The 2011 Solheim Cup

Transcription

The Official Magazine of the GCSAI l www.gcsai.org l September 2011
G reenside
The 2011
Solheim
Cup
Captains Tussle
for victory
l
The Irish Abroad l Course Feature - Courtown Golf Club l The Curragh Race Course
greenside magazine | December 2010
1
l Understanding Sand l Sportspitch Maintenance
l Regional Reports l Trade News
Greenside
www.gcsai.org
2
Greenside
Phenomenal Success
for Irish Golf
T
Contents
Disposal of Used Batteries
7
Irish Open Review
10
Solheim Cup Preview
18
Sportspitch Maintenance
20
Sand for Sportsturf
26
Course Feature Courtown Golf Club
30
Regional Round-up
36
The Curragh Training/Race
Tracks
44
Trade News
53
his year has proven to be a phenomenal success for Irish
golf. Since the last edition of Greenside two more Irishmen
have won Majors - Rory McIlroy winning the US Open in
impressive style in June and Darren Clarke’s Open Championship
victory in July. Who would have thought that, of the last seven
European Major winners, six would have been Irish, three coming from
Northern Ireland. This has given Irish golf a hugely needed boost and I
hope that this will filter down to Irish Golf Clubs.
This month (September), Killeen Castle will stage one of the biggest golf tournaments
since the 2006 Ryder Cup. It will host The Solheim Cup from 23rd to 25th September.
This three day tournament is
the ladies professional golfer’s
equivalent of the Ryder Cup.
If at all possible, you should
try and attend this event and
support some of the world’s
leading lady professional golfers.
You will not be disappointed.
I had the privilege of meeting
and interviewing both captains
- America’s Rosie Jones and Europe’s Alison Nicholas. Both ladies are up for the challenge.
You can read about them and The Solheim Cup on page 18.
I read with interest that last July has been the coldest for fifty years. It has truly been
an uneventful summer, weather wise but, despite the cool summer, it did not deter grass
growth, in fact, in some parts, it has been quite an effort to keep up with the relentless
growth.
Front cover: Solheim Cup Captains
Alison Nicholas and Rosie Jones at
Killeen Castle
Photo: Alan Mahon
Editor: Alan Mahon
Tel: 053 9158606
Email: [email protected]
Greenside designed by: S DESIGN
Tel: 00 44 28 9096 2804
REMINDER
Back issu
es
can now b of Greenside
e see
GCSAI we n on the
bsite:
www.gc
sai.org
The deadline for receiving
advertising and editorial for
the next issue of Greenside is:
21st October 2011
3
The views expressed in contributed
articles are not necessarily the views
expressed by the editor of this publication.
Editorial content and photographs
cannot be reproduced without prior
permission from the editor.
greenside magazine | September 2011
News
ALCI Awards
Irish Links Initiative
The autumn conference and AGM of the Irish Links
Initiative (ILI) will take place on 17th & 18th October
2011 at Portmarnock Golf Club.
AWARDS
The ALCI Landscaping awards, including the winner of the
Bog Oak trophy presented to the best overall entry, will be
announced at the ALCI Awards Gala night in the Mullingar Park
Hotel on 21st October. Shane McEntee TD, Minister of State
with responsibility for Horticulture, will present the awards.
There will be golf
on Monday 17th at
Portmarnock Golf Club
plus the AGM and
dinner that evening.
Tuesday 18th will
see a full interactive
programme out on the
famous Portmarnock
Golf Club links course.
Provisional topics that will be covered include:
• Drainage - How a modern drainage system can improve a very difficult situation
• Construction – An in-depth look at the construction of a new links green
• Sheds – An interesting look at the carefully designed purpose built new sheds
• Fescue – A demonstration of how fescues can be established and introduced to existing greens
Golf and attendance at the conference will be free for ILI
members but there will be a charge for non-members.
For further details please contact Tracy Coburn on:
(00 44) 7803 237247 or at [email protected]
Amenity Trees and Woodlands A Guide to their Management in Ireland
This new publication focuses on
the vital role of amenity trees
and woodlands in Ireland, and
the importance of modern best
practice in their management
and care.
It is published by The Tree Council
of Ireland in partnership with the
Arboricultural Association - Irish
Branch and the Society of Irish
Foresters.
This full-colour, 144-page book was compiled by a team of
arboriculturists, parks superintendents, landscape architects,
horticulturists and foresters. It details all aspects of modern
amenity tree and woodland management within the Irish
context, from the planting and care of individual trees to
overarching topics such as community participation, tree
strategies, and trees and the law.
Copies of the book are available directly from the Tree Council
of Ireland, at a price of €20 plus €4 postage & packaging.
Tel. 01 4931313
Wewbsite: www.treecouncil.ie/publications
Email:[email protected]
FOR SALE
Poa Greens Sod
For more details contact:
Mark Harris of
Harris Turf Improvements
Mobile: 087 2540166
To Reserve a Tee Time for Golf Team Contact:
• Lorraine Behan 086 8189178
• Ritchie Doyle 087 2427113
• David Behan 086 8269242
• Colm Dockerell 086 6054596
For Sponsorship Contact:
• Tom Carew 087 6260182
• Eamon Harnet 086 6013367
Please make Cheque Payable to ICS Golf Classic
Please send to: C/O David Behan Killeenmore, Sallins, Co. Kildare
www.gcsai.org
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Education Report
W
Bobby
McDermott
Foxrock
Golf Club
hile writing this article the executive committee
is busy looking at ways to make next year’s
conference/trade show an even bigger success.
Heads have been knocking together to try and come up
with topics and issues that would create interest within our
industry. If you have a topic that you feel should be covered
in some way then why not contact any one of the executive
members named at the back of this magazine.
In my last report I mentioned bringing small regional
networking groups together to share information and discuss
sensitive issues that may be occurring at your facility. One such issue that has been cropping up
lately is that of outsourcing and contract maintenance companies. In some cases there will be
no option but to work with such outfits where they appear to offer value. There is also another
approach whereby the Superintendent adopts the same approach as an outsourcing company
and call in all his suppliers and individually asks them to price up a typical programme using
products that he knows are safe and legal.
To start with, look at each area i.e. chemicals, fertilisers, sand and machine maintenance and
go through what you typically use in a given year. Then ask each supplier to price that quantity
with a view to bulk buying, or committing to buy at the beginning of the year. There are huge
savings to be made. This may also be done with several clubs coming together as a buying
group.
Again it is just food for thought and don’t forget to let me know if you fancy holding one of
these networking groups during the winter period.
Regards,
Bobby Mc Dermott
Please feel free to contact me on: 0862627839
or email: [email protected]
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News
Greenside wins
Another Award
AWARD
WINNER
At the annual TOCA awards last May
Greenside took first prize in the
International category ‘Best Design
Publication’ (two-plus page design
article). The article, which claimed first
prize, was the Hilton Templepatrick
Course Feature story.
In the 2011 Gardner
Awards section US based
TurfNet Media Network
won first prize for
their video production
‘TurfNet Goes to Ireland 2010’. TurfNet is
spear headed by Jon Kiger who is a regular
visitor to Irish golf clubs.
Suzann Pettersen announced as next
R&A Working for Golf Ambassador
The R&A has announced that top
women’s golfer Suzann Pettersen
has agreed to become the world
governing body’s next Working
For Golf Ambassador. Suzann joins
two-time Open Champion Padraig
Harrington in this role, promoting
the work of The R&A worldwide.
Suzann’s commitment spans coaching
young people in R&A-funded golf
development programmes, appearing in
Rules of Golf multimedia productions
and promoting the etiquette of the game
at events spread throughout her global
playing schedule.
“We are delighted that Suzann Pettersen
has agreed to add her support to our
Working For Golf initiatives,” said Peter
Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A.
“She is a global figure in the game and a
role model for young people choosing to
participate in our sport.”
ALCI Members help build Diarmuid
Gavin Garden at Chelsea Flower Show
Taking part in a junior coaching session
at The Open, Suzann Pettersen said: “I
was inspired to make my career in golf
through watching players in The Open
Championship, and it is a great privilege
to use what influence I have in the game
to encourage young people of all abilities
to participate in golf.”
The R&A will now support the Suzann
Junior Challenge event in Norway,
organised with the Norwegian Golf
Federation and now in its eighth year.
US Superintendent salaries
on the rise - slightly
As with Ireland, much of America remains mired
in the throes of a slumping economy, it is a good
time to be a golf course superintendent in the
US - at least where salary is concerned. Gerry Conneely (left) with Diarmuid Gavin at Chelsea
Two active members of the ALCI were part of the team that
achieved a gold medal at the recent Chelse Flower Show
Gerry Conneely of Clontarf Landscapes, and a recent past
ALCI chairman, was part of the five man team which helped
plan and execute the garden and he spent three weeks in
London working on the project. Garry Flood of Garry Flood
Landscaping and Instant Lawns, supplied the turf for the
hanging pod and spent three days in London working on the garden.
The Garden which was the largest ever built at the world renowned show
also scooped the Peoples Award which goes to the garden most popular
with the public who attend the show.
www.gcsai.org
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The average salary for GCSAA-member
superintendents rose 2.7 percent to $81,044
from 2009 to 2011, according to the 2011
GCSAA Compensation and Benefits Report.
Salaries for certified GCSAA members increased
about 2 percent to $95,264. How do superintendents stack up against the rest of
the nation’s workforce? According to Mercer, a human resources consulting
firm, 31 percent of U.S. employers instituted wage
freezes in 2009 compared with 13 percent in 2010
and 2 percent in 2011. Pay increases nationwide
averaged 2.7 from 2009 to 2010 and 2.9 percent from
2010 to 2011. According to GCSAA, average salaries for its
members have risen every year since it initiated
the survey in 1994. In the GCSAA’s most recent
survey, Class A and superintendent members of the
association were invited to participate. The study also
revealed other statistics. For example, the average
U.S. golf course superintendent is 45 years old, has
14.7 years of experience, average job tenure of 9.5
years and a staff of 21 employees.
Greenside
Batteries, Used Batteries and
Waste Management Requirements
B y J a m e s P o w e r a n d J a n e K e n n e a l l y, E n v i r o n m e n t a l P r o t e c t i o n A g e n c y ( E P A )
What do I need to know?
T
he Batteries Regulations came into force in 2008. Most
batteries contain heavy metals (mercury, cadmium and lead),
which are the main cause for environmental concern. If waste
batteries are disposed of incorrectly to the black bin, heavy metals
may leak when the battery corrodes, and so could contribute to
soil and water pollution from landfills not designed to handle such
materials. Also when metals in the waste battery are not recycled, this
results in more metals having to be produced to make new batteries
rather than using the metal contained within the waste batteries.
The Batteries Regulations are based on the principle of producer
responsibility, whereby those companies putting batteries on the
Irish market are paying their fair share of the costs for ensuring
those products are properly recycled when they are discarded. The
primary objective is to ensure that waste batteries do not cause
harm to the environment or human health. Anyone who imports
batteries, including batteries incorporated into equipment or
vehicles, and places them on the market in Ireland is known as a
Producer. The Producer has the most onerous obligations under the
Battery Regulations, including registration and financing the proper
management of waste batteries. Distributors, otherwise known as
retailers of batteries, also have obligations under the Regulations,
including the take back of waste batteries of similar type to which
they sell. In general, the EPA is responsible for enforcing producer
obligations and local authorities for distributor obligations.
Producer
(manafacturer or producer
of batteries)
Distributor
(provides batteries to the
person that uses them)
Battery disposal
Everyone has a role to play in ensuring waste batteries are recycled.
As outlined above, there are many products found in a golf club
maintenance facility or pro shop which contain batteries: from
cutting equipment with electric ignition and electric or hybrid
mowers on the one hand, to battery packs for power tools and the
battery in a tyre pressure gauge on the other. The golf club may also
offer rental of electric golf carts and buggies or the pro shop may
sell electronic range finders or GPS units. A good level of awareness
is essential in order for batteries to be recycled when they become
waste. The range of equipment which contain batteries is wide and
varied.
• Must be validly registered
with the WEEE Register
Society (www.weeeregister.ie)
• Must report quantities of
batteries placed onto the Irish
market
• Must fund the take back of
waste batteries at end of life
• Must buy batteries only
from validly registered
producers
• Must inform customers
(end-users) of the return
systems available for waste
batteries.
• Must provide waste battery
take-back facilities
Battery container
What do I have to do?
Table 1. Summary of main obligations for producers and distributors
The Golf Club
There are three types of battery, which are covered by these
Regulations;
• Portable batteries (found in GPS systems, range finders, power
tools and electronic scorecards)
• Industrial batteries ( Golf buggies and golf carts)
• Automotive batteries (Starter, lighting or ignition: cutting
machinery, lawnmowers)
Many of the waste batteries generated by the activities of a golf
club would arise through the green keeping team and perhaps
from servicing of buggies and carts, where applicable. Golf clubs,
to avoid taking on producer obligations, should source batteries
through suppliers who are registered as battery producers in Ireland,
which will in most cases be the importer of the battery into Ireland.
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Otherwise, full producer obligations will fall to the golf club, which can
be quite onerous. A list of registered producers is listed on the website
of the national producer registration body, the WEEE Register Society
Ltd. (www.weeeregister.ie). Producers are also required to display their
valid registration number (e.g. 0123B) on all invoices and delivery
dockets, provided to the club. If the club has a servicing agreement
with the distributor of golf buggies, carts or grass cutting equipment,
then waste batteries may be taken back as part of the distributor
reverse logistics. Otherwise waste batteries should only be given to an
authorised collector of waste batteries, to ensure their environmentally
safe recycling. Any authorised collector should be able to present a
copy of their waste collection permit, and will also be able to assist with
storage requirements for waste batteries.
•
Statutory notices must be displayed in the pro shop indicating
to customers that they can return waste batteries free of
charge. A copy of this notice can be downloaded from the
EPA’s website at http://www.epa.ie/downloads/advice/waste/
weee/.
•
The pro shop may be selling industrial (batteries for golf carts)
and portable batteries (button cell or AA batteries included
in range finders), which are often included in the equipment
sold. If the pro shop is selling both battery types then the pro
shop is obliged to take back waste batteries of similar type. The
customer is not under any obligation to buy batteries when
returning used batteries.
•
A container for waste portable batteries must be provided
in the pro shop for customers, where applicable. As outlined
above, the waste batteries must only be given to an authorised
collector to ensure these waste batteries are managed correctly.
Further information on the collection available to the shop
can be found by contacting either compliance scheme: WEEE
Ireland (www.weeeireland.ie) or ERP Ireland (www.erprecycling.ie).
The Golfer
The Pro Shop
Golfers should be informed that they can return batteries to the pro
shop or to the local civic amenity site for recycling. Waste batteries
must never be placed in waste disposal or recycling bins. Battery
recycling is free.
In addition to the responsibility of ensuring batteries are sourced
from registered producers, the pro shop has some additional
responsibilities as the distributor. Additional responsibilities include:
In Summary
Obligation
Golf Club
Pro Shop
Golfer
Purchase of batteries
from producers
Ensure batteries are sourced through registered
suppliers. Check out www.weeeregister.ie or
check some recent supplier invoices for the
registration number for your suppliers
Ensure batteries are sourced through registered
suppliers. Check out www.weeeregister.ie or check
some recent supplier invoices for the registration
number for your suppliers
Not applicable
Distributor
registration
Not applicable, unless the golf club manages
the pro-shop. In which case:
Register as a distributor with the local authority
annually or alternatively register on a once-off
basis with WEEE Ireland (www.weeeireland.ie) or
ERP Ireland (www.erp-recycling.ie)
Register as a distributor with the local authority
annually or alternatively register (online) on a onceoff basis with WEEE Ireland (www.weeeireland.ie)
or ERP Ireland (www.erp-recycling.ie)
Not applicable
Waste battery takeback
•
•
Pro shop is defined as a distributor or retailer
and is therefore obliged to operate free takeback of waste batteries (only similar to type
sold). Note: purchase of new batteries is not
necessary to avail of free take-back.
•
Distributors are obliged to inform customers
of free waste battery take-back.
•
•
If the equipment (incorporating batteries)
sourced for use on the golf course is
subject to servicing agreements by the
distributor of that equipment, then the
distributor must offer take-back of waste
batteries to the golf club.
If the golf club is defined as a distributor
(supplying batteries to the end user), then
the club is obliged to operate free takeback of waste batteries (only similar to
type sold). Note: purchase of new batteries
is not necessary to avail of free take-back.
Distributors are obliged to inform
customers of free waste battery take-back.
Golfers should be
informed of the
take-back options
available to them
The guidelines in this article will help you to ensure that golf clubs and/or pro shops are compliant with the Battery Regulations. Like any
business, the golf club, pro shop and golfer will be required to work together to achieve and maintain compliance.
Further guidance is available on the EPA website at: www.batteries-enforcement.ie | E-mail: [email protected] or Local call 1890 33 55 99
www.gcsai.org
8
Further guidance is available on the EPA website at: www.batteries-enforcement.ie | E-mail [email protected] or Local call 1890 33 55 99
9
Success again at
Killarney
Simon Dysan and Enda Kenny pose with some of the greenkeeping team.
Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin
It was another great Irish Open Golf Championship at
Killarney Golf & Fishing Club. David MacIndoe and his
greenkeeping staff and volunteers did a wonderful job in
preparing and maintaining the Killeen course for Europe’s top
professional golfers. In fact, the winner, Simon Dyson, said so
himself during his victory speech on the eighteenth green. “I
want to pay tribute to the greenkeeping staff for preparing
the course to such a high standard.”
I
t is always nice to hear compliments about the excellent
condition of course from the pros every now and then.
Volunteers came from far and wide, and included Sam Leach of
Gap of Dunlow Golf Club, Derek Daly of Kingsbarns Golf Club, Tim
Crowley of Lee Valley Golf Club, Eddie Allan of Kenmare Golf Club
and Alec MacIndoe of Newbury Golf Club. David MacIndoe had
his greenkeeping team arrive at work each morning at 4:45am for
a briefing before the 5:00am start. All necessary jobs were finished
by 9:00am. Such an intense work regime created huge appetites and
on hand, to feed the thirty-seven hungry wolves, was Michael F.
O’Connor who cooked fantastic breakfasts each morning without
the slightest fuss. Nobody went away hungry, not a complaint was
heard. It was particularly busy for Michael F. because as soon as he
was finished cooking breakfast, he was quickly off to the eighteenth
fairway to record the scores on the large leaderboard situated near
the final green.
This year the rough was allowed to grow a little higher, compared
to last year, making that part of the course more of a true hazard.
The participation of current major winners Rory McIlroy and
Darren Clarke, along with former Major holders Graeme McDowell
and Padraig Harrington helped to improve attendances this year by
www.gcsai.org
An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, presents the 2011 Discover Ireland Irish Open
trophy to Simon Dyson of England. Photo: Alan Mahon
over 3,000 (85,179 compared to last year’s 81,738). However, Clarke
and Harrington missed the cut while the best of the Irish to finish
was Peter Lawrie on nine under par, sharing eighth spot. The best
amateur went to twenty two year old Paul Cutler, from Portstewart,
finishing on an impressive five under par.
There was no official sponsor for this year’s event but Discover
Ireland stepped in to support the tournament. An Taoiseach, Enda
Kenny, presented the Waterford Crystal Trophy to Simon Dyson
who had a total score of fifteen under.
10
News
Honorary Life Membership for McIlroy and Clarke
Major Champions Darren Clarke and Rory
McIlroy have been presented with European
golf’s highest award of Honorary Life
Membership of The European Tour, following
in the recent footsteps of their Northern
Irish compatriot and fellow Major winner
Graeme McDowell. T
he pair each received an Honorary Life
Membership card from George O’Grady,
Chief Executive of The European Tour,
at the Pro-Am on the eve of the Irish Open
presented by Discover Ireland at Killarney Golf
and Fishing Club. The ceremony was conducted on the first tee
at Killarney in the presence of Taoiseach, Enda
Kenny, an enthusiastic golfer and a member of
McIlroy’s Pro-Am team which also included the
US Open Champion’s father, Gerry. McIlroy triumphed in spectacular style at
(left to right) George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, presents Honorary Life
the US Open Championship in June before
Membership cards to Darren Clarke and Rory McIlroy in the presence of Taoiseach, Enda Kenny.
Clarke produced a links masterclass to win
Photo: Getty Images
The Open Championship at Royal St George’s
in, at times, testing weather conditions to hold off the challenges of
the following month, continuing a stunning spell for Northern
Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson and claim his first Major. Irish golf. Both famous trophies were on display on the first tee as
O’Grady said: “It is a privilege to honour Rory and Darren with the
the players were inducted into an exclusive club as Honorary Life
highest award our Tour can bestow, and both fully deserve it after
Members of the Tour. their marvellous achievements, which have given all of us at The
McDowell set the ball rolling 14 months ago when he won the
European Tour such pride and pleasure. US Open at Pebble Beach, and his victory inspired his countryman
“Rory’s victory in the US Open was the complete performance and
and close friend McIlroy to emulate him in the same event a year
remarkable for someone so young, while Darren’s win at his 20th
later at Congressional Country Club. The 22 year old won by an
attempt at Royal St George’s only a month later was simply thrilling.
incredible eight shots to become the second youngest European
Both players are strong supporters of The European Tour and we
Major Champion in history, and he broke numerous records with
are delighted to witness this truly magnificent period for golf in
his low scoring en route to lifting the trophy. A month later, 42 year
Northern Ireland.”
old Clarke rolled back the years with a vintage display of links golf
Irish golfers including Rory
McIlroy (pictured) did not fare as
well at this year’s Irish Open
Photo: Alan Mahon
11
T h e
i r i s h
a b r o a d
Construction at the
Royal Golf Club Bahrain
p a t r i c k
r y a n
As I look back over the last decade and the journey my career has taken, it
does sometimes over-whelm me. Greenkeeping is a fantastic business, of
that there is no doubt. I consider myself extremely lucky to have found this
rewarding, challenging and consuming profession that I am in.
I
distinctly remember having many verbal
confrontations with my school buddies
when they started to ‘slag’ me about
wanting to cut grass for the rest of my life.
I knew that there was much more to the
business than that, but I never knew how big
a global industry, golf really is, and on many
different facets it contains.
I was recruited for a Grow-In
Superintendents role in the Czech Republic
by Braemar Golf Developments, but
somehow ended up as a Construction
Foreman on The Royal Golf Club, Bahrain in
June 2007. I am not sure how, or why, but I
am very grateful it happened, because of the
many eventful experiences and the massive
learning curve I went through while I was
there.
Site
The Royal Golf Club was formerly Riffa
Views Golf Club and it is the only public
and commercial golf club on the Island of
Bahrain. The 18-hole facility required a total
re-modeling and upgrade in order to provide
a challenging and top quality course that
would be a worthy and memorial addition
to the European Tour. The expansion was
up to an area of 36 hectares, which included
The Montgomerie Championship Course,
The Wee Monty 9-hole Par-3 course and turf
nursery. An extra 2 hectares driving range
and training facility was also constructed.
The original Riffa Views course would
remain open for the first year of the project
and then be totally re-constructed and the
area would become the major part of the new
front 9-holes. The initial construction started
in January 2007 on the extra acquired desert
land that was adjacent to Riffa Views.
Construction
On arrival I was met by Martin Champion,
who was the Project Manager. I was given
a tour of the site and a quick introduction
to some of the management and office staff.
My first impression of the site was a rugged,
dusty and scarred landscape with many
operational surface oil and gas pipes running
across the site. This area was the untouched
and the natural landscape of the island.
Within the site there are some jagged and
protruding features, which had to remain
intact. Robin Hiseman, of European Golf
Design implemented a routing plan and
golf course design that incorporated these
features and gave the course a natural feel
and playability. It was a great joy watching
and listening to Robin and Martin, two
extremely experienced and motivated men,
discussing the construction process, the
attention to detail and necessary care to
incorporate the features and to develop a true
links look and feel. The challenge of creating
an inland links is daunting wherever the
site may be, but in the middle of a desert!! It
quickly became apparent that achieving the
designer’s vision was easier said than done.
Aerial view of the Royal Golf Club construction site
Three Shapers were recruited, Murat Badruk
and Richard D’Elia for the D6 Dozers and
Trevor Dormer for a 22 Ton excavator. Murat
and Richard did all the main shaping of the
entire site while Trevor focused mainly on the
greens, tees and bunker complexes. With my
role as the construction foreman and the time
constraints that came with it, my finishing
work was focused on the fairways and bunker
complexes and I enjoyed this immensely. With
a box blade and level bar behind a tractor I
levelled and spun out the fairways to get an
undulated and flowing surface that reflected
the exceptional work and creations of the two
shapers before me.
The cut and fill for the project was
500,000m3 with the majority of the cut
coming from the three lakes that were to be
built. All 320,000m2 of fairways were built
with the fill and with some pushed up material
from the edges. After the irrigation was
installed, all the fairways were sand capped to
a depth of 450mm with dredged sea-bed sand.
The 1.9 hectares golf greens needed silica sand
that was imported from Saudi Arabia in 1m3
bags, with a total of 5,500 m3 used for all the
greens by the time it was finished. The bags
were individually lifted by excavator and the
sand was released from the bottom of the bag
once it was in position. This process involved
a substantial crew to dip, spread, rake and lift
the bags. Zeo-pro was also incorporated in the
top 100mm of the green’s surface to promote
moisture and nutrient retention. 5,500 m2 of
bunkers were also built. Grass
I was given the responsibility for the grow-in
of the 3 hectare turf nursery of Seashore
Paspalum Supreme. Paspalum Supreme
was selected because it had all the required
characteristics and strengths needed to meet
the challenges of the site, regional climate
and most importantly the water quality of
the area. As the name suggests Seashore
Paspalum has a high salinity tolerance, the
most salt tolerant warm-season turfgrass
(Carrow & Duncan, 1998). Paspalum is
highly stoloniferious and an aggressive
grower when conditions are suitable. The
grass has a nitrogen storage capacity and
produces a good deep green and strong
sward. To my surprise, Paspalum is prone to
fungal attack, Brown Patch (Rhiztonia) in
particular, during the winter months, while
the plant is semi-dormant and at its weakest.
The nursery had been constructed prior
to my arrival and had been sprigged three
weeks previously. The nursery was vital to the
project because the 3 hectares would be used
to sprigg and grass the entire 36 hectares of
turf that is now the Royal Club. The sprigging
process would of course be done in stages
but the incredible strength and recovery
1st Green getting ready for sprigging
13
4th fairway construction
attributes of this warm season grass would
prove invaluable. I immediately set up a light
and regular nutrient and irrigation program.
This of course changed as the plant quickly
developed and matured over time.
The grassing harvesting procedure was
again labour intensive and time consuming.
Our first harvesting procedure entailed a
deep and aggressive scarifying, to rip and
tear up the stolons, which were then raked
to remove the sand. We watered the material
and loaded it on to trailers for transport to
the grassing area and it was then generously
The first process worked well but the
stolons were a on the small side and because
of this the development of a full canopy
of turf was a little slow. We adjusted the
procedure slightly, so instead of scarifying,
we sod cut the turf at a shallow depth to
ensure that a good amount of the thatch
and plant material was left behind, to enable
re-generation and recovery. The cut sod was
then power harrowed two to three times to
break it up into small pieces. The remaining
stages of the process remained the same.
This slight adjustment resulted in getting a
the green surface from becoming unsmooth
and grainy.
Drainage
The drainage of the course became another
facet of my role and I can totally understand
people, thinking ‘Drainage and desertWHY!!’ Of course all greens and tees had to
be drained to enable flushing of the root-
“The greens and tees
were not built to the
USGA specifications but
to Californian Method.
Sand selection criteria
are similar, with a high
percolation rate, but a
gravel layer is not required.”
Grass Stolons
spread out over the area. To incorporate the
grass into the soil, it was driven over with a
grooved roller which would slice up the sand
surface and ensure great soil contact. The
area was then slowly rolled and watered. The
area was then handed over to the grow-in
team managed by the grow-in manager, Mark
Hooker. Mark, a kiwi, took control of the
grow-in and gelled quickly with the team
he brought with him a vast knowledge and
experience of turf. After the construction
completion he took the role of the Director of
Agronomy at The Royal.
www.gcsai.org
stronger and more vigorous plant material
for grassing. It also greatly increased the turf
sward development times.
We used the same grass type and stolons
when grassing the entire course. It is
incredible to see how modern cultural and
maintenance practices can alter a grass
plant and refine its growth habit to produce
excellent swards of different height, colour,
texture and playability. An aggressive
grooming, verti-cutting, aeration and topdressing program is required to fine down
the plant for a greens surface and to prevent
14
zone. Flushing is vital to control and battle
the accumulation of salts in the root-zone
profile. Even Paspalum cannot withstand an
extreme build up of salts.
Large catchment areas and sumps were
built in the natural areas to drain the features
and for any heavy rains and localized
flooding, which does happen. During the
week before the Volvo Golf Championship,
the course got less than 40mm in a 24 hour
period. When shaping a golf course, water
movement is a vital consideration of the
construction process and all turf areas have a
fall built-in to move water to run off areas.
The greens and tees were not built to the
USGA specifications but to Californian
Method. Sand selection criteria are similar,
with a high percolation rate, but a gravel
6th Green construction
Bunker face shaping
layer is not required. The bases off the greens
were compacted, rolled and shaped until
the surface was firm, smooth and with no
holes, dip or cracks. To achieve this, the
sub-soil was ripped through by the dozer, to
break and soften up the material. It was then
shaped as closely as possible to the design.
The top surface was then watered by tanker
and rolled. A tractor and level bar, or in some
cases a sand-pro with a small front blade,
were used to really spin out the base layer
in order to achieve the desired contours and
flow to the greens. Being involved in this
whole process was fantastic and it really got
my creative juices flowing.
150mm and 300mm of Megaflo® drainage
15
pipes were used for the green and tee base
drainage layer. The pipe is flat, wide, strong
and with a geotextile coating. The pipe also
has internal components that not only reenforce the pipe but also give the pipe a large
water holding and movement capacity. This
product selection removed the need to dig
any drain-lines or gravel usage and ensured
that the integrity of the green surface was
maintained.
The lay out and positioning of the pipe
was vital to maximize water collection and
the movement of moisture through the soil
profile. My laser level was invaluable; once
I marked the surface, we rolled out the pipe
and then had to make all the connections.
This was a slow process and required massive
attention to detail. The solid pipe and geocoating had to be cut with stanley knives
and a joining curved out of both pipes to
be connected. We insured the joint between
the pipes had a connecting upper and lower
lip and then used duck tape to make the
connection solid. The geo-coating was then
also duck taped to seal the joint.
deadlines had to be met. We developed a
team spirit in these early stages that stayed
with us throughout and transcended to
new crew members on their arrival as
our numbers increased from thirty to one
hundred and forty by the projects end. The
staff numbers were huge but by Middle East
project standards very normal if not on the
smaller side.
I focused on the course construction and
initially left all the civil construction to the
engineers. The thirty men I first worked
Their work was incredible. For example,
Shiva’s group were assigned to the green and
tee drainage, and after the first few complexes
I was so confident in their work that all I did
was mark where the drains had to be placed,
what size of pipe to be used and pretty much
left them to it. I would check in with Shiva 3-4
times a day and check the finished result; this
enabled me to deal with many other things on
site and this proved invaluable to me.
As my role expanded to include the lake
lining, the stone facing of lake walls and
Staffing
Getting to know and working with all the
staff on the project was the most rewarding
and enjoyable part of my working day. The
staffing numbers and staff structure was
sizeable, layered and bulky to say the least.
Martin Champion was the Project Manager.
His instructions and directions went to the
Assistant Project Manager, then on to an
engineer, next stop was a Labour Foreman,
then a Charge Hand and finally to the labour
“I quickly needed to change
things on the ground, so
with this in mind I had
every labourer write his
name on his safety vest
and every morning I would
personally shake their
hand and greet them. This
allowed me to quickly get
to know them and build a
rapport with them.”
force. This process was similar to a game of
Chinese whispers and was not adequate for
a golf course construction site, especially
on our site because, excluding Martin, the
shapers and myself, nobody had built, played
or even really knew what golf was or what
was required to meet the client’s expectations.
I quickly needed to change things on the
ground, so with this in mind I had every
labourer write his name on his safety vest
and every morning I would personally shake
their hand and greet them. This allowed
me to quickly get to know them and build
a rapport with them. The resulting bond
and relationship stood to us all throughout
the project when the pressure built up and
www.gcsai.org
I have the upmost respect and admiration for the men I worked with
with would become my core guys but, as
you can guess, managing this number of
men individually was not an option. As I
got to know them, as for any group of men
throughout the world, their individually
qualities become apparent, like who had the
best work ethic, who were the natural leaders,
and (as we say) who had ‘cop-on’. Shiva,
Shish Pal, Lokini, Niaz, Akbor and Kadusa
were the six men I picked as leaders of three
groups. For example in group 1 - Shiva was
the leader, Shish Pal his right hand man and
together they supervised and controlled up
to fifteen men, depending on what task they
were performing. Pairing two men together
when leading a team resulted in a few things,
namely they could support and back each
other up and maintain control, discipline and
productivity.
Each of the groups were assigned many
different tasks ranging from:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Drainage
Grass Harvesting and spreading
Sand-Capping Fairways
Bunker Finishing
Green Building
Lake Lining
Tee Construction
Truck control and guidance
16
lighting, I increased the amount of groups.
I always kept to this group set up and if ever
facing the same staffing levels again I would
repeat the same structure. It is the only
way to ensure control, communication and
productivity. I have the upmost respect and
admiration for the men I worked with, we
worked incredible long and hard hours, 80
hours a week on average, six days a week,
Saturday through Thursday of 12-13 hours
and then a half day on Friday. I spoiled
myself and took every second Friday off.
This is standard for the region and we did
what we could to make life better for the
men on site. We made sure that tea and
biscuits were available and we gave them
meals when night work was happening in
the middle of the summer. I also taught
some of the men to drive the tractors and
the site vehicle. Without their dedication and
resilience through incredible heat and dust
storms, the project would have never reached
completion.
Lakes
The site contains three substantial lakes, as
well as a dynamic stream system through
holes 5-8 on the Montgomerie Course. The
excavation of lakes 1+2 were one of the first
operations to occur because they would
provide the majority of the required fill.
The excavation process involved two 22 ton
excavators and six haulage trucks to move and
dump material, and then a D6 dozer came in
to give the base a soft, bowl shape. The bases
had to be then leveled, watered and rolled
before the lining process could begin. The
most important and necessary part of the
process was the anchoring of the ledge and
trench. The ledge was 1.5m below the water
level and the trench was well above the water
level and ran the entire circumference of the
lakes. Once the liner was down the trench was
back filled and tied into the adjacent holes.
“Our professional high
standards of course
maintenance, course
presentation, turf
knowledge and tournament
preparation levels have
made the Irish greenkeeper
a respected and valued
commodity on the
International jobs market.”
The positioning of the liner was again very
labour intensive. A protective geo-textile
layer was first placed down by hoisting up
the large roll of material with straps and
steel bars, then, between eight to ten men
would run the material down the ledge. For
the 70,000 m2 of extremely thick and heavy
rubber liner, the process was the same. The
idea was to use gravity and roll the liners
down the entire lake edge and get it to meet
at the mid-point of the base. The rubber
was then welded together to make it water
tight. The liner was placed down generously
to allow for the material’s movement. I was
surprised to learn that even when the liner
was covered with water it can still heat and
cool enough throughout a 24 hour period to
allow substantial shrinking and expansion.
Where a tee or green was near the lake
edges, a retaining wall had to be put in place.
The wall consisted of strong, re-enforced
concrete slabs with tapered edges, so we
could place them to the required angles. The
retaining walls were all later stone faced as
well as the lake edges. Every rock was placed
on the liner by hand to ensure the liners
integrity.
Return for the Tournament
The Royal Club officially opened to members
for play on 1st Feb 2009 and as we know,
hosted the Volvo Championship on 27th-
3rd fairway
13th fairway
30th Jan 2011 with Paul Casey posting a
20 under winning score. The course has
developed quickly into a fantastic, mature
and natural looking course and in just over
three years from the construction start, it is
now on the European Tour Circuit.
The importance of the grow-in
superintendent’s role should never be under
estimated and it really deserves a mention.
Mark Hooker did a tremendous job and
overcame some real difficulties namely
water supply, water quality, and the harsh
climatic conditions. I congratulate him on
his success and thank him for inviting me
back out to Bahrain for the week before the
Volvo Championship, to help him and his
committed crew with the pre-tournament
preparation.
Seeing the finished product was emotional
and satisfying. I am so very proud of having
been part of the motivated, committed and
genuine group of people that gave so much to
17
make The Royal what it is. Everyone’s hard
work has really paid off.
Conclusion
We all know that Ireland went through
a massive boom and financial growth
throughout the 1990’s and the mid 2000’s.
The golf course construction boom and
industrial development has been beneficial
to us all, mainly because so many of us were
exposed to re-development, golf course
construction, golf course grow-ins and
business start ups. Ireland has hosted an
array of magnificent world golf tournaments
and this has resulted in greatly raising
the Irish Golf Superintendent’s profile
throughout the world. Our professional high
standards of course maintenance, course
presentation, turf knowledge and tournament
preparation levels have made the Irish greenkeeper a respected and valued commodity on
the International jobs market.
The 2011 Solheim Cup - Preview
This September 23 - 25, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, on the grounds of the
majestic Killeen Castle in Dunsany, County Meath, will play host to one of the most
prestigious golf tournaments in the world - The Solheim Cup.
R e p o r t
a n d
p h o t o s
b y
A l a n
M a h o n
Killeen Castle will host The 2011 Solheim Cup
N
amed in honour of Karsten Solheim,
founder of the company that makes
PING golf equipment and a driving
force behind this tournament, The Solheim
Cup is one of the most highly coveted trophies
in women’s professional golf.
Since the inaugural tournament in 1990, The
Solheim Cup has been played every two years
and involves the best of America taking on the
best of Europe in the battle to take home the
trophy. The Americans have a longstanding
history of beating their European counterparts
and taking home The Solheim Cup. They have
won eight of the eleven tournaments played
since 1990.
However, this September, the European
team, captained by Alison Nicholas, hope to
turn the tables in their favour and lift that
elusive Waterford Wedgewood designed
winning crystal trophy. But the American
team, captained by Rosie Jones, will have other
ideas.
Many of us remember when the men’s
equivalent - the Ryder Cup - came to Ireland
at The K Club in 2006. This time, all eyes will
be on Killeen Castle to see if these women
www.gcsai.org
wonderful
game of golf in
Tralee. I loved it
there.”
Europe’s
The Lady Captains
Captain Alison
American Captain Rosie
Nicholas, MBE,
Jones, is a 13-time winner
represented
on the LPGA Tour and has
Europe in
played on seven different
The Solheim
Solheim Cup teams during
Cup on six
her career. In her days as a
occasions.
member of the U.S. squad,
It was very
Jones recorded 12 points
memorable for
over seven Solheim Cups,
her, especially
including an overall singles
being on three
record of 3-3-1. Her last
European Captain Alison Nicholas (left) and
victorious
appearance came at the 2005
USA Captain Rosie Jones.
teams in
competition, played at the
1992, 2000 and as Vice Captain in 2003.
Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Ind.,
The highlight of her career was winning the
where her U.S. team beat the Europeans by
1997 US Open when she held off golfing
three points, tying the closest match in the
legend Nancy Lopez to win her first major.
history of the event. Rosie told me that The
Incidentally, Alison won the British Open in
Solheim Cup of 2005 was her most thrilling
1987 but back then it was not recognized as a
Solheim Cup experience. I asked Rosie had
Major. It was 2001 before this was to happen.
she ever played golf in Ireland before. She
The European Team is selected by taking
smiled with fondness and said “I had a most
can also pull off this event
with the same high level of
success.
18
The 2011 Solheim Cup - Preview
the top four players from the Ladies European
Tour (LET) points standings, followed by
the next top four European LET members
appearing on the Rolex Rankings at an agreed
cut-off date, plus four Captain’s Selections.
The points distribution for the USA team
is worked somewhat differently. The twelve
person squad is chosen from the ten players
earning most points for wins and top-20
finishes over a two-year qualifying period,
with two players selected by the captain.
The format of play will be a three-day,
match-play competition. The first two days
of competition feature two sessions each day,
with a total of eight foursomes and eight fourball matches over the two days. The final day
consists of 12 singles matches. For the singles
competition, one U.S. and one European
player compete against one another. Scoring is
based on a points system, with 28 total points
available over the three days of competition.
One point is awarded for each match won, and
half a point is given to each team for matches
that end in a tie. The defending champion
needs 14 points to retain The Solheim Cup,
while the other team would require 14½
points to win the event.
be mown down to 9mm during The 2011
Solheim Cup while the aprons will be cut at
6mm. The greens speed will be between 10½
and 11.
Volunteers and tickets
It is still not too late to volunteer to help out
during the tournament. Up to one hundred
helpers will be needed over a nine day period.
Visit www.solheimcup.com/maintenance
to register. The success of every professional
golf tournament is dependent on volunteer
participation. Volunteers will need to be
available from Saturday 17th to Sunday 25th
September. A mandatory orientation will be
hosted on Saturday 17th September. For the
volunteers this will be a never to be forgotten
experience. This is a great opportunity to
network among fellow greenkeepers, not to
mention how good it will look on one’s C.V.
A lot of promotion has gone into The 2011
Solheim Cup. The main sponsors are PING,
Rolex and Bord Failte. In past Solheim Cup
years, the attendances over the three days have
exceeded 100,000. Let’s hope Ireland can match
or improve these figures. Tickets can still be
purchased on The Solheim Cup website
www.solheimcup.com This is an event worth
going to as the atmosphere will be electric with
the ladies fighting tooth and nail to claim that
sought after Solheim Cup. So come along and
cheer them on.
The Junior Solheim Cup is also coming to County
Meath. It will be played at Knightsbrook Resort
Spa and Golf Hotel in Trim from September 20 21 where the twelve best European female golfers
will meet the twelve best American female golfers.
Players will be between the ages of twelve and
eighteen. Irish duo, twins Lisa and Leona Maguire,
who many see as future Solheim Cup players, will
be part of the European team.
Course layout
Course preparations have been ongoing since
the event was announced in 2006 headed
by Killeen Castle Course Superintendent
Mark Collins. Mark has taken direction from
Cyprien Comoy, Director of Tournament
Operations and Julian Mooney, Tournament
Agronomist, Ladies European Tour, to
make sure that the course is in near perfect
condition for the big event. Some minor
tweaks to the course will be given to suit
the ladies. One notable change will be that
Mark Collins, Course Superintendant at Killeen Castle
the rough on the course will be cut down to
between 40-50mm (compared to 100mm
for the men’s tournament). The course will
play to a length of 6500yds. The fairways will
19
Pitches - why clubs should
prepare rather than repair
By
Carl
Pass
-
Director
of
Premier
Pitches
Limited
Professional football pitch management is no longer about providing a surface that will
withstand the rigours of 90 minutes of football; any league groundsman will testify to this.
G
little or no thought for the well being of the pitch. The consequence
of such relentless use is a degenerated surface that may suffer from
compaction, poor drainage, little or no grass cover and uneven levels.
So where does this leave the person entrusted with producing a
surface that will cater for all the needs of a professional football club?
Clubs will not reduce the height of stands to reduce the impact of
shade, nor will they open up corners of the stadium to allow increased
air movement or reduce the amount of additional activity on the pitch
during match days and in the closed season. It is my view that we must
take a positive stance to the situation by adopting a new philosophy of
preparing new pitches rather than repairing old ones.
Come the end of the season, clubs who wish to maintain a high
standard of playing surface, whilst maximising revenue from other
opportunities, must accept that the pitch has done its job and replace
it, particularly in a stadium environment where the groundsman is
essentially growing grass indoors. Beginning the season with a new
roundsmen now have the additional pressure of providing a
surface that will be used for a pre-match warm-up that can last
up to 30 minutes. There are also half time activities, including
penalty shootouts, marching bands, dancers and junior matches played
across the pitch. In addition, many teams now insist on a warm-down
after the match, that, in some cases, becomes a full-blown training
session for squad players not involved in the 90 minutes of action that
has just unfolded.
Success in European competitions brings additional burdens, as
travelling teams have access to the match pitch for training sessions
on the day prior to the tie being played. Other events, such as music
concerts, bring in much needed revenue to clubs, who are in the
business of making money, by whatever means, to support their main
objective, which is to be successful on the pitch.
These activities are often undertaken in grounds that have either
evolved into multi-use venues or, worse still, have been designed with
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20
Feature
with the cultivator are required to produce an evenly blended
rootzone. The final pass will be made and levels trimmed to be
consistent with those of the original construction.
8. Consolidation will be required next. This is a vital aspect of the
works and should be carried out evenly and accurately all over the
pitch to achieve consistent results. As work progresses it may be
necessary to irrigate, at this stage, to maintain a degree of moisture
in the immediate surface, preventing the separation of fibres. Fines
in the rootzone can also find their way onto the surface as a dusty
residue if irrigation is not available, causing problems later in the
season by impeding surface drainage.
9. Fine finishing is a vital aspect of achieving the end result. This
work should be undertaken by skilled operators who use specialist
machinery and equipment. When surface levels are seen to be
satisfactory the next stage of the works can commence.
10.The pitch should be over-seeded with a seeder designed specifically
for sowing a pitch from scratch. Usually two passes will be made
with this type of machine, but more may be required if the
groundsman or consultant dictate otherwise. Finally, the pitch
should be flat rolled to seal in the seed and produce the finished
level.
pitch offers the greatest opportunity for the surface to withstand the
difficult environment it is expected to perform within.
Stadium pitches in general have improved tremendously over the
past ten years, which is a credit to all involved, including groundsmen,
researchers, and manufacturers of specialist turf maintenance equipment.
I am fortunate to work alongside progressive agronomists and the
new generation of sports turf managers/groundsmen, who realise the
advantages of preparing a new pitch, rather than repairing an old one.
So, what are the advantages of pitch preparation rather than
repair? When should it start and how is it achieved?
The advantage is that the existing pitch is available to the club to safely
utilise for income generation prior to the new pitch preparation.
Corporate and community events, sports days, pay-to-play football
tournaments, five-a-side leagues and music concerts can all be
undertaken in the knowledge that they will not affect the quality of
the playing surface as it will be removed and replaced. An additional
benefit, in some cases, is that part of the income generated from such
events may be used to part-finance the pitch improvements.
Pitch preparation can start as soon as the corporate events are
completed but preferably before the beginning of June.
The first stage of pitch preparation is now complete. It is then up to the
groundsman to use his skill and the relevant technology available to him
to produce and maintain the new sward. He can carry out this work in
the knowledge that he has a completely refreshed rootzone, free from
any layering and its associated problems. Drainage rates will be increased
considerably, preventing waterlogging during the wetter winter months.
The sward will be made up of new grass plants, all establishing seminal
How does the preparation system work in practice?
1. A consultant or the groundsman should either prepare a
specification or discuss with a reputable contractor the work that
is required and when it can commence. The specification will
include a bill of quantities which will outline to the contractor what
he is expected to supply and what the club may wish to supply
themselves. As a contractor, I feel it is important that the
groundsman choose materials with which he wants to work, as
when we’ve finished and left the site, it is he who is responsible
for seeing the pitch through to the end of the season.
2. Materials should be ordered and provision made to store
them safely away from the elements. Bulk materials such as
Fibresand or Fibrelastic need to be ordered in advance and a
delivery time and date agreed.
3. As soon as the club’s corporate department has finished with
the pitch and all coverings are removed, the contractor should
be on site ready to commence work.
4. The existing pitch surface should be stripped using a Koro
TopMaker, a superb piece of equipment that has revolutionised
the way pitches are renovated. The Koro strips the entire
surface, removing all organic accumulations leaving a clean,
debris-free rootzone that can then be worked with to produce
the desired playing surface.
5. Initial cultivation can then commence to break up any pans
or layering which may be present within the top 100mm of
the pitch profile. This work also serves as the ultimate form
of aeration, as it redistributes particles around the profile and
allows any anaerobic conditions to become oxygenated. Any
soil conditioners, such as seaweed, granulated lime-stone and
fertilisers that may be required, should be applied at this stage
to ensure they are thoroughly incorporated into the vital top
100mm of rootzone.
6. Once initial cultivations are complete and, dependent upon
the specification, it would be normal practice to apply new
rootzone material, which is often Fibresand or Fibrelastic. This
is intended to replenish any material lost during the removal
of the surface. It is important to use a specially adapted drop
spreader that is capable of handling this type of material
without bridging, or blocking, as work progresses.
7. The evenly spread material can then be integrated into the top
100mm by further cultivation, normally with a rotary harrow.
At this stage visual inspection will dictate how many passes
21
Feature
roots, which will form the basis of a strong root
mass, essential for durability. The weedgrass
Poa annua will be largely eradicated to the point
when it is no longer a problem and the whole
pitch will be in better condition than it would
have been if it were a pitch renovated from the
previous season.
The work I’ve described is more expensive
than standard renovation but not so high
that it should not be within the budget of any
professional football club. Those with very
limited budgets could achieve an acceptable
result by fraise mowing to clean out the
vegetation and overseeding, enabling them
to begin each season with a new sward.
Fraise mowing is when the machine is set
to remove only herbage from the top of the
pitch. When the machine is in this mode its
action grubs out shallow rooted Poa annua
and removes the entire plant along with any
thatch accumulations. The top of the Rye Grass
plant is also removed but the body of the plant
remains intact thus allowing re-growth to take
place. In effect one pass of this machine will far
outweigh the benefits of continual scarification,
which many groundsmen undertake annually
to remove Poa annua and thatch, which are
associated with failing pitches. The machine
can also be used to entirely remove the surface
of the pitch effortlessly and in one operation.
This process will have an enormous impact
on the majority of clubs who have no financial
resources to undertake reconstruction, but
have succeeded in attaining a suitable degree
of surface drainage. In subsequent seasons
only fraise mowing will be required to grub
out the majority of any Poa annua colonisation
prior to renovation being undertaken in the
conventional way.
To get the very best from the playing surface,
new pitch preparation should be carried out each
year. In reality, budgetary constraints and other
issues, such as restricted timescale, may prevent
it. From my experience of working across the UK
and in Europe, it should be a major consideration
for any club who want to maximise both pitch
performance and profitability.
Photo: Sean McCrystal
www.gcsai.org
22
News
Greenkeeper wins East of
Ireland Golf Championships
Richard O’Donovan,
a member of the
greenkeeping staff
at Lucan Golf Club,
has won this year’s
East of Ireland Golf
Championships
which was held over
three days at County
Louth Golf Club from
4 - 6 June.
N
ine strokes off the
lead overnight
and seven adrift going
into the final round, he Richard O’Donovan (2nd left), proudly diplays the East of Ireland
eventually won by two trophy with his greenkeeping colleagues at Lucan Golf Club.
strokes on two-under-par
mind as he opened with a double-bogey
as he followed a 71 in the morning with a
six to fall a seemingly insurmountable
stunning bogey-free 66 in the afternoon.
11 strokes behind halfway leader Alan
“Awestruck, it feels unbelievable,” said a
Dunbar, who eventually finished six shots
shocked O’Donovan after an anxious wait behind him in a share of ninth.
of more than two hours to see if he would
After grinding his way to a 71 to trail
be caught.
Gareth Bohill by seven shots with a round
“Words can’t express how I feel. I actually
to go, O’Donovan was still thinking of
don’t know. It just feels weird. I only made nothing more than a respectable finish
the cut and I am the winner. You just have when he suddenly found a new gear.
to laugh at it. One flawless round did it.
To put this victory into perspective,
“Is it the best round of my life? I suppose
previous winners have included Garth
it is, I’ve just won the East of Ireland!
McGimpsey (winner 1988, 1994, 1998)
I’m going to cherish this for the rest of
and 2011 Open Champion Darren Clarke
my life. It was a goal at the start of the
(winning in 1989).
season, and to see my name on top of the
It was all celebrations for Richard back
leaderboard afterwards is unbelievable.”
at Lucan Golf Club when he showed the
The former Irish Boys international was
trophy to his fellow greenkeepers. This
roused from his bed in the clubhouse
was not his first win in a major Irish golf
dormitory at 5:00am as he set off in the
competition. Richard won the Sigma
first group at 7:0am, having made the cut
Wireless-sponsored Leinster Youths
for the leading 51 players on the sevenAmateur Open Championship at Laytown
over-par limit.
Bettystown Golf Club in 2010. Will more
Thoughts of victory were far from his
wins follow? Lets hope so.
Finbarr helps out at British Open
Cork native Finbarr O’Mahony, who is the Assistant
Course Superintendent at Kanturk Golf Club, was
a volunteer with the BIGGA greenkeeping team at
this years British Open at Royal St. George’s. Finbarr
keeps the week in the middle of July free so that he
can help out with the preparations. He has been doing
this for several years and has witnessed many winners
including Padraig Harrington and now Darren
Clarke.
Photo: Finbarr (left) in company with Graham Royden,
who is the Course Manager at Royal St. George’s.
www.gcsai.org
24
JobBridge
National
Internship
Scheme
JobBridge is a new National Internship
Scheme that will provide work
experience placements for interns for a
6 month or 9 month period.
T
he aim of the National Internship
Scheme is to assist in breaking
the cycle where jobseekers are
unable to get a job without experience,
either as new entrants to the labour
market after education or training or as
unemployed workers wishing to learn
new skills. The scheme will also give
young people a real opportunity to gain
valuable experience to bridge the gap
between study and the beginning of
their work lives.
Interns will receive an allowance
of €50 on top of their social welfare
entitlement. This will be payable for the
period of the internship. THERE IS NO
COST TO THE EMPLOYER.
This scheme is open to employers in
the private sector and in order to host
an internship various criteria have to be
met, including:
• You may not be a sole trader and
must have a minimum of one fulltime employee who is employed for
30 hours or more a week
• You may not currently have
vacancies in the area of activity in
which the internship is offered
• The internship cannot be provided
to displace an employee
• The total number of internships
places an employer can offer at
any one time is determined by the
number of full-time employees
they have, e.g. if you have 1-10 fulltime employees, you can offer one
internship place.
• There are other specified
responsibilities that employers have
to comply with.
Interested? Go to www.jobridge.ie to
find out more
News
Presidents Cup
Launched
The GCSAI is delighted to announce that the Presidents Cup
will take place on 7th October at the splendid Castlemartyr
Golf Resort. Everris (formerly known as Scotts Professional)
are the proud sponsors of the event.
This is the fifth year of the competition and Everris have been
sponsors of the event for all of those years. Speaking at the official
launch of the Presidents Cup in the Castlemartyr Golf Resort,
Colman Warde, Ireland sales representative for Everris, said
that The Presidents Cup is an event that Everris are proud to
be associated with. GCSAI President, Damian McLaverty, who
was also at the launch, said that in these very difficult times, it is
reassuring to know that Everris are still supporting the Presidents
Cup. Damian thanked Colman for the continuing sponsorship
that Everris are and have been doing.
All regions have now selected their teams and there will be
much anticipation in seeing which region will be triumphant.
The Course Superintendent at Castlemartyr is Trevor Norris.
Both Damian McLaverty and Colman Warde were very impressed
with the condition Trevor and his greenkeeping staff had the
course in and both are looking forward to a real test of golf in
October.
Castlemartyr Golf Resort is set in mature parkland. The original
estate dates back to the 13th century and is steeped in history.
Trevor Norris, Colman Warde and Damian Mclaverty at the Presidents Cup launch in Castlemartyr Golf Resort
REMINDER
The deadline for receiving
advertising and editorial for
the next issue of Greenside is:
21st October 2011
25
Sand for Sportsturf
Sand is a cornerstone ingredient in all construction and maintenance materials
for both natural and artificial playing surfaces. Whether mixed with an organic
amendment to produce topdressings, rootzones and divot mixes, or used on
its own as a synthetic carpet infill or beach sport surface, sand plays a vitally
important role in a playing surface’s performance, appearance and longevity.
By Mick Higgins, Technical Manager, Ruffords
S
and comes in many
different forms, all of
varying quality with
a range of properties and
physical characteristics, so the
challenge is to select the right
one for your project.
What is sand and where
does it come from?
Sand is an inorganic granular
mineral composed of
individual particles or grains
formed by the weathering and
erosion of rock.
These small, finely divided
fragments of rock will vary in chemical composition
depending upon the source and condition of the parent rock
from which they were derived.
In the UK, sand refers to a material which has a grain size
distribution between 0.063mm and 2.0mm. However, there
are some countries, including the USA, who categorise sand
particles as those having a diameter between 0.053mm and
2.0mm.
In the UK all particles less than 0.063mm but greater than
0.002mm are classed as silt, with particles less than 0.002mm
categorised as clay. Any particles greater than 2.0mm are
categorised as gravel.
It is important to remember that any particle between
0.063mm and 2.0mm would be classed as sand, including
material with very high calcium content (calcareous sands).
Surface hardness of sand grains can be measured using the
Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which measures the ability of
a harder mineral to scratch a softer mineral. This scale ranges
from 1, being the softest (talc), up to 10 being the hardest
(diamonds). Typically, sands containing high silica content
would have a hardness of around 7 using the Mohs scale.
The actual percentage of silica in sands can vary from
around 80% up to 99.99%. Industrial silica sands are
characterised by their high silica content (above 95% SiO2),
which is usually in the form of quartz. Generally, whiter, paler
coloured sands have fewer impurities. Typical impurities
would normally include Iron oxide (Fe2O3) and Alumina
(Al2O3), however, surface clays, feldspar, pyrite, chromite,
coal, lignite, sea shells or chloride salts could be present.
The terms: silver sand, beach
sand, soft sand, sharp sand and
silica sand, are all used, but
what do they refer to?
It would be safe to assume
that “beach sands” originate
from coastlines and estuaries.
The term “sharp sand” is
used to describe coarsely
graded sands. These sands
would feel quite gritty when
rubbed between your fingers.
“Soft sand” is a term used to
describe finely graded sands,
these would feel more silky
when rubbed between your
fingers. “Silver sand” and “silica sand” are just generic terms
used to describe any pale or light coloured sand.
Sand extraction and processing
Sand can be obtained using various extraction methods,
including: underground mines, open cast mines (quarries) or
dredged from the sea or river beds. The source of extraction
will usually determine the impurities present in the final sand
grade. For example, sea dredged sands would tend to have
higher chloride salt and calcium (lime) content. All sand
deposits contain material having a wide range of grain sizes,
usually mixed with clay and gravel. These sand deposits will
require extensive processing to remove the unwanted stones,
oversize grains and clay.
There are numerous types of sand processing equipment
available. The most basic process would involve the “as dug”
sand passing through a screener to remove any oversize
material (stones or gravel). This would not change the
composition or grading of the raw material in any other way.
An improvement on this would be a basic wash plant,
which would, typically, consist of at least one screener
combined with some form of holding vessel or open topped
tank filled with water. Whilst this process would reduce the
silt and clay content, it would not sort the grains or improve
the particle size distribution.
Whilst a simple form of processing may be acceptable for
some basic building/construction applications, it would not
be suitable for sports turf use.
It is essential that sands used for sports turf are processed
Feature
extensive lengths of pipeline and conveyors,
large lagoons all operated using sophisticated
computer controlled software.
Various sand grades, for example “mediumcoarse” and “medium-fine”, are produced
using a continuous process which utilises
gravity to sort sand grain sizes whilst
dispersed in water. Coarser (heavier) grains
will settle towards the base of the tank for
discharge, whilst finer (lighter) grains will
remain suspended in water towards the top
of the tank. These finer grains are removed
as the water overflows. This process will
produce consistently graded sand grades,
irrespective of fluctuations with the incoming
“as dug” material. It will also produce a
tightly graded product with uniform sand
grain sizes which are ideal for sports turf.
Some industrial sand processing plants may
also include: magnetic separation, sand
attrition or even hot acid leaching.
Particle size distribution
Sieve grading, or particle size distribution,
is carried out using laboratory analysis.
Standard procedures must be followed at
each stage, from initial sampling through to
sample reduction and final testing.
The first stage is to obtain a representative
sample from the stockpile. This large sample
then has to be reduced in size. It is this
smaller, dried sample, of around 100g, which
is then mechanically shaken through a set
of sieves for a predetermined length of time,
usually fifteen minutes. Various sieve mesh
sizes are used depending on the grain size
distribution of sand being tested. If the sand
being tested contains any amount of clay or
organic material, it would require washing
and drying prior to sieve analysis, otherwise
using a washing plant. Even
small amounts of clay will
negatively affect the drainage
properties of any sand. The most
basic washing plant will rinse
the material and remove some
silt and clay, sometimes these
basic wash plants require the
sand to be double washed, or
even triple washed, to improve
the cleanliness of the finished
product.
Industrial silica sands are
processed using sophisticated
wash plants. Millions of pounds
worth of investment is required
for such plants. These will not
only wash the sand effectively,
they will also separate the
incoming sand into two or
more different grades. This
process is commonly termed
“hydro classification”. This plant
would usually consist of density
separators, cyclones, dewatering
screens, numerous pumps and
27
Feature
the individual grains would stick together,
giving a false ‘coarser’ result.
For sportsturf, the majority of sand grains
should fall between the sizes of 0.125mm
and 1.0mm. Even when the majority of sand
grains fall between these sizes, we still need
to identify what percentage of sand grains
fall within individual categories, e.g. coarse
sand (0.500-1.000mm), medium sand (0.2500.500mm), fine sand (0.125-0.250mm).
We can use the information obtained from
a particle size distribution (PSD) analysis
in a number of ways. One is to calculate the
Average Grain Size (AGS), which is normally
quoted in microns. Whilst this information
is helpful, it does not give an indication as
to the spread of particle sizes present.
A more useful method is to calculate “D
Values” from the cumulate percent passing
curve. Any given D value is the particle
size diameter at which a given cumulative
percentage of material is indicated to pass.
For example, if the D90 Value was shown as
650 microns, this would indicate that 90%
of material is smaller than 650 microns. D
Values can be used to show the potential
for interpacking by calculating the D90/
D10 ratio (Gradation Index). They are also
used to ascertain whether drainage gravels
are compatible with the rootzone layer
(bridging factor).
Grain shape
This refers to two attributes: one being the
grain surface texture or angularity, and the
other being grain roundness or sphericity.
Grain shape is influenced by nature, and is
entirely dependent on the weathering and
erosion subjected to each grain at the time
when they were formed and/or deposited.
Glacial deposits and some river “alluvial”
sand deposits tend to have a more rounded
grain surface, whereas carboniferous
sandstone deposits would typically have a
more angular grain surface.
www.gcsai.org
depth when placed above a gravel drainage
layer.
This test should not be confused with
infiltration rate. Whilst the two are
certainly connected, they are carried out
using completely different test apparatus
and procedures. Results of any sand tested
for saturated hydraulic conductivity should
be quoted, as the amount of water passing
through the sample at a given depth of
material. The result would be in the form
of 1050mm/hr at 30cm tension. It is crucial
that the quoted result indicates the tension
(or simulated depth). In general, testing the
same sand at greater tension (depth) will
give a higher result so, if the information
quoted does not show the tension (depth),
the results cannot be relied upon.
Total porosity
This measures the void space between the
grains when compacted. Total porosity, as the
term suggests, measures the total available pore
space. Typically, values are around 38%-45%
Sands having an angular or sub-angular
grain surface are preferred when used in
golf bunkers, as this gives greater stability
and less ball plugging due to greater
frictional resistance, whereas rounded
sands are preferred for use in synthetic turf
infill due to them being less abrasive to the
carpet.
Saturated hydraulic conductivity
Sometimes referred to as Perc rate or
Ksat. This is one of the most critical tests
where sands are used in sports turf. The
main reason for using sand is to achieve
adequate water movement from the surface
through to the drainage below. This test is
used to give an indication as to the amount
of water that would percolate through a
material, whilst at field capacity, for a given
28
amount of sand or rootzone required. For
example, if you required sand to fill a space
10m x 5m to 300mm depth (12”), this
would require 15 cubic metres of material.
If this volume is multiplied by the bulk
density figure, then the quantity in weight
can be obtained.
PH
Acidity of a sand or rootzone is measured
using pH. Sands containing appreciable
amounts of solid carbonates (calcium)
should be avoided as this will increase the
pH level. Ideally, sands used for sportsturf
should be slightly acidic. Sands normally
have a very low buffering capacity, which
means that they would normally adopt the
pH of their surroundings. The original pH
of a sand would typically move towards
the pH of the irrigation water, rainfall or
fertiliser used.
Summary
Whilst a coarse sand may be expected to
drain more freely than a finer sand, this
will not always be the case. Grain size,
shape, particle size distribution, silt and
clay content, fine sand content, and even
silica content, will all play their part in the
performance of sand used for sportsturf. If
you rely on particle size distribution alone
to determine its suitability for use, then
you will be in for a few surprises.
This article is reproduced courtesy of Pitchcare
Magazine
Capillary porosity (water
filled porosity)
This is the percentage of total
porosity which contains water
at or near the surface for a given
tension (depth), whilst at field
capacity. As the result increases,
it indicates more water present
at the surface.
Non-capillary porosity (airfilled porosity)
This is the percentage of total
porosity which contains air at
or near the surface for a given
tension (depth), whilst at field
capacity. As the result increases,
it indicates less water present at
the surface.
Bulk density
The measurement of weight
to known volume, this figure
is useful when calculating the
29
Courtown
Golf Club
www.gcsai.org
30
Celebrating 75 Years
C o u r s e F e a t u r e a n d P h o31t o g r a p h y b y A
l a nmagazine
M a| h
o n 2011
greenside
September
Whenever Courtown
is mentioned one
immediately thinks of
caravan parks, seaside
activities and summer
holidays. Courtown was
always a big attraction, and
still is, for many visitors,
especially from Dublin, who
make use of its facilities
during the hot summer
months.
C
ourtown Golf Club was founded in
1936 as a nine hole course (the same
year that the US Masters started) and
was constructed on lands formerly owned by
Lord Courtown
But Courtown has another jewel that proves
popular all year round - it is Courtown Golf
Club and this year it celebrates seventy five
years in existence. Even though parts of the
course are a couple of hundred yards away
from the sea it does not claim to be a links
course. It is set among 128 acres of maturing
“In 1968 Courtown Golf
Club did eventually
become an eighteen hole
par 71 facility, the course
being designed by the late
great Irish course architect,
Eddie Hackett, and with a
newly built clubhouse, the
new facility was officially
opened by the then
Minister for Finance, Mr.
Charles J. Haughey ...”
woodland and open space, and is now ranked
number 75 as the best course in Ireland,
the first time the club has been ranked in
‘Irelands top 100 Golf Clubs’ by Golf Digest.
The club are very proud to be included in this
ranking.
History
Courtown Golf Club was founded in 1936
as a nine hole course (the same year that the
US Masters started) and was constructed on
www.gcsai.org
Coastal view, Courtown Golf Club
lands formerly owned by Lord Courtown.
The course designer was William Nolan
who was the professional at Portmarnock at
the time. He designed the nine hole layout
free of charge. The land, on which these
nine holes were laid out, was rented for five
years at the nominal rent of £20 per year.
The groundsman’s wages back then were
£1.10.00 per week (converted to €1.82),
which included attending the club all day
Sunday. By 1938 membership had reached
sixty. In 1946 the Lease granted to Courtown
Golf Club had expired. The Club’s position
in regard to this was giving rise to some
concern, as the land had been taken over by
the Irish Tourist Board, along with the rest
of the Courtown Estate and the Irish Tourist
Board was now the Club’s landlord. Such
was the situation that the purchase of a new
Ferguson tractor had to be cancelled owing
32
to the uncertainty of the Club’s position.
As early as 1945, plans were in place to
extend the course to eighteen holes and in
1947 a deal was made with the Irish Tourist
Board to purchase the 98 acres of land for
£1,125. Ten years later the Club cleared the
repayments and the land became theirs. In
1968 Courtown Golf Club did eventually
become an eighteen hole par 71 facility, the
course being designed by the late great Irish
course architect, Eddie Hackett, and with a
newly built clubhouse, the new facility was
officially opened by the then Minister for
Finance, Mr. Charles J. Haughey (who was
a regular visitor to Courtown Golf Club).
However, within eight years, a new clubhouse
had to be built at a different location on the
course as it was found that at weekends in the
summer, visitors to the beach were using the
existing club’s car park for their own use. This
new clubhouse was modified over the years
to become the fine building that it is today,
overlooking many holes around the course.
In 1969 the Club had the luxury of
installing an irrigation system to all the
greens but it was not fully automatic. This did
not happen until 1996 when tee boxes were
included. By the mid 1970’s membership at
Courtown was around 450, and by 1990 it
reached 1200 members.
Patrick Ryan from Killarney was employed
to advise on the greens. He was replaced
by Jim Arthur, the well known English
agronomist. Today Eddie Connaughton
advises on agronomical matters and
was instrumental in redesigning and
reconstructing some of the holes, along with
a very strong and dedicated committee. These
hole changes will be mentioned later.
Course Superintendent
The Course Superintendent at Courtown is
James Timmins, a former Toro Student of
the Year winner. James has been working in
Courtown for over thirty three years since he
was a teenager. When he started work back
in 1978, his father Seamus was then the Head
Greenkeeper. James learned the tricks of the
trade from his father, which puts him in the
unique position of aquiring and appreciating
the traditional skills of greenkeeping, while
at the same time keeping his eye firmly on
future trends. Seamus Timmins retired in
1993 and it was then that James succeeded
is father in the top job, and has held the post
ever since. Seamus remained working part
time in Courtown until his sad passing in
March 2008.
James is very fortunate to have five loyal
and dedicated greenkeeping staff. Brothers
Joe and Jim Connors have almost sixty years
service between them at Courtown. In fact
when you combine the years service from
James Timmins, Course Superintendent at Courtown Golf Club
all the staff, it comes to over an incredible
one hundred and thirty years. Courtown
Golf Club must be a nice place to work!
James is ably assisted by John Burke who
studied greenkeeping at An Grianan in
Termonfeckin. He is currently studying
greenkeeping at Elmwood College in
Scotland and has one more year to complete.
At the end of his first year at Elmwood, the
R&A awarded John a scholarship which
he will use to gain more greenkeeping
experience. Peter Travers and Matty Doyle
33
are the more recent members to have become
part of the Courtown greenkeeping staff.
Even though they have many years still
left to catch up with the Connors brothers,
they have settled in quickly and have both
contributed to the success of the golf club.
James considers Courtown Golf Club
to be his second home; in fact, for many
years it was his home, as his father, when
he started work at Courtown back in 1975,
was given the use of the house adjoining
the clubhouse, where James spent most of
9th hole, considered the signature hole on the course.
his childhood. It was innevitable then that
greenkeeping would be his career. Even
though still a relatively young man, James
has seen many changes down through the
years. One notable change is how the course
has matured. “I remember when I could see
almost every hole on the golf course. Now,
as the trees have matured and with new
planting schemes, each hole is secluded from
all the others”. Indeed, as I walked around
with James, you could loose yourself on every
hole.
One major development has been the
redesign and upgrading of greens and tees.
This started back in 1994 and today all the
greens are built on USGA specifications.
Unusually, the last hole finishes as a par three,
but what a tough finishing hole it is, as one
has to carry over a vast water feature (one of
four out on the course), to be safe. Many a
scorecard was ruined on this finishing hole.
However, for me, the most impressive hole
change is the ninth. The tee box for this used
to be located near where the existing eighth
green is - a long straight par five hole. It all
came about when James was out walking the
course with agronomist Eddie Connaughton
when he suggested an alternative for this
hole. James pointed out an area of woodland
beside the teebox to Eddie and asked for
his advise on moving the tee box into this
woodland. They both saw the potential for
improving this dreary congested area of the
course and now the ninth hole is considered
www.gcsai.org
The old graveyard behind the 8th green contains the remains of the Earls of Courtown
to be the signature hole on the course. It is
truly magnificant.
Behind the eighth green lies a secluded old
cemetery which contains the remains of the
Earls of Courtown, the family which owned
the lands of Courtown Golf Club.
Maintenance
The land on which the course is built is
situated in the heavy Macamore belt. This
caused
drainage
problemsfacility
in the
The
wellsevere
concealed
maintenance
34
early years of the club but, with extensive
drainage and, more recently, the introduction
of intensive sand slitting on the fairways,
Courtown Golf Club has now become an all
year round playing facility, not like the early
days when the course would often be closed
due to heavy rain. It is funny how methods
and thoughts have changed as time goes by.
Back in 1988 a committee member is reported
to have said at the time that “Sanding of
fairways and drainage do not go together”.
James mows his greens using a triplex
mower but from early October to March
he changes this to a pedestrian mower. He
likes the finish that a pedestrian mower gives
to the greens. Granular fertiliser is applied
to the greens in mid April and again in
July. The rest of the time James uses liquid
feeds. Light sanding of greens is carried out
regularly throughout the growing season.
In Spring and Autumn, the fairways are
sanded, applying up to 800 tonnes with each
application. Greens are hydrojeted every 3
– 4 weeks from June to
August.
As Courtown Golf
Club has matured
it has become an
excellent wildlife
habitat. Wildlife is
encouraged on the
course, so much so,
that pheasant feeders
have been located
around different
parts of the course
and some out of play areas are left to grow
wild in order to encourage insects and wild
flowers. Grey squirrels can be seen scurring
around beneath trees but unusually, with
grey squirrells present, there are also some
red squirrells habiting the course. Hares,
rabbits, badgers and foxes can also be seen.
Some interesting facts:
Machinery Used
•
Club member Marjorie
McCorduck is the current
President of the ILGU.
•
Well known rugby broadcaster,
George Hook is a member along
with former Ireland rugby fullback Rodney O’Donnell.
•
Former Leeds United and
Republic of Ireland great,
Johnny Giles, was a member
for many years.
•
Another soccer legend, Shay
Brennan of Manchester United,
died while playing on the
course in June 2000. He was
the first member of the 1968
European Cup winning side to
die, the second being George
Best in November 2005.
•
A golfer, playing the final
hole, hooked his shot into the
crowded car park and managed
to hit his own car.
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Above: One of the Pheasant feeders placed around
the course
Toro 3250D Triplex Greensmower
Jacobsen Greensking IV Greensmower
John Deere 220B Pedestrian mower x 3
Toro Reelmaster 1000 pedestrian mower
Toro Sidewinder x 2
Toro 6700D Reelmaster
Toro 4000D rough mower x 2
Kubota B1750 20HP compact tractor
Kubota B2710 30 HP compact tractor
Ford 3600 Tractor
Massey Ferguson 240 tractor
Sisis pedestrian scarifier x 2
Randall fairway topdresser
Kubota RTV 900 utility vehicle
Ultra spreader greens topdresser (spinner)
Ultra high tip trailer
Hardi 200 litre sprayer
Ryan sodcutter
Tanaka strimmer x 2
Toro Procore 648
Stihl leafblower x 2 (backpacks)
Flymo
Sisis fairway slitter
Takeuchi 2.8 tonne mini digger
Wessex leaf collector
Blec ground breaker
Vicon tractor mounted fertiliser spreader
Allen National
John Deere 1200A bunker raker
Greensiron
Left to right: John Burke, Mathew Doyle, Joe Connors, Peter Travers (kneeling), Jim Connors, James Timmins, Paul Timmins
35
Southwest Report by Michael F O’Connor, Killarney Golf and Fishing Club
Dymanic Denis Victorious at Lee
Valley Golf and Country Club
Long trip well worthwhile for J.J.
The long journey from Tralee was well
worth while for Course Superintendent
J.J. Young (pictured right) when he won at
our July outing to East Cork’s Castlemartyr
Golf Resort. J.J. was in fine form scoring
an excellent thirty eight points in what can
only be described as a blustery, damp and
typicaly Irish July afternoon. He pipped
‘Famous Seamus’ Lyons of Charleville, who
also had thirty eight points by having a
better back nine. Castlemartyr’s own Trevor Michael F. O’Connor makes a
presentation to Trevor Norris
Norris finished one point further back on
Course Superintendent at
thirty seven points.
Castlemartyr as a token of
The day started with a torrential downpour our visit.
and it did not look too promising for a day on
the golf course, but those who braved the elements were duly rewarded as
the rain practically disappeared when we reached Castlemartyr. We were
informed later that a few of the fine weather golfers did turn back before
reaching the course. They definitely were not as optimistic as the more
seasoned of us were.
We would like to thank the management of the Castlemartyr complex
for the use of the excellent facilities.
The course was in pristine condition and entire credit must go to Course
Superintendent Trevor Norris who has nurtured it meticulously since it’s
inception. It is unique in the fact that it can only be described as a links
type parkland course and it is a credit to Trevor for keeping it that way.
A special word of thanks must go to Róisín, in the hospitality
department, for the way she left no stone unturned and left nothing to
chance in making sure that our trip would be a memorable one. She
definitely succeeded in doing so. It was our first outing to Castlemartyr
and it certainly will not be our last!
Denis O’Sullivan of Fota Golf Club had a great win at our May outing
to Lee Valley Golf and Country Club, which is situated in the heart of
Cork’s beautiful Lee Valley. ‘Dynamic’ Denis returned a superb score
of forty points beating his nearest rival, Simon O’Hara (also from Fota)
who finished two points further back on a very creditable thirty eight
points. Denis handled the course rather well
and, being a former scratch handicap pitch
and putt player, left us in no doubt as to his
expertise in the short game and gave an
excellent exhibition of chipping and putting.
Although the weather was beautiful and
sunny, along with a well set up course, it was
the fast greens and very strong winds that
kept most of the scores on the low side.
JJ Young was the overall
As always, our sincere thanks go to Gerry
and the entire Keohane Family for the use of winner at Castlemartyr
their superb facilities. To Peg Keohane for the
delicious food served up after the competition, it was top class as per
usual! Go raibh míle maith agat a Pheig. I must not forget Dolores in
the restaurant for her courtesy, politeness and attention to detail, I say “
Many Thanks indeed”. Last but not least, great credit must go to Course
Superintendent James Mulcahy, his Assistant Denis Sheahan and their
excellent staff for the pristine condition of the course which is now the
norm at Lee Valley. Well done to everyone involved. A great day was
had by one and all!
RESULTS - Outing to Castlemartyr Golf Resort on Wednesday 6th July 2011
Overall
1st. J.J. Young
2nd. Seamus Lyons
3rd. Trevor Norris Category 1
1st. Finbarr O’Mahony
Gerry Keohane (back left), Michael F. O’Connor (back centre) pictured
with the prize winners at the Lee Valley outing.
RESULTS - Outing to Lee Valley Golf & Country Club, Thurs 12 May 2011
1st. Denis O’Sullivan
2nd. Simon O’Hara
3rd. Sean Moynihan
Fota G.C.
Fota G.C.
Killarney G./F. C.
14h’cap.
40pts.
6h’cap. 38pts.
12h’cap. 34pts.
Category 1
1st Daniel Crowley
Fota G.C.
Scratch
Category 2
1st. Mark Dowling
2nd. Enda Murphy
Charleville G.C.
Killarney G/F.C.
16h’cap. 30pts.
11h’cap 28pts.
Category 3
1st. Denis McCarthy
Tipperary G./C.C.
25h’cap. 25pts.
Trade
1st. Conor Egan
2nd. Denis Collins
Spraychem Golf
Goldcrop Ltd.
23h’cap. 30pts.
18h’cap. 30pts.
Guest Prize
Denis Sheahan
Lee Valley G.C.
www.gcsai.org
Tralee G.C.
19h’cap.
Charleville G.C.
17h’cap.
Castlemartyr GR 7h’cap. Kanturk G.C. 38pts.
38pts.
37pts.
6h’cap. 37pts.
Category 2
1st. Philip McGillicuddy Dooks G.C.
2nd. Tommy Barrett
Charleville.C.
13h’cap.
13h’cap
36pts.
36pts.
Category 3
1st. Colman Fitzpatrick Kanturk G.C.
19h’cap.
37pts.
Trade
1st. Denis Collins
2nd. Giles McDonagh
Goldcrop Ltd.
Tacit
18h’cap.
18h’cap.
33pts.
31pts.
Guest Prize
1st. Philip O’Sullivan
Tralee G.C.
10h’cap.
36pts.
Annual General Meeting
The A.G.M. of South West Region was held at Castlemartyr Golf Resort
in conjunction with our July outing. A special tribute was paid to our
all important sponsors on whom we rely for the ongoing success of our
outings and get togethers. Again we thank them most sincerely! The
Officers and Committee elected for the coming year were as follows:
30pts.
36
Chairman: Michael F. O’Connor Vice Chairman: Finbarr O’Mahony
Killarney Kanturk Treasurer: Michael F. O’Connor
Asst. Treasurer: Dermy Jones
Raffeen Creek 087 2745953
Committee: Fota
Charleville
Simon O’Hara
Seamus Lyons
087 1276764
0877728720
087 7777467
086 1902897
Southwest Report by Michael F O’Connor, Killarney Golf and Fishing Club
Irish Open even more
successful than 2010
Even with less prize money than last year,
the Discover Ireland Irish Open was an
outstanding success. The attendance was
well up on 2010 and this did not include
the large numbers who turned out to see
the Pro-Am on the previous Wednesday
which totalled more than ten thousand
people. Overall the attendance for the
week was approximately one hundred
thousand spectators. Though it was
overcast for a lot of the week, the galleries
thoroughly enjoyed themselves and took
full advantage of the large variety of fringe
events, including the fabulous Killarney
Summerfest which was in full swing for the
entire week.
In the Open proper, the Irish Major
Winners did not perform anywhere
near their potential, but all in all there
was superb golf played throughout the
tournament . On the final day it was a neck
and neck battle between Simon Dyson of
England and Richard Green of Australia
with both of them playing the final hole
standing at fifteen under par. At this stage
everybody thought we were heading for
a playoff but it was not to be! Dyson hit
an excellent second shot to the eighteenth
green, which left him with a birdie chance,
while Green hit his shot well left of the flag,
leaving him with a sixty foot putt for birdie.
Some of the crowd on the 18th on Day 2 of The Irish Open
Instead of trying to get as close as possible
to make sure of his par, Green charged at
the hole and left himself a nine foot putt
for par. Dyson just missed his birdie and
Green followed by missing his par and
therefore practically giving a present of
the Irish Open to Dyson, who finished
on fifteen under par to Green’s fourteen
under.
Well done to Simon Dyson for his
coolness of head and superb golf, in the
end a deserving victor!
Will it be three Opens in row for the
Killeen course? Number three would be a
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jewel in the crown after two fabulous years!
Here’s to another superb year!
Congratulations
Congratulations to David MacIndoe and his
dedicated staff for the outstanding job they
did in presenting Killarney’s Killeen course
to the highest possible standards and making
it a joy for the top professionals to play on. A
lot of hard work and long hours went into the
preparation and all their input paid off in the
end. A fabulous job by all concerned!
Southeast Report by Mark Murphy, Tullamore Golf Club
A
s we enter the busy Autumn
period the words ‘hollow
coring’ starts to be mentioned
again and questions asked such
as ‘Why, when the greens are so
good, do you have to destroy them?’
Hopefully we can all get the weather
this Autumn to get our aeration
work done successfully and to
prolong the golfing season.
On the 19th May we played the excellently
prepared Craddockstown golf club. The
lovely weather and a good turnout made
for a very enjoyable afternoon, despite the
Queen’s visit delaying some people for up
to two hours. Tony Quinn was the winner
on the day.
Many thanks to Tom Carew and his staff
for the condition of the course on the day
and to Craddockstown for the courtesy of
their course.
Craddockstown Results
Overall
Winner: 2nd: Class 1
Winner: 2nd: Trade Winner: Some of the prize winners at the Craddockstown outing
Tony Quinn
Roy Butler
David Behan
Padraic Clinche
Rory Sweeney
Tom Carew
Billy O’Connor
Kevin Curtis
David Casburn
We are now actively seeking courses to play
our outings for the 2011/2012 season, so if
anyone can offer their course we would be
grateful.
Sponsors 2011
Many thanks to all our sponsors for 2011.
We appreciate your support.
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Martyns Turfgrass
Dar Golf Construction
Irish Turfcare
JFB Golf Course Supplies
Amenity Turf Supplies
Goldcrop Ltd
Left: Tom Carew, Tommy Cowser and David Behan
We will have a full report on our Druid’s
Glen outing and our Presidents cup team in
the next edition.
Happy hollow coring!
www.gcsai.org
38
Back: David Casburn, Pat Conway
Front: Ned and Frank Browne
F.E.G.G.A. REPORT By Dean Cleaver CEO
FEGGA and the Environment
The Environment part of Golf Course management has always been a very significant part of FEGGA’s
work, in fact it was one of the main foundations for FEGGA being formed.
D
the European organisations represented on
uring the past 15 years we have done
significant work in this area, and there the Committee) to raise awareness and to
encourage them to act at I national level.
is no doubt that both greenkeepers
The Committee is comprised of a Chairman
and industry have benefited greatly from
proposed by the EGA Executive Committee,
this work. It’s nice therefore that our own
with member representatives from the
Chairman, Stig Persson has been recognised
through the presentation of the Environmental EGA, the European Golf Course Owners
Association, the European Institute of
Innovation Awards from the Golf
Golf Course Architects, the Federation of
Environment Organization (GEO) and their
European Golf Greenkeeper Associations, the
partner UPS for demonstrating outstanding
PGA European Tour, the Professional Golf
commitment and leadership, in very different
Associations of Europe, The Club Managers
ways, in the promotion and delivery of
Association of Europe, and The R&A Golf
environmental and social responsibility across
Course Committee. It’s rewarding to see
the golf industry.
this work starting to have some positive
For over 20 years, Stig has been the golf
effects, with the Committee recently making
course and general manager of Ljunghusens
a Presentation at the Greenweek, an EU
Golf Club, situated on the beautiful
Falsterbo peninsula in
southern Sweden. He is
recognized and respected
by his international peers
as a strong advocate for
sustainable golf facility
management. Determined
to lead by example, he
has initiated a deep and
diverse range of practical
environmental and
community based projects
at the club and around
the local area. From
ecological conservation
of habitats and species, to
energy and water resource
efficiency, to the transition
to renewable energy,
and across community
collaboration and
environmental education,
Stig Persson (centre) pictured with Christine Owens, Senior Vice
Stig has embraced both
President, Communications and Brand Management of UPS (left)
the unique responsibilities
and Bjorn Nordberg, Chairman of GEO’s Advisory Council.
and opportunities that golf
course and club managers have towards people event that is held annually. Looking ahead
the Committee will also showcase golf at
and the planet.
their exhibition next year. Golf is also for the
Stig has also been very active in representing
first time successfully building relationships
FEGGA on the European Golf Associations
with many MEP’s, and for the first time,
Golf Course Committee (EGA GCC). The
being taken seriously for its commitment
purpose of the Committee is to present a
and responsibility for its environmental
single European voice to the EU, representing
management. You can find more information
the game of golf, on environmental matters in
about this work by visiting the FEGGA
order to build relationships with appropriate
website at www.fegga.org
contacts in Brussels. The Committee will
anticipate and recommend compliance
R&A new Website
with EU legislation which may affect golf
While on a similar subject, you may have
courses in Europe; communicate when
recently seen that the R&A have recently
necessary and report on such legislation
launched its new website. The new R&A
to relevant organisations (notably the
website is targeted at decision makers in golf
national associations who are members of
39
facilities, with the executive power to initiate
and drive change, this new site focuses on the
sustainable management and development of
golf courses. “The launch of the new The Golf
Course website is a natural evolution of The
R&A’s continuing commitment to improving
the sustainability of the game’s playing
environment”
Said Peter Dawson, The R&A’s Chief
Executive. “As golf ’s environmental credentials
come under ever-increasing legislative
scrutiny, The R&A remains dedicated to
providing front-line support and guidance to
assist golf courses to meet these challenges.”
With guidance on sustainable practices, and a
database of international case studies, features
and news bulletins, the website will provide
decision makers at golf facilities with practical
help, so that they can realise the benefits
of adopting the principles of sustainable
management.
Golf ’s intimate relationship with its
environment requires courses around the
world to build resilience into their future
operations. The new website encourages
a four-fold process of developing and
maintaining high standards of playing
performance, building financial security,
protecting and enhancing natural ecosystems
and promoting the game’s environmental
benefits to wider, non-golfing audiences.
For more about how golf courses can
become more profitable, for the business, the
environment and the community, and to find
out how The R&A employs environmental
best practice at The Open each year, please
visit www.randa.org/thegolfcourse
Finally, there has been another great positive
for Irish golf with Darren Clarke winning the
Open Championship at Royal St Georges.
Following on from Rory’s success this has to
have a major boost for golf in Ireland, and
hopefully go some way in helping to restore
the whole golf business in Ireland.
Northeast
Greenside
Report by David Callanan, Beech Park Golf Club
he summer seems to be flying
by and let’s hope it’s been
good to all our members. Over
the past few months we have played
some top golf courses in the region
with many thanks going to the Course
Superintendents for facilitating us on
the day.
Shamie Kelly Trophy
Congratulations to Alan McArdle on winning
the Shamie Kelly Trophy at Newlands Golf
Club last May. It was a real effort as he had
to dodge the thunderstorms on his way to
claiming the title.
Roganstown Outing
Roganstown played host to the North East
Region on June 23rd and all who played
had nothing but positive feedback to our
committee members on the day.
Prize winners from the Shamie Kelly Trophy at Newlands Golf Club.
The winner was Alan McArdle seated front.
Roganstown Results
Overall John Egan
Trade
Frank Byrne
Category 1
Jason Whelan
Category 2
Val Sheridan
Category 3
Stephen Kelly
Again many thanks to Colm McGuiness and
all his staff for their efforts on the day.
Killeen Castle outing
Killeen Castle, venue for The 2011 Solheim
Cup, invited the region out to their facility
on July 5th and, from all reports back, it was
our number one supported outing for quite a
while. Many took the opportunity to get their
photo taken with the Solheim Cup.
Killeen Castle Results
Overall
Alan McArdle
Trade Frank Byrne
Category 1
Robert Bolger
Category 2
Ronan Carey
Category 3
Stephen Kelly
Alan McArdle, Alan Smith and David Doyle at the Shamie Kelly Trophy in Newlands Golf Club
Volunteers for Solheim
Mark Collins and his team presented the
course in excellent condition on the day for
which we greatly appreciate their efforts. On
the back of our outing Mark is hoping to
secure some volunteer help for The Solheim
Cup (September 17th-25th) so, if you are
available to lend a hand, feel free to contact
Mark directly on 086-2342202 or by email to
[email protected]
Our Presidents Cup team was also finalised
after the Killeen Castle outing - see page
opposite.
David Timlin, Kevin Naughton and Stephen Kelly at the Killeen Castle outing
www.gcsai.org
40
Northeast Report by David Callanan, Beech Park Golf Club
Presidents Cup Team
Category 1 Alan McArdle and Robert Bolger
Category 2 Ronan Carey and Ollie English
Category 3 Stephen Kelly and Kenneth Boyle
Two outings will be reported on in the
next issue of Greenside - the Pitch and Putt
at Good Council on August 19th kindly
sponsored by Dave Whelan, and the Autumn
Trophy on September 1st in Beechpark
Sponsored by Bayer.
There will be a guided tour of the Aviva
Stadium on September 14th. Places will be
limited for this.
Dani Thuillier and Peter Drennan (Reeltech) handing
out refreshments on the first tee at Killeen Castle
Eddie Connaughton plays his second
shot into the 10th at Killeen Castle
Sponsors
The North East Committee would again like
to thank our sponsors for their generous
support for the year.
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Campey Turfcare Systems Ltd
Dublin Grass Machinery
JFB Golf Supplies Ltd
Lely Ireland Ltd
Martyns Grass Lawns Ltd
Reel-Tech
Spraychem Golf Ltd
Sea-Nymph
Cropcare
TurfCare Group
Dar Golf Construction
Tacit (Giles McDonagh)
Bayer
Anthony D’Arcy Sands
Dave Whelan
Damian McLaverty, Mark Collins, John Eagan with The Solheim Cup
There was a large attendance at the Killeen Castle outing where The Solheim Cup was proudly displayed
41
Northwest Report by Damien Coleman, Galway Bay Golf Resort
Great turnout
at Tuam
W
hilst, to date, this summer has been
nothing to write home about in terms
of the weather, two Irish winners from
the first three majors of the year gives us ample
reason to forget about the weather, for a little while
at least. Rory Mcilroy’s triumph and the manner
in which he conquered the field was in more ways
than one, like a story straight out of Hollywood.
Of course the celebrations from that were only just
beginning to fade when another Irish star in the
shape of Darren Clarke blessed us with success in
The Open Championship for the third time in just
five years. This can only prove lucrative for golf in
Ireland, which hopefully the northwest region can benefit from
as much as others. Well done to both players.
Left: Joe Diskin, winner at Tuam with Damien Coleman
First Outing Of 2011 – Tuam
Tuam was the venue for the first outing of the northwest region.
We were blessed with amazing weather, which in turn led to
a great turnout. Like the weather, the course was in fantastic
condition and it was a pleasure to play on. Great credit,
therefore, must be given to Tom McHugh and his team for
producing such great playing conditions and even organising
the good weather for us. The competition on the day was keenly
contested and the results were as follows:
RESULTS
1st Place: 2nd Place: 3rd Place:
Trade Prize: Visitors Prize: Joe Diskin
Johnny Mannion
Jimmy McHugh
James D`Arcy
Freddie Herr
Tommy Cusack and Michael Corbett at the Tuam outing
Upcoming Outings
The next scheduled outing for the northwest region will be held
in Balinrobe Golf Club in September. This outing will be held as
Aled Roberts’ captains prize, and will also double as a qualifier
for the Presidents Cup 2011. This will be the only chance to
qualify for the Presidents Cup. Two more outings are scheduled
for 2011 and will take place dependant on the weather. The first
of these are due to be held in Belmullet Golf Club towards the
end of October. Our last outing before Christmas is due to take
place at Strandhill in November. A text message will be sent out
to all members prior to all these outings giving precise dates and
tee times.
John McGrath and John Joyce at the Tuam outing
Sponsors and Trade Members
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have sponsored
the Northwest Region in the past for your loyalty and generosity and
hope it continues into the future. For those of you who are being
asked for the first time or for those who have not yet done so, we
hope you can support the GCSAI Northwest Region by becoming a
sponsor.
Presidents Cup - 2011
The Presidents Cup will this year be held in the first week
of October. As there is only one qualifying event it is very
important that all interested players try to make it to Balinrobe
in September. Having finished in second place last year in
Dromoland Castle to the Southeast Region, we would be hoping
to go one better this year and bring the Presidents Cup across
the Shannon!
www.gcsai.org
42
Northwest Report by Damien Coleman, Galway Bay Golf Resort
Some of the large gathering at the outing in Tuam Golf Club
43
Feature and Photography by Alan Mahon
The
Curragh
For Training & Racing
There are stories told that the very first race that took place on the Curragh was around the
1700’s. The word “Curragh” means ‘place of the running horse’. As early as the third century
there was chariot racing on the Curragh. The Irish Turf Club was founded in the coffee rooms in
Kildare and it was soon established as the governing body for horse racing throughout Ireland.
T
he first ever Irish Derby took
place in 1866 on the Curragh
and since then the majority
of the most prestigious flat races in
the Irish racing calendar take place
there.
In 1865 a commission was set
up by the Houses of Parliament
to examine the Curragh, and the
resultant 1868 Curragh of Kildare
Act settled the right of common
pasture, and preserved the use of the
Curragh for the purpose of horse
racing and training. The total area of the
Curragh was defined as 4870 acres (which
includes two golf courses - The Curragh
Golf Club and Cil Dara Golf Club) and the
management of the Curragh was vested in
the office of a ranger. The 1870 Curragh of
Kildare Act dealt with grazing rights and
specified that only sheep could be grazed on
the Curragh.
Following the treaty of 1921, the lands
passed from the British Crown to the
Minister for Finance, and later to the
Minister of Defence, which remains in place
today.
The Curragh of Kildare Act of 1961
repealed the 1868 Act and parts of the
each other so I will write about them
each separately.
1870 Act, and allowed for the enclosure
of parts of the Curragh, and the attendant
extinguishment of sheep grazing rights.
This effectively meant that 800 acres of the
Curragh, which is used for training and
racing horses, was fenced off to keep grazing
sheep out.
There are two sections that make up the
Curragh horse grounds - the training ground
and the race track, each one managed
separately by one person.
Pat Kelly is in charge of the training gallops
while Pat Webb is responsible for the racetracks. Paul Hensey is the overall General
Manager responsible for both sections.
Both the training grounds and race-track
are maintained completely differently from
Training Grounds
The Curragh Training Grounds have
enjoyed fantastic success, justifying the
substantial investment to upgrade the
facilities in the past couple of years.
Sea The Stars is probably the most
famous horse trained on the Curragh.
It is best known for winning the 2,000
Guineas, the Epsom Derby and the
Priz de l’Arc de Triomphe amongst
others. This horse is regarded by many as
one of the greatest European racehorses of
all time. Other Group 1 winners that trained
on the Curragh include Alandi, Kingsfort,
Termagant and Casual Conquest. Vintage
Crop, trained on the Curragh before winning
the Melbourne Cup in 1993, was the first
European horse to do so.
As mentioned earlier, Pat Kelly is in charge
of the training grounds and has been working
at the Curragh since 1998. Pat’s previous life
was that of a jockey so he knows exactly what
the jockey’s and trainer’s needs are. This is a
big advantage.
In the last five years virtually every gallop
on the Curragh has undergone a successful
upgrade. There are sand gallops; sand and
fibre gallops; numerous woodchip gallops;
a polytrack gallop; an all-weather schooling
strip; together with about 60 miles of grass
gallops - quite a lot for Pat Kelly and his team
to maintain.
One notable difference in maintaining golf
courses, to that of looking after the gallops,
is the work ethos associated with each. Golf
courses are maintained with presentation
in mind, whereas the training ground’s top
priority is horse safety. As you can imagine,
with so many horses training each morning,
Pat Kelly, Michael Kane, Tom Brockall and John Dillon. Inset: Richard Brophy (Pat Kelly’s Assistant)
Pat Kelly is in charge of the training gallops
the divots that they leave behind will create
hollows on the track surface, no matter what
track they are galloping on. These hollowss
have the potential to cause serious damage
to the horse if left unrepaired, a broken
www.gcsai.org
leg would render a horse being put down,
proving very expensive for the owner. This
puts a huge responsibility on Pat Kelly’s
shoulders.
To provide a safe training facility Pat has
a crew of eleven, including his assistant
Richard Brophy, whom Pat relies on so much
and appreciates. Maintaining the all weather
gallops is done with three tractor operators.
The first operator comes along and chain
harrows the surface, which is immediately
46
followed by another tractor operator pulling
three solid rollers. If the weather is warm and
dry, a third tractor driver will follow behind
using a slurry tanker to irrigate the rolled
surface. This is painstakingly done every
hour. Each gallop is approximately one to one
and a half miles long (8 - 10 furlongs).
There are some days during the winter
months when Pat and his crew have to
operate on a twenty-four hour shift. This
occurs when there is danger of heavy frost.
Feature
whereas the sand gallops have 12 inches of sand but lie on porous
tarmac (tarmac laid down without rolling so that it stays loose and
porous to aid drainage).
Meanwhile, on the grass surface gallops, Pat has another crew of
five staff painstakingly walking behind the ridden on track, filling
in divots, as they walk along, with a sand/soil/peat mix containing
some grass seed. This is known in the trade as ‘Filling in’. This job
takes a full day to do, so it is the only work that these men carry
out throughout the growing season – a nice job on a warm sunny
day but tough when a cold easterly wind blows across the Curragh
plains.
Similar to tee markers on a golf course, the 10m wide markers on
the grass gallops are moved each day so as to allow the previous days
run to recover. The
grass track is one
and a quarter miles
long, and with such a
wide expanse of turf,
it may be a couple of
months before the
same grass track is
used again, making
sure that a complete
recovery is made,
The Schooling track
making it safe for the
horses. There is enough area on the grass gallops to provide sixty
miles of training.
The height of cut on the grass tracks is three inches and is mown
every nine days. There are two tractor operators mowing constantly
every day in the growing season using 3m wide mowers. During the
winter months the grass is left to grow to six inches when the sward
provides a soft cushion effect to protect the horses from possible
frost conditions underneath. The grass species on the training track
is a mixture of sheep fescue and bentgrass. The land under grass
has not been cultivated for hundreds of years, and no fertiliser has
been applied in the same period. Out on the open grass plains of
the Curragh lies a peat track, a strip of grass around 10m wide. This
is topdressed each year with peat, and has been for the past two
hundred years. You can easily notice the difference in texture on this
track compared to the normal grass tracks running each side. The
peat track is much softer underfoot.
First pass: The training gallops are chain harrowed
Second pass: Rolling then takes place
Third pass: When necessary, the surface is then watered
The all weather gallops cannot be allowed to freeze over so the
surfaces have to be rotovated (depending on the type of surface)
and then chain harrowed and rolled, as described above, each hour
throughout the night. “This normally happens a few nights each
month but last winter we were on a constant twenty four hour
shift for well over a month due to the heavy snow and frost we
experienced then. It put us to the test but we managed to keep the
gallops safe and free of frost” recalls Pat.
The all weather gallops have been drained recently and are built
approximately 12 inches above ground level. This makes them usable
even after the heaviest of downpours that Ireland has experienced
lately. The drains have a life expectancy of about twenty years,
while the material in each of the gallops lasts for about eleven years
before it needs to be replaced. The woodchip gallop has12 inches of
woodchip and lies over a bed of terram (often used in bunker lining)
Pat Kelly, Ger O’Shea, Christy Barratt
The schooling track is12m wide and 2.5 furlongs long and has
a polytrack surface. This is a very expensive mix containing sand,
fibre and wax. It is the wax that prevents the surface from freezing.
Within the schooling ground are fences which jockeys use to train
for hurdle racing.
Like golf clubs, there is an annual membership fee. There are
approximately 900 members using the facilities (three or four years
ago this was as high as 1400 members but the recession has affected
the turf-club industry as well). A member can use the gallops any
47
Feature
The parade ring
time up to 1.00pm each day whereas visitors
will need to book in advance.
There is no rest for Pat Kelly and his team
as life on the training ground goes on for 365
days a year – even Christmas Day, as many
trainers are out preparing for one of the big
race meetings of the year - The Leopardstown
Races on St. Stephens Day.
Pat is in constant communication with the
top trainers and jockeys in Ireland, giving
them daily updates of the track conditions
and reassuring them that all is well.
Race Track
Another Pat, Pat
Webb, is in charge
of the racing track.
Though not covering
as big an area as the
training ground,
the responsibility
Pat carries is just
as important. The
racing season lasts between March and
November of which there are approximately
eighteen to twenty meetings in the Curragh
each year. The main one is the Dubai Duty
Free Irish Derby (formerly known as the
Budweisser Irish Derby). This only leaves
a window of two to three weeks to prepare
the two tracks (Plate track and Derby track)
for the next meeting, making sure, like the
training ground, that the race track is in as
www.gcsai.org
Rain water is collected and stored in a reservoir
safe a condition as possible. But Pat has also
to make sure that the race-track is presented
well for the punters and TV viewers.
Pat Webb, unlike Pat Kelly, comes from a
greenkeeping background and worked in
The K Club under Tom Brooks and Gerry
Byrne between 1994 and 1999. He decided
to take a side step career move in 1999 to
work as Manager of the race-tracks and has
been there ever since. He has six full time
and eight part time staff working for him.
These include two painters, one carpenter,
one mechanic, two groundstaff and eight
part time groundstaff. Pat’s responsibility not
only includes the two race-tracks, but he is
also responsible for the grandstand building,
48
parade rings and stables, which is the reason
why he includes full time painters and a
carpenter as part of his crew. All building
maintenance is done in-house. It may appear
obvious but the painters need to finish their
work three days before a race meeting to
allow the paint to be completely dry. What
a shame if, especially on Ladies Day, paint
was to stick to the lovely suits and dresses!
Pat and his staff help out on the day of race
meetings doing many jobs such as bringing
out the starting gates; making sure the
running rails are straight; cleaning/preparing
the stables; watering the flower beds and
hanging baskets, and mowing the parade
rings to name but a few.
Feature
The grass on the race-tracks are mown
twice per week and is comprised mainly of
ryegrass. There is a distance of fifty miles
to be mowed each time, which means a lot
of travelling for the finishing mower. The
finishing mower collects, mows and stripes
the grass as it passes over it. The tracks are
fertilised regularly (based on soil results
which are tested every second year). Each
year the race-tracks are sprayed against
weeds, particularly clover, as this plant can
cause the horses to slip.
In times of dry weather, the race-tracks
are irrigated using tow-lines. These are
comprised of 9m long pipes joined together
to make 220 yards, (which is the length of
one furlong). All the water used to irrigate
the tracks is collected from the roof of the
grandstand, pumped and stored in a reservoir
out on the training ground.
I never realized before how different it is
to look after turf on a surface that is used
differently from that of turf on a golf course.
So, the next time you see horses racing on
TV, just think of the two Pats and the work
they and their staff do to prepare for ‘Day at
the Races’.
Back, left to right: Ronan O’Shea, Kieran Melia, Jimmy Grimmes, Gareth Pumer, Pat Webb.
Front, left to right: Barry Murphy and Jim Riordan
News
Recent Labour Court
Decision and its
Impact on GCSAI
Members
An employee may be awarded compensation by a Rights
Commissioner if he/she successfully brings a claim in respect of the
reduction of wages under the Payment of Wages Act, 1991. While
the Rights Commissioner will hear such a claim, he/she is likely to
consider all sides and if he/she feels that the action is necessary to
retain jobs, he/she may recommend acceptance of pay cuts or pay
freeze.
In a non related case, but perhaps worth noting, as it is relevant to
GCSAI members, the following case was taken by GCSAI members
against their employers...
By Fiona Brown Johnson
In a binding recommendation, the Labour Court has rejected a
union claim for national agreement pay increases due at Kilkenny
Golf Club, upholding an assessor’s findings on ‘inability to pay’.
SIPTU had sought a 3.5% increase effective from November 1, 2008,
and an additional 2.5% increase effective from April 1, 2009.
In January 2009 management had informed workers that it was
not in a position to pay any increases and would be implementing
a pay freeze, due to a downturn in revenue. The union disputed
management’s claims over the financial position of the club.
The company’s plea of ‘inability to pay’ was subsequently upheld
by the assessor. However, the union claimed the assessor came to the
wrong conclusion and disputed his findings.
At the Labour Court hearing, the union argued that the golf club
could not claim inability to pay, as there was a surplus of money
available to apply the increases. According to the union, the total cost
of the claim was less than €9,000 annually.
Management told the Court that due to a decline in revenue, “strict
control must be maintained on all expenditure”, in order to ensure
the club’s financial viability and secure employment.
Management also argued that the current remunerative package for
the workers concerned is competitive and is enhanced by a number
of job benefits. This was noted by the assessor in his report.
Over the last number of years I have received
many queries from GCSAI members on whether
or not an employer can deduct their wages
without their written permission.
I
have explained in previous articles how
and when this is permissible. However,
this continues to be the most common
question that I review on a monthly basis. In
light of this, I have decided to again set out
the situation regarding deduction in pay, or
reduction in working hours, resulting in loss of
earnings briefly below.
The Court found: “In circumstances where a plea of inability to pay
is upheld in an independent assessment the onus is on the party
disputing the accuracy of the findings to fully make out their case.”
“On the information before the Court there is nothing which could
undermine the findings of the assessor. Accordingly there is no basis
upon which the Court could recommend concession of the Union’s
claim.” (LCR20087 - Kevin Duffy, chairman)
The Payment of Wages Act, 1991 provides that an employer is
not entitled to reduce the wages of an employee without the prior
agreement of that employee or unless it is expressly provided for in
the contract of employment.
Full determination is available on www.labourcourt.ie
Fiona Brown Johnson runs Profile Training and Development
providing HR and Employment Legislation training and support
to small and medium size organisations.
Fiona can be contacted through the Members Free HR helpline on
086-8551369 and [email protected]
What if the Employee does not agree to reduction?
While there are a number of routes an employee could take if an
employer implements a reduction in working hours unilaterally, the
most common redress is a claim for an unlawful deduction of wages
under the Payment of Wages Act, 1991,
The Real Golden Girl
In 1965, having outlived her child and grandchild, 90 year-old Jeanne Calment made a deal with a 47- year old lawyer: he would pay her a
handsome monthly allowance for the remainder of her life, and her apartment would become his when she died.
Decades later, Jeanne attended the lawyer’s funeral and, by the time she died, his estate had paid her twice what the apartment was worth: for, at
122 years and 164 days, Jeanne had become the oldest (fully documented) person who ever lived. She ascribed her longevity and relatively youthful
appearance to olive oil, poured on her food and rubbed on her skin, a frequent tipple of port, and almost a kilo of chocolate a week.
www.gcsai.org
50
News
Pettersen gives a Master Class at Killeen Castle
Norway’s Suzann Pettersen earned a
six stroke victory with a stunning final
round of 64 at the Ladies Irish Open
supported by Fáilte Ireland. The world
no.3 scored rounds of 71, 63 and 64 to
finish at 18 under par for the tournament
ahead of Spain’s Azahara Munoz.
W
ith her course record 63 on
Saturday and eight under par
round on Sunday, Pettersen blitzed
the rest of the field with a score of 17 under par.
It was her second Irish Open victory after a
five-stroke win at Portmarnock Links in 2008.
Having tied for 23rd at Killeen Castle in 2010,
she was delighted to have shown her class on
The 2011 Solheim Cup course.
“I just really like the way this course is
playing, a little bit firmer. I played great with
my putter and it was really nice and hot.” Said
Pettersen.
The 30-year-old from Oslo had started the
final day tied for the lead with Dewi Claire
Schreefel from the Netherlands, who slipped
back into a share of 16th with a 77.
Pettersen holed a tricky fast, downhill putt
from 12 feet for birdie on the par-four 11th
and then rolled in a 20-footer on the par-four
13th to get to 16 under, three clear of England’s
there’s going to be a lot of birdies made out
Melissa Reid. Reid’s challenge ended with
there in The Solheim. I think it will be a great
a double bogey on the par-five 15th, which
match overall.” Pettersen is guaranteed a place
Pettersen then birdied, before holing another
in Europe’s Solheim Cup squad next month,
20-footer for birdie on the par-three 16th.
either from the Ladies European
Had Pettersen holed
Tour points’ list or from the Rolex
from inside 10 feet on
World Rankings,
the 18th she could have
Irish-born American Alison
tied her own course
Walshe, who shared the first round
record, but she finished
lead, finished tied for third with
with a par in front of a
Reid on 11 under par, but would
packed gallery, collecting
have claimed second but for a
her 12th worldwide
double bogey on 17.
career victory and a
Stacey Lewis finished best of the
€60,000 first prize.
American Solheim contingents on
“I didn’t think I had to
four under while crowd favourite
go 17 under but I tried
Christina Kim had a disappointing
to take my own, I think
end to her tournament with a final
it was a course record
round 77 to finish on two over.
yesterday and on the last
Amateur stars, the Maguire
there I tried to at least
twins, finished best of the Irish,
give myself a chance to
with Leona on one over and Lisa
tie it,” Pettersen said.
Photo by Tristan Jones
one shot further back on two over,
“This is my second
giving the sisters a top 50 finish. Leona’s round
win in the Irish Open. Last year I was very
of 72 included a hole in one on the par three
disappointed with the way I performed so it
sixth using a six-iron. Ireland’s only other
was nice to come back and perform to my
player to make the cut, Martina Gillen, was
standard.
unfortunately disqualified for an incorrect drop
“I definitely like what I see right now. It won’t
on the par-three 16th.
be long before we come back. It just shows that
51
Greenside
News
Cad É Sin What is it?
Witch
Warning
This old implement
was discovered in
a farm shed. The farm
in question contained
a beautiful manicured
garden and included a
lawn tennis court. We
think this tool was used
to aerate or decompact
the ground but we are
not sure. There are two
hose pipes feeding into a
central piston chamber. The
bar that goes into the
ground has a point at the
end which includes a nozzle.
We would like to hear if anyone
knows what this is.
Now that Halloween is only a few
weeks away, there have been
reported sightings of witches
around the country. A local
authority in a remote part of
Ireland is taking the necessary
precautions in warning people
of the hazards that may lie ahead
on this lonely country road.
Beware of the witch!
Testing for
Sand Depth
Syngenta’s Medallion TL approval for Ireland
The Syngenta Contact+ fungicide
active for turf, Medallion TL, has
gained approval for use by turf
managers in Ireland. Medallion TL
quickly targets disease pathogens
on the leaf surface, and has the same
effect on Fusarium disease spores in
the thatch layer and the soil surface.
M
American Golf Course Superintendent,
Craig DeJong of Hendersonville Country
Club uses a home made implement to
check for sand depth in his bunkers.
“Luke Sweeterman, our Equipment
Technician, fabricated us a tool to
measure the depth of the sand in all of
the bunkers. It was used to show us where
we were less than 5” deep. Four bunkers
were indentified as needing additional
sand. (Greenside bunker on #1, greenside
bunker on #6, left greenside bunker #15
and the right greenside bunker at the
practice area.) We used a mechanical rake
and water to help the sand settle and firm
up. It will take a few good rain events
for the consistency to equal the other
bunkers on the course.”
www.gcsai.org
edallion TL is approved
for use by golf course
superintendents across all areas
of the golf course, as well as professional
groundsmen of managed amenity turf including soccer, rugby, Gaelic football
and hurling pitches.
It is the additional activity in thatch
and soil surface that gives Medallion TL
its Contact+ credentials. “The disease
threat is ever present in the thatch layer,
with spores living on decaying material
and roots and waiting for the right
conditions to flare up. Medallion TL
gives us a powerful new chance to stop
that occurring.” Said DR. Simon Watson,
Syngenta Technical Manager.
In independent trials Medallion TL was
still giving over 99.5% disease control
when assessed at the end of February,
three months after the end of a spray
programme through late autumn and
early winter - even under very high
disease pressure and testing conditions
52
of prolonged snow cover. On untreated
turf in the trial over 25% of the area
was affected by Fusarium, with serious
implications for playing quality and
spring recovery.
Medallion TL should be applied at a rate
of 3.0 l/ha in a water volume of 125 - 500
l/ha, with up to four applications per
year. Medallion TL will be supplied in the
unique Syngenta S-pac for easy handling
and efficient rinsing and recycling.
Colman Warde, is the Ireland Country
Manager for Everris (formerly known as
Scotts) and distributors of the product.
Key points:
•
•
•
•
Medallion TL is a turf fungicide
with a bio-inspired mode of action
Contact+ activity targets disease
pathogens in leaf, thatch and soil
surface
Reducing pathogen numbers lowers
the risk of disease attack
Trials have shown highly effective,
long-lasting results
For further information on Medallion TL
visit the free Syngenta turf management
website www.greencast.ie
Trade News
Campey Turf Care Systems Celebrate 25 years in Business
“A very very big thank you to everyone for supporting
our Open Day” said Richard Campey. “We have been
overwhelmed with the turnout with guests from around
the world attending, and interest shown from all sides of
our industry.”
O
ver 300 people attended the 25 year celebration
demo day from across the sporting spectrum with
representation from a whole host of sports and
educational establishments. Groundsmen and greenkeepers
from golf, football, rugby and bowling clubs, private facilities,
colleges, universities and local authorities came along to
congratulate Campey Turf Care Systems on their achievements
over the past 25 years and to view a full range of sports turf
maintenance machinery. Despite the vagaries of the British weather the sun shone on
demonstrations of a variety of established and new machinery
from renowned brands including Vredo, Dakota, Koro by
Imants, Raycam and Omarv. These continued throughout the
day with only a short break during the seminars and talks given
by the STRI, IOG and Premier Pitches Managing Director, Carl
Pass and Dave Saltman of Pitchcare.
Support for the occasion came from clubs as diverse as
Manchester City Football Club, DW Stadium, Port Vale Football
Club, Stockport County Football Club, Bolton Old Links Golf
Left: John Campey, Stephen Basnett (New Holland), Brian O’Shaughnessy,
Geoffrey Scott, Brian Robinson, Lee Morgado, John Condron (Bryson Tractors).
Club, Burnley Council, Chester Golf Club and many more.
There were also representatives from UK, Ireland and European
suppliers and distributors, consultants and Greenkeeping
Federations as well as visitors from USA, Canada, Australia and
New Zealand.
The generosity of those taking part in the auctions raised over
£5000 which will be donated to Cancer Research UK.
53
Trade News
Fertimixer from Cropcare
Cropcare has recently launched their Irish manufactured
fertiliser mixer. It has a capacity of 1350 litres and is driven by a
petrol engine.
It is very useful for mixing soluble fertilisers, and can be used to mix
large quantities of chemicals (e.g. weed killer for fairways). With a mix
rate of 600 litres per minute it can mix a large quantity of fertiliser at
one time.
As well as saving money by making the use of cost effective soluble
fertiliser convenient, it allows for specific fertiliser mixes, focused on
exact nutrition needs of your golf course to be used.
Mixes can be stored overnight in the Fertimixer, rather than leaving
them in a sprayer, meaning that they can be agitated well before refilling
to sprayer.
The fertimixer can be stationary or on a mobile trailer, so the nearest
water source can be used to refill the sprayer, saving time travelling back
and forth to the workplace.
The pump can be detached from the mixer and used to pump out any
flooded areas on the course.
In these times of tighter budgets with less available labour the
fertimixer can be an important tool for any golf course, also where
weather and traffic time constraints are a factor.
For a demonstration call Cropcare on 01 2874485
Scotts Professional
become Everris
In February 2011, the Scotts
Miracle Gro Company sold
its Professional Division to
the ICL Group. Executives
from Scotts Professional
and ICL Specialty Fertilizers
announced a new name for
the global professional business: Everris.™.
Representing the term “Ever Rising”, the name
Everris is symbolic of the new company’s commitment to
further enhance the technologies, products and services
it offers to horticulture, agriculture and turf & amenity
professionals worldwide. In addition to its English
meaning, the name also represents the French, Italian
and Spanish terms for “green”-“vert” and “verde.”
Irish Renovation Day at
Belvedere College
Campey Turf Care Systems gave an informative Renovation
Open day at Belvedere College on 29th March last. The new
rugby pitch is quite spectacular and Head Groundsman
David Geraghty was absolutely blown away with the change.
“It is the speed at
which this pitch has
recovered from what can
only be called extreme
renovation processes,
that is so remarkable.
Within only three weeks
we were cutting the
new grass. After five
or six weeks the pitch was in immaculate condition and fully
operational again”.
Dignam Landscapes kindly supplied five Deutz Fahr tractors with
drivers to use for the two days required to carry out the work.
The first stage was to remove the surface top layer complete with
any poa-annua or organic material, leaving a smooth level surface.
Koro-ing has revolutionised the way pitch renovation is carried
out and has now become a generic term for this form of removing
old, tired sports surfaces. A Koro by Imants 2.5m Top Maker was
used in this instance.
Top dressing followed, applied using the Dakota 410 and 412
dressers. To incorporate the dressing and aerate the underlying
soils, a Koro 1.9m Recycler worked through the soil pan to create
a mixture which would drain more effectively and provide an
environment to encourage microbial activity which in turn would
promote a healthy root zone.
To get through the necessary workload in the limited time
available an Imants 2.2m model was used to relieve any deep
seated compaction.
Levelling and amelioration the top into a fine tilth ready for
seeding was achieved using a Koro Speed harrow 4100, leaving
the surface in an ideal condition to maximise germination. A
Vredo 2.5mt Seeder and a Raycam 1.8m Dimple Seeder were used
to apply the seed.
www.gcsai.org
54
Trade News
Toro reveals its Nextgeneration Greenmowers
John Deere shows new
mowers at IOG SALTEX 2011
John Deere’s new walk-behind greens mower and wide
area front rotary mower will both be featured on the
company’s stand at IOG SALTEX 2011 in September
(stand no. T42).
Toro will be launching the new Greensmaster TriFlex
3400 and TriFlex Hybrid 3420 greensmowers this
September. This is the first such Toro mower to feature
an all-electric cylinder drive system.
The SL Series PrecisionCut walk-behind greens mowers have
been designed for golf courses, tennis courts, cricket squares,
bowling greens and other fine turf areas. The mowers feature
low noise and vibration levels, a 4hp petrol engine and easy
bedknife-to-reel adjustment.
The 180SL, 220SL and 260SL replace the previous C Series
models, and feature a standard 11 blade, 127mm (5in) diameter
reel with true cutting widths of 46, 56 and 66cm (18, 22 and
26in) respectively. The mowers employ a fixed-head version of
the patented SpeedLink technology now incorporated on the
cutting units of all John Deere PrecisionCut machines.
This innovative design allows height of cut adjustments to be
made much more quickly and easily, from just one side of the
mower. In addition, a new patented front roller bracket makes it
equally simple to change the front roller when required.
Many new benefits include Toro’s unique Flex double
A-arm suspension system, which ensures the dual precision
adjustment (DPA) cutting units fitted as standard float
effortlessly across course contours. Keeping the units parallel
to the ground, this feature provides consistency and quality
of cut.
Even weight distribution across all three wheels, together
with redesigned balloon-style tyres, make tyre tracks virtually
invisible. A clippings capture system also leaves the course
clear of stray clippings for a cleaner cut and healthier turf.
Workshop managers and those servicing these mowers will
love the ease of serviceability. A unique lift-gate footrest
provides easy access to the central cutting unit, so there’s
no need to put the traction unit on a lift for routine reel
maintenance.
The TriFlex 3400 and 3420 units are equipped to do much
more than greens mowing. With the quick-change cutting
units, it’s possible to cut greens or fairways then switch to
spiking or verticutting minutes later – all with no tools
required. The 8-, 11- and 14-blade units also allow operators
to choose the correct cylinder and matching clip for the job,
from a 1/16-inch to 1-inch height of cut.
Both mowers are powered by a Kubota 24hp/17.5kw diesel
engine. Providing up to 3hp to each reel, the 3420 delivers
ample horsepower to handle a full spectrum of cutting
applications. A stored energy feature also eliminates clip
marks at start-up, plus gives improved braking power and
safety when cylinders are disengaged. Moreover, hybrid
technology almost eliminates hydraulic leaks.
To find out more about the new Greensmaster TriFlex 3400
and TriFlex Hybrid 3420 greensmowers, visit www.toro.com/
golf/newgreensmasters. Alternatively, contact your local Toro
dealer or call distributor Lely Irl on + 353 87 6820183.
The latest Series II 1600 Turbo WAM out-front rotary mower
features as standard a Stage IIIB (Interim Tier 4) 57hp diesel
engine to meet emission standards; a fully adjustable highbacked air suspension seat to improve operator comfort; and
run-flat tyres on the castor-action gauge wheels, to reduce
downtime and increase productivity.
With its 3.25m (128in) overall cutting width and proven
mechanical 4WD system, the 1600T WAM offers the ultimate
in power, manoeuvrability, traction and operator comfort for
large scale commercial mowing contractors, local authorities,
golf courses and other public and private institutions.
Additional improvements for 2011 include more efficient
hydraulics and deck motors, a two-post folding ROPS and
Service ADVISOR diagnostics for extra serviceability.
55
Trade News
STRI invites Greenkeepers
to the Future of Sportsturf
Management
St Andrews Links Greenkeeping
Team visit Barenburg
Ballybunion Golf Trial
Grass seed breeder
Barenbrug recently
accompanied the
St Andrews Links
greenkeeping team on
an exclusive visit to its
greens and fairways
trial at Ballybunion Golf
Club in County Kerry.
Research and development
manager Jayne Leyland
The St Andrews Links greenkeeping
provided the group - led
team at the golf greens and fairways
by Gordon Moir, the
trial, Ballybunion Golf Club
director of greenkeeping
at the ‘Home of Golf ’ - with a valuable insight into the progress
of the company’s second Irish trial. Ballybunion deputy course
superintendant Mike Hartney and his team proved welcoming
hosts, with Barenbrug’s regional sales manager in Ireland, Neil
Pettican, and manager for Scotland, David Greenshields, together
with course superintendants from the region, joining the group.
Complementing Barenbrug’s groundbreaking golf green differential
input trial at Druids Glen Golf Resort in County Wicklow, this
second trial at Ballybunion is investigating the performance of
24 current and in-development mixtures and monocultures for
greens and fairways under the influence of a links management
programme and environment in indigenous sand. Gordon Moir
says the visit was of real educational benefit to the team.
Ballybunion’s Mike Hartney says the club was delighted to
welcome Gordon and his team to view the trials. “We were
honoured that the St Andrews Links team were interested to visit
the Ballybunion trials. It was a good opportunity for us both to
enjoy an open exchange of thoughts, ideas and information - of
particular use was comparing their specific goals and interests to
ours. It was also very motivating for us in terms of our trials work,
knowing that they were coming to inspect and appreciate the plots.”
STRI Research 2011 is a new event being launched this year
by STRI. The event is free, will be held annually and has been
designed to give sportsturf managers an opportunity to see,
firsthand, the innovative products, machinery and techniques
that are being developed that will directly influence the world of
sportsturf management over the coming years.
The one day event is being held on Wednesday, 21 September 2011 at
STRI’s research facilities in Bingley and will follow the successful format
used at research events worldwide, which splits the research focus
into separate demo areas, referred to as ‘stations’. The event for 2011
is focusing on turf management for golf courses, with seven separate
stations, giving an insight into new products and methodologies for
disease and nutritional management, new grass varieties, aeration,
overseeding and amendments, rootzone properties and the latest
technology and machinery. STRI is currently working with a number
of companies on R&D sportsturf projects and has invited a selection of
these companies to support the event, based on their focus on current
research, and their investment to help improve the future quality and
management of sportsturf. The companies attending this year’s event
are Bayer, Everris (formerly Scotts), R&K Kensett, Ransomes Jacobsen,
Syngenta, Becker Underwood and Sherriff Amenity.
“We’re expecting the event to be booked up very quickly and if demand
for this type of event exceeds the maximum capacity we will look to
hold more events in future years,” said Carolyn Beadsmoore, head
of sales and marketing at STRI, “we’re hoping that greenkeepers and
course managers will attend from all parts of the UK and Ireland and
are offering a heavily discounted rate for B&B at local hotels for those
needing to travel.”
For further information on Barenbrug’s products and services call
+44(0)1359 272000, email [email protected] or visit
www.barenbrug.co.uk.
Those interested in attending the event should contact the Sales &
Marketing Team at STRI by calling 01274 565131 or
emailing [email protected]
Kubota GR2120 Ride-on Mower
Kubota (UK) Ltd has added the new GR2120 to its lawn tractor range. Packed
with advanced features, the 21hp diesel powered mower features a tough
but easy to operate all-wheel-drive hydrostatic transmission ideally suited to
the demands of large home and small estate users.
A key feature of the GR2120 is the unique Kubota Glide Steer system.
Redeveloped for this new model, Glide Steer delivers a combination
of manoeuvrability and turf protection. This is achieved by the system
disconnecting drive to the inside rear wheel as the front axle approaches its
full lock of 70 degrees.
The GR2120 is fitted with a high-efficiency 48in (1.22m) triple-rotor deck.
Designed to discharge clippings directly into the collector, the deck will cut
and collect grass of up to 102mm in height. The deck offers a minimum cut
height of just 25mm.
www.gcsai.org
56
The integral 450 litre collector has the
capacity to allow long periods between
emptying. Optimising this capacity is
made easier on the GR2120, thanks to a
newly developed electronic ‘collector full’
sensor system alerting the operator only
when the full collector capacity has been
utilised. Fitted with a gas-strut assisted
discharge system, the collector can be quickly and easily emptied
without the operator having to leave the seat.
The new mower is a direct replacement for the highly regarded
GR2100-II and is available now. Retail price, to include power steering,
all-wheel drive, 48in deck, collector and diesel power, is £8,285.
For more information about the new GR2120 and the rest of Kubota
Tractor and Groundcare’s product range, call + 44 (0)1844 268000,
e-mail [email protected] or visit www.kubota.co.uk
Trade News
GCSAI Trade Members
The GCSAI thank each and every one of our Trade Members for supporting us throughout
these challenging times. Please support them when purchasing goods or services.
Company Name
Contact
Telephone
Email
Advanced Landscape Services
Karl Dooley
087 9402650
[email protected]
Shay Phelan
087 2765259
[email protected]
Anthony D’Arcy Ltd
Patrick Murphy
0402 38261
[email protected]
Aquaturf Solutions Ltd
Stephen Daly
086 0838747
[email protected]
Barenbrug UK Ltd
Paul Warner
00441359 272000
[email protected]
Bayer Environmental Science
Kenny Liddell
00441223 226680
[email protected]
Breslin Brothers Ltd
John Breslin
087 2772770
[email protected]
Campey Turfcare Systems Ltd
Brian O’Shaughnessy
087 9274521
[email protected]
Cropcare Ltd
Rose O’Donovan
01 2874485
[email protected]
Dar Golf Construction Ltd
James D’Arcy
087 2573550
[email protected]
Drummonds Ltd
Rosalyn Drew
041 9838986
[email protected]
Eddie B. Connaughton Ltd
Eddie Connaughton
01 6283300
[email protected]
Emerald Lawns
Colin Sherrard
01 6852655
[email protected]
Enrich Environmental
Kevin McCabe
086 8392508
[email protected]
Everris (Formely Scotts)
Colman Warde
087 7799527
[email protected]
Goldcrop Ltd
Mark Booker
087 9580110
[email protected]
(Re) Golf Design
Jeff Lynch
086 8239991
[email protected]
Mark Harris
087 2540166
[email protected]
Horta Soils Ltd
Priscilla McFarland
048 38852888
[email protected]
Irish Grass Machinery Ltd
Michael Smyth
01 8624188
[email protected]
James Coburn & Son Ltd
William Cartmill
048 40662207
[email protected]
JFB Golf Supplies Ltd
Frank Byrne
087 2374285
[email protected]
John Deere Ltd
David Hart
00441949 860491
[email protected]
John Lindsay Professional Sportsturf
John Lindsay
048 38339229
[email protected]
Leinster Turf Equipment Ltd
Derek Inglis
086 8308033
[email protected]
Lely Ireland Ltd
Richard Harris
045 526170
[email protected]
Major Equipment International
Eibhlin Murphy
094 9630572
[email protected]
Martyns Grass Lawns Ltd
Brian Martyn
093 38012
[email protected]
National Agrochemical Distributors Ltd
Liam McMahon
01 8437808
[email protected]
Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd
Peter Driver
00441473 276368
[email protected]
Reel-Tech
Barry Drennan
087 6388955
[email protected]
Sanrose Ltd
Bernard Kinsella
053 9137208
[email protected]
SOL Golf Course Construction Ltd.
Michael O’Leary
064 7751006
[email protected]
Spraychem Golf Ltd
Yvonne Ritchie
01 8293990
[email protected]
Summerhill Instant Lawns
John Cribbin
087 2749860
[email protected]
Tacit Golf Course Equipment
Giles McDonagh
087 9441174
[email protected]
TurfCare Group
Pat Galavan
045 409330
[email protected]
Unichem Ltd
Niall Dunne
01 8351499
[email protected]
Whites Agri
Jer Doran
01 8438521
[email protected]
57
President’s Report by Damian McLaverty, Ballinasloe Golf Club
Contact Points
Alan Mahon (Communications Manager)
Rathjarney Piercestown, Co. Wexford.
Tel/Fax: 053 9158606 Mobile: 087 6260889
Damian McLaverty (President)
Ballinasloe Golf Club - 086 8301048
Michael McFeely (Vice-President & FEGGA Rep)
Westmanstown Golf Club - 087 234 2051
Jason Podris (Hon Secretary)
Galway Bay Golf Resort - 087 1222697
Bobby McDermott (Education Officer)
Foxrock Golf Club - 086 2627839
David Behan (P.R.O. & G.T.C. Rep)
Naas Golf Club - 086 8269242
Tom Carew (Treasurer)
Craddockstown Golf Club - 087 6260182
Michael Loughran (Immediate Past President)
Hilton Templepatrick - (0044) 797 4229343
Michael F. O’Connor (SW Rep)
Killarney Golf & Fishing Club - 087 1276764
Damien Coleman (NW Rep)
Galway Bay Golf Resort - 087 6666131
John Egan (NE Rep)
Rathfarnham - 086 3470388
Trevor Dargan (SE Rep)
Woodenbridge - 086 1721640
GCSAI Website:
www.gcsai.org
www.gcsai.org
A Cáirde,
Since my last report Irish golf has dominated the world
sporting headlines, with Rory McIlory and Darren Clarke
winning the U.S. and British Opens respectively.
A
t home we will have
hosted the Irish Open
in Kilarney, the Home
Internationals in Rosses Point Co
Sligo and the Irish Ladies Open at
Kileen Castle. This month we will
be staging The Solheim Cup also
at Killeen Castle, and The Junior
Solheim Cup in Knightsbrook,
Co Meath. To all the
Superintendents, Mark Collins
(Killeen Castle), David MacIndoe
(Killarney Golf & Fishing Club),
Ronan Carey (Knightsbrook),
and all the greenkeeping teams
involved, you should be proud
of your achievement in hosting
these events and putting Irish golf
and greenkeeping on a world stage. Getting the opportunity to hold The Solheim Cup
was a real treat when I visited Killeen Castle
On behalf of all Irish greenkeepers
I would like to congratulate you not only for the achievement in hosting these events
but also for showing the professional level that Irish greenkeepers are capable off.
At a regional level I would like to thank the North East and their chairman John
Egan for inviting me to their golf outing in Killeen Castle last July. It was a super day
out, and a real treat to have the Solheim Cup on display during the prize giving - the
look on Mark’s face as we posed for photos with the Solheim Cup was worth the trip
alone. Thanks to you Mark and to all involved - the course was superb. I hope to visit
all the regions over the coming months and meet as many members as possible.
Our Presidents Cup will take place on Friday the 7th of October in Castlemartyr
Golf Resort, Co Cork. I visited this course to launch the Presidents Cup and I can
assure anyone who is lucky enough to make their respective regional team that they
are in for a serious challenge. Trevor Norris and his team have the course in fantastic
condition. To our sponsors Everris (formally Scotts Professional) and their Irish
manager Colman Warde, I thank you sincerely for your continued sponsorship and
loyalty towards Irish greenkeeping. I am looking forward to, what I know will be, a
fantastic event in a great venue. As always, it will be keenly contested, and, without
any bias at all, can I say “come on the North West”. Looking forward to seeing and
meeting as many of you as possible in Castlemartyr and may the best team win.
I hope the summer has and will continue to go well for everybody.
Is Mise le Meas
Damian Mc Laverty
58
Greenside
59

The 2011 Solheim Cup

Transcription

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