The leading business magazine for the pan-European golf industry
Golf Management
coastal erosion - the facts Links courses are under threat from nature. Europe’s coastline is in grave danger of eroding into the sea, but as GME investigates the tide may soon be about to turn.
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Contents
A clearer direction is now needed
cover story 7
It must be catching. The 2001 general election in Britain attracted a turnout of just 59 per cent of the population, leading political commentators to declare that apathy was now ruling the country. But it would seem it’s not just in politics where apathy is a dominant factor. The golf course construction industry appears to be suffering the same malaise - and unlike the newly-elected government of the UK, there appears little direction and guidance from the top.
issue 19 credits;
This was brought home to us recently in discussion with several prominent members of the industry who felt they gained little or nothing from membership.
editor John Vinicombe contributors David Bowers Alister Marshall Rob Wright publisher Michael Lenihan administration Sharon O’Connell print Colourspeed
There are successful construction companies managed by people from all walks of life - some from the old school and some from the school of hard knocks. But each has something to offer the industry. But not everybody appears catered for in the current climate.
Golf Management Europe Suffolk Studios 284 Ravenswood Avenue Ipswich IP3 9TQ United Kingdom telephone 0870 241 4678
the palmerston 23
One prominent player admitted that membership of the organisation had helped his company at first, merely by way of introduction, but once the company had a foothold, it gained nothing from membership with its good name going before it.
(overseas +44 1473 274956)
facsimile 01473 274874 email info@portman.uk.com internet www.portman.uk.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from the publisher. Whist due care to detail is taken to ensure that the content of Golf Management Europe is accurate, the publisher cannot accept liability for errors.
Where would the PGA be, if it did not prove beneficial to its members seven days a week, 52 weeks a year?
irrigation 26
Member organisations are not designed simply to enable people to rule their own kingdoms and to enjoy the privileges such positions bring, they are there to provide strong leadership and advice - and in times of trouble to guide its members through the industry minefield. These organisations already exist within our industry, but many have sat back on their laurels, content with their mere existence and offering less and less to their clients - for that is, in pure business terms what a subscription implies - year on year.
barrelfield 31
The time has come for apathy to be laid to rest and for some administrative body to take up the challenge of leading the industry and taking it forward for the benefit of all. It is in all our interests - media included - to have a strong, pro-active association that is dedicated to developing the golf construction industry.
Š Portman Publishing and Communications Ltd 2001
A strong association reflecting a buoyant industry can only be good for all parties concerned.
Golf Management Europe June 2001
Page 3
News Inaugural Conference set to attract worldwide audience Lead Story The first ever Turf Care conference will be held at The Gleneagles Hotel from 1820 November 2001. Designed to appeal to and address issues facing both the business entrepreneurs who wish to build a golf course as well as to those already involved in the industry that can turn the developer’s ambition into reality, the conference is the brainchild of Jimmy Kidd, director of turfgrass management at Gleneagles. Kidd explained: “There are a lot of different individuals required to build and maintain a golf course, each with their own area of expertise and all with an important role to play in the development process. The conference is the ideal springboard for representatives from each part of that process to meet and expand their knowledge and understanding of one another’s role. “Experts in the field of golf course design, construction, turf care and golf management will provide professional advice on each aspect of the development process, taking them from the initial idea to the first tee-shot.
“The conference will address project management issues from how to present their idea to the bank manager to selecting the best course design for their landmass. “We will also be addressing environmental and ecological issues which, I passionately believe are essential aspects of all golf course management.” The conference instantly sparked the imagination of Peter Bell, marketing director of Textron Golf, Turf and Speciality Products, who said: “I am delighted on behalf of Textron to offer our full support for the conference. It’s a phenomenal idea. “I am confident that the speakers from the UK and USA, who bring with them a wealth of experience, will inspire delegates and undoubtedly nurture examples of good practice from day one, which will, in turn, benefit their golf course venture and the industry in the long-term.” Delegates from as far afield as Malaysia, South Africa, Egypt and South Africa have already registered for the three-day conference which costs £600 per person.
Here’s mud in your eye Assistant greenkeeper Jamie Gill got more than he bargained for during a recent demonstration of the Terralift machine at Stowmarket Golf Club. Invited by head greenkeeper, Roger Eade, Terrain Aeration Services probed to a one metre depth injecting compressed air at 10 bar into an area of the fairway. Although the blast lifted the turf 2-3 metres around the probe hole, the surface returned to normal. “As the machine is capable of injecting air up to 20 bar, we decided to up the pressure,” remembers TAS director Lynda Green. “The spread was more extensive and the blast blew old divots out of their replacement slots and delivered a free mud pack to Jamie’s face.”
No golf crisis in Cuba Cuba is destined to become the world’s new golf hotspot following a series of initiatives inspired by the PGA. PGA Golf Management has signed contracts with RUMBOS SA (the Cuban Government) worth in excess of £350,000 for the design of new courses in Cayo Coco and St Migul de Banos near the famous resort of Varadero. The contracts also include the training of Cuban personnel in golf course construction. A national golf development strategy is also being formalised by the PGA with RUMBOS SA over the next few months for all golf development, management and training in Cuba. Commenting Sandy Jones, chief executive of the PGA said: “We believe that Cuba is one of the most exciting new markets for the expansion of golf. “This new venture therefore gives us the chance to be at the forefront of taking the game to a new and undeveloped area and establishing professional golf in Cuba.” Page 4
Searching for new ideas UK golf clubs are to be the first in the world to benefit from a brand new service dedicated to improving the visibility of their web sites. Internet Data Management is the brainchild of William Dowty, managing director of CWS Limited, and a major shareholder in Ombersley Golf Club in Worcestershire. Dowty hopes to drive home to golf clubs the need to ensure that they have a strong presence on the huge number of directories and golf sites that are available. “Having established a web site many golf clubs are unaware of the need for regular promotion,” said Dowty. “While our recent survey of 1,535 UK clubs discovered that 481 had their own web site, a simultaneous study of the Internet’s most popular search engines, directories and golf sites could only confirm an average of 84 leaving 75 per cent of these sites effectively invisible.” June 2001Golf Management Europe
Cushman Envirojet hits the UK Southerndown Golf Club, situated in Bridgend, South Wales, has taken delivery of the first Envirojet liquid injection aeration system from Textron Golf and Turf. Mounted on and powered by a Cushman Turf-Truckster utility vehicle, the Envirojet can place liquids, wetting agents and fertilisers directly into the soil, within or below the rootzone with minimum disruption to the playing surface guaranteeing uninterrupted play all year round.
Schools out for new golf course architects
No show-boat to China
Following their recent successful conclusion to the Professional Diploma course of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects, Ljubica Jovetic (pictured) and Richard Myers have now joined the Institute as graduates. Both were awarded distinctions in the graduation ceremony which was held at the EIGCA’s headquarters at Merrist Wood, Surrey.
China Golf 2001, the Asian golf trade exhibition scheduled to be held in December 2001 has been cancelled by Australian show organisers Gold World Management. Commenting on the cancellation, CEO and founder Stephen Allen said: “Given the current worldwide economic situation, golf development is slowing down in China. “Also, because of the situation in the US, many of the leading golf course product and equipment companies are pulling back on their expansion into the Asian market, including China. “We are committed to continuing the show, but as a result of market conditions and as a response to serious feedback from exhibitors it is clear that a show every other year, rather than annually is more suited to requirements, at least for the present. “So our next scheduled China Show will be in 2002.”
Myers, with a landscape design degree from the University of Grennwich also gained the Barenbrug prize. Jovetic a Croatian who has played golf for her country, and a graduate from Zagreb University, becomes her nation’s first qualified golf course architect. Both have gained employment with Swan Golf Designs, who have recently teamed-up with St Andrews International Golf Development - a joint UK, Chinese co-operation which has been setup to advance golf development in the People’s Republic of China. A co-operation agreement has now been signed which will see Swan Golf Designs work with Julia Min and George Manson on new projects in China. St Andrews IGD have already announced the first project, in Hefei, close to Shanghai, and a second is expected in Kunming on the former China Expo site, to develop a public golf course.
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Page 5
News New facilities open at Sandford Springs
For sale sign up at Dale Hill Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Club in East Sussex is up for sale with an asking price in excess of £6 million. The club, which was once described by Golf Monthly as the ‘best new course in England’, was originally opened in 1974 as an 18-hole members course. In 1997, the facility was given a substantial face-lift with the opening of the aptly named Woosnam Course, designed by Ian Woosnam. Situated in Flimwell, 50 miles south of London, the development also includes a substantial clubhouse and a four-star 32bedroom hotel with conference facilities. Outline planning consent exists for the extension of the hotel, a new proshop and increased car parking. Interested parties are asked to contact FPDSavills for further information.
The latest phase in the extensive enhancement programme to transform facilities at Sandford Springs, the 27hole golf course at Tadley, Berkshire, was officially opened in June at a special ceremony by co-owner Jennifer Gibbons. The transformation has included major works and landscaping to give the club a superb new approach and has created a new first tee plus an ornamental practice putting green in a lakeside environment. A new greenkeepers enclosure has been built in woods and the ground floor of the Clockhouse is to be converted into a reception area, boardroom and offices with an adjoining practice area to be used by the club pro.
Paul Gibbons, chairman and co-owner of Leaderboard, the parent company of Sandford Springs said: “We want players at Sandford Springs to have that feelgood factor not just when they come through the entrance but all the way round the course and in the clubhouse. “Sandford Springs is being transformed for our members as we continue to invest in improving the course and general facilities. “Some of the planting will obviously take several years before its full effect is felt but it is certainly very impressive.” Leaderboard also owns Chart Hills GC in Kent and the Leaderboard Golf Centre in Reading.
All change at Advanta Seeds
New pretender to the Crown
Increased business throughout the UK has led to personnel changes in the sales and marketing department at Advanta Seeds - with Simon Harrison and Jim Fulton taking on expanding roles within the company. With immediate effect, Harrison has been appointed the Amenity marketing manager and Fulton becomes the Amenity UK sales manager. Based in Leeds, Harrison has a career background in sales and marketing within the sports trade. As well as looking after sales in the North of England, he is now responsible for managing Advanta’s advertising and pr spend, attendance at shows such as SALTEX and BTME and all external promotional activities.
Crown Sports plc has appointed David Sneesby as commercial director with immediate effect. Sneesby, who is aged 41, has had extensive experience in a number of marketing and commercial roles including director of buying and direct marketing for The National Magazine company. He holds a degree from Emmanuel College, Cambridge, as well as an MBA from the University of Warwick. Commenting on the appointment, Steve Philpott, chief executive of Crown Sports said: “The appointment of a first rate commercial director was an important objective in the next phase of the development of Crown Sports. “We are delighted that David has decided to join us at this exciting time.”
Page 6
June 2001Golf Management Europe
COVER STORY
Mox Golf Car UK Dunmore Court, Wootton Road, Abingdon OX13 6BH England Telephone: 01235 537575 Facsimile: 01235 537576 www.golfcar.uk.com
MOX offers freedom of choice at Golf Car UK
Cover Story Following the acquisition of Golf Car UK by MOX International earlier this year, plans have been announced that will further help develop the brand throughout the UK and European markets. MOX International already operates in France, Spain and Portugal and recent acquisitions include not only Abingdonbased Golf Car UK but also Modern Cross, a brand that will now form part of the collective portfolio. Golf Car UK has always prided itself on an ability to service the needs of its customers - a tradition that general manager Geoff Heritage is keen to retain.
“Although we have a new parent company, our reputation and attitude toward service coupled with our sales knowledge were qualities that I firmly believe attracted MOX International to the company. “Freedom of choice is a fundamental aspect of the new organisations ethos which will continue to provide all the advantages of medium and long term operating leases. “Freedom of choice is what the customer deserves - freedom to choose the correct product for the specific job and freedom to choose the best financial package most suited to the customer’s requirements.”
MOX International, which is a division of ABN Amro Lease Holding, has a wealth of European experience gained in greencare utility vehicles, golf cars, personnel transportation and urban service infrastructure. Based in Paris and Toulouse, France, the company plans to expand into ten European countries within the next five years, although within the UK, golf will remain the core market. “Golf Car UK is the nation’s premier golf car and utility vehicle distributor, and we have every opportunity to expand our already impressive client base with the encouragement and support of MOX,” concluded Heritage.
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Golf Management Europe June 2001
Page 7
SPECIAL REPORT
Turning the Tide In the first of a two-part major series – concluding in August – John Vinicombe examines the dangers of coastal erosion, and the steps that can be taken to help keep the tide at bay. The threat to some of our famous links courses including St Andrews and Royal Portrush is a real one - a threat which unattended could intensify.
arts of the Old Course at St Andrews, the home of golf, are under threat from the sea. And not only is St Andrews menaced. Nearly 70 per cent of the UK’s links courses are in danger of disappearing under the waves. All over the country, and not only Scotland, the fight is on to combat coastal erosion. However, it is a battle in which well-intentioned parties might do more harm than good. That view has been expressed by Jim Hansom of Glasgow University’s geography department. He told The Scotsman: “Attempts to halt erosion often exacerbated the problem. Low Intensity “It could be said golf courses are fairly low intensity land uses that can be shifted and that chucking good money after bad was not a solution. It’s just a matter of chuck in the towel when such measures become too expensive.” Hansom, head of the university’s coastal research group, added: “The key is inducing people to move to areas that are not subject to coastal erosion.” He said building protective barriers around golf courses and property stopped the incursion of the chain reaction that exported erosion. “In many ways natural shoreline problems are exacerbated by our own hands, we are protecting bits of coast but that will accelerate erosion elsewhere.”
P “IT COULD BE SAID GOLF COURSES ARE FAIRLY LOW INTENSITY LAND USES THAT CAN BE SHIFTED AND THAT CHUCKING GOOD MONEY AFTER BAD WAS NOT A SOLUTION.”
Page 8
Hansom’s views are backed by Dr John Rees, head of coastal geosciences at the British Geological Survey. He maintains systems were able to slow down erosion for short periods but over the long term - decades and centuries little could be done to stop the sea. “This is what people don’t seem to appreciate. We can put a lot of concrete down, but erosion will continue.” Meanwhile a number of agencies are grappling with the problem by introducing high-tech engineering methods. And a new publication, written by HR Wallingford, and available from Scottish Natural Heritage, reviews the options available for managing the erosion of sandy beaches and dunes. The guide helps address the difficulties of securing effective coastal protection while minimising or avoiding environmental damage. Importantly, it also provides guidance of the most appropriate responses, the legal implications of planning a response and illustrates how each technique might best be designed to the greatest effect. One of the most seriously affected courses is Royal West Norfolk that has been lapped by the North Sea since the treeless links was laid out 110 years ago. Last October the Brancaster club, with good reason, hosted a seminar in association with the R&A, to consider the implications of climate change and in particular its effect on coastal erosion.
June 2001Golf Management Europe
Sixteen clubs were represented, all with problems of varying degrees to those affecting Brancaster. The scenario there is dominated by the tidal marsh, a continuation of high water marks and wind sometimes leading to flooding. At Bay Like many links, wooden railway sleepers shore-up bunkers where the dunes stretch to the south and marram grass in the opposite direction. Thus the sea, for all its threatening presence, is kept at bay by traditional means. But new technology has taken over in such cases as the Brancaster meeting revealed. Apart from the speakers and five members of Royal West Norfolk, there were three members from the R&A Golf Course Advisory panel present Nick Park, Michael Barratt and Dr Michael Scholfield. The clubs represented were: Aberdovey, Ballybunnion, Formby, Hayling, Prices, Royal Aberdeen, Royal County Down, Royal Porthcawl, Royal Portrush, Royal St David’s Royal St George’s, Royal West Norfolk, Seahouses and the R&A. When such a powerful body gets together there is bound to be action. While delegates heard from Dr David Viner of the Climatic Research Unit about the projected climate change over the next century, most present were concerned with the present than the future. Richard Nunn, principal civil engineer at the Environment Agency, said the risk of flooding could not be removed completely. He added that the future for golf clubs was bleak as they faced restricted government funding. It was vital that the R&A recognised the importance of being stakeholders in any relevant flood defence schemes for the Environment Agency, which has an annual budget of £135m, had no statutory right to go in and improve. Cyril Southerland, member of the local Fisherman’s society outlined his solution to the erosion of dunes protecting the course at Brancaster. He said the sea had undercut the dunes to such an extent that the first green was within
one metre of a sheer sand cliff face, six metres high. To prevent it collapsing, it was necessary to take the power out of the sea and to stabilise the dunes. The method used was to construct a continuous ‘W’ - shaped structure of 3m pine poles driven vertically into the sand about 15m from the top of the dune and draped with 1.5m geotextile mesh. Despite doubts, the system is working and the dunes have stabilised and marram grass is growing on the newly formed dunes. The defence works extend for approximately 600m and the immediate danger to the course has been removed at nominal cost. Walter Woods, former course superintendent at St Andrews, recalled how the dunes there were stabilised. Previously, the banks of the Eden had been stabilised by the use of ‘waving mud grass’ imported from East Anglia, and sleeper revetments. Now, holiday makers and strong winds had broken down the dunes protecting the course and a simple solution using stone gabions was adopted. Problems with local planners were highlighted by Mike Taylor, a member of the management committee at Hayling. The council put in timber breastworks and concrete groynes but these caused heavy scouring so stone gabions were added filled with beach gravel. The knock-on effect caused concern by English Nature and other statuary bodies in Hampshire. Only temporary permission was granted by the planners for two years. “English Nature’s attitude has been appalling and unhelpful,” Taylor told the delegates at Brancaster. Donald Steel, the golf course architect, observed that man’s activities played an important part in coastal erosion. It was not always due to climatic causes. While prevention was always better than cure, contingency plans should be prepared. He stressed that it was important to establish a friendly dialogue with the statutory bodies and confirmed that English Nature proved to be the most difficult.
Golf Management Europe June 2001
Steel suggested a national appeal be launched on behalf of golf courses under threat and that a pool of money be held by the R&A for this purpose and perhaps a society for the preservation of traditional links courses could be formed. Richard Tregarthen of Aberdovey, said his club was suffering from dune erosion due to tourism and lateral movement of the sea. A scheme for dune protection was vital and he said the use of elevated board-walks, as used at Royal St David’s, Harlech, has seen a considerable improvement to the dunes. At Royal Portrush, according to Joe Findlay, the local authority encourage the public to walk the dunes and this resulted in pedestrian erosion. Stone armament had been put in place and this was effective. The second green at Royal Porthcawl had already been lost said Frank Prescott, while Peter Rolph (Royal County Down) stressed that clubs keep trying with the statutory bodies as in the end they gained their support. However, John Stevens (Seahouses) queried the term, “managed retreat” which was used by English Nature. In his view it meant doing nothing and leaving nature to take its course. Exceptional Mike Schofield, R&A panel member said English Nature were aware of the problems faced by golf clubs and believed the experiences at Brancaster and Hayling were exceptional. This was not agreed by the meeting in general and Schofield welcomed the idea of the creation of an R&A database. Nick Park, deputy chairman of the R&A Golf Course Advisory Panel, said the governing body is not responsible for golf courses. Their only mandate is for the rules and management of the game. However there was the advisory panel, comprising a membership of 15, that is being reorganised. Letters must come from clubs requesting help if the R&A’s mandate is to be changed. The concluding part of this special report will be published in August.
Page 9
News Greece tees up for golf tourism There are just four 18 hole golf courses in Greece, the last one having been built in 1979. With initiative from the Government and Tourist Industry of Greece, the first of several new courses planned for the future is being constructed at The Crete Golf Club The Course will be Par 72 Championship Standard and 6,400 yards long. Four sets of tee position on each hole will make it a challenging course for golfers of all standards. There will be two driving ranges and a state of the art golf academy with practice putting greens and short game practice area.
Swan-ing off to all corners of the globe Another renovation project this time at Brickendon Grange Golf Club, Hertfordshire, has been awarded to Swan Golf Designs. The Essex-based practice now looksafter some 25 courses from Reykjavik to Beirut and extensively throughout mainland Europe. Director Howard Swan said: “It is very satisfying to see more established clubs retaining professional and experienced golf course architects in setting out long-term improvement programmes for exisiting courses. “This represents an increasing and significant part of our architectural work at home and abroad.”
Half way around the world at one of golf’s little known outposts, Swan Golf Designs are redesigning the Ras Al Hamra Golf Course in Muscat, Oman where the nine-hole brown course is being revised and is likely to become the Sultanate’s first green and grassed layout. The course is being lengthened, and a full irrigation system being installed to allow effluent water from the nearby refinery to be used to water the new grass. The course is designed to allow the recycling of all water so conserving to the maximum a resource whose value is immense in such a part of the world.
Long Equipment join the Euro party The place to be in the third week of May had to be Ipswich Town Football Club and their training ground at Rushmere St Andrew, just four miles from Portman Road. The football club which exceeded all expectations last season by qualifying for the UEFA Cup was a hive of activity planning for next season’s groundscare maintenance equipment. As all surface management is handled by the club’s own staff, head groundsman and current groundsman of the year Alan Ferguson decided to search the market for a top class sacrificer/hopper for use at the Premiership club. Page 10
Situated in Hersonnisos, Crete, the course is being developed by a group of local Hoteliers and the City of Hersonnisos. Construction by Greek contractors started in May, 2001. Costing in excess of Dr 4,400 million, (£8 million), it has been designed by British golf designers, PGA Golf Management. Head of golf design, Bob Hunt said: “This is an important site where we have followed our design philosophy of environmental friendliness. When completed it will be a positive addition to the landscape of Crete. “It is certainly one of the most important events in Greek Tourism for many years. It has taken a great deal of hard work by the developers to be able to start work and we aim to be ready for play in March 2003.”
The sheer versatility of the Long Equip 1502 Sacrificer Collector which was chosen ensured that ‘controlled renovation’ was achieved and the results have already justified the decision to purchase outright. June 2001Golf Management Europe
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Page 11
News Dream becomes a reality for Golf Court backers Last month saw the opening of the world’s first 18-hole golf court. Developed by Compac Golf Ltd, the golf court is located at Lensbury at Teddington Lock on the banks of the River Thames. Designed by Swan Golf Designs, and built by Land Unit Construction, an ideal golf court covers 18 acres of land but due to the restricted space available at Lensbury, Compac Golf adapted the concept and made it possible to play a full 18-hole, par 3, round of golf on just six acres of land. The substance and density of the project is underlined by the decision of the project team to specify a full construction profile to the greens, tees and bunkers.
The putting surfaces of the greens are large and accommodating, contoured to create a test of putting skills equivalent to a full golf course. The contouring and bunkering are designed to the requirements of the facility, whereby the direction of the approaches to the greens vary with each playing sequence of six holes. The greens, tees and fairway are all turfed - the greens have been laid with washed turf to achieve the best possible establishment of a consistent and resilient sward when open for play. The rough was seeded with a predominantly dwarf perennial ryegrass, to retain a rapid establishment in the ever decreasing weather window the wet Spring had placed upon the construction team.
Familiar face saddles up at White Horse White Horse Contractors Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Crabbe to compliment their successful and experienced contract management team. Crabbe will have particular responsibility for sportsturf projects and brings with him over 15 years experience in the golf course and sports turf construction, drainage and irrigation industry. Previously with Pearl Land Drainage and Southern Golf, Crabbe has managed many golf course construction projects in the UK and Europe including The Oxfordshire, The Buckinghamshire, Hanbury Manor and the 'Old Course' Vilamoura, Portugal.
EGU say get into golf The English Golf Union has announced the launch of its ‘get into golf’ campaign in an effort to introduce more people into the game. The EGU claim that following the success of last years campaign, free golf coaching for beginners will again be available throughout this summer with more venues and more dates. Funded by sponsorship from Prosimmon and supported by Sportsmatch, any beginner wishing to experience golf for the first time can simply register with a venue and receive one-hour of free golf coaching with a qualified PGA pro. Page 12
Bridlington upgrade turf kit Bridlington Links Golf Club, situated on the East Yorkshire coast has upgraded its golf course maintenance equipment following a £80,000 contract with Textron Golf, Turf and Speciality Products. The range of equipment, supplied through local dealer Henton & Chattel Ltd, from the Jacobsen and Iseki brands encompasses ride-on greens, tees and fairway mowers and an Iseki compact tractor. Phil Hancock, general manager at Bridlington Links said: “We were in a position to upgrade our course machinery, so we contacted our local Textron dealer and they sent their sales manager along to see us. “Textron put together a finance proposal that included extended warranty agreements enabling us to make substantial savings on servicing and maintenance.” June 2001Golf Management Europe
Penfold Golf go on-line Penfold Golf, makers of personalised gift packs and golfing accessories, have launched their own website www.penfold-golf.co.uk. The East Grinstead-based company has been an established and respected name within the game for almost three-quarters of a century, and this latest step into the world of electronic buying allows Penfold's existing and potential customers to browse through the whole range of products online.
Golf range re-vitalised
Hole in one for Greasley as Els tees-off at Canary Wharf
A recent reseeding programme at RAF Lakenheath Golf Range, has already brought about an 88 per cent increase in revenue since re-opening in April 2001, according to Derek Turner, manager of the range. Members who were disappointed when the range had to close over the winter, feel the wait was worthwhile. The range, mainly made up of alkaline sand, had minimal growth by the time it was closed last August. The soil structure had broken down and most of the grass had been lost due to the drought. Grass seed was chosen from the Johnsons Sport and Amenity Range Taskmaster 70%, Ryegrass and 30% Slender Creeping Red Fescue, and supplied by Driving Force Leisure. The size of the area re-seeded was approximately 3.5 hectares. The grass began to establish before the cold weather arrived and was then left undisturbed during the winter.
Canary Wharf is hardly the location you would expect to find a golf course. Nor is the roof of Cabot House a likely tee-off point for world number three golfer, Ernie Els. However, with event management by Southampton-based Merchant Design International and the construction expertise of John Greasley, the impossible became a reality. The Omega golf challenge - sponsored by the global watch brand - was part of a spectacular brand awareness campaign aimed at heightening the brands profile. Inviting visitors to pit themselves against Els at the end of June, the Docklands area of Cabot Square played host to a magnificent full golf green made of real grass, complete with bunker. Els teed off from a balcony 100 feet up, across a road, fountain and hoards of spectators to come within inches of the pin!
HAWTREE GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS Since 1912 5 OXFORD STREET, WOODSTOCK, OXFORD OX20 1TQ TEL: (01993) 811976 FAX: (01993) 812448 E-Mail: golfdesign@hawtree.co.uk Web site: www.hawtree.co.uk Martin Hawtree Fellow of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects
Golf Management Europe June 2001
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Under the Weather The golf construction companies have certainly missed the golden years of the 80’s and 90’s when new courses were springing up all over the place. But even though there are fewer specialists around than there were, recent enquiries from Rob Wright seem to indicate that the industry is reasonably stable.
“THE CULTURE IN THE UK AT THE MOMENT IS CHEAPEST WINS. IN THE US, BUDGETS ARE LARGER BECAUSE THEY EXPECT THE BEST PRODUCT - NOT THE CHEAPEST - SO THAT’S WHAT THEY GET.” e’d like to promise you that one day, some time soon, we’re going to stop talking about the weather. Granted, where golf is concerned, the weather is king. And in the golf construction industry, this maxim is no less true. So for now, guess what golf’s specialist contractors are talking about in the wake of what should have been their busiest time of year?
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nesses collapsing over the last few years. Climate But neither the recent testing climate in the industry or the atmospheric climate seems to be able to deter their ingenuity; “We’ve used the bad weather to market ourselves, encouraging courses to use us and address problem areas of play!” So has the weather been an unreserved godsend to constructors? "
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“As an industry, golf in the UK has had a real kick in the stomach this winter,” mused Barrelfield Golf Construction director, Melvin Thomas. “But it wasn’t just the weather; Foot and Mouth had a real affect on courses which rely on travellers and tourism to help their income, too.” Barrelfield Golf Construction are a curiously new/old company in the golf construction industry, conspicuous after a series of notable construction busi-
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“Like a lot of other contractors, from October onwards we got caught short part way through the season because of the weather,” recalled Ingrid Eichler, a director from Contour Golf, a leading golf construction specialist with offices in Ireland and England. “The wet weather certainly slowed us down. But it was always going to be tough.” Which is precisely the problem with winter work. Winter weather is not naturally conducive to effortless construction work. Golf is certainly a fair weather sport for obvious reasons. So when the fair weather finally arrives, the last thing golfers want is the sight of a JCB interrupting their vista of the greens. Revenue And the last thing club owners want is any threat to their revenue at the busiest time of the year. So refurbishment’s and extensions are scheduled for winter months. Which is fine, but not necessarily the best solution.
“So few architects are prepared to stick their necks out and insist on a summer build,” Eichler continued. “We’re now starting work on six holes of a 24-hole course. The architect on this project did stick his neck out and he’ll be proved right.” Best Nigel Ely expanded Eichler’s point: “The culture in the UK at the moment is cheapest wins. In the US, budgets are larger because they expect the best product - not the cheapest - so that’s what they get. “As a result, development costs have probably been capped in the golf construction industry over here for the last five years.” And without apportioning blame, he too said that architects were partly responsible, because “they’re in a very competitive market.” Having the freedom to make longerterm decisions which aren’t driven solely by price depends on a series of variables which are different for every club.
Ely is in a unique position to comment on golf construction in general. Alongside his brother, Mark, he runs J&E Ely Ltd, a specialist sports construction company with a strong reputation in golf and a number of highprofile builds in their portfolio. Additionally, Ely is also chairman of the British Association of Golf Course Constructors, an organisation which serves to help set and raise standards among in its members in the construction industry. Membership also recognises golf construction ability and quality - which needs to continually evolve as the game continues to develop. And course owners would do well to use rebuilds to help keep pace with those developments. “The way the golf market has changed with balls and clubs, this might be a good opportunity to make holes more suitable for the modern game,” said Ely. “Even I’m hitting the ball further than I’ve ever done!”
“IT NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE ME. YOU ASK WHERE’S THE WORK GOING TO COME FROM, BUT EVERY YEAR, THERE SEEMS TO BE MORE OF IT.” Eichler again; “The preferred option, giving much better quality much faster and more efficiently is to get course work done in the summer especially when it comes down to the finishing when you need drier conditions. In winter, you’re relying on luck once you’ve got to that stage of a job. “So if you can phase your operations over two-to-three years and give your members 12 or so holes to play with, it’ll work much better in your favour.” With costs driving a lot of decision making, architects and project managers are under pressure to produce the cheapest construction option instead of the most ideal to help secure a contract.
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And Ely highlighted one overriding variable; “Does their management plan even allow them to rebuild?” Ely encourages course managers to make plans which not only take into account key drivers such as cashflow but include other important considerations such as course recovery. He went on: “With the down-time and the loss of revenue, a rebuild might not be practical at all due to budgetary constraints. “Alternative solutions include a soilexchange programme which will allow the course to be kept open for play. “Even with low ground-pressure machinery, in the Autumn and Winter there will still be some damage. The better the conditions during rebuilds, the quicker the greens will open.”
And change in the world of golf construction appears to be here to stay, with the pattern of construction turning a definite corner. “There are not so many new builds each year as there has been, but there are still some in the right locations, especially extensions of complexes to satisfy members and corporate demands.” continued Ely. “But in the UK, the refurb market shows robust growth year on year. It never ceases to amaze me. You ask where’s the work going to come from, but every year, there seems to be more of it.” As a result, Ely says that quality contractors will always have plenty of work on. “If you’re good, you get work,” he said.
June 2001Golf Management Europe
So what’s stimulating this increasing demand for refurbs and extensions? Ely had an interesting perspective on this which involves satellite TV! “With sports channels, you can turn on the box in January and February and see green courses. “And with the advent of USGA specifications, complete with drainage on greens and tees, you can play all year round.” Which means that clubs which are playable all-year round are prospering as they win the attention of die-hard players, while the older clubs suffer poorer footfall because their courses are not able to keep pace. Which then, of course, makes them vulnerable in all sorts of different ways. Changes John Greasley runs the leading specialist golf course construction company which bears his name. He’s noticed other changes in the construction market which appear to be typical of other companies’ perspectives. “We’re quite happy if we get an 18hole course to build every other year, so the market certainly has changed.” The reason for this he believes comes back down to money. “Operators can buy courses up-andrunning and spend their money refurbishing, rather than building and waiting two years to get a return on their investment. "
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“And the ones that are getting built are fairly low-budget affairs on landfill sites. Bigger jobs are now few-and-far between, whilst the mid-range, 18-hole construction is where it appears to have dried up altogether. Fortunate “Though we’re probably rather fortunate because we do an awful lot of refurbishment which keeps us busy, especially through the autumn and winter.” So what does the future hold for the industry? “I can’t ever see a return to the nineties,” continued Greasley. “I suspect it’s going to stay like this for quite some time. “The only thing that’s likely to change all this is if the big players have bought up all they’re interested in and look to plan new courses. “But I can’t see that making too much difference because of the difficulties with planning permission. You’re probably looking at a five-year development plan. Upbeat “But talking to architects, they seem quite upbeat, with a number of new projects already on their books for next year. On top of which, I predict that we’ll still find sufficient work in refurbishment and extensions.” Assuming, of course, that it doesn’t rain too much. But then again, maybe because it will do.
“BUT TALKING TO ARCHITECTS, THEY SEEM QUITE UPBEAT, WITH A NUMBER OF NEW PROJECTS ALREADY ON THEIR BOOKS FOR NEXT YEAR. ON TOP OF WHICH, I PREDICT THAT WE’LL STILL FIND SUFFICIENT WORK IN REFURBISHMENT AND EXTENSIONS.”
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FEEDBACK
Great Scot! III In response to previous articles in February and April regarding plans for the Scottish centralised handicapping scheme, Nigel Ironside, general manager of ScottishGolf, addresses some of the issues raised and offers clarification. cotland On Line has been working in conjunction with the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies Golfing Association to develop a centralised handicap system to deliver real benefits to all participants, players and administrators of the game's future in Scotland. This scheme is being delivered through ScottishGolf, the trading name for Golfing Scotland Limited, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Scotland On Line. The evolution of that development has come about with the ever-present changing nature of technology that presents different opportunities at different times. However, the core principles of a centralised handicapping system remain the preserve of the governing bodies, which by their very nature exist to serve the interests of their member body. ScottishGolf proposes to provide every SGU affiliated club in Scotland with a free smart enabled PC to participate in the scheme. In addition, all club members will be provided with a ScottishGolf smartcard that will record their handicap and be readable at any participating club in the country. The option to participate in any of the commercial elements of the scheme is entirely the golfers choice. A tee time booking system, developed with clubs, hoteliers and tour operators will be provided to clubs when they have the capability to operate it. This is the only link between tee time booking and the handicap system. Safeguarded It is important to understand the use of personal information is strictly safeguarded by the regulations in the Data Protection Act. The key point to note is that use of personal data for direct marketing activity and any disclosure to third parties must have the consent of the individual to whom the data relates. The number of systems available to provide the opportunity to make online bookings is irrelevant. What is important to golf tourism in Scotland is that the number of clubs participating is maximised. This cannot happen when clubs cannot afford expensive software and hardware.
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It does not matter which avenue the golfer visits Scotland from, as long as he books his golf in a Scottish golf club. That is the benefit to golf tourism. Our aim is to bring everyone together under the ScottishGolf banner and promote Scotland as a golfing destination, as outlined in the Scottish Executive Golf Tourism Strategy. I fail therefore, to see how the face of Scottish golf tourism is diluted. Rather, there is a healthier and wider choice from which the visitor may choose, as well as sticking to the welltrodden path of championship venues. ScottishGolf provides the platform to link to every club in the land and in turn link them to an active database of accommodation, restaurants and other tourist attractions in the areas they may wish to visit. I would ask the question, is anyone else providing such a service for the industry? The allegation of favouritism of one commercial venture over another is incorrect but a sentiment we would entirely endorse. As with all commercial applications, the success of a project of this size depends upon working with partners with established experience and knowledge of the market place. The final solution will be an open platform that will provide all other participants in the market with a specification that allows them to continue to
Golf Management Europe June 2001
be active in the marketplace, if they wish. Scotland On Line does not offer or sell handicap systems, preferring to work with existing suppliers. The creators of golfagent were contacted alongside other suppliers, to see if they were interested in being involved in the centralised handicap scheme. ScottishGolf welcomes all comers in what is an extensive marketplace. There has been no influence on the market to act in one way or another; clearly a healthy market is one where there is choice for the consumer. Confusion Golfagent may be forgiven for their confusion regarding the gathering of data for the handicap system and the provision of a tee time booking system. This is entirely separate from the tee time booking system. The SGU and SLGA have appointed Scotland On Line for the purpose of administering the centralised handicap scheme. In terms of presenting two systems to the world, ScottishGolf will only be presenting those clubs on the web that wish to participate, but providing the mechanism for all clubs to do so. As far as ScottishGolf is aware, no other organisation is providing this infrastructure in the market. I would agree that online tee time booking systems could work in perfect harmony with club-based systems. Indeed it is the very premise of providing a flexible booking solution that integrates the web with club management systems. Not everyone is able or willing to utilise the web and would rather speak to the club directly. I am delighted that the St Andrews Links Trust generated handsome revenues with its system last year. ScottishGolf will provide the mechanism for other clubs across Scotland to benefit from similar success in the future. By providing the infrastructure to embrace the web, ScottishGolf is providing an opportunity for clubs to choose how they manage their affairs. It is not for any one organisation to insist upon the use of one system or another; the benefits must speak for themselves. Page 19
ANALYSIS
Stressing the Point It is almost impossible to pick up any magazine, newspaper or periodical without finding a reference to stress. The day-to-day management of a golf club can involve a great deal of stress, a condition that is increasingly causing concern. Article by Professor Ifor Capel. hat do we mean by stress? When at the playoff the apparently brilliant contender misses a three foot putt that would have secured the championship, the media report “the pressure got to him.” Although the physiology of stress is being extensively studied and is well understood, finding solutions to control peoples’ response to stressful circumstances remains elusive. All the physiological processes in the body, awake/asleep, eating/excreting, drinking/thirst, exercise and rest operate within strictly defined limits.
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The blood is constantly being monitored by part of the brain (the hypothalamus) which releases hormones which control other tissues to maintain the concentrations of vital materials in the blood in adequate supply for the activity being performed. Threat In an emergency all these mechanisms which maintain balance can be temporarily suspended by a different stress-responsive system which works through nerves and special hormone secreting glands. When confronted by a threat or a challenge, the body is immediately geared up for fight or flight - the alarm stage of the stress reaction. Nervous connections from the brain to the adrenal glands cause an immediate release of the hormone adrenaline. Hormones are necessary because they ensure that all the different organs of the body are co-ordinated in order to prepare for fight or flight at the same time. Consider driving your car along the motorway when another driver cuts across you, provoking a feeling of fury whose only relief is an indignant tooting of the car horn. The effect of adrenaline will be to stop all digestion - all available glucose for energy will be diverted to muscles, the heart rate and pulse will increase dramatically, blood pressure rises, the mouth becomes dry, pupils constricted, the palms sweat and sugar and fat will be released into the blood from body stores for energy. Page 20
This is the condition that is often inappropriately termed running on adrenaline. All the energy substrates released by adrenaline are unused as there was no real danger. Under these circumstances the fats can be deposited in the arteries leading to narrowed arteries, resulting in raised blood pressure. Clearly, no one can survive this alarm state of high alertness for long. So what if the challenge doesn't go away? When the threat persists a hormone is released from the gland at the base of the brain, travels in the blood to the adrenals and causes them to release a hormone known as cortisol. Cortisol is concerned with the stage of resistance to a threat or challenge - high cortisol means increased arousal/agitation and learning and attention is increased. The medical consequences of prolonged high blood cortisol will be difficulty in sleeping at night, decreased immune function (increased susceptibility to infection or developing a tumour)
loss of calcium from bone tissue and more. The psychological consequence is that mixture of symptoms loosely termed depression. The problem is that we have a physiology perfectly adapted to the stressors and strains of everyday life as experienced by our primitive hunter-gatherer forebears. It is inappropriate to solve a 21st century problem, such as avoiding choking with a simple putt on the green. A focal dystonia (popularly termed the ‘yips’), destroys the putting stroke of a quarter of people who play golf frequently, often with profound psychological consequences. The high blood cortisol associated with coming to terms with an everpresent stressor as typified by unhappy experiences at work, cannot easily be switched off afterwards. The stressed individual is trapped permanently in the same unhappy situation by his own hormones. These may influence people to seek early retire-
June 2001Golf Management Europe
ment with the hope of playing more golf and reducing stress. With inadequate preparation the opposite effect will result. One of the pioneer researchers on stress said “it's not what happens to you that matters, it's how you take it.” National Health surveys indicate 75 per cent of the general population experience some stress every two weeks. About 70 per cent of all visits to General Practitioners surgeries every year are for stress related problems. Those who present with acute anxiety or panic attacks will probably be offered tranquillisers, but these can only be a short-term remedy.
It is important to find the answer to stress inside yourself, rather than from chemicals to alter your mood. There are any number of specialist books or counsellors to help. Ultimately, modifying the behaviour and lifestyle to ensure some time for relaxation provides the opportunity for the body to repair the stress-induced damage that may have occurred. An ideal solution is to escape to the golf course or, use the golf course as a door between office time and leisure time. Some of the medicines intended to relive stress have more associated sideeffects and exacerbate stress-related problems.
In the final analysis, it is how desperate you are to win that will determine the extent that the physiology of the alarm stress reaction will affect you. Antidote People involved in the amelioration of stress often recommend golf as the great antidote to stress and as an exercise in which older people can participate. Perhaps such pundits have no experience of the game and, for the older player, the physical as well as psychological stressors experienced. Attempting to copy the swings of the greats may add to the physical stress golf exerts on the spine.
NATIONAL HEALTH SURVEYS INDICATE 75 PER CENT OF THE GENERAL POPULATION EXPERIENCE SOME STRESS EVERY TWO WEEKS. Persistent use, apart from the other side effects, will certainly lead to addiction. When taken, the tranquilliser suppresses the action of the nerves associated with stress. Longer term, unless increasing amounts of drug are taken the effect of these nerves and months of suppressed stress can be rapidly delivered, resulting in a rebound panic/anxiety attack. Tranquillisers and antidepressant medications account for one fourth of all prescriptions written in America every year. There is a fine distinction between anxiety and depression - both are manifestations of stress and frequently occur together. Many herbal remedies have been advocated as helpful for those suffering stress, most remain to be validated. Ginseng can be used for short periods and some report benefits, and, St John's Wort has been demonstrated to have antidepressant properties. The preparations of these substances can vary between different manufacturers and in terms of side effects they are not as well characterised as conventional drugs. These substances have been used for some time, however, and there are no convincing reports of major problems associated with their shortterm use. An alternative natural method of controlling stress is self-administration of minute electrical stimuli (cranial electrostimulation, CES) across the brain to ameliorate variously the stress/pain in the region of the brain where it is processed. Probably the best example of this treatment currently available is subperception electrical stimulation (SPES®) which has the added advantage that it simultaneously relieves the anxiety associated with quitting tranquilliser/antidepressant use.
Golf is a sport that could be similar in effect and its adherents run the risk of obsession if not addiction. Golf also demands a high input of physical and particularly mental energy. Golf can be the most frustrating challenge. The stress mechanisms associated with the alarm reaction are better for explosive actions such as sprinting, and not conducive to controlled, smooth, modest effort while keeping the head and most of the body still. The skill in converting potentially damaging distress into positive motivational Eustress (good stress) usually requires professional advice than practice. Stress-relieving drugs will, in the short term, overcome but not solve the problem. Practice may perfect technique, but the most important practice has to be under competition conditions. Adapt The body has a remarkable ability to adapt to stress and if the situation is roughly similar each experience is less stressful - which is why the champion always appears to be so cool and the rookie challenger nervous. Young golfers who have not competed in serious competition are less tense and susceptible to self-doubt. As they enter serious competition they may choke through lack of experience to pressure. With practice, maturity helps them dismiss the bad shot from their minds. As competitive golfers age, their attitude may change and memories of missed putts and bad shots in similar crucial situations may return to haunt them. The great golfers remain great because they relax and allow their training and skill (associated with focussed concentration by the reasoning part of the brain) to override the primitive alarm reaction associated with fear and anxiety.
Golf Management Europe June 2001
Sliding the hips, especially during rotation, or forward thrust to generate power, exerts sheering forces on the lumber spine, particularly on the dominant-handed side of the player's back. Poor style while addressing the ball, such as bending from the waist, rounding the shoulders to position the arms in front of the body and dropping the head forward, tucking in the chin to watch the ball, all contribute to low back pain. A poor technique will contribute to problems, whereas, a technically sound player will go on indefinitely. The temptation for the older player is to resort to painkillers in order to remain playing, refusing to accept that their back pain is a consequence of golf rather than ageing. Drug-free relaxant treatments like SPES® can help in acute pain situations, but correcting deficiencies in style with appropriate lessons will enable older golfers to continue playing for longer. The older player must care for their body, regardless of how diverting the game. Simply bending at the knees while collecting the ball from the hole, and ensuring their golfing bag has two straps and is not carried over one shoulder. Golf should provide a focus and will contribute to keeping a player fit, it is not the means of becoming fit. Older players should ensure their general health is good enough in order to play. All players should exercise regularly, particularly those involving flexibility and suppleness, regardless of the fact that they are now playing for fun. Golf is a unique sport available to players of all ages. Top competitors learn strategies to cope with stress largely to improve performance. All players should take some measures to approach the game with a similar attitude in order to enjoy the full stress-busting benefit the game offers. Page 21
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June 2001Golf Management Europe
CLUB INSIGHT
Sporting Club Berlin CCA Internationals recent acquisition, the Palmerston Golf Resort on the banks of the Scharmützelsee, is one of Germany’s finest leisure resorts comprising three world-class golf courses. John Vinicombe reports from the possible venue of the 2008 Solheim Cup.
“NICK FALDO WAS INSPIRED BY BRITISH LINKS WHEN HE SET TO WORK ON THE PAR 72 DESIGN AT BAD SAAROW. ”
ow to describe a concept that is unique? That is the question when reviewing the Palmerston Golf Resort and Sporting Club. Yet another fabulous multi-million dollar playground for the rich and famous in the Arizona desert or spread amid the lush meadows of New England? The name affords no clue to the actual geographic location so it comes as a surprise to discover that the Palmerston is on the shores of the Scharmützelsee just 45 minutes from the centre of Berlin. The five-star resort, formerly the Kempinski Hotel, provides the perfect setting for not only golf, with three courses, but other sports and spa facilities coupled with a separate, dedicated conference centre. The Palmerston does not stand alone. Apart from the Sporting club, Berlin, it currently manages Brocket Hall just outside London and is developing further
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resorts at Sammezzano Castle near Florence and at Hangszhou in China. In a remarkably short time, Palmerston Hotels and Resorts have built an international reputation as the finest name in their specialist field. In fact the parent company CCA International has managed some of the world’s most exclusive private member clubs and resorts for over 20 years. The championship courses designed by Nick Faldo and Arnold Palmer have been rated the best in Germany. Top billing is also accorded by the PGA European Tour. Choice The third course, the Silberberg, created by European Golf Design is also highly rated. There is, in addition, the Golf Academy and its nine-hole executive layout. The golfer is clearly spoiled for choice. The main focus is on the Faldo Platz as the locals call it. In all the opinion polls it gets rave notices plus personal endorsements from star players. "
Golf Management Europe June 2001
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Padraig Harrington, the Irish Ryder Cup golfer, and Sweden’s Robert Karlsson, praised it as the best on the Tour after the German Open in 1998 and 1999. The plaudits of Bernhard Langer were equally unstinting after the 1999 championship: “I would say it is one of the best we play throughout the year.” Nick Faldo was inspired by British links when he set to work on the par 72 design at Bad Saarow. He incorporated wavy fairways, 131 pot bunkers, undulating greens and even indigenous British plant life. Both challenging and aesthetically pleasing, the course is a real treat for all in a country where the game has been catching on steadily over the last few years. Built on sand and decorated by traps that would not be out of place at Royal Birkdale or Muirfield, the course has been accorded high billing by Golf World, the Peugeot Golf Guide and the Michelin Guide for Golfers. They cannot all be wrong. Credit All credit to Faldo for re-creating a visual delight and tactical examination in the best traditions of the great coastal classics of Britain. It follows that Arnold Palmer drew his inspiration from some of the finest courses in his homeland. Arnie’s Platz is notable for wide open spaces on the first nine with no shortage of water obstacles. The second nine have been called the most beautiful in Germany, which is saying a lot, and take a gentle direction, meandering through forest and crisscrossing the numerous brooks. As a fitting climax, the 18th green is positioned by the elegant and relaxed clubhouse and restaurant. Here the tranquillity of the Brandenburg countryside is complemented by a superb centre for tennis and sailing; 300 hectares of perfect riding and a private beach on one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Germany. You could fall in love with a place like this and many people do. After all the spa has attracted Berlin’s high society since the turn of the century, not just for its thermal baths but also for the delights of the scenery. It was in January this year that CCA took over the management of the resort. Little time was lost in coming to the rescue of the Ladies German Open. Cancelled by G&CC HambergTreudelberg due to lack of main sponsors, it has been taken over by the Palmerston Golf Resort and will go ahead on August 17-19. Bad Saarow is already the venue for the Amateur Team championship and the seniors open this summer on the Faldo course. Page 24
The Ladies open, with a total prize money of £100,000, is planned for the Silberberg course much to the delight of the German Golf Association as Dr. Wolfgang Scheurer, the president, explained: “We have gone out of our way to preserve the continuity of the event and prevent its cancellation. “For this reason we are very grateful to the management of the Palmerston Golf Resort for their commitment at such short notice.” Solheim Cup The German Golf Association are also hoping that the Palmerston will host the 2008 Solheim Cup, pitching the best women professionals from Europe against the Americans. The Silberberg, Palmerston’s newest course, though shorter than the other two, still offers a challenging game for even the most proficient players. While the design owes much of its deceptively straight forward character to a combination of broad fairways and large areas of semi-rough, the water hazards are placed in such a way as to make the golfer think long and hard. The greens further guarantee a game demanding the maxim in accuracy. If length is any reliable indication of the difficulty factor in a course, and often it is not, the Arnold Palmer is the longest at 6,566m with the Nick Faldo at 6,477m and the Silberberg at 5,956m. The Arnold Palmer, by the way, ranks 13th in Golf World’s Top 100 throughout the world. For those seeking to improve their game, the resort has the perfect answer in the Simon Holmes Golf Academy. Well-known through his Sky TV series, Get Your Handicap Down, Holmes is a sought after teacher and can count Bernhard Langer among his pupils. Facilities The facilities on offer at the academy include a 280 metre driving range with 100 grass and 15 covered bays plus chipping and putting areas. The professional team also offer individual and group lessons. And apres golf? The resort boasts a superbly appointed 200 room hotel, dedicated conference hotel and a further 63 apartments. The tennis, sailing and riding centres are designed respectively by Nick Bolletieri, Axel Schmidt and Alwin Schockemoehle. The terraced, lakeside restaurant is top of the range and provides the perfect way to end the day either at any of the sporting attractions or the beauty centre, enjoying the water sports, or just taking time out on the beach. But golfers will head for the main attractions which may be reached by road, rail, boat and helicopter. Berlin, one of the most exciting capital cities in the world, beckons. June 2001Golf Management Europe
Fast climbing the ladder in the leisure industry is Michael Longshaw, who became CCA’s European director in November 1999 assuming responsibility for overall company operations in that sphere. Having also recently secured the operations contract for the Palmerston Golf Resort in Berlin and the acquisition and operation of the Monolith Family City Club in Moscow, Longshaw, 46, has now pledged to increase CCA’s portfolio of clubs having successfully managed the interests of Brocket Hall in England.
As one of CCA’s top men, responsible to the proprietor Dieter Klostermann, Longshaw spends three or four days a week in Berlin. As we talked he was particularly enthusiastic about the Palmerston Resort in the Brandenburg countryside. “It has great potential for the future. The Faldo Course is extremely tough and it will be one of the scalps a good golfer will want on his belt. And what will be very interesting will be how the professionals play it,” he said before leaving Berlin to check out other options in Maastricht and Moscow.
After a short time as a physical education instructor, Longshaw entered the hotel business. Within nine months he became deputy general manager of Beech Hill Hotel, Windermere before moving swiftly on to the Queens Hotel, Dundee where, in 1981, he became the youngest general manager in Trusthouse Forte at only 26. He moved to London in 1984 as operations manager at the Waldorf, following which he was appointed general manager of the Skyway Hotel where he increased occupancy from 30 to 83 per cent in just 18 months.
“THE FALDO COURSE IS EXTREMELY TOUGH AND IT WILL BE ONE OF THE SCALPS A GOOD GOLFER WILL WANT ON HIS BELT. AND WHAT WILL BE VERY INTERESTING WILL BE HOW THE PROFESSIONALS PLAY IT.” Promoted to general manager and then managing director, Longshaw’s tenure at Brocket Hall was an overwhelming success. In less than three years he increased turnover from £1m to £7m, breaking even in year one and generating substantial profits by the end of the third year. He orchestrated the capital development on the estate, refurbished the clubhouse, establishing the renowned restaurant Auberge du Lac and developed the highly regarded Palmerston course and new golf academy. Under his direction the membership increased from 174 to 600 and staff from 57 to 167 while the number of events rose from 30 to over 200 per year including the prestigious Laura Davies Invitational which was staged in 1999 and establishing the club as a championship venue. Not content to simply enjoy the fruits of his success, Longshaw is now focused on expanding CCA’s European portfolio leaving Brocket Hall in the hands of director and general manager Andrew Hepburn.
With business consuming his interest, Longshaw has little time to pursue sporting interests which include sailing, flying - he retains a private pilots’ licence - and golf. He says his handicap fluctuates from 24 to 28. Very much a sailor, he recently navigated a 42ft boat from the Seychelles to South Africa. But his burning ambition is to reduce his handicap at Brocket Hall. First Love But Rugby was Longshaw’s first love and, as a schoolboy he honed his skills as a flanker and then in the front row. He played for Newbury Stags in England but most of his Rugby was played in South Africa where a promising career was ended by injury. He represented the Seychelles against Kenya and Zambia and was then forced to purse the game from the sidelines. Born in Nairobi, Longshaw’s early years were spent in Kenya, Tanganyika, Uganda and Barbados and this wide multi-cultural experience has played an invaluable part in the development of his career within international hotel management.
A move to Forte Crest in St James, formerly The Cavendish, followed before he seized the opportunity to manage the Coccoloba Hotel in Angela in 1992 when he rescued the business after Receivers were called in and reestablished it as a first class resort. In 1993, CCA Europe Ltd, impressed by Longshaws tenacity, drive and business acumen, offered him the post of director. His mandate was to launch the London Capital Club, for which he remains responsible and negotiate the purchase, re-launch and re-opening of Brocket Hall, Hertfordshire’s stately home and the adjoining golf club. High flyer, mover and shaker, Longshaw is a man to mark and golf is only one of many strings to his bow. Fellow He is a fellow of the Hospitality and Catering International Management Association (one of 200 in the UK) but seems condemned to an executive role that leaves practically no time to achieving a deep-rooted ambition of the vast majority of golfers - to get that handicap down.
Fact File Club:
Course Info:
The Palmerston Golf Resort Parkallee 1 D-15526 Bad Saarow Germany Telephone: Facsimile: Email: Website:
(0049) 0336 316 1000 (0049) 0336 316 2000 info@sporting-club-berlin.de www.sporting-club-berlin.de
Golf Directors: Pro:
Michael Longshaw (pictured right) Simon Holmes
54-hole Complex + 9-hole Academy Palmer: Par 72, 7215 yards (Opened 1995) Faldo: Par 72, 7117 yards (Opened 1996) Silberberg: Par 72, 6554 yards (Opened 2001) Members: Green Fee:
300 DM 70-100
Golf Management Europe June 2001
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Winter of Discontent UK golf courses have had an interesting time of it weather-wise these last ten months, which has largely thrown up stark irrigation and drainage issues. Looking to help golf clubs across Europe tackle Jekyll and Hyde climates, Rob Wright talks to companies who can advise on the ideal course of action to take.
efore painful memories of that winter fade completely, course managers are wise to take a good look at the issue of irrigation and drainage. Looking back at our own reflections on the weather over the last few years in this magazine alone should tell all but the most die-hard of optimists that erratic climate patterns look like being here to stay. One construction company seeded 30 hectares on a golf course in mid-November 1999. It was green a month later.
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Last year, the last seed to go down before the rains came in the UK was in mid-September - effectively wiping out two months of work. Challenge The greatest challenge for greenkeepers across Europe, therefore, must surely involve arresting control from the heavens as far as is humanly possible. Good, reliable irrigation and drainage can not only make course management far easier, but much cheaper, too. And it can also help satisfy the changing demands of golf members. "
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Golf Management Europe June 2001
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“New builds are coming into maturity now, which can make older clubs look shabby,” explained White Horse Contractors’ managing director, Robert Donald. “And if a course is closed because of waterlogged greens when another’s still open, members’ll soon jump ship and go where they can play as much as possible.” Over 55 per cent of White Horse’s construction work is in drainage and, with six crews, they claim the title of the UK’s largest, specialist sports turf drainage contractor. Last winter brought mixed blessings. “Over the winter, our work force of 70 were pretty disgruntled. We try to extend our season by making our equipment as light on its feet as possible, because low ground-pressure kit provides less roughing and disruption. “But there comes a point when it doesn’t matter how light you are, you just can’t work because the ground’s too wet. Effective trenching becomes simply impossible.” But there have been some huge benefits, too. “The weather certainly concentrated the minds of managers to the problems they had with drainage. So now we’re flat out and our staff are pretty motivated and flying. And, keen not to disappoint anyone, we’re working beyond capacity!” Drainage is simply a means of taking water from areas of high to low levels. Means of transporting that water are essential and this can be done through primary and secondary drainage schemes. “Greens chairman are told they can drain courses with gravel banding and sand slits,” said Donald. “These secondary drainage techniques won’t perform a specialist function without primary pipework. Transporting water effectively must involve pipes.” So can anything be done in time for next winter? “Now? It’s almost too late,” cautioned Donald. “A large scheme is unlikely to get started until next spring, which still leaves potential problems to face this winter.” Page 28
“But phasing an installation is probably a more logical and practical solution, anyway. In year one, main pipework and drains can go down and owners will immediately see a significant improvement in drainage. This work can be started now. In year two, augment the system with lateral drains. Then, in year three, intensify the laterals and add secondary drainage.” In the UK, money is relatively cheap to borrow and so this approach could have wide appeal. However, with irrigation, the issues are very different. Persistent rainfall lulls greenkeepers into a false sense of security. Pitfalls But now that the edges of fairways in the UK have been turning brown after a sixweek dry spell, the pitfalls of shorttermism are clear for everyone to see. We talked to OCMIS Irrigation said to be northern Europe’s largest company for designing, supplying, installing and servicing irrigation networks - and their senior design engineer, Robert Davey. As in drainage, the problems faced now are in complete contrast to last winter. “In March we were in the depths of despair. Now, the weather’s absolutely bone dry and we’re working flat out. But those who haven’t updated or maintained their irrigation systems are now panicking.” Much of OCMIS’ irrigation work currently involves updating older schemes. “There’s a huge replacement market out there,” continued Davey. “There are around 2,500 golf courses in the UK alone. Most had their irrigation systems installed in the early 70’s using UPVC pipe, glued every six metres and with a 25-year shelf life. “In winter, the clay soil’s sodden and heavy. In summer, it’s drier and lighter. UPVC pipe joints are not great at absorbing movement, so they crack and the irrigation systems break down. “But now, advances in pipe technology are outdating traditional pipes with MDPE [medium-density polyethylene].”
MDPE pipe has a longer-shelf-life, is easier to install, more flexible and the joints when cured correctly are even stronger than the pipes themselves. But that’s not all. A modern, full fairway irrigation scheme will not only even out the anomalies of local climates, but also pay for itself very quickly. Priceless Plus, its residual value can remain priceless. In hotter parts of Europe, with far drier golfing seasons, there’s a short window of four hours where courses must be irrigated. If for whatever reason the system fails to deliver, an entire course can be lost in just one day. “A good irrigation system is therefore as much a management tool as greenkeeping equipment or greenkeepers themselves,” explained Davey. And with major advances in pump technology, this claim is substantiated even further. Flowtronex is the UK subsidiary of the US pump and system suppliers for irrigation schemes. Their managing director, George Pflaster agreed with Davey. “Fit an irrigation system with an automatic pump set and it gives water with less wastage whenever needed. “With the finesse of the controls, pressure, volume and timing can all be actioned by remote control. We can also measure how many gallons have been used and inform the greenkeeper via a pump log. Labour “Greenkeepers therefore end up with less kit and less maintenance concerns and reduce the amount of labour at night and during the day. Which means there’s less people milling around to interfere with the golfer’s leisure. “You can also do a lot more fertilising via the irrigation system,” continued Pflaster. “With an automatic chemical feed system, everything’s logged and recorded - including how much chemicals have been distributed. “You can even experiment and test which cocktail of mixtures work best on your greens, more precisely and a lot quicker than can be done manually.”
June 2001Golf Management Europe
“COURSES MIGHT AS WELL BITE THE BULLET AND GET AN EFFECTIVE IRRIGATION SYSTEM SORTED OUT NOW ESPECIALLY IF THEIR EXISTING ONE ISN’T PERFORMING.”
This precision is backed up by developments from companies such as RainBird UK, arguably the world’s biggest irrigation manufacturer. “There are lots of different levels of control systems which are improving all the time,” explained RainBird’s UK sales manager, Victor Jamieson. “There’s a radio system which works through a handheld computer and allows you to sit at home and stop or start your irrigation system. A map comes up on the handheld, allowing you to control individual sprinklers all over your course with the touch of a stylus. “We’ve also developed software which links the irrigation system to the pump set station and makes changes automatically. Let’s say that one of the valves is down at the pump station. “Normally, the system will begin to run at say, 75 per cent pressure and eventually come to a halt. Now, the software can read what’s happening and make adjustments, so that the irrigation continues uninterrupted.”
“Which is essential for more and more courses - particularly those built to USGA specification as they’re built on 80-85 per cent sand and so regular watering is vital if the course is to be ideally maintained. “Even so, it’s still not the norm to have full fairway irrigation over in the UK,” commented Jamieson. “But if you want to hold competitions, you need full fairway irrigation. “So it’s wise to install irrigation on the greens, tees and approaches and consider adding primary irrigation on the fairways later. Planning “Unfortunately, golf clubs are often tempted to leave things to the last minute. Therefore, long-term planning is key. “We’re going to have a long hot summer at some stage, so courses might as well bite the bullet and get an effective irrigation system sorted out now - especially if their existing one isn’t performing.”
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June 2001Golf Management Europe
COMPANY PROFILE
Firm Focus Barrelfield hit the Ground Running ince its formation in 1992, Barrelfield Golf have built a sound reputation as a onestop golf development company and golf network. By finding new sites for development, managing construction on new and existing courses, putting management teams in place and helping courses maximise their potential with marketing support and group-buying benefits, Barrelfield have created a successful operation, now serving 29 courses across England. With the golf network continuing apace, Barrelfield have taken a major leap in their already impressive ascent by launching a new golf construction company. And what a launch it's been! For their very first self-build project is an extremely prestigious course, aiming to be one of the finest golf sanctuaries in the world. Cradled in the heart of Surrey's rolling countryside on the edge of London, Queenwood Golf Club is undoubtedly one sizeable feather in Barrelfield Golf Construction's cap. The development team behind the project is eyebrow-raising enough, consisting of Fred Green, the name behind two of America's most widely acclaimed members-only clubs, Eagle Springs Golf Club and Nantucket Golf Club. Like Queenwood, membership at these award-winning clubs is by invitation only. Pedigree In addition to the owner's pedigree, the architect is Scotland's exciting young course designer, David Kidd. His recent Oregon Design at Brandon Dunes has been acclaimed as one of the great new golf courses in the world and therefore lends the promise of Queenwood being both an exemplary golfing challenge and visually breathtaking. So just how did a fledgling golf construction company win such a mouthwatering contract? Melvin Thomas, managing director of Barrelfield explained that Fred Green was looking for a site near London to build a course along the lines of his two world-class efforts in the US.
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Unable to find one, an estate agent referred him to Barrelfield. “We had to establish trust,” recalled Thomas, “and our experience as project managers of 12 new-build courses in the UK to date helped us with that. “To begin with, not only did we find an ideal site, but also negotiated the right price and payment method. We'd also sourced the architect who had quickly begun to prove his worth. And we'd saved the client a lot of money by establishing contracts which brought the flexibility with fixed fees to get the client the design they wanted. “So as our involvement continued and we kept delivering on our promises, when the time came to pitch for the contract against other competitive tenders, we'd already proved our ability and won on merit.” Leading up to this point, Barrelfield had seen the number of contractors in the industry reducing but saw more and more talented people becoming available. “We had wanted to expand the construction side of things for some time and Queenwood certainly helped us to hit the ground running. “The client is ecstatic about what we've done there so I anticipate that we'll now be taken very seriously for some of the higher specced opportunities available abroad and the UK. “But obviously, we're not just looking for Queenwoods. We're old enough to know a Queenwood won't come along every week. We'd be foolish if we did! So I hope the message we're putting out is that we're known for delivering projects on time and to budget and not marginalising ourselves exclusively to this type of work.” Looking to retain their staff and their equipment, Barrelfield are currently pursuing a strong pipeline of enquiries. “We have excellent shapers and earth movers so we can work and price efficiently. “So prospective clients can rest assured that whether it's nine-hole extensions in the north east of England or new builds in Europe, we'll pay as much attention to budgets and details as we've done at Queenwood.”
Golf Management Europe June 2001
Barrelfield Golf 302 Ewell Road Surbiton Surrey KT6 7AQ Tel: 020 8390 6566 Fax: 020 8390 8830 Web: www.barrelfield.co.uk
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OPINION
Breaking New Ground Howard Swan has for the last thirty years been at the forefront of golf development and has unique knowledge of both the construction and design industries. His practice, which employs five architects, is currently working in over sixteen countries world-wide.
guess that I am fortunate having had a father who had a passion for golf, and in my early childhood in the north-east of England, was engaged in greenkeeping. As I recall, his greenkeeping in the main was on the greens at the County of Northumberland Bowling Club, rather than on the golf course. Living close to quite a few courses, and with the family connection, the game had an increasing influence and interest for me. Never a great golfer then, and no better now, I have never really shared my father’s passions for the playing of the game but can but admit to a serious love for what I am now privileged to practise in working throughout the world in the game’s development as an architect. Ambition Not for once in my school and University days, did I have an ambition to become an architect but, assisting my father in his golf, sportsground and landscape construction business I guess it was almost inevitable that I might end up doing what I now do. In the early seventies, building a public course under Fred Hawtree’s expert eye, I learned a lot but soon felt that there was a significant need to improve the way I worked and built courses - eventually designing them and a need to understand more about the art and science of my practising.
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I took the first trip of UK golf turf people to GCSAA in San Antonio, Texas in 1976, and have continued to this day to take as much a part in educational initiatives - as a pupil and as well as a teacher - so that I can improve my lot and my performance. That is one of the primary reasons in 1980 that I started the British Association of Golf Course Constructors by asking the other major players to join a group to improve the industry, its knowledge, its standards, its quality. In that respect BAGCC organised education sessions on an annual basis at Writtle and Myerscough Colleges and at Trinity, Cambridge, bringing together such a crucial philosophy. After all, what is done must be bettered by good teamwork - architect, constructor, irrigator, specialist consultants, suppliers, all working in our client’s best interests. Sadly BAGCC members don’t seem to share that educational philosophy any more. Between 1985 and 1990, as chairman of the National Turfgrass Council, I had the great opportunity to bring people and organisations together - golf and other turf - particularly in the educational arena with the wonderful help of the late John Shildrick, and I enthused in the challenge. But the NTC went by the board and with it, it has always seemed to me a chance to build bridges and cement cross industry relationships.
I feel strongly, and have done so for many many years, that golf needs coordinating in some way. In George McPartlin’s and Fred Hawtree’s day we had a Golf Development Council. Strategy How we could have done with its direction and leadership in the late 80’s and early 90’s to point a way forward for all of us, producing a strategy for us all within golf development, when the boom arrived. Just look at how many projects faltered, stuttered, failed, and how much discredit they brought to all of us, and more importantly to the golf industry! However, we came through the boom, and the bust, and I can but say how satisfying my life has been since in 1987 I decided to give up construction, with some design, and look to a career in golf course architecture. It has become my passion, my enthusiasm being unbridled in its practice and my intent to study hard, work hard and improve my lot as an architect. High Point Becoming a member of the then British Association of Golf Course Architects was a high point in my budding career, and I have been fortunate to have been able to contribute as a Member of Council and then as president for two years, to the development of the profession.
June 2001Golf Management Europe
BAGCA became BIGCA, then, finally this year after much debate, the European Institute - a move that I much supported in widening the representation of the profession to almost 100 practitioners throughout Europe. A move that was, I guess, really a takeover of two continental groups by BIGCA, but, officially a merger. A move that I can but hope, in the hands of my successors, drive the quality of the profession up, driving the quality of golf course architecture up also as a consequence.
Working internationally is a great learning experience and wholly enjoyable. Travelling, meeting other nationalities, working with them, experiencing their cultures, is second to no other more interesting part of life. Pioneering as I have done, has been fun, risky, but greatly rewarding. Having the chance to create and cultivate those international relationships, is wonderful. It is difficult for me to understand why so few of us architects, and that goes for constructors also, do not spread our wings further.
the amateurism of trying to do it themselves, and look to us to provide expert advice in forming a renovation and restoration programme. Future To the future, it would be my earnest hope that I can contribute towards the continued expansion of the game, at home and abroad, in the mature and young markets. I hope that such an expansion will see simple, more economic, more affordable golf facilities designed by professional architects.
“JUST AT THIS MOMENT IN THE EIGCA’S HISTORY, I AM YET TO BE TOTALLY CONVINCED THAT WE HAVE A STRONGER PROFESSION THROUGHOUT EUROPE BECAUSE OF THE MERGER” Just at this moment in the EIGCA’s history, I am yet to be totally convinced that we have a stronger profession throughout Europe because of the merger; I think most of the effort seems to come from the old BIGCA - maybe it always would have done - and there is some dilution of that effort. Time, and only time, will tell.
There is no such thing as the United Kingdom and Europe. We are part of Europe. It is one country - differing customs and languages - but no borders save for emotional ones. I can but commend my colleagues in the profession who yet don’t step out, to do so. Do some pioneering... fly the flag... if you do it well, it’s worth flying!
One of the greatest achievements of the profession - and credit needs to go to Martin Hawtree for his foresight in this respect - has been the creation of the EIGCA Diploma in Golf Course Architecture, and now the Masters degree at Heriot-Watt in Edinburgh. Giving the benefit of knowledge to those who want to learn, and join the profession, is a tremendous objective, and I take great pleasure and pride in being able to spend time with the students. Today, the challenge of practising as a golf course architect is a greatly pleasurable one.
Advice One of the most interesting parts of my professional life in recent years, at home and increasingly abroad, has been the influx of architectural work at existing clubs and courses. Convincing the captain, chairman of the green, the committee, the secretary, even the greenkeeper, that taking professional design advice is far from easy. However, my experience at the likes of classic courses at home such as Royal Wimbledon and abroad at Hubbelrath, Krefeld and Koln, all German Open courses, has lead me to believe that more courses will abandon
Golf Management Europe June 2001
Facilities designed to encourage new players to the game - ranges, Academies, par 3’s, short courses, enjoyable, playable courses, realistically costed developments, successful ones commercially. After all, what in heaven’s name do budding countries, with no golfing tradition, heritage or in fact players, want loads of championship golf courses for? Dare I say it, to satisfy the ego of the developer? - to put lots of cash in the architect’s pocket? ... surely not! Hope It is my hope that in the years to come, I can see such a way forward, contribute towards it as a professional architect working alongside the R&A, the PGA, The Golf Foundations throughout the world to supply just one or two pieces to the big jigsaw of the development of this great game of ours. If I can, and I do, the feeling of privilege will continue. Page 33
Portfolio Dimitri wins Toro student award
DED previews Eltron P210
Dimitri Van Hauwaert from Belgium has been chosen from an international line-up of contestants as the winner of the 2001 Toro student golf course architect award. The annual award scheme is open to all students studying on the two-year Diploma Course in golf course architecture - organised by the EIGCA at Merrist Wood College.
DED Limited, Eltron’s elite partner, will be launching in October the P210 which DED claims is the smallest, lightest and most economical card printer of its class. Designed for single-sided edge to edge printing and capable of producing rich, vibrant colours at a 300dpi resolution, the P120 is ideal for health clubs and golf clubs.
01480 226800
01797 320636
Major scoop for E-Z-GO E-Z-GO golf cars has won a substantial contract to supply a fleet of 60 golf cars to Portal Golf and County Club in the heart of Cheshire. Replacing the previous Club Car fleet, the contract worth over £200,000 in retail value, provides the golf course with a fleet of modern, petrol-driven buggies ideally suited to the surrounding countryside.
01473 270000 Breakthrough in access control
Signed up for success Burnley Golf Club, Lancashire, and Woodclass Signs have just completed a joint venture to replace every tee board on the long established moorland course. The Greens Committee decided that Woodclass sandblasted signs, which are made from Cedar wood, would suitably enhance the course and the outstanding views it offers to both members and visitors.
07000 785036 Leatherhead’s future is Orange
ASSA, specialists in high-security locking systems has introduced a series of products based on a new approach to intelligent access control technology. Called ‘TimeLox’, it is available in four different formats to accommodate varying levels of access control and is designed for use on both single and multiple-door installations.
Textron Golf and Turf has signed a three-year agreement with Leatherhead Golf Club to exclusively supply a range of turf maintenance equipment from their Jacobsen and Ransomes brands. The Surrey club is in the process of upgrading and improving the facilities at the members club that includes installing fairway drainage.
020 8688 5191
01473 270000
Slazenger’s ultimate fit and feel Slazenger Golf has unveiled Select III, the world’s most luxurious moisture-resistant leather glove. Manufactured from Cabretta-ES leather, this remarkable material is treated with a hybrid resin, which permeates the leather’s collagen fibres to prevent any hardening due to alkaline perspiration or dry conditions, mainting the original softness.
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The Gateway to Scottish Golf Renowned as the ‘Gateway to Scottish Golf’, the Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Course has recently signed an exclusive turf maintenance equipment agreement with Textron Golf & Turf through their local dealer, Scottish Grass Machinery. The equipment includes a wide range of machinery from the Jacobsen Golf brand including two Iseki tractors.
01473 270000 June 2001Golf Management Europe
COURSE CARD
HOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
FRONT NINE HOLE Aldeburgh GC 10 Ballybunion GC (Old & Cashen) 11 The Belfry (Brabazon, PGA & Derby) 12 Burhill GC (Old & New) 13 Celtic Manor GC (Wentwood Hills) 14 Foxhills GC (Longcross & Bernard Hunt) 15 Forest of Arden Hotel G&C Club 16 Gleneagles Hotel (King & Queen’s) 17 Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers 18
BACK NINE Fota Island GC Lahinch GC Richmond GC Royal Wimbledon GC Sunningdale GC (Old & New) St George’s Hill GC The Royal St George’s GC West Lancs GC Woburn GC (Marquess)
If you want a reliable irrigation system that has proven itself follow the course leader For more than two years the Rain Bird Maxi Nimbus computer control system has been the only Windows operated system for decoders and satellites in Europe. Rain Bird Maxi Nimbus systems have been installed on 80 Golf Courses in the UK and Ireland together with Rain Bird Eagle sprinklers. In fact more than 200 Rain Bird Nimbus systems have been installed in Europe alone.
All Rain BIrd systems are installed and maintained by highly experieced contractors, with technical support and backup provided direct from Rain Bird. Future installations at golf courses currently under development include Queenwood, Wychwood Park, St Andrews Bay Development, Doonbeg, Southern Gails and The Grove all due for completion later this year.
GOLF IRRIGATION Rain Bird Europe S.A.R.L. 535, Rue Georges Claude B.P. 72000 Aix-en-Provence, Cedex 3 FRANCE Phone: (33) 4 42 24 44 61 Fax: (33) 4 42 24 24 72
Rain Bird U.K. Sales Phone: 01273 891326 Fax: 01273 891327
Rain Bird U.K. Field Service Phone: 0121 3581883 Fax: 0121 3581891