Australian Turfgrass Management Journal - Volume 27.5 by ASTMA

The long game

Seven Mile Beach – Tasmania’s

45th Ryder Cup

Inside the ropes at Bethpage Black

FIFA Club World Cup

Australasian turf managers

pitch perfect on world stage

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JOURNAL

Published by the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA)

Editorial

Brett Robinson (Editor)

Office: (03) 9548 8600

Mobile: 0434 144 779

Email: brett@astma.com.au

Nick Creely (Reporter) E: nick@astma.com.au

Advertising

Pam Irvine

Office: (03) 9548 8600

Mobile: 0402 069 489

Email: pam@astma.com.au

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ASTMA Board

Ben Tilley (Headland GC, president), Troy Jordan (MOPT, treasurer), Peter Lonergan (Coolangatta & Tweed Heads GC), Damian Hough (Adelaide Oval), Mark Findlay (Werribee Park GC) and Dennis Grounds (Royal Canberra GC)

Chief Executive Officer

Mark Unwin

Mobile: 0438 320 919

E: mark@astma.com.au

Membership

Allison Jenkins

E: admin@astma.com.au

Finance Manager

Frank Joseph E: frank@astma.com.au

Events and Education

Simone Staples

E: simone@astma.com.au

Pam Irvine

E: pam@astma.com.au

RTO/Training

Albert Sherry (National Training Mgr)

E: albert@astma.com.au

M: 0437 064 726

Chris McCulloch (SA Training Mgr)

E: chris@astma.com.au

M: 0488 338 805

AGCSATech

Bruce Macphee (Senior Agronomist)

E: bruce@astma.com.au

Tim Fankhauser (Agronomist)

E: tim@astma.com.au

Amy Dingle (Agronomist)

E: amy@astma.com.au

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The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association is indebted to the support of the following premium partner companies

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COVER STORY

THE LONG JOURNEY TO SEVEN MILE BEACH 8

December will see one of the most-talked about golf course unveilings in Australia for some time when Seven Mile Beach on the outskirts of Hobart opens up its full 18-hole layout. Not since the likes of its Tasmanian counterparts – the stable of courses at Barnbougle and the King Island offerings of Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes – has an opening been so eagerly anticipated. It has been a labour of love not only for course founder Mat Goggin but his former pennant playing partner and superintendent Anthony Toogood who has helped bring the new links course to life over the past three-and-a-half years. ATM reporter Nick Creely catches up with Toogood to look back at his involvement in the project and his special connection to it.

Cover: Seven Mile Beach, Hobart, Tasmania.

Photo: William Watt, Contours Agency.

PHOTO: WILLIAM WATT, CONTOURS AGENCY

Smith’s unique slice of history

As this edition was being finalised, news came through of the passing of former NSW superintendent, Rain Bird area manager and turf management teacher Greg Smith after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. Smith’s passing, at just 65, was sadly one of a few losses the turf industry mourned in October. Former longserving Advanced Seed national sales manager Rick Pullman also succumbed to his battle with pancreatic cancer, while internationally we bid farewell to Stephen Bernhard, founder of grinding equipment manufacturer Bernhard and Co., and esteemed plant pathologist Dr Bruce Martin, formerly of Clemson University.

With Smith’s passing, a unique slice of ASTMA/AGCSA history went with him. Back in 1990, when Smith was superintendent at Pambula Merimbula Golf Club on the NSW South Coast, the then board of the AGCSA instituted what would be its very first industry award – the John Deere-sponsored ‘Fellowship Award’. It was aimed at elevating the status and recognition of superintendents and acknowledging their hard work that largely went unheralded. Thirty-six years on, the award is now known as the ASTMA Excellence in Golf Course Management Award.

Starting out as an apprentice in Penrith, Smith had arrived at Pambula Merimbula three years earlier in 1987 as a newly-married 26-year-old having previously been the assistant at Sydney’s Roseville Golf Club. At the time an 18-hole layout, Pambula Merimbula was looking to increase to 27 holes and charged Smith with designing and constructing the new nine. It would be that body of work which would form the basis of Smith’s application for the Fellowship Award. His was one of 16 submissions that the judging panel – containing then Australian Golf Union president Colin Phillips, Terry Woodcock (Turfgrass Technology) and Ian McIvor (Australian Turfgrass Research Institute) – vetted before coming up with a shortlist of three finalists.

Following face-to-face interviews in Sydney they anointed Smith as the award’s inaugural recipient. In his judging notes, Phillips would comment that Smith “had interviewed impressively and that his achievements at Pambula, for a fairly young man, were outstanding.” He also noted with approval “the concern shown by the winner with matters relating to conservation, and how that concern had been reflected in the design of Pambula’s new holes.”

Contributors to Australian Turfgrass Management Journal Volume 27.5 (September-October 2025): Adelaide Oval SMA; Shane Baker (GCSAWA); Gary Beehag; David Bradley; Mark Doyle (STA Victoria); Alex FlavellJohnston; John Forrest (Forrest and Forrest Horticultural Consultancy Services); Ben Gibson (The Toolbox Team); Marlon Johnston (The Australian); Erik Kinlon (HG Sports Turf); Adam Lamb (VGCSA); Justin Lang (Green by Nature); Peter McMaugh AM; Ben Mills (Hawks Nest GC/BASF); John Neylan (SportEng); Scott Taetsch (PGA of America); Dr Frank Rossi (Cornell University); Hugh Ryan (Royal Melbourne GC); Albert Sherry (ASTMA); John Spraggs (Royal Wellington GC); Mark Spraggs (Forster Tuncurry GC); Anthony Toogood (Seven Mile Beach); Kate Torgersen (Torgersen-Gilbey); Mark Unwin (ASTMA); Tim Warren (TSMA); William Watt (Contours Agency).

While today’s ASTMA Awards are bestowed at the annual conference, Smith’s was conferred upon him at a gala dinner on the eve of the 1990 Australian Open at The Australian. It was a swanky affair and then editor of TurfCraft International, Ted Drinkwater, summed up the evening and Smith’s presence in an article in the March 1991 edition (pictured right)

“It was quite apparent at the black tie dinner prelude to the 1990 Australian Open, held at the ritzy Sheraton Wentworth Hotel last November, that the crinkly curly haired young fellow in the white tuxedo was not an over-awed bundle of nerves. The presence of golf’s demigods – Norman and Faldo – and the galaxy of those silver-haired stalwarts of the game’s establishment seemed not to daunt the superintendent from the country golf club, who would shortly be called upon to receive the award. His composure was in marked contrast to the [anxious] demeanour of the John Deere people... and even the usually composed AGCSA President Doug Robinson. So, we thought, this is perhaps evidence of why the judges thought [Smith] would make ‘a good ambassador for the AGCSA and the Australian industry’. Smith’s performance on that historic evening left little room for doubt that the judges had got it right. He made no pretence of false modesty by declaring himself an unworthy winner. He gives the impression of having total self-confidence without the slightest suspicion of arrogance or conceit.”

Following an influential 13-year tenure at Pambula Merimbula, Smith would go on to join Rain Bird for over a decade before starting his own consultancy. In later years he became a welcome addition to the teaching team at TAFE NSW’s Kurri Kurri campus. Over a period of 12 years he imparted his knowledge onto the next generation and also played a critical role in modernising and developing teaching guides for the irrigation units and qualifications.

Tributes flowed far and wide for Smith after his passing and perhaps it was present day Pambula Merimbula superintendent Pat Wilson, the last apprentice Smith employed in his time there, who summed him up best. “From day one, it was clear that Greg wasn’t just a great boss but a legend of the industry. He had this unique ability to mentor and guide you, while also being someone you could laugh with, talk to and learn from every single day. The leadership style he passed on I still carry with me today and now use in my role leading the current crew. That’s the kind of legacy ‘Smithy’ left behind!” Vale Greg Smith (1960-2025).

Brett Robinson, Editor

Certificate II course offering adds to ASTMA delivery pathway

Following the June conference in Sydney, the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) has entered a particularly productive period, progressing a range of initiatives in preparation for the busy summer months. These include managing applications and judging for the Future Turf Managers’ Initiative (FTMI), advancing the early stages of planning for the 2026 conference in Melbourne and continuing to expand and refine our operations as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

We have also been actively advocating to Jobs and Skills Australia for the reinstatement of sports turf management to the Core Skills Occupation List for 2026, with an initial assessment expected as this edition was going to print in late October. This work is critical to the industry as it influences priority occupation listings, visa applications and apprenticeship support. It is being strongly championed by the ASTMA and state associations in response to significant workforce demands.

The 2025-26 cohort for the FTMI, delivered in partnership with Silver Partner Jacobsen, has now been finalised. Now in its 10th year, the program continues to attract a diverse range of applicants from across the sports turf management sector, with both the number and calibre of submissions increasing year on year. This growth underscores the program’s reputation as a leading professional development opportunity.

Designed to equip emerging leaders with practical management and leadership skills, the FTMI offers five months of learning delivered through online webinars beginning in November and culminating in a three-day face-to-face workshop in March 2026. Since its inception, nearly 200 participants have benefitted from the program, with more than 60 per cent progressing into leadership or more senior roles following their participation. The next edition of ATM will profile this year’s successful group who were among the more than 60 program applicants.

In another milestone, the ASTMA has expanded its scope of delivery to include the Certificate II in Sports Turf Management (AHC20919), adding to the Certificate III we currently deliver in South Australia only and the Diploma of Sports Turf Management which is available nationally online. Adding the nationally-recognised Certificate II qualification provides a clear entry point for school-leavers, career changers and existing workers who have not undertaken an apprenticeship but are seeking additional development.

By introducing Certificate II, ASTMA is helping to build a stronger pipeline of preapprentices and future apprentices, equipping

them with foundational skills before progressing into Certificate III and beyond. This initiative is a key component of the association’s Strategic Plan to address workforce shortages, enhance industry capability and position sports turf management as an attractive, clearly defined career pathway. Ultimately, it strengthens the profession’s sustainability by developing jobready candidates who understand both the fundamentals of turf maintenance and the standards of contemporary facilities.

The Accredited Cricket Pitch Curators Program also continues to build momentum. Level 1 training sessions were held in South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales throughout August and September, with Victoria hosting combined Level 1 and Level 2 training in September. To date, over 300 curators have achieved Level 1 accreditation, with a further 60 currently completing the online learning modules to gain their accreditation. Additional training sessions are planned in other states ahead of the summer cricket season. Members interested in learning more about the program or attending a training session are encouraged to visit the ASTMA website – www.astma.com.au.

On the research front, the AGCSATech team of Bruce Macphee, Tim Fankhauser and Amy Dingle have commenced planning for a major Hort Innovation-funded project

(TU2003 – Plant Growth Regulators in On-Farm Turf Establishment). Using the turf research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government, this national research project aims to:

l Provide commercial turf growers with confidence to integrate plant growth regulators (PGRs) into their production programs;

l Develop variety-specific guidelines to support consistent and effective PGR use;

l Quantify the economic benefits associated with PGR application; and

l Evaluate improvements in turf quality and the potential to reduce inputs required to produce high-quality turf to harvest.

Trial sites will be established across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland to capture performance under varying climatic conditions. The study will assess multiple varieties of key turf species, including hybrid couch, buffalo, kikuyu and zoysia, representing the diversity of turf grown commercially across Australia.

The project team is currently preparing for the establishment of the first trial site in Victoria with additional sites to follow shortly after. The outcomes of this research will provide valuable insights for the turf production industry, helping growers gain confidence in the use of PGRs while highlighting their potential to improve quality and deliver cost savings. Running over 18-24 months, regular updates on the project will be shared through this journal, The Cut enewsletter and ASTMA website.

Planning is also well underway for the 2026 Australian Sports Turf Management Conference and Trade Exhibition, which will be co-hosted alongside Golf Management Australia at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (22-25 June, 2026). Further announcements on the program, speakers and networking events – including the ASTMA Golf Championship (supported by Platinum Partner Toro) and the National Turf Industry Awards Dinner (supported by Platinum Partner Syngenta) will be released in December and early in the new year, with conference registrations opening February 2026.

Ahead of these announcements, the ASTMA encourages all members, partners and facilities to nominate their turf management teams for an ASTMA Award. These awards recognise the dedication, innovation and teamwork that underpin world-class sports and recreation facilities across Australia. By nominating an outstanding sports turf manager or team, members can help showcase the essential role our professionals play in the nation’s sporting landscape. Further details on the awards and nomination processes are available on our website.

The ASTMA has added the Certificate II course to its suite of sports turf management courses now delivered

“Members and visitors are very grateful and happy, and the quality we produce is helped by John Deere equipment.”

Superintendent, James Newell, Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club.

At Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club, Superintendent James Newell relies on precision and planning to deliver top-tier playing conditions across a challenging coastal site. Since transitioning to John Deere equipment in 2020, James has seen improvements in cut quality, efficiency, and sustainability.

Starting with 220 E-Cut™ Hybrid Walk Greens Mowers, the fleet has since expanded to include 8000A and 7500A Fairway Mowers, a 4066R Tractor, and a ProGator™ GPS PrecisionSprayer. All equipment is connected through John Deere Operations Center™ PRO Golf, improving operator performance, workplace and machine management, and precision spraying.

With sharper cutting reels, smarter tech, and real-time fleet visibility, John Deere is helping James and his team deliver exceptional results.

Discover how John Deere can improve your course and optimise your operations by contacting your local dealer, or visit JohnDeere.com.au/Golf

MOVING YOUR GAME FORWARD TOGETHER

on groundBest

ATM showcases some of the best social media images from across the industry in recent times.

KEVIN DAVIS (CSTM)

“What a week it has been at UTAS Stadium. AFLW on Saturday (North Melbourne v Sydney), our final football match for season 2025, followed by drop-in wicket installation Monday and Tuesday. Huge shout out to the team, Ash, Brett and Lee from Stadiums Tasmania, as well as Mark, Meg, Lachie and Max from City of Launceston, you have all gone above and beyond to once again hand over the immaculate surface that is UTAS Stadium.” (Like many other major venues around the country, October was switchover season at UTAS Stadium in Launceston.)

TURF MANAGEMENT SA

“It has been all action at Unley Oval recently! After hosting two AFLW games, the team had just 12 days to turn the ground around and prepare it for cricket season. Well done to the crew – Matt Sampson, Steve Shepherdson and Greg McCourt – for their fantastic work getting the oval matchready once again.” (Football season done and dusted for the Unley Oval team in Adelaide, one which also saw tenant club Sturt secure the 2025 SANFL premiership.)

CAMERON SUTHERLAND

“Today we commenced course renovations at Whaleback Golf Course, with only a three-day window for works. 15 fairways double vertimowed rounded off a good first day. A big shout out to the staff who executed the works seamlessly for the City of Canning.” (The Programmed crew line astern as they get stuck into fairway renovations at the Perth-based public access course.)

LUKE HARRISON

“We are well and truly into October which marks Breast Cancer Awareness month. We are proud to supply our first ‘pink’ MowMaster VMM26/3 Vertimower that we shipped over to Ben at Dirt 2 Turf Platinum Lawns in NSW.” (The team at Perth-based MowMaster doing their bit to raise awareness of a very worthy cause which touches the lives of many, including members of their own staff.)

KENTON BOYD

“A big thank you to Joel Toogood, grounds manager at Accor Stadium, and his assistant Tom Kelly for hosting the Certificate 3 Sports Turf Management students this week.” (TAFE NSW apprentices gained fabulous insight into the management of elite playing surfaces as the Sydney venue geared up to host the NRL Grand Final in early October.)

It has taken imagination, patience and a lot of hard work, but the stunning new Seven Mile Beach golf course on the outskirts of Hobart is set to officially open all 18 holes in early December. What started as a dream many years ago by founder Mat Goggin is now set to become a major links destination for golfers across the world

Seven Mile Beach The long journey to

It’s set to be one of the most anticipated golf course openings ever seen in Australia with Seven Mile Beach on the outskirts of Hobart in Tasmania to officially open in December. Superintendent Anthony Toogood, who grew up just a stone’s throw away from the prized piece of land, tells ATM reporter Nick Creely about the trials and tribulations of what has been a long and arduous construction and lobbying process.

To say there is genuine mystique and intrigue surrounding the opening of the highly anticipated Seven Mile Beach golf course in Hobart would be an understatement. It all started with a vision from course founder and Tasmanian professional golfer Mat Goggin, who grew up in the sand dunes surrounding the prized piece of land just minutes to the east of Hobart Airport.

After what has been nearly 15 years of planning, government lobbying, painstaking construction and now the final finishing touches on what ultimately will be a worldclass 18-hole public course to rival any on the planet, the new addition to Tasmania’s thriving golfing scene will be officially opening for full 18-hole play in December after being open for preview rounds since May.

Overlooking Seven Mile Beach within the sand dune complex south-east of Hobart’s CBD and neighbouring Royal Hobart Golf Club and the unique nine-hole Llanherne Golf Club, the course, designed and shaped by American Mike DeVries with assistance from design firm partner Michael Clayton, is expected to welcome a major influx of golfing enthusiasts from all over the world.

In coming years, the area is expected to welcome a sister course at the nearby Five Mile Beach, which is expected to gain approval by the Clarence City Council and

Although officially Seven Mile Beach superintendent for the past three-and-a-half years, Anthony Toogood first had conversations with Mat Goggin about the site more than three decades earlier

open in 2028, which will form part of a new and exciting mini-Sandbelt in the state, adding to the growing sporting stature across Tasmania. The future Five Mile Beach course is set to be built on a wider site directly to the north of the Seven Mile Beach course and will share a clubhouse, restaurant, maintenance facility, amenities block and car park with its sibling.

OVERWHELMING RELIEF

For Seven Mile Beach course superintendent Anthony Toogood, who also grew up just a stone’s throw away from the new course – his childhood home backs onto the 2nd hole of Royal Hobart – it has been an arduous process since conversations first took place more than three decades ago with Goggin. The pair played in the same pennant team for Royal Hobart while coming through the ranks and have maintained contact since, sharing ideas and an admirable passion for turning the land into a golf course.

While officially employed as Seven Mile Beach superintendent three-and-a-half years ago, with construction of the links course beginning in 2021 after 80 hectares of radiata pine trees were cleared, Toogood described the feeling of nearly reaching the finish line after almost 15 years of unofficial involvement as one of almost pure relief.

“I recently watched a documentary on Midnight Oil. One of the things they did which was really significant for me was they wore the ‘Sorry’ overalls when they played their song for the closing ceremony of the Sydney Olympics (in 2000),” Toogood said from his office at Seven Mile Beach.

“One of the things they showed was Cathy Freeman when she won the 400m and went across the finish line. It was a release of stress. Everyone keeps telling me, ‘You must

be excited’, but there’s honestly none of that. I feel exactly like Cathy Freeman and that’s not a negative at all. It’s just how it’s been.

“Would I change anything? Absolutely not. When a friend of mine, Michael Craw, the guy that Mathew had that sort of pushed the project through in the early days, rang

me all those years ago when I was in Albury and asked if I would fly to Tasmania for the weekend to talk about it, I didn’t even flinch to get on the flight.

“Mathew had talked about this with me when he was in his early 20s, and I was maybe 26 or so, so we’re talking 35 years

ago. I’ve been employed here for about threeand-a-half years but we’ve been exchanging phone calls and emails and ideas about this course for 14-15 years.

“We talk a lot and it’s all been about communication with us. I admire what Mat’s done here. It’s alright for me to say I’m the one growing the grass, but to navigate the government the way he has has been fantastic. People say, ‘You’ve done this the wrong way, or why have you done this?’, but look at what we’ve achieved despite everything we’ve had against us.

“I try to stick to my role and Mat does his. We talk a bit about what we’re doing and he’s got a vision and I’ve got to try and achieve that vision for him. I admire what he’s done here because there have been so many roadblocks, but he’s never given up on the vision. And now that we have a full opening date for December, that vision is going to finally be realised.”

THE MAN FOR THE JOB

In many ways, Toogood – the son of former Australia leading amateur golfer Peter, who died in June 2019 aged 89 – is the perfect man to lead the Seven Mile Beach maintenance team of 10, which includes seven full-timers and three-part timers, as the new course embarks on the first leg of a long journey in the Australian golfing scene.

Toogood is more than a handy golfer himself, having come through the ranks of Tasmania at representative level and is also a three-time winner of the ASTMA Golf Championship in 1998, 2004 and 2009. The 2009 win came at his home course Royal Hobart with father Peter there to present him the trophy, an undoubtedly special moment.

But it’s his turf management experience, particularly in the construction space, combined with his personal interest in delivering a world-class course on home soil, which makes it the perfect marriage of sorts for Seven Mile Beach’s maintenance team.

Toogood’s sports turf management career took off in 1987 at Willow Point Country Club in Alabama, a picturesque, private 18-hole course in the southern states of the US after jetting off to play college golf at Alexandra City Junior College and eventually middle Tennessee State. After working his summer and winter breaks at Willow Point, he then returned home to work at Llanherne –essentially across the road from Seven Mile Beach – for four years.

After a year at Woodlands Golf Club in Melbourne, Toogood returned to Tasmania and the superintendent’s role at Riverside in Launceston. There for three years, he then headed back to Victoria, joining John Spencer at Huntingdale for two years, which he

The work to transform what was a dense pine tree-covered parcel of land into one of the most anticipated links course developments seen in Australia has been long and arduous. The image top shows the canvas the course architects had to work with after initial tree clearing, while the other two photos show the par three 14th before and after shaping and seeding

PHOTOS: LUKAS

MICHEL

describes as “one of best things he ever did taking that step back”, and a further two years under Peter Frewin at Barwon Heads. Having fine-tuned his craft under some of the best in

nothing, we only got power here in the shed a few weeks ago (August). I’ve been here three-and-half years and we didn’t even have electricity!

“We still don’t have proper water in place, but that’s on its way, and we were running the irrigation system on a generator. It’s been done with every piece of infrastructure and machinery that we actually went out and got ourselves. That’s been the thing I guess I reflect on the most when I look back on the whole process.

“But looking ahead, Five Mile will be a completely different beast if and when we go ahead with it because we’ve got a shed here now, water and power in place and lots of lessons learnt.”

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Toogood recalls conversations with his late father Peter (MBE, AM) – an eight-time Tasmanian Open winner – about the Seven

Mile Beach site and its potential to be a world-class precinct, his move back home and eventual involvement with the new course which has been the perfect arrangement in shaping his life both on and off the course.

“It’s been a good move for me,” he said. “Mum’s still living in the same house that I grew up in, so it has been good to give her access to the grandkids a lot more. Unfortunately Dad passed away in 2019, but we talked a bit about it, but we hadn’t started the construction then. I do wish he was here to see it, he would really have loved it. There’s basically three courses around Tassie that Dad built. He basically built Llanherne just up the road and that was just fantastic.”

Toogood said he was just a small piece of the puzzle which makes up the story of Seven Mile Beach, its foundations and the long and harsh days spent on the course which are a testament to his crew’s hard work to deliver on the vision. He added finding the right

people for the task was key in an industry which can suffer in a sometimes isolated Tasmanian environment.

“No one does anything by themselves, it’s been a big effort from the team. Most of my guys now, I’ve leaned towards golfers, nearly everyone plays golf so they’ve got that background, but none of them, barring Justin Wells who is working at St. Andrews at the moment as an intern, have really worked on a course before,” he said.

“They’re all learning bits and pieces as we go along. I’m sure moving forward when we’re officially up and running we’ll end up with hopefully 13 or 14 full-timers, six and seven on both courses, but the industry is small and a bit isolated here so it does take a big step for someone to move around. What’s different is in Melbourne to leave a course like Kingston Heath to go to Royal Melbourne or Commonwealth you’re only going five minutes down the road, so it makes it easy from a career perspective.

“There’s not a lot of people coming in and out so the industry is smaller down here. It might not be as attractive to come down here, so it’s really important to grow your own staff, but if they want to spread their wings and want to go and work at St Andrews or Kingston Heath, I think it’s a good thing because you may get them back one day as better employees, that’s my thinking.”

EXCITEMENT BUILDING

Seven Mile Beach first opened up for preview rounds back in May with golfers able to play a loop of 11 holes. As this edition was going to print, it was announced that tee times for full 18-hole rounds would be available from 4 December, the same day that the 2025 Australian Open tees off at Royal Melbourne.

Throughout its development, speculation has mounted that the course could quickly surge up the top 100 world rankings and potentially host a national Open in the future, which would be the first time in Tasmania since the great Jack Nicklaus saluted at Royal Hobart back in 1971.

Toogood, while reluctant to buy-in to the chatter about rankings, admitted Seven Mile Beach has the ability to add to an already well established yet growing Tasmanian golfing scene and would be the perfect addition to sport and culture in Hobart, with the state also on track to have an AFL team in 2028.

“One thing I will say is it’s going to be very good and will complement the Barnbougle courses, the new AFL site and what’s here in Hobart,” he said. “There’s no question people will fly to Tasmania and want to play Barnbougle and we’re hoping to be good enough for people to want to come down here as well.”

All playing surfaces at Seven Mile Beach are fescue

Seven Mile Beach is set to add considerably to Tasmania’s premier golf offerings which already includes the likes of Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes on King Island and the three courses at Barnbougle in the north of the state

PHOTO: WILLIAM WATT, CONTOURS AGENCY

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On FIFA’s

world stage

There may not have been an Australian team involved in this year’s FIFA Club World Cup, but behind the scenes a

number of Australasian sports turf managers were ensuring the festival of football went off without a hitch.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, held over a 29-day period from 15 June to 13 July, brought together the world’s best club teams for an expanded, highprofile tournament hosted in the United States. Featuring some of the biggest clubs and players in the world game, the expanded tournament format included the champions of all six FIFA confederations from the past four years as well as additional qualified teams.

The revised tournament structure, announced by FIFA back in 2022, was modelled closely on the FIFA World Cup as a quadrennial world championship, replacing the annual seven-team format used between 2000 and 2023. The 32 teams – from Europe (12), South America (6), Africa (4), Asia (4), North, Central America and Caribbean (4), Oceania (1) and one from the host nation –played a total of 63 matches in 12 stadium venues across 11 different US host cities.

Atlanta, Cincinnati, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, Orlando,

Philadelphia, Seattle and Washington hosted matches, with MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (home of NFL franchises the New York Giants and New York Jets) holding the final which saw Chelsea defeat Paris Saint-Germain 3-0.

The Club World Cup effectively acted as a warm-up event, with many of the venues used to also feature when the 2026 FIFA World Cup lands in North America next June. The US will jointly host the expanded 48-team tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, with MetLife Stadium again hosting the final on 19 July.

While the hotly-contested Club World Cup garnered global attention for its action on the field, an equally important story unfolded beneath the players’ boots in the lead-up to and during the event – the delivery of the elite, high-performance natural turf playing surfaces.

Six Australian and New Zealand sports turf management professionals – Justin Lang (Green by Nature), Matt Fisher (LaboSport), Dave Sandurski (The Gabba) and Kiwi Blair Christiansen (Eden Park) – got the unique opportunity to play a significant role as

FIFA pitch consultants. Lang was based at Rose Bowl Stadium in Los Angeles, Fisher at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Sandurski at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and Christiansen at MetLife Stadium. They worked closely with another Australian in David Graham who was part of the FIFA pitch management team which was led by Alan Ferguson and Kiwi Ewen Hodge.

Also playing a major role was Victorianheadquartered HG Sports Turf which undertook a number of pitch installations ahead of the tournament. HG Sports Turf was entrusted to supply its HERO hybrid grass ‘ready-to-play’ turf to three host venues –Lincoln Financial Field, Lumen Field (Seattle) and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta).

While HERO is commonly used in Australia and New Zealand at venues like Optus Stadium, Adelaide Oval, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Suncorp Stadium and Eden Park, it was the first stadium usage of the technology in the US and a prelude for further work ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

PHOTOS: ERIK KINLON AND JUSTIN LANG

LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS

In his 13 years with HG Sports Turf, Erik Kinlon has had the fortune to be involved in many turf installations at premier venues across Australia and New Zealand. The recent works for the FIFA Club World Cup, however, were on another level.

Installation at the three tournament venues was the product of months of agronomic preparation, precision logistics and international collaboration between HG Sports Turf and three partner turf farms in the US – Tuckahoe Turf Farms (New Jersey), Desert Green Turf (Washington State) and Green Valley Turf (Denver, Colorado). Those farms were selected for their capability, expertise and experience in growing stadiumready turf at scale and under climatic conditions suited to its designated stadium.

The foundation of success lay in the 12-month cultivation of the HERO product, with the focus on establishing a mature, strong grass canopy and healthy turf sod that would withstand the intensity of tournament usage. By the time the turf was harvested in mid-2025, each site had produced sod with excellent strength, resilience, uniform density and surface stability, all qualities essential for immediate playability post-installation.

HG Sports Turf supported its partners throughout, led by managing director Hamish Sutherland and key managers in Kinlon, who was responsible for supporting the stadium installations, and Brad Kidd who supported harvesting operations. The installations were:

LINCOLN FINANCIAL FIELD, PHILADELPHIA

l Turf partner: Tuckahoe Turf Farms (Hammonton, New Jersey).

l Profile and grass: Full sand profile with in-ground pop-up irrigation. HERO was 100 per cent Kentucky bluegrass.

l Considerations: Philadelphia’s hot humid summer required proactive disease management during turf production.

l Installation: The HERO surface was installed about two weeks prior to the tournament where the venue would host

eight games. Installation was completed in two days by the Tuckahoe installation team (pictured above). Stadium seats were removed to extend the corners of the field to meet FIFA’s pitch requirements of 68m x 105m (a standard NFL field size is 66m x 100m).

l Performance: Player feedback praised the consistency of footing and natural feel, critical in a stadium with a reputation for heavy use.

LUMEN FIELD, SEATTLE

l Turf partner: Desert Green Turf (Moses Lake, Washington State).

l Profile and grass: The existing synthetic surface was covered with geofabric and concert flooring. HERO turf was produced with a Kentucky bluegrass/ryegrass mix. Installation completed in three days.

Right: HG Sports Turf partnered with three US turf farms to grow their HERO product over a 12 month period. Tuckahoe Turf Farms was chosen to grow and install the turf at Lincoln Financial Field

Opposite: Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia was one of three venues that used HG Sports Turf’s HERO hybrid ready-to-play turf for the FIFA Club World Cup, the product’s first stadium usage in the US

At Lumen Field in Seattle, the existing synthetic surface used for NFL and MLS was covered with geofabric and concert flooring before the 70mm of Kentucky bluegrass/ryegrass mix HERO sod was installed over the top

l Considerations: Seattle’s cooler, maritime climate was well-suited to the bluegrass/ryegrass mixture. Due to the stadium having a synthetic surface, the venue had to set up irrigation and water the field using hoses.

l Installation challenges: Lumen Field typically uses artificial turf for NFL and Major League Soccer matches. Installing a natural hybrid system required temporary modifications, including the installation of irrigation and concert flooring prior to the HERO install.

l Performance: The transition from synthetic to natural hybrid turf was a challenge and the pitch lacked some consistency compared to other venues.

MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM, ATLANTA

l Turf partner: Green Valley Turf (Denver, Colorado).

l Considerations: Atlanta’s summer heat and humidity posed significant challenges, especially within a closed-roof environment. The Kentucky bluegrass/ ryegrass HERO turf was grown in Denver’s cooler climate then transported 22 hours in refrigerated trucks. Installation was by local Atlanta-based Precision Turf and completed in three days.

l Installation challenges: Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a fully enclosed, multi-use venue that usually operates on synthetic turf. For the FIFA Club World Cup, the HERO hybrid turf was temporarily installed on a shallow 70mm sand profile. Irrigation cannons were installed around the perimeter for watering and SGL grow lights (pictured below) were brought in to give the grass supplementary lighting.

l Performance: Intensive use of grow lights, dehumidification and precise irrigation allowed the HERO surface to thrive in challenging indoor conditions. Kinlon says that the learnings and outcomes from their involvement in the Club World Cup installations will put them in good stead when they assist with similar works ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The recent project offered several key insights including:

l Regional turf production works –partnering with local farms across the US reduced transport distances and allowed turf to be custom grown to suit individual stadiums and existing infrastructure.

l Hybrid durability under pressure –HERO’s synthetic reinforcement delivered excellent wear tolerance and resilience, with no loss of stability despite multiple matches in quick succession.

l Adaptability to venue constraints – HERO proved adaptable to both traditional natural turf stadiums and venues typically reliant on synthetic turf. Temporary installations performed to FIFA standards.

l Microclimate management – stadiumspecific challenges, from Atlanta’s fully enclosed roof to Seattle’s rainfall, reinforced the importance of tailored agronomic programs.

“Delivering three world-class playing surfaces across diverse climates and stadium infrastructures showcased not only the technical strength of the HERO system but also the collaborative expertise of turf professionals across continents,” reflects Kinlon. “Looking ahead, the focus now turns to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the lessons we’ve taken from the Club World Cup informing strategies for even larger-scale turf delivery.”

BOWLED OVER

For Justin Lang, his role at the Club World Cup continued a more than decade-long involvement with FIFA tournaments. Prior to his current role as turf manager with Green by Nature, where he oversees former A-League club Western United’s home ground in Melbourne, Lang spent 14 years at AAMI Park as sportsfield coordinator.

In the early years of his tenure there he was part of the STRI consultancy team for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Lang was based at Arena de Baixada in Curitiba, one of 12 venues that were used for that year’s World Cup which returned to Brazil after a 64-year absence. More recently, Lang was involved with FIFA’s 2023 U17 World Cup in Indonesia and oversaw preparations as AAMI Park played host to six matches during FIFA’s 2023 Women’s World Cup held jointly in Australia and New Zealand.

No stranger to the inner-workings of FIFA-run tournaments, for the Club World Cup Lang was based for nearly three weeks at Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, Los Angeles. The Rose Bowl is one of America’s iconic venues and its unmistakable bowllike seating layout has witnessed crowds in excess of 100,000 fans over the years.

Opened in October 1922, the stadium is recognised as a National Historic Landmark. It hosted five Super Bowls between 1977 and 1993 and is home to the famous annual Rose Bowl college football match. It is also a noted soccer venue, having hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup Final, 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics soccer Gold Medal match.

The Rose Bowl would host six Group games as part of the Club World Cup across an 11-day period from 15-25 June. Lang arrived at the venue on 9 June and departed

The turf used at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium was grown in Denver and transported 22 hours for installation

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is fully enclosed, meaning SGL grow lights were brought in to give the HERO grass supplementary lighting

the day after the last match. Its opening game was the massive fixture featuring eventual finalist Paris Saint-Germain against Atletico Madrid which drew an attendance of 80,619. Its other matches were Monterrey v Inter Milan (40,311 attendance), Paris Saint-Germain v Botafogo (53,699), River Plate v Monterrey (57,393), Atletico Madrid v Botafogo (22,992) and Urawa Red v Monterrey (14,312).

The Rose Bowl pitch was straight Tahoma 31 couchgrass with no cool-season grass oversow. The surface was laid on a sand-based profile six weeks prior to the tournament and stitched with artificial fibres at a depth of 80mm in the weeks leading up to the first game. This aided wearability and recovery and there was minimal to no scuffing which can often be a characteristic of couchgrass used on high level pitches.

Because of the large geographical footprint of the tournament, one of the challenges was maintaining consistency across the venues. With some stadiums located in different climatic zones and using different grass varieties (cool-season in the north and warmseason in the south), as well as individual microclimate issues (some stadiums were fully enclosed, others were open air), it placed a lot of pressure on the ground staff and pitch management departments.

While difficult to get ball speed and bounce uniform across all venues, one of Lang’s key roles was to test the pitch daily for surface moisture, traction, hardness, ball rebound and ball speed. These readings were put into a report that Lang would compile daily and submit to tournament HQ in Florida.

Understandably with a tournament of such magnitude, there were many moving

parts which required Lang to be flexible, organised and have a collaborative mindset. The pitch management’s team first and main priority was to work with FIFA’s competition department to produce the best surface possible. They also had to work alongside and in conjunction with the ceremonies, media and football technology and innovation (FTI) teams who all required access to the playing surface at different times.

Setting up and calibrating for FIFA’s goalline technology and Hawk-Eye for offside rulings can take considerable time due to the accuracy required. While most of this work is done pre-tournament, it can still take up a lot of time and often requires a clear pitch. Scheduling of maintenance activities at certain times can be challenging if the FTI team needs access, so effective communication between the teams was crucial.

Adding to complexities, there was just one entry and exit point onto the Rose Bowl pitch, meaning collaboration with the ceremonies team was important. After player warmups had finished on match day, Lang and his team had to manoeuvre portable goals through an access tunnel, dismantling one end of the goals in order for them to fit. With only 20 minutes between warm-ups and kickoff, organisation had to be precise. As well as dodging the teams coming off the pitch, they also had to work around the ceremonies team, who had hundreds of flag bearers and banner volunteers coming through at the same, making for quite the logistical exercise.

Lang worked alongside a Rose Bowl groundstaff that consisted of five qualified fulltimers including superintendent Miguel Yepez and his assistant. For the tournament itself a number of casuals also assisted.

The famous Rose Bowl stadium in Los Angeles. The sand-based Tahoma 31 surface was laid six weeks prior to the tournament and stitched with artificial fibres

MATCH DAY FOCUS

With the Rose Bowl having a game every second day, Lang says they developed a compact but set routine. For major tournaments FIFA now only allows player walkthroughs rather than an official MD-1 (‘Match Day minus 1’ – i.e. the day before match day) training session. This is to preserve and present the pitches in the best possible condition for matches. Regardless of how many times a team will play at a particular venue, they will only get one walkthrough with no balls allowed on the ground.

Early in the tournament the pitch was double cut on MD-1. As the tournament progressed this was reduced to a single cut and for the final game the pitch was rested on MD-1 with no mowing. By then the pitch was starting to show wear and tear from the games and intensive maintenance. The Tahoma was mown at 17mm throughout.

For the two games that had a midday kick off, line marking was done on MD-1. For games that started later in the day, line marking was conducted on Match Day (MD), giving the paint time to dry. With no rain in Los Angeles for months, clear night skies meant a heavy dew would form each morning. In conjunction with that, a heavy fog which would persist until mid-morning each day – a phenomenon the locals call ‘June gloom’ – severely impacted the drying capacity of the pitch, including the paint.

MD consisted of double-cutting, with the first cut done at the start of the day and the second in between ceremony rehearsals and team warm-ups. With hundreds of volunteers on the pitch for rehearsals, a decision was made to stripe the pitch after these had taken place. Lang and his team only had an hour to make this happen and needed to work around the FTI team which required 10-15 minutes to calibrate their systems. Post-game,

staff used rotary pedestrian mowers to pick up debris and push down any scuffing.

Pitch watering for increased ball speed was also an important part of preparations and required some manual intervention. The irrigation system at Rose Bowl was configured for an American football sized pitch, with a FIFA tournament pitch slightly wider and longer. To deal with that, when the irrigation was turned on ground staff had to be stationed at each head to prevent it overspraying into the media, electronic equipment and officials areas surrounding the pitch. All rotors were faced inwards at the start of the day for when they popped up game time. Watering was done before warm-up, pregame and again at half-time.

With high temperatures (above 32oC) during most of the games, FIFA enacted ‘cooling breaks’ for the players at the

30-minute and 75-minute marks. Although these breaks were only three minutes long, Lang and his team were asked by the teams to water the pitch where possible. Once approved by FIFA’s rules committee, they prioritised areas that needed watering the most as the system didn’t allow them to do the entire pitch in such a small timeframe.

All six games at the Rose Bowl were conducted without issue and it proved another great professional development opportunity for Lang. He is set to do it all over again at the 2026 World Cup when he returns to Los Angeles to be part of the team at SoFi Stadium which hosts eight games. Lang lands next May to help convert the stadium pitch from synthetic to natural turf.

“I’m really excited to be part of next year’s World Cup as well,” says Lang. “The pitch will be properly constructed on top of the synthetic surface with a perched profile, drainage, pop-up irrigation, SubAir and a hybrid carpet system. The readyto-play play turf will be trucked in just prior to the tournament, grown on a turf farm in Washington State. Adding to the complexity, SoFi stadium has a permanent roof structure so new LED grow lights and a fan system already onsite will be used for turf development and recovery.

“LA has the World Cup opening ceremony for America and first match for the host nation on 12 June. It is going to be a huge event and one I am really looking forward to.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: ATM thanks Justin Lang and Erik Kinlon for their assistance with this article. Lang wishes to thank Green by Nature for allowing him the time to spend at the Club World Cup.

The Rose Bowl surface was cut at 17mm for the duration of the tournament

Australian sports turf manager and FIFA pitch consultant Justin Lang, pictured left doing surface assessments, worked with the Rose Bowl crew and the many FIFA departments to successfully deliver the venue for its matches

Ryder CupRyan’s ride

The Ryder Cup ranks as one of the fiercest rivalries in world golf and the 2025 instalment at Bethpage Black in late September more than lived up to the billing. Right in the middle of it all was Royal Melbourne greenkeeper Hugh Ryan who was interning there through The Ohio Program.

Hugh Ryan heard the snap. Fielding at third man for the East Sandingham Cricket Club 1sts in an early 2023/2024 season Longmuir Shield fixture, the opposing Brighton Union batsman skied one and it was heading Ryan’s way. Sprinting in 20 metres from the boundary, Ryan dove forward in a desperate attempt to clasp the Kookaburra, only for his right arm to slam heavily into the Hurlingham Park outfield. Collarbone snapped clean in two, game (and first half of the season) over.

As if the ignominy of dropping the catch despite his best efforts was bad enough,

as Ryan waited in hospital to have surgery, another realisation slowly dawned upon him

In a few weeks’ time Royal Melbourne Golf Club, where he was employed as a senior greenkeeper, was hosting the 2023 Asia Pacific Amateur Championship. Like the rest of the links crew, Ryan had put in a lot of work to help get the Composite Course ready for it and was looking forward to experiencing what would be his first major tournament there since arriving on the Melbourne Sandbelt in 2020. His snapped collarbone, however, meant he wouldn’t be pushing a walk-behind across Royal’s Suttons Mix greens any time soon.

As he sat at home for the next six weeks recuperating, Ryan began to reflect on things, in particular his career as a greenkeeper and what the future looked like. Born in Horsham and raised in Mildura, Victoria, he had left school in Year 11 to take up an apprenticeship at Mildura Golf Club. At the time, a few of his teachers and friends had queried that decision – why would he want to cut grass for a living? Ryan, however, had some very set ideas. School wasn’t his thing and the thought of being able to work outdoors and maybe one day prepare surfaces at some of the world’s biggest golf tournaments held great appeal.

WORDS: BRETT ROBINSON.

PHOTOS: SCOTT TAETSCH/PGA OF AMERICA

Bethpage’s famous Black Course hosted the 45th Ryder Cup in late September, the first municipal course to host the biennial competition between the US and Europe. Pictured left is Europe’s Tyrell Hatton making his approach into the 15th, while above Team Europe celebrate a famous victory

After two years of a very hands-on apprenticeship at Mildura, which included travelling six hours to undertake block release at Melbourne Polytechnic, Ryan took a major step when he transferred to Royal Melbourne. There he would complete his apprenticeship under director of courses Richard Forsyth in 2022 and immediately started his Diploma which he finished in early 2024. Ryan quickly became a valued member of the large Royal Melbourne crew, being exposed to some of the club’s major course restoration projects while also taking a leading role in mentoring younger and newer staff.

Earlier in 2023 he experienced his first taste of major tournament golf when he volunteered at the inaugural LIV Golf Adelaide at The Grange and was hooked (he would volunteer again the following year as well). However, the Asia Pacific tournament was of particular importance and to miss it on account of a cricket injury was a huge disappointment.

While the snapped collarbone was a bad break in one sense, it would prove good in another as it would set Ryan on a path that would ultimately see him involved in one of the world’s biggest golf tournaments.

During his recovery, Ryan decided, after a lot of contemplation, that in order to further his career he needed to take himself out of his comfort zone. Getting in contact with Mike O’Keeffe at Ohio State University, Ryan enquired about what he had to do to get a placement on The Ohio Program.

With some glowing references attesting to his strong work ethic, attitude and greenkeeping skills, Ryan duly applied and in late 2024 was informed that he had jagged a plum six-month placement at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, New York, which just happened to be hosting the 45th Ryder Cup.

His placement gained further momentum when at the start of 2025 he was announced as a recipient of the John Hood IGFR-Australia Memorial Scholarship. Awarded by the Australian branch of the International Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians (IGFR), the scholarship provides financial assistance (currently $6000) for up and coming greenkeepers to participate in The Ohio Program.

FROM 54 TO 90

Ryan arrived at Bethpage in April and it was like walking into a different world. Coming from a sizeable 54-hole operation at Royal Melbourne (West and East courses plus Sandy Golf Links), Ryan joined a Bethpage team which was responsible for five 18-hole public access courses across a 1500-acre property (approx. 607ha). Comprising the Black, Yellow, Green, Blue and Red courses, which all start and finish from the one clubhouse, the park caters for 250,000 rounds of golf a year.

Thirty thousand of those are on the A.W. Tillinghast-designed Black Course which is renowned as one of the toughest examinations in golf worldwide. Indeed, the famous warning sign on the 1st tee reads… “The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers”.

Bethpage’s turf operations are overseen by director of agronomy Andrew Wilson who has served a remarkable 36 years at the complex. Growing up less than three miles from the park, it is the only course Wilson has worked at in his career. He rose to be Black Course assistant in 1997 before becoming Green Course superintendent and then taking over the top role in 2010. Wilson leads a team of around 75 across all five courses, with Michael Hadley the superintendent of the Black Course and Ryan Murphy senior assistant.

All Bethpage’s courses are wall-to-wall cool-season grasses, with the Black Course greens a Poa annua/bentgrass mix and all other surfaces a ryegrass/Poa mix along with some Kentucky bluegrass in the roughs. Greens on the Black Course average 550m2 with the fairways and rough equal in area at 12ha. The Black Course has 76 bunkers covering just over 3ha, while there is just the one water hazard in front of the par three 8th.

Despite the Black Course having hosted a number of golf’s majors, including the 2002 and 2009 US Opens and 2019 PGA Championship, it would become the first municipal golf course to host a Ryder Cup in the US and the second New York state venue after Oak Hill in 1995.

Unlike its past majors, which were in May and June, the late September timeslot for the Ryder Cup meant it coincided with Bethpage’s peak summer golfing season. As a result tee times had to be restricted on the Black Course

Hugh Ryan (centre) with Ryan Murphy (Black Course assistant, left) and Andrew Wilson (Bethpage director of agronomy, right)

The Bethpage fairway crew on 15

The Black Course’s famous 1st tee warning sign

PHOTO: MICHAEL REAVES/PGA OF AMERICA

Ryan was part of a three-intern crew that were responsible for cutting approaches in the lead-up to and during the Ryder Cup. Ryan would notch up a total of 202 hours across advance week and tournament week

to reduce wear and tear, with the course fully closing for play on 18 August, about six weeks out from the opening foursomes matches. The Green and Yellow courses, which housed a lot of the tournament infrastructure, were also closed at this point, while the Red and Blue courses would close on 8 September.

In preparation for the Ryder Cup, a number of small changes had been made to the Black Course since the 2019 PGA. A new first tee was constructed in order to accommodate the huge 5000-seat grandstand that would cover the existing 1st tee and wrap around the 18th green complex. Some bunker work was conducted on the par five 13th while select fairways were also widened.

With the course closed and tournament infrastructure going up rapidly around them, it gave Ryan and his fellow Bethpage crewmates an uninterrupted window to dial in the course. Immediately after closure, all divots on the fairways were filled with a sand/ryegrass seed mix, followed by aeration and seeding of some weaker areas in the rough. Pitch marks on the greens were plugged and sodding was done in high traffic areas in the roughs. Bunkers too were a key focus, getting the faces compacted and sand levels consistent. With cooler temperatures arriving, all surfaces were groomed two to three times per week to help provide a tighter and firmer playing surface.

TOURNAMENT WEEK

Despite having a near perfect build up weatherwise, tournament week would throw up a few surprises, not the least of which was 25mm of rain on Thursday ahead of day one. That had a big impact on the way course played, in particular the fairways. With temperatures

only reaching the low 20s (Celsius), the heavy clay-based fairways struggled to dry out which meant softer surfaces.

Close to 100 volunteers joined the Bethpage crew for the week including staff from future Ryder Cup venues Adare Manor (Ireland, 2027) and Hazeltine (2029). The morning shift started at 4:30am with a 5:30am start on Sunday due to the later tee times for the 12 singles matches. Greens, tees, fairways and approaches were cut every morning, with the course given a full cut on the Wednesday night in anticipation of Thursday’s rain. Rough was cut almost every day along with green surrounds being hand cut with rotary mowers three times throughout the week.

Greens were rolled 3-4 times in the morning and in the afternoon across all three competition days and were firm underfoot and rolled truly. On Saturday, greens were mown and only select greens rolled in between

sessions to increase speed. Bunkers were hand raked every morning with the exception of the fairway bunkers on 5 and 7 due to their size and low possibility of being in play.

Extra security precautions had to be taken on Thursday night with US President Donald Trump on site on the Friday. Along with the installation of bulletproof glass shields around the first tee grandstand area, there were several sniper towers and lookouts. Spectators in the nearby area had to pass through extra security screening. Interestingly, course staff would end up leaving mowers and carts at

PHOTO: MICHAEL REAVES/PGA OF AMERICA

Team Europe’s Jon Rahm hits a shot on the 4th fairway during the opening day’s four-balls. An inch of rain on the eve of the tournament meant the heavy clay-based fairways played softer than anticipated

in, was hand-mowing approaches. He was one of three Bethpage interns assigned to the job which was carried out every morning and three nights throughout tournament week. At one stage (on the Wednesday evening), however, Ryan had to mow the 10 approaches himself, a job that took in excess of five-and-a-half hours.

As well as cutting approaches, Ryan also floated between the blowing and bunker crews if needed in the mornings. Afternoon jobs consisted of hand-mowing every night which changed between approaches and rotary green surrounds. With advance and tournament weeks combined, for the 14 days Ryan ended up being on the clock for a mammoth 202 hours!

For all the excitement and drama that unfolded at this year’s Ryder Cup, there was a tinge of sadness among the Bethpage crew as the tournament got underway. Two weeks out, long-serving staff member Jim Reidy, who Ryan had worked alongside, passed away. Reidy was 81 and had joined the Bethpage team as a 56-year-old in 2000. Growing up in Farmingdale, Reidy was a well-regarded superintendent on Long Island before joining Bethpage and across his 25 years became a much-loved figure within the crew.

“The Ryder Cup was an amazing experience,” reflects Ryan. “Although I understood the history and expectations of it, I didn’t quite realise at the time just how big the event was. Looking back on it after a couple weeks and seeing the videos again on social media, it was crazy to see how big the crowds were and also how good the course looked

“Most of the messaging in the lead-up was to get the job done to the best of our ability and to make sure everything presented really well. Andrew wanted to make sure that we enjoyed the experience and take in the atmosphere as it was extremely rare to work in front of big crowds and alongside so many experienced volunteers from all parts of the country and around the world.”

“A lot was made of the crowd behaviour and while there were a few outlying incidents I didn’t witness anything too bad. The spectators did not affect the crew too much as we got holes 1 and 15 to 18, where the big

hospitality areas were, prepped first thing so there were a lot less spectators around. The only challenging time was driving between fields on Saturday when we changed holes, cut all greens and rolled selected greens. There was extra caution taken to get to certain holes and there was a potential police escort to help us if we needed, but we didn’t.”

HEADING SOUTH

The conclusion of the Ryder Cup effectively signalled the end of Ryan’s time at Bethpage. A fortnight after Team Europe held the trophy aloft, he was packing his bags and flying south for the Northern Hemisphere winter, bound for the Tom Fazio-designed Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, Florida.

Starting on 20 October, Ryan will be based there for the next six months and is hoping to gain a further placement at Shinnecock Hills, host of the 2026 US Open. For the time being, however, the memories of his six month stint at Bethpage are still very fresh and he is forever grateful for the opportunity to intern there and

have one of the biggest tournaments in world golf on his burgeoning CV.

“It was a truly special six months at Bethpage,” says Ryan. “There was a lot of hard work and some long days. You would never know what weather you were going to get throughout their summer and we were just hoping it wasn’t going to be 100°F every day and burn out all the ryegrass and Poa

“Not being used to working with ryegrass and Poa dominating the course – we crawl the greens at Royal Melbourne with spot sprayers to keep the Poa out – it was a very different environment to work in. There was a lot more hand-watering to keep on top of dry spots and more maintenance throughout the course such as selective sodding, seeding and aeration.

“Although there were restricted tee times this year due to the Ryder Cup, there is such high demand to play the Black Course and making sure it always looked and played at its best every day was paramount. It was a real credit to the whole crew who did an amazing job to keep the course in such good condition right the way through.

“I am extremely grateful for the time I had at Bethpage and getting to spend it with terrific people in Andrew Wilson, Mike Hadley, Ryan Murphy and all the other staff. They are a very proud group of people and to be part of their team and uphold their standards for such a big event was something I will never forget.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Hugh Ryan would like to sincerely thank Mike O’Keeffe (OSU) and Leigh Iles (Australian Fellowship of Golfing Rotarians) for facilitating his placement at Bethpage.

PHOTO: SCOTT TAETSCH/PGA OF AMERICA

PHOTO: MICHAEL REAVES/PGA OF AMERICA

The huge 5000-seat grandstand that wrapped around the 1st tee and 18th green

50,000 fans flocked to Bethpage each day of the Ryder Cup

The huge crowds around the 17th. The majority of the hospitality areas and grandstands were between 15 and 18

PHOTO: SCOTT TAETSCH/PGA OF AMERICA

The importance of

oxygen

John Neylan summarises the informative panel session conducted during the Sydney conference which looked at the importance of dissolved oxygen in water and its impact on turfgrass growth.

The importance of oxygen for plant growth has been discussed in detail by Peter McMaugh AM (ATM Volume 21.1 – ‘Bubble buzz’, p4042) where he highlighted that we often talk about soils and the most appropriate air to water ratios, but rarely refer to the importance of the soil oxygen levels. In Peter’s wide-reaching article, he also discussed the potential of nano bubble technology as a method of improving the oxygen levels in irrigation water and soils.

At the 2025 Australian Sports Turf Management Conference held in Sydney in June, I was asked to convene a panel to discuss the importance of oxygen in water and its impact on turfgrass growth. The panel session involved a presentation on the importance of oxygen in maintaining healthy turf as well as a question and answer session with three golf course superintendents and their experience with nano bubble

technology (NBT), specifically using the water treatment system developed by Nano Bubble Technologies (NBT Sports Turf Solutions).

The panel members included Rod Tatt (Mount Lawley GC, WA), Greg Stynes (Nelson Bay GC, NSW) and David Stone (Pymble GC, NSW). Tatt and Stynes both have a NBT generator installed, whereas Stone, at the time of the conference, was undertaking trials to assess the suitability of the technology for Pymble. It should be noted that subsequent to those trials, Pymble has approved installation of an NBT treatment unit.

PLANT RESPIRATION

Plant respiration is a fundamental process where plants convert the sugars produced through photosynthesis into energy, releasing carbon dioxide and water. During respiration, oxygen is absorbed, carbohydrates oxidised (‘burnt’), carbon dioxide and water formed and chemical energy converted to free energy

(see Figure 1). Living cells then capture the free energy and utilise it in support of many vital life processes. Respiration is a continuous process common to all living tissues including roots, leaves, stolons, rhizomes and stems.

While plant respiration is a continuous process this is in contrast to photosynthesis which only occurs during daylight hours.

The respiration rate of turfgrasses alters depending on several environmental factors:

l Light: The stomata are open during daylight to allow photosynthesis. As light intensity increases, respiration indirectly increases. Respiration will continue at night and is called ‘dark respiration’.

l Temperature: With increasing temperature, the respiration rate will increase. It is important to note that during hot weather and when the night time temperatures are high, the respiration rate will remain high. This can rapidly deplete the carbohydrate reserves produced during photosynthesis.

Increasing the oxygen in the irrigation water is beneficial to soil and plant health as it keeps the rhizosphere, which is the soil immediately surrounding the plant roots, well oxygenated

l Oxygen: When oxygen levels decrease respiration decreases. This is an extremely important factor when considering plant health during periods of stress.

l Soil water: As the soil water is depleted due to drought, the respiration rate will decrease.

l Biological stress: Plant tissue damage due to mowing, traffic, moisture stress or diseases requires more healing energy and therefore increasing the respiration rate.

l Wind: Increasing wind reduces the humid boundary around the leaf and therefore increases respiration rate.

l Humidity: Increasing humidity increases the humid boundary around the turfgrass leaf and therefore respiration rate decreases. Warm and humid nights will result in increased respiration rates as the plant attempts to repair damaged tissue and to cool itself.

Grasses primarily take up oxygen through their roots. Oxygen present in the air spaces within the soil diffuses into the root hairs, which are tiny, delicate structures on the root tips. This oxygen is then used by the roots for respiration. As the plant roots respire, oxygen is removed from the soil and carbon dioxide is released.

Because root respiration requires oxygen, roots that are waterlogged for long periods of time cannot take up oxygen and convert glucose to maintain cell metabolic processes. As a result, waterlogging and excessive irrigation can deprive roots of oxygen, kill root tissue and damage the turf.

Oxygen is most limiting to plants in summer when higher temperatures reduce the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentration in the soil solution and the irrigation water. This is because oxygen solubility declines as water temperature rises and because the biological requirement (plants and microorganisms) for oxygen increases.

OXYGEN EFFECTS ON PLANT GROWTH

Oxygen levels in the soil have a significant impact on:

l Root biomass and health: A strong, healthy and dense root system is a major contributor to the resilience of the turf surface in terms of drought and heat tolerance, disease resistance, surface stability and recovery from stress.

l Nutrient and water uptake: Oxygen is required by roots to provide energy for all biochemical processes including nutrient uptake and the exclusion of toxic ions. A healthy root system is able to exploit the available moisture and better able to match the demands of evapotranspiration.

l Soil micro flora and fauna activity: Soil oxygen levels are crucial for the health and activity of soil microorganisms, influencing nutrient cycling and plant growth.

Adequate oxygen promotes beneficial microbial activity, including decomposition of organic matter and nutrient absorption. Conversely, low oxygen (hypoxia or anoxia) can hinder microbial growth, alter microbial communities and potentially lead to the release of harmful compounds.

l Stress: Ability to withstand environmental and mechanical stress.

Low oxygen levels in the soil result in:

l Accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2): Carbon dioxide is a waste product of respiration and is toxic to plants.

l Anaerobic conditions: Under low oxygen or anaerobic conditions, the decomposition of organic matter produces sulfide compounds such as hydrogen sulphide (H2S) that are toxic to plants. Black layer is a typical symptom of low oxygen soils.

l Reduced resistance to heat stress: With reduced root growth and health and the resulting root dysfunction, there is reduced heat and drought tolerance.

l Increased susceptibility to disease: Under limited oxygen, root membranes leak sugars and other cell contents into the soil solution. These compounds attract pathogens such as Pythium spp. Roots damaged by low oxygen are less able to mechanically resist infection by disease organisms.

DISSOLVED OXYGEN (DO) AND IRRIGATION WATER

Water availability and water quality continues to be a serious issue with increasing salinity, bicarbonates and sodium all being of considerable concern when maintaining good quality turf surfaces. In addition to the chemical constituents of irrigation water, there are also the issues of suspended solids (SS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and dissolved oxygen (DO) in irrigation waters, particularly those of recycled wastewater origin.

Of particular interest is the DO of irrigation water due to the fact that low DO removes oxygen from the soil profile. Increasing the oxygen in the irrigation water is beneficial to soil and plant health as it keeps the rhizosphere, which is the soil immediately surrounding the plant roots, well oxygenated. DO levels in water can become depleted for several reasons:

l Shallow dams are susceptible to increasing water temperatures which reduces the DO;

l Warmer water holds less DO and once the water temperature goes over 20oC the loss of DO becomes exponential;

l Excessive nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen from runoff can cause algal blooms, which consume oxygen as they decompose. The eutrophication of water bodies is a major environmental concern as the resulting loss of oxygen in the water will result in the death of fish and other aquatic organisms.

l Decomposition of organic matter (dead plants, algae, etc.) consumes oxygen. Water catchments that are surrounded by trees and vegetation can often become contaminated by organic matter.

PHOTO: MOUNT LAWLEY GC

Figure 1. The plant respiration cycle

l Warm, oxygenated surface water in dams can become separated from cooler, oxygen-poor water at the bottom (stratification), reducing oxygen availability throughout the water storage.

l Climate change, with its impacts on temperature and rainfall patterns, can result in increasing water temperatures and with low flows there is less flushing of water bodies.

Rectifying the oxygen levels in water storages is a constant challenge and as Peter McMaugh AM noted in his article Otterbine aerators are a very familiar sight on the water bodies of many golf courses. This is a recognition that excessive aquatic growth is often due to a lack of water movement, excessive nutrients and increasing water temperatures that ultimately result in low DO levels. The aim with aerators is to stir the water storage, reduce surface water temperature, to create a more uniform water column and to ultimately improve water oxygen levels.

DISSOLVED OXYGEN – SOME NUMBERS

It is important to understand what the dissolved oxygen levels in water actually means. They are summarised as follows:

l Levels of 8mg/L of DO or greater is preferred;

l At 5mg/L of DO, irrigation water is marginal for plant health;

l DO levels <4mg/L, the water is hypoxic and detrimental to plant health;

l DO around 0.5mg/L, the water is anoxic and no plants or animals can survive under such conditions.

At several golf courses, the DO of the irrigation water has been measured and range from 0.64 - 2.95mg/L. At worst these waters can be classified as being anoxic and at best hypoxic and definitely unsuitable for prolonged irrigation.

IRRIGATION AND OXYGEN DEPLETION

Last summer provided a stark contrast between the northern and southern parts of Australia. In the north there was consistent rainfall and high humidity while in the south there have been drought-like conditions. When we consider the rootzone conditions, frequent irrigation and impeded drainage can lower the available oxygen. Whether it is due to excessive organic matter accumulation or soil compaction, the rootzone can suffer periods of temporary waterlogging after irrigation.

Under waterlogged conditions the macro and micro pore spaces are filled with water to the exclusion of oxygen. A reference I have often referred to in my teaching about soils and rootzone conditions is that oxygen diffusion through water is approximately 10,000 times more limited than through air (Berndt et. al. 1989). Irrigation water must contain as much DO as possible before it reaches roots and seals them in a membrane of moisture.

During hot and humid summers there will be an increase in the respiration rate of the plant, demanding more oxygen because of increased oxygen depletion. Respiration occurs overnight to help restore plant health and when combined with overnight humidity there will be increased plant respiration and therefore there will be increased oxygen use.

It seems reasonably obvious that under regular rainfall events that the rootzone is going to be ‘waterlogged’ for extended periods and therefore suffer from oxygen depletion. Regular aeration of the profile to aid water and air movement are the required management techniques to attempt to improve the soil oxygen levels. Under these circumstances, when irrigation is eventually required, having irrigation water with a high oxygen concentration is going to be beneficial in restoring plant health.

ULTRA FINE BUBBLE/ NANOBUBBLE TECHNOLOGY

Peter McMaugh AM discussed the topic of ultra-fine bubble technology as a means of increasing the DO in irrigation water in his 2019 article. The general term that most turf managers would be familiar with is ‘nano bubble technology’ with the advantage of the technology being to raise the total oxygen content of water to as high as 40 per cent.

Nano bubble technology can be summarised as follows:

l Nano bubbles are incredibly small, stable cavities of gas in liquid and are not visible to the human eye or with a standard microscope.

l Nano bubbles are negatively charged which means that they repel from each other keeping them evenly distributed in the water with low coalescence and don’t form larger bubbles.

l Nano bubbles stay submerged in liquids for extended periods of time.

l Unlike regular bubbles, a single nano bubble will move around and suspend instead of moving up, in a process called ‘Brownian motion’.

l Patented injectors produce the highest concentration and smallest bubbles on an industrial scale (data from UNSW).

At the Sydney conference, superintendents Greg

Improving oxygen levels in water storages is a constant challenge. Aerators, like the Otterbines pictured, are a very familiar sight in many golf course water bodies and aim to create a more uniform water column

PHOTO: JARROD ARPS

Stynes, Rod Tatt and David Stone discussed their experiences using nano bubble water at their courses

l Nano bubbles last for weeks and even months in the water.

Over the past few years, the use of nano bubble technology has been implemented and trialled at several golf courses with considerable success. The purpose of the panel discussion at the 2025 conference was to hear firsthand the experiences of the superintendents that have used it.

At Nelson Bay Golf Club, the golf course is heavily treed with restricted air movement and nematodes being a significant problem for many years. Before the full system was installed with the new irrigation system, half the 5th green was treated with nano bubble water to observe the differences in turf condition. The treated section suffered considerably less summer stress (see photo above).

Pymble Golf Club, located in Sydney’s northern suburbs, is a parkland golf course with tall blue gums lining the fairways. The nature of the treescape provides agronomic challenges in terms of shade and restricted air movement. Trials were undertaken where sections of a trial green were irrigated with nano bubble water and compared to the nontreated water. Root growth and nematode numbers were monitored throughout the trial as well as observations on turf health (see Figures 2 and 3). Based on the success of the trials a nano bubble unit is being installed.

Over in Perth, Mount Lawley Golf Club is set on 79 hectares in native bushland and has recently been through a complete greens and bunker reconstruction program. The golf course is on sandy soils that can become hydrophobic and nematodes have been ever present on the golf course. The improvement in water clarity, reduced cyanobacteria and improved water infiltration have been noted benefits since using nano bubble water.

From the panel discussion, the overall value of using nano bubble water is the increased ability for the plant to withstand summer stresses. The following observed and measured benefits were shared by the panel’s participants:

l Improved turf health compared to the untreated water;

l Reduced damage from nematodes;

l Improved root growth;

l Reduced disease (e.g. pythium);

l Reduced fertiliser and fungicide inputs;

l Eliminated ‘black layer’;

l Reduced hand watering;

l Reduced labour inputs in managing greens;

l Improved lake, dam and treated water clarity;

l Reducing cyanobacteria in the lake and its effect on the greens;

l Improved recovery from heat stress on bentgrass;

Nelson Bay Golf Club’s 5th green trial site with the untreated section left and treated section right. The treated section suffered considerably less summer stress

Figures 2 and 3. Root growth and nematode numbers were monitored throughout the Pymble GC trial, as well as observations on turf health

l Improved water infiltration due to reduced surface tension;

l Improved recovery from dry patch in bentgrasses and couchgrasses;

l Less irrigation required through summer which has resulted water savings;

l Healthy looking turf across the whole golf course with a noticeable colour difference. One operational aspect that has been reported as a problem has been the clogging of the treatment system’s injectors. However, this has been largely addressed and if this does occur the injectors are now easily replaced. For water high in iron, the iron can quickly precipitate as a solid due to the high oxygen and in that situation titanium injectors are used to reduce the problem. Most irrigation water can be treated using the conventional stainless steel injectors.

RESEARCH RESULTS

Peter McMaugh AM has undertaken glasshouse trials to assess the benefits of nano bubble water. His work demonstrated improvements in root and shoot growth in ryegrass and improved root growth in couchgrass (see Figure 4, right)

Looking at the data and how it may be applied in the field, the increased oxygen in the irrigation water could be highly beneficial on stadium turf where ryegrass is maintained

throughout the year (particularly through summer). From a couchgrass perspective, the benefits could be, for example, where there is a high infection rate of ERI diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

Water and water quality, growing environments and climate change present a number of agronomic challenges to turf managers into the future. In this article, one particular aspect is discussed and highlights the importance of oxygen to plant growth and health and the technology that may assist in overcoming low oxygen water and low oxygen rootzones.

As with any discussion concerning water quality, it requires detailed analysis. This should include the physical, chemical, biological and aesthetic (appearance and smell) characteristics of the water. This not only involves doing the standard testing for the important chemical elements of salinity, pH, sodium and bicarbonates, but also dissolved oxygen, suspended solids and possibly biological oxygen demand. If the water body appears to have some aquatic growth such as algae this also should be tested for. Interestingly, in the case of cyanobacteria, this can impact the greens by forming a film on the turf and cause some damage to the bentgrass.

There are many tools that can be used to manage turf that is under stress and nano

bubble technology is one that may provide improvements in turf quality. As with selecting any new tool or process, it is important to go through a thorough process of evaluation and testing before a decision is made.

All of the discussion at the conference was around the importance of oxygen and the application of nano bubble water for golf course applications. With the elite sports stadia that tend to maintain year-round ryegrass surfaces there is the challenge of maintaining quality turf during the summer months. In particular, the venues that are preparing surfaces for high level cricket need to deal with the stresses of high temperatures, high humidity and low cutting heights. Racetrack turf that consists predominantly of ryegrass can also be placed in a similar category. Nano bubble technology may also have an application in these turf situations and it is understood that trials will be undertaken at some venues this summer.

NBT trials undertaken by Peter McMaugh AM demonstrated improvements in root and shoot growth in ryegrass and improved root growth in couchgrass

The titanium nano bubble injectors which are part of the Mount Lawley Golf Club treatment plant

In trials conducted by AGCSATech on a golf green in Melbourne, the use of nano bubble water resulted in a reduction in black layer (left) and improved root length (right)

PHOTOS: BRUCE

flight Hawks Nest takes

After a decade at the helm of Hawks Nest Golf Club, Ben Mills (CSTM) stepped down as superintendent in August. In his last weeks there he reflected on his time at the club and the work his team had achieved.

When a superintendent takes up the reigns at a golf course, they become custodians of that parcel of land for the duration of their tenure. Come the end of their time, the main aim is to depart having left the course in a better place than when they first arrived.

After dedicating the past 10 years to Hawks Nest Golf Club, departing superintendent Ben Mills (CSTM) can certainly tick that box. Having arrived at the Mid-North Coast NSW course back in 2015 after spending six years at Ellerston in the Hunter Valley, Mills was more than ready for the challenge in what was his first superintendent posting.

The course is situated an hour north of Newcastle, just north of the small seaside township of the same name. Like many regional courses it had its challenges but in the years that followed Mills and his team have overseen a number of small but

important improvements that have helped to set the course up for the coming years.

As he bid farewell to the club in August, to take on the role of technical sales specialist for chemical company BASF, Mills penned the following article detailing the ‘decade of transformation’ that had taken place.

GRADUAL IMPROVEMENT

Over the past decade, Hawks Nest Golf Club has undergone a strategic transformation and revitalisation, establishing itself as one of the most well-presented and professionally managed courses in the region. Driven by long-term planning, smart investment and a skilled and dedicated team, the course has achieved vast improvements across all areas of operations, playability and presentation.

One of the most visible and impactful projects has been the ongoing bunker redevelopment program. To date, 18 bunkers have been rebuilt using Capillary Concrete and EcoBunker synthetic revetted

edging technology, with 11 more scheduled for completion in the coming years. This represents a substantial investment by the club, not only in capital but also in the future sustainability of course maintenance.

The use of Capillary Concrete ensures excellent drainage and consistency, while EcoBunker provides durable, clean edges that significantly reduce the need for continual reshaping and repair. Importantly, all rebuilt bunkers are filled with premium bunker sand, further enhancing both playability and appearance. These new bunkers not only elevate the visual impact of the course but also reduce maintenance time and long-term costs, allowing staff to focus on other critical areas of course care.

This bunker transformation is just one part of a larger story of improvement. Turf quality and plant health have been significantly enhanced through better practices and improved resource management. Key to this has been the advancement of irrigation

PHOTO: BEN MILLS/HAWKS NEST GC

Hawks Nest Golf Club has proven that with the right people and resources, a member-focused course can achieve elite outcomes. Inset: Former superintendent Ben Mills

infrastructure, including the upgrade of modern field controllers and a central control system. These allow for precise water delivery, improving surface consistency while also promoting water sustainability.

The machinery fleet has grown markedly over the past decade, almost doubling in size. Where once a single surrounds mower was used to mow both tees and surrounds, with operators manually changing cutting heights during the day, the course now has dedicated mowers for each playing surface, allowing for more accurate mowing and healthier turf. Multiple fairway mowers now enable the team to mow all fairways in just three hours, compared to nine hours a decade ago. The addition of a larger, more efficient spray tank has reduced downtime between fills and improved the speed and precision of chemical and fertiliser applications.

A major step forward has been the acquisition of construction-focused machinery, including a Posi-Track and an excavator, enabling the team to take on complex in-house projects that previously would have required outsourcing. These machines have played a crucial role in bunker reconstruction, path preparation, drainage installation and other earthworks, giving the team greater control, reducing costs and dramatically improving project turnaround times.

The club also acquired two additional tractors, bringing the total to four – two of which double as front-end loaders – which allow the team to carry out earthworks, path preparation and landscape reshaping internally. With the increase in staffing, the number of transport vehicles has grown from three to five, ensuring efficient movement of staff and equipment around the course and supporting a more dynamic work schedule.

Another important initiative in recent years has been the implementation of a strategic root pruning program, designed to improve turf health, particularly in shaded or tree-heavy areas. Using a trenching attachment on the Posi-Track, the team has been able to systematically sever invasive tree roots that compete with turfgrass for water and nutrients. This targeted approach has had a noticeable impact on turf density and vigour, especially around fairways, green surrounds and key tee complexes. By addressing root encroachment proactively, the program has also helped to maintain the long-term health of surrounding trees and minimise surface damage caused by unseen root growth.

Another standout improvement has been the evolution of the greens renovation program, which is conducted twice a year in autumn and spring. Over the past decade, the renovation process has been refined significantly, with the introduction of more

effective practices, improved timing and the use of hand topdressing for greater precision. These advancements have resulted in a dramatic reduction in recovery time, with greens now returning to full condition faster and healthier than ever before. The consistency and speed of recovery have not only benefited presentation but also allowed for better playing conditions during the year.

Equally, the introduction of annual fairway renovations, including scarifying and hollow coring, has delivered a noticeable uplift in turf health, drainage and playability. These

practices, once considered too disruptive or logistically difficult, are now a cornerstone of the club’s maintenance calendar.

Staffing has expanded in line with the club’s growth and the increasing demands of delivering high-quality playing surfaces yearround. A decade ago, the course operated with just five team members. At the peak of redevelopment and improvement works the maintenance team expanded to 10, including the addition of key specialist roles such as a vegetation manager and dedicated mechanic. This team structure has allowed the course

Over 1200m of new concrete paths have been constructed across the course, including tee-to-green paths on all par 3s

One of the most visible and impactful projects has been the ongoing bunker redevelopment program using Capillary Concrete and EcoBunker revetting

to take a proactive, project-based approach to improvement, rather than being limited to reactive maintenance.

A proud milestone was the successful completion of trade qualifications by the club’s first female apprentice, a significant step forward in gender diversity within the turf industry and a reflection of the inclusive, forward-thinking culture at Hawks Nest.

IN-HOUSE CAPABILITIES

The scope of infrastructure improvements has been equally ambitious. Over 1200 metres of new concrete paths have been constructed across the course, including tee-to-green paths on all par-3s, which have improved year-round access, reduced turf wear and enhanced the overall playing experience.

Multiple tee complexes have been redesigned and rebuilt, improving alignment, visibility and aesthetics. Fairways have been widened strategically to improve shot options and playability, while at the same time bunkers that no longer fit the modern game or required excessive maintenance have been removed.

Tree management has been a major focus during this period. Hundreds of tree stumps have been removed and large-scale tree trimming works have been completed using a tub mulcher and elevated work platform in-house. These efforts have improved turf health by increasing light penetration and airflow while also enhancing aesthetics and

safety. Together, the team has carried out extensive in-house landscaping and native vegetation control, helping to define playing corridors and improve sightlines.

The overall presentation and member experience have been significantly elevated through a range of additions and upgrades. New sand and rubbish bin boxes with ball washers have been installed. Sponsor and tee signage has been modernised to reflect the professional standard of the club. New distance bollards have been installed to provide accurate and visible yardage information. These touches, though small, contribute to a much more polished and consistent look across the course.

What makes these achievements even more remarkable is that all major construction and upgrade works have been completed entirely in-house. Using modern planning tools and maintenance software, the team has been able to plan, develop, execute and record all works with efficiency, accuracy and accountability. From path construction and bunker builds to irrigation installations and landscape works, Hawks Nest has proven that with the right people and resources, a member-focused course can achieve elite outcomes without relying on contractors.

In addition to physical works on the course, strong relationships with key suppliers such as Living Turf and Toro have been integral to this success. Their support,

product innovation and technical advice have helped us meet the demands of modern course management. The introduction of Turfkeeper planning software has also been a game-changer, enabling greater operational efficiency, clearer reporting and more effective resource allocation.

As Hawks Nest looks to the future, it does so on the back of a decade of hard work, smart investment and unwavering commitment from its course staff. With a strong foundation in place, a modern fleet, a high-performing team and a clear vision for improvement, the course is well-positioned for long-term sustainability and excellence.

PERSONAL GROWTH

Over the past decade, I’ve not only witnessed the course evolve, but I’ve grown alongside it. I’ve undertaken ongoing external leadership and management training to support the needs of an expanding team and increasingly complex operation.

I was proud to be nominated for the NSWGCSA Superintendent of the Year Award in 2023 and to have played a major role in the club being awarded Tournament of the Year for our 2023 Pro-Am, an event that showcased the exceptional presentation standards we worked tirelessly to achieve.

The COVID years brought their own unique challenges, as we navigated staff shortages, evolving health restrictions and ongoing uncertainty. Leading the team through those times, while maintaining operations, morale and course presentation, was testing but ultimately very rewarding.

Throughout my tenure, I’ve also been fortunate to attend numerous ASTMA conferences, experiences that broadened my industry knowledge and helped bring new thinking back to the club.

Supporting the professional growth of others has been equally important. A proud highlight was seeing Melissa Mills, then an apprentice here, selected to participate in

With a modern equipment fleet, expanded staff numbers and a clear vision for continuous improvement works, Hawks Nest Golf Club is well-positioned for long-term sustainability and continued excellence

the ASTMA Women in Turf work experience placement at Adelaide Oval. Moments like this reflect not only the calibre of the people we’ve had on the team, but also the club’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting diversity within the turf industry.

I’ve contributed to long-term strategic planning and had more than 30 business case submissions approved by the Board, each resulting in lasting improvements to course infrastructure, equipment or sustainability. These experiences, and the many lessons along the way, have shaped me into a more strategic, adaptable and resilient superintendent, skills I’ll carry proudly into the next chapter of my career.

That said, the path to this point hasn’t always been easy. Alongside the many achievements, we’ve faced our fair share of challenges, both environmental and operational. Nematode populations were recorded into the thousands at times, well above acceptable threshold levels, requiring a considered, long-term management approach. Disease pressure was also extreme in certain years, particularly during summer months.

These outbreaks occasionally caused serious damage and tested the resilience of both the turf and the team. Weather events presented ongoing hurdles as well, from prolonged droughts to periods of heavy flooding and major storm clean up.

Staffing, too, has brought its own set of challenges, particularly in the recruitment and retention of skilled personnel. Maintaining a consistent, high-performing crew under these pressures is something I view as one of our most important achievements.

As I close this chapter as superintendent, I do so with immense pride in what has been accomplished and deep gratitude for the journey. Hawks Nest Golf Club has been more than just a workplace, it has been a place of challenge, growth and reward.

The transformation achieved over the past decade is a testament to what can be done with vision, hard work and a committed team. I leave knowing the course is in a stronger, more sustainable position than ever before and I’m confident that the foundations we’ve laid will serve the club well into the future. Thank you to the Board, the members and most importantly the staff who have walked this path with me. It has been an honour.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Following Mills’ departure, Hawks Nest Golf Club appointed assistant Sam Oates to the role of superintendent.

Servicing your turf industry

A vast array of clean sands, each with its own structural, physical and chemical characteristics, exist naturally or are processed by quarries throughout Australia

grain Going with the

In the first of a three-part article, Gary Beehag and Peter McMaugh AM investigate the influence of grain shape on sand hydrology.

Avast array of clean sands, each with its own structural, physical and chemical characteristics, exist naturally or are processed by quarries throughout Australia. The greater majority of sands are either dredged from coastal freshwater rivers, inland lake systems or extracted from existing and sometimes ancient dune systems. A limited number of sands are produced from weathered (friable) sandstone. Some sand products are a mono-sand (i.e. sand

from only one source) and others a binarysand (i.e. a blend of two or more sands) depending on the client’s requirement and/or a nominated specification.

The colour, grain size and shape varies widely among sands, depending on their geological source, the nature of their mineral content and extent of washing, screening and/or crushing process. From a geologist’s perspective, the word “sand” is not specific to any one material but refers to granular particles or grains, usually of sedimentary origin, dominated by quartz (silicon dioxide) ranging in diameter between 0.05 to 2.00 millimetres. Other granular particles often found in sand products may also comprise other rock types (e.g. basalt) and secondary minerals (e.g. biotite, mica and muscovite).

The purpose of this three-part article is to document the grain size and shape of

thirty (30) different sands, collected primarily throughout eastern mainland Australia, and then investigate how the dominant grain shape within one particle range influences water retention and percolation. The stimulus for this investigation is that the relative importance of grain shape on sand hydrology in sportsturf sands remains largely speculative and not investigated.

The widely-held assumption is that morerounded sand grains, as opposed to lessrounded ones, results in less interpacking of sand grains and their propensity to resist compaction. The authors are unaware of any similar investigation documenting the impact of sand grain shape within one size range on sand hydrology between sands in Australia. An improved method of assessing sand grain shape developed by the authors will be adopted for this comparative investigation.

SAND GRAIN SIZE AND SHAPE

The physical measurement and significance of the variation of size and shape of sand grains is very well understood from a geotechnical perspective. Objective assessment of grain size and shape utilising 3D computer-aided techniques has been adopted by geotechnical engineers and researchers.

Particle size distribution (PSD), rather than sand shape, is universally acknowledged as a key parameter when assessing sands for sportsturf applications. Consequently, documentation of the shapes of sand grains for sportsturf applications, except for bunker sands, is not routinely assessed. The possible hydrological impacts of different grain shapes needs to be assessed adequately to ensure the sand fulfils the required specification. This is not standard practice.

Determination of particle size distribution of sands for sportsturf applications is quantitatively measured by a combination of ashing, hydrometer and passing through a nest of standardised sieves. The result is very objective and precise. Assessment of grain shape is assessed qualitatively by a cursory microscopic examination comparing the shape of the dominant-sized grains with standard charts of stylised line drawings.

The interpretation of grain shape is highly subjective and the assessment greatly dependent on the extent of experience in sand morphology on the part of the laboratory technician or consultant. Experience of the close examination using microscopic techniques on many sands over many years indicates that the true variation in grain sizes and shapes within the one geological source is not consistent within all sizes.

GRAIN SHAPES OF DIFFERENT SAND SOURCES

Variations in colour, grain size and shape can often provide clues for geologists and others about the formation history of the sand. Grain size and shape of natural sands is governed by the geological origin, mineral composition and relative hardness of the pre-existing rock material and the lineal distance and the natural forces which they undergo during weathering and deposition. Natural weathering mechanisms of sand grains may be either wind or water, singly or in combination, depending on their geographic location and weathering history. The grain shape of certain sands in some countries may be the result of their glacial or volcanic origins.

The physical effect of grain shape interaction between different stockpiles of dry sands in a quarry or in a golf course storage compound can be apparent by careful observation of the surface of the mound angle they each form on a horizontal surface. This

is often described as the angle of repose. Generally speaking, stockpiles of more rounded sands, as opposed to more angular ones, tend to spread out more and have a lesser angle to the horizontal.

The sportsturf industry currently uses a relatively straightforward but not so simple qualitative method of assessing sand shape using two-dimensional, stylised line drawings (see graphic below) based on two independent indices – roundness and sphericity.

‘Roundness’ describes the extent to which the edges and corners of a sand grain have been rounded, while ‘sphericity’ describes the extent to which a grain approaches a sphere in overall shape. An additional term ‘roughness’ of surface texture describes the minute features such as pitting and indentations as seen on sand grains of certain origins.

True roundness and extreme angularity of natural sedimentary sand grains is said to be very rare. A soccer ball could be said to have high sphericity whereas a rugby ball low sphericity. A golf ball could be said to

have ‘roughness’ possessing small surface indentations.

Sand grains from coastal beaches and any extensive, adjacent dune systems of sedimentary origin may range from offwhite, light yellow to light grey, depending on several factors. The main factors are the nature of the parent rock material, presence of any secondary minerals (e.g. biotite and muscovite), fine sea shell grit and any decomposed organic matter (e.g. fine charcoal) and erosion and weathering forces.

The colour of inland desert sands typically varies from yellow to red due to a fine coating of iron and/or aluminium oxides. Black-coloured beach sands can characterise weathered volcanic rock fragments. The relative proportions of porous grains together with their softness/hardness characteristic can move these to needing special evaluation.

Sand grains relatively small in diameter (i.e. less than 0.15mm) possessing rounded to well-rounded shapes generally characterises them as being wind-borne (aeolian). Wind-

The colour, grain size and shape varies widely among sands depending on their geological source, the nature of their mineral content and extent of washing, screening and/or crushing

The Australian sportsturf industry currently uses a qualitative method of assessing sand shape using twodimensional, stylised line drawings (pictured) based on two independent indices – roundness and sphericity

borne sand grains tend to become more rounded over length of time of transportation resulting in the relatively high impact between relatively fast-moving sand particles. This time factor is often expressed as a function at the lateral distance of particle travel.

Wind-blown sands are said to be “wellsorted”, having the majority but not all grains roughly the same size. Hence, deposits of sand grains greater in diameter than 1.0mm are unlikely to be purely wind-borne. A dull, mat appearance or ‘frosting’ of the rounded surface, as seen under a microscope, is another feature of certain wind-blown grains. This feature of sand grains is common in sands from large desert regions (e.g. The Gobi Desert in Mongolia and the Sahara Desert in northern Africa).

Sand grains larger in diameter (i.e. greater than 0.25mm) possessing a sub-rounded to sub-angular shape generally characterises them as being water-borne (alluvial or fluvial). Lake or river sand grains, generally being relatively slow moving, are not subject to the higher impact of wind-blown ones. Water-borne deposition generally causes a downstream decrease in grain size with a general increase in roundness. Beach sands generally are wellsorted and relatively well-rounded because

of the continual abrasive interaction while moving with the waves. Sand grains on the upper section of a beach not affected by water maybe redeposited by onshore winds forming aeolian dune systems over time.

Sand grains produced by mechanically sieving weathered or friable sandstone for sportsturf applications are not commonly used except for some sources of bunker sands. Weathered sandstone may form a component in some binary sand products for construction applications. The presence of weathered sandstone in a sand blend can be readily assessed by rubbing a dry sample between the fingers and noting the resultant silky deposit.

Importantly, manufactured sand grains are said to typically range in shape from sub-angular all the way through to angular with ‘sharp’ edges, depending on the relative hardness of the rock-type and the extent of mechanised sieving and washing.

ASSEMBLAGE OF SANDS FROM DIFFERENT GEOLOGICAL SOURCES

The first stage of this investigation of sand grain shape involved the collection of an extensive range of sands of different geological origin across Australia. Only monosands were collected. Our objective here was to ascertain the extremes and ranges of angularity, roundness and roughness among a wide variety of sources of natural sands and friable sandstones.

A total of 30 mono-sand types were collected primarily from eastern Australian states. One sand was collected from southwestern Western Australia. The opportunity was taken to include two fine sand samples from coastal southern California (USA) previously collected by the first author that fulfil the sand specification of the University of California (UC) for greens construction.

The provenance of all collected sands was known. All sand samples were collected

A sample of a medium-grade sand from an inland river (above) and an example of a river sand source (left). Sand grains larger in diameter (>0.25mm) possessing a sub-rounded to sub-angular shape generally characterises them as being water-borne

from either their natural source (e.g. beach, river or sand dune) or from a sand quarry stockpile or at a golf course sampled from a delivered stockpile of a known source.

Some sand types collected from certain sites (e.g. inland or coastal) deposit may have been formed and deposited in ancient times from the combination of wind and water. Not unexpectedly, sand colour, particle grading and the overall shape among the assembled samples varied widely.

The second stage of this investigation, which will be written up in a later edition of ATM Journal, will involve the following:

l Conducting an assessment of the extent of each sand sample’s roundness, sphericity and roughness of the dominant grain size, together with the commonality of each shape by an improved method of microscopic examination.

l Comparing the similarities of grain diameter and shape from the collection of sands after first washing with a chemical dispersant mixture, then mechanically sieve the dried samples to obtain an adequate amount of the dominant grains to enable measuring their relative water retention and percolation rates.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The generous assistance given by numerous sand quarry managers, golf course superintendents and others in obtaining sand samples is greatly appreciated. The authors specifically wish to acknowledge the co-operation freely afforded by Adam Cauldwell, David Burrup and Don Rowlands (Queensland), Ben Chambers and Darby Muller (NSW), John Neylan (Victoria) and Thor Carter (Tasmania).

A full list of references for this article can be obtained from the ASTMA by emailing Australian Turfgrass Management Journal editor Brett Robinson brett@astma.com.au or calling (03) 9548 8600.

The greater majority of sands are either dredged from coastal freshwater rivers, inland lake systems or extracted from existing and sometimes ancient dune systems like the one pictured above

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Theknowledge

gap

Peter McMaugh AM reflects on the importance of continual professional development and laments how the knowledge of the history of turfgrass maintenance and science in Australia is slowly being lost.

Having perused the last edition of Australian Turfgrass Management Journal (Volume 27.4 – July-August 2025) and pondering on John Neylan’s reflections on the recent International Turfgrass Research Conference in Japan (‘2025 ITRC –Japan’, p42-55), several themes struck me. The first one was that Japan had hosted the ITRC previously in 1989. During this year’s conference, John sent me a photo which flashed up during the opening plenary session which showed me sitting sandwiched between Dr Jim Beard and Dr Jim Watson (see photo opposite page). As you will be aware, both featured prominently in my recently published top 10 influencers who have made a difference

to the progress of turfgrass science (‘The doyens’ - ATM Volumes 26.6 and 27.1.)

I suspect that 90 per cent of the readers of this article would be mainly ignorant of who the two Jims were and what they did. The fact that they visited Australia multiple times and dispensed their wisdom at many national conferences and seminars has all but been forgotten. How many of you reading this have read the proceedings of these conferences?

I will ask you another question. Apart from Australian Turfgrass Management Journal, what other turfgrass literature have you read recently or in the past months? I can hear many of you replying that the written word is old hat and that today we get our knowledge updates from podcasts. My experiences of

podcasts is that by and large they are the product of people trying to market their selfimportance or they are trying to influence you to buying into a new product, whether it be ‘wellness’ or some other form of mindfulness.

At the 1978 national conference, I gave a talk to superintendents on the theme “Who are you?” This was in the very early days of the formation of a cohesive Australia-wide professional body. These were the days when most people working on golf courses still wore singlets, Stubbies and thongs. When John Odell, of Concord and Royal Sydney fame, asked me how association members could get more respect from their clubs, my reply was, ‘Tell them to wear a tie at greens committee meetings!’

Being well read and having a thorough appreciation of turfgrass literature and scientific research should be the cornerstone for any superintendent or sports turf manager wanting to succeed in their careers

A superintendent who has just recently retired often regales me with the story of how his TAFE class visited Concord Golf Club when John was superintendent there and were amazed to see the staff attired in matching uniforms and all wearing steel toe-capped working boots. Not only was John trying to make their workplace safer but he was also trying to boost staff morale and pride in themselves and what they did. It showed up in the way the course was presented.

This is all very well, but what about keeping up to date with what is happening to improve career skills via some intellectual pursuit? Are you going to tell me that you can simply ‘Google’ the required knowledge or you can get it on Wikipedia? What about AI? Is it going to be the way of the future?

A recent experience of mine points clearly that the ‘garbage in, garbage out’ system is still very much in play in the digital world. I was given a report compiled by a ‘consultant’ to a local council on a turf related matter. The first thing that struck me on page one was a disclaimer that the knowledge conveyed in the report might not be perfect and if any damage, loss etc... was experienced in applying this report, he was not liable. When you see this you know instinctively that the consultant probably does not have professional indemnity insurance or that he is just mimicking the ploys of the medical industry – ‘We take all care but no responsibility’. It should immediately set off the alarm bells.

If you think that this is a little strange, it gets worse. At the end of the report is a list of scientific papers from highly regarded scientific

journals (like Crop Science) supposedly related to the topic of the report. The only problem is that when you check them out, they do not exist! What I suspect is that this consultant has used AI to prepare the report and that it has come up with garbage. So where does this leave you?

What about upgrading your qualifications at TAFE or one of the other courses being provided in the industry. As far as one particular TAFE is concerned there has been a steady decline in the quality of the offerings since the powers that be made the decision that all trade level courses could only be taught by qualified tradespersons. University graduates were unwelcome. This might have appeased some critics, but how do you teach weeds, pests and diseases without some formal scientific training in the area?

Recently I had a conversation about the teaching of the Diploma of Sports Turf Management where it was reported to me that the teacher was making it clear to his class

that if they wanted to pass this subject they had to have these specific answers. This is not educating students to think about situations and to sum up the evidence and on this basis make a decision. This is the teacher saying ‘This is the decision, and if you don’t know it then you will fail’. The screamingly obvious difference between the two scenarios makes one ask, ‘Which one do you want?’

A THIRST FOR IMPROVEMENT

The second but very much related topic I call is ‘Where are the invisible men?’ By this I mean to highlight the big gap which has opened up between superintendents of the recent past 30 years and the current crop of superintendents. What is at the root of this division?

There seems to have been a big swing to an idea that the font of all wisdom for turf is the USA. I was completely stripped of this idea when I visited the USA for the first time in 1973; yes, 52 years ago! What I learned then and what I know still applies is that Australia

Machinery Designed By And For Turf Care Experts

Peter McMaugh AM (third from left) at the 1989 International Turfgrass Research Conference, the first one held in Japan. McMaugh is sat between US turf research giants Drs Jim Watson and Jim Beard

produces some of the best prepared courses in the world at a fraction of the cost that many USA clubs pay.

If what you learn from your placements in programmes such as Ohio State University is that you want to present club golfers with greens cut at 2mm and fairways at 6mm as a routine, then you are living in a land of delusion. The average club golfer does not have the skills to enjoy a round of golf under this kind of presentation. If you persist in giving the club golfer professional Tour standards, you will create a lot of disharmony.

If you want to earn the respect of your members and get the acknowledgement of the recent ‘International Thank a Superintendent Day’, then you have to listen to what the members want and not what the few elite golfers claim is needed.

There is a big danger in any educational programme that deludes the participants into thinking they are Einstein. Any course that doesn’t show you clearly what you don’t know as well as what you do know is not achieving a good balanced outcome.

I applaud the courage of the group of Victorian superintendents who recently attended the 2025 ITRC in Japan. This shows a real thirst for professional improvement. No doubt some of the presentations on cell physiology were a bit heavy, but by all reports it was a very positive experience into new territory for all of them.

By way of a role model just look at Dr Brett Morris’s career path (who is now working for The R&A’s Sustainable Agronomy team in the Asia-Pacific region) and you can see what real curiosity and dedication can achieve. One of the great things about Dr Morris, who was elected as a director of the International Turfgrass Society at the Japan ITRC, is that he understood when to ask questions and seek

advice. Fortunately he had a superb tutor in Dr Peter Martin (University of Sydney). Peter represents a time when real research was going on in Australia and his contributions to the Australian Turf Research Institute over many years were monumental.

There is no reason why the gifted and curious superintendents cannot follow a career path like Dr Morris’s. Indeed a few brave souls have gone down the PhD pathway. But once they have achieved that goal and the personal satisfaction that that brings with it, where are the ongoing career opportunities?

URGENT NEED FOR RESEARCH

Historically the major sporting codes in Australia have been very reluctant to support true permanent research programmes. Every research centre in Australia has failed because their support bases have withdrawn financial support, leading to collapse of these valuable enterprises. Not even the simplest ways of attracting long-term finance will still not get them to face their responsibilities.

If the major codes and associations are too mean to support a major turfgrass research thrust in Australia, maybe as a start they could look at the possibility of scholarship support packages for talented individuals to pursue their dreams. Maybe the codes can find places within their structures to find permanent or at least long-term employment when they graduate.

There seems to be plenty of space for welfare advisors about players’ mental and physical fitness, but what about the safety of the fields on which they ply their trade? It is time for a big rethink across all government levels and all sporting codes to address these issues in a constructive way. Put some real dollars where they will get the most beneficial return at all levels of sport.

So what has all this got to do with the yawning gap that I see between current superintendents and the immediate past ones? Inherent in this is a lack of the knowledge of the history of turf maintenance and the development of turfgrass science in Australia. How can you respect or revere something you don’t know about?

From my perspective this comes down to whether you feel you can learn something from past history or whether you consider it irrelevant. Regardless of this, I can be certain that I would not have achieved a smidgeon of what I have if I did not have a dedication to understanding past achievement through a thorough knowledge of the literature.

Another major problem for turfgrass science in Australia is that the real collective wisdom of both the past and current research trends lies with a generation of researchers who are all in the category of advanced age. Where is the replacement cohort?

As John Neylan points out, there is an attitude within sporting bodies that they deserve free everything from the government. When the major sporting codes of football and cricket deliberately will not address the lack of research reporting needed for long term sustainability there is something gravely wrong. All that is needed here is for a cause champion, a ‘white knight’, to affectively champion the case. After all, that was all it took for the USGA Green Section to grow into the powerhouse for research that it is today.

I can only hope that my thoughts provoke some action, somewhere, whether at superintendent level or at administration level. In saying this though, I do wish to say a very big and heartfelt thank you to every superintendent and curator in Australia and I hope that the 9 September international day of recognition saw your efforts applauded.

Historically, the major sporting codes in Australia have been reluctant to support true turfgrass research programmes. It is time to put some real dollars where they will get the most beneficial return at all levels of sport

Understanding past achievement through a thorough knowledge of turfgrass literature is critical

Magenta Shores reaps rewards of John Deere conversion

Designed by Ross Watson, Magenta Shores is an 18-hole championship course ranked #33 in Golf Australia’s Top 100. Nestled on a pristine peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and Tuggerah Lake, its fast-draining, sand-based layout ensures year-round playability. The course spans 35 hectares, complemented by a further 11 hectares of native vegetation. A dedicated team of nine full-time staff and three casuals maintain the bent grass greens and Santa Ana couch fairways, with a mix of Santa Ana and fescues shaping the roughs.

Superintendent James Newell’s career has given him a unique understanding of the precision required to maintain a top-tier course. He spent his childhood hitting balls around the family farm on the North Island of New Zealand and later played pennant and competition golf, before a greenkeeping apprenticeship led to work on some of the sport’s most famous courses.

Arriving in the early days of the Club, before it opened for play in 2006, James could see Magenta Shores was an amazing golf course.

“It’s a very large property in an incredible location right next to the Pacific Ocean, so there’s a serious amount of grass and sand,” James said.

In November 2020, Magenta Shores started a shed conversion to John Deere, starting with the 220 E-Cut™ Hybrid Walk Greens Mower and Gators™, and James Newell was ‘super impressed’ with the 220s.

“The quality of cut for our greens was excellent and I loved how well it hugged and highlighted our contours. One of the challenges for us here is the undulations, which are pretty strong in some spots.

“The next addition to the shed was the tractor, the 4066R, and then fairway mowers and our GPS equipment, including a ProGator™ GPS Precision Sprayer, followed by the 8000A E-Cut Hybrid fairway mower and 7500A PrecisionCut™ fairway mower.”

Integrated with the machinery is the management system, John Deere Operations Center™ PRO Golf, which has boosted operator efficiency, workplace and machine management, and precision spraying.

Magenta Shores’ team.

Coming from a farming background in New Zealand, James wasn’t afraid to use technology.

“It was a no-brainer. GPS Units and PRO Golf reduces human error because we can send programs and applications to the machines and avoid miscommunication.

“Being able to run reports from the sprayer to check what’s going out is fantastic. We’re saving on spray by only hitting the areas we need to hit, and saving fuel and wear on machines because of reduced hours, so the whole operation becomes more sustainable.” James Newell

James regularly enjoys playing a round on the course to see firsthand what the team is achieving and already has his wish list for a new batch of machinery.

“Members and visitors are very grateful and happy with what we do at Magenta Shores,” he said.

“We’re probably aiming to buy a couple of tractors first and then the next thing will be the electric walkers, and we will need to look at the Triplex mower at some point.”

“At the end of the day, the quality we produce is helped by John Deere equipment.”

The

Issues with newly constructed or reconstructed sportsturf surfaces always arise when shortcuts are taken and quality assurance processes are compromised

balances Checks and

ATM columnist John Forrest writes on the importance of material testing and quality assurance in sports turf construction projects to ensure consistency and successful delivery of the end product.

The demand for sports turf surfaces in Perth, Western Australia, continues to grow, driven by steady population increases (an estimated 920,000 more people between 2018 and 2025). As older suburbs undergo infill housing and outer suburbs continue to expand, the pressure on sportsturf facilities has intensified. Golf’s resurgence has added to this strain, with few new courses being built and several long-established ones closing, including West Aviat (2005), Burswood (2013), Rose Hill (2015) and Glen Iris (2020).

This growing demand and increased pressure on surfaces has led to extensive reconstruction work on golf courses and sports ovals, often commissioned by local governments either in new developments or

as upgrades to existing facilities struggling to meet usage needs.

Unfortunately, there have been several projects which have encountered issues –such as rootzone profiles containing rocks and stones or inconsistent soil amendment depths – that compromise the final surface. Once these flaws are in place, accountability becomes murky and rectification can be costly. Moreover, debris in the soil profile limits the safe use of renovation equipment, increasing the risk of damage.

Many of the problems arising can be minimised by having proper checks and balances in place, but this often exposes broader industry challenges. Budgets are frequently tested once construction begins, and when funds tighten, cost-cutting can take

place with quality assurance measures often among the first casualties.

HOLD POINTS AND MILESTONES

One of the most essential components of any construction project is the use of ‘hold points’ and ‘milestones’. Hold points are established to verify that the required standard has been met in a specific part of the project. Work cannot proceed beyond this point without the approval of the person delegated to complete this process. These standards must align with the project’s scope of works and be backed by sufficient funding to ensure proper oversight.

For example, in a sports turf construction project, once the sub-base is installed to the specified depth and level, it must be checked to ensure tolerances are within

PHOTO: NEARMAP

specification before the rootzone materials are added. It is then the responsibility of the person or company that has signed off that compliance has been met. Methodology and measurements should be recorded and signed off to verify compliance, with such documentation providing assurance that the agreed, costed process is being followed.

Hold points help ensure that standards are met in order to complete each milestone. For instance, the milestone in the above instance would be the completion of the subbase installation and its levelling, with the hold point being the checking that it is within specification before moving on to the next phase of the project.

The scope of works serves as the defining document of the project, detailing tasks, deliverables, timelines and demarcation of responsibilities. It serves as a process or path for the project and therefore needs to be clear and concise so that all parties involved understand their requirements. It also helps to ensure compliance at every step.

MATERIAL SAMPLING

The majority of new turf surfaces in Western Australia are sand-based constructions to a depth of 300mm. Generally, in the metropolitan area, it is built over a well-drained natural sand sub-base. On occasion, the site may be situated on alluvial soil that drains slowly, introducing additional complexity as surface drainage is required.

Perched water table constructions are often used at high-end facilities, however, for many others the cost of installing this type of design can be a limiting factor. As many sites in WA are already sand-based, it is essential to first look at the existing profile to determine whether it can be reused. Often, sports

grounds are among the last considerations when evaluating a redevelopment project. In contrast, a holistic approach that considers the impact of surrounding amenities on the playing surface is likely to be more effective.

Before design begins, material testing is required. Given the demands on sand resources these days, such testing is essential. We test materials for a variety of reasons – to meet a construction specification; to identify suitable topdressing sands; to diagnose problems; to understand the performance of the sand we have in our profile; and to benchmark performance to develop a management plan (Ernie Gmehling, Ground Science, Pers. Comm.)

When developing the scope of works, allowing adequate time for testing is necessary. This requires an understanding of the testing needed, the timeframe for submitting samples to the laboratory, reporting the analysis and guidance on interpreting the results. It is surprising how common it is that soils are dropped off without proper understanding of how long it will take for the results to be available. The testing laboratory must also have proven capability and experience to ensure results are reliable.

Unfortunately, what we often see with many projects is the failure to allow adequate time for this phase of the project. This can become a problem when a material does not meet the specification and a frantic search is undertaken for a suitable alternative. Sourcing and testing a new sand takes time and it is unlikely that the laboratory will have time to conduct testing immediately given they will likely be working on other projects.

As many turf managers who have undertaken recent construction projects will attest, sand suitable for sports turf use is an increasingly scarce resource and not just any sand will do. Important characteristics of the sand include particle size distribution (PSD), porosity, bulk density, particle shape, stability and hydraulic conductivity under compaction. It is important therefore in tender documents to include provisions for re-sampling and re-testing when compliance issues arise.

CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATION

The USGA specification is regularly used in golf course constructions, with set parameters outlining particle size distribution. These represent percentages of various ranges within the specification and include;

l ‘Fine gravels’ and ‘very coarse sand’ to be less than 10% of the sample;

l ‘Coarse sand’ and ‘medium sand’ greater than 60% of the sample;

l ‘Fine sand’ to be less than 20% of the sample.

l ‘Very fine sand’, ‘Silt and clay’ combined not to be less than 10% of the sample

l Particles of less than 0.05mm to be less than 5% of the sample.

Deviation from these parameters can lead to serious performance issues. Too many coarse particles can lead to a droughty surface

Rootzone profiles containing rocks and stones or inconsistent soil amendment depths can compromise the final surface. Once in place, rectification can be costly

An example of the results when poor soil selection is combined with high salinity irrigation water

that may not be stable. Root systems will struggle to develop and the surface may be susceptible to moving.

There are also occasions where amendments are added to the top 100mm to 150mm. These amendments retain more water, but when the subsoil is dry the loss of moisture retention occurs. Over time, the roots remain predominantly in the top of the profile. It has been observed in racecourses that the profile has shifted at the interface between amended topsoil and a rounded sub-base. When a strong root system binds the amended topsoil, stability is maintained. However, below, where moisture is low, stability is lost and the track moves.

Too many fines can lead to a hard surface that may not drain quickly enough and in the case of active sports present a surface that is too hard and where water pools, even in low rainfall events. A lack of variation in particle size, from fine to medium to coarse sand, can create a surface that does not lock together and is susceptible to movement that may cause root shearing. Particle size distribution, particle shape and texture, compaction level, moisture retention and amendments (both organic and artificial) all influence stability.

SAMPLING METHODS

How material samples are collected is essential for the integrity and accuracy of the results. The target is to get a representative sample. A specification is required for suppliers to supply sand/soil that meets the project’s requirements. Selection is based on a small fraction of sand being used. Based on the sampling, several outcomes are required –repeatability, consistency and confidence.

Taking a sample can be challenging as the distribution of particles can be affected by a phenomenon known as ‘stockpile segregation’. This can be influenced by several factors including gravity, rain, wind, heat and vibration. Correct sampling methods will ensure that your tests accurately reflect the material, rather than just what has accumulated at the bottom of a stockpile. Here are some rules to follow…

l Where possible, use a loader to create a sub-pile for sampling. Flatten the top of the pile to create a platform for sampling.

l Take 10 samples to make up a composite sample. An aggregate sampling tool can be used by pushing it into the stockpile and twisting 180 degrees. Take 20 subsamples to make a composite sample.

l On a clean surface, pile the composite into a cone and flatten the top of the cone. Divide the pile into quarters, discard two quarters diagonally and combine the remaining two quarters (see diagram above). Repeat until the desired sample volume is achieved (approx. 3-3.5kg).

Avoid doing the following:

l Take one shovel/hand/scoopful and call it a sample;

l Sample from the foot of the stockpile;

l Sample from the face of the stockpile; and

l Combine material from two separate stockpiles.

When sampling out in the field, be sure to take the sample for the section of the soil core that you are interested in. If you send the whole core to the lab, they will mix the layers unless otherwise told. Organics will generally be in the top 50mm to 100mm. Combine material from two separate holes from the same depth if you need more material.

INDUSTRY NEEDS

If possible, a registry of suppliers that have sand suitable for sports turf construction and topdressing would greatly assist clients and contractors. If suppliers had a current analysis of their products compared to the USGA specification, it would be beneficial for all involved in what can be a challenging and

time-consuming process. Testing would still be required by an independent agronomist as part of the scope of works, including hold points and milestones, however, it would streamline the process in terms of timelines and costs.

There is also the need for scope of works documents that are clear in their requirements, assisting both client and contractor. The outcome required is to provide the client with the best possible turf surface to meet the sporting demands that prompted the facility’s construction or reconstruction.

It is unacceptable that sports ovals contain rocks that impact the client’s ability to maintain the turf surface at the required standard, something we have seen in one redevelopment over in WA in recent times as the photos within this article graphically show. Soil profiles and amendments need to be installed at the depth outlined in the scope of works, and if it is not, then a hold point should ensure that construction does not continue until non-compliance is rectified.

Ensuring adequate material sampling and testing is carried out prior to construction is a critical phase of any project. In this example, the soil selected was too fine, resulting in a raft of surface issues post-construction

Diagram showing the correct methodology for taking a sample from a sand stockpile

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ATM columnist Kate Torgersen details some of the fantastic environmental and sustainability initiatives being employed on golf courses across the Tasman.

Following a recent trip to New Zealand, the timing couldn’t be better to reflect on both my visit and the impressive environmental management initiatives underway there. What started as a planned holiday quickly turned into a work trip once I discovered the NZ Golf Industry Council’s ‘Whole of Golf Conference’, themed ‘Leading Change: Transforming Golf for the Future’, was being held in Auckland right around my travel dates.

As I looked through the conference program, the session that caught my eye was ‘Golf is Green’, an initiative run by Auckland City Council. I was surprised I hadn’t heard about the program before, which really highlighted to me how easily valuable initiatives can sometimes fly under the radar. It’s a reminder of the importance of finding better ways to share and promote these kinds of projects across our industry so they receive the recognition they deserve.

Attending the session and hearing directly from Izabel Joshi, senior partnerships specialist at Auckland City Council, was a highlight. Her presentation provided valuable insight into how the program is helping

to drive environmental outcomes while strengthening the connection between golf and the wider community.

WHAT IS ‘GOLF IS GREEN’?

A collaboration between Auckland Golf and Auckland City Council, with support from the Department of Conservation (DOC), North Golf and other organisations, Golf is Green embarked on a mission to support T maki Makaurau (Auckland) golf clubs in their environmental journeys. The focus of the project is on improving the environmental outcomes across 2000 hectares of green space in both the city and on islands.

The project aims to help clubs manage their operations in a sustainable way. This includes reducing pests, boosting native plant and animal life and improving water management on their land. Clubs will also be supported in tracking and reporting their sustainability efforts and in sharing these efforts with their members and the community.

The project will connect clubs with experts who can offer advice, resources and funding. It will build a network of clubs that support and celebrate each other’s conservation work and create opportunities for club members and

the wider golf community to get involved in sustainability initiatives.

The collaborative project so far has brought together 22 golf courses and their neighbouring communities to connect these green spaces with collective care for the environment. “Our ultimate goal is to see all of Auckland’s 36 golf courses join this initiative,” says Joshi, who doubles as the Golf is Green project manager. “We hope to see more collaboration with the communities surrounding those green oases.”

Auckland City Council isn’t just providing funding or guidance; it’s actively partnering with participating golf clubs across the region. It has designed an Ecological Enhancement Plan for golf clubs, a roadmap which outlines resource-efficient pest reduction strategies and practical habitat restoration programmes with local communities, schools and community groups being involved.

The approach encourages a shared responsibility with Auckland City Council leading the way, showcasing what’s possible through the Golf is Green initiative, while the clubs finance the necessary tools and trees.

The real heroes of the project are the volunteers who roll up their sleeves on

planting days and conservation projects. This collaborative spirit ensures everyone wins – the environment, the communities and the golf clubs themselves. It is motivating to see a council working alongside golf clubs to strengthen their environmental practices.

SANCTUARY SUCCESS

After the conference, I was fortunate enough to visit a couple of New Zealand’s premier golfing establishments, with my first stop Tara Iti. What trip to New Zealand nowadays doesn’t include a visit to Tara Iti? Just a 100km drive up the coast from Auckland, it’s easy to see why the pine forests were snapped up and have now being transformed into a world-class golf tourism destination.

The weather gods were on my side when I woke to a bright, sunny day. At Tara Iti, I met director of courses Brian Palmer who, along with his team, couldn’t have been more welcoming. Brian greeted me at the clubhouse with a hole changer in one hand and a backpack full of accessories and off we went, walking the back nine while changing holes, discussing turf management, revegetation, the industry and life in general.

It didn’t take long to notice something different – no utilities buzzing around the course. Brian explained that all staff walk the course to change holes, rake bunkers and carry out tasks. Not only does it reduce wear and tear, it’s also more environmentally friendly and, for me, it was the perfect way to really experience the course at walking pace instead of in a cart.

Most people head to Tara Iti for the golf. Don’t get me wrong, that was a big draw for me too, but what really captured my attention was its ‘sanctuary’. It’s a true demonstration as to how golf and conservation can work hand in hand for the environment. At first glance, Tara Iti is known as one of the world’s most exclusive golf courses. But beyond the manicured playing surfaces, a movement taking place in conservation is underway.

This region is unusually rich in nationally threatened species, from rare plants to

shorebirds, making both the challenges and opportunities immense. In response, Tara Iti and the Trust have implemented extensive predator control across the 616-hectare property, enhanced habitats, explored wetland restoration and partnered with universities on research.

Their long-term goal is to expand predator control across more than 10,000ha, working with surrounding landholders and the local community, with stage one already creating an additional 5500ha of safe habitat.

One of the sanctuary’s most visible successes is the New Zealand dotterel program. Each breeding season, these threatened shorebirds return to nest in the sandy bunkers of the course. Staff, members, caddies and greenkeepers all contribute by reporting nests, which are then protected and monitored by the club’s conservation manager. This shared responsibility has helped foster a culture of care across the club community.

The conservation focus extends well beyond the course boundary as well. With funding from Auckland City Council, the Rodney Local Board and the Northland Regional Council, the Trust is establishing a predator-free buffer zone stretching from Mangawhai to Pakiri North.

Education and engagement are central pillars of the project which includes working with local schools and establishing a pilot program training students in predator control to help build a long-term capacity for conservation. Members and residents have also joined in, supporting fundraising efforts, assisting with trapping and volunteering for bird counts.

To measure progress, The Shorebirds Trust has partnered with universities to operate a long-term monitoring program, surveying

In 2020, Tara Iti, together with The Shorebirds Trust, launched the ‘Te Arai Sanctuary’, an ambitious project to restore coastal biodiversity and protect endangered species, such as the dotterel (left) and variable oystercatcher (above) along one of New Zealand’s most fragile coastlines

As much as it has become a bucket list golf destination for many, behind the scenes New Zealand’s Tara Iti Golf Club is playing a critical role in the protection of endangered native shorebird species

PHOTO: KATE TORGERSEN

vegetation, habitats and bird populations. This growing dataset will guide future decisions and provide a clear picture of the sanctuary’s success over time.

For many, Tara Iti will always be a bucket list golf destination. But increasingly, it is becoming something more – a model of how golf, community and conservation can work together. This is another example of an initiative that deserves to be celebrated not just within golf but across the wider community. Sharing stories like this helps challenge the misconception that golf is harmful to the environment. Those of us within the industry know the positive impact we’re making, now it’s time to share that message more widely.

ROYAL RECOGNITION

My final stop of the trip was Royal Wellington Golf Club where I was warmly welcomed by course manager and Kiwi industry icon John Spraggs. From the outset, I knew it was going to be a memorable visit. Bundled up in layers (Wellington’s weather certainly lived up to its reputation), we set out on foot with course superintendent Sam Keats to see firsthand the many projects and accomplishments the team has delivered.

What struck me immediately was the sense of space. In the middle of a highly populated area, the course still feels expansive, with bushland pockets, flowing creeks and the beautiful Hutt River alongside several holes.

John and Sam’s passion was clear. They spoke with pride about the environmental work undertaken at Royal Wellington, which has earned the club numerous national and international awards, as well as GEO and

Audubon certification. The course itself tells the story – newly designed creek systems that improve water flow and mitigate flooding, replanting with native species, more than 60 beehives and bushwalks that showcase and protect some of the oldest trees on site.

Involving the members has been a huge success, including a trapping program, launched with guidance from the Greater Wellington Regional Council and DOC, which saw 70 traps purchased by members overnight. The results have been clear – a sharp rise in native birdlife such as Tui, Kereru, Piwakawaka and even hawks and falcons along the streams. Other member donations have allowed the club to purchase and re-wild areas with native species.

Royal Wellington is not just a golf club –it’s an environmental leader, a place that truly deserves recognition and celebration for its ongoing commitment to sustainability.

What really struck me during my trip to New Zealand wasn’t just the size of the projects, but the people driving them –councils, clubs, communities and volunteers all pulling in the same direction to protect and restore the environment. For me, working in this space, it was inspiring to see just how much progress was happening there.

The challenge now is to keep telling these stories, learning from them and encouraging more clubs to step up so that golf everywhere can continue to be a force for good in the environment.

The environmental work undertaken at Royal Wellington has earned the club numerous national and international awards as well as GEO and Audubon certification

Each breeding season, dotterels return to nest in the sandy bunkers of the Tara Iti course. Staff, members, caddies and greenkeepers report the nests which are then protected and monitored by the club’s conservation manager

difference Making a

For this edition’s industry leadership profile, Ben Gibson catches up with Forster Tuncurry Golf Club superintendent Mark Spraggs.

The ‘Spraggs’ family name is synonymous with greenkeeping on both sides of the Tasman.

John Spraggs, who was recently bestowed life membership of the New Zealand Golf Course Superintendents Association, has devoted more than five decades to the cause, including the past two as superintendent at Royal Wellington Golf Club. The apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree either, with sons Mark, Brendan and Matthew embracing a love for golf and also following in their father’s footsteps with successful careers in turf management.

For the eldest of the Spraggs brothers, Mark (38), that career has certainly taken him far afield. After serving his formative days under the tutelage of his old man at Hutt Golf Club, just north of Wellington, at 18 he moved out of home and joined the construction and grow-in team at one of New Zealand’s most talked about courses – Kinloch. From there he spread his wings further and took up an

internship through The Ohio Program, landing at the famed Pine Valley.

In 2009, the journey continued when he ventured across the Ditch to Sydney and in the 16 years since has worked his way up the ranks, taking his first superintendent posting at Club Taree before moving to the Tuncurry course at Forster Tuncurry Golf Club where he has been for the past six years.

Being a regional superintendent means being very hands on, something which Spraggs has never been one to shy away from. Despite a challenging past 12 months for the NSW Mid North Coast course, he has led his team with aplomb and helped to oversee a number of improvements which have helped to bring the course back into the conversation among the top 100 tracks in the country. Ahead of a new season, we caught up with Mark to look back on his career journey, some of the lessons he has learned and how he approaches the challenge of managing both his course and his crew…

How did you end up in turf? Did you choose turf or did it choose you? Turf chose me! My dad (John Spraggs) was/is a golf course superintendent with the backyard of the house we lived in effectively the 12th green of his course. On school holidays, to earn extra money, my brothers and I would be in the lakes collecting golf balls. We would be out on the course helping with painting or stick clean up following a wild weather event, and if we weren’t doing that we would be out having a hit.

I was never one that saw myself confined to an office cubicle or serving behind a counter – I was and am always outdoors tinkering with something. The superintendent role has changed over the years, with the amount of office work required now forcing me into the office more, but I always make sure that once a day I am out on the property at some stage enjoying the fresh air.

Tell us about your journey in turf management and how you ended up at Forster Tuncurry Golf Club? I started my apprenticeship as a 15-year-old. I was young but I knew what I wanted to do. An apprenticeship became available at a small

Forster Tuncurry Golf Club boasts two 18-hole courses, with the Tuncurry layout 15km north of the township located on the coast. Pictured is the 5th

Spraggs, pictured far right, at the 2018 AGCSA Golf Championship at Royal Wellington GC with father and superintendent John (second from right) and WA supers (from left) Idris Evans and Callum Hitching

MARK SPRAGGS – CAREER

2019-present: Forster Tuncurry GC (superintendent, Tuncurry course)

2013-2019: Taree GC (superintendent)

2012-2013: Forster Tuncurry GC (2IC) 2009-2012: Elanora CC (qualified greenkeeper into foreman)

2008-2009: The Ohio Program, USA (Pine Valley and Sea Island)

2006-2008: Kinloch Resort, NZ (construction/grow-in – construction into irrigation technician)

2002-2006: Hutt GC, NZ (apprentice)

nine-hole golf course that ran along the border of Dad’s course (these courses have since amalgamated and done a full rebuild, calling themselves Boulcotts Farm Heritage Golf Club). I started there briefly and after a few months was asked if I wanted to move to the 18-hole course (Hutt Golf Club) and work under dad. I did that but no sooner had I started there he moved up the road to Royal Wellington so I completed my apprenticeship under the late, great Brett Burgess.

Upon completing my apprenticeship, a new course five hours north just outside of Taupo was about to start construction. Kinloch was to be the first Jack Nicklaus ‘signature’ course in New Zealand so the thought of getting involved and learning about everything from the ground up to grow-in really piqued my interest. At the time I was just 18, had just completed my apprenticeship and was moving away on my own. It was a massive step outside of my comfort zone but I knew the opportunity to do that sort of work wouldn’t come around very often.

Kinloch was arguably the toughest job I’ve had but also the most satisfying seeing the results once completed. If you ever get the opportunity to be involved in a construction/ grow-in project, take it – you learn so much more than you think you ever will and it’s where you learn quickly about troubleshooting. When I started there, the earthmoving contractors had only completed the shaping of one hole. I got to watch the whole thing transform from farmland to being named the greatest golf course outside North America to open in 2009.

After the front nine was seeded and growing in, I got involved in the irrigation installation of the back nine holes as shaping was taking place. Everything I know now about soil, drainage and water came from my time at Kinloch. My last day there was the same day Nicklaus visited and officially opened the course for play.

During my time there, we had a lot of international greenkeepers come over to help with the construction and grow-in. The project was led by Steve Marsden who also had a lot of international experience and throughout my time with these guys and after years of being away from the turf game I wanted to get back into presenting quality surfaces.

Luke Partridge, who is now with Nuturf in Adelaide, was a flatmate at the time and he had spoken about The Ohio Program and its many benefits. He gave me program manager Mike O’Keeffe’s details and the next thing you know I am heading to America!

I had just turned 21 and thought that after a gruelling couple of years in the trenches I could enjoy the presentation side of things again – how wrong I was! I was placed

at Pine Valley Golf Club working for then superintendent Rick Christian and his assistant Adam Wilkins who is now head of agronomy. I didn’t really know much about the property because I hadn’t seen the course on the PGA Tour or in golf magazines, but it soon dawned on me why Pine Valley was ranked (and still is) in the top one or two in the world every year.

We worked hard at Pine Valley. An 80-hour week felt like a holiday after you’d cracked the ton the previous week – you certainly knew you had done a good week’s work. It was amazing the detail that went into every little bit of the property. I spent nine months there before heading south to complete my internship at Sea Island in Southern Georgia. There are seven golf courses on the island all run by the same company and I was fortunate to land a spot on the Seaside course under Ryan Cox which hosted a PGA Tour event.

After my time was up in America, I went back home to New Zealand. Nothing much had changed and the weather was awful so I looked for jobs in Australia. Elanora Country Club in Sydney was looking for a qualified staff member and I had heard of then superintendent Dan Cook during my time in the US. I moved over and began working on the crew, picking the brains of the senior management team and learning a lot. When Leon Hennessy went to Cromer Golf Club, I was fortunate enough to join the management team as foreman.

Following a couple of years with Dan and the team and after the birth of my son, I found getting ahead financially was tough. My partner at the time had family in the Forster area and when the assistant superintendent role at Forster Tuncurry Golf Club came up the timing was perfect to move my little family north. Forster Tuncurry is a little coastal town about three hours north of Sydney and is a perfect spot to bring up the kids. The club is unique in that it has two 18-hole courses – the Forster course, which is located within the Forster township, and the Tuncurry course, which is about 15km north.

I was the assistant under Craig Maxwell for a year before the superintendent role came up at Taree Golf Club. Taree is a 30-minute commute from Forster and I would spend six years there. As a first-time superintendent, it was a perfect opportunity to improve the facility and also undertake trials and do certain things outside the public eye of a big course. It was a great time to learn about managing staff, budgets and capital turnover programs and I was also fortunate enough to also be put through my Diploma in Sports Turf Management at Ryde TAFE while there.

Tuncurry, however, was always the course I wanted. There was so much potential on a piece of land that financially had not

LEADERSHIP

been given the love it deserved. When the superintendent role came up here in 2019 I knew I could make a difference and with my team we have certainly done that.

What is at the top of your priority list as a superintendent? From a personal perspective, creating a better work-life balance. As all superintendents know it can be hard switching off, especially when your turf doesn’t switch off over summer! From a workplace perspective it would be increasing member and visitor satisfaction. We are always aiming to present a better product. Knowing we have budget/ financial restraints to work within, my priority is to improve our offering while also managing a dedicated and engaged team.

What size team do you have at Tuncurry? Including myself and the mechanic, the number of full-time employees is eight. In summer we look at extra casuals for the morning setup (four hours) which enables my team to stay ahead of golf. The unique thing about the Tuncurry course is that we only have nature around us on all sides, so making noise is not a problem. This season, however, we will go without casuals based on the loss of revenue during the floods we have endured across the past 12 months.

As mentioned, our business is very unique in that we have the two courses in separate locations. Ben Norton-Smith is superintendent of the Forster course and we have a great working relationship. We have our own assets, however, we do share our renovation equipment. If we have large tournaments or charity days, staff can go to either course to help build numbers to achieve certain tasks. We can transfer golf carts from one side to the other if requirements are there but generally we are on our own turf.

The hardest part is keeping ‘noise’ away from our staff. Membership gives you access to both courses and with 1600 members it’s inevitable that someone will always have something negative to say about either site which is usually directed to the guys on the other side of that problem. Ben and I meet up regularly to control any of that.

What does great leadership mean to you? Leading by example and giving back. I like to think I am a hands-on superintendent that will get in the trenches and do the tough jobs with the team, but will also support my staff in their goals and provide training in areas they want more knowledge in.

Who has influenced your career and how? Everyone I have worked for has in some way influenced my career. Dad has always been the main support and someone who if I ever have a question I know I can go to, but over the years the likes of Brett Burgess, Steve

Marsden, Rick Christian, Ryan Cox, Dan Cook and Craig Maxwell have all left their mark as well. On top of that I put Luke Partridge there for giving me the idea to go overseas and Glenn Gibson-Smith who was a travel mate in America and someone who I can call and throw ideas back and forth with.

Craig Jones from Living Turf has worked alongside me with analytical information right from when I got my first superintendent posting, while the guys who were at Elanora when I first arrived in Australia – Leon Hennessy, Jake Gibbs and Mark Ward – were great for imparting their wisdom on warmseason grasses which were new to me at the time.

What is the biggest mistake you have made and what did you learn from it? The worst was one Sunday afternoon at Kinloch. A few of us were in running irrigation cycles as the seed was germinating. We’d had a couple of beers the night before. Running heads automatically,

For the first time in 20 years, the Tuncurry course returned to Australian Golf Digest’s Top 100 Australian Golf Courses list with conditioning among its highest criterion. Pictured is the 17th

A key focus at Tuncurry in recent times has been instituting a thorough vegetation management program which has helped to open up playing lines. Pictured is the 15th

Spraggs has a full time crew of eight to maintain the Tuncurry course

I sat down to watch the cycle run through and fell asleep. I was woken by the team leader who reported it to Steve (Marsden) and the next morning I copped the biggest spray of my life. As an 18-year-old kid it was the kick in the butt I needed.

As an aside, later that week I was running heads through the handhelds and instead of turning on 6 fairway I turned on 16 fairway by mistake… guess who happened to be on the 16th at the time? Yes, Steve! We laugh about it nowadays, but it was something I had never done before and something I now teach to my apprentices and casuals – focus all your energy into work while you’re on site and leave all outside noise as you come through the gate.

What do you feel your biggest career achievement is and why? On a personal level, it would be receiving the NSWGCSA’s Outstanding Achievement Award in 2020, but collectively as a team I would say it is getting Tuncurry back into the Top 100 golf courses in the country. From not being ranked for many years, Australian Golf Digest had us at 97 in the 2024/2025 rankings, with ‘conditioning’

listed as our best criterion. In their comments, Digest noted: “The last time the Tuncurry course ranked in our Top 100, John Howard was Prime Minister, Phil Mickelson was yet to win a major and Minjee Lee was 7 years old. March 2004 feels like a long time ago, yet it’s a richly deserved return for the coastal New South Wales layout after an extensive renovation that focused on its significant array of coastal vegetation.”

When I arrived here I knew we had a nice piece of land to work with. Once we created our vegetation management program we were able to open up the playing lines and get the course back to where it deserved to be. This stems from all the hard work of everyone at our club as well as our course architect Craig Parry. It was 20 years since Tuncurry was last on that Top 100 list and is a great achievement knowing that we have done it with a really limited budget, minimal staff and some of the oldest pieces of equipment around.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges facing the turf industry at the moment and what action is needed? For me,

Breakthrough Thatch Control

this year it has been the weather. We have not been able to play a full 18 holes at Tuncurry since May. The weather has been relentless and we have already notched up more than 2m of rain to the end of September.

It started in May with a big East Coast Low that dumped 500mm in 48 hours which was nothing compared to our neighbours up north in Taree. Those floods caused widespread damage not only from the amount of rainfall but also from lifting the water table. In certain areas, the Tuncurry course sits just a metre above sea level (we are a few hundred metres from the coastline). In addition to the rain, a series of king tides around 1.8m-2m high meant the water table was at capacity. Given we have a full sand profile with next to no drainage on the property, water started to rapidly pool in expansive areas and restricted access to large parts of the course.

Even now (end of September), we have still not been able to open a full 18 holes due to water sitting on top of the ground. We were initially able to open a composite course of nine holes, then 13, 16 and just recently 18, but some of those are shortened

LEADERSHIP

and directional signs are in place for traffic. Needless to say the financial impact on the club has been significant.

To help get more golfers out on the course, we resorted to building bridges (pictured below) through and over some of our new ‘water features’. This has been done by using pallets and plyboard, screwing them together and adding anti-slip protection. The members have appreciated this because without access we could have gone months without golf.

Aside from our ongoing weather challenges, from an industry perspective the biggest issue I feel is staff retention and getting good people to go through apprenticeships. As an industry, the award that most clubs work from is not lucrative enough to keep good people or attract enough people. The cost of living is going up 5-10 per cent each year but anyone on wage is getting CPI between 3-5 per cent which doesn’t come close to being even let alone getting ahead. I think for the type of work our staff do and in some of the worst conditions around, it takes its toll on mental health which is becoming increasingly regular. The award needs to change and increase.

I know you and your family have had some challenges recently. How do you juggle the pressures of work, kids, family life and looking after yourself? My wife Crystal is the rock at home. We have four kids, one of whom is on the top end of the spectrum with a form of autism called ‘Fragile X’. We have appointments every other afternoon with him and unfortunately he will not develop to a stage where he will be able to live on his own. The challenging part is that we have our three other kids that need us as well, so our afternoons are busy with school, sport and work. They are getting older (15, 14, 13 and 12) and becoming more independent which is helpful.

I need to be better at leaving work at work, but with the course being just five minutes away, it makes it easy to just “pop in” and have a look. Crystal and I will have dinner with friends once a week and when I am mentally frazzled I have been known to talk to a professional psychologist if I find things are getting away from me. They are very good at clearing a full head, providing perspective and making you realise what’s important.

What is a job outside of the turf industry that you have had and what did you learn from it? I have only had one job outside the turf industry and that was a paper run around our local neighbourhood before I got into greenkeeping. What I learnt from it… don’t let your brother do a morning for you because when he dumps them all in the river they come out at the ocean entrance! That job wasn’t much fun anyway…

Speaking of fun, what do you like to do away from the course? The Forster Tuncurry area has a great lifestyle and we take advantage of it when we can. I love to get the boat out on the water and whether I catch fish or not just take it all in. Crystal and I, when the opportunity presents itself, enjoy a Saturday punt on the horses, otherwise it’s just tinkering around the house.

What is something no one in the turf industry would know about you? During a staff golf day when I was an intern at Pine Valley, I recorded a hole-in-one on the 197yard par three 3rd. This was my second holein-one in my life but given the location it was cause for true celebration.

The assistants, interns and I carried on into the early hours and we rocked up the next morning a little worse for wear. Rick, who was course manager at the time, told us that it was going to get to 100 degrees F (38oC) that day and he wasn’t running heads. Instead we were all to go out with the hoses and hand-water tees and fairways! It was the longest 14 hours of my life, but I would take that anytime to say I got a hole-in-one at the famous Pine Valley!

Finally, any advice for younger staff in the turf industry looking for their next opportunity or building their careers? Stick with it. This industry can kick your butt sometimes, but I promise you will have more good days than bad. Step outside your comfort zone and learn new techniques or strategies because you can never know enough in this industry, especially with new technologies and chemistries continually updating. Be prepared to take a step back to progress. Constructive criticism stings, but we all need it at times and don’t be too proud not to take it. And last but not least… listen and learn.

With more than 2m of rain year-to-date and ongoing water table issues which have resulted in areas of the course staying under water for months, the Tuncurry crew has constructed makeshift bridges to help get golfers around

The Spraggs clan – back row (from left) Ellie, Amelia and Aaron; front row (from left) Mark, Joey and Crystal

ASTMA CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

The ASTMA Certification Program aims to formally recognise the skills of its members and the critical role they play in the sports and recreation industry. We congratulate the following members who have achieved certification and can proudly use the ‘Certified Sports Turf Manager’ designation after their name...

Tim Allen The National Golf, Belgium

Dean Bailey Rosanna GC, Vic

Shane Baker Mosman Park GC, WA

Brett Balloch Anglesea GC, Vic

Ed Barraclough Cardinia Beaconhills GC, Vic

Brenden Benad (Manly GC, NSW)

Nathan Bennett The Royal Adelaide GC, SA

John Berthon St Georges Basin CC, NSW

Justin Bertovic Burwood Council, NSW

Shane Bisseker Tablelands Council, Qld

Leon Blacker (Northbridge GC, NSW)

Robert Bloom Fernland, Qld

Andrew Boyle GTS, Vic

Justin Bradbury Camden GC, NSW

Nathan Bradbury Nuturf, NSW

Harry Brennan Dubbo City Council, NSW

Brendan Brown The Sands, Torquay Vic

Fraser Brown Lake Karrinyup CC, WA

Hamish Buckingham Metropolitan GC, Vic

Chris Burgess Yarrawonga Mulwala GC, Vic

Greg Burgess K&B Adams, Vic

Jason Bushell Rowes Bay GC, Qld

Aaron Cachia Toronto CC, NSW

Malcolm Caddies Kai Tak, Hong Kong

Stuart Campbell

Brad Carey Riversdale GC, Vic

Patrick Casey Royal Perth GC, WA

David Cassidy The Cut, WA

Brian Cattell Wagga Wagga CC, NSW

Peter Cawsey Eastwood GC, Vic

Paul Chalmers Tamworth JC, NSW

Brenton Clarke Settler’s Run G&CC, Vic

Jeremy Collier Mars Stadium, Vic

Dan Cook GTS, NSW

Lincoln Coombes K&B Adams

Phillip Cooper GTS, NSW

Dion Cope Redland Bay GC, Qld

Mick Cornish Cazaly’s Stadium, Qld

Shaun Cross Byron Bay GC, NSW

Joshua Cunningham All Outside, NSW

Rowan Daymond The Grange GC, SA

Luke Diserens Northbridge GC, NSW

Nicholas Douglas Cranbourne GC, Vic

John Downes Regional Turf and Hort, Qld

Mark Doyle Hume City Council, Vic

Cameron Dunn Woolooware GC, NSW

Peter Dunn Federal GC, ACT

Tim Fankhauser ASTMA, Vic

Chris Fiadino Pymble GC, NSW

Peter Fitzgerald Belmont G&BC, NSW

Aaron Fluke Castle Hill CC, NSW

Matthew Foenander Keysborough GC, Vic

Jason Foster Hervey Bay GC, Qld

Jason Foulis HG Turf, Vic

Adam Fry Glenelg GC, SA

Jake Gibbs Elanora GC, NSW

Charlie Giffard Pacific GC, Qld

Cameron Hall City of Glen Eira, Vic

Gareth Hammond Terrey Hills GC, NSW

Brendan Hansard Kew CC, NSW

Dean Hardman Ventrac Australia, Qld

Nick Harris Wentworth Club, UK

Marcus Hartup Brisbane GC, Qld

Mitch Hayes Living Turf, Qld

Martyn Hedley Landscape Solutions, Qld

Matthew Heeps Evergreen Turf, Vic

Luke Helm Meadowbrook GC, Qld

Tony Hemming Element Sports Turf

Mark Hooker Royal Auckland & Grange GC

Tim Hoskinson NQ Turf Specialists, Qld

Ian Howell Bonnie Doon GC, NSW

Rhys Hunichen Atlas Golf Services Vic

Nick Jeffrey St Joseph’s College, Qld

Mark Jennings Racing Victoria, Vic

Steven Johnson Al Mouj Golf, Oman

Daimon Jones Living Turf, SA

Jason Kelly Gecko Contracting, WA

Nick Kinley Wembley GC, WA

Lance Knox Busselton GC, WA

Steve Lalor Townsville GC, Qld

Nick Launer Keysborough GC, Vic

Ben Lavender Newington College, NSW

Jason Lavender Beenleigh RSL & GC, Qld

Matt Legge Brookwater G&CC, Qld

Dean Lenertz K&B Adams, NSW

Dean Lewis Thurgoona CC, NSW

Josh Leyland Box Hill GC, Vic

Nathan Lindsay Marrickville GSCC, NSW

Peter Lonergan CTHGC, NSW

Andrew Lothian Sanctuary Cove, Qld

Ben Lucas Tocumwal GC, NSW

Toby Lumsden STRI Australia

Bruce Macphee ASTMA, Vic

Stephen Mallyon Never Stop Water, NSW

Garry McClymont Twin Waters GC, Qld

Nick McClymont Twin Waters GC, Qld

Mick McCombe Maleny GC, Qld

Tony McFadyean

Christopher McIvor Helensvale GC, Qld

Paul McLean Maroochy River GC, Qld

Peter McNamara Ashgrove GC, Qld

Ryan McNamara Rosanna GC, Vic

Brett Merrell Merrell Golf Consultancy

Daniel Metcalfe Beverley Park GC, NSW

Kieran Meurant North Sydney Oval, NSW

Jack Micans GTS, NSW

Ben Mills BASF, NSW

Craig Molloy Barwon Heads GC, Vic

Colin Morrison AIMU P/L, Vic

Damien Murrell Merewether GC, NSW

James Newell Magenta Shores G&CC, NSW

Kelvin Nicholson Global Turf

Luke Nowlan Oxley GC, Qld

Matthew Oliver Suncorp Stadium, Qld

Shaun Page Southern GC, Vic

Luke Partridge Nuturf, SA

Mick Pascoe Trump Int’l Malaysia

Ben Payne Peninsula-Kingswood CGC, Vic

Michael Pearce RACV Torquay GC, Vic

Stephen Pellatt Blackwood GC, SA

Jeff Powell Ballarat GC, Vic

Keegan Powell The Sands Torquay, Vic

Luke Primus Deakin University, Vic

Shaun Pritchard PEGS, Vic

Shaun Probert Ryde Parramatta GC, NSW

Greg Puckeridge Turf & Landscape, Qld

Peter Rasmussen STRI, Hong Kong

Scott Reid TasTAFE

Lachlan Ridgewell Blacktown ISP, NSW

Marcus Saddington Greenlife Group, Vic

Brett Saggus BRG Legend Hill, Vietnam

Wesley Saunders Dreamland GC, Azerbaijan

Robert Savedra Wesley College, Vic

Cameron Smith Sanctuary Cove G&CC, Qld

Gary Smith Wodonga TAFE, NSW

Jacob Smith The Coast GC, NSW

Thomas Smith Waterford Valley, Vic

Mathew Soles NSW DPHI

Liam Somers Whaleback GC, WA

Clinton Southorn Troon International

John Spraggs Royal Wellington GC, NZ

Daniel Stack Windaroo Lakes GC, Qld

James Stewart Green Acres GC, Vic

David Sutherland The Ridge GC, NSW

Lee Sutherland St Michael’s GC, NSW

Shay Tasker Carnarvon GC, NSW

Aaron Taylor Cronulla GC, NSW

Heath Taylor Blacktown ISP, NSW

Shaun Taylor Warragul CC, Vic

James Thomas Bayview GC, NSW

David Thomson Bermagui CC, NSW

Colin Thorsborne Parkwood Village, Qld

Ben Tilley Headland GC, Qld

Dallas Voss Grass Up, Vic

Michael Vozzo Fertool, Vic

Earl Warmington Newcastle GC, NSW

Tim Warren Glenelg GC, SA

Trent Webber Ballina G&SC, NSW

Scott West Cheltenham GC, Vic

Hayden Westwood The Grange GC, NSW

Shannon White Baileys Fertilisers, WA

Joshua Willard Oaks Cypress Lakes, NSW

Issac Wojewodka Camden GC, NSW

Simon Wood Sth Metropolitan TAFE, WA

Paul Wright City of Canning, WA

Tim Wright K&B Adams, Vic

Rob Young Liverpool GC, NSW

CBUS SUPER STADIUM A CUT ABOVE WITH HUSQVARNA CEORA

Cbus Super Stadium in Robina, Queensland is leading the way as Australia’s first stadium to introduce robotic mowing technology. ASTMA Silver Partner Husqvarna’s innovative battery-powered CEORA technology is paving the way for an innovative and greener future in an Australian first, with autonomous operation, precision mowing and sustainability benefits. The CEORA robotic mower will allow Cbus Super Stadium, home ground of the NRL’s Gold Coast Titans franchise, to maintain its world-class turf as the stadium becomes an increasingly popular hotspot for national and international events.

Cbus Super Stadium grounds manager Phil Burke says the team is already seeing the benefits of the CEORA. “The lighter robotic mower means we no longer have to use one tonne machinery over the top of the delicate grass when we repair turf,” says Burke. “We can now remotely mow through the night, during wet dewy conditions, in turn reducing disease pressure and resulting in healthier, denser grass.”

Cbus Super Stadium general manager Kristian Blundell said the robotic mower was a game-changer for the venue. “This technology is not replacing staff, but rather giving our grounds team the ability to do what they do best by helping to improve turf management processes, better manage fatigue and decrease our environmental footprint. By adopting electric technology we’ve seen a big difference in fuel consumption and are saving 20-30 litres of diesel a week.”

Cbus Super Stadium joins the likes of Liverpool Football Club’s Anfield ground and Fenway Park in Boston which are already utilising the technology. Pauline Nilsson, Vice President of Sales and Service, Husqvarna Forest & Garden (Pacific region) is pleased Cbus Super Stadium has advanced their capabilities.

“We are thrilled that they are joining many other premium stadiums across Europe and North America in deploying our CEORA robotic mower technology. This is a great commitment towards sustainability and sets a new standard for the future of turf maintenance.”

The news of Cbus Super Stadium embracing the new technology comes as Husqvarna recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of its Automower™ range with a special function at Centennial Parklands in Sydney. Hosted by media personality Walt Collins, the afternoon brought together industry leaders, media and turf professionals to honour three decades of robotic lawn care innovation. Guests heard expert insights from Ben Sims,

founder of Lawn Tips, and Dean Dagan, general manager of Woodford Golf Club, sharing perspectives from the professional golf space on how Husqvarna robotics are helping to transform course maintenance.

The function also coincided with a visit to Australia by David Plaster, Vice President of Sports and Golf North America at Husqvarna Forest & Garden, who among other engagements visited Oatlands Golf Club in Sydney where course superintendent Dominic Oates has two CEORA robotic mowers as part of the equipment fleet.

According to Plaster, Australia stands out as not only a nation rich in golf courses and sports venues, but as a priority market for Husqvarna globally. “Australia is an extremely important market for Husqvarna. There are so many thought leaders here when it comes to agronomy and technology. We need to be here. At this time, we really want to establish our presence and start working closely with

our channel partners and help our customers get started with robotics.”

Plaster sees robotics not only as a key growth engine for the company but as a transformational force for the turf management industry both in Australia and internationally. He pinpoints how robotics can significantly enhance operational efficiency, address persistent labour shortages and elevate turf quality, alleviating resource pressures and allowing superintendents to focus on highervalue turf care and management.

“It has been an interesting three years for me as I’ve experienced customers move from seeing robotics as a novelty to now seeing it as a critical part of course operations,” says Plaster. “In the US, Husqvarna has already established a presence on 40 per cent of the top 200 ranked golf courses – a testament to the increasing acceptance and trust in robotic solutions. Robotics is absolutely the future and it is coming faster than a lot of people might

Husqvarna’s David Plaster (centre) with Oatlands Golf Club course superintendent Dominic Oates (left) and general manager Rob Blain (right) during his recent visit to Australia. Oatlands has two CEORA mowers as part of its fleet

Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast has become the first stadium in Australia to use Husqvarna’s CEORA robotic mower technology to maintain its playing surface

be thinking. The economics alone makes it a must-have conversation for any course looking at purchasing equipment today.”

Plaster says there is no better time than now to get started and has some advice for turf managers looking to embark on their robotics journey: “Find an area – like the practice range, clubhouse grounds, a par 3 course, or even an area of the course that is a resource drain – and put a robot or two on it. There is nothing wrong with starting small and then when you are comfortable, expanding further into your operation. My bet is that you will see the benefits quickly and the robots will free up labour hours that can be used elsewhere on the course. Not to mention turf conditions should see an improvement through reduction of compaction in a short period of time.”

INDUSTRY APPOINTMENTS

LIVING TURF BOLSTERS

QUEENSLAND, VICTORIA AGRONOMY SALES TEAMS

ASTMA Silver Partner Living Turf announced a trio of sales agronomist appointments in Queensland and Victoria across August and September. Joining Living Turf’s Queenslandbased team are Scott Wallis and Peter Stewart, while in Melbourne Tom Bickerdike was also been appointed.

Stewart (pictured) brings over 20 years of diverse experience in the golf industry, spanning course maintenance, construction, design and business development. Originally from St Andrews in Scotland, he pursued formal studies in agronomy and golf course construction at Elmwood College and Ohio State University. Stewart has contributed to over 25 televised tournaments, including eight majors, notably assisting with the renovation and redesign of TPC Sawgrass in Florida. Stewart can be contacted on 0400 311 811 or email pstewart@livingturf.com.

Wallis (pictured) makes the move across from Envu and arrives at Living Turf with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Progressing through various roles, Wallis ultimately served as stadium manager for Queensland Rugby Union, overseeing the maintenance and presentation of Ballymore in Brisbane. Wallis subsequently moved into the commercial space and will leverage his extensive industry wide knowledge to promote the Living Turf product portfolio. Wallis can be contacted on 0493 651 500 or email swallis@livingturf.com.

To learn more about robotics for golf courses and Husqvarna’s range of solutions, visit www.husqvarna.com/au.

DAVID GOLF EXPANDS INTO NZ

Following decades of servicing the Australian golfing industry, ASTMA Bronze Partner David Golf has expanded its footprint and officially set up operations across the Tasman. David Golf’s extensive range of golf course supplies and accessories is now available in New Zealand, with the company setting up a new Auckland-based distribution warehouse meaning faster turnaround times and improved service for Kiwi customers.

Adding to the convenience, David Golf has also launched an online store tailored for the New Zealand market (www.davidgolf.co.nz).

With over 30 years of experience in golf turf management, including the past 17 on the Melbourne Sandbelt, Bickerdike (pictured) will collaborate closely with existing technical sales representative Mark Prosser and the wider Victorian team to deliver tailored agronomic support across the region.

Most recently Bickerdike was course superintendent at Cheltenham Golf Club and prior to that was assistant at Commonwealth Golf Club. Originally from the UK, Bickerdike also had earlier roles at leading clubs such as Walton Heath and The Wisley, as well as international experience on a Jack Nicklausdesigned course in Italy. Bickerdike can be contacted on 0408 200 222 or email tbickerdike@livingturf.com.

“We’re excited to welcome Peter, Scott and Tom to the Living Turf team,” says Living Turf CEO Ashley Neuendorf. “Scott’s and Peter’s passion for agronomy, strong local connections and commitment to our ‘regenerative turf’ philosophy make them great assets to our Queensland business and clients. Tom brings an unmatched combination of hands-on expertise and academic grounding to our Victorian team. His insight into sustainable turf solutions and his ability to connect with turf professionals at every level will be a tremendous asset to our clients.”

MILLS TO BASF

BASF has appointed former Hawks Nest Golf Club course superintendent Ben Mills (CSTM) as its new technical sales specialist for Australia and New Zealand. Mills (pictured) has a strong background in golf course management and

This allows golf clubs to browse and order products with ease, ensuring they have access to the tools and equipment needed to keep their courses in top condition year-round.

Heading up David Golf’s New Zealand operation is recently appointed sales manager Lynne Cameron who brings a brings a wealth of knowledge and customer-first focus to the role. She can be contacted directly on 027 266 9414 for personalised service, support and product information.

turf care with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Most recently he was superintendent for over a decade at Hawks Nest, an hour north of Newcastle, during which time he oversaw some significant course improvement works which led to him being nominated for the NSWGCSA Superintendent of the Year Award in 2023. Mills can be contacted on 0455 432 324 or email ben.mills@basf.com.

TAYLOR TO JOIN TOOLBOX TEAM

The Toolbox Team has appointed Patrick Taylor (pictured) to provide extra on-the-ground support for its clients across Victoria. Based in Melbourne and starting his new role in November, Taylor will join the team from Golf Australia, bringing with him not only a strong knowledge of the golf and sports turf industry, but also an understanding of the unique challenges faced by turf managers and maintenance teams.

“To have someone of Patrick’s calibre joining the team is exciting,” says The Toolbox Team CEO Ben Gibson. “His character, industry knowledge and technology expertise stood out during the recruitment process. I am just so happy for our clients and the support they will receive from Patrick in implementing systems, coaching staff and kicking compliance goals across the industry.

“Patrick’s known for bringing a sense of humour and being calm under pressure, two qualities we know will serve The Toolbox Team clients well. We’re thrilled to have him on board and we know our clients in Victoria are going to benefit from his industry knowhow, technical smarts and all-round good bloke factor.”

INDUSTRY APPOINTMENTS

COOK JOINS GTS AS COMMERCIAL MANAGER

After stepping down as course superintendent at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney in August, Dan Cook (CSTM) has been appointed commercial manager at ASTMA Bronze Partner Greenway Turf Solutions (GTS). Cook (pictured), who started his new role on 1 September, brings with him over 20 years of elite turf and operational management experience in both Australia and the United States. The new role will see Cook responsible for leading GTS’s national commercial operations, with a focus on aligning sales and operational teams to deliver consistent value and first-class service across all markets.

Most recently, Cook served as superintendent at The Australian Golf Club for just under four years, where he delivered consistently outstanding playing surfaces and oversaw significant capital works ahead of successfully hosting the 2023 Australian Open. Prior to that, Cook was director of grounds at Elanora Country Club in Sydney’s northern suburbs where he led the development of long-term infrastructure strategies, sustainability systems and workforce capability frameworks.

Cook’s international experience is equally impressive, including multiple seasons at Augusta National Golf Club supporting tournament preparations for The Masters, as well as senior roles at The Honors Course, Oak Hill Country Club and Kingsmill Resort.

“I’m genuinely excited to be joining such a great business in GTS,” says Cook. “The team’s strong culture, customer focus and commitment to quality are what really attracted me to the role. I look forward to working alongside a passionate and

KRESS UPSIZES WITH NEW ROBOTIC MODEL

ASTMA Bronze Partner Kress has released its new KR237E.1 robotic mower, a cutting-edge solution for large-scale lawn maintenance designed to deliver professional-grade results with minimal human intervention. Engineered for expansive areas up to 28,000m², it leverages RTK n satellite navigation to achieve centimetre-level accuracy, without the need for perimeter wires or stationary antennas. At the heart of the KR237E.1 (pictured) is its dual-layer razor blade system, which ensures a clean, consistent cut. The autolevelling floating deck adapts to uneven ground, allowing for a consistent cut and uniform finish. Its 35cm cutting width allows for efficient coverage, while the electronic height

talented group as we continue to support turf managers delivering exceptional playing surfaces.”

GTS director Paul Spencer was thrilled to welcome someone of Cook’s experience and calibre to the company: “Dan is widely respected across the industry for his professionalism, attention to detail and ability to lead high-performing teams,” says Spencer. “His addition to the GTS team will further strengthen our position in the market and enhance our ability to deliver meaningful outcomes for our customers.”

MORRIS ON THE MOVE

The R&A announced in August the appointment of Dr Brett Morris (pictured) to its Sustainable Agronomy team in the Asia-Pacific region. With more than three decades of expertise in turfgrass science and amenity horticulture, Dr Morris joins The R&A from Syngenta Professional Solutions, where he served as Technical Services Manager for Australia and New Zealand. His career spans 34 years, including 15 years as a golf course superintendent managing diverse turfgrass systems at public, private and resort courses in Australia, Fiji and Indonesia.

“Brett’s blend of practical expertise and scientific rigour aligns perfectly with our mission to promote sustainable golf course management,” says Chris Gray, Head of Sustainable Golf & Agronomy – Asia-Pacific. “His deep understanding of agronomic challenges in the Asia-Pacific region will be invaluable as we work with courses to balance environmental stewardship with world-class playing conditions.”

Dr Morris said: “Joining The R&A represents an exciting opportunity to scale

adjustment, controlled via the Kress app, offers precision customisation for different turf types with a cutting height range of 10mm to 60mm.

The mower’s Obstacle Avoidance System (OAS) uses real-time sensors to detect and navigate around obstacles, ensuring

sustainable practices that benefit both the game and the environment. I look forward to collaborating with stakeholders across the region to implement solutions that enhance turf health, conserve resources and support the long-term viability of golf.”

The appointment comes shortly after Morris and Nadeem Zreikat (Colin Campbell Chemicals) were elected as directors of the International Turfgrass Society (ITS) at the International Turfgrass Research Conference (ITRC) held in Japan. They will be Australia’s representatives on the ITS for the next four-year cycle ahead of the 2029 ITRC in Canada.

HARDMAN JOINS VENTRAC AUSTRALIA

Former Indooroopilly Golf Club

assistant superintendent Dean Hardman (CSTM) has joined ASTMA Bronze Partner Ventrac Australia. After 28 years on the tools in both Sydney and Brisbane, Hardman (pictured) has taken on a sales manager role with Ventrac, covering the southeast Queensland and northern NSW regions. Across his career Hardman has worked at some of Australia’s leading golf courses, among them The Lakes, The Australian and Killara in Sydney, before spending the past five years at Indooroopilly in Brisbane under superintendent Ben Grylewicz.

“We are excited to welcome Dean into the Ventrac family,” says company CEO Chris Stig. “Following on from all the hard work and growth achieved in this region, Dean’s wealth of knowledge and integrity is a big asset to our team.” Hardman, who started his new role in late September, can be contacted on 0455 251 559 or email dean@ventracaus.com.au.

uninterrupted operation. In shaded or satellite-obstructed zones, it switches to dead reckoning and inertial navigation, maintaining accuracy until signal restoration. Designed for multi-zone and collaborative operation, the KR237E.1 supports TeamWork™ technology, enabling multiple units to work simultaneously across complex landscapes. Its MAP™ (Mowing Action Plan) optimises path planning for systematic, parallel-line mowing, producing visually appealing stripe patterns.

Additional features include anti-theft GPS tracking, an IPX5-rated washable body and the RBS™ Regenerative Brake System, which recycles energy during downhill movement. With app-based control and over-the-air updates, the KR237E.1 is a future-proof investment for commercial turf care, sports

facilities and large residential properties. To find out more about the KR237E.1 robotic mower, speak to your local Kress dealer or visit www.kress.com.

THATCHZYME NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH LIVING TURF

ThatchZyme, the world’s first sprayable solution for thatch management, is now exclusively available in Australia through ASTMA Silver Partner Living Turf. ThatchZyme is set to redefine turfgrass thatch management and is the first scientifically-proven sprayable enzyme solution that degrades thatch.

Thatch is an intermingled layer of dead and live plant parts which decomposes slowly due to the presence of lignin in the plant cell structures, which causes its breakdown to take longer. Laccase, a powerful enzyme naturally produced by certain soil fungi, targets lignin. While soil microbes can produce laccase, their activity is often suppressed by nitrogen fertilisation and cultural practices. ThatchZyme solves this by delivering a concentrated dose of laccase directly into the thatch zone.

Unlike microbial products, which rely on live organisms to survive and perform in unpredictable soil conditions, ThatchZyme is not a live organism. Microbes are used

during production to create and concentrate the laccase enzyme. By formulating only the active enzyme, ThatchZyme delivers precise, predictable results without the variability of live biology.

ThatchZyme’s performance is backed by over a decade of academic research, including studies from the University of Georgia, Michigan State University and field trials across golf courses in Australia. This data can be accessed through the ThatchZyme product page on the Living Turf website.

ThatchZyme works best in a monthly program and it is recommended to apply it for a minimum of three months. It can be applied more frequently (bi-weekly) and rates/ intervals can vary based on whether one is managing thatch ongoing or trying to correct a

large thatch layer issue. ThatchZyme can also be integrated seamlessly into existing spray programs and is compatible with common tank-mix components like fertilisers, surfactants and plant protection products.

To learn more or to enquire about adding ThatchZyme to your turf management program, contact Living Turf on 1300 556 116 or visit www.livingturf.com.au.

TILLINGHAST BENTGRASS NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH PWT

New creeping bentgrass variety ‘Tillinghast’ is now available exclusively through ASTMA Bronze Partner PGG Wrightson Turf in both Australia and New Zealand. Named after ‘A.W. Tillinghast’, one of America’s most celebrated course architects who can lay claim to designing 2025 Ryder Cup host venue Bethpage Black, the variety is built on the same principles of excellence and longevity that define his designs.

A fine-textured creeping bentgrass with a medium-dark green colour, Tillinghast has been proven in international NTEP trials to deliver outstanding turf quality under both putting green and fairway management. Tillinghast offers superior resistance to key turf diseases such as dollar spot, brown patch and pink snow mould, as well as excellent resistance to anthracnose and pythium root rot. Tillinghast exhibits high density without bentgrass bloat, which helps make it more resistant to Poa annua invasion and easier to manage thatch. Its early spring green up also helps it resist annual bluegrass.

PGG Wrightson Turf has had Tillinghast trial plots in its Kimihia Research Facility near Christchurch (NZ) for some time now, with the variety continuing to demonstrate exceptional quality and resilience. In a recent development, Tillinghast was laid on a new tee being constructed at Windross Farm Golf Course just south of Auckland. The installation marks a

new chapter for the course, with members and visitors alike soon to experience the vibrant, fine-textured surface that the elite bentgrass delivers. Even at an early stage, the freshly laid turf has transformed the tee (pictured above), presenting a striking medium-dark green colour and a dense, even cover that already looks the part.

For more information on Tillinghast creeping bentgrass, visit pggwrightsonturf. com/au or pggwrightsonturf.com/nz

DRONELAND PARTNERS WITH PROPELLER

Melbourne-headquartered drone solutions company Droneland Australia has partnered with 3D drone mapping software company Propeller to introduce a powerful new platform that brings a new level of precision to aerial surveying and analysis designed specifically for professionals managing open spaces, golf courses and complex landscapes.

The Droneland x Propeller platform enables highly accurate measurement and monitoring of terrain, surface area, elevation and volumetrics, making it ideal for applications such as golf course design, land grading and material management. Whether measuring bunkers, fairways or planning new developments, the platform (pictured below) delivers detailed data that helps guide smarter decisions on the ground.

Tillinghast is a fine-textured bentgrass with a medium-dark green colour

AROUND

One of the standout features of the new platform is its hydrological analysis capability, offering clear insights into drainage patterns, water flow and irrigation planning. This is a game-changer for golf course superintendents, land managers and environmental consultants looking to optimise water use, reduce runoff or resolve drainage issues with confidence. Data is processed efficiently, with outputs compatible across major GIS and CAD platforms, ensuring seamless integration into existing planning and operations.

For more information on the new platform, visit www.droneland.au, call (03) 9599 2715 or email info@droneland.au.

NEW DESTRO 375 PACK SIZES

Indigo Specialty Products has announced that ProForce Destro 375 Herbicide is now

available in convenient 2.5L and 5L pack sizes, with stock ready to ship. Destro 375 is a grass-specific herbicide containing 375g/L diclofop-methyl, registered for the control of crowsfoot grass (Eleusine indica) across a range of warm-season turfgrasses including kikuyu, hybrid couch, common couch, buffalo, carpetgrass and saltwater couch.

By disrupting fatty acid production and halting photosynthesis, Destro 375 delivers reliable control of targeted weedy grasses, ensuring high-quality surfaces are maintained.

Well-regarded for its turf safety and value as a mode of action rotation in resistance management, Destro 375 is one of the few post-emergent turf herbicides that can be safely used on kikuyu and Queensland blue couch. It also fits well in golf and bowling green programs, with no re-entry period

STAWELL GC SIZES UP A SUSTAINABLE PUMPING SOLUTION

Stawell Golf Club in western Victoria recently underwent a comprehensive upgrade to improve its aging and undersized pump system. Brown Brothers Engineers supplied a new automated irrigation system, consisting of a booster pump-set complete with a jockey pump and surge/distribution panel. The new installation has offered significant improvements in precision and water use efficiency, providing reduced running costs and improved pressure and performance.

The Stawell Golf Club boasts a rich history spanning over 120 years, but despite its historic charm and natural beauty the club faced modern challenges with an aging irrigation system. The system struggled to maintain adequate pressure and volume, particularly at the far reaches of the course, leading to high running costs and excessive water usage. Despite experimenting with different sprinklers, the output remained insufficient and inconsistent, with the club making the decision to upgrade its irrigation system to maintain its fairways and reduce operational costs.

“The old pump was undersized and we had a lot of different sprinklers here and there,” says Stawell greens chairman Ian Sibson. “Everything was irregular. You’d have five sprinklers going and they’d pump out twice as much water as the next five.”

Nick Barry, project manager from Ultimate Pumps and Irrigation, in partnership with Brown Brothers Engineers Australia, provided the club with a solution. The team sized a 66SV4/2 HPS Lowara Hydro-Pac Dual Booster pumpset, complete with a 10SV09HPS jockey pump. The Hydro-Pac units effectively integrate the Lowara e-SV pumps with the Hydrovar VSD controller,

mounted directly on each pump motor, providing an easy-to-use and energy-efficient water management system.

As the jockey pump handles low flow demands, engaging first to manage smaller flows has resulted in a cost-effective and energy efficient way of irrigating resulting in long-term savings for the club.

Additionally, an INCA surge/distribution panel was installed, providing protection for the drives in the event of a power surge. The installation was seamless with the new system in place in just one day.

With the upgraded system, the course went from six stations to 24, offering significant improvements in precision and water use efficiency. The old system’s six stations covered large areas, resulting in uneven watering and generalised water application. Additionally, the old system’s limited flexibility in managing different areas made irrigation inaccurate and inefficient.

“With the upgrade we can now water where we want, when we want,” says Sibson. “Instead of having to put all six stations on at once and watering somewhere we don’t need to water, we can now control each station on its own.”

The newly installed pump system has significantly reduced running costs and improved pressure and performance across the sprinklers at all points of the course. Sibson says the new pumps have made an unbelievable difference to the fairways.

“The new irrigation system maintains constant pressure, providing a better curtain of water and uniform grass coverage everywhere,” says Sibson. “In the future we’ll likely consider a similar setup for our greens, as the new pump system is currently for the fairways only.”

required in turf situations and the flexibility to use around ornamental garden beds and public spaces.

For more information on Destro 375 Herbicide, visit www.indigospecialty.com.au or call 0491 201 694.

Replacing its aging and undersized pump setup with an efficient new system has enabled Stawell Golf Club to better present its playing surfaces

AXFLOW ACQUIRES APT WATER

AxFlow has announced the acquisition of Advanced Pump Technologies Pty Ltd (APT Water), a leading distributor of fluid handling equipment and pump systems in Western Australia. Established in 2006, Perthbased APT Water has built a reputation for excellence in pump design, supply and turnkey solutions for a wide range of industries. The company’s broad product offering includes surface, submersible and multistage pumps, filtration systems, as well as pump controls and comprehensive water system design, fabrication and commissioning services.

The acquisition marks a milestone in AxFlow’s strategic ambition to expand its geographical presence and consolidate its position as a nationwide provider of fluid handling solutions across Australia. A key highlight of the acquisition is APT’s exclusive distribution rights for Xylem’s globally recognised Lowara brand across WA. Additionally, AxFlow gains access to the Permaglass line of fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) pump columns and bore casings.

TURFCARE AUSTRALIA HITS THE ROAD

Turfcare Australia’s 2025 Roadshow Series wrapped up in Victoria and Queensland recently, with packed sessions, engaged audiences and plenty of spirited discussion confirming that the turf industry is hungry for knowledge and innovation.

In Victoria, the sessions at Rich River and Yarra Yarra golf clubs drew strong turnouts from superintendents, course managers and council representatives, with attendees hearing insights on soil health, fertiliser strategies and the latest product innovations. Queensland

didn’t disappoint either, with the day held at Meadowbrook Golf Club also live-streamed to audiences in Rockhampton and New Zealand.

Speakers (pictured above) included Paul Dugmore (Floratine), Nick Clayton (Mineral Magic) and Albie Leggett (Turfcare Australia) who delivered sessions on managing soils, strengthening plant health and tackling disease. Combined with plenty of laughs, great catering and the chance to network, the roadshow struck a good balance of professional development and community connection.

“To everyone who joined us, hosted us or tuned in online – a big thank you,” says Turfcare Australia general manager Shane Summerhayes. “These roadshows are about more than products; they’re about building stronger turf communities. We’re already looking forward to the next round.”

For more information about Turfcare Australia products and upcoming events, visit www.turfcareaus.com.au.

GTS’S GA GONG

ASTMA Bronze Partner Greenway Turf Solutions (GTS) was announced among the inaugural winners of Golf Australia’s National Awards of Excellence in September. The new awards, of which there are 10, aim to

recognise golf clubs, venues, partners and individuals that have set new benchmarks for innovation, participation, growth and leadership in the game. GTS was named Golf Supplier of the Year, with the award going alongside a similar one it collected at the 2024 Queensland Golf Industry Awards.

“We’re proud to be recognised at the Golf Australia National Awards of Excellence for our commitment to supporting the golf industry with reliable products, expert advice and ongoing education,” says GTS director Chris Chapman. “This achievement reflects our entire team’s dedication to helping clubs and superintendents maintain their courses to the highest standard. Thank you to our customers and partners for your trust – we couldn’t have done it without you. Congratulations to all participants. We’re honoured to be named Golf Supplier of the Year!”

• 5 X more active than Marvel Ultra.

• Less storage space required, easy to measure, with less user risk (Schedule 5).

• Safe for use on all turf surfaces and varieties (including greens).

TMSA

Our third Turf Seminar held in August at the Morphettville Racecourse is well and truly done and dusted and we would like to extend our appreciation to everyone involved for making it such a successful event. We had an incredible line up of guest speakers, a record number of attendees and impressive support from our sponsors.

MC Ben Hook delivered an excellent interview with Australian cricketing great and one-time groundsman Nathan Lyon, showcasing his engaging style and providing the audience with unique insights into our keynote speaker’s journey to becoming a Test legend. We also had Professor Jim Brosnan (University of Tennessee) dialling in via Zoom to provide valuable insight into Poa annua, crowsfoot and other grassy weed control issues. As a committee we will soon be planning our 2026 seminar and we are open to receiving any feedback to help grow this event.

Our Annual General Meeting was also held during the day and we took a special moment to acknowledge and thank two very familiar faces in our industry – Nathan Bennett (CSTM, superintendent at The Royal Adelaide Golf Club) and Richard James (superintendent, Kooyonga Golf Club). Both stepped down from the TMSA committee after serving as our inaugural president and treasurer respectively, however, their contributions extend back much further with their many years of service on the committee of the South Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association.

I was honoured to be re-elected as TMSA president and with the committee look forward to serving the members of the association in

the upcoming 12 months. The new committee comprises Peter Foreman (Adelaide Oval SMA), Justin Groves (Outside Ideas), Damian Hough (Adelaide Oval SMA), David Meadows (The Royal Adelaide Golf Club), Matt Sampson (City of Unley), Chris Sheath (Trinity College) and Jordan Sherratt (South Lakes Golf Club).

The ASTMA Accredited Curators Course (Level 1) returned to Adelaide Oval in early September with another strong turnout, drawing 60 participants from across South Australia and even as far as Tasmania. We were fortunate to have Damian Hough and Trent Kelly (SACA) leading this annual program, supported by Adelaide Oval’s Todd Heinrich and Ben Emery. Together, they guided participants through a full day of learning, packed with practical insights and valuable hands-on experience.

A special thank you also to Luke Harrison from Mow Master for partnering with us on the day and supplying the machinery used throughout the course, an invaluable contribution to making it such a success.

The ASTMA Agricultural Chemical Skill Set and Chemical User Refresher training was also held mid-month for the second time this

year at The Royal Adelaide Golf Club. Albert Sherry (ASTMA’s national training manager) and Chris McCulloch (ASTMA’s SA training manager) presented this course over two days, providing theory and practical sessions.

Finally, congratulations to the following superintendents who have been nominated for the TMSA Excellence in Turf Management Award, sponsored by John Deere & Metropolitan Machinery, which will be announced at the SA Golf Industry Awards on 1 November. The finalists include Ben Hallam (Tea Tree Gully GC), Aaron Kelly (The Vines GC), Simon Prosser (Aston Hills GC) and Sam Smith (Willunga GC).

In closing, a reminder that membership remains open. If you have not yet joined, we encourage you to become part of an association that is supporting sports, recreation and amenity turf in South Australia. As we head into the 2025/26 growing season, I wish all turf practitioners across the state every success for the spring and summer period ahead. I look forward to catching up with you all at our next event.

TIM

WARREN (CSTM) PRESIDENT, TMSA

At the TMSA’s annual Turf Seminar in August were (from left) Adam Mitchell (Droneland Australia), Adam Lamb (Commonwealth GC), keynote speaker Nathan Lyon, Marty Synan (Racing Queensland), Mark Burchell (Droneland Australia), MC Ben Hook and Tim Warren (TMSA president)

More than 60 attended the Level 1 cricket curator training day at Adelaide Oval

Inaugural TMSA president Nathan Bennett (left) and treasurer Richard James (right) were recognised for their service after stepping down at the AGM

GMHBA STADIUM APPOINTS ADELAIDE OVAL TURF SOLUTIONS

The world-renowned Adelaide Oval Turf Solutions (AOTS) team has been announced as the new turf management partner of the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust (KPST), which manages GMHBA Stadium and its surrounding landscaped areas in Geelong, Victoria. AOTS, the consulting arm of the famed South Australian stadium’s grounds crew, enables head curator and ASTMA Board member Damian Hough and his expert team to provide consultation and turf services to venues around the world.

Hough and his team will now ensure GMHBA Stadium continues to be expertly prepared for sport, entertainment and community events, with a comprehensive turf reconstruction planned for early 2026. GMHBA Stadium currently hosts elite AFL and AFLW and domestic/international cricket and has previously held A-League, rugby union fixtures as well as the Matildas national soccer side. GMHBA Stadium is one of two regional venues slated to host BBL fixtures this summer alongside Coffs Harbour, with the Melbourne Renegades to play at the stadium in back-toback matches.

“After a highly competitive tender process, we determined that the Turf Solutions team’s world-class reputation and track record made them the right partner for GMHBA Stadium,” KPST CEO Gerald Griffin said in welcoming

ASTMA RTO

TAOTS to the fold. “We are always working to attract more major events to GMHBA Stadium and Turf Solutions will support us as we bring additional content to the venue. We would also like to thank Green By Nature for their dedicated contribution to the maintenance of the field of play over the last five years.”

Hough and his team, since establishing AOTS in late 2023, have gone global as well as providing local clubs and councils with a range of different turf management services. AOTS has worked across major events such as AFL Gather Round in Adelaide and provided dropin pitch construction for the 2024 ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup in New York as well as overseeing the installation of drop-in pitches at Oakland Coliseum for Major League Cricket fixtures in the US.

he ASTMA’s training division (RTO #46011) notched up another milestone in August with North Adelaide Golf Club assistant superintendent Ryan Smooker becoming the first student to start and complete all 14 units of the Diploma of Sports Turf Management. The 40-year-old turf manager, who previously completed his Certificate III 12 years ago, said he’d always wanted to take on the course and was delighted to complete it. Ryan has been working at North Adelaide for 15 years and is hoping that the Diploma can propel his already established career forward even more.

In September, students studying the Certificate III in Sports Turf Management course delivered by the ASTMA gathered at Glenelg Golf Club in Adelaide to complete their latest block release practical assessments. Year 1 students undertook assessments for the units ‘Contribute to work health and safety processes’ (AHCWHS302), ‘Communicate effectively with clients and team members’ (ACMGEN315) and ‘Operate machinery

and equipment’ (AHCMOM304). Their tasks included participating in a board meeting, demonstrating manual handling techniques, interpreting Safety Data Sheets (SDS), completing risk assessments and pre-start checks and operating a variety of machinery and equipment. Students also observed a reel sharpening demonstration by Glenelg mechanic Tim Cowen

Year 2 students completed their practical assessments for the ‘Control weeds’ (AHCPMG301) and ‘Control plant pests, diseases and disorders’ (AHCPMG302) units. As part of these assessments, students monitored several areas across the golf course for the presence of weeds, insect and pests. They used a variety of techniques including soil testing, sticky traps and turf rinsing to assist in their observations. Their work also involved interpreting product labels and SDS, as well as performing calibrations for both knapsack sprayers and boom sprayers

Throughout the four days, Year 3 students completed practical assessments based on

“We’ve had the privilege of working on major international events, elite sporting grounds and local community facilities, but the team are seriously excited about the potential and prestige presented by GMHBA Stadium,” Hough said. “This new partnership is a major achievement for Turf Solutions, and we are grateful to Kardinia Park for putting their trust in us.”

Turf manager Liam Kirkman will lead the GMHBA Stadium crew moving forward after joining AOTS. Kirkman brings six years of experience into the role and will be supported by operations manager Jon Trenorden with oversight from Hough who will continue his work across Adelaide Oval and AOTS.

- Nick Creely

the units ‘Construct turf playing surfaces’ (AHCTRF307), ‘Install drainage systems’ (AHCDRG305) and ‘Install pressurised irrigation systems’ (AHCIRG345). Their work involved a range of tasks including surveying, excavation and levelling, as well as the installation of irrigation systems, drainage infrastructure and turf sod.

The ASTMA training team congratulates the students on their application across the week and sincerely thank superintendent Tim Warren and the Glenelg crew and club for their hospitality and support.

To learn more about the courses and qualifications run by the ASTMA, head to www.astma.com.au and search under the ‘Education’ tab. You can also contact myself on 0473 064 726 or via email at albert@astma. com.au, or SA state training manager Chris McCulloch on 0488 338805 or email chris@ astma.com.au.

ALBERT SHERRY TRAINING MANAGER, ASTMA

Damian Hough (left) and Jon Trenorden (right) will lend their expertise after Adelaide Oval Turf Solutions was appointed to oversee Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium turf operations

‘BEEF’ SERVES UP A SURPRISE VISIT AT GCSAWA MARGARET RIVER CONFERENCE

English professional golfer Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston stole the show at the GCSAWA’s Margaret River Conference in mid-August, making a surprise guest appearance on the final day of the popular biennial event.

The European Tour winner, famous for his laid back larrikin nature, big beard and trademark nickname, has been based in Perth for much of the year as he rehabs from a significant hand injury which put paid to his 2025 DP World Tour season. Johnston, together with wife Jodie and daughter Harley, made the three-and-a-half hour journey down from Perth to speak to around 80 delegates about his journey in golf and the significant mental health battles he faced in the wake of his rapid rise to fame.

Johnston, now 36, debuted on the European Tour back in 2011 before earning his full card in 2012. His breakout season would come in 2016 when, in a whirlwind four months, he claimed his one and only Tour win to date – the Open de España – before two top-10 finishes at the BMW PGA Championship and The Open Championship (Royal Troon).

That success, coupled with his jovial personality and unique nickname (coined by a childhood mate), endeared him to many and he quickly became a fan favourite. However, as he told an enthralled audience at Margaret River, things would quickly unravel. Despite enjoying the fame and the attention that came with it, it triggered an inner turmoil which would see his form drop off significantly and ultimately saw him fall out of love with the game.

“I had a real good season that year (2016) and started playing well and the whole ‘Beef’ thing came out and I went from being completely unknown to having so many people coming up to me,” explained Johnston. “I’m not going to lie, it was great fun, but with that fame, that place I was in, I started comparing myself to the likes of the bigger players – your Rorys, Rahms – and I started to put so much pressure on myself to play and compete like them when I wasn’t anywhere near their level. If I finished a tournament in the mid-20s/30s I’d be so upset at myself. I remember after the 2017 Open at Birkdale –where I finished in the 20s which was a pretty good result – being so angry.

“When I started comparing myself to other people and not living in my lane, I was slowly digging myself into a deeper and deeper hole. I stopped enjoying competing, stopped enjoying playing golf and stopped doing the things that I used to enjoy. It was actually at the World Super 6 in Perth during the Pro-Am when I realised I couldn’t do this anymore and I had to walk away from this. I didn’t even want to be out on a golf course anymore!

“That’s when my wife told me I needed to do something. I was a bit against it at the time and told her to just give me a couple of weeks out and I’ll refresh and regroup. I did that and then tried to play another event. I couldn’t, pulled out and after the third time of doing that she was, like, ‘Right, that’s it!’.”

And so began the slow process of selfrealisation for Johnston. Being able to understand the destructive cycle he was in and talk about his issues proved cathartic. He was able to rediscover his core values which instilled a vital sense of perspective and balance which would have a profound effect. Now in a far better headspace, he has become a passionate advocate about the importance of mental health awareness, sharing his story in the hope that others going through a similar situation can take some learnings.

“The mental health battle that people can fall into, it happens to most people and you can feel so shut off and embarrassed about it,” Johnston continued. “Men don’t speak about these things. I’ve always tried to be open and honest and when I came out and talked about what I was going through, I couldn’t believe the great feedback I got. From there it was like we just need to openly talk about this stuff and not hide things or bottle it up. To go through things like this is completely normal. Everyone has their own pressures in life – work, family, whatever – and the more people talk about it the more normal it becomes.”

Johnston spoke of his admiration for current world No.1 Scottie Sheffler who took some media heat after his comments at this year’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush. Sheffler, who won by four strokes, said in a pre-tournament press conference that there was more to life than winning tournaments and playing golf and that should the game ever start affecting his family life then he would walk away from it.

“So many people misread his comments,” said Johnston. “I was like, this guy is in such a good mental space, it’s no wonder he is winning so many tournaments. He’s playing with such a clear mind. He’s so comfortable in his own skin doing what he does – I’m here, I’ll play and whether I win or lose I’ll go away and spend time doing what I want to do with the people who are most important to me.

“It was one of the most interesting interviews I’ve heard and shows all of us that sense of perspective and reality about what is really important in our lives. We all have our jobs, we all work and want to do well – have the best presented golf course – and we put so much pressure on ourselves to do the best we can, but at the end of the day it is well down the pecking order of what is important.”

Professional golfer Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnson made a special appearance at the GCSAWA’s Margaret River Conference, opening up about his mental health battles and comeback from a hand injury

GCSAWA committee member Fraser Brown (left) with Margaret River Conference presenters (from left) Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston, Sandy Reid (St Andrews, Scotland) and Blair Christiansen (Eden Park, NZ)

SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE

Johnston’s presence and brutally honest session, which was followed by a more light-hearted Q&A about his career and life, capped off a big few days in Margaret River for the GCSAWA. Also featuring were two other international keynote presenters – St Andrews director of greenkeeping Sandy Reid and Eden Park (NZ) turf manager Blair Christiansen. Also joining them was VGCSA president and Commonwealth Golf Club superintendent Adam Lamb who spoke on his club’s recent course redevelopment.

Reid, who arrived at St Andrews in 2018 after a distinguished career at Carnoustie, gave two presentations. The first included a detailed account of the history of St Andrews, the seven courses which the St Andrews Links Trust oversees and the greenkeeping department.

Reid’s second presentation was a more personal reflection on his journey in the industry. He spoke with great fondness of the 21 years he spent at Carnoustie, initially joining there in 1994 under legendary greenkeeper John Philp. After experiencing the 1999 Open Championship as an assistant

GCSAWA

Winter has finally come to an end over in the west and I think all turf managers were glad to see the back of it. A warm spell of weather in the third week of September certainly signified the change of season, with a five day stretch between 27 and 30 a lot more Perth-like!

Winter was certainly a wet one. To the end of September, Perth had recorded 820mm of rain – the yearly average is 690mm – while some towns in the southwest of the state recorded well over 1000mm across the same period. It was officially the wettest winter in 30 years with all three months seeing above average rainfall. Perth also had a maximum of just 11 degrees in late August, its coldest maximum on record.

The heavy rains caused some disruption to club competitions and events. A number of courses had flooded bunkers which caused closures as well as tree damage which kept groundstaff busy. Even after all that we hope the rain hasn’t stopped for the year and I’m sure some good spring falls will be much appreciated as we head into the notorious summer months.

I won’t touch too much on our recent Margaret River Conference as ATM editor Brett Robinson covered it all perfectly in the ASTMA’s newsletter The Cut (see opposite page for the full review). But again, on behalf of the GCSAWA, I want to send out a huge

greenkeeper, by the time the course hosted the 2007 Open Reid was head greenkeeper of the Championship Course and in 2012 took over from Philp. Reid would then move to St Andrews as director of greenkeeping in December 2018.

Fellow keynote Christiansen, who had just returned from 42 days based at MetLife Stadium in New York as a FIFA pitch consultant for the Club World Cup, spoke about his role at Eden Park where he has been for the past 20 years. He discussed the evolution of the ground from a rugby and cricket venue into a true multi-purpose stadium that is now on the cusp of a major redevelopment.

Elsewhere, WA superintendents Callum Hitching (Karratha CC) and Roger Innes (Kalgoorlie GC) gave presentations, while Royal Canberra superintendent Ryan Stores spoke on the recent works at the club.

GCSAWA president Shane Baker (Mosman Park GC) also discussed his recent travels, including to the 125th US Open at Oakmont.

At the GCSAWA AGM, Whaleback Golf Club superintendent Ben Eddy was elected to the committee alongside Baker, Fraser Brown (Lake Karrinyup CC) and Nick Kinley (Wembley GC). The event concluded with a golf event at Margaret River Golf Club where Sam Butler (Marri Park GC) and David Cassidy (The Cut) collected the stroke and stableford shields respectively.

thanks to everyone who presented and attended the event in mid-August. There were a lot of new faces in the audience, national managers and younger supers which was great to see.

We had a couple of last-minute cancellations which had us scrambling for replacement speakers, but it all went perfectly. Even now, thinking back that we had Sandy Reid (St Andrews Links) and English professional golfer Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston as quest speakers is quite unbelievable for a small local association. I always want to be bigger and better next time and while I’m not sure how we are going to manage that it’s going to be good fun and a good challenge trying to.

As this edition was going to print, the WA swing of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia had just concluded. Kalgoorlie Golf Course (superintendent Roger Innes) hosted the WA PGA Championship from 9-12 October, before the Tour headed to Mount Lawley Golf Club in Perth (superintendent Rod Tatt) for the WA Open the following week. Kalgoorlie’s unique desert layout comes up amazing on TV, while it was the first time that Mount Lawley (pictured right) could show off its newlook course following the major three-year redevelopment which concluded earlier this year. Congratulations to both Roger and Rod and their respective teams.

Following the WA Open we held a ‘walk ‘n’ talk’ at Mount Lawley which provided a fantastic insight into the last few years’ worth of work the club has put in. On November 10 we will also hold the annual Management Challenge at Kwinana Golf Club. This day has been going for nearly 40 years and sees the superintendent team up with the general manager in a teams event.

Finally, staffing continues to be a struggle in the west as I am sure it is across most states. Numerous clubs are currently searching for a variety of staff from superintendents, assistants, qualified and apprentices. In some cases, clubs have not received a single applicant! There are currently 100 students enrolled in TAFE, but it’s getting those students to stay in the industry and take the next step that is the real challenge.

SHANE BAKER PRESIDENT, GCSAWA

Sam Butler (left) and David Cassidy (right) collected the stroke and stableford shields respectively at the GCSAWA’s Margaret River GC event

STA VICTORIA

On a sunny late-July day in Melbourne, STA Victoria held its annual Sports Turf Seminar. After hosting previous seminars at the MCG, this year we had a change of scenery and held the event at the home of Australian horseracing – Flemington, headquarters of the Victorian Racing Club (VRC).

The day started with our Annual General Meeting where the 2025/26 committee was voted in. The new committee comprises:

l President: Mark Doyle (City of Hume)

l Vice-president: Ant Lewis (Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club)

l Secretary: Nathan Tovey (Turf Breed)

l Treasurer: Daniel Streker (City of Frankston)

l Committee: Steve Cole (Lilydale Instant Lawn), John Shannon (Melbourne Grammar School), Ash Duncan (Turf Group Australia), Justin Lang (Green by Nature), Doug Agnew (Melbourne Polytechnic), Steve Vernon (City of Boroondara), Erik Kinlon (HG Sports Turf) and Josh Henry (MCC).

In addition to welcoming Josh as our newest committee member, we bid farewell to our longest serving committee member Garry Woolard who officially stepped down at the AGM. Garry has been on the TGAA/ STA Victoria committee for over 25 years, spending four years as secretary and the past 17 as treasurer. Garry’s contribution to the association and broader turf industry is something he should be very proud of and I would like to personally thank him for his service. Garry’s role as treasurer has been taken up by his fellow City of Frankston member Daniel Streker

A strong turnout of more than 400 sports turf management professionals, apprentices and trade exhibitors attended this year’s seminar which again featured some wonderful and engaging speakers. Dr Phil Ford spoke on silicon and copper turf trial results, before an engaging workplace resilience talk from leading Australian mental health specialist Rae Bonney OAM. Rae discussed the importance of mental health awareness and gave some tips and tools to monitor mental health and how being kind to others can have a huge impact on their lives.

We then heard from Flemington track manager Liam O’Keeffe who provided an insight into both turf and team management at the VRC. Liam spoke about his journey in the industry, track preparation pre-race day and race day and data analysis. Liam did his apprenticeship at the Warrnambool Racing Club in south-west Victoria before moving to Flemington in 2013 and became senior manager of the track in February 2018.

A presentation from Baw Baw Shire Council representatives and SPORTENG followed on the key lessons learnt from the recent reconstruction of Drouin Recreation Reserve. Tiffany White and Cindy Kozel from Yarra Valley Water then gave us an insight into current water storages and how the sportsturf industry can play a part in responsible water use due to the likelihood of drought conditions into the future. Our major sponsors of the day – ADE Turf Equipment and Turf Breed/ IronCutter – then provided an insight into what new products they have on the market.

Legendary Australian jockey Michelle Payne, who rode Prince of Penzance to victory in the 2015 Melbourne Cup and is currently the only female jockey to win the event in its 164 years, was the day’s keynote speaker. Michelle spoke to the crowd about her inspiring journey making her way up through a male-dominated sport and her childhood growing up in Ballarat with a single dad among nine siblings.

The retired jockey (39), who now trains in partnership with brother Patrick, went into detail on the emotion surrounding her famous win at the 2015 Melbourne Cup and how her life immediately changed in the aftermath, both positively and negatively, which has included a feature film made about her life and multiple books about her pathway to stardom.

Michelle spoke of how she had wanted to win the famous race since she was five years old and how the ups and downs, particularly growing up on the farm in a racing family, shaped her perspective on sport, life and how it all interweaves with being a role model for women and girls in sport. She also went into great detail on the severe injuries she endured during her career as a jockey, and the honour of receiving the Don Award in 2016, handed out to a sportsperson who through their achievements over the course of 12 months inspired the nation. A big thank you to Michelle for sharing her story and also to MC Cameron Luke (SEN and Channel 7) who hosted the Q&A with her. The day conclude with Liam taking attendees on a track walk.

In addition to the annual seminar, STA Victoria also conducted two other events in September. We held a free Weed Management Masterclass for members which featured the likes of Nadeem Zreikat (Colin Campbell Chemicals) and Jyri Kaapro (Envu) taking attendees through the various chemical groups, modes of action and how to get the best efficacy when spraying and treating weeds. The Masterclass series is designed for small groups (maximum of 30 people) which encourages discussion and questions and delves into more technical aspects of turf management. Keep an eye out on the STA Victoria website for future sessions.

Flemington, pictured top, played host to STA Victoria’s annual Turf Seminar in late July. Keynote speaker Michelle Payne is pictured above with STA Victoria vice-president Ant Lewis, while mental health expert Rae Bonney OAM (below) was also among the day’s presenters

In late September we also hosted our annual Pitch Preparation Day at Wesley College’s Glen Waverley campus in Melbourne. In what was an informative and engaging day, more than 120 attended, taking part in Level 1 and Level 2 training as part of the Accredited Cricket Pitch Curators Program.

Across the day they were guided through a range of pitch preparation techniques by leading industry experts including Junction Oval head curator Brad Baptist, Wesley College grounds supervisor Robert Savedra (CSTM), Melbourne Grammar School’s Joel Crimmins and Ground Science technical director Ernie Gmehling.

Some of the Level 1 subjects covered included an overview of how to prepare a pitch, marking up a pitch, cutting a pitch, watering of pitches and wicket tables, rolling at different stages of preparation, grassing up the pitch, repairing damaged pitches, using hessian and covers as well as sodding a pitch. Level 2 subjects included an overview of pitch soils, cricket pitch characteristics,

common issues in cricket pitch management and understanding water and its effect on preparation and play. Other aspects discussed included pitch renovations, winter and spring pitch maintenance, performance attributes, basic sports turf management practices and understanding turf surface performance measurements.

The two groups were given the opportunity to test out some of the machinery used to prepare and maintain cricket pitches

including a variety of rollers and mowers. STA Victoria committee member Steve Cole (Lilydale Instant Lawn), Baptist and Gmehling also provided informative talks to the attendees in the upstairs Coates Pavillion function room about various aspects of the turf industry.

MARK DOYLE PRESIDENT, STA VICTORIA

More than 120 attended the STA Victoria Pitch Preparation Day held at Wesley College’s Glen Waverley campus

PENBERTHY BESTOWED GCSAQ LIFE MEMBERSHIP

Turf industry stalwart and former ASTMA Board member Jon Penberthy has been bestowed life membership of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Queensland (GCSAQ).

Penberthy received the unexpected honour at the GCSAQ’s Annual General Meeting held at Gailes Golf Club in Brisbane on 14 August and in doing so joined a select group of past and current superintendents to have received the recognition. Penberthy, who now lives in Yamba in northern NSW, joins the likes of Queensland legends Doug Robinson, Jeff Gambin, Barry Cox, Pat Pauli, Gary Topp, Ben Tilley, Peter Lonergan and Rod Cook

“It was a very unexpected but very much appreciated honour to receive,” says Penberthy. “The recognition of my 35 years in the Queensland golf course and turf industry is very humbling. Over the journey I have met some fine people and some interesting characters and I would like to thank all those who have supported me in my endeavours during that time – no-one gets anywhere without a little help along the way. I have enjoyed my time on the golf courses very much and my involvement in the turf and agronomy industries over all these years. I have made some wonderful friends, learnt much and laughed heaps.”

Originally hailing from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Penberthy’s turf management career has spanned more than 45 years. It was in the late 1970s when he got his start through Frankston Parks and Gardens before undertaking a three-year Diploma of Applied Science (Horticulture) through Burnley Horticultural College. As part of that course he did work experience at Woodlands Golf Club and after graduating would end up back there for six years.

He then moved to Mt Martha Valley Country Club as the 2IC under Nick Rennison, but just two months into his time there took over the top job after Rennison moved across to The National. After two years in charge at Mt Martha, Penberthy would also move across to The National and was part of the team when the Cape Schanck course (now the Old Course) celebrated its first birthday.

In 1990, Penberthy moved to the Gold Coast which was experiencing a boom in golf course construction at the time. He joined Martin Greenwood as his assistant at the newly constructed Gainsborough Greens Golf Club at Pimpama, halfway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Not long into his time there Greenwood would head off to southeast Asia, with Penberthy taking the reins and eventually spending a total of 13 years there. In 1997 Penberthy became just the second recipient

of what is now the ASTMA Claude Crockford Sustainability and Environment Award for his work re-vegetating the site following the course’s construction.

“When I first arrived at Gainsborough Greens the course had only just opened,” recalls Penberthy, now 65. “Sanctuary Cove was only a year old, Royal Pines was under construction and Hope Island was just a paddock with a lean-to shed in the middle. Arundel had not begun and Lakelands, The Glades and Paradise Springs were not yet under construction. Palm Meadows was the benchmark, holding the Daikyo Open and attracting 130 members for a field day there.

“At that time the Queensland superintendents committee included the likes of Doug Robinson, Jeff Gambin, Paul Bevan, Chris Giles and Loch Ledford, so it seemed like a good idea to try to scoop up some pearls of wisdom from these luminaries, so I joined the association. They were all very helpful over the years.”

Penberthy would eventually join the GCSAQ committee as vice-president under Pauli (who was then superintendent at Horton Park GC), but would take over the reins in late 1998 after ill health forced Pauli to step down. Penberthy would remain as Queensland president until August 2004 when he stepped down at that year’s AGM.

During that time, in 2003, Penberthy also changed jobs, moving north for a new challenge as superintendent at Tewantin Noosa Golf Club on the Sunshine Coast. It

Former Gainsborough Greens and Tewantin

Noosa superintendent Jon Penberthy recently received life membership of the GCSAQ

was during this time that he was elected to the AGCSA Board at the 2004 Australian Turfgrass Conference in Melbourne. He would stay on the Board until early 2007, stepping off after departing Tewantin Noosa to take on a role with the then Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.

Employed as an experimentalist and technical officer, Penberthy was based at the department’s Redlands Turf Research Station where he played a key role in maintaining the many turf plots and assisted with the various industry turf trials that were being undertaken by the station’s researchers, among them Dr. Don Loch and Matt Roche. He would hold that role up until late 2012 and gave a presentation on the station’s trial work as part of a warmseason grasses workshop at the 2011 Australian Turfgrass Conference in Adelaide.

Penberthy then had short stints with Evergreen Turf, Active Industry Training and Labosport before joining Globe Growing Solutions in 2016 as their national technical manager. He would spend more than five years in that role before joining parent company Australian Agribusiness as a product support officer in 2021, a role he held until April this year.

NEW COMMITTEE

In addition to Penberthy being inducted as a life member, the GCSAQ AGM also saw a change of guard on the committee. Long-serving Keperra Country Golf Club superintendent Keith Johnson was elected

president, replacing Mark Hauff (Palmer Colonial) who stepped down, while Redland Bay Golf Club superintendent Dion Cope was elevated to vice-president. The full GCSAQ committee for the coming 12 months is:

l President: Keith Johnson (Keperra Country GC)

l Vice-president: Dion Cope (Redland Bay GC)

l Secretary: Dean Hardman (Ventrac Aust)

l Treasurer: Rod Cook

l Committee: Luke Helm (Meadowbrook GC), Taylor Wills (Gailes GC), Luke Nowlan (Oxley GC) and Tim Hoskinson (NQ Turf Specialists).

RETIRED SUPERS REUNION

In early September a group of retired Queensland superintendents and industry members hooked up for a reunion on the Gold Coast. Organised by Paul Bevan from Greenway Turf Solutions, the gathering was held at the Wallaby Hotel in Mudgeeraba and featured many well-known names from the Queensland industry across the past 50 years.

Front and centre was ASTMA life member Doug Robinson who for many years was course superintendent at Coolangatta and Tweed Heads Golf Club and was inaugural president of the Australian Golf Course

VGCSA

After what we hope has been a positive start to the spring season for everyone across the country and perhaps a welcome boost in motivation following another winter, summer now feels just around the corner. In fact, for some, it may already be well and truly here! Across Victoria in particular, it’s fair to say that it feels much closer to summer than the calendar would suggest.

In terms of winter rainfall we’ve been well below average and our thoughts go out to those in other states experiencing the opposite extremes. What lies ahead this summer remains to be seen, such is the unpredictability and challenge of working with nature.

We’re pleased to report that the VGCSA has carried its strong momentum into spring, with continued engagement across our events. The commitment to professional development remains a priority and we’ve been thrilled with both the turnout and feedback from our members. Our Country Meeting in Yarrawonga was once again a great success, featuring an excellent line-up of speakers and strong attendance. We wrapped up the year with our final meeting at Riversdale Golf Club in early September, kindly hosted by superintendent Barry Proctor

Superintendents Association (now ASTMA) between 1988 and 1994. Robinson was one of three former Coolangatta Tweed supers at the gathering and was joined by Jeff Gambin and Ian Grimshaw. Gambin, who also served as AGCSA president between 2004 and 2008, was Robinson’s assistant before taking over from him after he moved to Sanctuary Cove, while Grimshaw was Gambin’s assistant before taking over from him.

Also attending was the legendary Loch Ledford, former Grand superintendent and GCSAQ president Rod Cook, recently anointed GCSAQ life member Jon Penberthy and Darryl Edwards, who after more than 50 years in the industry is still the present day superintendent at Burleigh Golf Club on the Gold Coast.

This year also saw the introduction of a few new specialised workshops, developed to meet the evolving needs of today’s turf teams. These practical, hands-on sessions have been open to all staffing levels and cover a broad range of technical and strategic skills.

As interest in our meetings and turfrelated topics continues to grow, we remain committed to expanding the valuable learning opportunities introduced this year. Supporting the development of the next generation of golf course superintendents/managers remains a key focus.

Looking ahead, the VGCSA committee has secured a fantastic program for the 2026 meeting calendar. This includes the muchanticipated joint meeting with the NSWGCSA at Corowa Golf Club, which has attracted strong interest from both superintendents and sponsors.

A huge thank you to the clubs that have generously agreed to host our events in 2026 and to the sponsors who continue to support these initiatives and our association. Our 2026 meeting schedule comprises:

l Education meeting (2 March): Metropolitan GC (sponsored by ADE Turf Equipment and Rain Bird Australia);

l 99th VGCSA AGM (28 April): 13th Beach Golf Links (sponsored by Husqvarna Australia and Toro Australia);

l Course Staff Education meeting (2 June): Keysborough GC (sponsored by Colin Campbell Chemicals and GTS);

l VGCSA-NSWGCSA Country Conference (3-5 August): Corowa GC (sponsors TBC);

l Education meeting (8 September): Huntingdale GC (sponsored by Brandt Equipment and Sustainable Machinery). Wishing everyone a safe and successful season. We look forward to seeing you soon.

ADAM LAMB PRESIDENT, VGCSA

- Brett Robinson

At the recent retired Queensland superintendents reunion were: Back row (from left) – Darryl Edwards, Alan Mulcahy and Jeff Gambin; middle row (from left) – John Hume, Paul Lierse, Richard James, Frank Paul and Rod Cook; and front row (from left) – Paul Bevan, Doug Robinson, Loch Ledford, Ian Grimshaw and Jon Penberthy

Riversdale Golf Club hosted the VGCSA’s final meeting for 2025 in early September

PHOTO: JEFF GAMBIN

PHOTO: VGCSA

AUSTRALIAN TURF CLUB, THE AUSTRALIAN GC APPOINT NEW LEADERS

The new growing season has brought with it a number of major industry appointments, with two of Sydney’s elite sporting establishments confirming changes to their turf management teams in recent months.

Ahead of the 2025 Spring Carnival, the Australian Turf Club (ATC), which oversees Royal Randwick, Rosehill Gardens, Warwick Farm and Canterbury Park racecourses, announced the appointment of David Anderson as the new track manager at Royal Randwick. Anderson’s appointment came after the earlier announcement in June that former Royal Randwick track manager Michael Wood had been elevated to the role of general manager of all ATC racecourses.

A highly experienced and respected track manager, Anderson arrived at Royal Randwick at the start of September after a 40-year career at Kembla Grange racecourse with the Illawarra Turf Club. Having begun his career as an apprentice greenkeeper there, Anderson progressed to become the long-serving racecourse manager. Anderson is a recent recipient of the Australian Racecourse Manager of the Year Award and among his achievements at Kembla Grange were overseeing construction of the Polytrack training surface and reconstruction of the B Grass track.

ATC’s head of racing and wagering Nevesh Ramdhani said the club was fortunate to secure a track official with the skills and experience of Anderson: “Leading the track team at Royal Randwick is one of the most coveted roles in Australian racing,” says Ramdhani. “David’s depth of knowledge and experience, coupled with a great dedication and passion for the racing industry, is a rare and valuable asset. David has an established record in mentoring and developing staff who have progressed to more senior roles which will also greatly benefit our tracks teams.”

ON THE MOVE…

LUKE ARMSTRONG: After nearly nine years with Kingston City Council in Melbourne, including the past four as Team Leader Sportsgrounds and Reserves, Armstrong has crossed the border to the neighbouring City of Greater Dandenong to take on the role of Active Parks Coordinator.

SCOTT BARNETT: Departed as superintendent Margaret River GC, WA to move back to Brisbane.

ZACH BOURCHIER: Has moved from assistant superintendent to superintendent at Cheltenham GC in Melbourne, replacing former boss Tom Bickerdike who is now with Living Turf as a sales agronomist (see Around the Trade p59).

JASON FOSTER: After two-and-a-half years at Tropics Golf Club in Townsville, Foster has headed south to take over as superintendent at Hervey Bay G&CC, Qld.

Just a few streets across from Royal Randwick, The Australian Golf Club also made a major announcement in late September with confirmation that Marlon Johnston had been appointed as its new course superintendent. Johnston, who was previously one of two assistant superintendents at the Roseberybased course, takes the reigns from Dan Cook who stepped down in August.

The elevation to his first superintendent posting is just reward for Johnston who served as an assistant superintendent across two of Sydney’s elite courses over the past seven years. He joined The Australian in March 2022 after a three-and-a-half year stint as assistant at Terrey Hills, quickly becoming a key player in Cook’s senior team. He played a significant role in the 2023 Australian Open and helped to oversee a raft of course works in the lead-up.

JASON KELLY: Resigned as superintendent Royal Fremantle GC, WA after 12 years. Now working with Perth commercial turf and landscape firm Gecko Contracting which is owned and operated by former Fremantle Docker Aaron Sandilands and his family.

RYAN MCNAMARA: Resigned as superintendent Northern GC, Vic.

SAM OATES: From assistant superintendent to superintendent Hawks Nest GC, NSW replacing former boss Ben Mills who is now with BASF (see Around the Trade p59)

SHAUN PROBERT: After more than 20 years as superintendent at Ryde Parramatta GC in Sydney, Probert is heading south to take over as superintendent at St George’s Basin Golf Club, NSW, starting mid-November.

ROBERT WILLIAMS: Appointed superintendent Hartfield CC, WA.

TIM BAILEY: Appointed superintendent Tropics GC, Qld.

“Our club has a rich history and a passionate membership and I’m committed to maintaining its world-class standards,” says Johnston. “I’m extremely honoured to have the support of the board at The Australian Golf Club and look forward to building on the foundation of those before me. Both Phil Beal and Dan Cook gave the club their all in recent years and my commitment is to do exactly that.

“The network of mentors and peers I have locally, nationally and internationally have shown me an incredible level of support. I carry a level of confidence in my new role knowing I have that strong support network, as well as knowing we have an enthusiastic and committed team. It’s an exciting time at the club and I am looking forward to continuing the tradition of excellence that makes The Australian Golf Club so special.”

New The Australian GC course superintendent Marlon Johnston (above) and new Royal Randwick racecourse manager David Anderson (right)

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DELIVER EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE - ALWAYS

As we celebrate Toro Australia’s 50th Anniversary, it’s the perfect time to recognise those who helped us get here. To our past and present employees, thank you for your dedication and hard work in shaping the culture we’ve built today. To our valued customers, thank you for trusting us over the last 50 years. This milestone is not just about reflection – it’s a launchpad into the future, and we’re excited to continue growing the right way, with great people, to deliver excellence in customer experience - always.