IGFH News
Welcome to the IGFH blog. Here, you’ll find news of our latest magazine releases, interviews with some of the greenkeeping industry’s most influential names and businesses, thought-provoking discussions on trending topics, reviews of turf equipment, and general grounds and greenkeeping news.
Catagories
Meet the team, Damien Curtis
Acting Operations and Support Manager – Liverpool City Council, NSW Why did you join the industry?To work with nature and the climatic conditions, have scope to always have a plan B. What’s the best thing you’ve learned during your career?2 years of flood-like weather, making servicing areas and delivering products very
Meet the team, Daniel Studders
Managing director – Ground Solutions Australia and whatever job I feel like doing out of the office. I tend to be out on the tools more than I should be. I love being in the trenches and getting out to site catching up with staff from other clubs Why did
Making Connections At The First Annual Turf Tech KRC Genk
IGFH’s Bradley Tennant recently attended the first annual Turf Tech event, held at KRC Genk in Belgium. Here, he shares his experience of the event, including the best way to get there from the UK, what he thought about the talks and presentations, and whether he’d attend again. Earlier this
Meet the Members, Alex Earle
Alex made the move from Australia to the UK to pursue his passion working at Wimbledon in London. Here, he shares his experience starting a new life overseas, getting messages from friends who have seen him on TV, and meeting The Princess of Wales. What inspired you to pursue a
Two Dennis ES-860’s Power Sustainable Maintenance at Roehampton Club
Roehampton Club, a prestigious multi-sports and social club in southwest London, has embraced sustainable practices with the introduction of two Dennis ES-860 battery-powered mowers. Head Groundsman Simon Bailey and the grounds team have welcomed these new additions, which have helped improve the club’s maintenance of its tennis grass courts and
SISIS Maxislit Boosts Turf Health at Ramsey Golf and Bowls Club
Ramsey Golf and Bowls Club in Cambridge, is experiencing remarkable improvements in turf health and playability thanks to the SISIS Maxislit. Head Greenkeeper Richard Shilling, who has dedicated 35 years to the club, highlights how this aerator is transforming their maintenance practices. Ramsey Golf and Bowls Club in Cambridge, is
Exploring Integrated Pest Management with Kersten UK at the Welsh Government’s IPM Demonstration Event
In October 2024, IGFH’s Bradley Tennant attended an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) demonstration event in Wales, organised to highlight alternative approaches to chemical-based weed control methods. Here, Bradley discusses his experience at the event, which included a presentation, Q&A, and equipment demonstration by Kersten UK. I recently had the opportunity
Experience the Jupiter ATIGrinder at SALTEX 2024
Hunter Grinders, part of the Howardson Group, is thrilled to announce its participation at SALTEX 2024, where it will be showcasing the enhanced Jupiter ATI ‘All-in-One’ Grinder. Experience the Jupiter ATI Grinder at SALTEX 2024. The Jupiter ATI Series 5 is a fully automatic relief spin grinder, designed to deliver
An Impressive Lineup from SISIS at SALTEX 2024
At this year’s SALTEX, SISIS (Stand E082) will present an impressive lineup of turf maintenance equipment, each designed to address specific needs in the care of sports pitches, golf courses, and other fine turf areas. An Impressive Lineup from SISIS at SALTEX 2024. Here’s a closer look at the standout
Dennis Mowers to Showcase Cutting-Edge Technology at SALTEX 2024
Dennis Mowers, part of the Howardson Group, is gearing up for an exciting showcase at SALTEX 2024. Set to take place on 30 and 31 October at the NEC in Birmingham, Dennis Mowers will be displaying their innovative range of electric mowers and turf maintenance equipment at Stand E070. Dennis
Meet the Members, Ryusei Ando
Ryusei is based in Japan, where he works as a greenkeeper at Akita Country Club. Here, he talks about his favourite part about working in sports turf, what he could do if he was able to swap roles with another groundskeeping or greenkeeping team, a vital piece of equipment that
Meet the members, Joe Pitt
Joe started out as a labourer at his local golf course in the UK, before taking on a superintendent role and later furthering his career with a move overseas to sunny Texas, where he worked in several roles at Austin Country Club. He currently works as a superintendent at Balcones
IGFH transforming young people’s lives
In August this year, Daryl Davidson of IGFH volunteered his time to provide an educational, hands-on turf-keeping session for a small group of young people at the Reiby Youth Justice Centre in South Western Sydney. The centre offers a range of health, educational, and spiritual services to young people, including
An Introduction to a Career in Sports Turf Management
Are you interested in a career in grounds management? As a turf manager, you’ll be responsible for producing and maintaining outdoor spaces to a high standard, ensuring that they are functional and visually appealing. The type of grounds you may work on varies depending on your employer, with opportunities that
GroundsFest 2024: A Resounding Success
After a fantastic experience exhibiting at GroundsFest 2024, we’re back in the office, grateful for the warm hospitality of Chris Bassett, Chris Bennett, and their team for organising such a well-run event. GroundsFest has cemented its reputation as the premier annual, free event for grounds staff, greenkeepers, landscapers, designers, architects,
Treating Weeds in Hard Surfaces and Soil with Electricity – Kersten UK
Different electric weeding technology works in different ways. Here’s a breakdown of what works well where and why. We have several new electric weeding products available from Kersten and Zasso. These machines all use electricity to kill weeds, but the systems differ markedly in their uses. Here are the important
The Fleet Robot Marker Preview
Staying informed about the latest innovations is essential for us as we strive to educate and engage new members in our industry. We’re fortunate to have strong relationships with many brands, including Fleet Line Markers. Fleet graciously invited us to preview their newly developed Robot line marker from their New
Successful Synthetic Surfaces Seminar Hosted at Loughborough University
Loughborough University recently played host to the Synthetic Surfaces Seminar, organised by Syn-Pro by SISIS, part of the Howardson Group. The event brought together over 60 delegates eager to enhance their understanding of synthetic sports surfaces, covering a comprehensive agenda from environmental impacts to maintenance practices. https://youtu.be/DTtPSQdg74k The day kicked
Groundsmen are More Than Just “Weird” Grass Cutters
As groundstaff, we’ve heard our fair share of jokes and banter about the profession. But the recent comments made on The Bench podcast by Jon Wilkin and Sam Tomkins overstep the line. What started as light-hearted humour about the care we put into our pitches progressed into a number of
Meet the team, John Flynn
Jack Flynn, The Perfect Pitch, Curator How did you join the industry? My passion for cricket and helping out at club level with curating was rewarding and another way to be involved in cricket besides playing, got an apprenticeship at a school and went from there. Why you joined the
Turf Passport: Connect your club with skilled individuals
Is your club seeking to employ staff? Join Turf Passport, a unique program designed to connect clubs and organizations with skilled professionals in sports turf management. Turf Passport offers your club access to our global network of skilled individuals ready to bring their knowledge and skills to your sports facilities.
Synthetic Surfaces Seminar – Loughborough University July 2024
Enhancing Performance and Sustainability On Tuesday 23rd July 2024, over 50+ attended the Synthetic Surfaces Seminar at Loughborough University, organised and hosted by Syn-Pro by SISIS from the Howardson Group. International Greenkeepers were also present with their stand, alongside Fleet Line Markers in the outdoor area. Other companies present included
Dennis Mowers Partners with Edgbaston Stadium
Dennis Mowers is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Edgbaston Stadium and Warwickshire County Cricket Club. This collaboration is aimed at achieving two significant objectives: becoming the most sustainable cricket ground in the country by having a fully electric range of mowers and enhancing education and support for local
Syn-Pro by SISIS at GroundsFest
Syn-Pro by SISIS is gearing up for GroundsFest 2024, set to take place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on September 10 and 11. You can find Syn-Pro by SISIS in Outdoor Area A on stand OSA170, where a wide range of advanced synthetic turf maintenance products will be on display. Syn-Pro
Explore SISIS’s Innovations at GroundsFest 2024
GroundsFest 2024 attendees can look forward to seeing SISIS in Outside Area A on stand number OSA170, where a variety of innovative turf maintenance products will be on display. This year, the focus will be on three key products: the Quadraplay, the Variseeder, and the Rotorake TM1000. In addition to
T.E.T.O Meet at Leicester City June 2024
‘Cutline Is King’ T.E.T.O, also known as Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation held their most recent gathering at Leicester City’s Training Ground thanks to Chris Minton, Head Mechanic at Leicester City and James Wilkinson Workshop and Equipment Manager and the Buckinghamshire GC. T.E.T.O was founded by Chris Minton, James Wilkinson and
Hunter Grinders Returns to GroundsFest 2024
After a successful GroundsFest 2023, Hunter Grinders is excited to announce its return to GroundsFest 2024, where it will be showcasing the enhanced Jupiter ATI ‘All in One’ Grinder. The Jupiter ATI is a fully automatic relief spin grinder, designed to deliver precision grinding at its best. It features automatic
Dennis to Exhibit E-Series at GroundsFest 2024
Dennis is set to make a significant impact at GroundsFest 2024, showcasing an impressive range of battery-powered products on stand 50 in Hall 2 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on September 10 and 11. Dennis is set to make a significant impact at GroundsFest 2024, showcasing an impressive range of battery-powered
Greater Western Sydney Careers Market – May 2024
We’ve been back at the careers fairs over in Sydney. The 2024 Greater Western Sydney Careers Market run by Brett Carter Events is done and dusted for this year and what a cracker of an event it was. Just shy of 6000 High School students from 52 High Schools and
BIGGA South Coast Grinding Workshop – July 2024
Event Details: Date & Time: Tuesday, July 2, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Location: Corhampton Golf Club, Shepherds Farm Lane, Southampton – SO32 3GZ We have been privileged to be associate members of BIGGA for several years. With a robust membership of over 5,500 individuals across the UK,
Meet the Members: Adam Witchell
Adam Witchell is our second featured member in this issue. Adam has had a busy career, starting as a greenkeeper at Aberdovey Golf Club and going on to secure Head Groundsman roles at Forest Green Rovers Football Club and Calne Town FC. Adam has recently left his role as the
Dennis & SISIS Partner with Croquet England for Lawn Maintenance Seminar
Dennis and SISIS, in association with Croquet England, recently hosted a highly informative Croquet Lawn/Court Maintenance One-Day Seminar at the Bristol Croquet Club. The event attracted croquet enthusiasts and lawn care professionals eager to enhance their knowledge and skills in maintaining croquet lawns to the highest standards. Dennis and SISIS,
Lackham Tradeshow and Careers Fair 2024
Brad of IGFH attended the Lackham Tradeshow and Careers Fair, held at Wiltshire College & University Centre’s Lackham campus on June 17, 2024, which aims to “bring employers and students together to showcase the wide range of careers available in the local area”. We interviewed many of the exhibitors at
Navigating transformative time with the GMA
In our last article, we reached out to BIGGA to see how the association is strategically adapting to challenges in pay equity, embracing social media, and navigating industry shifts. This time, we’ve asked the same questions to the GMA —and you’re in for an enlightening read. Q: What do you
Going Green: Heart of Midlothian F.C. Embraces the Dennis ES-34R
In the ever-evolving landscape of sports turf management, combining sustainability and efficiency are becoming paramount for professionals like Colin Davie, Head Groundsman for Heart of Midlothian F.C. In a recent move towards greener practices, Heart of Midlothian F.C. has invested in a Dennis ES-34R rotary mower In a recent move
Seattle University’s Field Specialist Applauds SISIS Sweeper
Seattle University’s commitment to maintaining first-class athletic and sporting facilities has received a significant boost with the introduction of the SISIS SSS1000 towed sweeper. Seattle University’s commitment to maintaining first-class athletic and sporting facilities has received a significant boost with the introduction of the SISIS SSS1000 towed sweeper. Peter Larson,
Guide to creating an integrated weed management plan – Kersten UK
Sustainability is currently at the forefront for most companies, and rightly so. Without sustainable practices, processes will simply end at the first bottleneck. By definition, sustainability means the ability to maintain or support a process over time. My favorite definition is, “to meet the needs of today without compromising the
Bowling Green Maintenance Day – Knypersley Bowling Club
I’ve always been a huge supporter of free educational events, especially when they are open for all. I have had the pleasure to attend quite a few now over the years and I still walk away with new knowledge and contacts. This one was different from the rest, I’ve attended
Solid Tine Aeration
Solid tine aeration is used to improve soil structure, reduce compaction, release nutrients, allows water to penetrate the surface and enhance overall turf health. Unlike hollow tine aeration, which removes soil cores, solid tine aeration simply punctures the soil with solid metal spikes or tines. This method creates channels that
Dennis and SISIS Announce Partnership with Derbyshire Cricket Foundation
Dennis and SISIS, renowned names in turf maintenance, have announced a partnership with the Derbyshire Cricket Foundation. This collaboration aims to bolster grassroots cricket pitches throughout the county, promising a significant enhancement in the quality and accessibility of cricketing facilities. Roger Moore (left) from Howardson Group with Tom Coxhead from
Turf surface grooming
Turf surface grooming is a maintenance practice to improve the appearance, playability, and health of sports surfaces like golf courses, playing fields, and tennis courts. It involves using specialised equipment to break up debris and worm casts, remove dew, and fix minor surface irregularities. SISIS Flexibrush folded How Often is
Selecting the right fertilizer – Size to hardness
The information in this article was provided by Gilba Solutions One of the perpetual debates in the turf and amenity industry with selecting a fertilizer is whether granulated homogenous fertilizers give a more accurate application at a prescribed rate than blends of similar analysis. What is involved in manufacturing a
Biology of grass seed germination
There are many types of grass seed, but the early stages of seed germination are basically the same. The advantage of planting a lawn is that we can provide some of the necessary ingredients to make grass seed germination easier. We can provide the necessary moisture, proper soil conditions, and
What are PGR’s? – Plant Growth Regulators
Plant Growth Regulators are synthetic or biological compounds that positively benefit and modify the plants growth and development. They are widely used in many plants to shorten the internodes and create a denser, tighter and smaller plant. Growth regulators can be used on amenity grass to reduce the need to
Transitioning perennial ryegrass out of couch
Couch (Cynodon spp.) are commonly overseeded with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) for reasons such as aesthetics, increased wear tolerance and to protect the couch once it enters dormancy. The aim is to maintain this cover during the cool season months and then once it begins to warm up in the
Cricket Loam
Now the mixtures used and the definition of cricket loam can drastically change depending on which part of the world is using it. In the northern hemisphere, loam is soil composed mostly of sand, silt, and a smaller amount of clay. By weight, its mineral composition is about 40–40–20% concentration
Influences that temperature and light have on C3 and C4 grasses
The soil temperature required for growth and to keep C3 and C4 grasses are different. A warmer soil contains more energy. More energy available enables chemical processes driving plant growth to work faster and more efficiently. This means grass can make food quicker (through photosynthesis) and therefore grow faster. There
Discouraging weeds in turfgrass
Weeds will grow in almost any situation where the conditions are favourable. Weeds are opportunistic and will invade where suitable conditions arise. If there are any thin or weak areas of the turfgrass caused by neglect or unsuitable management, this creates a perfect opportunity for weeds to encroach. In order
What is sand?
Sand is the main component of the majority of top-dressing and construction materials (currently available) that are used for sports and amenity turf-grass surfaces. Sand can be composed of different materials with Quartz (SiO2)being the most well known and common.Sand is used to improve the mechanical conditions of soils, particularly
Controlling Crane flies
Crane flies are becoming an increasingly worse problem. Milder winters coupled with the withdrawal of chemicals are making Crane fly even harder to battle. Over the last few years the population of the Crane fly has increased dramatically due to wet Autumns and mild winters. A small moderate population is
Masterclass 3 – Reading FC
On May 28th, 2024, we conducted our 3rd masterclass for our Wiltshire College & University Centre sports turf students at Reading Football Club. The day involved a visit to the stadium, where James Stabler, David Newell, and Sam Ampleford introduced the students to the unique challenges of maintaining a top-tier
What is carrying capacity?
Within the turfgrass industry the term carrying capacity (or sustainable use) can be defined as the maximum level of surface use, or activity on a turf surface before unacceptable levels of deterioration begin to occur. Potential carrying capacity is what could have been achieved given optimum use and management strategies
Howardson Group Hosts Successful Dealer Training Event
The Howardson Group recently brought together over 100 delegates from their dealership network across the UK, Europe and the Far East, over a three week period which proved to be an invaluable opportunity for all involved. The Howardson Group recently brought together over 100 delegates from their dealership network. Held
What are wetting agents?
In short, a wetting agent is a substance that lowers the surface tension of a liquid therefore increasing its penetrating and spreading qualities of previously water repellent surfaces. Wetting agents are from a class of chemical compounds known as surface active agents or ‘surfactants.’ Which you may also see them
Grass leaves
To the human eye, grass leaves in general look pretty much the same. However, under a microscope is where the differences become apparent, especially between warm and cool season grasses. Leaves of warm season grasses have thick walls around the vascular cells. Leaves of warm season grasses have thick walls
Sanitising equipment after and before use
We all know of the numerous myths and tricks about at the moment on ‘how to properly sterilise equipment’. Some are pretty solid, while others are outright hazardous to health or inflict damage to the surfaces they are used on. What is sanitising? In short, it means to ‘make clean
Why is height of cut important?
Now this is one of those topics in greenkeeping that is site-specific due to the large amount of variables, including grass type, weather, region, budget, staff and everything in between. However there are some important rules of thumb to keep in mind, the biggest one being to avoid cutting off
What is grass?
Despite being the fundamental basis of some sports, parks, and lawns, the meaning of the word ‘grass’ never really gets much thought. Even by qualified turf managers! So what is grass? ‘Grass is a monocotyledon plant, herbaceous plants with narrow leaves growing from the base.’ Vague, right? That’s because grass
Poa, ways to control and prevent
Poa Annua (Annual meadow grass) is a common grass that is part of the Poaceae family. This family of grass provides staple foods, from domesticated cereal crops such as maize, wheat, rice, barley, and millet, to feed for animals. For some, Poa is a turf manager’s daily grass; for others
Why is hollow tining important?
Improving soil aeration and decompaction is a huge part of maintaining any turf surface, but especially sports turf surfaces. This can be achieved using a variety of methods including slit or knife tines, soild or spike tines, or hollow tines. Today’s topic is hollow tining (coring). These tines physically remove
Why is quality of cut important?
Its no hidden fact that to achieve the highest possible mowing quality, a cylinder mower is the best. Their clean scissor-like cut makes them the perfect choice for sports turf surfaces, high-quality lawns and recreational areas. The basic design hasn’t changed since Edwin Budding developed the first machine in 1830.
Understanding plant water use – Evapotranspiration
Evapotranspiration is a term used to describe the water consumed by plants over a period of time. Evepotranpiration is the water loss occurring from the process of evaporation and transpiration. Evaporation occurs when water changes to vapor on either soil or plant surfaces. Transpiration refers to the water loss through
A Sweeping Success with SISIS at Merchiston Castle School
Stuart Chalmers, Head Groundsman at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, has recently elevated his maintenance procedures with the addition of the SISIS Litamina 1200. This innovative tractor-mounted sweeper is helping to enhance the upkeep of Scotland’s only all-boys independent boarding school. Stuart Chalmers, Head Groundsman at Merchiston Castle School in
Dennis Signals Eco-Conscious Evolution at Murrayfield
With over a decade of experience nurturing the hallowed grounds of the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium campus (SGM), Jim Dawson has recently embraced a significant change: the adoption of electric turf maintenance equipment, specifically the Dennis ES-860 cylinder mower, marking a shift away from traditional petrol-powered machinery. Dennis Signals Eco-Conscious
Causes of moss invasion – Sports Turf
Mosses are plants comparatively simple in structure and function and, with the Liverworts, comprise the Bryophyta family – one of the least complicated groups of the plant kingdom. Mosses are found in very many situations, for example, on stones, tree trunks and turf. If you have moss on your turf
Types of moss in Turf
There are three main types of moss in turf. Type 1: Hypnum and Eurhynchium species Fern-like mosses usually trailing amongst the grass stems. Present in many types of turf but characteristic of moist, rather spongy swards where there is a soft surface mat and a quantity of loose litter. Such
Controlling moss in Sports Turf
The invasion of moss in turf seems to be on the increase. Poor surface drainage has always been considered responsible for the invasion of mosses, yet many sports pitches have been troubled by the incursion of mosses in spite of their intensive care programs of scarification, aeration and soil modification
Coated vs Uncoated Grass Seed
One decision you may have to make at some point in your career is whether to opt for coated or uncoated grass seed, each offering distinct advantages depending on the specific requirements of the turf area. Coated grass seed is enveloped in a protective layer of materials like polymers, fertilizers,
A Slightly different overseeding perspective!
The information in this article was provided by Gilba Solutions After the summer the following 3 practices are NOT a good idea if you are overseeding in the autumn. 1. Aggressive scarification – when this is carried out stolons are removed. These act as subsequent ‘’growing points’ when you
Why is it important to use loam/clay over native soil on a cricket wicket?
It’s no secret that preparing a cricket wicket can be classed as an art. A lot of knowledge and skill goes into preparing a top grade wicket, as anyone who has attempted it will know. Before you can even start any work, the most important part is ensuring you have
Grounds Maintenance Roadshow – 9th April 2024 – Fleet Line Markers
Despite the inclement weather on April 9th, 2024, the Grounds Maintenance Roadshow successfully unfolded at Birmingham City University’s Pavilion, Moor Lane. Over 20 companies graced the event to present their latest products and services. Such gatherings serve as vital platforms for the industry, spotlighting innovations and fostering crucial networking opportunities.
Beginner’s guide, plant growth regulators
Growth regulators are used in sports turf primarily to regulate and suppress grass growth. That has advantages for time and cost savings, but also some real advantages for maintaining consistent surface playability. You can vary the amount of suppression by increasing the application rate. Essentially, the higher the rate, the
Vertical integration key to success at Mountain View Seeds
Born out of a co-op in the heart of the Mid-Willamette Valley, Mountain View Seeds has emerged as a top player in the global grass seed market, providing high-quality turfgrass, forage, and cover crops with a focus on environmental sustainability. Today, the company contracts with more than 200 growers across the Pacific
Meet the members, Ben Swidenbank
Ben’s passion for sports turf has seen him take his career into some of the most renowned UK sporting venues, including Wimbledon, Wembley Stadium, Arsenal Football Club, and the Oval Cricket Ground. He currently teaches as an Adult Skills Tutor in Pesticide application and Horticultural machinery at Myerscough College, Liverpool
Capmey’s Pitch Renovation Tour – 2024
Campey’s have a long history of pitch renovation tours, before COVID-19 they would alternate between European sites and the UK each year. While being in the UK they would typically visit grassroots football clubs, with a change scale this year. Attending a mixture of levels from elite football venues to
Maldon Bowling Club: An Award-Winning Tale
Mark Piper, the Greenkeeper at Maldon Bowling Club, Essex, has overseen a remarkable transformation in the quality of the club’s green. Thanks to a range of Dennis and SISIS machinery, particularly the SISIS Supaturfman and the Dennis FT510, the once-struggling surface has become a point of pride, earning Mark the
Meet the Members: Ben Corby
Ben Corby, Sports Turf Manager at Desert Group, Dubai, UAE. Ben made the move to Dubai after craving a warmer outdoor working environment and has shared his fascinating insight into what it’s like to work in a country where camels invade the pitch, outdoor work isn’t permitted from 12:30-3 pm
Pioneering Sustainable Management: Kersten UK
Biodiversity and sustainability have been a hot topic in the greenkeeping and grounds management industry for several years now, but it’s never been more relevant than now. There’s a rapidly growing interest in taking a sustainable approach to grounds management, which begs the question: what can be done to implement
Navigating Transformative Times With Bigga
Adapting to Pay Equity, Social Media, and Industry Shifts Education events such as Continue to Learn provide greenkeepers with the knowledge required to overcome many challenges ‘There are countless ways to promote greenkeeping to the wider public and we’re … helping to create a strong industry not just today but
5 years in – 8th Magazine edition
8th Edition of the IGFH Gazette. Believe it or not, April 2024 marks 5 years of International Greenkeepers. I’m not sure where the time has gone either, that means this October it will be 5 years since I (Bradley Tennant) left for Australia. Daryl Davidson came to me with this
High Sheriff Award – Simon Moore
March 28th 2024 Congratulations to Simon Moore who received an award in recognition of his great and valuable services to the community. Awarded by Pradeep Bhardwaj at a great venue, Monkton Combe School. This is a fantastic achievement and recognition for all his hard work within the industry. Simon with his
My Path to Wimbledon: Conrad Cavill, Groundstaff
Written by Aman Ahmed – Communications team at the All England Club. Conrad Cavill – Wimbledon Groundstaff Inspiring new recruits from all walks of life to join the sector is the critical, but concerning focus for #GroundsWeek 2024. The main characters of sport’s folklore are almost always its coaches and
Exploring Adaptive Golf at EDGA D3 with Get Golfing
Bradley Tennant of IGFH recently participated in February’s EDGA (European Disabled Golf Association) D3 coaching session hosted by Get Golfing. The event, held at Mill Green Golf Club, aimed to raise awareness, provide training, and educate attendees on the adaptability of golf for individuals with diverse disabilities. The day kicked
Dennis ES-34R’s are perfect for FAW
Head Groundsperson James Mathewson has praised his fleet of Dennis ES-34R battery powered rotary mowers for making a difference at Colliers Park National Football Development Centre. The centre, situated on the historic site of Gresford Colliery in Wrexham, stands as a testament to the Football Association of Wales’ (FAW) commitment
Fairways to Fair Pay: Groundstaff Equity in Sports Turf
Bradley Tennant of IGFH discusses the ongoing issue of subpar pay within the sports turf industry. In the serene landscapes of golf courses, football fields, and cricket grounds, where the beauty of meticulously maintained turf meets the passion of sports enthusiasts, a contentious issue often lingers in the background: the
GroundsFest Introduces Education Fund to Support Future Grounds Management Leaders
In a significant move to nurture the next generation of grounds management professionals, the GroundsFest team recently visited Wiltshire College University Centre to officially launch the GroundsFest Education Fund. This initiative marks an important step forward in the industry, aimed at empowering students and tackling key challenges in the field.
Howardson Group Appoints David Williamson as New Commercial Director
Howardson Group Ltd, home of world-class groundscare for Dennis, SISIS, Syn-Pro, Lloyds and Hunter Grinders, has proudly announced the appointment of David Williamson as its new Commercial Director. David Williamson has joined Howardson Group, home of Dennis, SISIS, Syn-Pro, Lloyds and Hunter Grinders, as its new Commercial Director. Howardson Group
Join us for the Midlands Grounds Maintenance Roadshow
Join us for the Midlands Grounds Maintenance Roadshow A FREE event that brings together industry leaders and showcases new product innovations in the grounds maintenance sector. Tea and coffee will be available on arrival between 9:15am and 9:30am. Free refreshments and a light lunch will also be provided* as well as demonstrations and exhibits from key experts,
Meet the Members: David Newell
Featured in this issue of Meet the Members is our interview with David Newell, Deputy Head Groundsman at Reading Football Club, UK. Here, David explains how he worked up to his current job role, his future plans to work with warm-season grasses overseas, and which “old-school bangers” he’d have on
Our Top Recommended Books on Turf Management
Looking to expand your turf management knowledge? We’ve read dozens of educational turf management books, and these are our current favourites. Note: Buying a book through one of our links helps to support the free operation and services provided by International Greenkeepers For Hire. Affiliate commission is one of the
Osca 3 elevates synthetic maintenance at Colliers Park
James Mathewson, Head Groundsperson at Colliers Park National Football Development Centre in Wrexham, has found a game-changer in the Syn-Pro by SISIS Osca 3 for the upkeep of their synthetic pitch. Osca 3 elevates synthetic maintenance at Colliers Park. James brings a wealth of knowledge from his diverse career path,
Explosive Start for GroundsFest 2024
Following its groundbreaking debut, GroundsFest is returning with a bang, promising an even bigger and better experience for the groundscare and landscaping industries. With a wave of new exhibitors, expanded space, and mounting excitement, GroundsFest 2024 is set to exceed expectations, offering extraordinary opportunities for industry professionals. GroundsFest exhibitors continue
Dennis gives Colliers Park the cutting edge
Head Groundsperson James Mathewson, in his 18 months at Colliers Park, has ushered in a new era with a forward-thinking approach, exemplifying this through the adoption of cutting-edge sustainable technology, such as the Dennis ES-860 battery-powered cylinder mower. Dennis gives Colliers Park the cutting edge. His choice in equipment is
2024 Turf Pesticides Manual
To get a free copy of the manual – Click here! 2024 International Greenkeepers for Hire Turf Pesticides Manual A must get sports turf management and lawn weed management guide for all professional turf managers. Covers registered turf pesticides (branded and generic pesticides) in australia. Its 100% FREE and fully
Pitch Renovation Tour UK 2024
Watch the latest turf care machinery in action at Campey’s regional demonstration days There will be practical, hands-on demonstrations of turf care and pitch renovation techniques in real-world scenarios. Live renovations of sports pitches, including full pitch renovations, reseeding, aerating, or repairing damaged areas to improve the overall quality of
Transformative Pathways
Sydney University’s Outreach at Cobham Youth Justice Centre Inspires Young men Throughout 2023, Daryl Davidson of IGFH visited Cobham Youth Justice Centre on behalf of Sydney University, with the aim of supporting young people in developing their career skills ready for their release. Felicity Zeiher, Communities & Youth Justice Skills
Two Ball One Stick Challenge at Cammeray Golf
IGFH’s Darly Davidson reflects on Cammeray Golf Club’s fundraising event, held on November 28, 2023. Great day yesterday for the very first Two Ball One Stick Challenge at Cammeray Golf Club. The rain held off just for a great fun day raising awareness for men’s health and raising $1000 that
IGFH Reflects on Successful Year at Brett Carter Events Careers& Job Expos
As a new year begins, Daryl Davidson and Damien Curtis of IGFH have reflected on their experiences last year attending the Brett Carter Events Careers and Job Expos throughout Sydney, Australia. Daryl Davidson left, talking to potential greenkeepers The expos, which are free to attend and attract upwards of 20,000
Welcome Kersten UK, Our Latest Sponsors
We’re delighted to announce our latest sponsor, Kesten UK, who join the Howardson Group and Mountian View Seeds in promoting our great cause. 2024 will mark the 5 years of IGFH, and what a way to start the year off! Kersten UK, Exhibiting at Saltex 2023 Chris, Sean, and the
Exciting Week at Wiltshire College & University Centre
🌱 Exciting Week at Wiltshire College & University Centre 🌿 This week, we had the privilege of conducting our first Masterclass for Level 2 Sports Turf Operative (Lantra) students at The Caversham – Home of Reading Golf Club. The day unfolded into a fantastic blend of education and hands-on experiences,
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