Latest News
WIN A TRIP TO LOUISVILLE!
Your chance for you and a guest to attend GIE+EXPO in the USA this OctoberThe Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is giving one lucky reader the chance to visit GIE+EXPO, the...
BIGGA AND R&A RELEASE "ESSENTIAL MAINTENANCE" STATEMENT
Offering definition and clarityFollowing the Government’s announcement last week that “essential” maintenance was permitted on golf courses...
ECB ISSUE GUIDANCE
For cricket grounds staffInformation has been sent to all cricket boards from the ECB, offering advice during this outbreak.
IOG WORKING ON CLARITY FOR THEIR MEMBERS
During this outbreakInstitute issue a statement saying they have been working hard on behalf of its members to answer their questions.
GOLF'S GOVERNING BODIES ISSUE ADVICE
To golfers and the operators of golf clubsBIGGA, the PGA and GCMA have issued further advice for golf as a game to be enjoyed 'sensibly and safely' during the...
IOG EGM NOW TO BE HELD AT HEAD OFFICE
To vote on a Special Resolution for name changeInstitute now asking members to consider voting by post rather than by attending in person.
KEEP GOLF OPEN PETITION LAUNCHED
By The UK Golf FederationThe UK Golf Federation say they want the government's support to keep golf courses open through the term of COVID-19.
BIGGA OFFER CORONAVIRUS ADVICE
To golf clubsBIGGA says it has been estimated that 25% of small businesses don’t reopen after a serious emergency and they...
R&A APPOINT EUROPEAN TURFGRASS LABRATORIES
As official testing laboratoryETL, a Labosport Group company in Central Scotland, are now the official testing laboratory for The R&A,...
REESINK PRESENT THEIR AFTERMARKET DEALER AWARDS
Honouring top dealersCompany recognised their overall Dealer of the Year for ‘Excellence in Customer Support’ alongside Outstanding...
IOG PROPOSE NAME CHANGE
To 'Grounds Management Association’IOG have called an Extraordinary General Meeting for 2nd April at Edgbaston CCC, where members have the opportunity...
AMENITY STANDARD WELCOMED
By all sides of sector says Amenity ForumThe new Amenity Standard is already being incorporated into tender documents and specifications going forward say the...
SALTEX PLAN INCREASED INDOOR DEMOS FOR 2020
Due to visitor demandShow organisers have announced that an increased number of indoor demonstrations will be taking place at SALTEX 2020...
FIELDS IN TRUST SUPPORTING CAMPAIGNERS
To protect parks and green spacesCharity has published a new guide to the planning system, entitled 'Watch this Space', that includes a self-help...
TURFPRO OWNERS TRIUMPH IN RURAL BUSINESS AWARDS
National honour presented last weekTAP, the owners of TurfPro and Service Dealer, scooped the title of Best Rural Digital, Communications...
ISEKI TAKE ON RAYMO
Electric, radio-controlled mowersISEKI UK & Ireland have announced that they have been appointed as the exclusive distributor for Raymo products...
OPEN SUPPORT TEAM ANNOUNCED
For the 149th ChampionshipThe Open 2020 is heading to Sandwich in Kent this July and BIGGA has revealed which of its members have been selected...
GROUNDCARE SEMINAR ATTENDED BY OVER 150
Held at Durham CCCOver 150 volunteers and professionals representing schools, sports clubs, local authorities and contractors from all...
ALLETT CELEBRATE QUEEN'S AWARD
With visit from Lord-LieutenantRecently Allett Limited welcomed the Queen’s representative in Staffordshire to meet the staff and present a...
JOHN DEERE ANNOUNCE EXPANSION PLANS FOR DEALERS TO FILL TERRITORY
Ben Burgess & Farol to increase coverageJohn Deere dealers Ben Burgess and Farol are set to expand their businesses into the East Midlands during 2020 -...
FIRST GREEN FLAG AWARD IN USA PRESENTED
The Presidio in San FranciscoThe Presidio becomes the first park in the United States to achieve the international Green Flag Award, recognising...
FOREST GREEN ROVERS PRAISE PITCH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Data collection tool described as vitalForest Green Rovers' head groundsman, Adam Witchell, says the GrasPro Pitch Management System has helped him save...
LEVEL 3 GREENKEEPING APPRENTICESHIP ESTABLISHED
Government approval receivedThe Golf Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group have announced the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education...
WATCH INTERVIEWS ADDRESSING CHALLENGING CONDITIONS
Hear from Radley College, Mansfield Sand, Hayden Turfcare, Trilo UK and TurfixEditor Loz Gale heard from key figures at the recent BTME show about what challenges had been faced over the past...
JOHN DEERE REORGANISE PRO TURF BUSINESS
Three new appointmentsFollowing a strategic reorganisation of the turf business in Europe, Brian D’Arcy has been appointed as turf...
TORO GIVE ASSURANCES OVER VENTRAC
No intention of moving productionFollowing the announcement that Toro is buying the makers of the Ventrac equipment, the company's CEO has given...
SUCCESSFUL SEVEN SELECTED FOR SAWGRASS
Off to Players Championship in FloridaEach year John Deere, in association with BIGGA and the GCSAI sends seven association members to Ponte Vedra Beach in...
WATCH MORE INSIGHTFUL INTERVIEWS FROM BTME
Hear from BIGGA, IOG, Rigby Taylor, Dennis & Sisis, Limagrain, Symbio and Grass GroupEditor Laurence Gale was out and about at BTME recently, conducting interviews with the great and the good from the...
WATCH LOZ GALE'S INTERVIEWS FROM BTME
Hear from Campeys, Iseki, Bernhards, Vic Demain, Peter Craig and John MoverleyTurfPro editor Laurence Gale was out about around the halls at BTME last week, recording interviews with...
HAZEL GROVE COURSE MANAGER HONOURED
Standing ovation at BTME Welcome CeremonyMichael Davie, the course manager at Hazel Grove Golf Club in Stockport, has tirelessly supported many BIGGA members...
ISEKI UK & IRELAND APPOINT
Alan Prickett joinsIseki UK & Ireland announce that Alan Prickett has joined the growing team in the role of business development...
DAVE HARRISON RETIRES
From Campey Turf Care SystemsCampey Turf Care Systems' export sales manager, Dave Harrison, announced his retirement after ten years and left the...
INSIGHT INTO THE EMIRATES
For over 40 turf professionalsIn conjunction with DLF Seeds, turf professionals from schools, colleges and sports clubs across the country were...
PITCH SABOTAGE SUSPECTED
At AFC FlydeGroundsman of the club which is a member of the National League, finds a brick wrapped in a cloth in the drainage...
WATCH TURFPRO INTERVIEWS FROM LAMMA
With Farmtrac & SuzukiLAMMA took place at the Birmingham NEC last week and amongst the ag machinery exhibitors, TurfPro caught up with...
TURFPRO'S MOST READ STORIES IN 2019
What interested you the most?Today we reveal which stories were the 10 most read by our turf professional subscribers in 2019.
2.5% PAY RISE FOR GROUNDS STAFF RECOMMENDED
By the IOGIn addition, says the IOG, the amount paid in recognition of IOG qualifications should increase to £600 per band to...
NEXT GENERATION OF TURF MANAGERS INTRODUCED
Earned places on FTMI courseBIGGA has revealed the 20 ambitious greenkeepers who will participate in the Future Turf Managers Initiative 2020.
RECORD SET BY JOHN DEERE TRAINING
66 young parts & service techniciansThis year’s John Deere Ag Tech, Parts Tech and Turf Tech advanced apprenticeship programmes have seen the highest...
DAY OF CELEBRATION PROPOSED FOR 2020
By Amenity ForumThe Amenity Forum say they would like to designate a date in the late summer next year, when the whole amenity and...
A 'RECORD BREAKING' SALTEX
Organisers release 2019 figuresAnnouncing the attendance figures, organisers of SALTEX have described 2019 as "record breaking".
WHAT WAS THE BUZZ AT SALTEX?
Watch our short and snappy vidsTurfPro editor, Laurence Gale, was patrolling the showfloor at SALTEX recently, with a camera in tow - grabbing...
EDITOR'S BLOG: A well oiled machine
Take proper care of your kitWith SALTEX coming up this week it brings into focus how vitally important it is that you look after your machinery...
PITCH IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY HELPING SPORTING PARTICIPATION
According to GaNTIP statisticsThe Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme (GaNTIP), which is funded by the Football Foundation and ECB, and...
PEOPLE'S FAVOURITE PARKS REVEALED
Green Flag award winnersWith more than 45,000 votes cast, Green Flag has announced the winners of the 2019 People’s Choice vote for the...
EDITOR'S BLOG: What's new on the parks front?
Plenty of developments in this vital sectorThere has been much interesting activity lately with news coming out of the Empowering Parks conference, The Parks...
TOP GROUNDCARE TRACTOR BRAND AS VOTED BY PRO END USERS REVEALED
Second part of unique groundcare research releasedTAP, the owners of TurfPro, have published the next part of their unique sector insight, this time revealing what...
HELP DETERMINE DIRECTION OF NEW RESEARCH PROGRAMME
Led by STRI & supported by BIGGAThe Golf Research Enterprise (GREEN) is aimed at identifying and finding solutions to the problems facing golf course...
EDITOR'S BLOG: RECRUITMENT IS KEY
The challenge of finding new staffHaving myself moved jobs on several occasions, I know only too well many of the issues both employee and employer...
FEATURE: A DAY OUT WITH THE LADIES
Behind the scenes at the Solheim CupI was invited by John Deere to attend the first two days of the Solheim Cup at Gleneagles this weekend, to witness...
STANLEY PARK VOTED BRITAIN'S BEST PARK 2019
Blackpool facility winsStanley Park topped Fields In Trust's poll of 36,832 voters from 364 nominated parks and green spaces throughout the UK
EDITOR'S BLOG: EDGBASTON'S BASTION
Gary Barwell gives his insight to groundsmenI was fortunate recently to visit Warwickshire County Ground, where head groundsman Gary Barwell, spoke to grassroots...
RFU APPOINT NEW TWICKENHAM HEAD GROUNDSPERSON
Jim Buttar takes up roleJim Buttar has taken up the role at the Home Of Rugby, a position he commenced on September 2nd.
SOMERSET CCC HEAD GROUNDSMAN TO JOIN HAMPSHIRE
Moving on after 20 yearsFollowing autumn renovations at Somerset, Simon Lee is joining Hampshire CCC to replace Nigel Gray who had come out...
EDITOR'S BLOG: CHOOSING THE RIGHT MACHINERY
Turf professionals must be careful when buying new equipmentI would always advise that you buy your machinery from a reputable machinery dealer, who has the relevant skills and...
TEESIDE'S TRANSFORMATION
Significant developments at clubInvestments at Teesside Golf Club have seen renovations to the course, plus new course maintenance equipment,...
EDITOR'S BLOG: A groundsman's lot
Under-appreciated and under-valuedI believe there are still too many turf professionals up and down the country who are not earning anything like the...
FOOTBALL FOUNDATION LAUNCH EXPERT ADVICE APP
Help for turf professionalsThe Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation are ramping up efforts to improve the quality of...
BIGGA OFFER MEMBERS HR HELP
Access to free adviceBIGGA has teamed up with Xact to provide every member with access to free help and advice to make workplaces a more...
EDITOR'S BLOG: Current state of bowls
Clubs facing many challengesOne of the biggest problems for bowls clubs around the country is the ongoing cost of maintenance of the green.
REAL MADRID PRIZE FOR SALTEX COLLEGE CUP
New sponsors this yearToro and Reesink Turfcare have announced they will be sponsoring the SALTEX College Cup 2019, managed by the...
NEW 9-HOLE COURSE TURNS TO DLF
Preparing to open to publicCheshire’s Adlington Golf Centre has recently undergone major construction works to create a brand new 9-hole par 3...
EDITOR'S BLOG: PLANNING CRICKET RENOVATIONS
There are some basic aims when renovating a squareWith the cricket season soon coming to an end, many groundsmen should now be organising the renovation of their...
FEATURE: COVENTRY UNIVERSITY'S EDIBLE GARDEN
2006 - presentThe grounds team at Coventry University have found an edible garden to be a very useful educational tool for their...
GREEN FLAG AWARDS
Events taking place around the countryThe first of the three UK Green Flag Award Ceremonies took place recently at Port Sunlight.
EDITOR'S BLOG: A FEAST OF SPORT
With turf professionals playing an integral roleThe Cricket World Cup finals, the Wimbledon Championships and the Women's Football World Cup have all offered...
FEATURE: HAIL THE GRASS MASTERS!
Boorish media comments about pitch quality are wide of the mark. By Chris Biddle, TurfPro founderAs we all draw breath after the unbelievable scenes at the Home of Cricket yesterday, we surely must celebrate team-work
A CHANCE TO SHINE
UK greenkeeper's life changed by U.S internship programmeWatch an exclusive video of Greg Jones from The Belfry GC near Birmingham, speak from Pebble Beach Golf Club and the...
EDITOR'S BLOG: THE CURRENT STATE OF GOLF
Courses must adapt to surviveI place a high regard for what golf courses have to offer, not only providing a changing game of golf, but also for...
FEATURE: CONTRACTOR SEES MULTI-DISCIPLINE SUCCESS
360 Ground Care serving professional facilities by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPRMiles Todd saw an opportunity to provide a professional grounds maintenance and renovation service for both the golf...
GREENKEEPER SUPPORT TEAM REVEALED
For BMW PGA ChampionshipThe Director of Golf and Greenkeeping at Wentworth Club has spoken about his pride at the return of a greenkeeper...
EDITOR'S BLOG: TEEING OFF WITH JOHN DEERE
Partnership with Wentworth Club launchedLast week I attended the host venue for the PGA Championship tournament where they revealed a new course maintenance...
KEITH KENT LEAVES TWICKENHAM
Official send-off at end of June writes TurfPro editor Laurence GaleKeith Kent's final day as head groundsman of Twickenham was June 30th 2019 - and I, along with some invited turf...
SALTEX '19 REGISTRATION OPEN
Process improved this yearThe organisers of October's event have promised that visitors will notice some notable improvements to the...
EDITOR'S BLOG: WEATHER CONTINUES TO SURPRISE
During one of the busiest times of the yearLong daylight hours, coupled with warm air and soil temperatures often reaching well into double figures, means that...
FEATURE: BUSY TIMES
Judging the Green Flag Awards - by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPRAs part of my role as a Green Flag judge, I was tasked with visiting Castle Ring, a large multivallate Iron Age Hill...
IOG EMBARKING ON NATIONAL PR CAMPAIGN
To highlight the vital role groundspeople play in sportThe IOG say they are planning for the launch of a new communications programme designed to educate the public and...
EDITOR'S BLOG: BERNHARD LAUNCH TRAINING ACADEMY
Educating the next generationLast week saw the launch of the Bernhard Academy at the company’s factory facilities in Haverhill, Suffolk, which...
FEATURE: TAKING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
What does it all mean in managing turf surfaces? By Professor John Moverley, Independent Chairman of the Amenity ForumIn tackling the management of amenity spaces and turf, we are all asked to take an integrated approach and deliver...
BRIGHTON & HOVE GROUNDSTAFF SACKING DESCRIBED AS 'WITCH HUNT'
Team selections leaked onlineIt was widely reported last week that three members of Brighton & Hove Albion FC's ground-staff team were dismissed...
EDITOR'S BLOG: THE NEXT GENERATION
We must inspire and recruit a new generation of turf professionalsI firmly believe we can always learn from our peers and previous generations who are always keen to pass on their...
DANISH & SPANISH GROUNDSMEN LEARN FROM UK'S BEST
On educational tourThirty-eight groundsmen from Denmark and Spain have spent three-days learning from some of the best turf...
DEVON COUNCIL UNDERTAKE ROBOTIC TRIAL
Ambrogio robot mowers maintaining pitchesEast Devon District Council have partnered with local dealers Devon Garden Machinery for a robotic mowing trial on an...
EDITOR'S BLOG: OPTIMISATION OF WATER RESOURCES
Better understand the soil / water relationshipOne of the biggest problems facing many groundsmen is the ability to water their natural grass surfaces efficiently,...
FEATURE: UNDER PRESSURE
Dry weather conditions continue to keep turf managers focused on moisture managementWhile you can’t control weather, there are steps you can take to conserve water, to maximise the impact of any you...
MASTER GREENKEEPER RECORD SET
Six of the bestBIGGA have announced that a record number of members have achieved the Master Greenkeeper certificate following...
EDITOR'S BLOG: Hard work & dedication
Ever changing playing surfacesA busy time of year for turf professionals with a lot going on, it's great to get out and about to events around the...
EMERGENCY AUTHORISATION FOR ACELEPRYN
Syngenta insecticide reapprovedProduct for the control of chafer grubs and leatherjacket has been reapproved for the 2019 season.
TRACK TURF PESTS THIS SUMMER
Get a better picture of when and where they're flyingNew facility will follow the timing and movement of the adult life cycle stages of key turf pests this summer.
EDITOR'S BLOG: Obesity measures
Turf professionals have a vital roleEveryone who works in the sports turf industry and amenity landscape sectors, play an important role in providing...
FEATURE: EDDIE SEAWARD, A TRIBUTE
Death of Wimbledon’s influential grounds managerThe turfcare profession, and indeed the whole of the tennis world, were saddened to learn of the death of Eddie...
QUEEN'S AWARD FOR PITCHMARK
For Enterprise: International Trade 2019Bristol based line marking machinery and equipment manufacturer honoured.
EDITOR'S BLOG: Timley advice
Rugby renovationsWith the rugby season now virtually completed, it is time to encourage rugby clubs to rejuvenate their pitches after...
FEATURE: Major new irrigation project
At Top 100 classic Berkhamsted Golf ClubThe famous bunker-free course has installed a comprehensive new irrigation system which will see a seven-fold...
GLYPHOSATE MISCONCEPTIONS WEBSITE LAUNCHED
By Complete Weed ControlIn light of increasing public scrutiny, CWC has launched an online glyphosate resource.
EDITOR'S BLOG: Planing ahead
Renovating grass surfacesIn recent years we have seen an array of soil conditioning equipment on hand to speed up the way we can renovate our...
NOWLAN PARK RECEIVE GAA COUNTY PITCH OF THE YEAR AWARD
Honour sponsored by CampeysThe Kilkenny city venue was chosen after a thorough adjudication process, with McGovern Park, South Ruislip in London...
MEETING PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS IS HOT TOPIC
At recent Amenity Forum eventsAttendees at recent Updating Events in London and Belfast welcomed the Forum's proposals for a new professional...
EDITOR'S BLOG: From Winter to Summer Sports
April is a busy periodAs always it will be the weather that dictates what can be achieved in this short window of change.
HYBRID GRASS ROLLED OUT AT TOP UK CRICKET CLUBS
With installation technology developed by SIS PitchesSIS Pitches has installed pioneering hybrid cricket pitches at County Cricket Clubs across the United Kingdom ahead...
ETESIA LAUNCH VAT-FREE DEAL
On a range of ride-on mowersVAT-free offer runs from 1st April until the 30th June 2019 and applies to the Bahia and Hydro 80 machines.
EDITOR'S BLOG: The value of trees
Trees bring real benefits to our cities, health and well beingEach year London's trees remove 2.4million tonnes of air pollution including carbon dioxie, dust and other gaseous...
FEATURE: New horizons for the Hatters
Investment paying off at Kenilworth RoadLuton Town FC will finally get the chance of a mad hatters tea party if they get promoted into the Championship at...
ECHO ENTER MOWER MARKET
First ever from manufacturerUntil now, only a lawnmower had been missing from the manufacturer's range of tools, but that has been rectified with...
