manage-ment issues such as reuse of materials,recycling and correct disposal and wemust use energy more efficiently toreduce consumption. Our products haveto be more energy efficient and usemore recyclable materials and our pack-aging has to be reusable and recyclable.

And, we have a duty to inform andeducate our supply chain and encouragethem to follow our lead.

At Ransomes Jacobsen we willcontinue to ensure that a sustainableenvironment remains integral to ourbusiness decision-making. We willcontinue to manage our impact on thelocal, national and global environmentand we will promote environmentalmanagement throughout the supplychain.

And, finally, we will continue ourlead in the drive for more productive,cost-effective, environmentally friendlyturf maintenance equipment.

WE CAN SEE THE GOLF COURSE OF THE FUTURE, SAY IN 2015, BEING CUT WITH DRONE MOWERS.

A MOTHER UNIT WOULD BE USED TO POWER SEVERAL ELECTRONICALLY OPERATED CUTTING UNITS

UNDERTAKING VARIOUS APPLICATIONS AROUND THE COURSE.


Portfolio

01480 226800

Tillers turn to ToroSpecialist turf grower Tillers Turf hasinvested in a Toro Reelmaster 5200ride-on mower to keep its greens intop condition. “I spoke to a number

of greenkeepers about the bestmachinery to cut greens turf, and

they all advised me to go with Toro,”explained owner Tim Fell. “The

Reelmaster easily handles the dailymowing of 20 acres of greens turf.”

01473 270000

Italian Job for EZGORansomes Jacobsen Italy has recentlycompleted two projects involving thecustomising of EZGO electric golf cars

to produce specialist vehicles for amunicipal police force and Alfa Romeo.

The local police required an electricvehicle with full road approval, and

choose an EZGO TXT golf car completewith road lights, an all-weather cab

and a lockable storage box .

0141 814 3366

Wiedenmann Demo DayBartram Mowers recently held a

Wiedenmann demonstration day atBarnham Broom GC, Norwich, wherecustomers were able to view a wide

selection of equipment in operation.Much interest was generated on the

practice green as the Terra Spikerange demonstrated the deep aera-tion and compaction relief attrib-

utes of the equipment.

01797 320636

It’s Magic for DEDLydd-based DED has announced amajor agreement to distribute theMagicard range of colour ID card

printers. Manufactured by interna-tional Ultra Electronics organisation,

the Magicard range comprises fourprofessional quality printers and a

unique modular laminator togetherwith the most secure anti-forgery

system on the market today.

01939 200611

New pro at Hawkstone ParkHawkstone Park Golf Club has

welcomed a new face to the ranks,in the form of 19-year-old Simon

Thomson, who has joined the clubas an assistant pro. Thomson, fromChester, will work closely with new

head pro Stuart Leech and expertteaching pro and PGA qualified

coach Damon Airey, in addition tothe rest of the team at Hawkstone.

01480 226800

Cruden Bay takes on ToroCruden Bay, home to one of the

oldest links in Scotland, has signeda five-year preferred supplier agree-

ment with Toro for course machinery.Head greenkeeper Hamish Stephen

said: “Toro machinery has alwaysbeen on our course in a small way,but we decided the time had come

to move forward and commit to Torowith an exclusive deal.”

01473 270000

A Quick Spin for TurfcoRansomes Jacobsen recently

concluded the Turfco Roadshow, alightning quick tour of specific golfclubs in the UK, to demonstrate thetop dressing abilities of some of theequipment in the Turfco range. ScottKinkead, Turfco vice president, flewin from the USA to accompany thetour which included Brocket Hall,

Queenwood and The Belfry.

01462 683031

Lloyds new faceLloyds and Co Letchworth Ltd hasappointed Alastair Thomson as its

Scottish & Northern Area salesman.Alastair was previously working with

Scottish Borders Council beforetaking a year out in Australia. Withhis father and brother both working

within the industry he has a goodbackground in the supply and main-

tenance of turf care products.

Count on it.

© 2

003

The

Toro

Com

pany

From the front nine to the backyard,you can count on us.

With over 88 years of experience, Toro is the most trusted supplier of turfequipment and irrigation systems to golf courses, parks and individual lawnsaround the world. Our commitment to providing innovative, high qualityproducts and systems to help grow and maintain turf is legendary. We careabout preserving the tradition of golf. We also care about providing the rightsolution to you. Make Toro the preferred name at your home today.

www.toro.com

gmé | issuu 31

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