Newslines Spring 2018

Read our 2018 Springer version of Newslines online today. With Product Tests, Toro news and more

News for Turfcare Professionals Spring 2018 news lines

Cover Story

Toro tech for Royal Dornoch

Royal Dornoch ahead of the curve with Toro pages 02-03

PRODUCT TEST GREENSMASTER FLEX 2120 Small changes bring big differences James de Havilland discovers pages 04-05 FIRST FLEET FOR SURBITON Toro lease deal brings in results at Surbiton Golf Club page 06

TOO TRUE TORO Toro back at Knole Park to deliver ‘true greens’ back page

We work our machines very hard, so it’s important we frequently update them with the best technology available from Toro.

Eoin Riddell Course manager, Royal Dornoch Golf Club

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Cover and 02 Eoin Riddell, course manager, says it’s important to update machines frequently with the best technology available. Toro’s Reelmaster 5010-H hybrid (cover) and Greenmaster 1000 (02) do just that. 01 Eoin Riddell, front left, with Reesink’s David Raitt, front right, and the greenkeeping team

Considered to be one of the top golf clubs in the UK and among the best in the world, Royal Dornoch Golf Club keeps ahead of the curve by bringing in the best technology available to maintain the courses – as proven by its second investment in Toro machinery and its first in TYM tractors. Traditional club trusts Toro tech

Included along with a fleet of 35 Toro machines, a Toro irrigation system with sprinklers and two TYM tractors, is Toro’s myTurf Pro fleet management program. Keeping technology current is a priority at Royal Dornoch, where the operation of Toro’s myTurf Pro fleet management program is in full swing. Eoin Riddell, course manager, counts this among his favourite bits of Toro kit, saying: “When we brought in myTurf we were all a little dubious to begin with, but that quickly changed. Our machines pass a sensor at our shed door that automatically records how long they’ve been in operation and, from this, calculates preventative maintenance and replacement parts needed. “Our mechanic can access this information, plus user manuals for every Toro machine manufactured, by logging in to myTurf on his computer. The program makes life so much easier and eliminates human error, making cost of ownership calculations far more accurate.” Royal Dornoch follows the remote links landscape and there, among many, to tame the wilderness is a Groundsmaster 4500-D. Eoin comments: “The 4500-D is a great mower that can cut anywhere and has unbelievable productivity. It makes light work of the courses, turf nurseries, driving ranges, and a grass runway we maintain.” This is down to the model’s SmartPower technology that enables a consistent cut

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anywhere. The intuitive feature works by automatically adjusting the mower’s engine speed according to cutting conditions, while maintaining optimal power to the blades. In 2016 Royal Dornoch celebrated 400 years of golf with 250 tournaments over the year, during which the Toros were always out. Eoin explains: “At some points we were hosting two tournaments a day and Royal clubs from all over the world joined us for a week-long celebration. Throughout it all we could rely on our Toros, which worked all- year-round – morning, nights, even weekends – with barely a hiccup! “Royal Dornoch is a traditional club with a great history, but in such a fast-paced industry we must move forward with technology to maintain a world-class reputation.”

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PRODUCT TEST Toro Greensmaster Flex 2120 by James de Havilland

Same greens mower different number?

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In 2016, Toro introduced its new pedestrian Greensmaster Flex models, the walk-behind Flex 1820 and Flex 2120. Replacing the Flex 1800 and Flex 2100, these new ‘20’ series mowers look like their predecessors and have the same 18- and 21-inch (457 and 533mm) operating widths. So what’s changed? Apart from a different decal for the new model designation, it would take a keen Flex walk-behind mower user to spot the difference between the current ‘20’ series and its predecessor, the ‘00’ series. As is so often the case, however, it is the small details that count and with the ‘20’ series, the developments made over the Flex 1800 and 2100 models are more significant than they look. First up, the clutch on the new Flex 1820 and 2120 models has been changed to a design that is both easier to engage and smoother in its power uptake. This is something existing Flex 1800 and 2100 mower users will notice right from the off, feathering power to the drive now being just that much easier. Another detail change is that the handle height now offers an even greater range of adjustment, a detail that will be appreciated by both shorter and taller operators. Next, the clipper basket mount has moved from the mower frame down and onto the cutting unit. The aim is to ensure the basket exactly matches the cutting unit’s flexibility to follow even the slightest change in ground contour and to enhance collection over more challenging greens. Moving on to the DPA cutting units, the first change here is a small but significant detail difference: the height of cut adjustment system now places the weight

of the unit under the setting bolt. This is a development most will need pointing out but, it is claimed, the new system does enhance what was already a highly- regarded height setting system. Arguably the main advantage will come to those tasked with setting up two or more mowers to prepare greens ahead of a tournament. The slight change to the height adjuster should ensure an even better consistency of cut between different mowers. The final development, and for some the most important, relates to the cutting cylinders. Toro DPA cutting units now come as standard with EdgeSeries cylinders and for those tasked with looking after a mower, these new cylinders should prove a big plus. First up, the cylinders are made from a different steel grade that Toro claims is more durable. Second, Toro has changed the cylinder blade geometry that, when combined with developments in the manufacturing process, is said to provide a more consistent and accurate cut matched to better wear characteristics. Existing cylinder units have a solid reputation with the DPA cutting units, so suggesting that the new EdgeSeries cylinders are even better is significant. So, what is a new petrol powered Greensmaster Flex 2120 like to use? To be honest, a blindfolded operator would be hard pushed to notice any difference when mowing. The throttle speed thumb control on the newer machine is a bit larger and easier to adjust and power uptake via the clutch is now more measured. But once rolling, the familiar Toro ‘planted’ feel, balanced control and ‘flickable’ turning are reassuringly all present and correct. As to quality of cut, similarly most would be hard pressed to spot any changes. Live with the mowers for a few weeks, however, and the chances are the development tweaks Toro has made to the

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01 The subtle tweaks Toro has made to its Greensmaster Flex 2120 combined with new EdgeSeries cylinders will be appreciated by those who operate or maintain these walk-behind mowers 02 The basket hanger now mounts on the frame of the DPA cutting unit, with the collector moving in unison with the Flex head. The aim is to deliver optimised clipping collection over undulating ground.

‘20’ series over its predecessors Flex 2100 and Flex 1800 will start to shine through. It is only after an extended period of use that evolutionary improvements start to make themselves apparent. That is the way of product development. It may be easy to miss detail changes, but it’s these subtle, little tweaks that help those tasked with meeting the demands of the modern game of golf remain at the top of their game.

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03 The key to productivity is ensuring turns at the end of each pass can be made quickly with no scuff. The balance of the Greensmaster Flex walk-behind mowers has always been a plus of the design, increased handle adjustment now make this easier to exploit for both shorter and taller operators. 04 It is hard to spot in isolation, but the thumb operated throttle is slightly taller than the existing ‘00’ series. The new clutch on the current ‘20’ series retains the positive action of the earlier models, but is lighter to engage, with a smooth uptake of power.

Toro Greensmaster Flex 2120 FIRST IMPRESSIONS It would take a keen eye to spot the new developments Toro has made to its Greensmaster Flex 2120, but subtle tweaks combined with new EdgeSeries cylinders will be appreciated by those who operate or maintain these walk-behindmowers. Hand-mowing is still recognised for delivering the ultimate finish and this is a point clearly recognised by Toro, the company that continues to develop and refine its walk-behindmachines. The Greensmaster Flex 1820 and Flex 2120 models have received a host of detail changes to further enhance ease of use and quality of cut. A revised height adjustment system and new EdgeSeries cylinders will appeal to those tasked with setting up and looking after the mowers too. It is not just the petrol-powered models that benefit from development. As you’ll have read about in our last issue of Newslines, the lithium-ion battery- powered eFlex 1820 and eFlex 2120 models do too. With Toro, steady product evolution is a key to keeping its customers a cut above the competition.

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Machine spec:

Engine: Subaru heavy-duty industrial, 4.3hp (3.2kW)

Fuel capacity: 0.79 gallons (3ltr)

Transport speed: 5.7mph (9.2kmph)

Mowing speed: 1.6-3.7mph (2.5-5.9kmph)

Cutting width: 21ins (53.3cm)

Height of cut: 0.062ins-0.297ins (1.6-7.5mm), with height of cut kit range is 0.297ins- 1.0ins (7.5-25.4mm)

Weight: 260lbs (118kg)

Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

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Surbiton fast forward with first fleet Kit: Four Greensmaster 1000 and three Greensmaster 1600 pedestrian mowers, two Reelmaster 5510-D ride-ons, two TriFlex 3420 hybrids, a Groundsmaster 4700-D, two Groundsmaster 3500-D mowers and a Multi Pro 5800-D When it comes to course machinery, Surbiton Golf Club has done things the same way for many years. But times are changing, starting with the delivery of its first full fleet. When Andrew Kerr joined the club in Chessington, Surrey as head greenkeeper in April, he went straight to work with the Greens Committee to deliver a complete overhaul of the way the club acquired and replaced its machinery. Andrew, who is currently finalising his qualification as a master greenkeeper, says: “There’s a great deal of choice for players, so it’s imperative to be the best you can be on the budget you have. We’re not one of the biggest clubs, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have the best presented course around. I was determined to bring in the best machinery to show the membership what’s possible when you have the right equipment.”

Clint Whittaker, club secretary, explains: “We used to purchase machines outright when required as part of our capital investment plan. This meant we had machines of varying ages, some of which couldn’t deliver the results we expect.” As a club owned by its members, this change in policy had to win over 700 members too. Andrew continues: “It took one viewing of the latest Toros, brought in by Reesink, to convince everyone that Toro was the brand to go with to raise the bar.” Ultimately where there is a will there is a way. You don’t need the biggest budget to get the equipment you want, or the finish you feel your members deserve. Look at the options with your management committee and, where relevant, the membership. And consider that, just like a picture, a demo is worth more than a thousand words. Toro proved in the demo they were the best quality, and Reesink brought in some surprising figures.

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Moor Hall curates Toro fleet to tackle course wish list Kit: New fleet, including GreensPro 1260 and GeoLink Moor Hall Golf Club’s latest Toro machinery fleet has been curated to bring the club the latest technological advancements and tackle particular environmental considerations. Course manager Wayne Ganning at the Sutton Coldfield-based club created a wish list and, with the help of Reesink and dealer Redtech Machinery, now has a fleet he can rely on to make savings and implement a more responsible course management programme. The fleet features two of Toro’s latest UK launches – the new GreensPro 1260 greens roller and GeoLink Precision Spray System, the industry’s first turf-based spray system – and 15 greens, tees and roughs mowers, top dressers, aerators and utility vehicles. In opting for the GeoLink, Moor Hall was one of the first clubs in the country to reap the benefits of precision spraying. Wayne says: “We are making a concerted effort to be more environmentally friendly in our approach to course management. The GeoLink is a fantastic and effective way to do this. Not only do we make a difference to the amount of chemicals we’re putting on the ground, but there are significant savings to be made when there is far less waste.” Among the many technological improvements in the GreensPro 1260 is a hydraulic drive system. This replaces the hydro and chain drive and eliminates leaks and potential contamination of the grass as well as reducing the amount of maintenance required. Wayne says this is already proving to be “more reliable and easier for the team to use”.

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Clint Whittaker Club secretary, Surbiton Golf Club

01 Andrew Kerr, course manager, seated centre, with Clint Whittaker, club secretary, right, and Reesink’s Mike Taylor

02 The GreensPro in roll mode at Moor Hall

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PEDESTRIAN MOWING

Machine Focus Toro Greensmaster 1000

Sometimes things happen – new products are launched, new technology is developed, or in perfect harmony the two combine – and the result is something that just can’t be beaten. A classic example of this is the revolutionary design of the Greensmaster 1000, which is still influencing greens cutting 28 years since its launch. This Toro classic is as popular now as when it launched in 1989, bringing with it no less than four revolutionary and innovative design features that are now widely seen in professional pedestrian greens mowers across the world. The loop handle design and the ‘Dual Klick’ adjust of the bedknife were industry firsts. As was the front weight bias, which offsets the operator’s natural tendency to place weight on the handle, allowing the cylinder to better follow the ground’s contours for a consistent cutting height. A wide kickstand for stationary stability to change transport wheels was new too, and all together they combined to deliver a superior quality of cut that remains unmatched today. Its smooth drums are gentle on the greens and grass baskets distribute clippings evenly for optimal mowing on each pass, whether the conditions are wet or dry. Even at the lowest height of cut setting, the GR1000 provides a beautifully consistent finish thanks to the machine’s well- balanced weight distribution that ensures straight-line tracking with minimal operator guidance. This, taken together with all its other features, produces the smoothest, most uniform cut possible in a greens mower.

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The impact of the Greensmaster 1000 has been felt on greens across the world. Age doesn’t diminish its standing; its technology is such that it keeps on delivering nearly 30 years later and that’s a fact undeniable when it's still one of our best sellers today.

Specification

Engine 4.3hp (3.2kW) Subaru unleaded petrol engine

Fuel capacity 0.79 gallons (3ltr)

Mowing speed 1.5-3.3mph (2.4-5.3kmph)

Jeff Anguige National sales manager, Reesink Turfcare

Transport speed 5mph (8kmph)

Cutting width 21ins (53.3cm)

Height of cut 0.78ins-1.0ins (1.98mm-25.4mm)

03 The Toro Greensmaster 1000 at Trentham Golf Club

Bedknife EdgeMax Microcut

Weight 220lbs (99.8kg)

Warranty 2-year limited warranty

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Product literature at reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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The Roundup

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and come with excellent customer support”. Although a long-standing Toro machinery and irrigation customer, Royal Dornoch Golf Club is new to TYM. The historic club has purchased two T503 tractors through the Reesink service centre based in Livingston, West Lothian. Course manager Eoin Riddell says the tractors provide “the perfect power to size ratio for our needs. We will use them to pull the ProCore, and put trailers on the back for moving tasks such as shifting turf when building bunkers and transporting sand for tees and soil and gravel for paths.” A firm favourite with customers, the T503 will easily handle the tough conditions that come with a remote links course in the Scottish Highlands.

Tractors Returning and new customers for TYM

Utility vehicles UTVs demonstrate unbeatable value at John O’Gaunt

Orders have been placed and delivery dates set as TYM returns to Leeds United and joins the fleet at Royal Dornoch Golf Club for the first time. Leeds United has invested in the latest TYM tractor to hit the UK market. The T393 will be used at the stadium with a range of attachments for verti-draining, spraying, seeding, top dressing and gritting the stadium car parks. It's the club’s second TYM bought through local dealer, Russells Groundcare in Hull, and joins the T503 which is based at the training grounds. Grounds manager Kiel Barrett says he continues to choose TYM because the machines are “well built, come at the right price

Ridge and furrow Exceeding expectations at Leicestershire The Leicestershire Golf Club presents a tough cut for its machinery fleet. The 6329-yard par 68 parkland course has a large percentage of ridge and furrow, which is challenging for any form of machinery. And not just coping, but excelling at the challenge is Toro. In particular, a 14-year-old Groundsmaster 4500-D and 21-year-old Reelmaster 6500-D continue to surprise Chris Lewis, course manager. “The machines manage the ridge and furrow, created by a system of ploughing in the middle ages, with relative ease and that’s why we’re a 100 percent Toro club,” he says. “They demonstrate incredibly good value in their longevity and continually impressive performance; especially the older machines, which are still running problem-free. They are a great example of why we stick with Toro year after year.” manager, runs machines that are up to 18 years old with no problems. “I think we are proving at John O’Gaunt that you can get more out of your Toro machines than perhaps you think you can and that you don’t have to always buy new to get results,” he says. John O’Gaunt Golf Club in Sandy, Bedfordshire, has purchased two Toro Workman utility vehicles, taking the club’s UTV fleet to seven. These hard-working workhorses have racked up over 16,000 hours of work between them demonstrating outstanding value and longevity. Nigel Broadwith, course

Most of the UTVs Nigel purchases are second-hand, with the latest two purchased as they came out of a five-year lease deal. Purchasing machines this way meant Nigel could buy two second- hand Workman utility vehicles for the price of one new one.

I think Toro make the best utility vehicles in the industry.

01 The TYM T503 at Royal Dornoch alongside its Toro irrigation.

Nigel Broadwith, course manager

Chris has spoken about how impressed he is with these two machines before. In 2012 when the machines had clocked up 15,000 hours between them, well over the average machine life expectancy, he praised their robust build-quality and reliability. Five years on and all that’s changed is the miles on the clock; the GM4500-D boasts almost 10,000 hours, with the RM6500 just 1500 miles behind that. And the workload at the popular course shows no signs of slowing down. Some bunkers are being repositioned as part of an ongoing course improvement programme and there are plans making the par 70 course around 6400-yards. But what will remain the same are the contours for the mowers to manoeuvre and the steeper areas that the RM6500-D in particular has to climb. The wear and tear the machines get as a result makes their longevity all the more remarkable. to extend the course by introducing two par fives,

These two machines in particular are surprising us with just how well they perform despite their age and the number of hours on their clocks.

Chris Lewis, course manager (pictured)

02 The two Toro machines delivering over and above expectations

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making nutrients more readily available to the plants.” Out of the new mowers, the TriFlex 3400 stands out to Lee: “Maintenance is so easy! With our previous greens mower you had to forever pump grease into the bearings to keep everything lubricated, but the 3400 has sealed steel bearings which don’t need greasing – it makes maintenance far easier for us, and saves on time." According to Lee, Toro has transformed the club: “This is the first time in years we have purchased more than one machine at a time. To have brought five in at the same time means the improvements are really noticeable. We’ve seen the difference Toro can bring to our course and as a result the club’s approach to machinery investment has changed – we now plan to buy new Toro machines every three years and hope to have an all-red fleet by 2020!”

Front line cutting fleet update 20/20 vision at Manor of Groves Hertfordshire’s Manor of Groves Golf Club has purchased its first fleet of Toro machinery and resolved to be exclusively Toro by 2020. The club invested in a Toro Reelmaster 5510-D, two TriFlex 3400 mowers, a Workman complete with a Multi Pro 200 sprayer, and a ProForce debris blower to update its front line cutting fleet (greens, fairways, tees and approaches). Course manager Lee Brinkley’s favourite addition to the new fleet is the Workman complete with a Multi Pro 200 sprayer: “With the Multi Pro, we can apply foliar based fertilisers which are absorbed through the leaves,

Q&A With Craig Gilholm, course manager at Royal Liverpool Golf Club.

That can lead to a dry course or, of course, a rather wet one! The R&A and our members fully support this approach, preferring to see

and play a course that runs in harmony with

its natural surroundings as best as possible.

Last time we spoke to Craig, pictured, he had reaffirmed Royal Liverpool’s partnership with Toro for another five years, taking the length of the relationship to 20 years. The deal saw Craig opt for Toro’s revolutionary hybrid and electric models over diesel and petrol in a bid to become more environmentally friendly and cut fuel costs. Here we catch up with Craig to hear how that’s going. How have things been since we last talked fleet? Really good, thank you. Among many highlights, we’ve been awarded our GEO (Golf Environment Organisation) certification thanks to our approach to sustainable course management. What’s a typical working day for you and the team? Myself and the second-in-command are always in for 6am. I still hand cut the greens and bunker surrounds until 10am every morning and always feel I’ve earnt my mid-morning cup of coffee! I have a team of ten to oversee and there’ll always be clearance and upkeep work to do and spot checks for moisture levels and checking conditions for trueness, speed and firmness. What’s your overall approach to your role? My philosophy is not to fight nature and a links course is what it is because of the weather.

What has been your

proudest moment? I feel proud every year the

course improves and the members remain happy with its playability.

What is the biggest challenge you face? Recently we’ve been trying to eradicate the rye grass on the greens and surrounds, bringing the turf back to a fine fescue and dent composition. That’s quite a challenge. A lot of course managers in the 50s and 60s were mis-sold the benefits of perennial rye grass and greenkeepers and players are still feeling the effect of that on courses today. Does your day ever throw you any surprises? If greenkeeping were a film it would be Groundhog Day! Rarely is there a surprise. If anything, it’s the weather that keeps us on our toes. And we’ve got to ask… what’s your favourite bit of Toro kit, and why? We’ve been doing a lot more hand-cutting now we have the eFlex pedestrian mowers. Members love the fine finish. We can cut six greens on one charge and we’ve had them fitted with groomer brushes to help with lateral grass growth. Plus, they’ve brought us big savings on fuel.

03 Course manager Lee Brinkley is impressed with Toro’s easy maintenance

Fairway aeration Felixstowe Ferry gets fresh

Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club in Suffolk has opted for Toro again as it scales up its fairway aeration programme. The Toro ProCore SR72 wide surface aerator has been purchased through Reesink alongside a TYM T603 tractor to pull it. With a working width of 72 inches, the SR72 is a good choice for large scale aeration and is the perfect partner to the club’s smaller Toro ProCore SR48, says course manager Glenn Rayfield. Purchased to tow the SR72 is the 60hp T603 tractor, which enables the club to scale up its tractor tasks, bringing the power to do all the jobs the club

previously couldn’t. Glenn explains: “We chose the T603 because it can handle large volume equipment.” “Aeration is just one of many tasks it will be performing around the club. With it we can also tow flail mowers, hedge trimmers and larger trailers for construction.” A deciding factor in the decision to choose Toro and TYM again is Glenn’s previous experience with Reesink: “Over the years I’ve secured a friendship with our local representative Julian Copping, who provides good service, knowledge and can’t help enough.”

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at work Irrigation Solutions

To Infinity and beyond! The Castle Course at St Andrews Links has moved from Toro Site Pro to Lynx GAC software and from Flex to Infinity sprinklers to bring the most up-to-date technology available on the market to this majestic clifftop course. Director of Greenkeeping Gordon Moir says: “It was an easy decision to choose Lynx. It’s the newest system on the market and its features will make life easier from an operational point of view.” Course manager Jon Wood says it’s the software that will make a big difference to how they run the irrigation on the Castle Course: “The ground here is different to the other six courses in that it’s more soil with a little bit of sand rather than sand-based, and that makes it

much tougher going when digging up sprinklers for maintenance and repairs. With the Infinity sprinklers we don’t have to do that anymore as they are accessible from the top.” The Castle Course will move to Toro B-series sprinklers on the tees next. This will make all the sprinklers on the course interchangeable and future-proof. From now on, the team will be able to leave the externals and just change out the internals such as the nozzles when required. As the title suggests it really is to infinity and beyond with Toro Lynx and Infinity!

Step-by-step installation and a finished future-proof result at St. Andrews Castle Course

The future is interchangeable. Jon Wood, course manager

Lynx control system for links course

course’s water needs at all times. This gives us greater control over our irrigation management, as real-time adjustments can be made to give turf the right amount of water.” According to Gary, setting up the new system was simple and benefits of the 1,220 Toro Infinity sprinklers are numerous: “Infinity sprinklers have so many good points: their ease of operation, being able to access the top of the sprinkler for repairs, and that they are future-proof,” says Gary.

Portmarnock Golf Club has updated its irrigation systemwith a Toro Lynx control system and 1,220 Toro Infinity series sprinklers. Irrigating the challenging course is now easy thanks to round-the- clock access to course conditions via apps synced to the new Lynx control system. Links manager of 10 years Gary Johnston’s favourite aspect of the new system is the accessibility: “The control system can be accessed anywhere via apps, allowing us to monitor the

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01 From left: Reesink Turfcare’s irrigation manager Robert Jackson adjusts a sprinkler with Aquaturf’s managing director Stephen Daly, Portmarnock’s golf manager Brian Hurley, and links manager Gary Johnstone

Irrigation is easy thanks to Toro.

Gary Johnstone, links manager

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Otterbine news

Testing times for new aerator Otterbine’s High Volume aerator has been installed at the R&A’s Equipment Testing Centre to provide clean and healthy water for irrigating the golf practice area (see story left). Paul Kimber from Kimber Golf says: “Otterbine was considered a good choice to aerate the water for irrigating the practice area, based on the good company it keeps under Reesink Turfcare distributorship. Otterbine is providing us with the high quality solution for an important client we would expect.” And that solution is clean and healthy water. Otterbine is the only manufacturer to have oxygen transfer and pumping rates independently tested and published on its aeration systems with the High Volume offering the highest in the industry. Callum Oliphant, managing director of Applied Irrigation who helped make this product choice, says: “One pond feeds the entire underground irrigation tank so the product we chose had to be able to shift a good quantity of water. Otterbine is the best on the market and the High Volume in particular is powerful; keeping the water clean and healthy won’t be a problem for this system.”

Implementing moisture level monitoring, updating controllers with the latest software and frequently applying evolving course setup conditions, all contribute to responsible and sustainable irrigation management. Here Ed Stant, course manager at Trentham Golf Club near Stoke-on- Trent, pictured right, tells us about how recent changes to his irrigation management are paying dividends. “Two years ago we had Toro Lynx with Infinity sprinklers Toro for R&A test centre Toro’s Infinity and T5 sprinklers have been chosen to irrigate the golf practice area at the R&A’s Equipment Testing Centre in Kingsbarns near St Andrews in Scotland. Additionally, an Otterbine High Volume aerator has been tasked to provide clean and healthy water for the system (see story right). Rigorous state-of-the-art testing is performed at The R&A’s Equipment Testing Centre by leading scientists, two cutting edge robots and some of the most elite players on the circuit, using the small but perfectly formed practice area; the results from which directly affect the game of golf across the world. The two greens have benefitted from four Toro Infinity 35 sprinklers with TDC wallmount, while seven Toro T5 sprinklers have been added across two tees. Paul Kimber from Kimber Golf, the golf course architect and

installed,” says Ed. “The right technology greatly aids professional irrigation management, but getting the most out of it is a skill in itself, and starts with monitoring soil moisture levels. I use a HH2 Moisture Meter probe and its readings dictate what irrigation I apply. “We had a reasonably wet summer in 2017 but as we all know, no course is uniform and for whatever reasons certain areas will need more moisture than others. contractor working with The R&A on the facility, says: “From its inception, this project has asked pertinent questions as to how and why things are done and how can they be improved. We applied some new techniques, developed a site-specific construction methodology for the greens and tried to create as many research opportunities as possible. “I have used Toro irrigation for several years and found they provide a quality product with good customer service from Reesink Turfcare. This was considered a very important factor for the client, and had the irrigation designer, Callum, in agreement.” Callum Oliphant, managing director of Applied Irrigation, recommends the use of Toro’s sprinklers because their “performance is reliable and consistent and the quality of design excellent”. The turf needs to be as near to perfect as it is possible to get. It’s therefore easy to see why Toro was picked to help achieve that goal.

Trentham takes control with Toro

Being able to apply additional water where needed has resulted in us having great grass coverage across the entire course, even in the walked areas.” One of Ed’s highlights is the separate surrounds sprinklers: “Having separate surrounds sprinklers means we can irrigate in opposite directions and, therefore, avoid overwatering the greens when irrigating the surrounds.”

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Firm, true and fast greens is what we’re all after and the Toro TriFlex is helping us achieve this at Knole Park. Gavin Kyle, course manager was that they’re hybrids. I sought to reduce the risk of hydraulic leaks on the greens and I wanted the advanced control these machines can offer.” But as Gavin goes on to say, it’s never just as simple as the machines: “A machine is often only as good as the backup that comes with it. We’re dealing direct with Reesink Turfcare for the first time and we’ve found that to be a great experience so far.”

Get in touch For turfcare machinery, irrigation and water aeration products: Reesink Turfcare UK Limited 1-3 Station Road, St Neots Cambridgeshire PE19 1QH Tel: 01480 226800 Email: info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk REESINK DONATION REGENERATES PITCH Reesink has donated a Toro synthetic turf conditioner to Hinchingbrooke School in Huntingdon to help maintain the pitch and stop the turf of the extensive sporting facilities, which are open to the public in the evenings, from becoming flat. Leisure centre manager Steve Fidler says: “On a 3G artificial pitch, strands need to stand upright to emulate the look and texture of grass. The blades are supported by an infill of rubber crumb that becomes compacted over time. The turf conditioner works against this as it’s dragged across the crumb to regenerate its fibres and prevent compaction.” The donation enables the school to perform this maintenance every month and, according to Steve, the pitch is “reaping the benefits and is now at its very best.” Reesink Turfcare’s managing director, David Cole says: “We’re delighted to have been able to donate the conditioner, and hope it is a great asset in managing these important facilities for the local community.”

Toro delivers firm fast greens at Knole Park

Located within the boundaries of Knole Estates in 1000 acres of outstanding Kent parkland with 600 deer roaming freely around the estate is a club like no other. Knole Park is one of the most unique courses in the country; not only for the aforementioned reasons, but also for the fact that this one course plays home to two clubs. Course manager at the club, which is home to Knole Park Golf Club and Sevenoaks Town Golf Club, is Gavin Kyle who has been

at the club for 15 years. Gavin keeps a regular annual machinery replacement programme and this year he had a focus on choosing the right machines to create firm, true, fast surfaces, which is where Toro joins the story. “I haven’t bought Toro since I’ve been at Knole Park, so for 15 years! But Toro is renowned for its greens machines in particular so were naturally included on the demo list. What appealed with the Greensmaster TriFlex 3420-H machines, which we went for,

01 Gavin Kyle, course manager, right, and Reesink's Richard Wood

News in brief...

ONE EXHIBITION TWO STANDS

GET AHEAD IN 2018

COLLEGES AND CLUBS NOMINATE

2017 saw the Student and Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards open nominations to include employers. Now, both college lecturers and clubs can nominate their finest candidates. Congratulations to Nick Machin, Royal Cinque Ports, and Angus Roberts, Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Course, for winning the 2017 Student and Young Student Awards respectively.

For the first time, Reesink has two stands at BTME. Joining the Reesink stand in Hall M, which as usual will host Toro machinery and irrigation products and Otterbine, is stand C32 dedicated entirely to TYM tractors to accommodate the range as it expands. Headlining the stand is the T393 and a range of attachments to bring more versatility to your tractor.

2018 dates for Reesink Turfcare’s industry-leading courses have been announced. For the first time the guide is accessible online only. There you’ll find nine courses to choose from, one of the biggest selections from a distributor. The 16-page Reesink Training Guide can be found at www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk where bookings are taking place.

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